My opinion of BJU Press Homeschool Curriculum | Midyear Update

#bjupress #homeschoolcurriculum #largefamily
My opinion of BJU Press Homeschool Curriculum | Midyear Update
Hey hey y'all and welcome back! Today I'm sharing how things went this past homeschool semester (a midyear homeschool update). We've been using BJU Press, Reading Eggs, and Mathseeds. I'll share what curriculum is working, and what we've changed. I'm sharing our homeschool math curriculum, english curriculum, spelling curriculum, handwriting curriculum, and more. I'm also comparing bju parent led vs. bju online. And... I might just hint at our 2024-2025 homeschool curriculum picks.
My name is Tiffany and this is Our Small Town Life. I am a homemaking, homeschooling, homesteading mama to five children. I'm married to my high school sweetheart and we recently purchased a double wide mobile home and put it on a little land that we are turning into our own one acre homestead. Join us on our journey... we would sure love to have you!
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[@annak1371]

I forgot to say thank you for your review. It helped to clarify some things about BJU.

[@OurSmallTownLife]

I'm so glad and I'm always here if you have any questions!

[@jenniferhenriksen4814]

FYI for distance learning all the teacher guides are online!

[@marygarrison9519]

I enjoy watching you. A breath of sunshine in a cloudy day. Some prayers of healing for my husband and me. We've had bronchitis since 1/9....after attending my husband's brother's funeral....we know he's with Jesus, but we miss him so much. My husband has lost so much , it's a heavy load, and I pray for him daily. Keep being so sweet and obedient to God's will.

[@OurSmallTownLife]

I'm so sorry! I'm praying!

[@Abiding.Farmhouse]

We love BJU! It's such a great curriculum.

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

A new week, a chance to become stronger, happier, and successful. May God's blessings pave your way. Happy Monday Tiffany, Justin, and beautiful family!

[@kaylamize06]

Read alouds are always our favorite! This school year, we've read Tom Sawyer and Anne of Green Gables. We also found Before Green Gables that were reading right now! We are using Power Homeschool for math and grammar this year. Its an online curriculum and very affordable. Great when you have several kids as well.

[@Cassie_SassafrasAcres]

I love your homeschool videos so much! They're always so helpful.

[@michellecovington_]

Tiffany this is just a God send! Today is our “offical” start of homeschooling. We started last Tuesday but I’ll count last week as a test run 😂😂 we’re still looking for the right curriculum so I appreciate this in depth video! I also like a more structured day versus “unschooling” because that’s how I learn best AND because both my girls are fresh out of public school and they enjoy having a more scheduled learning time. I’m excited to check out BJU! We are also incorporating more learning of God and the Word (one of the main reasons we took them out) and so I can appreciate this. Still trying to figure out a groove but I agree wholeheartedly; it’s so fun to learn alongside them ❤

[@OurSmallTownLife]

I'm so excited for your family! God has big things in store for you!

[@michellecovington_]

@@OurSmallTownLifethank you so much!

[@danakapahu4105]

Thanks for sharing have a blessed night 🙏

[@MaryHouse-i7k]

Happy Monday Tiffany and your family!..... Mary watching from Central Arkansas...Have a good evening!...😊❤

[@built_to_serve]

Love hearing your opinion on homeschooling and BJU ❤️. Fellow homeschooler here and as of yesterday a fellow creator...lol. Creating is very new to me but homeschooling has been a part of our daily lives for 7 yrs. We love it! We've tried several curriculums and have liked several. We've used BJU and love them. My son is 6th grade and my daughter is preK. We use reading eggs for preK. Somedays she likes it and some days she doesn't...lol. We also use random workbooks. For my 6th grader we use TGTB for LA ,Spelling, and Reading. Teaching Textbooks for math and random studies for everything else. This year has been great for us.

[@hannahyoung3533]

My son did BJU science/history (online self paced) when he was in 3rd and 4th grade. He enjoyed it and loved the videos. The two complaints I had was there were so many moving parts to it - the workbook, the test book, the answer book, the teacher book was only available online ...it was a lot of stuff to organize. The other complaint was the cost - to do it with the videos is expensive.

[@OurSmallTownLife]

You are absolutely right! It can seem like alot. When I got to a place of accepting, and being ok, with the fact that we don't have to do it all, it made this curriculum serve our family so much better!

[@Mamamommommy]

Love BJU press, best advice I would give someone using it for the first time is, there are so many activities.. don't try to do them all! Do more of the ones your child needs more practice on and less of the ones that "click" easily to them. Glad to hear another homeschooling mom who doesn't do "unschooling". I feel like everyone is doing that but the structure works for our family to do the worksheets. We add in what we want to, we do other things, BJU is just a good starting point and guide. Question for you, do you participate in a co op? Just wondering if you have any advice on finding your crowd/ friendship with other homeschooling moms.

[@OurSmallTownLife]

Yes! That's great advice! I'll add this to an upcoming Q&A so I can go more in depth, but we don't do a coop. It's never been really appealing to me. However, we have found a couple of local groups (found them through Facebook) that get together occasionally for field trips and we love joining in on those.

[@Mamamommommy]

​@OurSmallTownLife that'd be great to hear more on the next q&a! Thanks!

[@carladeupree284]

I enjoy watching you since I have found your KZbin channel. my daughter is in Epic here in Oklahoma and it is great but I really wish I could just stay home and really teach her the way you teach your kids. She is in ninth grade. She does it on online. She has an IEP and sometimes it’s really hard for her. She only meets with her teacher once a week the rest of the time it’s on it’s really good but I really just wish I could just stay home and teach her but I have to do what’s best for my family so I have to work just pray that she is getting all that she needs and all that she Does is what’s best for her?

[@lillianschaffer5846]

It is fun!!! It’s my first year homeschooling. We mostly use the good and the beautiful. It’s great however I’m switching to BJU in most subjects. I also want to get notgrass history. I hear that their star spangled story is really good too

[@Taylor-kx7ji]

First year of homeschooling, and it’s been a nightmare with my struggling reader. 😩 He’s in 2nd grade but we’re doing 1st grade LA and reading with Christian Light Education. He doesn’t want anything to do with it no matter how fun I make it. You might have sold me on switching to BJU!

[@OurSmallTownLife]

That's exactly how Huddy was. He still isn't a big fan of reading, but he no longer struggles. He is my kid who would do math all day but not want to pick up a book. I've had to learn that that's ok. He has had to learn that even though it's not his favorite, it's still important. BJU level 1 phonics along with level 1 reading was such an answered prayer! Utilize the teacher book and the phonics characters. I didn't use all of the extras, but the phonics characters and the stories that go with them in the teacher book helped us so much!

[@Taylor-kx7ji]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@OurSmallTownLifeI’ve been telling my son that too, it’s not always going to be fun but you HAVE to learn how to read. The price point of BJU is what kept me away, but I’ve found some second hand on eBay. I didn’t see the phonics characters though, and although I think those would be super helpful to him I can’t justify spending $96 on them. 🥴

[@lindsaypotter3694]

CLE is not fun at all. It made my daughter hate school

[@nicoleadel1983]

I'm so grateful for this video! I am currently in the process of choosing a curriculum for my oldest son who will be turning 5 in March and starting kindergarten homeschool in the Fall. To say I'm stressed would be an understatement. I went to public school and have never done any homeschool before but my husband and I just feel that with the state of public schools right now it would be the best for our kids. I've also come across Gather Round and The Good And The Beautiful. Have you ever tried or looked at either of those? Would love to get your opinion if you have. Any other tips or tricks when it comes to homeschooling would be greatly appreciated since we'll just be diving in blind😬😅. Thanks lots of love ❤ Nicole from Indiana

[@annak1371]

This year, for 4th grade, I am using Good and the Beautiful and supplementing with Abeka for Bible Study. Although, I've been feeling like it's taking too long throughout the day. At first, I thought it was okay because my child loved G&B and still does (this is our 3rd year with them), but the gospel isn't integrated the way I want it to be. We aren't reading about Jesus or any of the disciples during the G&B lessons. Then, with their cursive lessons, my daughter still can't read cursive well, so I got her a couple of cursive items from Gather 'Round for this year. It's a lot though. So, for next year, I'm thinking I want to make the switch to BJU. I hope my child won't be missing out on anything or struggling with the new curriculum, or hating it.

[@OurSmallTownLife]

I will always say make the curriculum work for you, not you for the curriculum. If you have to slow down, or change the schedule, or try something new. I know the feeling of not wanting to get behind and when you purchase something you want to get the most from it but never compromise a good homeschool experience for the sake of a curriculum. ❤️ You've got this!

[@Homeschooling_Realtor]

The new BJU curriculum for Heritage Studies 4th grade will be Our United States, going across the geography and cultural regions of the U.S. (similar to the new 3rd grade World Regions which we've Loved this year!) It won't be on video for awhile yet, but the parent-led textbook will be available for this upcoming school year, so I am having a hard time deciding between that and Notgrass Our 50 States.

[@mirandapowell3466]

New subscriber love your videos

[@OurSmallTownLife]

Thank you!

[@kristyrisner3406]

Love your video! We use BJU too and it is my favorite curriculum! This isn’t on the curriculum, but my question is what brand is your Gravity Water Filter system. I’m on the fence about buying one. They just seem so expensive. Thanks!

[@Analysemarie]

Love your videos!! is the BJU phonics (teaching to read) the same thing as focus on4?

[@OurSmallTownLife]

Focus on 4s is a younger curriculum. We started BJU phonics with 1st grade and it was wonderful! Wyatt my 3 year old will be starting focus on 4s soon and I can't wait to try it out.

[@Analysemarie]

@@OurSmallTownLife that’s so great!! I’m going to be starting that with my 4 year old soon.

[@ИраИнжирова]

Thanks for helpful information. How much does this program?

[@OurSmallTownLife]

It depends on the subject and age range. It is an investment but absolutely worth it for good quality well thought an planned out curriculum.

[@donnamccay]

Hey Tiffany! I'm a 68 year old Nana in Alabama. We are thinking about pulling my grandkids out of public school and homeschooling them, ages 10, almost 6 and almost 5. We have so many questions after googling our state's requirements. I'm going to shoot you a private message if that's ok! Thanks for this video!!

[@OurSmallTownLife]

Absolutely! I'm happy to help!

[@donnamccay]

@@OurSmallTownLife thank you!

[@OurSmallTownLife]

@@donnamccay you're welcome!

[@LainaT2486]

Do you have a flip through video? I am stuck between Christian Light and BJU

[@angelalopez4843]

I use cle for math LA Bible Reading cursive. Outstanding. Price can't be beat for quality. I only buy social and science if it's sunshine edition. If not don't buy it. I've done grade 1 and 2 and currently 3. I'll keep using it till I find something better and affordable.

[@Cassie_SassafrasAcres]

Is Audrey still homeschooling this year?

[@KraftyKelli19]

Thank you I loved this video, I have a couple questions please. This is my first time homeschooling, my boy turned 4 this past November & I am just so confused on when to start the actual curriculum to coincide for a school year, in others words do I wait until traditional schools begin in August or can I begin now & set that timeframe myself? I’m sorry I am just truly confused on how to do the planner. He does school work daily I am just trying to figure out how to set an actual first day 😊please help me. Also with this curriculum I am getting the books but will I be able to have access to online classes too?

[@OurSmallTownLife]

You set your own dates. Some people school year round, some follow traditional school schedule, some do a few weeks on a few off. Whatever works for you. Of course check your state requirements but even then you should be able to determine your own schedule. Here in Alabama there are no day requirements at all. You have to pay for the online courses separate for BJU. I hope this help. :)

[@DanaDinunzio-g5g]

Bashirian Forks

[@elizabeth0265]

What are your favorite subjects with bju? I've considered trying some bju. I like to mix and match just so my children don't get burnt out 😂

[@OurSmallTownLife]

I love their approach to handwriting! They teach precursive. Early on, letter formation is taught in a way that will later lead smoothly into cursive. I also feel like their english and math are rigorous programs that my children have greatly benefitted from. They provide you with all of the tools you could possibly need, and then you can use those tools to have the curriculum best serve your family.

[@stephaniecarroll335]

How do we get both the teachers guide and the online videos? When I'm checking out it gives me options of one or the other

[@OurSmallTownLife]

If you order the online course, the teacher's guide is online. :)

[@jazzieexploresthecyberworld]

I know I’m late to this video, but is there a way to test your child with BJU to see what grade you should start your child in. Like what if you have a child that’s younger but is advanced enough to skip a grade or two?

[@OurSmallTownLife]

I'm going to leave a link that talks more about this but I thought I would share my thoughts and experiences with you. My oldest is incredibly advanced. She recently went back into public school and tested 2 grade levels higher than her "by age" grade level. With that said, the only homeschool curriculum we advanced was her middle school math. BJU is already a very rigorous and advanced curriculum. I would never advance elementary age children. There's so much information that you risk skipping altogether that they will need to build on in the future. I would, instead, pick a rigorous curriculum like BJU and stay at grade level. At least until they are a little older. Now with that said... you may have older children and my suggestion would be to look at the scope and sequences of the courses and from that you should be able to tell if it's something your child has already mastered (then skip ahead) or if they haven't learned it or haven't confidently mastered it then I would stay at grade level. BJU is an excellent curriculum if you are looking for something thorough and rigorous. blog.bjupress.com/blog/2021/07/13/homeschool-placement-test/

[@jazzieexploresthecyberworld]

@@OurSmallTownLifethank you my children are younger but I believe you are absolutely right and I never took into account the things she may miss skipping grades. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’ve been praying for God to lead me in the right direction with both my children and I ran across your video and now this comment ❤I think we will be going the BJU route! Have a blessed evening!

[@OurSmallTownLife]

@jazzieexploresthecyberworld if you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask! ❤️

[@homeschoolmaof3]

I'm thinking about switching from Abeka to BJU. Can anyone give me a comparison of the two? We are looking at 6th grade.

[@OurSmallTownLife]

Has the rigor and setup of Abeka worked well for you? I feel like Abeka and BJU have similar learning styles. We love BJU. :)

[@homeschoolmaof3]

@@OurSmallTownLife yes, it has worked well. We are only thinking of switching because the price has gone up again. We are also getting a little bored with the classroom setting of the videos. I watched sample videos of BJU and I like that they aren't teaching to a classroom. I still want a strong Christian curriculum.

[@OurSmallTownLife]

@homeschoolmaof3 the video content feels much more personal with BJU while still embracing a more traditional learning style. If the learning style of Abeka worked well I think you will really like BJU.

[@homeschoolmaof3]

@@OurSmallTownLife thank you! I have been having trouble finding reviews on this curriculum. I was so happy to find your video. I appreciate you taking time to respond to my question 🙂

[@OurSmallTownLife]

@@homeschoolmaof3 you're very welcome! Anytime!