A Guide to American Christian Education

It’s the all-in-one book for all things BPA.

If you only bought one book, I would recommend  A Guide to American Christian Education by Mr. James Rose. It details everything you need to know, from the foundations to how to 4-R to lesson planning. He also included a section for home educators with quotes from families in the trenches and answers questions specific to our situation.

He goes into good detail about what Providential history is and what exactly Principle Approach means. There’s enough info to be helpful but not so much you are overwhelmed. He also addresses questions like “what’s with all this focus on American history?” and “this seems too hard. I need lesson plans.”

One valuable section deals with forming your philosophy of education. Once you have done the work to do that (there are many steps) you have a philosophy of education that will shape your curriculum choices, your approach and the materials you will use day-to-day.

He also addresses applying the Principle Approach in the home, dealing with real life in the light of Biblical principles, and specifically the 7 principles of America’s Christian History. He discusses all sorts of every day situations to challenge your habits and whet your appetite for further study and individual application.

The subjects are addressed in detail, including math and algebra, history, literature, economics, typing, geography and anatomy. He even found room to include plans for the study of the Rudiments of America’s Christian History & Government (a guide for use with the handbook). There is a suggested course of study for kindergarten as well.

What I love so much about his book is:
•    It’s so complete. I can teach all subjects with this one book.
•    It boosts your confidence. Reading quotes from other home educators leaves me saying “I can do this!”
•    Helpful tools, charts, overviews and objectives to guide my lesson planning.
•    Many authors contributed to this book so you get their expertise of each different author.
•    Its promotion of excellence

What you may not like:
•    Focus on Providential history
•    The classroom feel. Many home educators don’t want a classroom at home, as is suggested.
•    No specific lesson plans. You have to prepare your own.
•    The high standards it sets. It can seem overwhelming at times.
•    It’s promotion of American Christian history. (You do not have to be an American to benefit from this book. You can apply these principles and ideas anywhere in the world.)

You can see more details on this book here (or to order) and click on “publications.” I have broken this book down section by section on my blog here.