Questionable material

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  • August 3, 2015 at 1:37 am
    mrenee
    Participant

    I have been going back and forth between AO and SCM for our school  year. In looking at AO I found some questionable material for our family. Others have said that kind of material is woven through out all the levels. Is this kind of literature used in this curriculum as well? Specifically Childrens History of the World and The Story of Mankind? Literature written by secular people but with that tone throughout the whole book? Obviously if a book is written by a secular person and just giving information that’s fine, but when the tone is of a sarcastic tone towards Christians I don’t consider that good literature. I don’t want to have to weed through every single book and have to find my own substitutes. Are there substitutes offered here if there are books like that?

    August 3, 2015 at 7:15 am
    Rachel White
    Participant

    Van Loon’s History of Mankind is definitely more secular (don’t know his personal beliefs). However, Hillyer, who wrote A Child’s History of the World, was not a secular person. He just presents the creation of the world and humans from a more evolutionary viewpoint. You can just skip the first couple of chapters and move on to a good recounting of history. If you come across anything else, as you read aloud (I’m assuming), it gives a good opportunity to discuss with your children different viewpoints within the Christian world. There’s rarely a book (especially history and religion) that you won’t have to discuss the content with your children at some point or another. It helps develop discernment and critical thinking and the ability to explain why you believe what you do.

    Here’s Duffy’s review: http://cathyduffyreviews.com/history-geography/Childs-History-of-the-World.htm

    August 3, 2015 at 7:35 am
    HollyS
    Participant

    There can be questionable material in all curriculum out there.  SCM history guides usually have a note (in the lesson plans) about such books.  You can decide to skip over it, or have a discussion about it.  Depending on your DC’s ages, I think it can be good for them to look examine what they read from a Christian worldview.  That skill will be invaluable in college!

    I will also say that the number of SCM books that I’ve had issues with (and I’m very picky) have been rare.  Many of the books are specifically Christian and most are “Christian friendly”.  If there is a book you choose to skip, it’s very easy to do so.  I usually try to find a similar book (with a similar number of pages/chapters) and re-schedule it in the other book’s place.

    August 3, 2015 at 8:50 am
    Alicia Hart
    Participant

    Compared to some other curriculum plans, I have had had to find replacements in the SCM curriculum choices only a few times – for us, it has been with some of the lit choices.  Those were very easy to replace.  I would consider my self highly picky when it comes to what I introduce to my kids and at what ages.  That’s just me!

    I do also agree with Holly in that I think that it is wise, sometimes, to allow certain ideas to be introduced so it provides the opportunity for discussion.

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