Build Your Library Review
Build Your Library (BYL) is a comprehensive secular, literature-based homeschooling curriculum created by Emily Cook. Frustrated by the need to constantly adapt existing programs to fit her family's educational philosophy, Emily, a homeschooling mother of four, designed BYL to be a flexible and all-encompassing curriculum. Drawing from her extensive experience and dissatisfaction with available resources, she aimed to create a program that was not only inspired by the Charlotte Mason educational method but also updated to include modern literature and a diverse range of educational materials.
Grades Covered: Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Cost: Each grade level costs between $30 and $60, making it an affordable option compared to many all-inclusive curriculums (Homeschool Curriculum Review).
Unique Features
What truly sets BYL apart is its holistic approach to education, integrating various subjects through literature. This curriculum spans from kindergarten through twelfth grade, employing a rich array of materials including modern children's books, historical texts, and scientific explorations. Unlike many other programs, BYL does not confine learning to textbooks; it includes a broad selection of real books and emphasizes narration, copywork, dictation, and memory work, which are central to Charlotte Mason's philosophy (Cathy Duffy Reviews).
Curriculum Overview
BYL is designed as an all-in-one educational tool that covers history, literature, poetry, art, and science. However, it requires parents to supplement with their own math and language arts resources in some cases. The curriculum is available digitally and is structured around weekly schedules that span 36 weeks, incorporating activities, projects, and extensive reading lists. The curriculum promotes an integrated approach to subjects, often linking historical events with artistic expression and scientific discovery (Homeschool Curriculum Review) (Cathy Duffy Reviews).
Educational Content Includes
History and Geography
Literature and Poetry
Art Projects
Science Lessons
Narration and Copywork Activities
Memory Work
Timelines and Map Work
Social Studies
The social studies component of BYL is particularly notable for its engaging, story-driven approach that weaves historical narratives into a comprehensive exploration of world cultures and events. This aspect of the curriculum is often celebrated for its depth and the compelling way it connects students to the broader world.
What we love
Build Your Library (BYL) garners praise for its rich, literature-based approach that immerses students in a broad range of subjects through engaging texts. Users love the integration of art, history, literature, and science, which is designed to foster not only knowledge but also a love for reading and learning. The flexibility of the curriculum allows for adaptations to suit different paces and interests, making it a favorite among homeschooling parents who value a customizable educational experience. Additionally, the curriculum's use of real books rather than textbooks enhances its appeal, providing a more authentic and enjoyable learning experience. This approach helps children develop a deeper connection to the material, encouraging critical thinking and a genuine interest in the subjects taught (Cathy Duffy Reviews) (Homeschool Curriculum Review).
What Could Be Improved
While BYL is highly celebrated for its comprehensive and engaging format, there are areas where users feel improvements could be made. The most noted is the necessity to supplement the curriculum with additional resources for complete coverage in math and formal language arts, which some parents find cumbersome. This requires families to invest in and organize multiple curriculums, which can be a challenge for some. Furthermore, the digital-only format of the teacher's guides may be a limitation for those who prefer physical books or who have limited access to reliable internet services. These aspects, though not dealbreakers, are seen as areas for potential enhancement to make BYL even more user-friendly and comprehensive (Homeschool Curriculum Review) (Cathy Duffy Reviews).
Pro Tips from Parents
Parents recommend being proactive in sourcing the books listed in the curriculum to avoid last-minute scrambles, which can be facilitated through library visits or second-hand bookstore hunts. They also suggest supplementing the curriculum with hands-on activities or field trips related to the subjects studied to enhance learning and engagement (Homeschool Curriculum Review).
Integration into Homeschooling
Integrating BYL into your homeschooling routine can be straightforward due to its structured yet flexible design. The curriculum's layout, which includes daily and weekly plans, helps parents organize and pace the educational year effectively, ensuring that all subjects are covered comprehensively.
Who It’s an Ideal Fit For
Build Your Library is particularly well-suited for families who embrace a secular, literature-based approach to education and prefer a curriculum that integrates various subjects through compelling narratives and texts. It is ideal for those who value a flexible educational structure that can be tailored to the child’s individual learning pace and interests. This curriculum is also a great match for parents who are comfortable supplementing educational content, particularly in areas like math and language arts, to ensure a well-rounded educational experience. Families who appreciate the Charlotte Mason method but are looking for a modern twist that includes contemporary literature will find BYL to be an excellent fit (Cathy Duffy Reviews).
Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For
BYL may not be the best choice for families seeking a completely self-contained curriculum that covers all subject areas comprehensively without the need for supplementary materials. It might also be less suitable for those who prefer traditional textbooks over a literature-based approach, as BYL relies heavily on real books and integrated learning experiences. Additionally, families who are not prepared to handle the logistics of acquiring a wide range of books or who prefer not to use digital formats for their educational materials might find this curriculum less appealing. Parents looking for a highly structured, traditional homeschooling experience may also find the flexibility and open-ended nature of BYL challenging (Homeschool Curriculum Review).
Availability
BYL is available for purchase through its official website. This digital format ensures that the curriculum is accessible to a broad audience, regardless of geographic location (Build Your Library)
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