Teaching Tapestry of Grace to Young Children

Tapestry of Grace is an award winning program that has repeatedly gained a name for itself among the top three homeschooling curricula in History, Unit Studies, Classical Approach, and other categories (see TOS EE awards).  It is a solid Classical Christian curriculum that covers a wide range of subjects, but the question I hear often is, “Is it right for my lower grammar student?” These are some of the things I have learned while teaching Tapestry to my Kindergartener and 1^st Grader. 

      One of the most important things to keep in mind with this age group is the essential nature of their ability to learn.  Everything is new and exciting.  These young students are ready, and often pushing, to soak up as much information as they can, while their conceptual understanding of it all may be a little weak.  Due to Tapestry’s revolving 4-year plan this first time through is really just a chance to get their feet wet.  Utilize this opportunity to use their curiosity as you begin teaching the material.

Tapestry of Grace is organized in a manner that allows the instructor and student to determine how the week will run.  This will involve some time on the part of the parent to make a plan for what you desire to accomplish.  By allowing for complete flexibility, though, there are no set expectations to complete all the material before progressing through the program. 

Each family can focus on and do as much or as little as fitting to that families plan.  This can be very important considering the inconsistencies of a school day that is often affected by younger siblings and life circumstances.

The subjects covered by Tapestry of Grace have provided for us a backdrop to our weekly events.  In these early years it is so essential for my children to be learning their foundational skills in reading, writing and mathematics, yet with Tapestry of Grace we have an ideal setting to encourage these newly gained skills as we learn our rich history and the workings of the Lord through time.  The  material is fully worth the cost as we set the tone for our homeschooling environment, and for us it is an investment in the future. For more information on TOG, take a look at Tapestry of Grace/Digital Edition: Year 1.

Written by K Low.  Classical Christian, mom of 4 blessings, currently ages 2-7. Find out more at Growing Grass.