Walk Beside Me Learning Curriculum
We began developing the program in 1998. At the time, the key developers were Patti Landes Adams, a lifelong educator and author, and Elaine A. Cannon, former Young Women’s General President of the Church. Over the years our curriculum team has changed and grown, yet we have continued our pursuit of the best learning models from around the world. We have studied Finland’s model (frequently the top education country in the world), the Montessori method, Reuven Feurestein’s mediated learning, blended learning, experiential learning, project-based learning, and many other great approaches to education.
You won’t find supplemental packets that help you “bring the gospel in.” Our program has been built on a chronological timeline of the scriptures. Everything else is simply woven in.
Over the years, the hundreds of families who have used our curriculum have shared suggestions and ideas that would better meet their needs. We listened. We have been modifying our entire four volume program to include the best learning concepts and approaches our curriculum team has been able to bring together. These highly effective teaching models are being integrated into our daily lessons in ways that are easy to present, fun, hands-on, and engaging for your children.
We have just completed Volume 1. All other volumes are in the re-writing process. Volume 2 is scheduled for release August 2023, and Volume 3 is scheduled for January 2024. Volume 4 release will be announced at a later time.
The curriculum is written for 8 learning levels. Each level is color coded so that children in the same family are not hindered by competition. There are no grade levels written anywhere in our manuals. Although children are experiencing lessons at their skill level, you, as teacher, are teaching only one lesson to all of them at once. We have also found it effective to get children involved in teaching parts of the lesson. They learn it better when they can teach it.
You can use the materials as much, or as little as you’d like. The manuals are set for self-guidance, but you can lead as you feel impressed. Although this is a full program, it is designed to be your resource, not your taskmaster. When you choose Walk Beside Me Learning, you can be confident that your child will not have academic gaps.
Take a Closer Look
We offer 16 subjects. Most are aligned with the time period of study and integrate topics and themes when possible.
History
His Story of Us
We laid the scriptures out in chronological order, then wove world history, the sciences, discoveries, art, music, and literature into the gospel foundation. This approach gives children a holistic view of our world and their place in it. Our four volume rotation covers these time periods:
Volume 1: Pre-Earth Life to 5 BC Volume 2: 5 BC to 1500 AD
Volume 3: 1500 to 1870 AD Volume 4: 1870 to Modern Day
English Grammar
God's Gift of LanguagE
God tasked Adam with naming the animals and plants in the Garden. God’s gift of language benefits us all in our communication with each other. Our grammar focuses on the mechanics of the English language – sharing the benefits of using it correctly. The parts of speech are the foundation of our scope and sequence. Each grade level has a personalized, age appropriate learning plan that allows the student to progress forward from the current level of understanding.
Spelling & Vocabulary
God's gift of language
Literacy is a major part of our curriculum. Spelling is presented five days a week, in various forms. Day 1: Write the new words. Day 2: Cut out the word flashcards and review them throughout the week. Day 3: Complete the two page engaging spelling and vocabulary pages that review phonics and spelling rules. Day 4: Students are given questions that contain their spelling words. They are encouraged to ask a grandparent to respond to the questions. Families LOVE this activity. Children get to know their grandparents and hear how life was for them when they were young. (This is a genealogy keeper!) Day 5: Students complete a short spelling assessment.
Reading & Literature
out of the best books
We support reading comprehension at all grade levels. We cover all genres of literature, reading selected and edifying stories and learning about the authors. Our reading list usually covers authors during the time period we are studying, but that is not always the case. We walk children through the process of writing a clear and concise book report. Literature is usually followed with questions about the book or selection, in order to increase comprehension.
Creative Writing
everyone has a story
Written expression is important for a child to be successful. We take the child through the basic writing steps in ways that are fun and engaging – especially when they are writing about themselves. Activities include clustering and brainstorming, turning words into key phrases, organizing sentences and paragraphs so they make sense, peer review for better writing, and the final draft. Publishing our writing seems to make it even more meaningful.
Science & Technology
discovering earth
We cover the four sciences fully and in depth through our four year rotation. All science studies begin with the Scientific Method and rules for research and experimentation. Astronomy & Earth Science are presented during Volume 1 because it corresponds with The Creation in Genesis. Volume 2 explores Biology, Volume 3 explores Chemistry, and Volume 4 explores the laws of Physics. The lessons often include activities like “real archaeological digs” in the child’s own back yard!
Geography
mapping our world
Children can conquer their world through Geography. All learning levels stroll through the basics such as continents and oceans, longitude and latitude, hemispheres, etc. They also explore topography, land forms and major countries on each continent. You can request a sample for review.
Social Studies
All of God's Children
Social studies integrates heavily with history and geography to examine social and planetary changes that have shaped society throughout time. We also explore attitudes, opinions and societal norms through time that affect our society today. This applies to religious history as well.
Health & Wholeness
Physical.spiritual.emotional
This vital subject covers physical health (exercise, proper nutrition and disease), emotional and mental health. It includes strategies to help children identify and interact honestly with their family support team, during changing emotions, growth and spiritual health. They are encouraged to develop and maintain a healthy and loving relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Goal Setting
my divine mission
Success in life depends on being able to conceptualize and visualize the future. This is done through goal setting, maintenance and achievement. Our curriculum is built on “The Leader In Me” program by Steven Covey. Each month focuses on one of the eight habits, as the principles of the habits are woven into the other subjects. The program also includes integration with the Church’s goal setting program for children and youth. Each week’s lesson includes a weekly planner, with a goal “check-up” at the end of the week. Children are encouraged to approach parents when planning important goals.
Music
appreciation & Theory
Our music programs are multi-faceted. In addition to learning basic music theory, music appreciation, learning to sing different folk songs and hymns, we also integrate with Social Studies and Geography, learning about different kinds of music around the world. We also share a monthly inspiration story, illustrating when music has moved someone in a major way.
Art Connection
History/appplication
Everyone is an artist and we prove it with every art lesson! We share appreciation for art throughout the ages. We also teach drawing techniques and perspective. Different mediums are also used so that the child is exposed to the method that may develop into his or her favorite way to CREATE!
Handwriting
Manuscript & cursive
Manuscript is taught in levels 1-3. When a child is ready, he/she is introduced to the Palmer Method of cursive writing. Writing exercises using famous motivating quotes are presented twice weekly. An additional book that teaches cursive writing through art is also available with your curriculum purchase.
Paleography
letter origins
Paleography is the study of how letters came to be. This subject was the brainchild of Elaine Cannon, former Young Women’s General President and best-selling author. Paleography is only available in the Level 8 Magenta manual.
Using Resources
learning helps
The Internet is not the whole source of knowledge – although it probably comes close. Resources for learning are all around us if we only know where to look. This subject introduces students to simple and more advanced resources. They will use a table of contents, a book’s index and the Dewey Decimal System in a library.
Life Tools
Skills i should know
This is one of the most enjoyable subjects in our program. Children are taught how to cook, sew on a button, plan a meal, clean the bathroom, tie a tie, make their bed, change a tire, and more…
