Frequently Asked Questions for Gentle + Classical Press
Why was Gentle + Classical Preschool/Press created? +
I actually wrote an entire blog post about my motivation here.
What is the difference between The Gentle + Classical Preschool (TGCP) and Gentle + Classical Nature (GCN)? +
The Gentle + Classical Preschool is a PRESCHOOL program, with Level 1 created for ages 2-4 and Level 2 for ages 4-6 (late Summer 2019). It encompasses all subjects like math, science, language arts, Bible, and more.
Gentle + Classical Nature is a complete and thorough SCIENCE and Nature Study program. It was created for ages 4-2nd grade with an Expansion Pack available so that it can server learners through middle school. GCN adds in elements of poetry, art, and more, but it’s main focus is as a science program.
Is The Gentle + Classical Preschool a stand-alone program or can it be used (or should it be used) with any additional programs? +
G+C Preschool Level 1 is completely sufficient (and then some) for a typical 2-4 year old child. For a child who is 4-5, you might consider an additional program like All About Reading for a systematic introduction in phonics and a math program like Math-U-See or RightStart Math for early math skills. If you love to have days filled with very intentional play, The Gentle + Classical Preschool works beautifully with A Year of Playing Skillfully, The Peaceful Preschool, Five-in-a-Row, My Father's World, and much more. It's perfect to stand alone but absolutely can be used alongside these programs as well since it's focus is entirely different. It's your preschool, Mama, so you can do as little or as much as you want!
You can find out what The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 2 will include HERE.
Is Gentle + Classical Nature a stand-alone program or can it be used (or should it be used) with any additional programs? +
G+C Nature is a thorough and complete science and nature study program, perfectly fitted for ages 4 up to 2nd grade. The 3 levels of included memory statements and 2 levels of literature suggestions makes it an excellent fit for preschool through approximately age 8. The Upper Grammar Expansion Pack adds additional literature, copywork, projects, discussion, and more for children through 6th grade so that your whole family, middle school and below, can utilize this program together!
This program has been created to complement Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 2 (late summer 2019), but both are completely stand alone programs. Taken as a whole, they create a complete Pre-K through 2nd Grade education (just add your own phonics and math programs based upon your child’s readiness).
What will come in the future for Gentle + Classical Press programs? +
Gentle + Classical Nature: Term 1 is the beginning of several projects on the docket for the Gentle + Classical Press in 2019. Following the release of Term 1, I will shift my attention to writing Gentle + Classical Preschool, Level 2 (ages 4-2nd grade) as a complementary companion to Gentle + Classical Nature. Once completed and released, I will turn my attention back to Terms 2 and 3 of Gentle + Classical Nature. Lord willing, they will all be finalized and released before the end of 2019. Make sure to subscribe and follow on Instagram for updates!
Do I need to wait until all 3 terms of Gentle + Classical Nature are ready to be able to use it? +
No. I fully believe that the first 12 units of Gentle + Classical Nature: Term 1 are SO robust and thorough that each unit can easily fill 2 weeks of science and nature study coursework in your home. I’ve included sample schedules that outline a 3-day, 5-day, and 2-week schedule of use inside the program. You have plenty of margin in the current program (even if you school through the summer), until Terms 2 and 3 release later this year. While Gentle + Classical Nature and Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 2 COMPLIMENT each other, they need not be started at exactly the same time or “aligned.” They complement one another but are wholly independent.
What will be included in the 3 terms of Gentle + Classical Nature? +
You can find out ALL details about Gentle + Classical Nature HERE.
How do I know when my child is ready to use them? +
As Mamas, a whole lot of life is a guessing game.... more than we would like to admit! My best advice here is that as soon as your child has the ability to repeat short statements after you and follow guided instruction, then he is ready for these programs. In the programs themselves, I give specific instructions and advice on choosing the right level for your child and guiding them through the PROCESS of attaining the skills set forth. This process will be different for EACH child and the program is designed to accommodate that.
Will The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 1 prepare my child to attend a public or private Kindergarten or Pre-K Program? +
Probably! Though I would never venture to make any promises! The material covered is more than sufficient for almost any child who will be attending K4 or Kindergarten. That said, to be prepared, you might contact the school your child will be attending if you don't intend to homeschool through those years.
Is The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 2 sufficient as a Kindergarten program for my 5 or 6 year old? +
A resounding YES! If you follow the 36 units as outlined and include a phonics and math program as indicated in the program, there is no question that your child would have an amazing, rich, broad feast for their Kindergarten school year!
What is a "moral imagination" and "poetic knowlege"? +
I'm glad you asked! You can read a detailed blog post HERE about the moral imagination and its role in our children's development. In that post, I linked a few of my very favorite podcasts and books for deeper understanding.
Is this program REALLY FREE? +
YES, it is! Prayer and direct obedience to God led me to choose to share the PDF version of this program at zero cost to you. It is my heart's desire to 1) obey God and 2) bless Mamas who are looking to pour their time and heart into their little one's education.
If this program is FREE, why do you charge for the Bundles? +
While my husband is the breadwinner in our home, God also provides for our needs via this blog and the programs created here. I feel very confident charging for the Bundles because they aren't "required" in order to use the free programs. The paid products on this site are HELPFUL and definitely make life easier, but they are not a requirement in order to utilize any Gentle + Classical curriculum product.
What all do I NEED in order to use The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 1? +
All you truly NEED is the curriculum, which you can download in PDF version for free HERE. However, in order to make sure that implementing it is as seamless as possible, I've created other resources available in my shop. You'll find 3 "categories" of items:
Memory Statement Cards- These are not required but are EXTREMELY helpful in keeping the memory statements right in front of Mom (and the entire family) so that the program doesn't become an "out of sight, out of mind" kind of thing. You can print them at home and laminate them if you like. They can be displayed in a number of ways. Check out this video here.
ABC + 123 Flaschards- These are not specific to The Gentle + Classical Preschool AS any mom using any curriculum can use them. They're simply beautiful, vintage flashcards crafted for the Mama who prefers realistic, gorgeous images of nature-inspired goodness for her little one as she teaches her child their ABCs and 123s. If you’d rather buy pre-printed, check those out here.
[Preschool Morning Binder]14- This little bit of sweetness isn’t mandatory, but you’ll want to have it on hand! It’s an excellent value and is available in DIGITAL format. You can read all about creating a Morning Binder right here.
Everything Else- I have a small collection of other related HELPFUL, beautiful resources to utilize as you work through The Gentle + Classical Preschool. I've also lumped ALL of these into a BUNDLE to help you save big! I've created Montessori 3-Part Science Cards, a Rainbow Writing workbook to help with letter recognition, as well as an Easter Unit Study that's completely stand alone and an Independence Day Unit Study! Again, while all of these are beautiful, helpful, and prayerfully created, you CAN use TGCP without further resources.
What all do I NEED in order to use Gentle + Classical Nature? +
As mentioned above in relation to TGCP, you only NEED the curriculum, which you can access for free. I would also highly suggest access to a library, in person or online. Beyond that I have created book lists, tools, and suggested products that make your days easier. The most cost effective way to implement GCN with as little stress to you as possible is by purchasing the Gentle + Classical Nature Term 1 Bundle. In it you will find Memory Statement Cards, Poetry Cards, a slew or gorgeous printables, worksheets, and activities—- all of which align with the topics and activities included in the program. However, you can also browse the shop HERE and purchase items from the bundle individually. Keep in mind that the bundle saves you over 50%!
I have a child who is older than the 2nd grade. Do you have any programs developed for him/her? +
I do! Thus far, I’ve been able to create an Upper Grammar Expansion Pack for Gentle + Classical Nature. If you have a child in 3rd-6th grade, simply get the FREE Gentle + Classical Nature program PLUS this expansion pack. You DO need both! The Expansion Pack is explained in full detail here. Please read the sample images to see books that would be required to implement the program at an Upper Grammar level.
I don't understand all of these Bundles! Help! +
I have a few bundles and while the heart behind them is to help you save money and purchase with convenience, I also get that it's overwhelming. Let me break them down for you:
The Gentle + Classical Nature Term 1 Bundle: If you are implementing the Gentle + Classical Nature (Term 1: Inland Waterways and Forests) program and want the printable worksheets, posters, activities, copywork, poetry, and Memory Statement Cards, you’ll want THIS bundle.
The Gentle + Classical Preschool Bundle: If you are implementing The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 1, this is the right bundle. It does not include holiday unit studies but does include flashcards, memory statement cards, and other digital resources for TGCP. You can view the description for full details and images.
Memory Statement Card Bundle: If you want ALL subjects of the Memory Statement Cards for The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 1 BUT DO NOT WANT flashcards, Montessori Cards or the Preschool Morning Binder, then this is the best deal for you.
Flashcard Bundle: If you JUST want the flashcards (ABC upper/lowercase, ABC solid line, ABC tracing line, 123 solid line, 123 tracing line) and nothing else, this is the best deal for you! These can be used WITH or WITHOUT using TGCP.
Co-op Bundle: Are you wanting to use TGCP with the nursery students in a co-op setting? Awesome! You'll need to purchase this bundle for the group to have copyright permission to use in this type of setting. Each parent will need to download their OWN copy of TGCP and purchase any digital products for their OWN use at home, outside of the co-op meetings.
What will The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 2 Cover? +
I’ve written a blog post about that HERE.
Is this curriculum from a specific worldview? +
Yes! These programs are unabashedly Christian. I come from a non-denominational background and thusly the program does as well. The catechism employed comes from (or is adapted from) the Westminster Shorter Catechism. I chose to include catechism as it is a beautiful tool to help our children become equipped to have an answer for their faith (1 Peter 3:15). To learn more about my faith, visit my About Me page.
Do you offer anything in PRINT that I can order and have shipped to me? +
As of right now, I’m only able to offer the curriculum books (that you can get in PDF format for free) as a printed product via Amazon. Occasionally, I also stock some in my shop as well. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time, space, or resources to offer the various bundles, flashcards, activities, worksheets, and workbooks in print format. When you order a book from Amazon, it is the curriculum book ONLY and does not include posters, worksheets, etc. Maybe one day, but I’m leaving this in the Lord’s capable hands! You can find the PRINT editions of both programs down below.
Does this curriculum follow Common Core Standards? +
It does not nor will it (is the short answer). As a dedicated homeschool family, as long as the Lord leads us and allows it, we will homeschool our children. For us, that means we have little concern over governmental regulations and standards. We educate our children with faithfulness and diligence and hold them to a higher standard in most areas than any government program would venture to require. We also have learning differences in our home so we teach to ability and interest as well.
