Though we can't carry MFW Guides new, we regularly get used copies, and we carry many of the resources MFW recommends.
A brief note about editions: While MFW doesn't change their editions very often, they do go through different printings depending on which books from other publishers are going in or out of print. As such, our lists for each category within MFW reflect the different books as much as we are able. For ease of use, we recommend looking at the table of contents within your teacher's manual and selecting the books listed therein, as they will line up better with that particular printing.
My Father's World is a Christian integrated-learning curriculum for preschool to 12th grade. Authors Marie & David Hazell borrowed from classical, Charlotte Mason, and unit study philosophies to create a unique approach that allows families to study Bible, history, geography, science, literature, and art together. Christ is seen as central to all learning, and Bible study, Scripture memorization, and Biblical worldview are integral to MFW. Non-Christian worldviews and religions are explored through the lens of a biblical worldview.
MFW also incorporates missionary stories throughout the curriculum. The Hazells have been missionaries all over the world and are still involved with Bible translation work. MFW’s courses and business practices reflect this passion, with a significant portion of MFW’s profits supporting Bible translation work.
How Does It Work?
MFW's system is extensive and complex. The preschool years are intended to be fun and preparatory and are not required. Kindergarten and 1st grade prepare the student for lifelong learning by teaching reading, basic math, grade-appropriate science, literature, and Bible. At 2nd and 3rd grade, parents have a choice: 2nd/3rd graders who are the oldest in the family use the one-year Adventures in My Father's World before moving on to the main, 5-year Family Learning Cycle. If there are older students using MFW, the 2nd/3rd grader joins the Family Learning Cycle.
The 5-year Family Learning Cycle covers grades 4th-8th (or younger; see above), with the scope of history and culture as a backdrop. The first year, Exploring Countries and Cultures, provides a basis for learning about the past and other cultures. The next four years provide a chronological overview of Creation to the modern age. All aspects of society are integrated—from art to politics to religion—to provide a thorough and unified understanding. The main subjects are Bible, history, geography, and science. Some essentials, particularly math, are left to parents to select, schedule, and implement. MFW strongly recommends Singapore Math for elementary students and Saxon and Harold Jacobs for high school students. The Family Learning Cycle materials target the 2nd-6th grade range. Extra reading and task assignments enhance the content for 7th-8th grade students.
Each Family Learning Cycle year centers around a reading list focusing on the humanities and science. Each yearly level is planned to fit a typical 36-week school year. Several Apologia texts are used. The teacher's manuals include detailed weekly lesson plans with daily reading assignments, discussion questions, simple science experiments, Bible memorization, and teacher supplements and helps; empty spaces allow parents to schedule math, English, and other electives like foreign language. At the back of each teacher's manual is an extensive supplementary reading list organized by week and subject. The Hazells claim to have read thousands of books to create these lists. They believe the titles represent the best available. None of these books are required.
9th-12th grade students stop using the Family Learning Cycles and begin independent study. MFW’s four-year high school program repeats the study of ancient times through the modern age with more comprehensive course work. Lesson plans are written to the student and require a weekly review with a parent, tutor, or mentor. Parents will need to choose math, science and electives to complete high school requirements. All other subjects are included.df
Lesson plans are detailed, but there is flexibility to tailor MFW to your family's needs. Unlike more rigid programs, My Father's World allows for removing, adding, or substituting books without compromising the integrity of the overall framework.
Our Honest Opinion:
Programs with extensive booklists and easy-to-use teacher manuals are becoming increasingly popular. Sonlight, Tapestry of Grace, and My Father's World are all working to create comprehensive curriculums for homeschool families to use from preschool to graduation. My Father's World provides students with a broad education from a Christian worldview.
The Hazells took great care curating this curriculum. Students and parents alike will find My Father's World provides plenty of resources and extensive reading lists to make this a fantastic choice for families who like the unit study and great books approaches but don't have time to do all the legwork themselves.
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