The Good & The Beautiful language arts curriculum was created by a homeschool mom with the goals of making an easy, beautiful, affordable, academically solid, joyful, and character building curriculum. We have used it and have used other language arts curriculum as well. This is my honest review and answers to FAQ.
We homeschool year round. We haven’t always done this, but after some trial and error (which is all homeschool and parenting anyway, right?), we found that year round works best for us. However, how we do school during different parts of the year looks very different. I wrote more about it in this post: Homeschooling in Rhythm of the Seasons.
When I knew we would begin this new school year (3rd and 1st grade) in late June/early July I knew two things. First, that it would be summer and we’d want something that was grab and go without a lot of prep work that we could fit into our days between swimming and splashing. Furthermore, I knew we’d be trying to pack up the house and move, which is another reason a grab and go curriculum was a high priority for me to start the year with.
In summer, we do two subjects- language arts and math. While we talk about matters related to other subjects, we stick to these two core subjects and wait until fall to add in science and history in a more concrete manner.
For language arts, I have experience using several different materials: Brave Writer, First Language Lessons, All About Reading, All About Spelling, Handwriting Without Tears, and The Good and The Beautiful. They all good materials and I’m using Brave Writer this year in conjunction with The Good and the Beautiful for some extra writing focus.
Language arts is a tricky subject because it encompasses so many micro subjects like phonics, spelling, reading, writing, grammar, etc. I knew I wanted a curriculum that would encompass all of those things, then I could supplement in the areas I wanted to add a little more focus to. For these goals, The Good and the Beautiful seemed like the perfect natural fit.
There was only one problem- we had done it before and found it to be quite dry. I was deterred slightly by that, but my need for all encompassing and open and go won out. When it arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the upgrades and tweaks they had done to the curriculum to make it more engaging and equal out the length of the lessons had proven to be successful. We are now about 13 lessons into it and I can say it’s working really well for us!
It’s all the language arts we are doing right now, but when we get in full on back to school mode in fall, I will add in some additional writing through the Brave Writer program and more reading as well. To make this a more rounded out review, I asked my Instagram friends for any questions on the topic, and figured a FAQ would be a great way to address the questions and concerns I received.
As a disclaimer, all the answers below and nothing more than my personal opinion, having used the curriculum two years ago and currently using it now.
The Good and the Beautiful Frequently Asked Questions
Is it best used as a stand alone or supplemental?
I believe it’s a great all encompassing stand alone curriculum, so I’d recommend using it as your core, then supplementing as needed with additional writing and reading.
Does the curriculum talk a lot about religious topics? I know it’s a Christian-based program.
It depends on your definition of a lot. I appreciate the values and morals reflected in the curriculum and accompanied reading. While it is faith-based and includes references to the bible and God, I feel it’s more of a sprinkling throughout, than a strong presence. However, if you run a strongly secular household, than I would advise against this curriculum.
Do you know if it covers Canadian standards?
I don’t know about this, I’m sorry. I tried a quick google search and didn’t find anything.
Can it be used successfully in a secular home?
It truly depends on your personal level of comfort with having references to the bible and to God. It says things like “God tells us that ____” or “In the verse Isaiah ____.” However it is not the main focus of the curriculum. They have sample pages on their site you can check out to see if it might work for your family or not.
Do you aim to complete one full lesson each day? How long does it take?
Yes, we do one full lesson in a sitting. For Hailey (8 years old, third grade, level 3) it takes about 45 minutes. Independent reading is an additional 20 minutes. For Kaitlyn (6 years old, first grade, level 1) it takes a little less, maybe 30 minutes with additional independent reading being 15-20 minutes.
Is this enough writing or do you use a separate curriculum for that?
While it does offer some writing opportunities (Hailey in level three even has a writing journal and will have prompts every so often to complete), I supplement with additional writing from the Brave Writer program.
Can you teach a child to read using only TGATB?
The Pre-K and K levels include phonics and fun games to play surrounding reading, however, and I think you could, however, I would personally supplement with a reading-specific guide like An Ordinary Parent’s Guide to Teaching Reading or Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons.
What age is appropriate to start this?
It begins with a Pre-K level and we used it in a relaxed form for Kaitlyn at age 4. She loved it.
Do you consider it a challenging curriculum?
I have found it to be on par with grade standards. So neither easy, nor challenging, but a solid choice to ensure we cover what we need to for each grade. Since it is all encompassing, I find the girls fly through some concepts, but need additional explanation or help on others.
How would you rate it for a busy, stir-crazy K/1 boy?
Hm… I don’t have personal experience with a stir-crazy boy. My two cents is that it isn’t a curriculum designed with the highly energetic student in mind. However, I think you could adjust as needed to make it fit. For example, instead of just reading the sight word mountains, you could have him read one of the words and do a “mountain climber” exercise before reading the next one. You might have to get a little creative, but I think it could work.
I remember Hailey not loving it in Kindergarten. Can you explain?
Yes, we loved the concept but found it fairly dry. Since then (3 years ago) they made alterations to the program to include more activities and games in the lower levels (they might have done other changes too) and so far we’ve found it to be more engaging. It now switches concepts you’re working on up enough during each lessons to keep us interested.
Would it be a good supplemental learning tool to virtual learning?
It’s such an all encompassing curriculum that you could do it, but I would probably pick the areas you want to focus on with your child and find specific materials for those areas instead. For example, doing just a spelling curriculum or writing curriculum to enhance virtual learning rather than run a full secondary curriculum.
I also wanted to give you a peek inside, so here is a look at the Level 1 and Level 3 materials from The Good and The Beautiful:
Erika says
Our school is undecided yet on what they are doing this fall. We have talked about just going to homeschooling anyways and I admit it’s a bit intimidating. Either way I appreciate all your resources on homeschooling and I know where to turn if we do decided to go that route.
In finishing last school year at home we had quite a few struggles. I suppose that is common – and maybe more so with kids that aren’t use to the homeschooling routine. Do either of your girls ever have those “I can’t do it” or “I don’t want to do it” moments?
Brittany Dixon says
Absolutely they do! My first caveat though is that the e-learning I saw so many of my friends thrust into is very different from homeschooling. I applaud all of you that had to navigate that route!
My girls definitely have those moments though. I should write a whole post on it because sometimes we handle it different ways. Sometimes it’s explaining that this is their responsibility and working on attitude, and sometimes we throw it all out the window and play games for the rest of the day 🙂
Dale Phillips says
Could you do a review like this for Brave Writer too? I’ve been wanting to try it out (I’ll have one 4th, one 2nd and one K this year) but I’ve been to the website and found it kind of confusing and can’t figure it how to work it into our curriculum. We use (and love!) All About Reading and All About Spelling, but we’re missing that writing element. Thanks! (PS: I love your homeschool posts!)
Brittany Dixon says
I can totally work on a review for Brave Writer, but it might take me a little while since we are just getting back into it. We’ve used Jot it Down previously so maybe I can start there. I feel you though, it is a little confusing to navigate their offerings. Maybe I can get a post up on how to do that first 🙂 Stay tuned!
amy says
Thanks for this review! It was very helpful and I trust your opinions and reviews—question/favor—-do you still have your K curriculum and if yes are you selling? Would love to buy! They are out of stock of the complete program on their website!
Brittany Dixon says
I don’t have it unfortunately; the workbooks are the kind you write in, so it’s in the girls’ “completed year” bin. I hope they restock soon!
Lauren Brennan says
Good timing! I just started yesterday to research LA curriculum, so this is helpful as I look at various options. Thanks for your insight!
Therese says
Good timing! We start our homeschool today and we are using the good and the beautiful’s entire K curriculum for my oldest!
Brittany Dixon says
Happy first day of school!!! <3
Lindsey says
How would you compare All About Reading Level 1 and TGATB Level K? I’m debating between the two for our son. They are both great!
Brittany Dixon says
I know TGATB better so I might not be the best person to weigh in, but my understanding is that AAR is a (fabulous) program that is focused on reading/fluency/vocabulary while TGATB covers that but also includes grammar and writing. So it probably makes a difference of what you want the program to cover.
Lindsey says
Ahh gotcha! Thank you! I see that difference now. Figuring out all of the components you need for your school year is tricky!
Bonnie K Secrest says
TGATB curriculum is not a Christian based curriculum. The creator of this curriculum is mormon and as she does not promote this fact within her curriculum this fact remains and most true Christians do not want to support something where the funds go to promote a false religion. Mormonism promotes a false Gospel and believes in a false christ which by scripture should be exposed and and accursed.
Promoting TGATB as a Christian curriculum is false advertisement.
Nicole Skidmore says
Mormons believe in Jesus Christ, they are Christians. The nickname “Mormon” is from another book of scripture they study called “The Book of Mormon” in tandem with the Bible. The actual name of their church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. The curriculum doesn’t have specific Mormon doctrine, just Christian values.
Melissa C says
Jeez -Bonnie ….. RELAX… SHAME ON YOU. I don’t see how anyone christian or not, could leave a negative comment about this curriculum. Christians aren’t supposed to judge. Aware but not judge. Your comment is an example of today’s so called “real” christians, mostly arrogant judgemental Bible thumpers, missing the big picture. One finds God in stillness and within, not hooping and hollering all the time.
Its an AMAZING, WONDERFUL & MORAL curriculum that uses Bible verses now and then (not heavy), with beautiful art work. Hence good and beautiful. Morals and ethics are missing in society and this curriculum supplies just enough without it becoming a Bible study. Perfect for Christians, Bible thumpers and regular people.
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Michele Marie Rose says
How can I get a hold of someone. I ordered this on dec 21 and have not heard anything from anyone about my order and I have sent various emails
Brittany Dixon says
Have you tried contacting their customer service? I hope you receive it soon!
https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/support/shipping-tracking/
Krista says
I too ordered on Dec 30th and have not heard anything about my order. I’ve ordered before and it came within a week or so. I live in Utah so the ship time isn’t long but it takes a week to get a ship email, sometimes. I don’t know what’s going on? I was using mine, (curriculum just bought), for this semester but because it’s taking awhile I’m having to go a different route. I also contacted customer service and received an email back with no body to my question. Just Hi, and ending with Good and the Beautiful. Which was weird?!? Lol I hope I hear something this week or next, it is frustrating. I’m so sorry as well for you. I hope this is not a pattern that repeats itself in the future because I love their curriculum.
Amy says
If I am just needing to focus on spelling with my daughter (first grade), would you recommend this or something else? Thanks in advance for your reply!
Brittany Dixon says
I would not recommend this for just focusing on spelling. I’d recommend checking out All About Spelling 🙂
Les says
Thank you for your post! This is exactly what I I’ve been looking for. I’m new to picking homeschool curriculum and the Language Arts portion has had my head spinning. I’ve been wondering if TGTB LA is a full LA curriculum or if I’d need to supplement and sound like it’s pretty complete. My girl is in 3rd so I plan to use that for LA and add in IEW for writing. What would you recommend for reading? Thanks!!!
Brittany Dixon says
Yes, I feel like TGATB is pretty thorough, especially if you are using IEW for writing, too! (I found TGATB to be lacking a little in that department). I don’t use anything specific for reading, though our Explode the Code (level 7 for H) has some reading and comprehension questions included. Otherwise we do a lot of that on our own.
Carrie says
Warning: Do not buy physical products from The Good and the Beautiful! They offer lots of free resources, which we think are great. But this year we bought their Language Arts workbooks for 4th grade and they started falling apart after only a couple of weeks (pages falling out of the spiral bindings). Rather than stand by their products, The Good and the Beautiful would only refund $5 so I could have the books rebound. What a pain! We really like the curriculum, and will probably use it next year for 5th grade too. But I will download the free PDF and have the books printed and bound myself. Definitely not going to pay money to this company again!