What About Homeschool Psych?

Lynn Hogan, former editor of The Homeschooler’s Notebook:

Psychology has been one subject that has often intimidated homeschooling parents. Those who are Christians often are concerned that there is no room for their faith in the study of psychology. Many of us have worried about what is going to happen to our children when they go to college and are faced with needing to take a psychology course. Dr. Tim Rice’s curriculum HOMESCHOOL PSYCH: Preparing Christian Homeschool Students for Psychology 101 takes a lot of the worry and confusion out of preparing your student for College Psychology.

One thing that Christians are often accused of is ignoring accepted research methods and empirical data. This curriculum accepts the value of Biblical and supernatural knowledge, but does not consider empirical research as having no value. That’s the kind of balance shown throughout the curriculum. The author believes a Christian worldview recognizes the value of “putting ideas to the test”. It is a wonderful balance of the science and the Scriptures.

The curriculum itself is detailed and includes twelve in-depth chapters. Each chapter includes assignments that include definitions, writing assignments, researching assignments with specific websites or topics, and scripture readings. Dr. Rice does not just explain things well (always a plus), but he also lets your student do his own research to see how and why the conclusions mentioned are correct. The curriculum is PRACTICAL, covering such topics as Modern Psychology, biological components of psychology, drugs, personality tests and so very much more.

This is definitely a high school level course. The vocabulary is mature and Dr. Rice wants your student to see what the world’s view is and what a Christian Worldview is and how they differ. This requires a level of maturity that many students will not reach until upper high school levels.

I’m impressed with the program and wish it had been around when my children were growing up. Without having the tools to know specifically the things they would be taught in their first psychology class, I was at a disadvantage when the questions started coming up during that freshman year of college. This curriculum would have equipped both my children and myself to have an appropriate answer.

Lynn Hogan is the former editor of The Homeschooler’s Notebook. Lynn homeschooled both of her children through high school. They have each graduated from college and are successful in their fields. Lynn still gives workshops on homeschooling topics for support groups and conventions. She can be reached at lynn.hogan@gmail.com