Answers to your FAQs!

The response to the previous entry on What Order to Use BFB made it clear that a lot of you have questions about our curriculums. So, we've looked back and are going to offer some answers to the questions we are most frequently asked. I hope you find it helpful! Also, feel free to chime in on the comment section with any additional questions you may have.

1. Why are there not answers to all the questions in the study guides?

This question is the one we encounter a lot. First, it is important to understand that there are two types of questions in each of our study guides: comprehension questions and discussion questions. Answers are provided for the comprehension questions but it will be helpful to use the answers merely as a guide. Different perspectives provide interest and color to the study of history and relying too heavily on the provided answers may cause frustration. History is open to interpretation and it is important for a student to learn this fact. The discussion topics do not have answers provided as these are designed to develop the reasoning abilities of the student. Being able to converse on topics of history, religion, geopolitical and social events is a skill that students are developing as they formulate their own viewpoint. Encourage this growth by affirming their observations and asking probing questions. This is one of the most enjoyable aspects of studying history and it takes the subject from its dusty and dry reputation and makes it come alive. Encourage your students to think of historical characters as real people with unique beliefs and perspectives and suddenly history is no longer a collection of dates and facts but a fascinating story of the people who came before us. For those teachers who find themselves relying heavily on the answer key, do not be afraid to throw it out! You do not want to squelch a child’s learning process by consistently referring to prescribed answers. 

2. What is the Principle Approach?

The Principle Approach is an educational method that became popular in the early days of the modern home schooling movement. Several BFB guides use aspects of the method to teach certain character qualities such as Individuality, Self Government, and Conscience. The original method is fairly in-depth and we chose to include only those aspects of the approach we found accessible and applicable to our programs. The guides that include the principles are some of the first guides we published: Early American History for K-3, Early American History for 5th-6th grades, and our California History. 

3. How many lessons are in each guide? 

Below you will find information on the number of lessons in each of our study guides as well as the recommended number to complete each week if you want to finish the program in one standard school year. 

Ancient History Intermediate - 71 Lessons (complete 2-3 per week)

Ancient History Sr. High - 91 Lessons (complete 3 per week)

California History - Semester Program (approximately 2-3 per week)

Early American History (K-3) - 107 Lessons (complete 2-4 per week)

Early American History (4th-6th grade) - 119 Lessons (complete 3-4 per week)

Early American and World History - 91 Lessons (complete 2-3 per week)

Geography Through Literature - 38 Lessons (complete 1 per week)

History of Classical Music - 75 Lessons (complete 2-3 per week)

History of the Horse - 92 Lessons (complete 3 per week)

History of Science - 67 Lessons (complete 2 per week)

Medieval History Intermediate and Jr. High - 35 Weekly Lessons (complete 1 per week)

Medieval History Sr. High - 35 Weekly Lessons (complete 1 per week) New version available for instant download in two weeks. 


The Western Expansion - 51 Lessons (complete 3 per week) - Semester Program

U.S. and World History (High School) is divided into four parts. Each part should be completed in one semester. This program will last two years if completed at this pace. 

Our Teaching Character Through Literature is not designed as a strictly academic program. It should be followed at the pace that works best for you and your family. 

4. I want to order one of your packs but already have a few of the books. Can you adjust my pack?  

Of course! We are happy to adjust our packs for those of you who already own a few books. We can take out up to five titles and the discounted price is adjusted accordingly. To do this, just give us a call at 800.889.1978. 

Those are a few of the answers we most frequently encounter. Of course, we'd love to hear from you if you have additional inquiries! Simply leave a comment below and we'd be happy to help!

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