A few months ago, I purchased the We Choose Virtues complete homeschool package after it was reviewed by several bloggers.   I have to say, that knowing that no matter how much I try to remain neutral, I have a tendency to follow the old, “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all,” even when doing a product review.   Since I purchased it with my own money, I don’t feel so bad pointing out it’s downsides.

First, the product details.   I purchased the Faith-Based Homeschool Kit.   They bill the kit as being useful for ages 3-18.   It includes:

    • The Kids Virtue Poster
    • The Three Rules Poster
    • 13 Parenting Cards
    • 3 Kids of Virtueville Mini Posters
    • 12 Flash Cards
    • 1 pad/25ct Virtue User Review
    • 1 pack/16ct Personal Virtue Chart

 

There are a few things that I DO really like about it.  First, the posters are gorgeous!!  They have bright beautiful colors and the characters are unique enough that my kids could keep the values straight based on the pictures and the catchy names.  I also like the 13 parenting cards.   We have them in our board in a page protector cut down to 1/2 size.

In the middle ground, I like that there is a coloring book to keep little ones busy while discussing the character trait for the period.   However, I think the coloring pages are a little too busy.   Fewer things going on in the background would be better, in my opinion.    The flash cards are cute and colorful, but I haven’t used those yet.

The drawbacks.   I read through the Teacher’s Handbook and there was nothing useful in it for homeschooling.   Being that this homeschool virtues kit was $99.00 I would expect that the handbook might include some activities to go with the beautiful materials.   Maybe some activities, some games, ANYTHING to reinforce the great message.  Frankly, I want it laid out for me or I’d just try to create my own.

I think the thing that gets me the most is that this set of materials is SCREAMING for a book to go with each character to help cement the message.   They put such work into unique characters, complete with names and all you have is their name on a card.  Seriously.   This package needs an awesome book with stories for each character, some easy worksheets, maybe some crafts or role-playing activities.  It just has such potential.

Overall, I think the materials are VERY cute.  Would I pay $100 for pretty posters/flash cards with no accompanying projects/activities?  Not again.  IF, however, you have a virtue study and want some pretty stuff to round it off for little ones, the We Choose Virtues materials would be good.   Also, I probably wouldn’t use it for anything over 4th or 5th grade, TOPS.   Ages 3-18 for cartoon-y figures is pretty silly.   If you are looking for a detailed virtues program, this isn’t it, unfortunately.

Do you use We Choose Virtues?   How do you add to it?

by | 5 Comments

5 Comments on Curriculum Review – We Choose Virtues

  1. Monica Speach
    18 August 2016 at 10:01 PM (8 years ago)

    I just looked at this post and would like to recommend my Catholic Character Education curriculum: PACE (Program for Achieving Character Education). Please see my website: http://www.catholicpace.com. I now have workbooks as well for grades K-6th grade.

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  2. Katherine
    16 May 2014 at 11:11 PM (10 years ago)

    Do you have a recommendation for a Catholic virtues program?

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    jen Reply:
    May 18th, 2014 at 1:52 PM

    I don’t have one yet, but I have a few on my list to look at. I DO like the Little Flowers Girls Club program books; those have good virtue teachings and the stories have good lessons if you get the storybook, too. I also had someone direct me to this page by some Dominican Sisters but I haven’t had a chance to use it yet: http://nashvilledominican.org/Apostolate/Evangelization_and_Catechesis

    I’ll be sure to share if I find something I like!

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  3. Michelle
    29 May 2012 at 12:10 PM (12 years ago)

    Thanks so much for your review! I was thinking about buying the same set as you. Why did I just assume that each virtue came with a book??? I would have been very bummed to see them not included! I think I will pass now based on the things you say are missed- like books! Have you heard of any other great books or sets dedicated to teaching virtues? I would love to find some really great ones.

    [Reply]

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