Friends and Heroes Homeschool Bible Curriculum

Religious_studiesAll Grades

Friends and Heroes: Video-Based Unit Studies with Bible Stories

Friends and Heroes Homeschool Bible Curriculum combines animated adventure videos with extensive unit studies for grades 2-5. Each unit integrates Bible stories with history, geography, science, and writing activities, using both fictional characters and biblical narratives to teach religious content and character development.

Best for

Homeschool families with elementary students (grades 2-5) who want video-based Bible instruction integrated with multiple subjects and prefer unit study approaches over systematic religious studies curriculum

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 1 concern · 3 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Historical ContextStrength

Historical context receives significant attention, with dedicated history instruction and research assignments beyond the biblical period.

Review notes 'historical information pertaining to the Bible stories and stretching beyond is included' with student research assignments on historical topics

Theological KnowledgeConcern

The curriculum focuses more on character building and biblical narratives than systematic theological or doctrinal instruction.

Content described as 'denominationally neutral' with emphasis on 'Bible study and character building' and 'biblical stories and principles' rather than theological concepts

Teacher TrainingNeutral

Teacher support materials are included but appear focused on activity management rather than theological or pedagogical development.

Each study includes 'teacher's guide' with 'background notes, teaching instructions, answer keys, and web links' but no mention of theological training or professional development

Direct InstructionNeutral

The curriculum provides teacher guides with background notes and instructions, but relies heavily on video content and independent student work.

Teacher's guide includes 'background notes, teaching instructions, answer keys' and student workbook is 'written directly to the student' for 'independent study for the most part'

Primary Text EngagementNeutral

Students read and discuss Bible stories, but engagement appears to be through the curriculum's presentation rather than direct study of original biblical texts.

Review mentions students 'view, read, and discuss Bible stories' and includes memory verses from New Living Translation, but no indication of primary Scripture study

Vocabulary BuildingInsufficient Evidence

Limited evidence of explicit religious vocabulary instruction, with some attention to general language skills.

Review mentions 'some grammatical concepts are brought in' but describes grammar as 'not a significant focus' with no mention of theological vocabulary

Review Sources

cathyduffy

Cathy Duffy

Key Facts
GradesAll Grades
SubjectReligious_studies
PedagogyNot specified

Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy, homeschoolcom