Further Up and Further In

Name: Further Up and Further In
Brand: Cadron Creek Christian Curriculum

by Cadron Creek Christian Curriculum

Multi_subjectGrades 4–8

Further Up and Further In: Literature-Based Narnia Unit Study

Further Up and Further In is a seven-unit literature-based curriculum that uses C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia series to integrate multiple subjects for grades 4-8. The curriculum emphasizes reading, research, and character development through the beloved fantasy series, with each unit designed to take approximately one month.

Best for

Families who enjoy reading together and have children comfortable with independent reading and research, particularly those seeking strong Christian character education through literature

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 1 concern · 4 neutral

Cross Curricular IntegrationStrength

The curriculum integrates subjects naturally through the Narnia stories, connecting Bible study, character education, history, science, and English around shared literary themes.

Lessons combine multiple subjects organically based on chapter content, such as 'history, English, and art one day; Bible, English, science, cooking, and critical thinking the second day'

Individual Subject RigorConcern

The curriculum is strong in Bible and character education but requires separate programs for math, grammar, and spelling, indicating these subjects lack sufficient depth.

Publisher acknowledges it provides 'adequate coverage for all subjects except math, grammar, and spelling' and science assignments are 'reading rather than experiments'

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum includes helpful organizational tools like subject coverage lists but appears to assume significant teacher background knowledge for research guidance.

Provides 'Subjects Covered' list for quick reference and planning guides, but relies heavily on teacher directing encyclopedia and internet research

Direct InstructionNeutral

The curriculum provides detailed lesson plans with clear chapter-by-chapter guidance, though many assignments emphasize independent reading and research.

Includes 'detailed lesson plans' with 'planning guide at the beginning of each unit' and 'lessons are given for each chapter'

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

Students create organized notebooks for vocabulary, plant studies, animal studies, and each Chronicles book, suggesting some systematic review structure.

Students use 'a three-ring binder and divide it into sections to create notebooks for vocabulary, plant studies, and animal studies, plus notebooks for each of the Chronicles books'

Knowledge CoherenceNeutral

Knowledge builds around the central Narnia narrative, but history coverage is acknowledged as somewhat light for a comprehensive multi-subject curriculum.

Reviewer notes 'coverage of history is a little light' and that subjects 'depend upon content of each chapter' rather than systematic knowledge building

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com