BJU Press Reading is a comprehensive, Christian K-6 reading
curriculum that smoothly transitions students from systematic phonics and
decoding in the early grades to strong reading comprehension, literary
analysis, and higher-order thinking in the upper elementary grades.
The program uses colorful Student Readers filled with
wholesome, engaging stories from a variety of genres, such as biographies,
historical fiction, Bible stories, and fantasy, while teaching biblical
principles and discernment as students read. Lessons combine phonetic
awareness, vocabulary development, comprehension strategies, and increasing
writing activities, all from a distinctively biblical worldview.
Key Curriculum Features:
Systematic
progression from phonics-based reading in Grades 1–2 to advanced
comprehension and literary analysis by Grade 6
Wholesome,
high-interest stories with strong moral and biblical content
Balanced
mix of silent reading, oral reading, and close reading strategies
Built-in
vocabulary, spelling, map/timeline skills, and writing practice
Colorful,
appealing Student Readers with a good balance of text and white space
Opportunities
for novel studies in some levels
Program Components:
Student
Readers: Full-color readers with engaging stories and illustrations
Student
Activities: Consumable practice and activity pages for vocabulary,
comprehension, and skill reinforcement
Student
Activities Key: Contains the Student Activities pages with answers
Teacher’s
Editions: Detailed lesson plans, answered student pages, discussion
questions, skill development activities, and optional enrichment
Complete
Grade Level Kits: Include the Basal Student Readers, Student Activities,
Student Activities Key, and Teacher’s Editions
BJU Press Reading stands out for its strong biblical
worldview, high-quality literature selections, and clear progression that
builds confident, discerning readers. It is an excellent choice for Christian
homeschool families seeking a complete, well-rounded reading program that
integrates faith and academics.
Browse all BJU Press Reading levels, kits, and
individual components below!
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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.