The authors of Student of the Word, David and Merle Reece, homeschool their 5 children. They believe that God has given parents the job of equipping their children to love and know the Lord God with all their hearts, instill God's Word in their hearts and minds, and glorify Him. Sow was developed one summer, in answer to the cry of their hearts, for a way to accomplish this goal and also accomplish the task of teaching the academics. As they sought the Lord they came to trust that they were to begin with God's Word. There are many scriptures that confirm the wisdom in beginning with God's Word. Psalm 19:7-10 is one of them.

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
          Perfect, Sure, Right, Pure, Clean, True, Righteous . . .decidedly a good start.

This multi-level curriculum is written for grades K-12, 6 volumes (non-graded) so all grades can be working on the same volume simultaneously, which we have found to help unify the family. As much as possible the subjects are integrated with one another i.e. while we are studying Genesis we are studying Geology and Astronomy in Science, and Creation in History. Rather than a focus on a time period, character quality, subject or doctrine each subject focuses on the Bible.

Little lesson prep time is necessary, some say as little as an hour a week. Once you learn the routine/ schedule in each subject it gets easier and easier to use. Lesson instructions are quite detailed so that once a child can read he becomes more and more an "independent"student and will begin to work on his own, freeing the parent to focus on the younger children.

SOW is a solid comprehensive, educational program. There are lessons in all aspects of language arts and English, Hebrew and Greek word studies, creative writing, literature, journaling to God, penmanship, memory work, science, history, geography, map skills, music, art, and electives. Basically every subject except math.

A recommended resource list is included in the curriculum. Any of these suggested resources can be substituted Resources are used for research, for instance in science the weeks lesson may be on electricity. One can make use of both Christian and non-Christian 'realbooks', textbooks, biographies, and reference materials as long as it contained the needed topic information. We found we had sufficient resources on our shelves already. Rather than just a quest for knowledge, the goal is to develop wisdom. The student is encouraged to think in a creative way, search thoroughly and then convey his thoughts in light of God's Word through a choice of projects or writing assignment.

SOW is a flexible and valuable family tool. It has been designed to be a framework you can personalize and use all, or only the elements that you choose, to build a complete family plan for living. Endorsing a Biblical vision for families, SOW equips parents with a structured plan to enable them to meet educational requirements, includes instruction in stewardship principles for managing the home, time and money. As a comprehensive curriculum for the whole family, Gr. K-12, the Reeces have managed to provide a very economical and affordable program for a family budget.

For in-depth information on the curriculum please check out the publishers Student of the Word web site. You will find; Information About the Authors, What are other families saying, SOW Attributes, a detailed description of the materials, Six Year Scope & Sequence, Chart Samples, (K-5th) Worksheets, Sample of (6th-12th) Lessons, Student Samples, Resource List, FAQ. SOW Message Board.