Far Above Rubies
Author: Lynda Coats
Publisher: All Around Education
For more information or to order: www.lyndacoats.com

What of the character of a daughter? Her beauty is rare and not of this world. Her heart is pure in thought and deed. This young lady works continually to keep those she serves ever present before herself. There are no empty moments of self pleasure. She knows exactly what needs to be done and she does it. She is found teaching –with wisdom. Her kindness shines as glory. She is praised for her fear of the Lord. Truly, this daughter was taught to reflect the image of the Proverbs 31 woman. “Her value is Far Above Rubies”

Lynda Coats, the author of the Far Above Rubies curriculum, has produced a unit study in which our daughters are given a powerful message of their value and worth! The foundation of this study is the book of Proverbs, chapter 31, verses 10-31. The authors “primary goal” is “to help Christian young ladies develop their character and abilities for useful service to the Lord within a family setting.” The academic structure of this course of study is equivalent to a high-school level of education. This material offers all students the potential to prepare for college.

There are 20 “Units” in FAR. A unit is founded on one or two verses of the Proverbs 31 woman. This means that every subject covered in the unit is a reflection of the highlighted verse. Each unit includes all subject areas such as – Bible, Cultural Studies, Literature, Composition, Math, and Science. Also included are Health, Performing Arts, and Practical Arts. The subject area provides a long list of activities. There is no way to complete every activity listed. Which is a point brought to you from the author.

In following the belief that God created us as individuals, with a variety of personalities among us, each of us need to follow a “Learning Style” which is best suited to the individual. A “Learning Style” description is offered by the author. You will find four assessments in which to place your daughter. Once she is placed you are ready to set-up your program. Planning is necessary to begin this course.

Let’s begin by collecting the “Essential Materials” needed throughout this study. A list is provided on page 36. Next let your daughter set-up her “notebooks”. She will need one for each subject area. Now it is time to map out a course. The author does recommend using Unit 1 (Becoming a Virtuous Woman) to begin and saving Unit 20 (Graduation and Beyond) for last. If you would like to study History in chronological order, the order is listed by “unit” for your convenience. So let’s begin.

In the beginning of each unit is a unit overview and between three and four “Mini-Units”. Mini-Units divide the unit into specific themes. Each mini-unit covers all subject areas. I have, for example purposes, decided to begin with Unit 1 – Mini-unit A. As my daughter and I turn to the first subject area, Bible, we will locate all the “mini-unit A” choices found by the key on the left side of the page. Then we will decide which of the listed activities she will complete based on her style of learning. We continue to the next subject, Cultural Studies, and again make our choices. Once we have used this pattern to go through each subject we will collect the materials needed to begin the work. My daughter has now been instructed in the way in which she can plan her next mini-unit of study. The training to work independently is now set in place. Parental approval of her choices should be a part of her choosing process.

Now, how do we record her work into the common language of “credits”? The author has arranged a nice formula to accomplish this. On the right side of the page, next to each activity in the subject area, points are listed. Every completed activity gains the number of points in this column. For your convenience a “Goal Planning Check Sheet” may be reproduced so the points may be recorded. You will continue to add points until a total of 135 points is reached. Your daughter has earned a credit. The author, upon parental request, provides a certificate of completion (of the course) for a small fee.

The format of Far Above Rubies is so nicely set-up that if you so choose, it may be used only for a specific subject. However, I find this to be a rewarding high school course of study for any young lady. The resources listed in this unit study ensure the user that a well-rounded education is provided. If you are looking for more than a “typical” high school course of study for your young lady, I recommend you visit the author’s website to learn more about this excellent curriculum!

Making the Grade: A+
Cost: $74.95
Value for your homeschool dollar: 10
Review provided by Donna Porter, homeschool mom of 4 young ladies