FAQ for Gentle + Classical Press

I can't get my products to open/print/print properly. +

1. Please make sure you are downloading and printing from a DESKTOP OR LAPTOP, not a phone or tablet. Many of these files are very large and graphically complex.
2. Delete the first file and download it again in the event it was corrupted as it downloaded or unzipped.
3. Please make sure you have downloaded the document to your computer and have it OPEN in Adobe Reader. (You can download Adobe Reader FREE here) Printing from the BROWSER or directly from Dropbox often gives a poor outcome. Make sure your Adobe is UP TO DATE (Once you've opened adobe, click HELP> Check for Updates to make sure you have the most recent version, even if you just installed it.)
4. Make sure the printer settings are correct: select the appropriate option for landscape/portrait and tell it to "fit to page."
5. Make sure that if the item is in a ZIP folder that you have unzipped and extracted the PDF files before opening. (If you are unsure how to unzip a folder, you'll need to consult a friend or YouTube.)
6. If these trouble-shooting steps do not solve the problem. Please let me know. Contact me.

What is the difference between the 2nd edition of Preschool and the 1st? +

That is a great question! You can find a comparison chart HERE.

Where can I find out more information about "On Mission"? OR I have a question about my "On Mission" order, subscription, etc- where can I find help? +

I've created an FAQ section just for "On Mission." Find it here.

I'm having an issue with the Points Program. I didn't get my points, my friend didn't use their referral code, or any other question or concern related to the Points Program at ShopGentleClassical.com +

Find our policies and notes about the Points Program at the bottom of our Policies page.

Can I use this curriculum in my daycare, co-op, or classroom/school? +

Are you planning to utilize any Gentle + Classical materials with a group of other famlies (co-op) or in your classroom or school?

We are so excited to hear that and feel honored to be considered!

We do want to share the information about our co-op/classroom licensing with you. This also applies to daycares OR ANY OTHER SETTING in which non-family members are gathered to utilize G+C materials in any capacity.

What qualifies as a "daycare, classroom, or co-op"? We define a co-op, classroom, or daycare setting as 2 or more families coming together in a group setting with the intent of using Gentle + Classical materials for their lesson or gathering time.

Digital Licensing Co-op licensing costs $7 per student/per curriculum/per year (Preschool, Primer, and/or Nature). The licensing includes access to our full digital curriculum so that the lead teacher can print and use the curriculum and supplementary materials in the classroom setting only. It doesn't include licensing to print materials for students to use at home with their families. Families who wish to use the curriculum in their own homes should purchase the curriculum for home use.

We also offer licensing for our unit studies, such as On Mission, Morning Virtues, Christmas, Autumn, and Easter. The co-op licensing for each unit study is $3 per child/per digital issue for 10 more children.

Interested in printed materials for your group or classroom? We are happy to provide you with a customized quote! We provide bulk discounts for these types of orders.

How to Proceed: To use co-op licensing, we will verify your information so we can correctly invoice you and provide the desired curriculum. Then, we'll create an invoice for you for the number of students using the curriculum. Once you've paid the invoice, we will send you access to the full digital curriculum so that your lead teacher can print and use the materials during your co-op meeting times.

For a print quote, we follow the same protocol.

Please email us at erin@lifeabundantlyblog.com for a quote for your group!

I can't find a link to download my prior purchases OR my download link is broken. Where can I find what I purchased? +

You can head to THIS LINK and input your email to find all that you've purchased since March 2019. If you're looking for items purchased BEFORE March 2019, you'll need to email me. erin@lifeabundantlyblog.com

How can I cancel or change my On Mission OR Morning Virtues Subscription? I need to change my address, payment information, etc... +

You can log in and manage that account here.

Do you offer anything in PRINT that I can order and have shipped to me? +

You can find any currently available physical delivery products on this page in my shop.

We also have a brand new quarterly geography/missionary/culture program that is delivered as a quarterly magazine called "On Mission." You can find more about that here.

I'm ordering Gentle + Classical Nature, and I'm not sure which Level of Student Notebook to get. +

I've created a PDF document that will help you better understand Levels in the context of Nature and help you decide which you should get. Click HERE to access that.

I can't get a file from the free Resource Library to download or work? Or I can't find a file in the Resource Library... +

I've created a video to help you learn how to navigate the Resource Library easily. You can CLICK HERE to watch it.* Also, I don't offer support on free items as it's outside of my time constraints, but feel free to follow all printing advice in this FAQ.

I missed a sale and want to know if you're having one soon or will give me a sale price. OR I forgot to use my coupon code, will you correct it? OR I would like a refund. +

You can find these answers all on my refund page.

I don't understand all of these Bundles! Help! +

We can definitely help! Please send your questions to curriculumhelp@lifeabundantlyblog.com and our Gentle + Classical Curriculum Advisor will help you figure out exactly what you need!

I'm not sure program will work for my child. HELP! +

I understand that getting started with a new program can be overwhelming. It's sincerely my heart to equip and empower- not overwhelm. Below you find guidance for making a selection. However, you can also email our Gentle + Classical Curriculum Advisor at curriculumhelp@lifeabundantlyblog.com

We have also created a page that offers a very brief overview of each program to help you better narrow down which would work best for you. Find it HERE.

I need a visual! How can I bring all these pieces together? +

I'm glad you asked! Even though my videos aren't professionally made, I have created a page of them that addresses organization of printable materials, a walk through level 2 and a 2-part series on planning, organizing, scheduling all levels! I hope it will be helpful, and I intend to make more!

You can find additional videos on my YouTube as well.

How do I make a memory statement board?

You can find a detailed blog post HERE.

I still don't quite get the program, and I'm feeling overwhelmed. I need more help getting started. Where can I find support? +

Every mama comes to homeschool and G+C Press with different experiences and expectations. The first thing I want to say is that I do TRULY and wholeheartedly want you to find peace, joy, and support in utilizing the Gentle + Classical program of your choice.

You can find support by emailing your questions to our Gentle + Classical Curriculum Advisor at **curriculumhelp@lifeabundantlyblog.com **

Join our exclusive group of mamas who are using or have used Gentle + Classical programs. If you're facing challenges, I almost guarantee that someone else there felt the same way and is willing to help you. Head over HERE and join the group. In it, you'll find encouragement and support.

Here are a few other tips:

• Don't forget to PRAY for God's help in understanding a philosophy that's new to you and can seem really foreign. God is the author of all knowledge!
• Read through the guide portion of the program at least twice and mull it over. Remember, this program BECOMES "open and go" once you're set up and have your mind wrapped around it. But the Charlotte Mason and Classical philosophies are SO DIFFERENT from how most of us were educated. There's 100% a transition to that way of thinking and doing things. It doesn't have to all happen overnight!
• Utilize the videos linked above. Watch them twice. Pull out your materials and use the planning and organization videos to walk you through the process. I know that sounds like a ton of work, but I promise- any mama that invests in developing an understanding of the CM and Classical philosophies NEVER regrets that time spent. It pays off exponentially over time.
• Definitely join that group! Many mamas are in your spot and you can probably be just as much of an encouragement and help to them as they are to you!

I need help figuring out printing costs or deciding where/how to print! +

Purchasing digital download products can be overwhelming if you don't have an affordable printing option. Please make sure to note the page counts listed after each individual item in EACH BUNDLE PRODUCT DESCRIPTION. Second, keep in mind that if a bundle includes 3 different flashcard sets, you won't print them all! Some bundles have 800+ total pages, but you would likely print 1/3 of those. I have created a chart HERE for printing with several companies. I cannot tell you how much your order will be, which one to choose, or offer insight into turnaround time. Contact your printer, please :) Please read my refund policy before purchasing if you have reservations.

What is a "Meaningful Menu" and how does it come into play in Primer? +

Meaningful menus are an AMAZING resource, created by my friend Ashley at ShopMeaningfulMenus.com. She has created a menu specifically aligned to Primer. The Menu is a tool for Mom to use during morning basket. It is not a replacement for the Primer bundle as the bundle includes the important visual cues, mornings binders, flashcards, etc that is needful for early learners. But it's an AMAZING tool that makes your morning time go so smoothly and sweetly. To see me discuss it's role in Morning Time, head to the Helpful Videos page to watch a 2-part series on planning a Gentle + Classical Day.

Why was Gentle + Classical Preschool/Press created? +

I actually wrote an entire blog post about my motivation here.

What is the difference between Gentle + Classical Primer and Gentle + Classical Nature* (GCN)? +

Gentle + Classical Primer is a literature, language-arts, Bible, virtue-rich program that also includes beautiful art and music instruction. It would be considered language arts, some math, Bible, art and music as subjects it covers. The Kindergarte Morning Binder that comes with it also includes math as well as phonics review and practice.

Gentle + Classical Nature is a complete and thorough SCIENCE and Nature Study program. It was created for K4-4th grade. GCN adds in elements of poetry, art, and more, but it’s main focus is as a science program.

Is The Gentle + Classical Preschool a stand-alone program or can it be used (or should it be used) with any additional programs? +

G+C Preschool is completely sufficient (and then some) for a typical 2-4 year old child.

Is Gentle + Classical Nature a stand-alone program or can it be used (or should it be used) with any additional programs? +

G+C Nature is a thorough and complete science and nature study program, perfectly fitted for k4-4th grade. The primary 2 levels of included memory statements and 2 levels of literature suggestions makes it an excellent fit for preschool through approximately age 10.

This program has been created to complement Gentle + Classical Primer, but both are completely stand alone programs. Taken as a whole, they create a robust Kindergarten-First Grade (just add your own phonics and math programs based upon your child’s readiness).

How do I know when my child is ready to use these programs? +

As Mamas, a whole lot of life is a guessing game.... more than we would like to admit! My best advice here is that as soon as your child has the ability to repeat short statements after you and follow guided instruction, then he is ready for these programs. In the programs themselves, I give specific instructions and advice on choosing the right level for your child and guiding them through the PROCESS of attaining the skills set forth. This process will be different for EACH child and the program is designed to accommodate that.

Is Gentle + Classical Primer sufficient as a Kindergarten program or first grade for my 5-7 year old? +

A resounding YES! If you follow the 36 units as outlined and include a complete phonics and math program as indicated in the program, there is no question that your child would have an amazing, rich, broad feast for their Kindergarten or first grade school year! If your state requires "social studies," you might consider adding On Mission to your school year as well. Additional Gentle + Classical Nature offers the science component.

What is a "moral imagination" and "poetic knowlege"? +

I'm glad you asked! You can read a detailed blog post HERE about the moral imagination and its role in our children's development. In that post, I linked a few of my very favorite podcasts and books for deeper understanding.

Is this program REALLY FREE? +

YES, it is! Prayer and direct obedience to God led me to choose to share the PDF version of this program at zero cost to you. It is my heart's desire to 1) obey God and 2) bless Mamas who are looking to pour their time and heart into their little one's education.

If this program is FREE, why do you charge for the Bundles? +

While my husband is the breadwinner in our home, God also provides for our needs via this blog and the programs created here. I feel very confident charging for the Bundles because they aren't "required" in order to use the free programs. The paid products on this site are HELPFUL and definitely make life easier, but they are not a requirement in order to utilize any Gentle + Classical curriculum product.

We are struggling financially OR we are a fostering/adoptive family. Do you offer financial assitance? +

We do offer a scholarship fund. You can learn more and apply at this link.

What all do I NEED in order to use the Gentle + Classical programs? +

All you truly NEED is the hear to homeschool, the curriulum GUIDE (free download), and access to excellent living books! However, because I know what it's like to homeschool in a day of overwhelming options, internet craziness, and in a full, busy family, I have created several tools (at each level) to make your life easier. If you visit my SHOP, you can select "shop by program." Simply click the program name you're interested in and browse the available options to see what works for your family. Both programs offer an extremely affordable BUNDLE of digital produts to save you money. However, rather than purchasing the Bundle, you can choose specific individual products. The product descriptions and images give you an excellent overview.

Is this curriculum from a specific worldview? +

Yes! These programs are unabashedly Protestant Christian. I come from a non-denominational, Protestant background and thusly the program does as well. The catechism employed comes from (or is adapted from) the Westminster Shorter Catechism. I chose to include catechism as it is a beautiful tool to help our children become equipped to have an answer for their faith (1 Peter 3:15). To learn more about my faith, visit my Statement of Faith.

Does this curriculum follow Common Core Standards? +

It does not nor will it (is the short answer). As a dedicated homeschool family, as long as the Lord leads us and allows it, we will homeschool our children. For us, that means we have little concern over governmental regulations and standards. We educate our children with faithfulness and diligence and hold them to a higher standard in most areas than any government program would venture to require. We also have learning differences in our home so we teach to ability and interest as well.

I regret my purchase, missed out on a sale, or forgot to use my coupon- do you give refunds? +

I have written a complete refund policy that you may read here.

My link expired or I can't find it. +

If you made a purchase after 5/4/2019 and are missing your download link, click here to enter your email and have it sent again.

If you made a purhcase prior to 5/4/2019, you'll need to contact me to have the link refreshed. These links expire within 24 hours so please download and backup asap.