Language Lessons for a Living Education Level 6 Master Books Review | A Gentle, Christian Language Arts Curriculum ✟
Inside: Wondering if Master Books’ Language Lessons for a Living Education Level 6 is rigorous enough or just too light? Here’s what I found after reviewing it myself. Honest pros, cons, and who this program really works for.
With a kid like Marc—laser-focused on STEM from day one—you’d think language arts would be an afterthought in our homeschool. But it wasn’t. Not because he begged to diagram sentences or analyze poetry (he didn’t), but because I wanted it to matter. I wanted something cohesive, thoughtful, and maybe most of all something that didn’t feel like a random collection of parts.
So I tried. I really did. I gave those all-in-one language arts programs a fair shot.
The problem? Marc quickly reminded me just how asynchronous a gifted kid can be. His grammar and reading were miles ahead of his writing. And don’t even get me started on literary analysis—we still struggle with that. We eventually found amazing picks for writing, solid grammar resources, and even some good literature-based history that dubbed as our literature too (though I’m still hoping for more analytical depth in high school).
But we also explored full-package language arts, like the one I’m reviewing today.
I’ll admit, 6th grade felt like the right moment to press the gas pedal a bit… to lean into rigor and independence. I just didn’t find that “this is it!” program. You can see our 6th grade curriculum choices here if you’re curious to see what we did back then, but I’m not totally satisfied with the literature.
That said, not everyone’s looking for that rigor and for language arts in pieces. I know many of you are juggling multiple kids, working, or just need LA to be done so you can focus on what your child actually loves.
So today’s post is for you.
If you’re a Christian family looking for a gentle, Charlotte Mason–inspired, open-and-go language arts curriculum that actually includes everything, this might be the one.
This is a sponsored post. I was given the product to review and I might have been compensated for my time. I would never endorse or recommend programs we wouldn’t use ourselves. Read more about it in my Disclosure.
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🎁 GIVEAWAY ALERT!
Master Books is giving away 1 free copy of their Language Lessons for a Living Education curriculum but please note, this giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
🗓️ Ends: September 30, 2025
🏆 Winner: 1 winner will be selected
🚨 Location: USA only
👉 Don’t miss your chance to enter!
About Master Books
Master Books is one of the most well-known Christian homeschool publishers, and for good reason. Their approach centers on providing affordable open-and-go curriculum that integrates a biblical worldview across all subjects, from math and language arts to science, history, and even electives.
Everything they create is gentle, flexible, and family-friendly. Think short lessons, minimal prep, and a conversational tone designed to work in real-life homeschool settings, especially for busy parents juggling multiple kids.
They’re also known for building multi-subject continuity with their “Living Education” series. These often combine elements of Charlotte Mason (like narration and copywork) with workbook-style activities and biblical content. If you’re looking for a curriculum that reinforces Christian values without needing hours of teacher involvement, Master Books is designed with that in mind.
We’ve personally tried and reviewed a couple of their courses already:
- Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 1: a gentle, story-based approach to early math
- Consumer Math: a high school elective focused on financial literacy from a Christian perspective
Their Language Lessons series follows the same pattern: simple, integrated, and rooted in faith. But is it enough for middle schoolers? It depends on your goals.
What Is Language Lessons for a Living Education (LLFLE)?
Language Lessons for a Living Education (LLFLE) is Master Books’ all-in-one Christian language arts curriculum for grades 1 through 10 (they will soon add grades 11 and 12 to their collection, too). It’s designed to cover grammar, reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, and even a little narration and picture study, without splitting those into separate subjects. And to be honest, it reminds me a little of The Good and the Beautiful. If you’re curious how they compare, keep reading.
The idea is simple: one workbook, short lessons, biblical worldview woven into everything. It’s open-and-go and requires little to no prep. You open the book, do the day’s work, and move on. For busy Christian families or parents juggling multiple kids, that’s a huge selling point.
Master Books’ Language Lessons for a Living Education clearly takes its cues from Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy but with a modern, simplified spin that makes it workable for today’s homeschoolers.
You’ll find signature Charlotte Mason influence like:
- Copywork and narration practice
- Picture studies
- Short lessons
- Moral and biblical stories
- A strong focus on oral narration and early written responses
But here’s the key difference: you don’t have to build your own scope and sequence, or prep materials ahead of time. LLFLE wraps all those components into a single full-color workbook with clear progression and a built-in daily schedule (and even assessment charts, answers at the back).
For many home educators, especially those juggling multiple kids or working alongside homeschooling, this takes the essence of Charlotte Mason and turns it into something doable. You get the gentle homeschool language arts vibe without the overwhelm of planning.
It’s not the kind of curriculum that drills or pressures. Instead, it gently builds essential communication skills over time. And because each level is all-in-one, there’s no flipping between separate grammar books, writing guides, or vocabulary lists. It’s a full-package deal—with a CM heart.
A Closer Look at Language Lessons for a Living Education – Level 6
Level 6 of LLFLE is meant for middle schoolers—roughly 6th or 7th grade—but like most Master Books programs, it leans gentle. It’s ideal for kids who need short, structured language arts without the overwhelm, and parents who want to step back from heavy involvement.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
The book is designed for 5 lessons per week, but many families adjust the pace depending on how independent their child is. Each day’s work is short (often under 20 minutes), and the format repeats enough to feel predictable without being boring.
What LLFLE 6 Covers
Despite being called “an all-in-one language arts,” Level 6 is more like a survey of light grammar, vocabulary, and light creative writing. LLFLE 6 includes 36 weeks of structured, short weekly lessons and the full-color workbook is beautifully laid out and visually engaging.
One thing I appreciate about Master Books is that you can flip to the front and see exactly what your child will cover each week. It’s not mysterious or overcomplicated. That said, don’t expect deep dives or heavy writing projects. This is more about gentle, consistent exposure to core concepts.
Each quarter ends with a full assessment section.
Here’s a general look at what your student will work through over the 36-week schedule:
Core Language Skills:
- Grammar: parts of speech, sentence structure, clauses, conjunctions, subject/verb agreement, quotation marks, prepositions, contractions, and more
- Writing: mostly creative and descriptive writing (like writing a story, journaling, or describing a character or object). There’s no formal essay writing or paragraph structuring beyond basic prompts
- Map studies: tied to word usage and sometimes geography themes
- Reading comprehension: short moral or biblical stories, facts vs. opinions, fiction vs. nonfiction
- Picture studies: gentle narration and observation skills—very Charlotte Mason
- Poetry: light forms—ABAB and AABB pattern poems, and a few rhyming exercises
- Vocabulary and spelling: weekly reviews of spelling patterns and vocabulary words (prefixes, suffixes, root words, etc.) integrated with grammar and writing
Here are just a few examples pulled straight from the Scope & Sequence:
- Lesson 5: Sequencing, verbs, sentence clauses, stressed syllables
- Lesson 14: Story writing, synonyms/antonyms, thesaurus skills
- Lesson 24: Picture study, descriptive writing, direct object, tricky words
- Lesson 31: Tricky verbs, contractions, amphibian & reptile words
- Lesson 36: Book report, 4th quarter spelling review
Each week blends reading, grammar, and writing gently. You’ll also find quarterly spelling reviews, poetry sprinkled throughout, and some light literary terms (like figurative speech or types of sentences).
But again, don’t expect deep literary analysis, argument writing, or long compositions. This is more about skill exposure, not mastery.
How Faith Is Woven In: Biblical Integration in Level 6
One of the core features that sets Master Books apart is how deeply the Bible is woven into every subject they publish, and Language Lessons for a Living Education Level 6 is no exception.
But here’s the thing: it’s not just tacked on at the beginning or end of a lesson. The biblical worldview is baked into the content. You’ll find scripture memory built right into the grammar and daily assignments. That might be a huge win for you—or a dealbreaker—depending on your goals and worldview.
What This Actually Looks Like:
- Reading passages often come from Christian devotions, Bible stories, or moral lessons grounded in Scripture
- Writing prompts might ask students to reflect on biblical values, retell parables, or apply Christian character in real life
- Copywork and dictation are regularly pulled from Scripture or Christian writings
- Poetry and picture studies also lean into themes of God’s creation, beauty, and truth
- Even vocabulary and grammar practice use biblical examples or phrasing most of the time
So yes, it’s unapologetically Christian.
If you’re a Christian homeschooler looking to ground your language arts in Scripture while keeping things gentle, that’s probably one of the biggest selling points.
However, there is one important thing to note: Level 6 includes assignments connected to The 10 Minute Bible Journey, a separate resource by Master Books. This book is used as a core component throughout the curriculum, but it’s not included with LLFLE and must be purchased separately or as a set.
We personally didn’t receive a copy of The 10 Minute Bible Journey, so I can’t speak to how smoothly it pairs with the lessons. But from Master Books’ description, it’s a fast-paced, apologetics-based Bible overview filled with full-color images, “faith facts,” and a timeline that runs from Creation to modern day. It’s also available as an audiobook and ebook—useful if your child prefers listening or you’re short on shelf space.
If you choose to use LLFLE Level 6, I do recommend reviewing a sample of The 10 Minute Bible Journey first to see if it aligns with your family’s beliefs and learning style.
💡 Personal Note: In our homeschool, we tend to separate faith from academics. That said, I see how this kind of integration could work beautifully for families seeking to reinforce values through every subject, not just Bible class.
Everything in One Book
One thing I do love about this curriculum is how much is tucked into just one softcover book. You’re not juggling separate workbooks, guides, or printables, it’s all there: daily lessons, reference charts, answer keys, assessments, and even extras to extend the learning.
Note: You will The 10 Minute Bible Journey for a full set but everything else is in a single (pretty bulky) workbook (yes, the answer keys are included, too).
Let’s break down what’s included in the back of the book:
1. Book Lists & Independent Reading
There’s a two-page reading list that separates books into grades. Every title leans heavily into faith-based themes, Christian science, and apologetics (note these are ALL published by Master Books, there are NO classics included). If you’re a Christian family who wants to align language arts with biblical worldview reading, this list is curated just for that.
2. Templates and Activities
- A book report template and general report writing template, templates for reading lists and more.
- A “Create Your Own Dictionary” page with instructions
- Games and activities for reinforcing tricky grammar concepts (like contractions or tricky word pairs)
There’s even a map, a genres of the Bible guide, and additional Bible scholar prompts, which again, makes it pretty clear this isn’t just a secular language arts course with some Bible added on top. The integration is core to the design.
3. Grammar, Spelling, and Writing Help
- Spelling words for each lesson
- Spelling rules and exceptions
- A thorough set of grammar study sheets that explain:
- All 8 parts of speech
- Sentence structures
- Capitalization & punctuation
- Word usage (like homonyms, tricky verbs, contractions, etc.)
- Writing types (narrative, biography, paragraph writing, letter writing)
- Common language mistakes (truth vs. fiction, compound sentences, clauses, etc.)
Basically, if your child needs a reminder or if you want to reinforce a topic, you don’t need to hunt down outside resources. Flip to the back and you’ll likely find a clean review page.
For families who want everything in one place—simple, clear, and biblical—this is where Master Books really shines. Even if you’re skipping around or adapting the pacing, these back-of-the-book tools can carry a lot of the load.
Is LLFLE Similar to The Good and the Beautiful?
In some ways? Yes. But in the ways that really matter, they’re quite different.
Both LLFLE (Language Lessons for a Living Education) and TGATB (The Good and the Beautiful) are:
- Christian programs that integrate biblical worldview throughout
- All-in-one: grammar, writing, reading, and more bundled into one course
- Open-and-go with short, structured lessons
- Charlotte Mason–inspired with copywork, narration, and picture study elements
- Loved by parents looking for simplicity and values alignment
But here’s where the differences show up:
| Feature | Language Lessons for a Living Education (LLFLE ) | The Good and the Beautiful (TGATB) |
|---|---|---|
| Book Design / Visuals | Full color pages with colored headers, grammar charts, map and picture studies. | Full color pages, included art study. |
| Worldview / Tone | Solidly Christian, uses The 10‑Minute Bible Journey text and Scripture copywork throughout. Unapologetically faith-centered. | Christian perspective but broader denominational tone. |
| Instruction Style | Gentle, slow-paced, Charlotte Mason-like. Concepts introduced and practiced briefly; a spiral approach without heavy drilling. | Includes literature study, writing development, and language skills in integrated lessons. |
| Writing & Grammar | Light composition—short journaling, descriptive prompts. Grammar introduced weekly with occasional reviews. Good for confidence. | More structured guidance. |
| Reading & Literature | Short moral or biblical stories. Independent reading lists encouraged, but no novel studies included in the book itself. | Story-rich readers, literature units, and built-in lit terms. |
| Pacing / Challenge Level | Very gentle and predictable; lessons often take under 20 minutes. Best for steady but low-intensity learning. | More structure and depth but less pacing flexibility. |
| Cost / Format | One workbook (~$40), perforated pages, no extra teacher guide needed. Affordable and simple. | Free PDF option or printed set. Printed sets can be more expensive. |
I’ve seen many families switch between the two depending on the season they’re in. LLFLE is easier to “coast” with. TGATB takes more parental involvement.
✅ Quick Take
- For a simple, colorful, faith-centered language arts spine that’s easy to use and requires minimal parent prep, LLFLE delivers—especially at a budget-friendly price.
- For parents who want richer visuals, built-in literature, more writing, grammar and spelling instruction, TGATB tends to offer more structured support.
- Both are Christian, all-in-one, and open-and-go.
So… Who Is Language Lessons for a Living Education Really For?
I’ll be honest Language Lessons for a Living Education Level 6 isn’t going to check every box for every homeschooler. And it’s not trying to.
But if you’re a Christian family looking for a gentle homeschool language arts program that doesn’t overwhelm, this might be exactly what you need.
It works best for:
- Families juggling younger siblings, work, or just life—and who need LA to be done, simply
- Kids who shut down with heavy writing but still need steady practice with grammar and vocabulary
- Parents who want to gently introduce language arts without making it the center of the homeschool day
- Homeschoolers who value consistency, short lessons, and an integrated biblical worldview
But it’s probably not the right fit if:
- You’re looking for a rigorous program with academic writing, structured essay work, or literary analysis
- Your child is college-bound and needs to build argument writing or research skills early
- You prefer secular or worldview-neutral materials
- Your child thrives on depth and discussion around full-length literature or rich writing prompts
Honestly? It’s okay if this isn’t the one. It wasn’t the one for us either. But I do think it’s exactly what many overwhelmed Christian families are looking for.
The Highlights and Limitations (A Quick Glance)
Here’s what stands out in a good way:
- Short, predictable lessons (around 15–20 minutes)
- All-in-one: grammar, writing, reading, picture study, spelling, vocab
- Beautifully updated full-color layout
- Open-and-go with no extra guides, no extra planning
- Clear biblical integration, without needing to “add faith in” later
- Affordable and simple to use
- Perfect for families with multiple kids
And here’s where it might fall short:
- Writing instruction is minimal, there’s no real essay structure or formal guidance
- Light grammar which is great for exposure, but not mastery
- No novel studies or literature units (you’ll have to add those yourself)
- The suggested literature is only published in-house, there are no classics added.
- May feel too easy for advanced learners or gifted kids who need a challenge
Do you want to see more? Watch my YouTube video:
Final Thoughts: Will It Work for Your Homeschool?
For us, Language Lessons for a Living Education wasn’t a good match. We needed something more faith-neutral, with stronger writing scaffolding, more repetition in certain areas, and a bit more flexibility in others. Marc’s asynchronous needs meant that no one-size-fits-all program could keep pace with both his strengths and his challenges.
But that doesn’t mean LLFLE isn’t a wonderful fit for someone else.
If your child thrives with light structure, if you’re short on time and just need something that gets done without a lot of planning, or if you want language arts that brings faith into learning gently and consistently then this might be your sweet spot.
At the end of the day, it’s not about chasing the most rigorous curriculum. It’s about choosing what truly fits your child right now, in this season.
And for many Christian homeschoolers, that kind of peace and simplicity is exactly what’s needed. It might not be the most rigorous homeschool curriculum, but for many families, that’s not the goal.
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