Well Educated Heart

The Well-Educated Heart (WEH) has cultivated a devoted following among families seeking a literature-rich, heart-centered approach to education. This philosophy-driven resource, created by Marlene Peterson, offers a story-based rotation curriculum that integrates history, literature, science, and the arts.

Transformative Learning Experiences

Many parents report that implementing WEH has fundamentally changed their approach to home education, creating a more joyful and meaningful experience for the entire family:

"These stories open the pathway into your heart and your children's heart. I have found greater joy and peace as we have adopted the WEH philosophy into our home. This philosophy has changed our family and our family culture for the better." Homeschool parent via Uplifting Mayhem

"If there has been one approach that has changed the way we homeschool, it is the Well-Educated Heart... For me and my family, it has proven to do so much more." Homeschool parent via Uplifting Mayhem

The emphasis on heart education through beautiful literature, art, and music resonates with parents seeking an alternative to textbook-driven learning:

"It has filled my heart and has changed my approach to teaching." Homeschool mother

Abundance of Free Resources

The exceptional value of WEH's extensive free library is frequently highlighted by families, particularly those on tight budgets:

"The Well Educated Heart is an abundance of resources, ideas, and books." Hello Harris Homeschool blog

Parents appreciate that they can access a comprehensive curriculum without significant financial investment:

"You could homeschool with just this FREE website and a math program." Love is Homegrown blog

Implementation Challenges

While enthusiasm for the philosophy runs high, parents candidly share the difficulties they've encountered in implementing WEH:

"All of the information and resources can be a bit overwhelming." Things I've Learned So Far blog

The open-ended nature of the program requires significant parent involvement and planning, which can be challenging for busy families:

"I am still feeling a tad behind in planning." Mid-year update from homeschooling parent

Some parents find that the approach doesn't work equally well for all children, particularly those who prefer more structure:

"It simply did not work for my second grader because the lessons and independent work took too long and he needs a lot less fluff." Homeschool parent on child's experience

Faith and Values Considerations

Parents note that WEH has a Christian foundation that influences its content selection and philosophy:

"When the Well-Educated Heart, while drawing on several influences, stands on its own, Marlene Peterson's beliefs are front and center." Letters from Nebby blog

While many Christian families appreciate this perspective, parents from different faith traditions or secular backgrounds sometimes adjust the content to align with their own values.

Who Thrives with Well-Educated Heart?

Based on parent feedback, WEH seems particularly well-suited for:

• Families drawn to literature-based learning approaches
• Parents who value character formation alongside academic knowledge
• Children who enjoy stories, art, music, and hands-on exploration
• Homeschoolers seeking flexibility and freedom from rigid schedules
• Parents who want to grow alongside their children in a learning community
• Families comfortable with content influenced by Christian perspectives
• Those operating on limited budgets who appreciate free, quality resources

WEH may be more challenging for:

• Parents with limited time for planning and preparation
• Families who prefer highly structured, scripted curriculum
• Children who thrive with workbooks and clear, concise lessons
• Those seeking a purely secular approach to education
• Parents who want their children to work independently

Implementation Tips from Experienced Families

Parents who have successfully implemented WEH share these practical suggestions:

• Begin with the free "Catch the Vision" introductory course to understand the philosophy
• Start small rather than trying to implement everything at once
• Use the monthly rotation as a guide, not a rigid schedule
• Join the supportive online community for ideas and encouragement
• Consider supplementing with more structured resources for subjects like math
• Adapt the reading selections and schedule to match your children's attention spans
• Remember that the parent's own education and enthusiasm are essential to the approach

The Bottom Line

Well-Educated Heart offers a distinctive approach that emphasizes nurturing children's hearts through beautiful stories, art, and music before focusing on academic facts and skills. For families aligned with its philosophy, WEH provides an abundance of free, high-quality resources that can transform home education into a joyful, enriching experience.

However, the program requires a significant investment of parental time and energy to implement effectively. Parents must be willing to curate materials, read extensively with their children, and embrace a less structured approach to learning.

As one mother summarized her experience:

"Your days can be filled with beauty and goodness. Rich literature, foundational principles, fine art, wholesome music, powerful stories, and great men and women of history stand ready to teach you of important truths." Homeschool parent via Uplifting Mayhem