Up to this point we have been doing a simple devotion each day, using a scripture memory box, and choosing our own Bible readings. We also read Bible stories, attend Sunday School.... essentially our faith is part of our lives. I was so excited to get this book through The Homeschool Village, because I am wanting my children (especially my nine year old daughter) to dig DEEPER into God's word and understand what it means for her life. I also desire for her to be able to defend her faith in any given situation.
First, a description of the book:
- Ten lessons ~ the publisher recommends taking two weeks to complete a lesson.
- Where Am I Building My Life?
- How Can I Know What's True?
- What is God Like? (Part I)
- What is God Like? (Part II)
- Who are the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit?
- If God Created the World, Why Isn't it Perfect?
- Why Did God Create Me?
- Will God Meet All My Needs?
- Why Does Sin Keep Me From Knowing God?
- Is Jesus the Only Way to God?
- Each lesson is divided into several parts - for example, The Big Idea, What You Will Do, Short Story, Think About It (journaling), Words You Need to Know, Hide It in Your Heart (copying Bible verses in a journal), Integrated Learning, What Should I Do?, Prayer, Worldview Study, and House of Truth.
- The book is written directly to the student, so it could be completed independently (we chose to work on it as a family)
- The textbook is recommended for use by ages 6-14.
- Is the first in a series of four books - all by Apologia Press.
What we thought of the book:
Apologia has written this book for quite a broad age range (6-14). My children are 6 and 9. My six year old was not very interested in the material, but it was perfect for my 9 year old. She liked the real life examples and the opportunities for journaling. I would let her go to a quiet place in the house with her Bible and the journaling assignment, which worked well. I would not recommend the book for younger children. If you have younger children who will be listening with their siblings, the material is appropriate for them, but their attention span obviously won't be as long.
There are many places for discussion, which really seemed to interest my daughter. Throughout the book there are also recipes, real life examples, and opportunities for learning in other subject areas (history, science, etc...). I believe she will benefit from this study and gain an understanding of HER place in God's world, and why God's word is the only truth for her life.
This book is definitely NOT an elementary Bible study. It explores a Biblical worldview of God and Truth, which may be quite tough for younger children to grasp. We are still teaching the foundations of our faith (which is Lutheran) to my six year old. This is an ongoing process, and I don't feel he is ready to tackle some of these larger issues that the book presents. My daughter, on the other hand, is in the logic phase of her development and is ready to tackle these difficult questions.
For example: Chapter Two in the Book explores "What is Truth?". We had a particularly good discussion about Charles Darwin (who the chapter highlighted) and why we cannot believe his theory of evolution. To me, this seems to be one of the biggest issues we face as adult Christians, and I loved the way it was presented to children in this book. I have to give a huge THANK YOU to Apologia for helping me explain this to my children in such a seemingly simple way. At the age of 9 or 10 I believe children are ready to tackle these tough questions and they need to hear from us what the truth is, not from some other source that may or may not share our beliefs.
As always, I believe it is essential to preview the material before I present it to my children, so I read the chapters/assignments first. I have noticed a few small things that might not align exactly with the teachings of the Lutheran church , but we can talk about them and learn from that, too.
If you have an older child who wants to learn more about God and their relationship with Him, and also about their place in the world as a Christian, I would recommend this as an integral part of your Bible studies.
*Please note that I have been provided a complimentary copy of this resource by The Homeschool Village specifically for review purposes. If you visit The Homeschool Village you can also read others' thoughts about this same book. You can also WIN A COPY OF THE BOOK!
