Ancient Civilizations and the Bible: From Creation to Christ A Biblical World History Curriculum, Volume One Teacher's Guide

The scope of this curriculum includes nine units beginning with creation and ending with Jesus. The structure of each unit is four weeks long: week one-ntroduction; week two-exploration and discovery; week three-hands-on activities; and week four-expression.

Each chapter of the guide includes

Suggested weekly schedule
Suggested evaluations
Key concepts explained
From academics to application
Scripture study
Process and review
Eight intelligences activities
Class discussion suggestions
Timeline considerations
Options for research and reporting
Vocabulary games
Geography helps
Art and architecture ideas
Art project suggestions
Science experiment helps
Music ideas
Helps for creative expression

Mrs. Waring has considered perceptual modes, learning styles, and intelligence types when writing this curriculum. These history studies include other disciplines and real projects.

The introductory section, devoted to helping you learn how to use this new resource, is written in an easy-to-read manner with clear instructions and diagrams.

Busy moms can easily get on board as suggested schedules have already been mapped out for you. However, the more independently minded mom can simply vary this to make it work for your learners. Goals for the teacher and student are sketched out in detail.

This product is designed with homeschool and classroom teachers in mind; therefore, it is designed to meet the needs of both. Due to this fact, I could see this curriculum easily adapted for use with co-ops.

The teacher's edition has a snapshot of the student study guide. It also has various attention-getting icons used to bullet different types of ideas.

Ancient Civilizations and the Bible: From Creation to Christ A Biblical World History Curriculum, Volume One Student Study Guide

Each chapter of the student workbook includes

8-10 page article
Discussion questions
Research and reporting
Timeline
Vocabulary
Outline maps
Art and architecture
Music
Science experiments
Recipes
Journalism
Poetry
Drama
Pantomime
Sculpting
Graphic design

The text is black and white with the pages arranged to assist in memorizing and learning essential information. Also key concepts, key people and key dates are highlighted.

This study guide is much more than a workbook. It has the learner actively engaged in the learning process. For instance, the expression (fourth phase) of learning has so many possibilities for the learner to explore:

Linguistics: Journalism, prose, poetry, wordplay
Art: painting/drawing, graphic design, sculpting, cartooning
Music: compose, practice performance
Drama: comedy, tragedy, reality, reader's theater, puppetry
Movement: pantomime, dance, action
Conceptual design

The pictures are appropriately incorporated into the chapters. I do wish the pictures were in color; however, the price would probably have to reflect that luxury. You can simply look them up in other reference books or the Internet to see a color photo.

Ancient Civilizations and the Bible: From Creation to Christ Elementary Activity Book

The self-described "light-hearted approach" to learning history can allow young children to glance over the past.

This study guide will enable families to study together while keeping learning at each child's' level. The sequences are designed the same as the Ancient Civilization and the Bible study guide. However, the scope of the activities is geared toward a younger audience. Some of the activities included at this level are

Historical pictures to color
Bible stories to read and discuss
Fascinating folks
Exciting events
Annotated books for children
Maps
Mazes
Crafts
Science experiments
Recipes
Crossword puzzles and word scrambles
Coded messages and word searches
Silly songs and rhymes
Goofy games
Drama

The idea of having your whole family learning the same topic but at their individual levels has always appealed to me. This product allows for extended family time much like a unit study would. Moreover, this book could even be used to supplement other history lessons you currently have in place.

Overall, this History Alive! grouping is going to enable a parent to learn and teach history in a pleasurable, engaging manner. To quote Mrs. Waring, it will "spark your students? discovery and exploration of the amazing history of ancient times." As a parent looking to study history, I would investigate this curriculum due to its diligent forethought, extensive scope, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness.

-- Product review by Stephanie D. Scarborough, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, November 2005