mommy5 Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 Does anyone here use an actual curriculum for teaching Bible? Up until now, I've been reading the Bible to my 7 yr old ...I use the Children's Story Bible. I love how it is written so that kids can understand it ... but it still tells what is written. However, I'm wondering if there is anything I can add to teach either - Biblical Truth/Moral Truths, Scripture Memory Verses (we've never done that), Historical/Geographical Curriculum that studies Israel. Those are things I'm tempted to add to our reading. We read from Gen through Numbers last year and we've picked up with Joshua and are planning on finishing out the Old Testament this school year. We will start the New Testament in Third Grade, most likely, unless we find something else that teaches it differently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sncstraub Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 We use God's Great Covenant from Classical Academic Press, and we love it! It is definitely written from a Reformed Protestant perspective, so be aware of that. We used OT-1 last year and are using OT-2 this year. I'm looking forward to the NT-1 next year. I really can't say enough good things about it - it's just fantastic. It includes memory verses each week, a memory page with other main points that are to be remembered, a story to read about a particular event/person/time, several worksheets and a quiz and crossword page. There are geography resources available as well, and you can also get the audio tracks of the stories if you purchase the bundle. I used it with my 2nd grader (last year) and 3rd grader and K-er this year. The K-er doesn't do anything but listen to the story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3peasinapod Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 I'm thinking of using Foundations Bible Curriculum next year. We used Telling God's Story this year, but abandoned the activity guide, as we didn't have time for it all. We need more meat throughout the whole week. I'm thinking of Foundations for most of the week and using Telling God's Story teacher's guide only 1 day a week. Foundations focuses on how to study the Bible and it's chronological. It seems to have a lot of mapping, memory work, journalling, defining words. You can see the first 4 weeks at the above link. I'm not sure if I'll go with it or not, but it looks pretty good. It utilizes Calvary Chapel's coloring pages, puzzles, and discussion questions. The other option I may go for is Kay Arthur's kids series, but I'm not sure if my middle girl will be ready for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3peasinapod Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 We use God's Great Covenant from Classical Academic Press, and we love it! It is definitely written from a Reformed Protestant perspective, so be aware of that. We used OT-1 last year and are using OT-2 this year. I'm looking forward to the NT-1 next year. I really can't say enough good things about it - it's just fantastic. It includes memory verses each week, a memory page with other main points that are to be remembered, a story to read about a particular event/person/time, several worksheets and a quiz and crossword page. There are geography resources available as well, and you can also get the audio tracks of the stories if you purchase the bundle. I used it with my 2nd grader (last year) and 3rd grader and K-er this year. The K-er doesn't do anything but listen to the story. This looks interesting. What is Reformed Protestant? :blush: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wehave8 Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 Maybe look at Bible Study Guide For All Ages. http://biblestudyguide.com/enter.htm We really love it. Every time I even mention trying something else my dss protest! Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 Maybe look at Bible Study Guide For All Ages.http://biblestudyguide.com/enter.htm We just got ours in the mail this past week. DD previewed all the items, as I was checking it over and putting away for next year. She begged and begged to go ahead and begin! :thumbup: And as we're only doing some kiddie devos, I say "Ummmm....YES!" (Can't turn down a kiddo who's begging for Bible!!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homemama2 Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 Maybe look at Bible Study Guide For All Ages.http://biblestudyguide.com/enter.htm How important are the student pages? It looks like you have to buy 4 sets (per child!) for the year if you do one book in a year. Is that right? So for my two kids, the worksheets for one year are about $46? (and that is not for the teacher's guide...so it would be more than that). That seems really high for worksheets.....:001_unsure: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abrightmom Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 (edited) We use God's Great Covenant from Classical Academic Press, and we love it! It is definitely written from a Reformed Protestant perspective, so be aware of that. We used OT-1 last year and are using OT-2 this year. I'm looking forward to the NT-1 next year. I really can't say enough good things about it - it's just fantastic. It includes memory verses each week, a memory page with other main points that are to be remembered, a story to read about a particular event/person/time, several worksheets and a quiz and crossword page. There are geography resources available as well, and you can also get the audio tracks of the stories if you purchase the bundle. I used it with my 2nd grader (last year) and 3rd grader and K-er this year. The K-er doesn't do anything but listen to the story. This is precisely what I want to study with my boys..... Will you elaborate on how your children are handling the written work and how much you spend in preparation (the teacher's notes are wonderful) and actual study with the kiddos? Also, what do you consider the ideal age range for this study? Taking four years with it puts my oldest finishing it up in 8th grade..... :001_smile: To the OP: Memoria Press has a Christian Studies program that does not appear to teach doctrine but Bible (stories, facts, places, verses). I think it looks good. They use the Golden Children's Bible which is a children's version of the KJV. I have no personal experience with this program but wanted to put in your radar so you could research it. Veritas Press also studies through the Bible chronologically. They emphasize facts and Bible knowledge as a foundation for deeper study when the child is in logic stage. They do not schedule memory work but that is certainly something you can choose to do based upon what you are studying. I like to emphasize key verses (i.e. Romans 3:23) as well as longer passages (i.e. Psalm 1). I am horribly inconsistent with this and working on developing a better plan so that I'm consistent with my children in Scripture memory. Edited March 13, 2012 by abrightmom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle My Bell Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 Check out Training Hearts Teaching Minds by Starr Meade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXMary2 Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 We've been using Apologia's "Who Am I?" curriculum - the text, cd and notebooking journal. We don't do all the notebooking things becuase it is just too time consuming. We are are going to do God's Great Covenant next and I am really excited about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelli Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 How important are the student pages? It looks like you have to buy 4 sets (per child!) for the year if you do one book in a year. Is that right? So for my two kids, the worksheets for one year are about $46? (and that is not for the teacher's guide...so it would be more than that). That seems really high for worksheets.....:001_unsure: You don't need the TM. All of the review, mapwork, and timeline are on the student sheets. To do the program in its most basic form you would just need the student sheets and a Bible. I held off a long time buying it because I thought the cost was too high. Then I realized that I wouldn't flinch at spending $100 for math for the year, but I was balking at a Bible curriculum, which is way more important, IMO. Not trying to talk you into it, just relating my journey. What keeps me coming back every year is how much my kids LOVE it and how much they learn. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rubix Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 We use the Explorer's bible study series and really like it. Each week is broken into 5 lessons, and has a page of review questions. We're doing the Beginnings I level now, God's promises. It covers the Old Testament. There are a variety of levels and topics, and it is an inexpensive program. To make the book useable for more children, we don't write the answers in the book. We write them on notebook paper instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillehei Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 How important are the student pages? It looks like you have to buy 4 sets (per child!) for the year if you do one book in a year. Is that right? So for my two kids, the worksheets for one year are about $46? (and that is not for the teacher's guide...so it would be more than that). That seems really high for worksheets.....:001_unsure: I was wondering the same thing. That seems really spendy but I like the format. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warneral Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 Leading Little Ones to God has 83 (or so lessons) and is a great resource. Each one has an explanation about who God is, a bible story that you can read from your bible, memory verses and hymns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PookieMama Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 We use God's Great Covenant from Classical Academic Press, and we love it! It is definitely written from a Reformed Protestant perspective, so be aware of that. We used OT-1 last year and are using OT-2 this year. I'm looking forward to the NT-1 next year. I really can't say enough good things about it - it's just fantastic. It includes memory verses each week, a memory page with other main points that are to be remembered, a story to read about a particular event/person/time, several worksheets and a quiz and crossword page. There are geography resources available as well, and you can also get the audio tracks of the stories if you purchase the bundle. I used it with my 2nd grader (last year) and 3rd grader and K-er this year. The K-er doesn't do anything but listen to the story. :iagree: We are using GGC OT 1 this year and love it, too! I have a review and thorough explanation of how we use it on my blog. http://dougcarla.wordpress.com/2012/02/26/gods-great-covenant-ot-1-review/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ByGrace3 Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 We LOVE BSGFAA. My kids love it, so easy to use, and they are learning SO much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irishmommy Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 I use Bible Study for All Ages and I do not use the teacher's guide either. All the info is already on the page. I did order the cd and we love that. But, I would totally buy BSFAA again in a heart beat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilacii Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 We really like BJU Bible curriculum. Although we do not use their other materials, we really appreciate the depth of material covered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joysworld Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 We are going to use Draw to Learn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homemama2 Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 I held off a long time buying it because I thought the cost was too high. Then I realized that I wouldn't flinch at spending $100 for math for the year, but I was balking at a Bible curriculum, which is way more important, IMO. Not trying to talk you into it, just relating my journey :D That is very true! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 I used Voyages from Concordia Publishing House and loved it. It has everything you said and applications and prayer prompts as well. You need the student book, the memory book, a Bible, and a hymnal. The TE is nice but not necessary. I found that having a self-study Bible was also very helpful when I was teaching this--I used the Concordia NIV Self-Study Bible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommy5 Posted March 14, 2012 Author Share Posted March 14, 2012 You are all great! Thank you for the suggestions ... I'm looking into the suggestions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom31257 Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 I love Positive Action for Christ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrissiK Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 We use God's Great Covenant from Classical Academic Press, and we love it! It is definitely written from a Reformed Protestant perspective, so be aware of that. We used OT-1 last year and are using OT-2 this year. I'm looking forward to the NT-1 next year. I really can't say enough good things about it - it's just fantastic. It includes memory verses each week, a memory page with other main points that are to be remembered, a story to read about a particular event/person/time, several worksheets and a quiz and crossword page. There are geography resources available as well, and you can also get the audio tracks of the stories if you purchase the bundle. I used it with my 2nd grader (last year) and 3rd grader and K-er this year. The K-er doesn't do anything but listen to the story. We just found this and really really like it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunter Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 I love Bible curricula. I have lots of them and use them all. I like to teach Bible unit studies. ULBUSA Ultimate Living Book Unit Study Adventure is new and very affordable. It is similar to SOW, but waaaaaaaay cheaper! http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?products_id=68541 Bedell is interesting too. http://www.bedellcurriculum.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sncstraub Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 Sorry, I'm a little slow getting back to this thread... This looks interesting. What is Reformed Protestant? :blush: I expect you are familiar with Protestant vs. Catholic, but by Reformed Protestant, I just mean that the author/publisher holds to the Doctrines of Grace...sometimes called Calvinism...also sometimes referred to as Covenant Theology. This is precisely what I want to study with my boys..... Will you elaborate on how your children are handling the written work and how much you spend in preparation (the teacher's notes are wonderful) and actual study with the kiddos? Also, what do you consider the ideal age range for this study? Taking four years with it puts my oldest finishing it up in 8th grade..... :001_smile: I haven't done a lot in preparation recently, although at first I did take the time to read through the teacher's notes for the chapter on Sunday afternoon. That was beneficial. Now I mostly skim thru the notes while ds8 is reading the story aloud (we take turns reading) or as we go through the Memory Page. We usually spend Monday reading thru the Memory Page and sometimes the story as well. Tuesday we sometimes read the story again...or we look up that week's topic in the Victor Journey Through the Bible...or we move onto the worksheets. We usually do both worksheets and either the quiz or the crossword puzzle, depending on the week. Normally we school 5 days a week, but often we'll only do Bible 4 days. Ds8 does all of the writing now. Last year in 2nd grade, I did a bit of scribing for him. Ds6 (K-er) only listens to the memory page and story time but doesn't do any questions. This is definitely not independent work for a grammar student. The more effort I put into it, the more we all learn. :iagree: We are using GGC OT 1 this year and love it, too! I have a review and thorough explanation of how we use it on my blog. http://dougcarla.wordpress.com/2012/02/26/gods-great-covenant-ot-1-review/ Great review! The audio files are great; I should make better use of those. I completely agree with you on the chronological approach to studying the Bible, and I also love how GGC points to Jesus from the very beginning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommy5 Posted March 18, 2012 Author Share Posted March 18, 2012 Thank you so much for all the suggestions and reviews ... With my family dynamic and how we started out (going through the OT) I think I'm leaning toward God's Great Covenant ... although, I'm looking at CLE as well (since we already use CLE for 2 subjects). I liked the looks of Memoria but we don't typically use a King James Bible and I'm not sure how well we would do with the memory work. This will be used primarily with my 2nd grader. I also would like to incorporate a more "devotional" style curriculum that we could do as a family. I like the looks of the Apologia but I'm wondering if our kids are too young? Also, I like the appearance of BSGFAA but since we are already going through the OT, I sort of want to continue (and DS does, too... he told me he would like to learn even more and do some mapwork...). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Classically Minded Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 We use Memoria Press Christian Studies, which are a great overview of the Bible in chronological order. They are for 3rd-7th grades, but we used the first book in K by doing it orally. We are getting ready to do it again, but this time my dd8 will be doing the workbook and maps, etc. You can see the table of contents and samples on their website: http://www.memoriapress.com/descriptions/ChristianStudies.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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