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Oh, history! If you’ve been to my blog much you know I love history and all because of homeschooling. When my oldest was heading into 7th grade I asked him what he’d like to change and what he’d like to study in our homeschool. He answered that we weren’t doing enough history. That’s when I finally dove into the world of unit studies and historical fiction! I was a bit overwhelmed with chronology, curriculum and timelines with their figures, but one company specializing in history that I’ve known about for years is Home School in the Woods. Home School in the Woods, Amy Pak and History Through the Ages are one-in-the-same when it comes to these products. This is a Homeschooling family who wants to teach and share and just happens to have a business, too.
We received the New Testament Hands-On History Activity-Pak, and this is the most beautiful Lap Book I’ve seen. The artwork is realistic and “artsy,” not cutesy. There are 15 activities for the Lap Book, including NKJV scripture, then two separate activities. First is “The New Testament News” where a Bible happening is the headline and the kids create the article. Second, the project more appropriate for all ages at our house, is “The Armor of God” poster. This is a 5 page print-out, with the end product being an 11x17 poster. The poster has a soldier’s body, blank face, the Ephesians scripture, and a pocket. The children color and cut out the pieces of armor with their corresponding word; the pieces are stored in the pocket at night, but each morning they can put the armor on their soldier. The idea of the blank face? We can put a picture of our child’s face there! I know there are a lot of great free resources available, but I haven’t seen this quality of information and art! They also have an "Artists" art history pak, and for an $18.95 download or $19.95 for a CD, I’ve added the Old Testament Activity-Pak to our wishlist for next year!
The History Through the Ages timeline figures are just as true-to-life and detailed. I remember trying to locate freebie figures, and it was a wasted cause. It took so much time, then I couldn’t get them printed off in a similar size to fit our timeline, not to mention that the art styles didn’t go together, and I often couldn’t find black & white pictures. I’m exhausted just remembering it! I think $19.95 for over 250 quality figures is a great deal. And to let you know why I never bought these before: my eldest practically hates to color, and he was happy to just write the names on our timeline ;-) I knew someday I’d be able to get them with the littles, which is soon approaching! You can also print out a few samples at their website. Of course, all products are reproducible within your family! They also have Time Traveler History Studies Series, with their newest addition being the Civil War, but I think I’ll spare you the details, and you can just check those out at their website!
If you’d like to find out the motivation behind creating these great products then “Meet the Pak Family” and make sure you scroll all the way down, past Amy’s solo picture to get the full story. From Amy’s view of history growing up to their home page explanation of helping kids (and parents) get “the big picture” with history, I can relate! I am not artistically gifted or planning on publishing my own history curriculum, but I’m so glad that Amy is and did!
Are you interested in the New Testament Activity-Pak? Go to Homeschooling Hearts & Minds to enter to win your own!
Be blessed, Danielle
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