May. 13, 2009 - Product Review -- Christian Studies II by Memoria Press
Product Review
Christian Studies
by Cheryl and Leigh Lowe
Published by Memoria Press
What is it? Christian Studies II is a fairly in-depth Bible study for elementary students, designed to start in approximately third grade. The study material is based on The Golden Children's Bible. Each week, students complete five lessons designed to take 15-20 minutes each. On the first day, students read the selected reading for the week and discuss it with Mom or Dad if desired. The second day, students study and drill the Facts to Know section which includes information about people, places and things mentioned in the story. Essentially, these are vocabulary words and can be used as spelling words if desired. The next section is a weekly memory verse and a few questions to go with the verse covered on the third day, although it is recommended that you start learning the memory verse on day one. The fourth day the student answers several comprehension questions. Finally, on the last day students complete any mapwork, a picture review with their teacher (going through the pictures in the Bible and answering questions about each one...), completing any research projects and reciting any memory work required. Each level includes approximately 25 lessons plus five comprehensive review lessons and covers approximately 1/3 of the Bible. Maps, Timelines, and Tests are included.
What I like: Christian Studies as a series offers an in-depth study of the Bible which can be done independently for the most part. I personally never touched the teacher's guide last year in level one, however in looking it over for this review I can see the benefit of using the picture review each week and the extra suggested readings included which connect the day's reading with other related passages of Scripture. I'm really excited about the volumes of information my children are learning and memorizing as they use Christian Studies.
What I don't like: At times I am frustrated with Golden Children's Bible and prefer to use the actual text of a Bible. However, reading Joshua 1-6 in the Golden Children's Bible is much more attainable for my 10 year old then actually reading the full text of Joshua 1-6 from her Bible. Overall, it is a really good story Bible.
My Bottom Line: This is my preferred Bible curriculum for the upper grades.
The bottom line is; We try not to insist on parent-led learning or gravitate toward child-led learning. We try instead to focus on God-led learning and ask for His input and perspective on every aspect of our home school. That way, when others fuss about what Dan and I are doing and make me second guess our decisions -- I can go back to our decision process and find God's fingerprints, reminding me that this is His way.
