Product Description
Study Biblical and ancient history together as a family!
Help your students see how Bible events fit into history! This handbook, first in our popular Family Study Handbook series, walks you through the accounts of Adam to Moses, including a study of Ancient Egypt so students will get a picture of the world Joseph and Moses lived in. It details Scripture passages, living books, Book of Centuries entries, narration ideas, geography ideas, additional assignments for older students, and optional hands-on activities to help you save time and foster learning for all your students.
- Saves Time—Combines all students, grades 1–12, in a family study.
- Charlotte Mason in Its Approach—Incorporates Bible study, living books, narration, Book of Centuries, and geography.
- Biblical Emphasis—Covers the events of Genesis through Deuteronomy and approaches Ancient Egypt from a Biblical worldview.
- Comprehensive—Provides additional assignments for older students, including Book of Centuries entries, written narration ideas, and extra independent reading.
- Fun—Gives several optional hands-on activities that you can do all together or with only some of your students.
- Recommended—Listed as a suggested resource in the SCM Curriculum Guide. Gives the detailed lesson plans for History/Geography/Bible Module 1 and shows how all the books fit together for all the grades.
- Complete—Details lesson plans for a full year of history, Bible, and geography studies.
- Helpful—Includes handy tips and reminders of upcoming resources so you have time to collect them.
Please Note: This edition of the handbook uses the Oxford First Ancient History book in several of its lessons. That book has recently gone out of print. You can easily substitute Ancient Egypt and Her Neighbors in its place. (See the Links and Tips tab above for details.) We are in the process of revising this handbook for those who cannot get or do not want to use the Oxford book. The new edition will incorporate Ancient Egypt and Her Neighbors, feature new geography lessons, and include other suggestions from our readers. We hope to have the new edition available before fall 2013, and you can see a list of the resources we will be recommending for that revision. We will continue to make this current edition available as an e-book even after the new edition is published, so you will be able to use whichever set of lesson plans works best for your family.
Additional Resources
The Genesis through Deuteronomy & Ancient Egypt study recommends these SCM resources:
- Ancient Egypt and Her Neighbors is the alternate Family read-aloud that can easily replace the now out-of-print Oxford First Ancient History listed in the lesson plans
- Boy of the Pyramids (grades 1–3)
- Letters from Egypt (grades 3–12)
- Jashub’s Journal: An Old Testament Law Story and Bible Study (grades 7–12)
- Discovering Doctrine: A Personal Bible Study (grades 7–12)
Meagan – :
Are you planning on making these books for the rest of the modules? I hope so!!
Sonya – :
Yes, we are planning to write the family study handbooks for all six modules. Joshua through Malachi & Ancient Greece is available now. Matthew through Acts & Ancient Rome is scheduled to be done spring 2009. The plan is to continue to release one each year.
Sheri – :
Can you use these books for a high school student so as to complete credits?
Sonya – :
The family study handbooks do include suggestions for grades 1-12; however, they are simply suggestions. We can’t guarantee that they will comply with any legal or academic requirements you must meet.
kellie – :
Does this study include scripture memory suggestions?
Thanks!
Sonya – :
No, the book doesn’t include Scripture memory suggestions. You can find many suggestions in the Scripture memory section of the curriculum guide here on the site.
Julie McIntyre – :
I just wondered what version of the bible is used in SCM literature for home school?
Sonya – :
The family study handbooks for history/Bible/geography simply give the Scripture references for you to read from your own Bible. You may use whatever version you prefer.
Kysha – :
I was curious about the hands on activities because although they are listed in the description, I didn’t find any listed in the sample. Could you elaborate or give an example of the hands on activities and how they are utilized in the book? Are they scattered throughout? Is there an activity with each lesson? etc.
Thank you
Sonya – :
The optional hands-on activities are scattered throughout the year, at the end of each Term. They include things like making a salt dough map of Egypt, making a shaduf model, making a pharaoh mask. You can find information about those types of activities on the Links, Updates, and Tips page for this book.
Deanna – :
Is there a preference by others who have purchased this to buy the e-book vs. printed book? Also, should I be using all the books for each module that are specified for each particular grade or are these choices to read from?
Thanks, Deanna
Sonya – :
The suggested books listed in the modules are designed to all be read. Some may be marked with specific chapters; others may be marked “optional.” So keep an eye out for those.
As far as e-book v. printed book: here is a discussion on the SCM forum about Ebooks or not that might give you some ideas. Feel free to post your question on the forum too.
Bridget – :
We are transitioning to a Charlotte Mason-style education this fall, and I am curious to know if children must or should study history chronologically from the beginning. I will be combining lessons for a seven- and a ten-year-old (and possibly, a fourteen-year-old), with three- and one-and-one-half-year-olds listening in. My ten-year-old has a passion for Medieval and Renaissance history, and I know her strong preference would be to start there. All of the children have had some exposure to early history already. Any thoughts?
Sonya – :
Chronologically is best, yes, but where to start in the cycle depends on what the children have already studied. If they have already studied the Ancient Times then feel free to jump in at the Middle Ages.
That might work well for your 10yo, actually. She would be able to do Middle Ages/Renaissance this year, Early Modern next year, and Modern the year after that; leaving her six years to start over from the beginning and finish the whole cycle again by 12th grade if you want to.
rebecca – :
We’re transitioning to full CM this fall too.
I am wondering if/whether Story of the World could be used in addition or in place of some of the resources….(we already have it
)
Sonya – :
I would think you could add Story of the World quite easily, Rebecca. In fact, I seem to recall someone on our SCM Forum saying that she planned to do that very thing.
Bridget – :
Thank you for your answer to my previous question. I am still pondering where to start, but have, meanwhile, purchased the Genesis through Deuteronomy family study handbook (which looks excellent!). I am wondering if you have an idea, or have heard ideas from others about how much high school credit and in which disciplines might be awarded for completion of this study.
Sonya – :
I would think it would contribute toward World History, Geography (or is it called Social Studies now?), and Bible.
How much credit is awarded depends on how much time is spent and how well the material is grasped, plus what the requirements are for you locally. So I’m afraid I can’t give you a good idea in that respect.
Shannon C – :
Does this guide offer other suggestions for OOP books? Some of the books for 1-2 grade in this module are going to be hard to come by for us so I don’t want to spend money on this schedule if I can’t actually use it.
Sonya – :
I used the books that were available to me. If a book is not available to you, please feel free to substitute another living book in its place. The handbook does not give alternate suggestions, but our CM Bookfinder should be helpful if you need to search for other titles.
Update February 2010: The out-of-print books have been replaced in this new Second Edition of the handbook.
mcm – :
do you recommend this for a 1st grader? Also, is there a book of hands-on activities and such to go with this study?
Sonya – :
Yes, this study gives suggested lesson plans for all the grades, 1-12. The optional hands-on activities are given in the lessons. They include things like making a salt dough map of Egypt, making a shaduf model, making a pharaoh mask. You can find information about those types of activities on the Links, Updates, and Tips page for this book.
Adriana Watt – :
I purchased this product and Boy of the Pyramids for my Year 1 student. Are all the supplementary books mandatory? All the other books are at my library except the True story of Noah’s Ark. I assume this book is worth purchasing or it would not be included but you suggested in a previous response that you can use alternates. Help please.
Thanks
Adriana
Sonya – :
Please feel free to substitute books that are available to you, yes. The resources listed are our suggestions, but we encourage you to customize for your situation and family. Thanks for asking, Adriana.
Karleen Mauldin – :
QUESTION!
My oldest son begins 9th grade this fall. I’d like him to get a complete Creation to Modern Times history in those 4 years. (I also will have an 8th grade son (who doesn’t like to read) and a 1st grade son tagging along on this History study.)
Do you have suggestions on how would I divide up the Family Study Guide/History Modules? I had considered using the Greenleaf Press 4 year rotation as
(9th grade) Creation/Early Israel – Egypt- Greece, Rome;
(10th grade) Middle Ages, Renaissance & Reformation;
(11th grade) 1600-1865 Explorers, Colonists, American Revolution
(12th grade) 1865 to Present (Reconstruction, WW1, WW2, to present)
So if I tried to keep to that schedule using your History Modules, I would do History Modules 1, 2 and 3 in one year…..but you have them set up as one year each…..
I’m having a hard time wrapping my brain around this, trying to mesh what I’ve been wanting to do and trying to finding a curriculum that sort of has it laid out for me!!
Do you have a suggestion for completing your 6 History Modules in 4 years??
Thank you so much for reading my ramblings!
Sonya – :
We spread the Ancients throughout three years of study because we focus on Bible history during that time period, and it would be difficult to read through Genesis through Acts in one year. I do think that it’s possible to do the four year rotation if you use Beautiful Feet’s Ancients study for the first year. Then you could do our Modules 4, 5, and 6 for the next three years if you want to. (We’re writing the study handbooks of lesson plans for those three modules and should have them published in time for you to use as you come to those time periods.)
I’m not sure how much Bible history is included in the Beautiful Feet study, but you could easily supplement with Bible readings and some of our Bible studies for the older students if you wanted to.
Karleen Mauldin – :
Thank you Sonya! I know it’s going to be tough to get all that in one year, no matter how we try it!! I had forgotten about Beautiful Feet’s Ancient History.
Mandi – :
By looking at the sample, term 1 and term 3 are basically a guide for the parent on what to do each day, with no activity or assignment ideas. Am I correct?
Sonya – :
The handbook is a guide for the parent, yes. It gives daily lesson plans. Term 1 includes some additional book assignments for the older students, as well as an ongoing character study of the four key people in Genesis: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph. Terms 2 and 3 cover Exodus through Deuteronomy and give suggestions for completing a chart on the Ten Plagues, incorporating an optional model of the Tabernacle, as well as older students’ completing an additional Bible study on God’s Law. The Ancient Egypt study and geography studies are scattered throughout all three Terms.
Teresa Robertson – :
I am looking to try this History for the first time. Are there any other book list to go with this for 5th grade?
Sonya – :
You can see the book list on our curriculum guide.
jamithy – :
Hi, Sonya! I am so very excited about the new edition:)
I was wondering if you would recommend me continuing my Tapestry of Grace while incorporating your program! I love Tapestry(even though it always takes tons of time to use) because of its Bible content running along with World history. It seems your study has an even bigger biblical focus! Are you familiar with TOG? I would love to use both but I don’t want to get over loaded. I thought of using your program first and than going back to my TOG but it sees that your program is meant to run 6 years, right? Does the family actually read through the whole Bible together during that time? Thanks for all your help and ministry!!!
Sonya – :
Great question, but I’m afraid I can’t answer it. I haven’t used TOG or even looked at it closely. I would recommend you post your question to our SCM Discussion Forum. There are lots of helpful CM moms there, some of whom have used or are using TOG.
I can answer the question about the 6-year cycle. Yes, our history/Bible/geography rotation is set up to run 6 years. During those 6 years the family will read through the Bible, with the exception of not all of the Old Testament prophets and not all of the poetry books. Those can easily be added, but during the Old Testament studies we focus mainly on Biblical history and just give students a taste of each prophet’s message and ministry.
Friederike – :
I have another question. The 3 modules you offer taech the history of Egypt, Greece and Rom. How about Babylon, Persia and Assyria? Is that part of it and where? Thanks
Sonya – :
We don’t study their history in depth, but the students learn about those regions as they interact with Old Testament history, mainly in the Joshua through Malachi study.
Friederike – :
When the family reads the commentary to Exodus and Numbers do they only read the text or also do the activities? What did you do or what is doable? I purchased the Exodus book, but it seems it would be to hard to do all of the activities suggested in the back of the book. Do you have an alternative suggestion for the number commentary copy? Is that similar to the Exodus book?
Sonya – :
We just read the commentary text itself without the activities. I don’t think the activities are necessary.
The Numbers commentary is similar to the Exodus one, yes. I don’t know of any other commentaries for children on the book of Numbers, so I’m afraid I don’t have an alternate suggestion for that one.
If the commentary readings along with the Scripture passages get to be too much, feel free to leave off the commentary and read only the Scripture passages themselves.
Susan – :
Hello…I have looked over your product and read through some of the comments but didn’t see my question addressed. The product looks great and it seems it would be an ideal time for me to start this with my soon to be 6th grader with plans to carry it through her high school. I recently purchased the Mystery of History curriculum and love the concept of learning history in conjunction w/the Bible events (even for myself:). I was wondering how your product compares to that one? I am not a trained teacher so I like systems that aren’t made for those types of individuals. Any comments would be appreciated.
Blessings!
Sonya – :
Hi, Susan. Good question, but I’m afraid I can’t answer it. I haven’t used or even looked through Mystery of History, so I’m not sure how it compares.
I would recommend you post your question on the SCM Discussion Forum. There are a lot of great CM moms there who may be able to give some insight.
Ellen Blust – :
Hi, Sonya –
This year with my dd, (who turned 6 in Nov.) we’ve done a combo of kindergarten and year 1, and it’s been going very well. We’ve read from Genesis through 1 Samuel so far using Penny Gardner’s reading list, and she’s been narrating pretty well. Next year I want to start with your history modules, but I can’t decide whether to go back to Genesis and start over, adding much more depth through your guide, or whether to start history in whatever period we end up in with the Bible readings. In your experience with 6 and 7-year olds, would the repetition be stifling and frustrating or helpful?
Thanks!
Sonya – :
Ellen, in your situation I think starting back with Genesis would be fine. As you said, she would be going more in-depth and adding other ideas into the mix. So the initial readings you have done would serve as a nice foundation and confidence-builder. And to help change things up a bit, you could ask her to narrate in different ways if you want to. The Narration Ideas on our site might give you some ideas for how that could look.
Christine – :
HI Sonya -
I think this study looks great but am curious why you choose this book – Oxford First Ancient History? I saw the disclaimer that it begins with an evolution theme.
The first question my 6 year old will ask, “Well, Mama, if this part isn’t true, then how do we know what other parts are or are not true?” I don’t know how to answer that. I”m not a history or Bible or science scholar so I don’t know either.
I don’t mind using secular books if there is some “help” when encountering the evolution wording and ideas to reword or refute it. Sometimes I know we are reading about evolution and I can counter it but but I don’t always know. Do you have any commentary in the curriculum for when this occurs?
Thanks so much,
Christine
Sonya – :
Great question, Christine. We chose the Oxford book because it does a good job of being conversational as it describes aspects of everyday life in the ancient world. The evolutionary content is concentrated in chapter 1 and some of chapter 2. In the handbook’s lesson plans, you read only a couple of sections from chapter 2 in order to avoid the evolutionary content. The rest of the Oxford readings for this study are in chapter 3, which is focused on Ancient Egypt. (Then we use the other chapters in the studies of Ancient Greece and Rome in later years.)
Chantelle – :
We are planning to begin homeshooling this upcoming year, July or Aug 2010. I have 2 sons in school now at 4th and 1st grades and one who is 3. So I will be teaching basically 5th and 2nd plus a 4 yr old. I really like the 106 Days of Creation for Bible and Science (adding the CGC) and love the idea of this book, too, for history but I’m concerned it’s going to be “too much” for all of us. How do you feel about using these 2 books at the same time for these ages?
Sonya – :
Several moms I know are using both books in one year and are enjoying it. I don’t think it will be too much.
Mel – :
I am considering doing this history module with my 8yo,6yo and 4yo. Which resources do you recommend purchasing? We live far from a library and it is small so I would probably have to use the inter library loan. Are there books that are used troughout the entire year and in future modules? Are some of the resources easier than others to find at libaries? Thanks!
Sonya – :
The Oxford First Ancient History will be used all year and in future modules. So will Then and Now Bible Maps. You would also need to purchase Boy of the Pyramids, because it is used for several weeks.
The Commentaries for Children and Letters from Egypt are optional for your age children, as described on page 15 of the handbook (You can see it in the sample download too.)
You should be able to get Pyramid pretty easily through your library.
That leaves Mystery of the Hieroglyphs and The True Story of Noah’s Ark for Inter-Library Loans if your local library doesn’t have them.
Desi – :
This will be my first full year of HS and my first year choosing our curriculum.
I have a 10yr old daughter who has been in public school since K and a 5yr old daughter who is reading and writing fluently enough to be considered year 1 (I think). I plan on starting them both on Module 1 giving my older daughter the opportunity to go through each module once, but bringing my younger daughter “up” in order to teach them both at the same time since the ten year old hasn’t retained much of what she learned from Public School in any subject.
Do you think this is advisable? Do you think it will work with that much “space” between the two of them (we will also have a 3yr and a 1yr hanging around the house).
thank you
Sonya – :
It should work quite nicely, Desi. You will read aloud a set of Family books to both daughters, and they will be able to hear each other narrate. Then your 10-year-old will have some additional books assigned to her for independent reading. Any books assigned to your younger daughter will be for you to read aloud. (And, of course, your preschoolers will probably listen in, as well.) Enjoy your year!
Desi – :
Thank you for your encouragement. Of all that I have looked at, Simply Charlotte Mason seems to be the closests to what I desire for my family in every aspect – Praise the Lord for your site and your ministry!
Tiffany – :
Is there another book that we can use in place of Yellow & Pink? The cheapest I can find it is $40 used, the book is only 32 pages long. I know the content has to be GREAT if chosen by you but I just can’t bring myself to order it. It is not available in our libraries (although every other William Steig book is hmm??) I was just wondering if you had another one that could be subbed? BTW, I just received “The True Story of Noah’s Ark” I sent a note to my homeschool moms letting them now what a FANTASTIC story it was and how beautifully illustrated the book is. THANK YOU for compiling all of these books for use in our homeschools.
Sonya – :
Unfortunately, Yellow and Pink is now out of print. It is a remarkable book, and if you can get it through Inter-Library Loan, do so! Otherwise, check the Links, Updates, & Tips link at the top of the 106 Days of Creation page for alternate suggestions for that study.
Angie – :
Is it appropriate to bring a child into the program midcycle? ie. If I have a 3rd grader who is starting module 3 and a 1st grader just beginning, can I put both children on module 3?
Sonya – :
Yes, absolutely.
Cindy – :
I am homeschooling for the first time this fall (yikes!) and have chosen CM as our curriculum. I have two 9 yr olds; a daughter who will be in 4th grade and my son who will be in 3rd (we held him back one year). I’m a little confused where to start (and I’m reading everything on your site!). Should I start their history/geography/bible with this book and then do Middle Ages next or the other way around? Also, should I start my son with the 4th grade books with my daughter (which would be easier for me obviously!) or get the books you recommend for levels 1-3. I know that depends on his reading level, which is slightly lower than my daughters. What do you think? Thanks so much and will you ever do a seminar in Colorado?
Sonya – :
Regardless of the grades of your children, you can start with whichever history time period that you want to. If they have already studied Genesis through Deuteronomy, you might want to start with the Joshua through Malachi time period; if they have already studied Ancient Rome, you might want to start with the Middle Ages time period. You will find grade-appropriate books for everyone listed in all the time-period modules. Whichever module you decide to start with, I would recommend that you then go in order to keep your study chronological. This little explanation of how to use our history modules might be helpful.
As far as which set of books to use for your situation, you’re right, it would be easier to have them both in the same level. Technically, the books listed for grades 1-3 are designed for the parent to read aloud to the student; the books listed for grades 4-6 are designed for independent reading by the student. But I would think in this case you could easily read aloud the grades 4-6 books and/or do a mixture of some books you read aloud and some you have him read independently as he is able.
I would love to come to Colorado. We don’t have any seminars currently scheduled out there, but I’m certainly open to the idea! And, of course, we have the seminars available on DVD especially for those areas where we haven’t been able to present them live yet.
Ellen Blust – :
Hi, Sonya — A couple questions about the resources for this: 1) Which “Then & Now Bible Maps” should I purchase – the $3.99 fold-out pamphlet or the $13.59 spiral-bound book? 2) Oxford First Ancient History is $85 used on Amazon! Any help?
Thanks!
-Ellen
Sonya – :
I would recommend the spiral-bound book. You’ll use it for Joshua through Malachi & Ancient Greece and Matthew through Acts & Ancient Rome also.
Yes, unfortunately, we just found out that Oxford First Ancient History has gone out of print. We are currently in contact with Oxford to find out if they will allow us to print it for you all.
Friederike – :
Any news on the converstion about you printing Oxford Ancient History? Thanks Friederike
Sonya Shafer – :
We are awaiting word from them on details. Unfortunately, it seems that the ones who can give us the answer are on vacation right now. But we are checking back regularly to see if there is any word for us.
Muna – :
The lessons in this book go from Bible, geography & ancient Egypt. Am I correct in assuming that it will all come together for my child as we read? Seems like alot of skipping around so I am just wondering.
Also, I know that all the recommended resources will be used but are they thoroughly read or is it just a chapter or section here & there?
If I could only get some of these which would you say were the most important/beneficial/interesting for the child?
Thanks
Sonya Shafer – :
Yes, your child will make his own connections and learn better as he discovers on his own how things come together. We do different subjects (i.e., history, geography, Bible) to keep the schedule fresh and interesting. However, all three subjects are connected since Ancient Egypt intersects with Bible history during Exodus, and the geography of Egypt is an important part of those events.
As far as the recommended books go, all of the History and Bible books listed are read thoroughly. For Geography, Letters from Egypt is optional; Then and Now Bible Maps will be used in the next two years’ modules as well; Uncle Josh’s Outline Map book can be replaced with images of outline maps that you find and print off the Internet; and the two leisure reading books are optional.
Hope this helps!
Laryssa – :
I was considering purchasing Genesis Through Deuteronomy and Ancient Egypt, so I checked the sample to see what resources I would need. I noticed that the commentary on Exodus and Leviticus was listed, so I did an internet search to also take a peek at those. I really liked them and was wondering if there was any reason why the commentary on Genesis was not used/included in the resources/study. Thanks. (I will be using this with my 7 & 8 year old.)
Sonya Shafer – :
Hi, Laryssa. I’m sure the Genesis commentary is just as good as the others; however, it was out of print when I was writing those lesson plans, so I didn’t include it. We added the character studies instead. It’s up to you whether you want to add it. On the one hand, I’m sure it would contribute wonderful ideas to your study; on the other hand, it might be nice to keep things different between the terms and not do a commentary the whole year. So, bottom line, feel free to do whatever will work best for your family.
Cassie Tynan – :
I just wanted to say that the Genesis commentary is wonderful! I think it would be worth using.
Andrea – :
Sonya,
Is there an atlas that you use with Uncle Josh’s maps?
Also, what books are essential for this history module?
I’m a little overwhelmed by all of the wonderful books listed. I cannot afford them all. Which ones do I absolutely need to use the curriculum?
Thank you!
Sonya Shafer – :
I just use a world map that I got at a department store, Andrea.
As to which books are essential, it would depend on the age of your students. If you want to give me an idea of the grade levels involved, I would be happy to try to pare down the list for you.
Andrea – :
Oh yes, they are are 2nd and 4th grade. Thank you so much for all you’ve done for homeschool moms! It’s a oxygen-giving ministry to me
Sonya Shafer – :
You are very welcome. I’m happy that I can help.
For a “bare bones” approach for 2nd and 4th grade, I would recommend at least these titles:
Bible
Oxford First Ancient History (if you can find it; Oxford just recently let it go out of print and we are working with them to get it back in print)
Pyramid (check your library)
Mystery of the Hieroglyphs (check your library)
Boy of the Pyramids
The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt
Andrea – :
One last question hopefully before I order: I saw that you used All Through the Ages for the Book of Centuries dates. Is that a book that I could use instead of Oxford History?
Bless you!
Sonya Shafer – :
All Through the Ages is a comprehensive book list. It gives timelines and suggestions of book titles for each time period. It’s more of a reference book for the teacher than a read-aloud book for students.
Andrea – :
What else could I use? Or is the guide workable without the Ancient History book?
Sonya Shafer – :
Unfortunately, I haven’t found another book comparable to the Oxford one. Be sure to check your library, though, and see if they have it.
The guide is still workable without the Oxford book. The guide has a total of 180 lessons: it gives 108 Bible history lessons, 36 geography/map drills, and 36 Ancient Egypt lessons. Of those 36 Egypt lessons, only 12 use the Oxford book. So you can still read all the other books recommended.
Andrea – :
No libraries around me have it and I lost my ebay bid. Maybe if the chapter titles were detailed, for example, instead of Oxford 2A, if I knew what that covers I plug in a history textbook or other book. What about Abeka history?
Sonya Shafer – :
Someone detailed the topics on our forum in this discussion. I hope that additional information will help.
laura – :
On the website you have Letters from Egypt as 3rd grade and up, but in the Genesis through Deut family study handbook you reference the Letters book all throughout the first term when we study Egypt. This book is too hard for my 1st grader to follow, do you have any other recommendations of books to read about Egyptian life, garden, clothing etc for a 1st grader (and kindergartener who is along for the ride) ? I have used some Usborne books but I like using the story type books rather than just reference books.
Sonya Shafer – :
Hi, Laura. The Letters from Egypt book is optional for the younger grades. It is listed as a Family resource for those who want to use it. I think the Boy of the Pyramids book will give your younger ones a great idea of Egyptian life. So feel free to omit Letters from Egypt and enjoy Boy of the Pyramids when you get to that part of the lesson plans.
Ginny – :
I am wondering if scripture in the book is from the KJV Bible?
Thanks!
Jordan Smith – :
All of our History Module guides just include the Scripture references so that you can use whichever version you prefer.
Lori – :
I would be using this for a Year 1 student only next year…would I just be using the Family portions and whenever something comes up for Years 1-3? There seems to be very little for years 1-3; it seems there is more for the upper elementary-high school kids.
Sonya Shafer – :
That’s correct, Lori. The younger students have mainly the Family readings for their studies. The older students have additional reading, which makes their lesson times longer.
Kari Austin – :
I was wondering how many lessons were in each Module?
Sonya Shafer – :
Each handbook contains 180 lessons, enough for 3 terms of 12 weeks each.
Doug Smith – :
The book contains 180 lessons divided into three, twelve-week terms. If you download the free sample you can see the full table of contents.
Sandra – :
How would you document this course on a high school transcript? They also ask for text used. Is there enough ‘meat’ to make this equal 1 high school credit for World History? Thanks!
Sonya Shafer – :
Sandra, in my mind I combine the three Ancients years of study for one credit in World History. I think each one has enough Bible History to count for a full credit of Bible when combined with the addition Bible studies suggested, but the World History is only one day per week in this module and the Ancient Greece one, and two days per week in the Ancient Rome module. So added up, you would get one full credit for those three studies.
Marcia – :
Sonya,
We are starting our second cycle of history with our children as the oldest has now finished the first and are planning to use many of your suggestions and resources. Would you share with me how you used the commentaries? They seem very long (my other kiddos are younger so don’t want to overwhelm them). We are planning to study our Bible and history at separate times and do Bible daily. Would that give us enough time to read both scripture and the commentary while still keeping the lesson time reasonable for a multi-age group? The commentaries look amazing, so I’d love to find a way to fit them in. Thank you!
Sonya Shafer – :
We usually read the Scripture passage first and had the children narrate it. Then we would read the commentary covering that same passage to glean any additional ideas that it presented. The length of the lessons varied, some accounts were longer than others.
One thing that you could do is look through the commentary and pull out some shorter portions to read aloud if you think that particular lesson would be too long for the ages of your children. You’re right, the commentaries are wonderful and do a great job of pointing the children to the glory of God as they study the Old Testament accounts.
Marcia – :
Sonya,
Thank you for replying so quickly! As I was reading your answer with my question, it dawned on me I didn’t ask if, having used the commentaries, you think it is doable to get through Gen. To Deut. with both Scripture and commentary if doing Bible at a separate time and doing it daily? Would you now recommend all of the commentaries for those since they appear to be available?
Thanks again,
Marcia
Sonya Shafer – :
Yes, I think it’s doable. In the handbook for this module, the lesson plans are set up to do Bible three days a week and we cover all the accounts in Genesis through Deuteronomy. We don’t read every verse in each of those books, but if you’re doing five days a week you most likely could.
I haven’t yet read the Genesis commentary (which was out of print when I wrote the lesson plans), but I’m sure it’s just as good as the others. I probably wouldn’t recommend trying to add it along with the character studies that are written into the lesson plans for Genesis; all three aspects — Scripture reading, character study, and commentary reading — might be a bit much each day. And I like the variety of not doing the same thing all year long. So doing something a little different for the Genesis study might be a good thing. However, I’m sure you would glean much from the Genesis commentary should you decide to use it.
Alisha – :
I have children in these grade levels: 8th, 6th, 4th, 2nd, & K…Which module would you suggest we start with? If you have suggestions for other subjects, I would be glad to hear them. We have always used Abeka, which is good but way to spread out to teach this many children. I also have an 8mo old, so the simpler the better, yet I don’t want to skip or dumb down anything. So this would be the first year of CM for us. Thank you.
Sonya Shafer – :
You can start with any module you like, Alisha. They all have suggestions for all the grade levels. Some of your decision may be based on what the children have already studied. For example, if they have done a lot of American history, you probably wouldn’t want to start with module 5 or 6. If they have already studied the Ancients, you may want to skip over modules 1-3 and start with module 4, Middle Ages.
Have you seen our free SCM Curriculum Guide? It will give our suggestions for other subjects too.
Alisha – :
Thank you for answering so soon. I have seen the guide and lots of things on your site. I have read the three free e-books also. All is very good info and inspiration. The more I learn about CM the more I like it. Especially being able to teach the children all at once for the most part. ( there is also a 3yr old) And spending more quality time with them. Just trying to figure out the details to get started. Thanks again.