Trying to decide what to do with my 2nd and 3rd grader after the holidays, as we are about to finish the storybook Bible we've been reading. I'd like to start some sort of formal curriculum, but don't feel like they are ready for the Christian Liberty Press books I did with my oldest. My oldest did the CLP books E and F (halves of the Old Testament) in correlation with MOH 1, and wants to move on with that series. So we'll be doing books G (gospels) and H (Acts) with him as we go through MOH 2. My younger boys are also doing MOH 2 with us but I don't feel like the CLP is on their level at all. They do have quite a bit of foundation with Bible stories, and especially Old Testament, so I'd like some NT stuff in correlation with lessons and character. What do you use, or what have you used in the past? What are the features and what do you like and dislike about those curricula? There's so much stuff out there I feel like I need some help even knowing where to start looking!! Thanks so much!
We are using this http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?products_id=24476&it=1 until the boys are ready for Picture Smart Bible. I tried Picture Smart with them for a couple weeks, and they just aren't ready for that kind of focus, though I do love it and they enjoy it! What I love about Foundations is that it has more than just memory verses and lessons. It's also about learning the books of the Bible and learning to find references quickly, and relating Bible lessons to life. It is a really great curriculum!
This year we're using the Book of Virtues Project by Shiver Academy (google it, I'm having trouble finding the link) that is based on the book by William Bennett. They tie in a scripture with the character trait. You can also enhance the scripture reading/memorization by using the Character Journal Website. Anyway....We're enjoying it a lot. Our History is very bible centered this year also, so they're getting A LOT!
Christian Light has new Sunrise Edition Bible for grades 1 through 5. Each of these is built for doing twice or three times a week. "Between" grades 4 and 5 there's a "Bible Elective 1" which is an additional 5 units which could be used for either 4th or 5th. First and second are very "story with an activity", and they don't get into quizzes and tests until third and up. They're still working on upgrading the Bible courses above 5, so 6 and up are for the most part Lifepacs, but tweaked a little. (Lifepacs are written by Baptists, while CLE is published by Mennonites.) You can see the scope & sequence at www.clp.org. I have also used, and am now using, R&S reading 2, 3, and 4 as Bible, because it's all Bible stories. The workbooks aren't visually stimulating, but they really cover well what they cover, Bible as well as reading skills/comprehension. Sample pages at www.rodandstaffbooks.com. R&S 5th and up Bible is separate from reading. The fifth and sixth very thoroughly cover the Old Testament, while seventh, and eighth cover New Testament, and ninth and tenth cover God's Plan for Mankind (or something like that!).
One of my local friends (that sounds odd to me - been years since I had "friends"!!) let me go through the books she was taking to the park today to hopefully give away, and I was able to pull out full sets of Rod & Staff - Bible & Nurture sets for 1st and 3rd grades! I need to look a little closer; I think the 1st grade set is probably already too young for my kiddos, but I'd bet the 3rd grade is right up their alley. I can't wait - how exciting! And what a blessing! Just wanted to share. <3
Some of this depends on your ultimate objective. If your goal is to learn more about the Bible (history, stories, miracles, events, etc.) then your curriculum is going to look different than if you want your children to learn theology.
We are using the Summit Ministries curriculum for middle school which is very good. I am pretty sure they have one for elementary.
