I have long been a fan of the science materials for homeschool families put out by Apologia. The conversational style fits well with how our family learns together. The quality of what is being taught is top-notch and it all comes from a Biblical worldview. Then, Apologia started doing more.
They publish many other books for homeschool families. One of my newest favorites is the Biblical worldview series, What We Believe. I had heard about the first book, Who Is God? and thought it sounded interesting, but wandered if it was really necessary. We’re the family that includes Scripture and Biblical thinking throughout our day, woven into most subjects. We didn’t need to do something specific, did we? I am glad we were chosen for the opportunity to review book two of the What We Believe series, Who Am I?. I learned that “Yes,” we really do need to do something specific. It is not that what we were doing was wrong, but being intentional about something as important as teaching our children about our worldview is, well, important.
Would adding another intentional subject be difficult? Would it make my job planning and pulling together even more for most of my children harder? This is the part where I tell you how I was rejoicing over all that Apologia sent to us. Not only did we receive the text, Who Am I?, but we received the Notebooking Journal, the Coloring Book and (my favorite) the mp3 audio CD. Why is that my favorite? I could put the CD on and listen right along with my children. I did not have to read any of it. I sit by, ready to hit the pause button when needed to facilitate the conversation. It has been wonderful! Of all of the “extra” things I have added to our studies this year, this has been the best.
All of the children are participating (well, not the 2 year old). The 4 and 6 year olds sit and happily color pictures. The 4 year old loves it when she figures out the part we are listening to is shown on her page. The three oldest girls have enjoyed the Notebooking Journal (they’ve also enjoyed coloring as well). Everything has been just the thing to pull them in. We only spend two days a week covering the materials (love the schedule spelling it all out found in the Notebooking Journal), but they spend all week talking about it.
Are you ready for the best part, the part where it is so clear the Lord had His hand in our selection as reviewers? As we received our materials and were just getting started, we also started a new country in our geography studies–Russia. Guess where some of the stories for the first lessons come from? You guessed it, Russia. The stories in the second part? They take place in the middle ages–which is “when” we are in our world history lessons. This works so well with having our various subject areas intertwined (remember, I was worried about adding another ‘separate subject’ to our studies?) I love how the Lord works all these seemingly trivial details together. He loves me so much!
Each and every member of our family has been impressed by and learned from these materials. We did not have any difficulties in starting with the second book of the series. There are a few points that build on what was learned in the first, but they stand alone as well. We will certainly be adding the other volumes – including the first one. It has meant so much to our family, that we want to be sure to have it to study through as well.
Do check into this Biblical Worldview series for yourself. As always, Apologia has samples available to download to get a real feel for the materials. The text is hardcover and runs $39. The additional materials are not necessary but make it easier and more enjoyable for both the child(ren) and parent. The Notebooking Journal is $24, the Coloring Book is $8 and the mp3 audio CD is $19.
Other families with the TOS Homeschool Crew reviewed this as well. Be sure to read their reviews by going to the Crew blog.
Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew, we received these materials from Apologia free of charge. I was not required to write a positive review; all opinions expressed are my own.