Thursday, February 9, 2012
Posted by Cindy on March 7, 2011
As much as we’ve been enjoying Ancient Civilizations and the Bible this year, we (especially Caleb – 5th grade) needed a little break from the typical plan of study – and lapbooking was the answer!
I found a FREE and truly WONDERFUL lapbook on Homeschool Share written by Jodi Small on the topic of Ancient Greece. Because I was in a hurry on planning day, I didn’t take the time to copy everything on pretty colored paper. 
Posted by Cindy on January 7, 2011
We’re more than half-way through our study of ancient history using Ancient Civilizations and the Bible by Diana Waring. As we’ve gotten to know the curriculum, I’ve found a few things to be extremely useful in helping my children “see” and understand the material. By no means are they necessary in order to complete the program, but they’ve proven to make the difference in understanding, especially for my 5th grader.
A visual Bible timeline has helped us make connections between what was going on in the Bible during the growth of major world civilizations discussed in the text. This one
We were lucky enough to stumble upon all the Unfolding History: Ancient World History wall timelines at a curriculum sale a few years ago. I’m not sure if these are still available, but I did find a store that seems to carry them. They have been helpful in visually placing certain people and events with certain civilizations, and in helping us see that several civilizations were growing at once.
A world map is very important for putting civilizations and travels in perspective. This one
And finally, since mapping is a large part of each unit, I’ve found this book
We’re still loving history this year. I’m wondering if any of you have experience with the next book in the series, Romans, Reformers and Revolutionaries? I have to be honest, the curriculum is more expensive than what I usually spend (especially considering that I usually design my own history units!) I’m feeling the urge to design my own again next year to save money. Please share your thoughts!
Posted by Cindy on December 1, 2010
The history of Ancient Israel is now under our belts! I have to admit that I swerved from the textbook a tad during this unit to add several hands-on ideas that I simply couldn’t pass up from Old Testament Days
Below you’ll find a mixture of ideas that came from Diana Waring’s suggestions in Ancient Civilizations and the Bible and the additional ideas from Old Testament Days
Maps of the wilderness camp around the Tabernacle were drawn.
Unleavened bread (that's already been nibbled on) was yummy!
Personalized seals were made from Sculpey clay.
Salt-dough maps of the Promised Land were fun to make and paint!
Here's another salt-dough map and some fun oil lamps made from Sculpey clay.
Both kiddos had a research paper to write. Mahayla's was on the topic of ancient trade routes and the key location of Israel. Caleb's report was about Israel's neighbors, the Phoenicians.
Posted by Cindy on November 22, 2010
During my workshops about creative homeschooling and living math, I often talk about incorporating games into the school schedule. The question that always follows is, “Which games are your top picks for each subject?” So, for the record, I’m posting some of my favorites for various subjects. Since this is the Christmas gift season, some of these games might be good choices for secretly educational gifts!
You’re gonna think I’ve gone widget crazy!!!! However, this was the simplest and easiest way to put together a post with photos rather than just writing a long and boring list.
I would love to hear about some of your favorite games! We’re always up for something new!
Posted by Cindy on November 17, 2010
Ancient Civilizations and the Bible continues to be a huge hit – with me AND my children. There is so much more than we could ever use contained in the pages of this book! Since I last wrote about history, we’ve been on a journey through Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. Below are a just a few highlights from our studies.
Caleb's poster report about Ancient Sumeria
The first page of Mahayla's report about the culture of Ancient Mesopotamia
A quick model of the Nile River as we discussed the importance of this mighty river in Egypt's history
Mummy making during our study of Ancient Egypt
As we listened to the CD about Ancient Egypt, the kids created pipe cleaner figures to retell the story
Caleb's poster trying to sell land in the flood zone of Egypt
We’re finishing up a study of Ancient Israel this week that includes lots of fun, hands-on activities. I’ll write a post soon!
