Elementary Apologetics - Masterbooks

If you are looking for a great introduction to Apologetics for your child you've found it. Ken Ham's Answers books are the core for this great curriculum!I absolutely love the course objectives set out in this curriculum: (1) investigate biblical truths concerning the creation account, Adam and Eve, and sin, (2) Become familiar with God's Word, what He desires of them, and how much He loves them, (3) Identify insights regarding the accountof Noah, how he and his family cared for the animals , and how fossils formed, (4) Learn how to defend their faith against a secular worldview in a fallen world, (5) Study truths about the Tower of babel, the Ice Age and what is the purpose of stars, and (6) Write out text they can share with friends or family about what they have learned. These objectives are easily met in the lessons. What impressed me most about this curriculum is how excited my children were as they worked through it. Scriptures states that we must each work out our salvation; this means that God's Word must become real and relevant to each of us - applicable to our lives. It is not enough for our children to attend church and learn church culture; they must understand the Word, understand what they believe and defend it when necessary. This course is an excellent way for your young student to begin to dive into, explore, and internalize the Word. It is a way for them to own it as their own and to understand who the Truth of this Word affects every aspect of our lives. I strongly recommend this course.

Raising them Up By ISrael Wayne, Masterbooks

Israel Wayne has once again written a book that is both personable and easy to read while being packed full of Biblical insight and wisdom. I have added this to my list of baby shower gifts - it's a must read for new parents and "old" parents alike. There are only a few books that I set high on my list for new parents - and this happens to be one of the top now! Wayne writes in a way that is easy to read because it is so relateable to personal life. A reader does not feel preached at, dictated to, or talked down to; rather they feel invited into a conversation about the real life struggles in parenting and how these things can be handled. I especially like the title that relates back to Scripture which tells us to raise children up in the admonition of the Lord. Raising Arrows has long been an anthem of mine - that I am raising arrows for the Lord, I want them to fly straight and swift - direct to the point. This book is one that will empower parents to find their strength and direction in the Lord. It will remind them that their wisdom and direction comes from God and to stand firm in the parenting God has called them to. No one is a perfect parent but Wayne proves that the defining characteristic of a good parent is one who parents in Christ instead of our own strength. Thank you Israel Wayne for taking time to let us into your personal world and being so candid about your own parenting journey. God is using your life as a testimony of his grace and pouring out his wisdom through you. You will be blessed by this book.

Stepping Stones - Master Books Preschool Curriculum

Masterbooks has created a Charlotte Mason style pre-school curriculum that is sure to win the interest and love of your tiny learner. The program is sure to instill a love for learning through its fun activities. The curriculum is divided into 6 milestones that cover 36 weeks, this is 6 stones per section or milestone. I love this approach as it allows for children to explore learning and develop a love for learning. The curriculum is set up for 3 days a week, the other two days could be filled with supplementary activities or field trips that will reinforce the step you are teaching. I love the fact that each week has a simple memory verse for the child to learn, this instills an attentiveness and awareness of God's Word for children. The simplicity of the lessons is great, each day consists of a "Making Connections", "Heroes of the Bible", Memory Verse and then a worksheet to complete. I found that my little one likes to re-do the worksheets on the off day as well as discuss the bible connection and work on the verse. I try to set the verse to a catchy jingle (from a commercial, something I learned at a conference with Tim Tebow's mom) or music (from a favorourite hymn, or to teach sign (ASL) to the verse. This introduces kinetic learning for the purpose of Scripture memory. I am very impressed with this curriculum, because, unlike some I have used in the past 13 years of homeschooling this one seems to be easier to follow with less stress. Since I am currently schooling grades K, 1, 2, 6, 7, 10 and 12 less stress and prep time is important. I like simple, laid out and to the point curriculum that is solid, Biblical and promotes a love for self learning. The key always for us is to (1) instill the Word, (2) create a love for learning where our children actively seek out opportunities to learn. This is highly recommended from a mom that's been at this for 13 years and still has at least 17 more years to go.