America's Story 1

Sometimes finding age appropriate, interactive History curriculum is difficult. Sometimes we find ourselves piecing together things. Over the past 13 years in homeschooling I have used and looked at, reviewed and tested various curriculum for my kids. I poured over curriculums with lots of hands on activities and some with so much bookwork that the kids hated the subject. At one point in our homeschooling journey my oldest four declared in unison that they officially hated American History! I was shocked, what would happen if they really did begin to detest history? Then we started our journey with Masterbooks and for the first time the kids were locked in to history. They were actually excited about their reading and their lessons, about the worksheets, the timelines, the projects. But we still did not have anything for my lower grades until the creation of My Story. There are so many things I love about this curriculum; starting with the title "America's Story". Until a child understands that they are part of the ongoing story of the World and more importantly the history of their nation and this world they will not appreciate the fact that they influence how the story unfolds. Furthermore, owning the history of the world and the nation we are a part of helps us to be accountable to the history. It helps us also to appreciate the sacrifice and the struggles of those who came before. And most importantly children see how God was present in all of history and where man strayed from His Word or held to it. The rich history of the United States is important for children to understand. The diversity that makes up this great nation is something to be studied. But it is also important that children gain an understanding of what this nation was founded on, what beliefs impelled our early leaders. I think that too often History is watered down to the point that God is almost completely written out of the books and children do not understand the rich spiritual history of their nation. Like all other Masterbooks subjects this is so easily laid out that prep time is easy. Keeping track of grades and assignments can be done with ease. Parents and siblings can participate in the activities and how much fun to create food or art to better understand what you are studying. In the end I highly recommend this History book.

The Work of Your Hand, Jennifer Hall Rivera, EdD

I was so excited about this resource when I saw it! As soon as I find out I am pregnant I begin speaking Jeremiah 1:5 over my children. From the womb they hear my voice remind them of who has placed them in the womb. This sacred time is something I marvel at - the fact that God is knitting together a tiny beautiful human in my body, unique and beautiful and like Jeremiah 1:5 says set aside for something special. This book reinforces this idea with the unique perspective of hands on learning of how fingerprints make us unique - one of a kind. In a world where children struggle with the idea that they are unique and special individuals, and where the enemy is trying to convince them they are not special this book gives you the tool to explore just how unique they are. Written in a rhyming storybook format with fun and colorful pages it is perfect for early elementary age kids. Each page describes different aspects of the fingerprint and how this combines to make a unique and totally different print for each person. At different times there is an opportunity to stop and do a fingerprint so they can see the whorl, arch or loops found in their prints. At the end of the workbook there are a ton of fun and interactive activities for kids to explore their unique fingerprint and the unique prints of their friends and family. So grab some inkpads in different colours and get ready to explore the world of fingerprints. Enjoy the evidence of how you are created in the Image of God and created very differently from every other person in the world. I highly recommend this. I will be purchasing multiple copies for use at church with out kids as well as copies for my own kiddos.

Introduction to Logic, Jason Lisle - MASTERBOOKS

Informal Fallacies are the words printed directly above the title "Introduction to Logic" on the opening page of this book. What better way to describe what is about to be discussed - "informal fallacies". Those false beliefs or ideas that we accept as truth without realizing the danger. The author defines logic as "the study of the principle of correct of reasoning" (Lisle, pg.5). Therefore, the author states "to be logical is to think rightly; to draw reasonable conclusion from the available information" (Lisle, pg. 5). But then the question must be asked, what is right thinking, how do we define what is true? The author puts for the question of 'by which standard do we judge a particular line of reasoning to be correct or incorrect" (Lisle, pg. 5)? And so begins this excellent resource. I get excited when I see a course titled, Introduction to Logic, the same as I am excited to find courses on Christian Ethics, Rhetoric, theology and apologetics for my children. Why would I get excited? Because I want to equip my children with knowledge that causes their faith to be made strong. It is this type of course that Masterbooks seems to, well, master for lack of a better word. They excel at creating curriculum that challenges children, teens, youth to look at their faith, their world views, their theology and to make it their own. It is one thing to hand down the traditions of faith, to train our children up in the Word - it is quite another thing when that child takes those traditions of faith and that training and looks at it themselves, works through it and owns it. Then that child is ready to face the secular world - equipped like a soldier for battle. Able to defend and stand firm in the faith that they have made their own. 3 John 4 states, "I have no greater joy than to hear [and see] that my childing are walking in the truth". And this is one of those classes that Masterbooks offers that elicits this response from me. When this came up as a review option I jumped on it. I devoured the book within a matter of days, poured over the worksheets, contemplated the material. Then I showed it to my grade 6 son who will have it as course material in grade 7 (I had already ordered the curriculum set when it first appeared on the facebook page). He took it up, at first a little slowly, but then the questions and conversations began. I'll be honest I am a homeschool mom that ranks homeschool curriculum by the conversations I have with my children. If they aren't interested, if it's not making them think critically, if they are retaining information - well, then it's not worth the purchase. This is not the case with this course - this course is one that strengthens critical thinking, helps children to view the world through the lens of Scripture, and helps them to determine what is good logic and what is bad. Not based upon traditions of a denomination but based upon the Truth of God's Word. As to the structure of this course material. Masterbooks makes teaching easy. As with other courses a suggested weekly schedule is given for assignments. Children who engage in this curriculum should be ready to do course work that will challenge them and make them think critically about the world and the faith and how the two fit. But the fruit of these challenges is that children will grow stronger in their faith and by doing so their faith becomes real to them - it is no longer just the faith of their parents or their family, it is no longer just the teaching of their denominations. Because they work through these things their faith is made stronger because they begin to own it for themselves, it becomes central to who they are. So in short, if you are looking for a curriculum and course that will challenge and grow your child spiritually then this is it. If you want a curriculum that will encourage a Biblical world view and help your child think critically and logically about the world they live in - this is it. I highly recommend this course material. I received a free digital copy of both the student book and teachers book. My opinions are not influenced by this but are my own.

Masterbooks: World Story 2, The Story of the Ancients

World Story 2 I have been home schooling now for 13 years. I have been through kindergarten with 5 children and have two more to begin in school. This 13 years means that I have put under my belt experience with a lot of curriculums. Each one a Christian curriculum but each one a different approach to teaching the subject matter. I have always struggled with finding a comprehensive curriculum that every child liked. But, that struggle ended. Masterbooks is the first history curriculum that every single child has liked. This newest history curriculum for elementary is a big time hit with my children and with me. So I’d like to explain first why I, as a mom and teacher like it. 1. The Curriculum is laid out in an easy to follow manner, with test and worksheets easily accessible in the Teacher’s Guide. 2. The Student book is well-layed out. This means that introductions are great, it is easy to follow and is filled with great illustration and insets that have interesting facts. 3. The curriculum is not only Christian it is a Biblical based curriculum that sets forth a Biblical World View and in the end has the student more educated not only in history but in the matters of faith that have shaped history. 4. The Scripture is in the text and in insets. Everything points to a Biblical World view. Because of this Scripture becomes more relevant to the student through the study of History – it becomes more that mere Bible tales. 5. Every chapter begins with a “start Here” page that gives an overview of the material for the section, every section has breaks called “narration breaks” for discussion and “Connect” section that help to connect ideas, concepts and information. What my children like about it: 1. They like the way the reading is assigned and the fact that only a few specific questions are asked about the reading each day, rather than a worksheet that asks for questions to be answered about a large segment. 2. They like the great illustrations and extra facts they are learning that they have not learned in other history books. 3. They like the questions that challenge them to think about their own faith and how faith has helped others in history 4. They love the colored photos In the end – what makes a truly great curriculum? I think it is when a curriculum presents a Biblical World View and when your children are excited about it! This is just one of those curriculums. It is better than many of the older, well-established and ‘famous’ curriculums I have used in the past. Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy for review. However, the opinions expressed are solely mine and I received no other compensation or payment for my thoughts.

One Blood, Ken Ham

One Blood by Ken Ham A few years ago I purchased a book from MasterBooks called “The Tower of Babel” by Bodie Hodge. I bought it with the intent of combating the errant thoughts of people who claimed one race was less than another or used the different races to justify racism. This year I got a new book – “One Blood” and I am so happy to have it. While Tower of Babel addressed the issues of race it is meant more for an older student. One Blood is designed for all ages. Ken Ham does an excellent job debunking the myths of Science and evolution. He also does an excellent job of taking very difficult Scientific concepts and bringing them down to a level that children can understand and appreciate. My children especially like the section describing the skin tones. I also found this fascinating but not unbelievable since two of my children are darker skinned than the others and two have a tan colour while the other four all have very fair complexion. The charts, colour photos and interesting facts in side boxes make this book a fascinating book to dig into. I would really like to see this included in the Home School Curriculum somehow, maybe in one of the Apologetics courses. Teaching the unity of God’s creation is paramount to the Biblical World View. Man is created in God’s image and realizing the Science that makes us unique and different yet all the same is something great to learn. Thank you MasterBooks for the free digital copy in exchange for an unbias review. I will now be purchasing a couple of the physical copies – one for our library and one for our church library. I will also be recommending this to other homeschool families as an excellent way to add to their Science, Apologetics and Bible Study.

World Religions and Cults, by Body Hodge & Robert Patterson....A REVIEW

A review of Comparative Religions by MasterBooks that consists of three books titled World Religions and Cults Volume 1-3 I first came across this set of books when forming my scope and sequence for my high school students. I knew I wanted Apologetics and Bible in every year so as to keep my children sharp in the Word. But then the book made a splash on a Social Media page for support for MasterBooks when someone questioned its hardline stance on certain things. Please re-read this, I did not say legalistic stance but rather hard-line; meaning an uncompromising view of the Scriptures. I was so impressed with the stand that MasterBooks took that, if I had not already been, I would become one of their biggest supporters and advocates! So, when the books and teacher guide were offered for review I jumped on the chance. This would mean an opportunity to read the material a full year before I had planned to purchase it for our own homeschool use. First being a mom that is finishing up a degree that includes a Biblical Studies Minor has meant countless hours in classes on theology, doctrine, the history of Christian thought, the history of the church and of course a rather lengthy comparative religions course – I can say with confidence that this course section is at the collegiate level and most likely exceeds some collegiate level courses in its explanation. Saying this I need to qualify it with the fact that Bodie Hodge is a writer that, while writing about rather deep and sometimes difficult subject matter, always is able to present it in an easy to read format that anyone can read, understand and walk away with some basic knowledge. In fact, my experience with Bodie Hodge’s writing is that most of the time the active student is driven to the Scriptures to study more, to formulate their own questions that lead to an internalization of God’s Word and a better ability to “defend” or refute the secular world view they are so often bombarded with. Offered first as a set of stand-alone books these three volumes with a teacher guide are now offered as a course for grades 11 and 12 as a full year credit in Apologetics or Biblical Studies. I would also say this would fall under other subjects. The course work is simple enough but thought provoking as it asks a student to really think through issues and formulate their own opinions. In a world where there are so many different versions of religion, so many different denominations and sects how do our children or even ourselves discern Truth from heresies? I could not help but think of a quote from Brother Andrew as I read these books,”You can't use strong-arm tactics against the church without strengthening it. It's always been that way. Under persecution a man looks at his faith to see if it's worth fighting for, and this is a scrutiny Christianity can always withstand. The real danger comes with an indirect attack, where a person is lured away from the Church before he has a chance to become strong.” This real danger is also in the form of subtle changes to the Truth and this has always been the trouble, since the first century till now. These heresies are so close to the Truth, shadow the Truth so well that it would be easy to be deceived into thinking they are the same as the Truth. That is what is so great about these books and even greater now that it is an actual course with worksheets. The student, whether adult or teen, will come away with a greater knowledge of other religions and cults. This will include an understanding of their history, their basic beliefs and how best to witness to those immersed in these false belief systems. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to better understand not only other religions but also Christianity,

REVIEW: The Memorization Study Bible

There is no denying the importance of Scripture memorization for Spiritual health, wellness and growth of the individual. But greater still is the richness of Scriptures when it is not only committed to heart but spoken daily in conversation, in meditation. Master Books has published a new study Bible with the intention of making memorization easier for the individual. When I was given the opportunity to review this Bible I jumped at the chance. I am always looking for new ways to introduce Scripture memorization to my children and myself and to incorporate it into our daily home school work. I have to begin this review by stressing that memorization is absolutely important - Scripture is like water to a thirsty soul, it is comfort when we are in turmoil, it is an anchor when the world turns upside down or the storms of life rage. Scripture is the lighthouse in the darkest night, it guides us in the valley of shadows, it covers us when the enemy attacks, it is a stronghold and a shield. But too often it is relegated to reading alone, and at the most quiet internal memorization. But God intended for more. He intended that Scripture be conversational. I loved the fact that in Appendix A this was addressed when the author stated that "God did not write to Moses; He spoke to him." There is such unequivocal power in the spoken word. In fact Scripture admonishes that there is the power of life and death in the tongue. So, if the spoken word is powerful how much more powerful the spoken WORD is (the Word of God). The author goes on to state "the sense of the spoken word as divine power is especially vivid in the foundational accounts of diverse peoples, ancient and modern, in all parts of the world". The Word, the spoken Word of God. Rhema is the Greek word meaning "God's spoken Word". We named our 7th daughter Rhema as a reminder of God's spoken Word and the power of it. We pray that she will embrace the Word and speak the Word and by doing so impact the world with the love of God through his Word. But then, this is our prayer for each of our children. We wish for them to speak the Word in everyday situations, in everyday conversations, as natural as other forms of speech. In the end it is well pointed out by the author that "putting words down permanently in writing places them outside the heart, while the seat of emotions is in the heart. The greater part of ancient literature was intended for the ears more than the eyes". These thoughts are echoed in Romans 10:17 when it is written that "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God". On any given morning you will hear over the spray of the shower my husband reciting scripture to himself as he gets ready. Later you will hear the recitation of Scripture through out the house. At night we gather to read through the Bible and study the Scripture. My husband told someone that the person who needs to hear the Scripture most is his own ears so he reads it aloud when he is studying, he writes it out and reads it again. This practice has led to him memorizing whole passages of Scripture by the time he preaches each Sunday. One person once asked how he could preach without notes his reply, "I spend time reading and writing the Scripture and I listen closely to the Lord". This Bible is amazing. It offers a unique tool to aid in memorization. I have really enjoyed reading it and studying it. For the purpose of this review I printed out a portion of the Bible - this is because I am better with a book in hand. I loved the fact that there was room in the margin to journal as I love to do artwork and doodles as I read and study. I began in the book of 2 Peter as we are going through this book at church. The Bible is layed out in a way that makes it easy to memorize by smaller parts, each line has the number of words out to the side. For me the layout made it easy to put the verse to a rhythm, to see words (especially repeating) and to see breaks in the text. For instance in the first chapter of 2 Peter almost each line begins with "and". In addition to the unique layout there are little boxes with highlighted Scriptures. In the appendices there are short Scriptures, Popular chapters, Important New Testament verses to help jumpstart the memorization. If you are looking for an encouraging way to learn Scripture this is it. Instead of selected verses this is set up for entire chapters or the entire Bible. I like that the reader can decide what to memorize and in what order; unlike other memorization tools that select certain verses and chapters or books. I highly recommend this resource for every home. I will be purchasing it for Graduation gifts and Christmas gifts. I do wish it were offered in another translation as well as the KJV. I have done most of the Psalms and Proverbs in KJV because it is lyrical, however for the purpose of a New Testament I usually prefer the ESV or a more modern translation. I think that some words that are archaic or out of use in the KJV sometimes hinder the new believer who is unfamiliar with the words. However, I still stand by the fact that God's Word is living and powerful and no matter the translation the Holy Spirit still moves and the Word never returns without results. For more great products visit www.masterbooks.com