By Mary Ann Kelley
With the current interest in classical studies and their chronological history studies, many Christian homeschoolers are wondering to what degree studying the cultures of the ancient world should be included in their curricula. Concerned about the pagan worldview upon which the Greeks and Romans based their beliefs and practices, homeschoolers are torn between academic excellence and honoring God's command to have nothing to do with paganism. The very basis of American government and language is Roman, and yet Roman culture and history are steeped in pagan idolatry. Aware of the need for a biblical study of ancient history, Robin Sampson published Ancient History: Adam to Messiah, a compilation of seven Heart of Wisdom unit studies covering ancient history from a biblical perspective: Adam to Abraham, Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Israel, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and The Messiah. Heart of Wisdom units present history from a biblical worldview based on bible narratives with corresponding global events.
Ancient History: Adam to Messiah uses the unique Heart of Wisdom approach to learning. The Heart of Wisdom approach is a thorough 4 step system of instruction that combines the Charlotte Mason approach and the 4Mat learning system developed by Dr. Bernice McCarthy. Each lesson includes a motivating introduction to the subject, fact gathering, hands-on work/creativity, and narration/review. The lessons use these 4 steps to teach to each of the 4 types of learners, ensuring that the units will be useful to children with different learning styles. The activities are an excellent blend of facts and fun, with enough choices to please homeschoolers without overwhelming them. Resources are also well explained, with specific chapters/pages to read for each activity. The author has taken great care to present a variety of activities while keeping planning time to a minimum for the busy homeschooling parent.
In the introduction, the author sums up the Heart of Wisdom unit studies very well by saying: "This book is much more than a basic history study: It is a thematic unit study. You will lead your student(s) chronologically on a fascinating journey through the Bible as they learn to study, write, research, and reason through many subjects including: Bible History, Geography, Literature, Government, Composition, Agriculture, Religion, Science, Economics, and more. As your students study, they will have a number of valuable experiences. They will write essays, summaries, and editorials. They will have the opportunity to publish their work online. They will dramatize and teach others. These activities will develop their ability to think, which is an asset that will benefit them throughout their lives."
While the study of ancient times gives students an understanding of history and our current world, the main goal of Heart of Wisdom studies is that the units will illuminate God's Word. As the author puts it, "[t]o fully comprehend our Christian faith, we should have a complete understanding of our Hebrew heritage. As Christians, we study a Hebrew book written by Hebrews; we serve a Hebrew Lord who had Hebrew disciples; we desire to follow the first-century church, was first predominately Hebrew; and through Christ, we are grafted into a Hebrew family! It therefore makes sense to study the Hebrew culture and its effect of world history." Ancient History is a bible-first curriculum. The study of history is important but is secondary to studying God's word and examining everything else in its light. Each year that the curriculum is used the family will read through the entire bible as an integral part of the curriculum using The Narrated Bible, an easy to read, chronologically organized NIV version.
Each of the units is a multi-level study which guides students in grades 4-12 through the creation of several resource books, including a Time Line Book, a Portfolio, a Vocabulary Notebook, a Spelling Notebook, and a Greek and Hebrew Notebook. The units are designed to encourage delight-directed studies and a lifestyle of learning. There are several recommended resources to use with each unit, most of which can be found at libraries and bookstores. The units also make extensive use of supplemental resources found on the Internet. The text of the book is online and once the book is purchased, users have access to continually updated web-based resources to supplement each lesson. Not only is the student learning the unit itself, but is also continually exposed to modern technology as a part of everyday life.
Robin Sampson has created an excellent curriculum. The introductory information explaining how to use the book is concise and easy to understand, and the layout of the book is consistent and well-organized. Ancient History: Adam to Messiah is a refreshing unit study curriculum that will delight anyone interested in history unit studies with a biblical worldview.
Find out more about Heart of Wisdom unit studies at www.heartofwisdom.com.