Schoolhouse Crew Review~God's Great Covenant OT1

Teaching my kids about the Bible is something I take seriously.  It's important to find good, quality, biblically sound materials to enhance their learning.  Classical Academic Press is a company that I trust and use when I  need quality educational materials that are in line with what I believe.  

As part of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I received these products from Classical Academic Press' God's Great Covenant: Old Testament 1, A Bible Course for Children:
God's Great Covenant Old Testament 1 Student Book $22.95
God's Great Covenant Old Testament 1 Teacher Book $24.95
God's Great Covenant Old Testament 1 Audio Files $9.95

God's Great Covenant Student Book, written by Claire A. Larsen,  is a large softcover book written at a 2nd grade level, and can be modified for older and younger students.  It covers the Bible chronologically from Genesis to Ruth.  There are 32 chapters, suggested to be completed one per week for the school year.  There are five themed units:
1. In the Beginning...God's Power (Genesis 1-11)
2. By the Patriarchs...God's Promises (Genesis 12-50)
3. Out of Egypt...God's Redemption (Exodus 1-34)
4. Through the Wilderness...God's Provision (Exodus -Deuteronomy)
5. In the Promised Land...God's Faithfulness (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Job)

Each chapter within the units has a theme, memory verse, stories, questions to answer, review worksheets, quizzes, puzzles, and more.  There are cute black and white illustrations throughout the book, and Appendixes and maps at the back of the book with a lot of helpful information.

The Teacher's Edition was so helpful. It has everything included in the Student Book with answers, plus additional facts and Children's Catechism questions.  The audio files are an MP3 download of the readings featured in God's Great Covenant: OT1.  This is a nice option to take a break from Mom or the child reading the stories.  Sample pages of each book and a suggested teaching schedule are available on the product pages.

Also available for purchase is the Old Testament Timeline and Map set for $36.95.  I did not review this, but can imagine it would be a great addition to the books. To save some money (aren't we all looking to do that these days??) consider purchasing the God's Great Covenant Old Testament One Bundle, which includes everything mentioned above (Timelines and Map Set too!) for only $79.95! This is nearly 15% savings.

What did Chad (age 10) and I think about this curriculum?  We love it, and I highly recommend it.  I had reviewed the New Testament 1 books last year and was so impressed, so I knew this would be a winner.  The stories are engaging and keep Chad's attention, and he loves the puzzles.  He really likes the cute black and white illustrations, and likes to use his colored pencils to give them color while I read the stories.  Even though Chad is in 4th grade, he is reading at an early 2nd grade level.  So, I do most of the reading.  In a few years when he is a stronger reader, I would like him to go through this book again on his own.  The Teacher's Edition is a gem-so full of facts, and I love the Catechism Questions.  The Appendixes are very helpful as well.  I especially liked Appendix D, which explains the Ten Commandments in a way kids can understand.  We are so pleased with God's Great Covenant OT1 that it is now our Bible Curriculum for the year!  I'm planning on purchasing the Old Testament 2 book next year.

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*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.