Hands-On Learning is, in my opinion, one of the most effective ways to teach. That’s why I was happy to once again have the opportunity to use and review one of the Hands On History: Activity Paks from Home School in the Woods – Activity Pak: Old Testament.
My children have all commented on numerous occasions that the lessons and schooling they remember most from years gone by have been our unit studies and lapbooks. The lessons that included a hands-on approach are the ones that stick with them well into their adult years.
This hands-on history company publishes multiple product lines. The products available from Home School in the Woods are just the sort of thing that enhance whatever we are studying. This time around I opted for an Activity Pak that would help us in our family devotions.
The resource we are using is a downloadable, digital resource. From my shopping cart, I could easily save and open the files that contain all the instructions, templates and exercises we needed to put together a lapbook (or notebook) on the Old Testament.
Using these files from my computer, along with materials we already had on hand, my children have been able to assemble a whole learning tool to help them remember their Old Testaments facts. There are full instructions, including pictures and templates, showing how to assemble the various parts that will make up the lap book.
The last time we used one of these I printed out the instructions. This time my kids and I referred to them on the computer screen as needed and I only printed out the pages and templates necessary for putting together the different booklets, tabs, etc.
Using printer paper (both colored and white) as well as cardstock, I printed out the activity sections and had my children cut, assemble, tape and paste as directed in the instructions section. My children are a bit older than some of you may have in your homeschool, so this worked well. For younger children I recommend doing the printing, maybe even the cutting, then helping them do the assembly.
We worked our way through the Old Testament as we worked our way through the activities. Once we did the work (reading, research, writing, etc.) the kids pasted the mini book or tabbed activity that coordinated into our lapbook folder. Instructions for all these are given in the instruction files we received with our Activity Pak download.
I love the interactive aspect of lap books. You have opportunity for visual, tactile, auditory learning all wrapped up in one little package. On the cover, we see all book of the Old Testament listed, giving us opportunity to practice and quiz one another. Great for memory work!
As we open our lapbook we find things like the 10 Commandments. This “tablet/booklet” shows the Roman Numerals 1-10, and flipping the open you see each commandment spelled out using the scripture reference.
The Tower of Babel is a fascinating topic. On an inside flap we placed a slide feature that asks questions and shares facts – the answers are revealed as you slide the insert up. Everyone love a surprise reveal!
On the center section we placed a mini flip chart showing The Major and The Minor Prophets. On the outside of each flap we see a drawing depicted a prophet, with the time he was known to prophesy, and when flipped open you can read a summary of the man and his message.
One of my favorite sections is on the Book of Proverbs. We printed out a list of well-known Proverbs that we are memorizing together, and then each child uses individual pages to either illustrate one verse or practice as a handwriting lesson. All are excellent tools for memorizing and writing these scriptures on their hearts.
There are many other activities we’ve woven into this little gem of a resource. This is helping me give my kids a general survey of the Old Testament and giving us a springboard for some family discussion as we read and research each event and person as we visit scripture. We even cover things like the Hebrew Kings and the Division of the Kingdoms, as well as visiting well-known stories and people such Abraham, Isaac, Daniel and Esther.
The best thing? This is something for multi-ages. Very young children can practice and memorize the simplest of things like the books of the Old Testament. Children of all ages can cut and paste. The olders can read to the youngers and everyone can help one another with the writing assignments. I love it when our family can work together and enjoy our activity all while learning!
Have you ever tried lap books in your homeschooling? Maybe this is something you could incorporate in your Church schools or even as a supplement to your child’s education if they are at school outside your home.
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There are many product lines available through Home School in the Woods, including:
- Hands-on History Lap-Paks
- Project Passport World History Studies
- Time Travelers American History
- Hands-on History Activity-Paks
- Hands-on History Activity Studies
- À La Carte Timelines
- and other A La Carte items
Just released from Home School in the Woods is the downloadeable version of Project Passport: Ancient Rome. My two youngest traveled back in time using the Project Passport: Middle Ages study. Based on what we experienced with that resources I know this one will be terrific! For all your history needs, the download version of the now complete Project Passport collection is available here.
My fellow Homeschool Crew Mates have been using and reviewing several different products from Home School in the Woods – check them out! To find them, just click on the image below:
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