Studying History Using Greenleaf Guide

In this review on Greenleaf Guide to Old Testament History, I talked about how Greenleaf has helped us tie the history of the Old Testament peoples together.  This study has made us realize that the Biblical characters were very real and were involved in the real world and were not a people by themselves. Now please don’t get me wrong when I say that.  I believe the Bible to be 100% true but reading the Bible as a part of history made the people come alive for me and my family.

Other ways to enhance your study

While I use Greenleaf for a guideline of what chapters to read, I also try and look for opportunities for a fun craft I could do along with out reading. (I have gotten away from this with my daughter but I’m thinking it would be good to add back in.  I think she’s ready for it.) 

Use a history notebook

My kids had a history notebook (I believe Susan Wise Bauer recommends this) and when we read about Moses I had the children draw a picture of the burning bush.  When we read about Moses and the plagues, we made an origami frog that hopped.  Before the kids added the frog to their history notebook they had a race to see whose frog was the fastest hopper. 

Ways to show you’re learning

We did not add something to our notebook at every reading.  I remember one time that we acted out the story of Moses’ rescue from the Nile.  We placed a baby doll into a basket the boys had woven with paper strips.  

Learn about the Nile River.  Research crocodiles.  Have them draw a picture of a crocodile and add some facts on crocodiles to their pictures.  Study leporasy when you read about Miriam.  If your child is too young to write, have them give you an oral narration and you write it for them.  Cut out tablets from brown paper bags  and write the 10 Commandments.  With the stories of Moses, you can really get a lot of ideas.

Related books become a family read-aloud

If there are books whose setting is in Old Testament times, read those aloud to the kids.  Currently we are reading The Hittite Warriorwhich covers the time of Deborah, Balak & Sisera in the book of Judges.  (Note:  The Hittite Warrior can be a little graphic, so you may want to edit it when you’re reading to your younger children.)  Another book set in Bible times is Nehemiah the Cup Bearer.

Picture This!

Picture This! by Dan & Juanene Peters is a new addition to our study of the Old Testament.  In a future post, I would like to give a review on it.  My daughter has really enjoyed this book and it has been a tremendous help in catching her interest for the readings we do.

Here’s an example of what she’s been doing.

For even more reasons why you should study the Old Testament read what Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 6.