Teaching the Old Testament to Children: Review of What God is Doing

Disclaimer: I received a FREE PDF copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

I had the privilege of receiving a PDF of What God is Doing: Old Testament Object Lessons for Kids by Anne Marie Gosnell to review with our family. I have previously read and reviewed Helping Your Children Become Prayer Warriors and also enjoyed watching the explanation of Bible object lessons on the YouTube page, "Bible Object Lessons for Kids." I have wanted to try some of these with our own children. So, having access to the text of What God is Doing was a fantastic opportunity for me.

What Can You Find in What God is Doing?

There are 25 interactive lessons geared towards children ages 5 to 12 in What God is Doing: Old Testament Object Lessons for Kids. Anne Marie Gosnell wrote each lesson to take about 20-30 minutes with one main goal in mind: to show how God is bringing about His plan of salvation. From examining the experiences of Adam and Eve in Eden to Nehemiah building the wall, the main focus of this curriculum is the Old Testament as you may have already gathered from the subtitle (Old Testament Object Lessons for Kids). There are two lessons at the end of What God is Doing which address the time that elapsed between the Old and New Testaments (between Malachi and the birth of Jesus) which bring a nice conclusion to the book.

In addition to the 25 object lessons, there are a number of other chapters to help you get the most of What God is Doing. For example, there is an introduction, a chapter on how the book works with links to resource pages, tips and advice on how to become an excellent Bible teacher, and coloring pages for you and your children.

Each lesson contains the following elements:

• Scripture Focus
• Materials
• Geography
• Background 
• The Object Lesson itself
• The Bible Lesson
• A Life Application 
• A Comment Box for the teacher to answer the questions "What went well as you taught this lesson? What can you do better?" 

How Did We Use What God is Doing: Old Testament Object Lessons for Kids? 

During the time we were reviewing this thorough book, we took a look at a few lessons. Specifically, I would like to talk about our experiences with Lesson 7: Abraham's Challenge to Sacrifice Isaac and Lesson 9: Jacob Wrestles with God. As we have the PDF of the book, I printed out the pages necessary to read ahead of time as well as the black and white image that accompanies the lesson (for our children to color).

We actually took a look at Jacob Wrestles with God first because I knew that our daughter would really enjoy the focal point of the object lesson. In this lesson, we made oobleck. We have never made this before in our homeschool, so I knew this would be a memorable experience for them. Our daughter really enjoyed helping me prepare the oobleck while our son colored in the picture. This was really a wonderful piece to include in the lesson to teach about how we often have hard hearts when we encounter God (like the solid nature of the oobleck) but "in God's hand we become usable, flexible, and able to glorify God" (59).

Getting the materials together for the object lesson.

The oobleck was hard when punched but soft if you rested your hand on it.

The second lesson I would like to share is that of Abraham's Challenge to Sacrifice Isaac. The materials for this lesson were quite simple to gather: a small model or picture of a ram and several colors of construction paper. We read about the promise given to Abram and Sarai and their name changes, compared the story of Isaac to that of Jesus, and looked through the wordless picture book I created with the construction paper.

After we used some of the lessons from What God is Doing: Old Testament Object Lessons for Kids, we were able to tie it back into our son's language arts where we are reading excerpts from the Bible and writing sentences about them. We also were able to find videos of the stories we read to watch during lunchtime. So, the lessons in the book fit in perfectly with our homeschooling day. 

What do I Think?

This is a tremendously well-organized book with lots of great information! This book would be good for homeschooling families or those who are Bible teachers or Sunday School teachers. There are lessons that require more than a couple of children but they can be easily adapted, if necessary.

There are resources available including video links for a few of the lessons and the posters are available to either purchase or download as individual posters. This is quite helpful when planning out the lesson.

I also like that in most cases the materials necessary for the lessons are quite easy to gather together. There are only a few that require a trip to the store—like if you don't have toy plastic insects for the lesson on the twelve spies and the wandering or the cornstarch needed for the lesson about Jacob wrestling with God.

I also like how Anne Marie Gosnell helps us teach our children difficult lessons from the Bible in simple ways, including ways to apply the information to their own lives. For example, in the lesson regarding Anointed King David, children learn about how God sees inside our heart. Even if the outside looks good, the inside might not be good. A chocolate candy box and a clear candy jar are used in the lesson and the life application portion reminds children that God can see through us just like we can see through the clear jar.

Finally, I especially liked how using the lessons from What God is Doing: Old Testament Object Lessons for Kids allowed our children to demonstrate the knowledge they had previously learned from homeschooling and Sunday School. When asking one of the questions from Abraham's Challenge to Sacrifice Issac ("What do we know about sheep and the Old Testament?"), my children were able to discuss how David protected sheep (from lions and bears) prior to his fighting Goliath. Our son also shared a modified version of the parable of The Lost Sheep—of how the shepherd goes after the one sheep that runs away. They also recalled a new version of a song they were learning about Father Abraham at Sunday School. All of these connections to homeschooling and church combined are why I can easily and enthusiastically recommend What God is Doing: Old Testament Object Lessons for Kids by Anne Marie Gosnell.

Would You Like to Learn More about Anne Marie Gosnell? 

Website: Future Flying Saucers – YouTube – Facebook

R is for Review (Blogging Through the Alphabet)

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As we are well past the halfway mark of the alphabet, I thought I would share a review of the American Civil War this week. There are so many important topics, ideas, people, places, and events that one can only skim the surface of everything there is to learn about the Civil War as we blog through the alphabet.

Where and When Did It Start?

The most obvious answer is that the American Civil War started when Fort Sumter in the Charleston Harbor on April 12, 1861. The American troops stationed at the Fort were running out of supplies and President Lincoln made it known that he would resupply them. U.S. Major Robert Anderson and his 86 soldiers held off surrendering till 34 hours after a bombardment led by the Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard.

One could also argue that the raid on Harper's Ferry by John Brown and his men in 1859 was a starting point because of the violence used. Brown's goal was to raise an army of former slaves and eventually free all the slaves in the South. They started at Harper's Ferry as there was a federal arsenal located there. His attempts were quickly put down by a small group of Marines, which included Robert E. Lee, and he was found guilty of treason and hanged.

Even earlier than the raid on Harper's Ferry were the events, raids, and attacks that happened in the "Bleeding Kansas" confrontations. With the bloodshed that occurred in the Border Wars between Kansas and Nebraska, one could argue that the Civil War was started as early as 1854. Pro- and antislavery people fought each other to win the area along the Kansas-Missouri border. If the people were going to decide if the states entered as free or slave states, then each wanted their side to win.

All of this just demonstrates how the Civil War cannot really be tied to any one event or cause as there were a myriad of problems all tied up with the idea of slavery, states' rights, and the expansion of the United States and how it would deal with these ideas and problems. It is only right to include the differences between the industrialized North and the agricultural South, the slave revolt of Nat Turner, Uncle Tom's Cabin, the Dred Scott decision, and the election of Abraham Lincoln as reasons as to why the American Civil War happened.

Who are the Key Figures in the American Civil War?

There are a great number of key individuals involved in the American Civil War as well as thousands upon thousands of lesser known men and women who also played an integral role. Who would you say were the most famous individuals from the American Civil War? Would you agree that President Abraham Lincoln is at the top of the list? What about those from the Confederacy? I think there may be disagreement over whether their president, Jefferson Davis, or the leader of the Army of Northern Virginia, Robert E. Lee, was the most well known.

Of course, it might also depend upon which battle you might be studying or which events in relation to the Civil War you are studying to determine key figures. For example, if you are interested in the Western Theater of the American Civil War, you might spend more time focusing upon Confederate Generals Albert Sidney Johnson, Braxton Bragg, and John Bell Hood and the Union Generals Henry Halleck, Don Carlos Buell, and William Rosecrans. On the other hand, you might be more familiar with the Generals who were primarily engaged in battles in the Eastern Theater as they are usually at the center of movies and documentaries about the American Civil War. These men include Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and Union Generals George B. McClellan, Ambrose Burnside, and George G. Meade.

And we must never forget the common man who served. Over 3 million men served on both sides. There were many factors as to why farmers, skilled laborers, and professionals enlisted. They fought for country, duty, honor, and the right. They may also have enlisted due to peer pressure, to be a hero, and hatred of the enemy. Even though so many of these individuals are unknown, they are still just as important for their part in the American Civil War.

What were the Significant Battles?

From Fort Sumter to Appomattox, there are many important locations and sites for battles and events. When someone says they will be talking about the American Civil War, what battle names come to mind? Do you think of the bloodiest day in the Civil War – Antietam? The first battle in Maryland which was supposed to end the entire war very quickly – Manassas (also known as Bull Run)? Or perhaps Gettysburg which is often described as the turning point of the Civil War?

Here is a list of some of the battles that I think are important to be familiar with when studying the American Civil War:

• Fort Sumter (April 12-13, 1861) 
• First Battle of Bull Run / First Manassas (July 21, 1861) 
• Battle of Shiloh / Pittsburg Landing (April 6-7, 1862)
• First Battle of Chattanooga (June 7-8, 1862) 
• Battle of Gaines' Mill (June 27, 1862) 
• Battle of Antietam /Sharpsbourg (September 17, 1862) 
• Battle of Fredericksburg (December 13, 1862) 
• Siege of Vicksburg (May 18 - July 4, 1863) 
• Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) 
• Battle of Chickamauga (September 19-20, 1863) 
• Battle of Spotsylvania Court House (May 8-21, 1864) 
• Battle of Kennesaw Mountain (June 27, 1864) 
• Battle of Mobile Bay (August 5, 1864) 
• Battle of Five Forks (April 1, 1865) 

Resources to Checkout 

There are lots of resources for studying the American Civil War! I have lots of personal favorites in terms of books, websites, documentaries, and movies. I think one of the most important things to think about when looking for resources is examining the reason behind why something was written or created. Then looking at the year it was written or created. Some will dismiss those works that are older (such as works by Shelby Foote) but I do not think just because a work was published in the 1950s makes it no longer relevant. Yes, new information always comes to light but there is just as important information to be found in the original letters and reports of the men and women who lived during the Civil War as in the works of those who are writing today. 

Reading and Researching from Secondary Sources is a Great Place to Start  

• Shelby Foote 
• James M. McPherson 
• Gary W. Gallagher 
• Bruce Catton 
• Bill I. Wiley 
• John Jakes (fiction) 
• Michael Shaara (fiction) 

Reading Primary Sources can be Very Eye-Opening 

• George B. McClellan 
• Ulysses S. Grant 
• Joshua Chamberlain
• Jefferson Davis 
• The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (commonly known as the ORs or Official Records) 
• Sam R. Watkins 

What Sites Should You Visit? 

Honestly, I think that if you get the opportunity, you should visit every Civil War site – from those preserved by local historical societies to those that are part of the National Park Service. Each one has an individual story to tell. 

For the longest time, I would visit Gettysburg, PA at least once a year. There was something about walking through the town and battlefield that was inspiring and relaxing to me. Perhaps it was because I was so very close to history. And thanks to Civil War reenactors, you never knew when a Confederate solder might appear riding his horse escorting a Union prisoner across the field at Pickett's Charge. Or you might run into lovely ladies in Civil War-era hoop skirts in your hotel lobby. History really came to life and I loved it.

So, if you get the chance, visit a Civil War battle site or home. Stop by the location of the Underground Railroad and learn more about the daring journeys men and women went on to gain their freedom. And perhaps you might be transported to the past and truly understand more about the American Civil War.

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Day in the Life of a Homeschooled 11th Grader

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Our teenage son joined our homeschooling journey when he was in the 10th grade. So for most of his schooling career, he has been attending public school. After much discussion and soul-seeking, he decided to join his younger brother and sister in our homeschooling quest.

For the majority of his homeschooling classes, we use SchoolhouseTeachers.com plus other materials that we were blessed with through the Homeschool Review Crew. Then there are a few pieces that we have added ourselves like Exploring Government after purchasing the books from Timberdoodle.

Preparing The Homeschool Work 

Each Sunday night, I go through our teen's homeschool bag, pull out completed work to be graded, and replace that with his new assignments for the week. This year, I am using folders for all of this work plus keeping his schedule in one folder. I also sometimes email him the necessary files and links he needs.

I love that I can type our 11th grader's work right into the planner. 

So, while I create a weekly schedule with assignments listed on certain days, in general, we let our homeschooled 11th grader decide his own pace and schedule for the week. If he wants to complete all his math lessons on one day, I am usually okay with that decision. For me, the most important thing is that he completes assignments by the end of the week including any tests or quizzes.

Our son usually starts his day with getting breakfast for his younger brother and sister. This is especially helpful as they are morning people and I am not. I am very glad that he is able to help support his family in this small way. And since we don't have to rush off to school, everyone can enjoy a leisurely start to the day.

After breakfast, our teen either goes back to sleep or starts working on his homeschooling. He usually breaks for a late lunch and then will finish up work before dinner time. On occasion, I will ask him to help out by making lunch for his siblings or keeping them entertained and busy while I have meetings. We are very blessed to be able to pull together as a family to get our daily tasks completed.

And in some instances, my husband will help our teen with an assignment in the evening or we will work on a project over the weekend as a family. I love that homeschooling our 11th grader allows us the flexibility to homeschool when it is right for our schedule and not someone else's.

What Courses Is Our 11th Grader Taking? 

In addition to physical education and health, our son has a full academic schedule of seven courses including:

• English - Christian Values in J.R.R. Tolkien from SchoolhouseTeachers.com 
• Algebra II courtesy of CTCMath.com 
• World History using my materials from when I taught World History 
• Photography from SchoolhouseTeachers.com 
• Friendly Chemistry and now Botany (both from SchoolhouseTeachers.com) 
• Exploring Government text published by Notgrass 
• Religious Studies - A Study of Extraordinary Women in the Bible and They Lived for God 

We will also be reading a play by William Shakespeare and completing some other projects and reading assignments as the homeschool year progresses. Our son also read Britfield & the Lost Crown before he started reading about Middle Earth this homeschool year. So as you can see, he has a busy 11th grade homeschool year. 

How Homeschooling Works in Our Family

I found many new subjects to study while homeschooling our 11th grader. I think I have enjoyed reading through the Exploring Government text the most so far this homeschool year. I love the way in which it is presented as well as the fact that it is giving our 11th grader a firm understanding of how the United States of America is governed. And I am also looking forward to taking the course A Study of Extraordinary Women in the Bible myself this winter so we can discuss the topics together as a family. 

Our 11th grader said, "Homeschooling allows me to work on my own time, and I can make up work whenever I need. It also allows me to spend more time with my family, and help my step-mom with my siblings."

My husband said, "Knowing that what we believe will not be impugned as our children learn is a relief after my own public school experiences as both student and parent. Being able to work as a team with my family in our children's learning is a blessing that cannot be matched. I enjoy seeing what my wife and kids have been doing for school while I was at work and then helping out when needed."

Finishing Up His High School Career

I can hardly believe that soon my teen will be preparing for his final homeschool year. He will then have to decide if the courses he has taken in image editing and photography will be put to use if he starts his own photography business, or if he moves into other field of work. I am excited to sit down with him this summer to plan out his final year. 

Journaling through the Bible: Daniel Explains the Second Dream

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Seeking some wisdom during a moment of extreme stress, I turned to my Bible. I thought I wanted to read some of the wise words of Jesus. Perhaps read through a parable or two. Maybe turn to the Acts or the Letters but I opened to Daniel. I am more familiar with the story of Daniel and the Lions' Den than that of his explanation of the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar but here I was – right in the middle of it all.

"...It is you, O King, who have grown and become strong; for your greatness has grown and reaches to the heavens, and your dominion to the end of the earth."

I have to admit this sounded great as I was reading it. A powerful image of a strong tree who provides shade, food, and protection for all. Isn't that what I want to be as a mother? But that isn't the whole interpretation. The king will be brought down low and no longer rule his kingdom if he does not turn from his sins and show mercy.

I cannot be strong, powerful, and wise without giving my all to God. He is the one who has given me life. As a wife and mother, I must honor God and ask for His help and mercy. I cannot be so proud of what I have already accomplished without giving praise and honor to God. One does not want to be cut low or barred from the Kingdom of Heaven.

 

Prayer:

Please God accept my praise and help me be a better wife and mother.

Q is for Quantrill (Blogging Through the Alphabet)

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The letter Q is one that is never easy when trying to complete a Blogging Through the Alphabet series. For this current series focusing upon the American Civil War, I looked in the indexes of several books to create a list of possible topics and for Q I came upon William Quantrill. Who was he? I did not recall ever studying about him and if I read about him, it must have been in passing. So I set about to learn more about this Confederate guerrilla leader as he is labeled by the National Park Service. (And there is a lot more to learn about him than I originally thought there would be.)

Background

William Quantrill was born in Ohio on July 31, 1837. He became a farmer, teacher, and gambler all before he was accused of stealing cattle and killing several people. To escape arrest, he fled to Missouri which was where he was prior to the start of the American Civil War.

 Battle of Wilson's Creek (image from ushistoryimages.com)

Beginning of the American Civil War

At the start of the American Civil War, Quantrill formed a band of guerrilla troops that began raiding Union sympathizers in both Kansas and Missouri. In 1862, the Confederate Army mustered his troop into service with Quantrill possessing the rank of Captain. It has even been stated that he was never actually given a commission in the Confederate Army. So his men may or may not have been part of the regular army, but they still operated somewhat independently.

Quantrill's militia took place in the Battle of Wilson's Creek which was the first major battle fought west of the Mississippi River on August 10, 1861. With the Confederates outnumbering the Union, the Union retreated thus giving the Confederates control over southwestern Missouri. Raids would continue throughout the Civil War by both pro-Union and pro-Confederate guerrilla troops.

Attack on Lawrence, Kansas

Prior to the American Civil War, there was much violence in this area of the United States as new states were in the process of being admitted like Kansas and Nebraska. Even during the Civil War, the area of Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri were a hotbed of agitation due to the pro- and anti-slavery feelings from prior to the war. There was great animosity between the individuals living in the area due to the actions of jayhawkers, guerilla troops, and border ruffians.

Quantrill's band of about 450 men attacked most of the town of Lawrence's buildings on August 21, 1863. They killed anywhere from 150 to 190 civilians (some in cold blood). Quantrill and his men then went on to loot and burn the town. The band also had some famous members on this sad day including Frank James (Jesse James' brother).

Death of Quantrill

In the spring of 1865, Quantrill continued to raid towns in Kentucky. Quantrill was mortally wounded on May 6, 1865, during an ambush with Union soldiers in Kentucky. He succumbed to his wounds on June 6, 1865. Similar to other individuals during the American Civil War, like Pickett, much of what we know about Quantrill is part of myths and stories. And depending upon whether someone was sympathetic to the Confederate cause or a staunch Unionist, it also influenced the view and description of Quantrill. Was he an outlaw or a celebrity?

Interested in hearing an interview with William Quantrill? 

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