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Schoolhouse Review Crew ~ Apologia's "Who Is My Neighbor?" (Volume 3 of the What We Believe series)

This blog post/product review for the Schoolhouse Review Crew (part of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine) covers the third in a terrific series from Apologia Educational Ministries titles "Who Is My Neighbor? And Why Does He Need Me?" (volume 3 in the Biblical Worldview series What We Believe).  My family has been able to review the first two books in this series (click HERE to read my first review and HERE to read my second review) and we were very excited to receive the third book for review.



If I could, I would give an Apologia disclaimer  that reads something like this: "As always, this product from Apologia Ministries is a off-the-chain, A+++ resource. If you want the best, buy Apologia". Yeah, I really love these books!

The first thing I looked at when starting to use "Who Is My Neighbor?" was the Intro: How To Use This Book section. It clearly lays out the purpose of this worldview curriculum and makes using it in your homeschool a snap. It's easy to use, written directly to the student (HUGE plus for my kiddos!), and allows the student to learn at their own pace. Most lessons can be covered in about two weeks time.






"Who Is My Neighbor" contains 8 lessons, and each lesson is very detailed! The hardcover book has 276 pages of material. The companion coloring book is 64 pages in length and is a great resource for younger students. And the companion Notebooking Journal (240 pages) is a terrific finishing touch to this set. The activities in the Notebooking Journal cement what is learned and make the lessons more than just "reading" assignments. The coloring book and Notebooking Journal make this a solid homeschool choice for the visual learner.



The coloring book is self-explanatory, but I will say that even older students will like the pictures in this book. The Notebooking Journal contains lesson plans that make it simple to use right along with the main textbook. Memory verses are much easier to memorize when using the Notebooking Journal along with the hardcover book. You can use the book "Who Is My Neighbor" without the coloring book or Notebooking Journal, but I really like having them available to my students. I had my daughter use the crossowords to review content from each lesson, and I found the book's suggestions of ways to expand on what has been studied were a plus.



Right from the start, this book hones in on the importance of being in relationship with others. The emphasis on servant hood is not only Biblical, but is needed in today's society. How many government officials, businessmen, and parents really make decisions with the good of others as their end goal and top priority? How would the world we live in be different if more people had a servant mentality, living out Matthew 23:11? (Which states that the greatest among you must be a servant).

"Who Is My Neighbor?" continues to explain how to be a servant to those we encounter daily in our families, churches and community. Yummy recipes add to the fun of these lessons. Real life issues such as envy versus contentment are addressed in this curriculum. Topics like slavery and the Civil War are discussed in ways that reveal America's flaws alongside her strengths. Even subjects like the Japanese internment camps during WWII are covered. The Bible pulls no punches and doesn't gloss over tough subject manner, and I appreciate the fact that "Who Is My Neighbor?" doesn't either.

A course website is available with additional resources to help teach the course; the password is available in the textbook. (www.Apologia.com is the web address)

As always, Apologia presents an excellent resource for homeschooling families. You simply can't go wrong with Apologia!

The price for the book "Who Is My Neighbor?" is $39. The coloring book costs $8. And the Notebooking Journal sells for $24. The company's toll free phone number is 888-524-4724. And the website is www.Apologia.com.

If you are looking for quality Bible/worldview curriculum, this series may be just what you need. This book aims to help children (ages 6-14) understand what it means to be salt and light to the world (Matthew 5:13-14). I feel it achieves this goal and is my #1 choice for worldview curriculum in our homeschool. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

To read what other reviewers have to say, click HERE.



Disclaimer ~ I received this product free of charge for review purposes. All opinions shared are my own.

Lord bless you as you raise your children for His glory!

Day 199 done :)

Jan L. Burt

www.ALLTHINGSHOMESCHOOL.weebly.com


www.SavanasClayCreations.com

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