For the next few years we are taking one continent to study in-depth in our homeschool, and this year the continent is Africa! I wanted to share a few of the resources that I am looking at including in our studies this year - there are so many good ones, and I'm sure I'll end up finding more than appear in this list!
Curriculum:
Taking Africa For Jesus by Generations - This is our core book for our Africa studies. We started the year strong on this book, and we are already six chapters in! We have learned about Ancient Egypt through this resource, as well as the beginnings of the spread of Christianity in Africa. What I love about these elementary history/geography courses from Generations is the focus on tying everything in with biblical history and church history. For example, we learned about some of the Pharaohs in the chapters on Ancient Egypt, but the focus was on the pharaohs who were in power during the time that different biblical figures were in Egypt, such as Abraham, Joseph, and Moses. It also give archeological evidence for why they believe different pharaohs to be the pharaohs associated with the biblical accounts. My kids were so interested in the biblical connections! I also think this would be a really great resource to introduce Ancient Egypt to younger kids, because it doesn't get too deep into their pagan religions and practices. We read this one all together, even with my first grader.
Ancient Egypt & Her Neighbors by Lorene Lambert - As far as African history goes, alot of the history that is easily available is going to be Egyptian, since we don't know very much about what went on in the rest of Africa for much of it's history. It also seems like Ancient Egypt is one of those topics that everyone has to learn at some point, so I figured this was the year to dip our toes in. The thing I like best about this book is that it is written in such an engaging way! So much information is given, but when I read it to the kids, none of us get bored. What I don't love (but what really can't be helped) is that it does give more detail about the pagan religions of the Egyptians, in the context of explaining some of their odd customs - there is not too many details, but enough that I make sure we spend some time talking about it and comparing what we're learning to the Bible (which, ultimately, is a good thing too). I usually let my little girls skip this one - I think it's better for upper elementary and middle school.
The Boy Of The Pyramids by Ruth Fosdick Jones - This is a mystery story set in Ancient Egypt, and it gives an engaging picture of the way that the Egyptians might have lived on a daily basis. Not too much is included of a religious nature, which is also appreciated! Slavery was very common back then, so slavery is also a big part of the plot. Because of that, I'd save it for mid to upper elementary.
The Things They Made: Egypt - This is a great picture resource that I got from Simply Charlotte Mason, and it adds some beautiful visuals to go along with Ancient Egypt & Her Neighbors, printed on high-quality cardstock!
Coloring Books:
Dover Coloring Books: For my little girls, who can't take notes very well yet, I thought it would be nice for them to have something to color instead. I am ordering this coloring book of the African plains, but also think this one on Egyptian fashion looks fun!
Missionary Stories:
I feel very strongly about including missionary stories as we study history and geography - there are so many great ones, and I love to see how God works to bring His gospel to the different areas of the world through ordinary men and women.
Trailblazer Series - I haven't finalized which of these biographies we will read yet, but I am eyeing the one on Helen Rosaveare, Mary Slessor, Robert Moffat, or a different book about David Livingstone. I don't know a ton about any of these individuals, so I'll do a little research and then decide!
Twins' Adventures In Africa by Janice and Faye Rostvitt - This is a collection stories written by missionaries that my childhood church supported, and the Rostvitt twins visited us many times! I can't link it because I don't believe it is sold online, but it will be neat to be able to read their experiences to my kids, since I grew up hearing their stories when they came to speak at our little white church.
African Pearls: A Story Of Faith From Uganda by Pastor Aloys Ntamugabumwe and Jenifer Ntamugbumwe - Speaking of personal connections, I was sent a copy of this book by my dear friend, Heidi Brompton, who is the editor and illustrator! She has personal connections with the Pastor and his daughter whose story is told in this book. It's so neat for us to be able to read stories from friends of a friend! The kids and I started reading this in the last few weeks...first off, let me just say the illustrations are gorgeous. Each page is a work of art! For the pictures alone I would love this book, but Heidi and the Ntamugbumwes beautifully weave in African history with the experiences of missionary life and with testimonies of people in Uganda who have come to know Christ. I am biased, as a friend of Heidi's, but even if I wasn't, I think this would be one of my favorite resources as we study Africa this year.
A giveaway for African Pearls is coming to my blog very soon, so stay tuned! I'll also give you a closer look at the illustrations inside - they are gorgeous.
I'd love to hear any other homeschool resources on Africa that you've liked! I'd especially like to explore books related to other countries in Africa, since alot of our book are Egypt-focused so far. Comment below if you have suggestions for me.
Post a Comment