The Bible tells the story of God’s interactions with his people and his plan to send a Savior. Its accounts tell of real people who lived and died. Jesus stepped into the world as a real man. In other words, the Bible is history, and it deserves a place in your homeschool as such. Here are four homeschool tips for approaching the Bible as history.
1. Match Bible Events to Your Time Period
Many Bible events were set during specific time periods. As you study ancient peoples and places in history class, see what the Bible has to say about them. For example, learning about Mesopotamian ziggurats provides a perfect opportunity to check out the Tower of Babel story. The narrative about Jesus’s trial and crucifixion ties in with studies on power distribution in the early days of Imperial Rome.
2. Practice Timeline Work
History curricula often encourage students to make timelines because they help kids understand how people and events relate to one another. Using the Bible as history book provides opportunities for kids to practice their timeline skills. Try plotting the reigns of the kings of Judah or the missionary journeys of Paul. If you’re doing Bible as history online, you can even let your kids use digital timeline templates.
3. Explore Maps and Locations
Geography and history go hand in hand. Bible history for homeschool can include many geography lessons. Consult a Bible atlas to see the Israelites’ path out of Egypt or the land belonging to the 12 Tribes. Also, use online interactive maps to check out what Bible lands are like today. For example, your kids can locate Jerusalem, Bethlehem and the Sea of Galilee on a modern map.
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4. Remind Your Children of God’s Eternal Presence
Finally, above all, using the Bible as history in your homeschool is an opportunity to remind your students that every story belongs to God — including their own. God has been faithful throughout all times, and He will continue to be faithful today.
Partner with LightSail as you use the Bible for your homeschool history class. With digital Bibles and reference books, interactive maps, timeline templates, and thousands of World Book articles, we’re here for you and your kids.
Posted on 10.Oct.21 in Faith-based
