Homeschooling has an endless list of benefits for families. I love the opportunities that we have to pursue all manner of interests and activities. Even with the flexibility though, we don't have the option to jump in a plane, and travel the world for our history and geography studies. We have had a couple of history programs that we studied out of a book, and in all honesty, we loved them. Then... along came Drive Thru History® . This company provided our family with a DVD set of their series, "Acts to Revelation" to review, and well, now we are ruined for other programs. (No offense, other history programs, we still like you.) But, this is NOT the history class that you took as a student!
What makes this stand out from other history studies? Well, I could just say, EVERYTHING, but I'm guessing that you would appreciate a few more details. Dave Stotts is the host and tour guide of his self proclaimed "Adventure Learning". For about 15 years, and probably more than that at this point, he has traveled the world, filming historical sites both large and small, while teaching about the events that took place there. Recognizing that we are in a culture war, Stotts is coming alongside other Christian families, and helping them in their education, while hopefully, encouraging them to delve in more deeply to the Word of God.
This set comes in a sturdy, cardboard case, with three DVD's, and a study guide. The study guide is attached to the case, so you won't need to worry about misplacing it. "Acts to Revelation" picks up from where we left off in "The Gospels" series, but if this program is new to you, you won't have a problem tracking, as Stotts provides a summary of previous events before moving ahead. The episodes will pick up with the accounts of the first Christians. You will get a close look at the destinations where Peter, James, Stephen, and Paul traveled and ministered, wrapping up with the island of Patmos with the apostle John.
Who remembers their history classes? I know that when I was a student, the curriculum consisted of a textbook, and taking lots of notes from the blackboard. Classes were often rather dry. It is wonderful that educational resources have taken such a creative route, and that Drive Thru History specifically has provided an engaging way to learn today! Even as an adult, this series has helped me tremendously to see the actual countries and sites with my own eyes. I am a visual learner, so seeing these landmarks has put so much previous information that I had learned, in context.
As a teacher, I would bet you dollars to donuts, that Dave Stotts will become a fast favorite. I don't know how he does it, but he teaches with a beautiful blend of knowledge, humor, and reverence. He always manages to strike the perfect tone for the lesson. He will also take you off the beaten path every so often, to lesser known sites, providing interesting background and details that aid in the total understanding of the culture that is being studied. My daughters and I often quote his funny quips to each other throughout the day.
Lessons in this series:
Disc 1
1. The Gospel Shared at Pentecost
2. The Church Grows in Jerusalem
3. The Gospel Spreads to the Gentiles
4. Saul of Tarsus & the Road to Damascus
5. Paul's First Missionary Journey-The Island of Cyprus
6. The Journey Continues-Pamphylia, Galatia & Asia Minor
Disc 2
7. The Jerusalem Council & Paul's Second Missionary Journey
8. The Second Journey Continues-Philippi and Thessalonica
9. A Road Trip to Athens
10. Ancient Corinth
11. Paul's Third Missionary Journey-Ephesus
12. Paul's Final Trip to Jerusalem & Caesarea
Disc 3
13. Adventures at Sea-The Island of Malta
14. A Final Journey to Rome
15. The Martyrdom of Paul & Peter
16. John and the Island of Patmos
17. The Seven Churches of Revelation
18. The Book Closes on the New Testament Period
The Study Guide included in this set is beautiful. Filled with colorful photos, everyone will enjoy flipping through it. It begins with an introduction from Dave, and the list of episodes. There is a guide for every episode, and it follows the same outline, a summary of the video, five discussion questions, a Bible reading schedule, and a side road, which is an extra fact or two that relates to the time, setting, or lesson. Answers to the discussion questions are at the back of the guide, so don't worry if you aren't sure of the correct response.
There are various ways that you might choose to use this set. You can simply watch the videos. You can use the enclosed guide as you watch, or after you watch. You might even memorize the verses that are provided. There is a suggested reading plan at the bottom of each guide, that can be used for your Bible Study. We did a bit of a blend. We looked through the study guide before the episodes, and then discussed the questions and side roads afterwards. That put our average lesson time at roughly 45 minutes to an hour, and worked well for us.
Our whole family has and is enjoying this set. My husband (who has a degree from a Bible college) is very impressed with Dave Stotts and Drive Thru History. We've watched a few of the episodes as a family, and he has absolutely loved them. He's commented on the amazing production, and the amount of knowledge that each lesson offers. He's glad that we have such a fantastic resource for learning history from a Biblical perspective. I agree completely. This is a great option for anyone, but when speaking specifically of homeschoolers, this is perfect for families that span several grades. There is something for everyone. Younger children will enjoy the beautiful scenery, and humor. Older students can go deeper with the study guide. All will benefit from reading the Scripture verses. I love how each episode ends with this statement:
This set comes in a sturdy, cardboard case, with three DVD's, and a study guide. The study guide is attached to the case, so you won't need to worry about misplacing it. "Acts to Revelation" picks up from where we left off in "The Gospels" series, but if this program is new to you, you won't have a problem tracking, as Stotts provides a summary of previous events before moving ahead. The episodes will pick up with the accounts of the first Christians. You will get a close look at the destinations where Peter, James, Stephen, and Paul traveled and ministered, wrapping up with the island of Patmos with the apostle John.
Who remembers their history classes? I know that when I was a student, the curriculum consisted of a textbook, and taking lots of notes from the blackboard. Classes were often rather dry. It is wonderful that educational resources have taken such a creative route, and that Drive Thru History specifically has provided an engaging way to learn today! Even as an adult, this series has helped me tremendously to see the actual countries and sites with my own eyes. I am a visual learner, so seeing these landmarks has put so much previous information that I had learned, in context.
As a teacher, I would bet you dollars to donuts, that Dave Stotts will become a fast favorite. I don't know how he does it, but he teaches with a beautiful blend of knowledge, humor, and reverence. He always manages to strike the perfect tone for the lesson. He will also take you off the beaten path every so often, to lesser known sites, providing interesting background and details that aid in the total understanding of the culture that is being studied. My daughters and I often quote his funny quips to each other throughout the day.
Lessons in this series:
Disc 1
1. The Gospel Shared at Pentecost
2. The Church Grows in Jerusalem
3. The Gospel Spreads to the Gentiles
4. Saul of Tarsus & the Road to Damascus
5. Paul's First Missionary Journey-The Island of Cyprus
6. The Journey Continues-Pamphylia, Galatia & Asia Minor
Disc 2
7. The Jerusalem Council & Paul's Second Missionary Journey
8. The Second Journey Continues-Philippi and Thessalonica
9. A Road Trip to Athens
10. Ancient Corinth
11. Paul's Third Missionary Journey-Ephesus
12. Paul's Final Trip to Jerusalem & Caesarea
Disc 3
13. Adventures at Sea-The Island of Malta
14. A Final Journey to Rome
15. The Martyrdom of Paul & Peter
16. John and the Island of Patmos
17. The Seven Churches of Revelation
18. The Book Closes on the New Testament Period
The Study Guide included in this set is beautiful. Filled with colorful photos, everyone will enjoy flipping through it. It begins with an introduction from Dave, and the list of episodes. There is a guide for every episode, and it follows the same outline, a summary of the video, five discussion questions, a Bible reading schedule, and a side road, which is an extra fact or two that relates to the time, setting, or lesson. Answers to the discussion questions are at the back of the guide, so don't worry if you aren't sure of the correct response.
There are various ways that you might choose to use this set. You can simply watch the videos. You can use the enclosed guide as you watch, or after you watch. You might even memorize the verses that are provided. There is a suggested reading plan at the bottom of each guide, that can be used for your Bible Study. We did a bit of a blend. We looked through the study guide before the episodes, and then discussed the questions and side roads afterwards. That put our average lesson time at roughly 45 minutes to an hour, and worked well for us.
Oh, by the way Mr. Stotts, my youngest has a query for you..
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