Engaging Curriculum to Help Your Kids KNOW the Bible

 I was compensated for my time and provided with a copy of this curriculum for review purposes, but all opinions expressed are my own.

In all my years of homeschooling, I had never found a Bible curriculum that I really enjoyed. The closest I have come is actually literature studies that include Bible correlations. All the other simply don't explain enough. 

I mean, as a Christian, your children likely know the basics of most Bible stories at a young age, but do they know the why? Do they know how it all relates and points to Jesus? Where was the Bible curriculum that included those sort of things?

Finally, someone created it! 

Let me introduce you to The Word in Motion by Apologia. This homeschool Bible curriculum is unlike any other that I have seen. It is a combination of a textbook, notebook, and online videos. 

Why We Love The Word in Motion Bible Curriculum

The presentation is what really make it unique though. Rather than just a dry textbook about facts on the Bible, The Word in Motion tells the stories along with important background information from the time period and even insights into what Bible characters may have been thinking or feeling about their situation. It definitely shows that these were real people rather than fictional people in a story. It also teaches a motion to go with each story. By memorizing these simple motions, your kids will be able to walk through the entire Bible after completing the Old and New Testament sections (2 years of study). 

Engages Kids in a Whole Overview of the Bible

All the various facets of this curriculum make it engaging for kids. We have been using it at morning time with everyone going through the lesson.  I think going through the motions (literally), as well as the stories and discussion of the reading and questions are beneficial for all the kids.

I also love the fact that it shows how the entire Bible is necessary and points to Jesus.

Great for a Variety of Learning Types

The Word in Motion is great for a variety of learning types. The video aspect for visual learners, reading aloud for auditory, and motions for kinesthetic. Of course, the lessons do not have to be read aloud; Apologia also offers the lessons in MP3 format for independent work. 

The notebooking journal offers a variety of activities for a variety of learners too. Handwriting practice to help memorize Bible verses, color pages, discussion questions, and spots to write your own prayers. Like all Apologia journals, this is a record for your child, so you don't have to expect them to fill out every page; it is much more beneficial for them to learn and enjoy learning about the Word of God.

Everyday includes going over the memory verse and the weekly motion.  That repetition is good for all learners! We even laminated our motions flashcards and put them on a book ring for easy review. 

Preplanned for a 4-Day School Week

The Lessons in The Word in Motion are also all preplanned to fit in a 4-day week.  I would prefer the outline be in notebooking journal rather than just online especially for independent work, but once you get started, each week takes on the same format, so it is easy to get in a rhythm. 

See a closer peek at the textbook layout as well as some of the motions below! 

Things to Be Aware of with The Word in Motion

I think it goes without saying that if you do not have good access to the internet this is not a good choice for you. I would love to see a thumb drive option for the online sections, so it can be navigated on a computer without good internet access. 

I was a bit disappointed about one thing in regards to The Word in Motion: New Testament. It does refer to both Christmas and Easter, and as a Christian who does not celebrate these due to their secular background, I would have much preferred them stick with the Bible here. It will however give me a chance to discuss with my kids again why we choose not to participate in these holidays. 

Overall, The Word in Motion is a creative and engaging homeschool, Bible curriculum for the whole family. It would be  great for any student in grade K-8 to go through because it is sure to bring up ideas that they have not thought of before. Of course, older students who are just beginning Bible study can benefit as well. 

Be sure to check out the sample lesson videos for The Old Testament here and The New Testament here. You can also download textbook and notebook samples for The Old Testament and The New Testament (scroll into the description.)