Pillars of History

Name: Pillars of History
Brand: Common Sense Press

by Common Sense Press

Religious_studiesGrades K–8

About This Curriculum

<cite index="9-5">Bible-based homeschool curriculum that enhances understanding of biblical history by using the Bible (Old Testament) as the main text.</cite> <cite index="6-4">Ancient times come alive as students travel through the Hebrew Nation beginning with Creation through Joshua's battle in Chapter 10 of the book of Joshua.</cite>

What makes it unique: <cite index="1-7,9-10">Students create and display their learning through 3D Graphic Organizers that combine historical timelines and biblical narratives</cite> along with <cite index="1-11,9-14">authentic meals, Palestine Party, mini Hebrew Village, and replica of the Tabernacle with materials and instructions.</cite>

Pillars of History: Visual, Hands-On Old Testament Chronology Study

Pillars of History is a Bible-based curriculum from Common Sense Press that uses the Old Testament as the primary text, incorporating 3D graphic organizers and hands-on activities to teach biblical history from Creation through Joshua. The curriculum emphasizes visual learning and chronological study rather than comprehensive biblical analysis.

Best for

Homeschool families with biblically literate parents seeking hands-on, visual approaches to Old Testament chronology for K-8 students who enjoy arts and crafts activities

Evaluation Criteria

3 strengths · 1 concern · 1 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum requires significant parent/teacher involvement for lesson presentation and Scripture discussion guidance.

Review states 'Parent/teacher lesson presentation is essential' and 'parents/teachers need to be familiar enough with Scripture to evaluate student responses'

Historical ContextStrength

The curriculum provides strong historical context through chronological study and map activities that place biblical events in geographical and temporal context.

Covers 'Ancient times' with timeline creation, map books, and travels 'through the Hebrew Nation beginning with Creation through Joshua's battle,' plus map-related activities requiring atlas use

Primary Text EngagementStrength

The curriculum uses the Bible as the primary text with direct Scripture reading and discussion central to each lesson.

Review states 'the Bible is your primary text' and lessons begin by 'reading and discussing the Scripture passage'

Theological KnowledgeConcern

The curriculum focuses on biblical history and chronology rather than systematic theological or doctrinal development.

Described as 'not comprehensive Bible study, but it is a chronological study that will help students grasp the historical timeline of the Bible' with 'one story highlighted in each lesson'

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum provides instructional guidance but requires parents to have existing biblical knowledge rather than building teacher expertise.

Review notes 'preparation time is minimal since so much is supplied' but emphasizes that teachers must already be 'familiar enough with Scripture to evaluate student responses'

Vocabulary BuildingInsufficient Evidence

Limited evidence of systematic vocabulary instruction, though Scripture memorization is included.

Review mentions students 'memorize Scripture verses' but provides no specific details about theological vocabulary instruction

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com