Apologia: Who Am I? Review

Our children are bombarded on a daily basis with competing messages.  Every song, movie, book, TV show, blog, and game is full of ideas—ideas about God, people, truth, morality, beauty, identity, faith, and more.  Not all of these ideas are true.  Some are wrong, some are deceptive, and some are outright destructive.  It is more important than ever that young children be equipped to discern among competing ideas and stand in the truth.   This is why Apologia has teamed with Summit Ministries to bring you the "What We Believe" Series. 

The "What We Believe" Series is an outstanding way to teach your child the essential beliefs of the Christian faith, but it’s so much more!  With this student-directed, Bible-based curriculum, your children will learn how to use Scripture as a lens through which to view the world around them—to see everything the way God sees it—and know the truth. 

Last year I was given the wonderful opportunity to review the first book in the series, Who Is God? And Can I Really Know Him?  This year I am blessed again in receiving the second book in the series, Who Am I? And What Am I Doing Here? 

This book introduces children to the basic truths of the Christian faith.  It is broken down into eight lessons. Each lesson is then broken down into smaller, more manageable topics and stories.  The authors have included a helpful section in the Introduction on how to use the book, with a section on how to include notebooking, and a detailed description on the lesson structure.  They have also included a very helpful sample lesson plan, which is based on a schedule of three weeks per lesson, two days per week.  Here you can view all of Lesson Five.

Included with the purchase of this book are optional, FREE online teacher helps and downloadable files that include:

* Key themes and lesson objectives

* Vocabulary words and memory verses

* Suggested activities for use with the lesson

* Child-directed discussion questions for each topic covered

* Lists of Bible stories and references that address the key themes

* Recommended reading list for deeper study

* Notebooking Pages

I'm also excited to tell you about the Notebooking Journal that goes along with the text!!  You can see a sample here, along with the detailed lesson plans.  The Notebooking Journal is amazing and will really get the student thinking about what they read.  Yes, there are questions to answer and words to define, but there are also poems to write, pictures to draw, prayers to pray, praises to give, and activities to complete.  This Notebooking Journal not only compliments the text, but brings so much more value to it!

I also received the Audio CD, which is the full audio version of the book and the Coloring Book, which follows along with the stories.

My Thoughts:  I absolutely LOVE the "What We Believe" Series by Apologia and Who Am I? And What Am I Doing Here? is no exception!  This hard cover book is put together so well with beautiful pictures and stories that really touch the heart of the reader.  It is recommended for ages 6 to 14, and although younger children can work on it with their parents, I think it would be most beneficial for older children, who can read it and complete the assignments on their own. 

I also like that they include a sample lesson plan, and the program is flexible so you can follow it or go at your own pace. 

Find Out More:  Who Am I? And What Am I Doing Here? is available on Apologia's website for $39.  The Notebooking Journal is $24, Audio CD is $19, and the Coloring Book is $8.  It is an investment, but one well worth it!

My Crewmates are also reviewing the Apologia: Who Am I? And What Am I Doing Here?, so you can check out what they think HERE.

Disclosure:  This product was given to Our Homeschool Reviews for free for review purposes, and I do not have to return the products to the vendor.  I have received no compensation from it and all opinions and experiences within this review are my own.