Christian Novel Studies Guides And Books

Description

Similar to the Progeny Press study guides is this series of guides from Chris Roe of Christian Novel Studies. The literature guides are extremely well done, emphasizing Biblical principles and Christian character traits. Each begins with a short biograpical sketch of the main character(s), and some background information about the time period. Pre-reading questions and activities help familiarize students with the setting and characters involved. A section of "During Reading Activities" gives you a selection of activities to use as students read through the book; activities like tracing journeys on maps, keeping journals on some aspect of the book, researching more about a background topic relating to the book, doing character comparisons, etc. Then, each chapter in the study guide is correlated to a chapter in the book; providing vocabulary exercises, ideas for discussion and writing, a reading activity, and extension activities. The discussion questions are thought-provoking and range from simpler comprehension-type questions to interpretive questions. The questions provide an excellent avenue for comparison between Christian and non-Christian characterizations and actions. Reading activities focus on different literary constructs and ideas, giving the student a good background for high school studies. Sample topics (from my review copies) are foreshadowing, symbolism, analogy, fact vs. opinion, main conflict, dialogue and characterization. Extension activities take students beyond the book, often including scriptural research, comparison or content. Many involve the student in drawing, artwork, or other hands-on activities. Each guide concludes with a "More About" section furnishing further insights (and insightful questions) that reveal more about the main characters and a section of Post-Reading Questions and Activities. This last section contains wonderful questions and interesting activities to use as concluding projects, reports, or recaps of the stories and lives of the characters. Again, much thought went into the construction of these; there's no "fluff" here! The author estimates that each book/study guide will require about three weeks to complete, if all the work for a chapter is completed in one day. Unconditionally recommended. Study guides are available for several popular series of books; read on for more details!

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.