Biblical World History Curriculum—Digging Deeper Study Guides

by Diane Waring

Diana Waring Presents!

This three-volume series of study guides coordinates with Diana Waring’s three-volume audio CD series, What in the World’s Going on Here? The tapes are only one element of a fairly comprehensive unit study approach to history that Diana presents in each study guide. Titles of the three volumes are Ancient Civilizations and the Bible; Romans, Reformers, and Revolutionaries; and World Empires, World Missions, World Wars. Corresponding What in the World’s CD sets are labeled Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. Study guides may be used for grades K-12, but my impression is that they are likely most effective for upper elementary grades through high school.

I know that one of the primary questions for parents is, “What does each course cover?” So I’ll start there. These courses provide thorough coverage of world history from Creation up through the Korean War, going much further in depth on fewer topics than traditional courses rather than trying to cover all the factual information. The reason for this is that the primary purpose is to develop a biblical perspective in history rather than to accumulate knowledge of names and dates. In the introduction, Diana explains:

“A biblical perspective in history means seeing God as central to our understanding. In this curriculum, we do not add a few Hebrew dates into an otherwise typical presentation of history and label it ‘biblical.’ Instead, we want to see history from His point of view; to view all of history—all cultures and events—in the light of God’s revelation of Himself and of His ongoing redemptive purpose pursued throughout the world’s existence” (AC Teacher’s Guide, p. 13).

Although the courses do not focus on memorizing names and dates, creation of timelines and the various activities will certainly help impart that knowledge. And because everything is taught in context, students are much more likely to remember what they learn.

The only problem you might run into in terms of history coverage is that if you use one course per year, world history will take three years to complete. The third volume ventures into U.S. History, so you will be able to satisfy at least part of U.S. History requirements. This is neither good nor bad but simply something you need to take it into consideration in your long range planning. Also, the individual volumes will stand on their own even if you don’t have time to complete all three or if you have already studied one of these time periods comprehensively with a worldview approach.

Coverage of art and music appreciation should be sufficient for elementary grades or junior high and equal to half a credit at high school level. If students tackle numerous art projects in the creative phases of the courses, their work might well qualify for a full credit.

Bible coverage is substantial enough for a course credit for any grade level. Language arts and science receive some coverage but not adequate for complete courses.

One of the beauties of these courses is the wide range of activities in terms of both subject areas and learning style approaches. There are projects and activities relating to geography, art, music, cooking, creative writing, drama, art, and much more. This means that one student might pursue additional science topics and create science projects while another is creating and performing dramas or another is researching a topic and writing a term paper. Ultimately, subject area coverage will be very individually determined.

These courses can be used with children about fourth grade and up, and many of the books and activities lend themselves to participation by the entire family. To help accommodate younger children, Diana has also created Elementary Activity Books that provide a variety of Bible stories, coloring pages, craft ideas, science experiments, crossword puzzles, games, songs, and other age-appropriate activities relating to topics covered in the Digging Deeper Study Guides.

Each volume is divided into nine units, and it should take about one month to cover each unit. However, it is possible to skip some of the activities to make it possible to get through each volume in less time.

In addition to the many activity suggestions for each unit, there is a list of recommended reading with age designations. Most books are available through libraries, although there is a good mix of secular and Christian resources, the latter of which might be more challenging to get from a public library. Reading and research from these suggested resources and from the internet combined with information students hear on the CDs are where students obtain their information, so these are essential to the study no matter which of the other activities you choose. Discussion will also play a major role. In each unit, you can choose which topics to emphasize, which activities to do, and which resources to use. However, timeline, research, and reporting activities, plus a vocabulary list, ensure that students are really learning information.

Now this is where it gets a little confusing since Diana is in the process of revising and expanding each volume as I write.

Ancient Civilizations is already available in the revised and expanded editions, while the other two volumes are not. The format is quite different from that of the original editions. Ancient Civilizations now has two books in addition to the supplemental Elementary Activity Book--a hardcover 371-page teacher’s guide and a softcover 313-page student book. The Ancient Civilizations student book is really best for students at least junior high level and up but you might also want it if you have fourth through sixth graders who are advanced in their reading and thinking abilities. Those with only younger students (below fourth grade) will not need the older level student book. The second volume--Romans, Reformers, Revolutionaries--has a revised student manual with a revised teacher guide due to follow in spring of 2008. Revised editions contain significantly more background material on each topic than did the first editions. Map and timeline work are also incorporated into the new books. (An optional Map Pack for the third volume includes a number of maps 11” x 17” and larger plus a timeline for students to fill in themselves.) In addition to the other changes, the revised editions divide the various types of activities into phases to make it easier for parents and students to select appropriate activities and still have a balanced curriculum.

In the revised editions, Diana’s True Tales CDs are also referenced as source material. (True Tales Complete Collections are three sets that each consist of three CDs that correlate to each volume of the curriculum.) On True Tales, Diana focuses in on curious, amazing, and inspiring stories that add information and also help point out worldview connections. Learn more about Attila the Hun, Heinrich Schliemann who discovered the ancient city of Troy, the great Byzantine emperor Justinian, and many other fascinating characters. These are great both for the historical content and for entertainment.

Diana’s background in and enthusiasm for Protestant missionary efforts is evident throughout the study guides, and most strongly in the third volume. Predictably, the Romans, Reformers, and Revolutionaries volume takes a decidedly Protestant approach. However, Diana also addresses early church history, the Church Fathers, Councils, and early missionary efforts. She devotes attention to Eastern Orthodoxy, a subject breezed over in most history texts. She raises key questions in regard to church history that are likely to instigate some thought-provoking research and reporting.

You might want to supplement the RRR volume with Diana’s audio recording, All Glory, Laud, and Honor, which features professional recordings of twelve hymns covering seventeen centuries of Christian music.

All these resources may be purchased individually, but the best deals by far are the various packages offered through Diana’s website. Be sure to check out the various options before buying. Keep in mind that revisions of the second volume are almost complete and the third volume will follow, so you might want to wait on those if you don’t need them immediately.

Overall, Diana has created a wonderful history curriculum that is constructed from a biblical worldview. But this won’t be for everyone. The curriculum expects children to be making their own choices, researching and working independently quite a bit. This is not a totally teacher controlled and directed program. The idea is that when students can choose and direct some of their own learning activities they are more likely to be motivated to do a better job. (Material as interesting as Diana’s sure helps with motivation!) Parents also have to be willing to allow their children to choose methods and projects that best suit their own learning styles. Certainly, the new editions make it easier and more organized for parents and students. I really believe that the extra effort this type approach takes is essential if we truly want to help our children develop a love for history as well as an understanding that it’s ultimately HIS story.

Note: The entire line of Diana's curriculum will eventually be published by Answers in Genesis. At this time, only Ancient Civilizations is available through AIG, and all products are still available from Diana Waring Presents!