Old Testament Days: An Activity Guide [Paperback]

Nancy I. Sanders (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1999 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

More than 80 projects drawn from archaeological evidence and Bible descriptions make Old Testament days come alive in this activity guide for children ages 5 to 12. Children can enjoy a desert picnic of dried figs, goat’s milk cheese, and lentil stew, or make a loose tunic like the one young Isaac wore on his family’s trek to the Promised Land nearly 4,000 years ago. They can make a painted throwing stick or a wooden paddle doll like the ones Moses might have played with in the Pharoah’s palace, and build toy instruments like those the Israelites used to celebrate their return to Jerusalem in approximately 538 B.C. Games, recipes, crafts, and just enough historical background provide plenty of educational fun for home or school.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Grade 2-5-Through an explanatory text and more than 80 hands-on activities and projects, Sanders attempts to provide a glimpse into the daily lives of people living 4000 years ago. Unfortunately, this effort falls short. The text includes many interesting facts and raises thought-provoking questions regarding both the everyday and religious life of the people, but the accompanying activities are quite uneven, sometimes creative and instructive, other times dull. Children may enjoy making an Egyptian paddle doll, but few will want to make a sleeping mat, dried bricks, or a measuring tape. Each activity is accompanied by a boxed list of materials needed. The black-and-white diagrams and drawings are clear but uninspired.
Teri Markson, Stephen S. Wise Temple Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Nancy I. Sanders is the author of Bible Crafts on a Shoestring Budget, Favorite Bible Heroes, and more than 25 other books. She is a contributor to Better Homes & Gardens and Star Wars Kids. She lives in Chino Hills, California.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press; 1st edition (August 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556523548
• ISBN-13: 978-1556523540
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #72,430 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Nancy I. Sanders grew up on a dairy farm in Everett, Pennsylvania, with 5 older sisters and 1 older brother. She spent her childhood days milking the cows, baling hay, and ice skating in the winter. She also spent many happy hours with her nose in a favorite book whether perched high up in an apple tree or floating on a raft in the middle of their pond. Today Nancy loves to write and is the author of over 75 books published with publishing houses both big and small. Now, one of her favorite things is to encourage other writers and help them learn practical strategies to use to build their own successful and satisfying career.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Old Testament Days brings the Old Testament to life!, April 20, 2000

By 

Lorena Moody (Springville, Utah) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Old Testament Days: An Activity Guide (Paperback)

Nancy I. Sanders has compliled a wonderful book of activities that will greatly enrich any child's Bible education. Sanders briefly explains concepts/stories from the Old Testament (starting with the days of Abraham and ending with the days of Nehemiah)and then gives a simple enrichment activity to help recreate a moment from Biblical times. A few of the fun activities include making a lyre, building a salt-dough map, creating a seal and reinacting a day at a market in Jerusalem. If you want to bring the Old Testament to life for children, this book is a must.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource for study of Ancient History, September 18, 2001

By 

Kathleen Funk (Austin, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Old Testament Days: An Activity Guide (Paperback)

We are using this book during our study of Ancient History. It is really wonderful to be able to help our childen understand the Sumerian or Egyptian culture by having our children create a clay tablet with cuneiform writing or by making a wooden "paddle doll" as the Egyptian children may have done. We have eaten meals that the Hebrews may have eaten in the desert, and will be making a bee hive that is based on one they may have used. Our kids love the projects in this book. The projects are easy enough for very young children to do, and most can be done with materials you have around the house, or could be purchased easily and inexpensively. The text is very informative, too, and can be used as a read-aloud with younger children in order to throw a little more light on the culture of the peoples we are studying.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent resource!, September 26, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Old Testament Days: An Activity Guide (Paperback)

This is a fantastic resource for use with children. This resource helps children learn realities about life during bible times. It also has a wide variety of activities, not just the same activity done different ways. The activities take some time and may be a little messy but they are excellent for involvement and for learning.