A Stable Beginning: Veritas Press Self-Paced History: Old Testament/ Ancient Egypt ~ a TOS review

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Veritas Press Self-Paced History: Old Testament/ Ancient Egypt ~ a TOS review

I love being able to tie in a classical approach to our history studies. While we have had our ups and downs with history in the past, I am so happy to say that we have thoroughly enjoyed studying the Ancients time period over the last few weeks with Veritas Press Self-Paced History from Veritas Press.
Veritas Press is a Christian publisher that offers literature based curriculum for classical education. They wholeheartedly believe that classical Christian education is the best way for children to reach their full, God-given potential. From this belief the founders and the company are dedicated to providing the best learning tools for educating your children . . . One Young Heart and Mind at a Time!

When the vendor interest form was released I was so excited and nervous at the same time. In the preceding few weeks the web had been all abuzz about the self-paced history programs available from Veritas Press. I remember vividly checking out the site and seeing what it was all about and quickly adding it to my wish list, just in case. I can’t tell you how happy I was to see my name on the list when the final form was released and that we would be blessed to receive the online Veritas Press Self-Paced History: Old Testament and Ancient Egypt whose tuition retails for just $199.00 per student. Plus, they offer a sibling discount of $100.00 off for each additional student. We also received the Old Testament & Ancient Egypt Flashcards that retail for just $19.95.

The Self-Paced History courses are recommended for 2^nd through 6^th graders and we were given a full year access to a history level of our choice. I picked the Ancients time period because Mikayla and Montana will be studying Ancients when we start back to school in August. Plus, I wanted to get a head start on history before little Micah was to make his grand entrance in early June.

The self-paced history courses are available in 5 different time periods including:

~ Old Testament and Ancient Egypt

~ New Testament, Greece and Rome

~ Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation

~ Explorers to 1815

~ 1815 to Present

Each of the courses were designed to follow chronologically the historical events corresponding to their timeline flash cards. Each course contains 160 lessons that are designed to cover 32 weeks. With an interactive format, each lesson guides you through your historical time period with talking historical figures. In the case of the Old Testament/Ancient Egypt course you are guided through with Simeon and Sphinx.
Many of the slides contained within the lessons include maps, facts, games, and videos about the important people and events of the time period. Also included within the program is a corresponding literature list for younger students (grades 2-3) and older students (grades 4-6) to match up to the history topics being learned.
Getting started using this online course is really simple. As this course is entirely online be sure to make sure your computer meets the technical requirements below.
~ internet connection is needed every time you access the program.
~ course are compatible with both Apple and PC operating systems. Make sure you have an up-to-date web browser.
~ 1GB of RAM {2 GB is preferred}
~ flash player 10 or above
~ internet speed needs to be a minimum consistent speed of 1 Mbps.
~ pop ups need to be enabled for the site.
If you still need help, additional technical information is available at Veritas Press Self-Paced History FAQs.
I received our registration information on May 15th and quickly registered Mikayla as the primary user. Registration was quick and easy to do. You are in control of picking your program start date also, a feature I enjoyed. I choose our program start date to be the following Monday, May 19th. My little man, Micah, however had different plans for us on his day. I ended up going to the hospital in pre-term labor and staying the night. Micah was born the next afternoon. After getting settled into a routine after Micah’s birth we were able to pick up the lessons from day one. Yes, we have lost a few weeks of program access but it is okay as we can double up a few weeks to complete the program next Spring.
Currently, Mikayla has been able to log on to use the program 2-3 days a week after gymnastics practice. There are some days that it is harder to get her to log on, because she is tired, but that is no fault of the program. I have Montana sit by and listen to the slides also. We normally have a crowd because McKenzie likes to see the Sphinx and hear Simeon too. We have all started to learn the timeline song. Mikayla is not a huge fan of singing the timeline song each and every lesson, but the younger girls are and I can see and hear that she is memorizing the song a little bit more each time. The flashcards are essential to the program and come in handy while watching the lessons and singing.
I love that this is a chronological history program that teaches with the Bible. Overall the girls and I have enjoyed using this program and it is something different that allows them to connect with the events since they are such visual learners. The only issue I had with the program is the ability to not go back and retake a quiz or test, but that would not stop me from recommending this program to someone.
So, what’s your favorite historical time period? Veritas Press makes history easy, just pick your time period and set off on a timeless adventure. One that will have your child asking to do their lessons everyday! Be sure to check out what my Crewmates thought of this course and the other time periods along with the other course being reviewed, Veritas Press Self-Paced Omnibus I, by clicking the banner below.