My copy work method handbook (FREE)

These books are Lydia's copies of Genesis and Exodus. — These books are Lydia’s copies of Genesis and Exodus.

About a year ago, I was asked to teach a home school group about using the Bible as my only textbook. I made a simple take home handbook for those who came to the talk. I had planned to work on it more and maybe sell it for a small fee. But life happened and I am not really the selling type. So, I decided to give it away free. Below is the article book, but there is also a link if you want to print it.

I use this simple method with all my kids ages 4 and up. It doesn’t matter if they are a strong student or a slow student, I just make it work for each one.

A Simple Handbook to Copying the Bible with Purpose

A few years ago, I developed a simple five step process of using the Bible to teach my kids as many subjects as I could in a quick and easy method. This handbook outlines that simple five step method.

The five steps:

READ IT

WRITE IT

JOURNAL/DISCUSS IT

DRAW IT

CORRECT IT

Step One: Read it

In this step the student and/or teacher read a chapter of the Bible out loud. If your child has not yet learned to read, then you read it to them. If the student is beginning to read, then you read it together, teaching phonics and/sight words as you read. If your student is an advanced reader, they read the chapter out loud to you or themselves. The reading should always be done out loud. We want to use as many senses as possible during the learning process.

Step Two: Write it

In step two, your student copies the Bible into a notebook. For the student who has not yet learned to read or write, you have them trace the letters from the theme verse of the chapter. You write it into a notebook, and they trace over it. For the developing writer, you have them copy the theme verse from your writing it first in their notebook. For the more advanced student you have them copy the theme verse from their Bible into the notebook. For the very advanced student, you have them copy the whole chapter from their Bible into their notebook. The student should take their time and use their best penmanship.

Step Three: Journal or Discuss it

Step three can be moved to step two if needed. For beginning readers this is the time to point out phonics, sight words, and punctuation. For the developing reader point out grammar, poetry, and vocabulary words. For the advanced student discuss context and personal application. For all students discuss historical context, Hebrew or Greek words or phrases, character traits, theme of chapter, theme verse (memory verse), main characters, and any science or math concepts presented in chapter. For more advanced students they can journal and research this chapter on their own.

Step Four: Draw it

In step four the student is to make an art image that represents what they read in the chapter. For beginning students who are unsure about free drawing, you can use coloring sheets, or you can draw in their notebook and have them trace and color what you drew. This is a great time to teach colors and following directions. For the developing student, they can be told to draw a specific object or image, such as draw a deer by the water, or draw a sun in the sky, etc. For the more advanced student, they can choose to draw freely, and for the more advanced artist, you can discuss artist methods, such as shading, depth, etc.

Step Five: Correct it

This is a very important part of the method. In this stage you are teaching your student the importance of excellence. You and your student will go over their copy work, journal, and drawing. You will first look to see if they did their very best work. Is their penmanship, drawing, and writing improved from the last chapter? If it is sloppy it should be completely redone. The student should be reminded that excellence is expected and improvement is always the goal. This is their job, and they need to do it well. Point out areas they need to correct, and have them go back and correct it. Check penmanship, grammar, and spelling. Make them read their copy work from their notebook to you.

That’s it. Those are the five steps, in simple form.

I developed this method to be used by all my students. It works for the studious person and for the student that struggles with academics. It can be adjusted to each student’s needs.

This method can be done with just a Bible, notebook, and pen. But, it can also be expanded as wide as the teacher or student wants it to be.

Resources that I have found helpful include:

Drawing and art books (Notgrass Art and Bible)

Copy work forms