Teaching Tips

Set a routine.

Your Bible discussions don't have to be at a specific time each day, but a routine makes it easier to be consistent and focused. Bible time could be after cleaning up breakfast, right after lunch, or whenever fits into your family's rhythm the best. The key is to make it a consistent part of your day, even if the exact time changes based on outside commitments.

Be patient.

Several of the questions in this curriculum are deep. Some kids will start speaking immediately because their learning style involves processing information out loud. Others may need more time to think before they're comfortable sharing. Give everyone plenty of time. Then give a hint or a prompt if needed to help kids figure out the answer. Just don't read the question, wait ten seconds, give up, and then read the answer!

Affirm all contributions.

Instead of simply telling your child they're wrong, find something in their answer that you can praise. Acknowledge any small part of their response that's even remotely on the right track. This positive reinforcement will build their confidence and encourage them to keep participating, so you can gently guide them toward the correct answer.

Go down rabbit holes.

This curriculum can be used as a script, which might be necessary sometimes when you're short on time. However, your children will learn more if you use it as a guide. If your child is curious about a different aspect of Scripture than the curriculum covers, feel free to follow their lead and explore. It's ok to get off track. You can always circle back to the curriculum's discussion.

Don't be afraid to say you aren't sure.

When you don't know the answers to your children's questions, tell them! Being honest shows your kids that it's okay not to have all the answers and takes the pressure off them to always be right. If you don't have time to find their answers right away, promise to look into them and be sure to follow through. You can also remind your kids that there are some questions so big that we'll never have answers for. God's wisdom is greater than ours, and that's a good thing!

Keep the littles.

Younger siblings can gain a lot from being present during discussions. When practical, keep them in the same room, occupied with a student workbook, playdough, coloring pages, copywork, Duplos... whatever makes them happy.

Follow up.

Have your kids fill out our free downloadable SOAP method sheet after discussions to process and internalize what they learned during discussion time.