Genesis Student Workbook

Our guides are primarily written for students aged 7 to 16. However, while children aged 7-8 can definitely participate and benefit from the content, they often struggle to anchor the dialogue if they're the oldest in the group. This curriculum is designed for multi-age families and groups with an older child (10+). Families and groups with only children aged 9 and under may find the discussions more challenging to maintain without an older child to bridge the gap between the adult's questions and the younger students' observations.

The beautiful thing about discussions is that you're in control. I strongly believe that there's something to learn from everyone, but I wouldn't teach my kids from a Bible curriculum built on a foundation I didn't agree with. Here's what I believe:

-The Bible was written by men inspired by God and is wholly true and trustworthy. It’s the supreme authority in faith, doctrine, and practice. Unless a passage is clearly intended by the author to be read as an allegory, poetry, parable, or prophecy, the Bible should be interpreted literally. Creation, the flood, genealogies, narrative accounts of the Israelites, and miracles are to be read literally.

-There is one living and true God whom we know in the persons of the Father, Son, and Spirit. 

-God is the creator of the universe and is sovereign over all. He is perfect, good, and worthy of all honor. He has a plan for everything, and nothing will stop Him from working it out.

-Christ, the Son, took on human likeness and was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, and died a substitutionary death for those the Father gave Him. He was raised from the dead and is seated at the right hand of God, acting as our Mediator. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead.

-The Holy Spirit testifies to Christ. He indwells believers, guiding them in sanctification and marking them with a seal of salvation.

-All men are totally sinful and in need of the Savior. Salvation can't be earned. It comes by grace through faith, and it is a gift of God.

-It is the privilege and responsibility of all believers to preach the gospel and make disciples, starting at home. Children are a blessing from the Lord. They should be taught God's truth through words and actions. They're never too young to learn about God! 

Talk Through the Bible is not affiliated with a particular Christian denomination. Our discussion guides aim to help you explain Christian doctrines to your children as you study through the Bible and various topics arise.

No. The ESV is primarily used in our studies. Other translations are occasionally referenced for specific verses. However, you and your children will be reading out of your own Bibles. You can easily use your preferred translation for any of our studies.

Absolutely! As the teacher, you choose what your students receive credit for. The Pentateuch is a full-credit, one-year Bible curriculum with 31 weeks of lessons. If you want more structured teaching time, you can also include an Advent study, download our free Holy Week discussion guide, or complete the Israelites' journey into the Promised Land with our 4-week Joshua discussion guide. All of our discussion guides include links to additional reading and optional activities if you want your students to do more to earn their credit based on age. If you're looking for a half-credit course, you can combine any of our Bible studies.

Yes! They're open-and-go, so they're convenient even when teachers have to rotate or need a substitute. The lessons can be completed in about 35-45 minutes, depending on the number of students and how quickly you push the discussion forward. I love discussion-based classes because the students get to know each other and form friendships, they ask questions, they learn what they're interested in because it's ok to go "off topic," and they make connections with the sermons. My church uses the Genesis guide to build a foundation in the 4th-6th grade discipleship class, but these guides can easily be used as in-depth Bible studies all the way through high school.