We Did This A Lot in Our Homeschool, But I Wish I Had Done It More
We have been homeschooling for well over a decade, and during that time, we made it a point to make God’s word a priority. We read a few Bible storybooks. We memorized scriptures and sang hymns of faith. We also learned a bit of Bible history along the way and integrated Bible lessons in our everyday conversations. Our children were also plugged in at church, attending a variety of children’s programs as well.
And although I am so grateful for all that we were able to do, now that we are in the older years, there’s one thing I wish I had done more of.
I wish I had made it a point to read through the Biblical narrative multiple times over the years.
One or two sweeps per child just wasn’t enough.
What I wish I had known then was that we could have sang hymns and memorized scriptures AND read through the Bible stories each of those years. It didn’t have to be either or.
What I didn’t see then that I see now is the importance of instilling the redemptive story of the Bible in the hearts and minds of our children. Knowing the historical Biblical figures and events allows them to better grow their faith, cultivate a stronger understanding of history, and ultimately prepares them for future learning.
Grow Your Child's Faith
The redemptive story of the Bible provides the foundation needed for a Biblical worldview. Understanding creation, the fall, redemption, justification, and sanctification is key to answering the larger questions in life. It frames a child’s understanding of the world and gives them the security and purpose needed to grow their faith further. Sharing God’s story gives them an answer for the hope that is within them, and it is so important that we prioritize Bible reading and arm them with the answers they will one day seek for themselves.
Cultivate a stronger understanding of History
Studying history through a Biblical lens also adds so much more meaning to key dates and events. Being able to make connections between world events and Biblical events adds a layer of richness to learning and understanding the world we live in. When we see God’s faithfulness and sovereignty unfold over millennia, it helps our children trust His plans and purposes for the present and their future. It also opens their eyes to the deceptions of the enemy, as there is nothing “new under the sun.”
Prepare Your Child for Future Learning
Finally, knowing God’s story equips children for deeper learning and understanding. Science becomes more amazing. Studying current events takes on a whole new meaning. The study of apologetics in the later years makes much more sense. When children understand the significance of His story, learning will lead to more than knowledge. It will nurture wisdom and connection.
Resources for the Little Years and Middle Years
If you’re still in the little years, middle years, or beyond, it is never too late to start. Find a good Bible storybook to frame the narratives, then read the accompanying Bible scriptures together. A few options your younger children may enjoy, include the following:
Watch a video flip-though with most of these early Bible storybooks here.
In the middle years, you’ll want to go a bit deeper and provide more detailed accounts, along with some of the less common Bible stories. Egermeier’s Bible Story Book provides a very in-depth sweep of the Biblical narrative in one book.
The God’s Big Story series by Generations includes five different levels, each one advancing in complexity and depth. Each book sweeps through the Biblical narrative, focusing on different key stories along the way. By levels 4 and 5, older children are introduced to more sensitive topics and stories.
Watch a video flip-through of the God’s Big Story Series here.
Resources for Older Children
Once older children have established a strong understanding of the Biblical story of redemption, they will better be able to read the Scriptures for themselves, attaching new understanding to the foundation that has been laid. For further guidance, you may consider introducing your older children to commentaries and Bible study guides by Biblically-sound authors. A few examples we are currently exploring include the following:
Heed the Call
Now that my children are older, I see how much more helpful it would have been to do those five sweeps that Generations recommends through their God’s Big Story series. Whether you’re in the little, middle, or later years, I want to encourage you to prayerfully consider making God’s Word and His Story a priority in your homeschool. It is never too late to start, and you can always do the extras on top of it all.
Laying the foundation, however, will be key to helping your children better understand and grow in their faith and gain a better understanding of the world around them.
Let us be faithful to heed the call.
If you would like to learn more about reading the Bible for yourself, here is a post a wrote about my own journey.
I pray that it blesses you.
If you have any questions along the way, please contact me at the email address below.
Disclaimer: When I fall in love with a product or resource, I get so excited about sharing it with you! Sometimes, I reach out to the company and ask for a discount code or affiliate link. Affiliate links provide the product at the exact same price to you, while providing me with a small commission. This commission blesses my work here and my family. Thank you for your support.
.jpg)
Comments