This first post is about a Bible study we did this year. Even if you don't do school at home, this is a great resource. I actually wrote this post back in November, but didn't publish it.
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Since I woke up this morning, I have been wanting to write a blog post about a great resource I have been using this school year to work on character issues with the boys.
Instead of getting a few minutes of downtime, I've been fighting an unusual amount of stubbornness, disrespect and bad attitudes all day. You know, character issues.
Isn't that the way it always goes?
It's so tempting to blame the flaws of our children on outside factors. Why are they so ungrateful? Why do they complain so much? Why do they argue with their siblings?
It must be the kids at school. It must be the neighbors. It must be something they watched on television.
The ugly truth is that we, as parents, are responsible for molding the behavior of our children. And if you are like me, you might fall into the trap of focusing on "behavior modification" rather than the real heart issues that are leading to poor behavior.
For example, it's great when children use good manners. But do they say "please" and "thank you" because we have practiced it 100 times, or does it also spring out of a heart full of love and respect for others?
I have been trying to do a better job of teaching my kids the "why" behind their behavior. And these Bible studies have been a huge help.
They are written for kids in elementary school and focus on traits like kindness, obedience, self-control, thankfulness, responsibility, etc. We just finished "Choosing Kindness" and decided that November would be a great time to work on "Choosing Thankfulness". The author of the book is Kaye Freeman.
Each lesson includes a short Bible passage, questions for the kids to answer and sometimes an activity, like a coloring sheet, word search or secret code to solve.
When we started our first study, I would read all of the Bible passages to my first- and third-grader and ask them the questions. I realized a few weeks ago that I was skipping one of the most important aspects of doing a Bible study — teaching THEM to study the Bible on their own.
Now, I let them look up the scriptures, take turns reading and also read the questions. It takes longer, but that's OK. They get really excited about trying to find the verses and they are learning more than just character traits. They also are learning a life-long skill.
I'm linking this post to Works For Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family.
Instead of getting a few minutes of downtime, I've been fighting an unusual amount of stubbornness, disrespect and bad attitudes all day. You know, character issues.
Isn't that the way it always goes?
It's so tempting to blame the flaws of our children on outside factors. Why are they so ungrateful? Why do they complain so much? Why do they argue with their siblings?
It must be the kids at school. It must be the neighbors. It must be something they watched on television.
The ugly truth is that we, as parents, are responsible for molding the behavior of our children. And if you are like me, you might fall into the trap of focusing on "behavior modification" rather than the real heart issues that are leading to poor behavior.
For example, it's great when children use good manners. But do they say "please" and "thank you" because we have practiced it 100 times, or does it also spring out of a heart full of love and respect for others?
I have been trying to do a better job of teaching my kids the "why" behind their behavior. And these Bible studies have been a huge help.
They are written for kids in elementary school and focus on traits like kindness, obedience, self-control, thankfulness, responsibility, etc. We just finished "Choosing Kindness" and decided that November would be a great time to work on "Choosing Thankfulness". The author of the book is Kaye Freeman.
Each lesson includes a short Bible passage, questions for the kids to answer and sometimes an activity, like a coloring sheet, word search or secret code to solve.
When we started our first study, I would read all of the Bible passages to my first- and third-grader and ask them the questions. I realized a few weeks ago that I was skipping one of the most important aspects of doing a Bible study — teaching THEM to study the Bible on their own.
Now, I let them look up the scriptures, take turns reading and also read the questions. It takes longer, but that's OK. They get really excited about trying to find the verses and they are learning more than just character traits. They also are learning a life-long skill.
I'm linking this post to Works For Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family.
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6 comments:
These sound really good! I have never heard of them and am always looking for Bible studies fit for children. Thanks for this post!
Way to go! I like studying the scriptures by topic and what a wonderful way to teach principles to your children while teaching them to use their scriptures! I love it.
Kelly, I'll bring them to co-op so you can take a look. I like the studies because they are easy enough for a third grader to do independently. We still do them together, but it's good training to learn how to do a Bible study.
Hi, Emily! Who is the publisher of that series?
I like your blog idea...a recap of what worked/what didn't. I may steal it!
Is baby J continuing to give you some good sleep stretches or was it a one time blip on her radar?
Blessings, Holly
Holly, I can't believe I forgot to include the author and title! I will update later with that info. Thanks!
These sound like wonderful studies!
Do you have any recommendations for older ones? I have one that is going into jr high and another that will be 10th next year. :D Thank you!
Have a great day!
Sherry
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