- 10-week study on Genesis 1-3 for middle graders
- provides excellent tools for studying Scripture, thereby strengthening a biblical worldview
- graphics, fonts, and activities are great for intended age group
- includes a glossary and memory verse cutouts in back
Type: bible study workbook
Ages: 8-12*
Authors: Costi & Christyne Hinn
*The age range is flexible here. Young teens might enjoy walking through it and would likely learn something new. Furthermore, the book could be used as a family/small group, which would allow for younger kids to participate as far as they’re able.
This book is laid out very nicely in a way that will be attractive to middle graders. It’s easy to understand how the ten weeks are organized, and the activities change to keep up interest.
Each week has six days of content so that the student can rest on Sunday. However, it would function just fine on a different schedule–for example, if a homeschooling family wanted to work this into their routine four days a week.
The first day of the week introduces its topic and specific verses of study with some purposeful and engaging chit-chat. Then it dives right into Scripture. The Hinns keep the focus on God’s Word, which I love. Every week provides ideas for relevant memory verses, definitions of particular words, questions to answer, and activities to complete. There are frequent “did you know” or “fun fact” insertions throughout–I bet most kids won’t know them all!
What sort of activities, you ask? There are simple multiple choice sections, word matching, drawing sections, word searches, fill in the blanks, cross words, and more. Kids might be attracted to some more than others, but there’s definitely something for everyone.
The Hinns do not gloss over important particulars of Genesis 1-3. One chapter’s introduction firmly but respectfully explains how there are only two genders. (On a personal note, my children had to learn about transgenderism rather early due to a relative’s actions, but other families might want to be prepared for this conversation if the book’s reading triggers it. It’s an important convo to have, but only when you deem it’s age-appropriate for your own kiddos!) A Fun Fact boldly proclaims the earth’s age as 6,000-10,000 years old while other text biblically defends the definition of marriage. There truly is a whole lot of good conversation that can come from working through this study.
Chapter/Week 9 is when sin appears on the scene. All the Scripture cross-referencing (which is in every week, by the way!) is excellent here. Understanding sin is completely attainable by this age group, and the questions and activities give a clear teaching of it.
Chapter 10 further acknowledges the consequences of sin, studies parallel passages to Genesis 3:14-24, and asks excellent questions for the student to think about. It does end with an “upper,” though, as it begins to declare the everlasting hope we have in Jesus Christ. This (the gospel) is fully laid out in the fantastic epilogue.
The final words of this bible study well sum up what material was covered and leaves readers with encouragement:
“One last thing, remember that God made the world perfect! Sin ruined that perfection and separated us from God, but salvation came through Jesus Christ and we can be made right with God again! Live with that hope in mind!”
Parents, this is a great option for your middle graders. Be available to answer questions for maximum impact. May it encourage, challenge, and point your children to the gospel!