Deeper Roots Bible Curriculum

Description

These are serious inductive Bible study courses with a strong missions emphasis. The authors believe that studying the Bible is the most important subject to be done each day. Since most of the common Bible stories are familiar to students by this age, they have attempted to put important but less well-known Bible reading in the lessons. Components of the program include the teacher's guide and the student book. "Suggestions for Younger Children" books are available for the first two books that provide ideas for covering similar content with youngsters. You will also need a Bible, and the course is designed so you can use your own or any version you like.

Each book is divided into several meaty lessons that focus on a specific topic, and span 10 or more days of study each. Topics vary in each book, from studying attributes of God in Book 1 to studying our identity as believers in Book 2 to developing Christian habits in Book 3 and finally, learning about aspects of Christ's character in Book 4. Topics have been carefully chosen by the authors to represent the most important or foundational ones for junior-high students to understand, and are presented in logical order. For instance, in Book 1, students study God's power and then His creativity, so they can see both of these attributes in the light of each other.

Text and discussion questions are provided in both the teacher guide and student books. The text is the Bible, with questions in the student book providing the references to be read. The amount of Bible reading required in a day would generally amount to a chapter or two in total, although verses might come from any book of the Bible. Student books provide enough space for answers to be written in. A Bible verse is memorized with each lesson. Occasionally, the day is devoted to some special project, such as a writing assignment or skit. Study pages (answer keys are provided) help students prepare for the test, which is given on the last day of the lesson. As previously mentioned, missions emphasis is evident throughout the program. Each chapter begins with information about a different people group. Students pray for this people group daily during the time it takes to complete the lesson. Books are black-and-white and illustrated with light-hearted line drawings. The Teacher Guide lists some introductory and helpful teaching and background notes, as well as answers to the discussion questions. Suggestions for Younger Children includes some of the line drawings from the student book (enlarged) to color, and suggestions of a Bible story to tell (not provided) or an arts-and-crafts project to do. One story suggestion and two project suggestions per lesson is the norm.

If you are looking for a good course to begin the transition from Bible reading to more serious Bible study for your junior high student, consider this one.

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Religious Content
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.