Telling God's Story, Year One: Student Guide and Activity Page

During his lifetime, Jesus introduced himself through stories, parables, and teachings. In this first year (Meeting Jesus), these will be familiar to adults with a church background. However, these stories and teachings lay the foundation for everything we need to know about Jesus. Couple that with details of his earthly life and ministry and you have the nine categories covered in this series.

• Stories Jesus Told
• Miracles Jesus Did
• Teachings of Jesus
• The Sermon on the Mount
• Jesus’ Early Life
• Jesus’ Disciples
• Opposition to Jesus
• End of Jesus’ Life
• The Rest of the Story

In addition to 4-5 weekly lessons in each of these categories, there are three supplemental lessons that focus on his trial, crucifixion, and resurrection so this important part of the story is not slighted.

Stories/parables include the persistent widow, the mustard seed, and the Pharisee/tax collector while miracles include the five loaves/two fish and Jesus walking on water.

Instructor text is 125 pgs. Activity Book is 405 pgs. Both are paperback. All scripture references are from the NIV.

Providing parents a thoughtful and thorough roadmap for teaching the Bible, this curriculum focuses on knowing Jesus. The Parents’ Guide outlines this approach and could stand on its own, but also serves as an introduction to the courses. Years 1-3 cover nine categories: Stories Jesus Told, Miracles and Teachings of Jesus, the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ Early Life, Jesus’ Disciples, Opposition to Jesus, End of Jesus’ Life, and the Rest of the Story. Categories repeat each year with more material and depth added. Year 4 examines what happens when Jesus leaves. From His earthly departure until the Second Coming, children study the book of Acts and NT letters.

Following the same structure, two components are necessary. The Instructor Text & Teaching Guide provides the yearly overview, and scripted text to read aloud and discuss. Parents are encouraged to read the background information and theological perspective ahead of time.

The Student Guide and Activity Book provides a coloring page and activity/project for each lesson. Activities vary. For example: crafts, games, music, cooking, and word searches. Activity pages are reproducible for families. Teacher-student interaction is important, but teacher prep is minimal.