Books of the Bible

After assisting and teaching children's bible classes for several years I have recently noticed a trend....Students are having a harder time locating the books of the Bible.   Even those that are able to recite the books orally in the correct order are still having difficulty actually finding and locating the correct book.

Recently, we finished our lesson with about five minutes to spare.  Not wanting to waste any precious moments with our students we played "Let's find it in the Bible".  I would call out a book of the Bible and the children would race to see who could locate the book the fastest.  While they are turning the pages I like to take this time to discuss if the particular book mentioned is found Old or New Testament, then discuss which category it is in, whether it is law, poetry etc.  Then if time allows we might discuss the overall theme of the book or if there is a main character in that book.

At the end of class as the final bell rang and one student threw their hands up exasperated saying "I just can't find any of them"!  As students filed out of class after dismissal I encouraged this student to have their parents play this "game" with them at home to allow them more practice.  The child informed me that their only bible at home was one with illustrations in it (A children's bible).  Given that the student was a new reader, I didn't think much of it until they told me that their parents didn't own a bible, except on their i-pad.

I've since then talked with the mom and of course, they do own a bible :), it is just that their children had only seen them use their electronic bibles and when they did family time they used an illustrated bible as their children were still young.  This scenario has caused me to think how there is an upcoming generation that operates off of i-phones, i-pads and any and everything else that has an "i" in front of it and unfortunately many have not experienced the tangible and sensory experience of flipping through a bible.  While I am a huge proponent of having a bible app on my electronics I am afraid that many younger students will see physical bibles as no longer practical.  This is not written to scold young parents and teachers, but only to encourage them the importance of putting a physical bible in their children's hands as soon as they can read.

There have been many recent studies that those who use Kindles or digital devices to read are less competent in recalling the plot or events.  Researchers aren't exactly sure why this occurs, however it probably has something to do with being able to physically and visually track your progress in a tangible book.  For example, many children today don't get to experience opening their bible to the middle and knowing this will more than likely land you in the book of Psalms unless they are given hands on experience.

In order to help remedy this and get some additional practice we plan to implement some various activities in our class during our review time.  Sometimes we just have to remember to return to the basics! :)

1.  Print each book of the Bible on cardstock, laminate and pass random cards to each student as they come in.  They have to put themselves in order. I will begin with easier ones, and progress to more challenging.

2.  Pass the beanbag - The teacher begins with any book, then passes on to students.  They pass to each other naming the book that comes after.  When the teacher calls out "freeze" the student holding the beanbag must name the following three books in order.

3.  Lastly, and the best practice of all...We will continue to do bible drills allowing them to physically find the books by turning pages in their bibles.  The kids love to race to see who can find it the fastest! We keep a classroom set of Bibles in each class allowing each student to have their own copy of the Scriptures should they forget to bring their own.

We would love to hear other ideas of how you instill the books of the Bible in your children's hearts!  Feel free to leave us a comment!