Kay Arthur for Kids

[midwestbelle]

My girls will be 8 in May. One reads on a 3rd grade level and the other on a 4-5th grade level. Would these be appropriate for them? The web site I looked at said ages 9, but some of the descriptions said age 8. Is that based on comprehension or reading level?

Thanks

[Chris in VA]

I got the first one for Dd, but it was over her head (at least, I think so). It's pretty serious study. I don't think it's the reading level, it's really just the process she uses for bible study that requires a lot of thought (imo). I'm going to wait. Meanwhile, I realized dd didn't know a lot of bible stories that I assumed she did--so we are using Christian Liberty's Studying God's Word Book A (which is really for first grade). I know it's easy for her, but she needed a more basic approach for a while.

[chai]

My dd has a high reading level and high comprehension, so I'm not sure how to answer your question. I know that they can be done by an 8yo with that criteria. Also, we do the studies together; we take turns reading the book and the scripture, answer the questions and discuss it. The books vary in intensity. For example, How to Study the Bible for Kids is pretty intense, while some of the others are less so. We're working on the Genesis books right now. Every once in a while, I feel the need to skip a question or chapter, but my dd is pretty sensitive and Genesis has some rather unusual stories. Nothing is skipped--the story of Lot and his daughters is one that comes to mind.

On the whole, my dd and I like this series. We're getting a little bored with them, but I haven't found anything that I like better.

Hope this helps.

[Samuel'sMommy]

I haven't personally used any of these studies but I used to live near Precept and worked at many of their conferences. I know that Kay and Janna usually recommend starting with Wrong Way Jonah. It's supposed to be the easiest. How to Study the Bible for Yourself is one of the hardest. If you call the Precept bookstore, they will be more than happy to offer suggestions based on your child's age.

[Hillary in KS]

Ds started doing these at about age 9. He's a strong reader.

I think reading level-wise, you'd probably be fine. But you may want to pick a Bible study and do it together, to see if she's really able to understand the lesson or do the work on her own. :)

[Chris in VA]

Thanks for posting your question--I should add that we were going to start with "How to Study the Bible"--that's what I thought the first book was (and the book I referred to in my post.) I'll have to look at the Jonah one, like Samuel's Mommy said.

[Josie]

We like this series. IMHO, How to Study the Bible is the most difficult one. I would maybe do that one without your dc so you know what to do. Start your dc with another one, like Jonah, with your dc. I definitely think your dc could do these along with you.

[Tami]

as the study methods are pretty instense. To modify it for a younger child, simply do the markings and word studies as a family and assign applications as independent work.

We have done a couple of these, and even at age 10 and 11, they are not meant as something that can just be handed to a child.

For independent Bible, I recommend Studying GOd's Word or Rod and Staff (1 year behind if necessary).

I highly recommend Kay's study as a family Bible study. THey are wonderful when done together. *I* learn so much from that wonderful woman's wisdom and work!

[Lori in MS]

We love these too. We are currently doing Joseph. My 11, 9, and 8 yr old are doing it with my 6 yr old listening in. It works much better when done together with discussion. I have to help my 8 yr old find the answers. It's fine to start with an 8 yr old (Jonah) but plan to help them a lot. Once they learn the inductive study method it will get easier. But I think these books are appropriate for 10-14 yr olds as well, especially the New Testament and prophetic books (Daniel part 2, John, and Revelation).

[strider]

the How to Study one. I taught that one to a mixed group of 4th/5th grade girls who were well-schooled in inductive method, and they really struggled. I find that most kids CAN do the concepts presented in that book, but that book presents them in an unnecessarily convoluted, confusing way.

I have found the other books in the series to be quite do-able, and I would think your dd would do fine if she is a good reader. My only real complaint about the series is I think there is WAY too much commentary--all those words can detract from the Bible study itself. Nevertheless, it IS a good series, and one I recommend.

You might also consider Explorer's, which is my personal favorite.