Strider or anyone, what Bible study materials for 3rd grade?

[OhElizabeth]

Dd is 3rd grade this year, on the young end of her grade, both chrono and maturity-wise. When is a good time to start her on a "real" Bible study guide? Right now she reads Keys for Kids (rather lightweight, not sure about this) and her NIrV Bible nightly. I'd like to move her into a regular Bible soon, probably an NASB, and would be open to a bit more meaty, but still age-appropriate, study guide. Any suggestions?

[ELaurie]

Hi Oh Elizabeth,

Thank you for your reply to my post below. I will spend some time clarifying my goals for my dc as you suggested : )

I assume you've already looked at the Explorer's Bible, but if not, it's one you might want to consider. I'd post a link or something, but I think my kids will be in college before I get the new boards figured out.

[Kate CA]

You might look into Lamp & Quill (http://www.lampquill.com). We enjoy what we are learning very much.
Warmly,
Kate

[Trivium Academy]

The Discovery level of Explorer's would probably be where you want to place your dd, here's the link (http://www.explorerbiblestudy.org/store.php?act=view_series&series_id=1084553003)

[Pilgrim]

We are using the Bible for Children curriculum from Classical Academic Press http://www.classicalacademicpress.com/bfc_primers.html for our 1st and 3rd grade daughters.

We initially bought only one student book thinking that it might be beyond our 1st grade daughter, but she wanted to get involved in it as well. Both daughters have enjoyed it thus far.

We went with Bible for Children because it goes through the Bible (volume 1 (the only one currently available) goes through Genesis to Ruth (plus Job)) and our church is using a values oriented curriculum which we didn't feel was provided a sufficient grounding in the Biblical story.

If finances are a concern, the teacher's manual isn't absolutely necessary for those who have a pretty good understanding of the Bible. But it can be helpful at times.

Check out the link above...it should give you a good feel for whether or not this curriculum is something you might want to try.

[Friederike in Persia]

My second and third grader like it. It's 3 books combined: the first one looks at the life of Peter, the second at friendship (not sure about the third, haven't reached it yet). It tells small stories, then asks questions and gives bible verses that will help you to answer the questions. They've both been familiar with the bible stories, but looking it up in a "real bible" and then answering specific questions was a step up for them.
We're using Starting Strong twice a week during school time.
For everyday bible reading (text given, then a short explanation) we've been using the UK and German versions of what the Bible Society produces for that age. Both are pitched at a level that they can read it on their own. I grew up with this myself. I'm sure the American Bible society produce something similar.

Peace, Friederike

[OhElizabeth]

I think I was looking for something more personal, devotional, and brief, something she can use in her personal daily Bible-reading time, not something I teach her. Any thoughts?

[KIN]

My son is using Christian Liberty Press' 3rd Grade material. It may be what you are looking for! Here is a sample:

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=0109166&event=CF

[strider]

I have a high opinion of Explorer's. If your daughter reads comfortably she should be able to do this on her own. The key is encouraging her, in ANY program, to discover details directly from the Bible text.

Christian Liberty is decent, IMO, as is Rod and Staff.

I do NOT recommend Abeka or Alpha Omega.

The ones I have recommended are pretty good about the fact-finding, reading comprehension (observation) stage.

NONE of them require the student to interpret what they have written. I advocate having your student answer, in ONE, BRIEF statement, a question along the lines of: What does this passage teach about God? What's the most important message of this passage?

Explorer's is strongest at real life application, though none of the ones I have recommended are real great about it. I would advise you to check in with your dd routinely and pray together in response to what she is learning, or do a project in response, or whatever.

A book I highly recommend on teaching Bible to children is called Follow Me As I follow Christ. It's thorough, not too long, and very well written.

[Karie]

This is put out by John MacArthur. I do this with my boys-1st and 3rd, but it can be done independently and is written to the child. The devotionals are short with scripture and short activities they can do. I've really liked it.

[Rebecca]

EasyClassical.com recommends Tracking Your Walk for third grade for personal devotion material. I haven't used this personally, but this looks like what you might be looking for...

You can find a review at their website and links to CBD/AMAZON for the product:

http://www.easyclassical.com/curriculum_spotlight.html

Hope this link works,
Rebecca

[Rebecca]

Okay,
this link didn't work...
HMMMM...
Trying this again,
Rebecca

http://http://www.easyclassical.com/curriculum_spotlight.html

[Rebecca]

Well,
You can copy and paste and remove the extra http!
SORRY!

[jubilee]

NKJV Early Reader Bible (http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=013301&event=CF)

It has a larger font size and a variety of reading schedules:

Overview of the Bible (3 months)
The Life and Teachings of Paul (2 months)
Famous Chapters of the Bible (1 month)
Psalms and Proverbs
Famous Men and Women of the OT
Famouse Men and Women of the NT...and more!

My son enjoys the world history timeline and maps that are spread throughout the text. I like that this edt. is tailored for children who are ready for the Word. His daily routine includes reading his devotion (following one of the many suggested reading plans). I do have him tell give me a brief oral narration of scripture address and text and I sign off his reading for the day. He still has a few suggested reading plans to go before I need to venture into looking for something myself.

I suggest you and dd go to a local store to see it and flip through it...it may be just what your looking for.

Final note: We purchased the hardbound edt. He has owned this bible just shy of (2) years and the binding came undone (the whole text is bound together but not attached to the cover/spine). It does come in imitation leather, though it does cost more.

hth,