Please keep our youngest daughter, Valerie Grace, in your prayers. She was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor in February 2005. To read about all that God has done, click here. We are currently living in the Pastaza province of Ecuador serving independently with an orphanage for disabled and abandoned children of the Amazon jungle. To read more or if you would like to visit please go to www.thewelchfamily.org

If you have a specific question about a resource listed, or would like to submit materials to be reviewed on this web site, please email emailccm@yahoo.com

Bible tools to help teach Bible stories, Bible application, and Bible memory.

Click on resource name or scroll down (new titles at top)

Train up a Child Studies	Searching for Treasure	Grapevine Studies	Greek 'n' Stuff	Bible Memory Challenge	Infinite Discovery
Bible Story Cards (Wesley Press)	Alpha Omega	The Bible in Living Sound	Master Books	365 Days of Celebration and Praise	Baker Books
Busy Bibles	Heart of Wisdom	The Learning Parent	Whole Heart Ministries	Crossway Books Good News Publishers	Shepherd Press
	IBLP	ACSI

While staying in the home of some other missionaries in Ecuador, we came across some older devotional books that we really enjoy.

My Magnificent Machine - a great tool for nightly devotionals that integrate science and other facts

More Little Visits with God - nice short stories for young children. Sound doctrine

Train Up A Child Publishing L.L.C.
www.trainupstudies.com
trainupstudies@aol.com

Recommend ages: 5+

Kaye Freeman, a homeschooling mom from Tulsa, OK, has done an incredible job of creating a Bible based, character curriculum for K-5. This is not a curriculum that gives you the gist of the Bible references. Your student will open up God’s word, the Bible, to gain first hand knowledge from God.
The workbook will have a passage to look up and read. Questions, activities, and a review of what was done that day follow. Very simple and short lessons. I feel this will help any child develop a greater thirst for a relationship with God through His word. Answers to questions, quizzes and a salvation prayer guide are included at the end of each book.
Choosing Kindness, Choosing Self control, Choosing Humility, Choosing responsibility, and Choosing Obedience are the books that are currently available. K-2 will most likely need help with reading, but advanced 2nd graders on up should have no problem doing this independently. I really like that this can be used as an independent study or a family study and that it helps children apply biblical principles to their lives!

 

From Noble Publishing Associates
www.noblepublishing.com

Searching for Treasure
by Marty Elwell

Recommended ages: 5+ (great for the whole family!)

“A Guide to Wisdom and Character Development”
20 weeks of daily Bible Lessons for the entire family. Including Searching for Treasure Game and Memory Verse Cards.

If you are looking for something to use with children of multiple ages and parents together - this is great!!! There is an idea page for how to use this as a "family night" activity (If you get together with several other families to "train up your children" rather than send them off to church into classrooms with only children of the same ages). A craft and game idea is listed for each section to help to reduce planning. The first lesson would be done on the "family night" and then days 2-5 would be done at home as a family. The father should be the one to lead the lesson part.

Coloring picture at the beginning of each new study. An introductory lesson followed by discussion, a Bible reading, then prayer. A key verse is listed. Then for days 2-5 there is another section to read, an answer section and a key verse. Then a summary section with discussion ideas, application activities and a “questions for parents” section.
A game and verse cards are included. This would also be great for morning devotions for the whole family! A great book that the whole family can use together.
This makes a great devotional book for the whole family!

Leading Little One's to God

This classic book is one of the best books for morning devotions with children. There are questions, a hymn and prayer. The best part, is the additional Bible reading suggestions. I put these on post-it notes and gave them to my girls to read on their own during the day. They would come running to me after reading the passage for the day and say "mom, it was talking about what you read this morning". The additional reading allowed them to read God's Word themselves and experience the same story but on a personal level. If you are going to purchase one devotional book - this would be the one. My girls enjoyed this starting around age 4 or 5 and by 6 were able to read the Bible passages.

 

 

 

Grapevine Studies

http://www.grapevinestudies.com

Recommended ages 5-Adult (6 levels are available)

$39.95 for a set

When I read the cover letter that came with this curriculum it said "serving Him with stick figures". I though "how cute". But this curriculum is not just cute. It is a great concept for teaching children God's word. Instead of using felt figures to illustrate Bible stories (which is difficult to keep up), this centers around using stick figures, symbols, and simple objects to illustrate themes in the Bible. Two large three ring binders make up each set, a student and teacher book.

This is not just a short, simple study. It goes deeper, in that it goes beyond simple facts and into deeper concepts of the overall picture.

Available in KJV, NKJV, and NASB. Now available on CD. All five student additions are available on one CD for $99.

 

 

Greek 'n' Stuff

http://www.greeknstuff.com/

Recommended ages 6+
$6.95-20.95

These are great independent Bible study books.

I Can Study Jonah and Ruth – 13 weekly lessons
I Can Study Ester- 13 weekly lessons
I Can Study 1st Samuel- 3-13 weekly lessons
I Can Study Acts- 4- 13 weekly lessons

 

Available in either KJV or NIV, these studies begin with a short Bible reading followed by planned out (short) comprehension exercises. A think and pray about it section is included and a great section on ways to apply God’s Word. These are very affordable and true to God's word. Paperback spiral bound books. Please check out this website! They also have a great series of Greek and Latin instruction items for very young children! (review to come)

 

 

Bible Memory Challenge
http://www.bibleflashcard.com
info@bibleflashcard.com

Recommended ages 3- Adult
$3.50-$10 each
These are high quality laminated cards held together by a metal ring.
Some of the available Titles include: A Wise Son
The Virtuous woman (Proverbs 31)
The Christian TV Guide (verses to make you remember what is important)
The Bible Alphabet (as presented in the New England Primer) A verse beginning with each letter of the alphabet
Precious Daughters
To Train up a Child (from the book by Michael and Debi Pearl)
The Ten Commandments with cassette tape
Bible Memory Challenge 1
The Beatitudes

I really like these. They would be great for carrying in your purse or on a back pack. These would be excellent for all those times you are waiting in line or in a dentist office with the children. Other ideas are using them for morning and evening devotions, handwriting practice, or there intended purpose – memory work. Some come with check lists to give as rewards when memory work is done. You could even purchase 2 packs of the TV Guide or Ten Commandments cards and play a matching game where you match the verse to the reference (the reference is printed on the back of each card). This company also has a great audio cassette that comes with The Ten Commandments called the Perfect Ten.
These would make a great gift. Great for churches also!
This company has sale items available and low shipping! All items are very reasonably priced since the companies intent is to spread the Word of God.

 

 

Infinite Discovery
www.infinitediscovery.com
infidisc@aol.com

Recommended ages 8+ (younger children could do this with a parent, but I feel children 8+, even adults, would mainly benefit from these intensive studies)

Teaching Bible History to Children
Titles include: In Jesus’ Time ($16.95)
Moses and the Law ($19.95)
Paul and Early Christianity, Vol. I ($19.95)
Paul and Early Christianity, Vol. II ($19.95)
The first book in the series, In Jesus’ Time, contains charts, maps, flashcards, Bible tests, timelines, crossword puzzles, research questions and more. 275 page paperback book. This is very thorough. Learn some Greek and the messianic prophecies that were fulfilled (and much more!). Children will learn how to use Bible study tools such as Bible dictionaries, concordances, etc. through this book (you will need to have these items on hand).
I love how all of these books make it easy (and interesting) to learn the history of the Bible. Even an adult would enjoy these. Very few pictures are included, other than maps. These are not overwhelming, but a lot of neat Bible facts will be learned. As the author points out, these are not a replacement for personal time spent in the Word. I feel they can enhance your walk and that of your child!!!

 

Bible Story Cards (by Wesley Press)

http://www.wesleyan.org/wph/childrensresources/biblestorycards/biblestorycards.htm

$24.99  (check out their website for specials)

Recommended ages: 2-10

This set is wonderful! Each set includes a Parent/Teacher guide, story cards, Bible verse cards, Charts and Maps, and a coloring book.

The Parent/Teacher guide is a great resource for any teacher! Filled with great story telling ideas such as a story telling apron, just to name a few. Children will love the creative storytelling techniques included in this book. Also included are many ideas for Bible verse memory games and activities, review questions, and much more.

The kit also comes with Bible verse cards that correspond to each lesson.

Bible Story Cards (like trading cards) are included for each story. It is suggested that each child have a set of cards (these can be purchased separately. The story and questions are on the back of each card. These are very high quality with appealing pictures!

A Charts and Maps packet includes books of the Bible, timelines, maps, and drawings.

A great coloring book is included with a page for each story. Each student will need his/her own coloring book. Additional copies can be purchased separately.

This set is easy for any parent to use in that everything corresponds. A number is included on each item. This is a great way to teach the stories of the Bible in chronological order. This approach to Bible story teaching will appeal to all learning styles. If you do not have your children involved in a Sunday school, this is an excellent way to teach the Bible to young children. Dad could read the Bible story from the Bible, then throughout the day mom could retell the story using the storytelling techniques provided. Additional activities, including the coloring page and memory verse games, could also be enjoyed throughout the day to help the child retain what was taught. Our girls really enjoyed this set!

 

Alpha Omega Publications Lifepac Curriculum

www.aop.com

Recommended Ages: 1st-12th grade

This curriculum includes a teachers manual and 10 small workbooks called Lifepacs. The workbooks are very colorful and inviting and simple enough for the child to read and complete on their own. Without the teacher's book and instruction, this would just be busy work. The workbooks should be used to help the child retain what was taught. These books do not contain any offensive material. The first grade teachers manuals include LOTS of reproducible worksheets, while subsequent manuals are much smaller. Mostly Bible stories are taught in the 1st grade curriculum, but some application is taught as well. Family is emphasized as important as well as church. Very much like "school work".

 

The Bible In Living Sound

www.BibleinLivingSound.org

dean@bibleinlivingsound.org

$10-238.00 per set

Recommended Ages: 3+

These are so great! Our girls asked to listen to them over and over! These are very dramatically recorded Bible stories. They really capture the child's attention and draw them into the story. Our 4 year old was a little frightened by the flood account (these are great at describing the panic that must have been felt by those not saved during the flood). Although initially frightened by the realistic portrayals, our 4 year old enjoyed them and enjoyed talking about them after listening.

 

 

365 Days of Celebration and Praise: Daily Devotions and Activities for Home schooling Families

By: Julie Lavender

 

365 Days of Celebration and Praise : Daily Devotions and Activities for Homeschooling Families

Recommended ages 3+ (great for the whole family to do together)

$13.95

A very simple daily unit study approach filled with both historical dates, such as the day Alaska was discovered, and created day ideas such as Hurricane season day.

Each day has a Bible section to read (you use your own Bible), questions to discuss that are related to the Bible reading, a related activity (these are really fun!), a verse to memorize, and a prayer suggestion. A curriculum connection is also included for further learning on the topic. I really like that the prayer section is for prayer ideas, not a wrote prayer.

This would be an excellent book to use for morning devotions. Just always leave it sitting on the kitchen table to read around the breakfast table, or on the sofa so you can all cuddle up together while reading the Bible selection for that day (a special cookie or healthy snack would make this time even more special).

A delightful book that has something for children of all ages!

 

The Baker Book of Bible People for Kids

www.bakerbooks.com

 

Recommended ages: 8+

$10.39

List names of people mentioned in the Bible (with a pronunciation key for each name). It goes on to tell about the person (who they were related to, what they did, where they are mentioned in the Bible and a key event they were involved with). Study questions are also included. A nice hardcover book that is just the right size for small hands. Over 200 entries are included with pleasant color drawings.

 

The Baker Bible Dictionary for Kids

Recommended ages: 8+

$10.39

This great hardcover book contains definitions of over 1000 Bible subjects. Discover the meaning of unusual Bible words. A Bible reference is included for every entry. Color coded trail of key Bible themes.

Both of these Baker books are very child friendly with their bright color drawings. The print is large enough for an early reader to read independently. Our 6 year old daughter is able to use these, so don't let the recommended ages of the publisher keep you from purchasing these for a younger child. These would make excellent companion books for some of the other Bible study resources listed.

Bible Fun - Best Ever Bible Activity Worksheets CD-Rom

recommended ages 4-7. windows 95 or 98

Heart of Wisdom

Wisdom: An Internet Linked Unit Study

by Robin Rampson

Recommended ages: 7-12 (could be adapted to include younger children)

This soft cover book contains 15 lessons on wisdom, an overview, objectives, vocabulary, resource section and a teacher help section. You can pick and choose from many activities for each lesson. This book has many great ideas, and I it even helped me get my mind on the right track for coming up with my own ideas. A really nice book that can be used for the whole family.

The Learning Parent

www.thelearningparent.com

Proverbs People

by Rick and Marilyn Boyer

Recommended ages: 8-12

$10.95

This spiral bound book contains five sections: Slothful vs. Diligent, Righteous vs. Wicked, The Five Fools, The Wise Man, The Prudent Man, Liar vs. Faithful Witness. Reference verses to look up and read are followed by questions. Next, an example story with application questions related to the topic are presented. A fun quiz and a coloring page are also included for each section.

Rick and Marilyn Boyer are the parents of 14 children. They are full of great ideas and the books they have written are things that they have created for their own family. Please look under parent resources for reviews of two of their other books: Hands on Dad and Fun Projects for Hands on Character Building. Be sure to check out their web site too as they have many more great products. This is one of my favorite companies! You can trust that all of the materials you receive from them will be well used!

Fun Projects for Hands On Character Building

$7.95

"This book contains the Boyers’ philosophy of spiritual training in a nutshell. Scores of simple, enjoyable projects for parents and children to do together. Chapters include: “Building Obedience”; “Building a Pure Heart”; “Building a Hunger for Righteousness”; “Building a Forgiving Spirit”; “Building Meekness”; “Building a Strong Testimony.” This book if packed full of great, simple ideas! A book you are sure to refer to often. Photos of projects the writer has competed are a great help! If you are only going to purchase one book on character training - this is it! I have bought several copies of this book to give as gifts - it is full of wonderful ideas to aid in teaching young children to have a heart for God!

 

 

Whole Heart Ministries

www.wholeheart.org

Our 24 Family Ways

By Clay Clarkson

Family Devotional Guide

$14.95

Great for family time. Learn to love the Bible, not just learn about it. Uses the “ARTS” system; Ask a question, Read the Bible, Talk about it, Speak to God.
You will need your Bible. You can use this either as a 6 day learning time for each “Way” or just one night a week. If using the 6 day method, everything is laid out for you. On day 1 you will read a new “Way”, discuss the illustration, read/recite the scripture memory verse. Then you can start doing the 1st of 5 days of “A.R.T.S”.

I love the way this is laid out, no planning is necessary, although I always think reading ahead is best so you can add in your own activities. The coloring pages are great in the Color-In Book since they go along with the lessons being taught. Great for ages 2-18.

• Helps and Insights-Extensive introduction with lots of insights and helps for family devotions, and using the 24 Ways in your family life

• 24 Ways-Carefully worded family values statements in six areas of family life and experience

• 120 Scriptures-Each way includes five related Scripture verses or passages

• 24 Character Qualities-Each way includes an easy-to-remember related character quality and definition

• 120 Devotional Outlines-Each way includes five days of fully-scripted family devotional outlines using a parent-friendly approach called the Family Devotional A.R.T.S. outline

• Way Helps-A page for each with memory verses, commentary, character quality definitions,an illustration "story starter," and room for a parent to make notes

• Illustrations-Professional, child-friendly illustrations of every way, plus one for Proverbs 22:6, with an appealing graphic layout for the parent guide material

• Even More-Family Commitment page, character quality review page, 24 ways review page, and "My Own Way" pages

Nearly 15,000 copies of the original, now "classic," flip-chart version of Our 24 Family Ways have put families on the way since 1996. With all new illustrations, a new format, new graphic design, and so much more, we're excited to see even more families find God's ways.

Color-in Book

$4.95
27 pictures to color. Fill in the blank sentences for each day and a certificate. You will need one book per child.

• Coloring Pages-Heavy-line versions of the line-art illustrations from Our 24 Family Ways Family Devotional Guide suitable for coloring by younger children. Each illustration includes text of that way, plus an illustration for Proverbs 22:6

• 24 Ways Review Pages-Listings of the 24 Ways for memorization and review by the child

• I'm On the Way Page-A page for your child to make a commitment to stay on the way of God

• Way to Go Page-A certificate of completion page to acknowledge when your child can recite all 24 family ways

Crossway Books

www.goodnewspublishers.com

Big Truths for Little Kids

$15.99

Recommended ages: 4-8

This beautiful hardcover book is an excellent tool to use for morning devotions with young children. One of the things I really like is that the same characters are used throughout and the stories are a continuation of the one before. Great stories with sweet characters and black and white drawings. Discussion questions follow each story. Written by Susan Hunt and Richie Hunt. Teach your child to live for God! I highly recommend this!

Discovering Jesus in Genesis

…that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden
all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
— Colossians 2:2-3

The Bible is a treasure chest of wisdom and knowledge. But its most magnificent riches are those that reveal the mystery of God—namely, His Son Jesus Christ. Imagine teaching your children that, day after day, they can discover something new about God and His Son in every page of the Bible—from Genesis to Revelation! What a gift to give them!

So send your kids on a treasure hunt in the Word with Caleb and Cassie, where they’ll learn some of the important things that the Bible teaches about God’s character and how they can apply Scripture to their lives. After each story are questions that will help you evaluate their comprehension and encourage additional conversations with them. You’ll be assured that they’re learning about God’s covenant of grace, and their young hearts will find what fun the quest to know more about God can be.

Discovering Jesus in Exodus

$12.99

This soft cover book also has 36 stories and is the second in the Covenant Promises for Covenant Kids series. Show your child how God's adoption of Israel in the book of Exodus teaches us about Jesus. Questions follow each story to encourage discussion and help evaluate comprehension. The same characters are used in this book as well.

 

Shepherd Press

www.shepherdpress.com

 

The Gospel for Children

The gospel presented in easy to read and understand, storybook fashion. Nice large hard bound book!

 

 

Herein is Love- Commentary Series for Children

 

Great, deep resources for children. The beginning books of the Bible are vital to understanding God's redemptive story. Very well written. This will help parents and children understand the Christ-centered Word, and will make for enjoyable reading for all. Written in story form, each volume has a teacher's guide. Excellent for teaching and family devotions.

 

Busy Bible

www.busybibles.com

$39.95

This book is sure to hold the attention of any 3-7 year old. Even my mother was drawn to this beautiful, handmade activity book. Watch as Lot's wife turn into a pillar of salt, put Jonah into the fish, lift the pieces of the globe to see what was done on the 7 days of creation, and much more! The price might seem a little high for an activity book- but it is worth it!!! This is well made and sure to be an item your child will want to keep and hand down to his or her own children! Comes in a sturdy plastic case with a snap and handle. Some pieces are small, so be sure to watch children under three.

The Busy Bible contains 12 pages of Bible stories beginning at creation and following through the Old and New Testaments, giving children a sense of wonder and discovery as they learn about great heroes of the Bible. The perfect gift for any young child!

You can go to the website and view information on each page in the book.

ACSI BIBLE CURRICULUM

www.acsi.org

 

This curriculum can be used in church, school, or homeschool settings. Each child will need their own workbook. It is done by grade level, but if you have multiple children that are close in age, you could use the program closest to the average age and teach all the children together. Bible stories are presented with life application as well. Very colorful, with cut outs, coloring, writing, etc. The teachers edition is a huge 3 ring binder and will be necessary! I really like that these are Bible based and do not have a lot of interpretive things presented as fact. For young children - I think this is delightful. We received the Grade 1 bible set and feel it could be used by a family with children ages 3-7 nicely. The lessons start out with the creation story and go through the New Testament. It then goes on to talk about how the Church began, how to serve Him, Singing to the Lord, Serving Others, Hospitality, and much more. A really nice all around curriculum, great for a parent looking for a Sunday school type product without having to send your children to children's church.

Master Books

God’s Amazing Creatures and Me

www.masterbooks.net

A Great devotional for any elementary ages child that loves animals. A story is presented about a different animal on each open set of pages, and a journal type area. The book is spiral bound so it lays very flat, making it easier to write in. If you have a child that enjoys God's creatures, this book will surely be enjoyed. I would recommend this book for ages 6-12.

 

The True Story of Noah's Ark

Dramatic and exciting retelling of a timeless Bible story • Excellent evangelistic tool • Breathtaking artwork makes the story come alive • Realistic art and text give the Genesis story validity God always has a plan; God always has a man. The plan: destroy the wickedness of the world. The man: Noah. How would you feel if you knew that God was going to destroy the world, and you had been chosen out of millions of people to continue the human race? This book is not just Sunday school material for kids, but the thrilling adventure of Noah comes to life through the dazzling, detailed illustrations and the exciting True Story of Noah’s Ark. The images of the interior of Noah’s ark are like nothing you’ve ever seen before. The people and cities depicted here are certainly more advanced than what you’ve been led to believe - these people weren’t cavemen! They invented metals and musical instruments; they were skilled craftsmen; they built grand cities - all BEFORE the Flood. And this is not fiction - it’s all biblically and historically based. This book can be a fantastic evangelistic tool because it comes directly from the multi-media presentation of author Tom Dooley, who uses it to witness to multitudes of people across America every week.

• 40 pages • 10 X 10 • Casebound

Institute in Basic Life Principles

Character Sketches

$39.00

The Character Sketch books are designed to show how God’s creation demonstrates character. Using illustrations from nature, these books teach such character qualities as Attentiveness, Responsibility, Obedience, and Orderliness. Each of these beautifully illustrated books contain different character examples as seen in nature.

The primary purpose of this book is to place in the hands of fathers basic concepts of Scripture and interesting facts of nature that he may use to help teach character to his children. These are valuable resources that every family should have.

Hardbound, with slipcover; 382 pages

Character Sketches Coloring Books

$3.00

Enjoyed by a wide age group of children in many different settings, this coloring book is specifically designed to reinforce and increase the participation level of younger children as they color while listening to nature stories being read from Character Sketches, Volume II.

There are four animals to color for each of the following qualities: flexibility, alertness, availability, endurance, joyfulness, hospitality, and generosity. Suggestions for parents on how to teach these specific character qualities to children are also included.

Paperback; 34 pages

Character Clues Game

$10.00

This easy-to-play game is a unique way to bring the whole family together for a fun time of fellowship, learning the operational definitions of character qualities, and encouraging the development of these vital qualities in each others’ lives.

The set includes instructions, two types of cards, and a resource booklet in a sturdy case.

Thy Word Creations

12.95-14.95

Children are often able to remember songs better than something that is simply spoken. Thy Word Creations has put together some really great books and accompanying audio products that will help children learn entire chapters from God's word. I highly recommend these for teaching your children to hide God's Word in their hearts. These are the best product I have found for long scripture memory (Available in CD format as well).

Kay Arthur Bible Studies for children

Wonderful! In depth Bible studies for young readers. These books are wonderful for teaching life application lessons and for deeper Bible study.

 

Sunny Hollow Press

Sunny Hollow press has some very cute items for simple Bible lessons for pre-school aged children. There are spiral bound books that not only teach a simple Bible story, but also have opportunities for children to learn colors and counting. Nice laminated lacing cards are available for each book.

Classical Prayers for Children

www.classicprayers.com

This is a beautiful, cloth bound, hardcover book full of wonderful prayers (poems).

 

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