By Kim High
www.foundationsbiblestudy.com
113 Appomattox Road
Cary, NC 27513-5166
919-481-2162
Finally! A Bible study I can share with all of my children that keeps in mind the wide age span yet is solidly based on the Word of God! I have been sifting through Bible studies and devotionals since my 13-year-old was a toddler, trying to find one that teaches from the Bible. I've yet to find one that fits our needs as well as this study does. Most of the studies I've encountered begin with a scenario involving a child who finds himself in a dilemma that requires a choice. His choices are often presented as multiple-choice options. In the end, students can easily distinguish which answer is the correct answer (whether or not it is the option they would choose in real life,) and a brief Bible verse confirms their correct choice. In Foundations, you will never run across "Billy" or his friend offering to share the answers to a math test. Instead, Foundations begins with verses directly from the Bible before sharing conversation prompts. These prompt questions are simple and easy to follow, yet thought-provoking and perfect for conversation starters.
If this was all the study contained, I would already be thrilled. But it gets even better. It also helps students memorize a verse every week through simple, easy-to-remember tunes. Sheet music for each week's song is shared in the back of the book, or you can listen to the songs on the accompanying CD/CD-ROM. Also in the back of the book are memory verse flashcards on colored cardstock. A second set of flashcards is also provided, in another color of cardstock, that separates the verse from the verse reference so that students can play matching games with them.
In addition to the memory verses, students work on a craft treasure each week with the memory verse attached. These treasures are stored in a treasure box, made by the students, to remind them of the theme of the week's studies. For example, students examine the different reasons we study God's Word during week two. At the end of week two, they create a small heart-shaped treasure to symbolize hiding God's word in our hearts. Two options are given for the heart craft, one involves sewing and stuffing a small heart pillow, and the other is an easier paper heart template. Templates for the lessons are provided in the book and on the CD-ROM as PDFs. Several of the templates offer more than one option.
I have been very impressed with the organization in this study. The author, Kim High, has obviously thought it through very carefully. She created this study for her own children and understands the needs of parents like herself. Appealing to a kindergarten student as well as an eighth-grader isn't an easy feat, but Kim accomplished it. This study is meaningful, memorable, and manageable for all ages--just as she intended.
The cost is comparable to many other Bible studies. Parents pay $28.00 for an in-depth study that helps students memorize 20 different verses, spend quality time in God's Word, and create 20 keepsake treasures. Not to mention the flashcards, matching game, and sheet music! This study is everything I have been looking for and then some.
Product review by Jennifer Harrison, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, June 2010
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