Active Learning
Bible Studies
Active Learning Bible Studies
Biblical Structure
Biblical organization needs to be learned. Knowing a book's historical setting and genre (apostolic letters, prophecy, etc.) increases one's ability to understand God's word. Memorizing the order of Bible books helps students progress in independent learning (locating passages by "flip method" or index is cumbersome; memorization removes that barrier to learning). Additionally, the typical two-column Bible page format is tricky for many beginning readers. Structure skills, such as the correct direction to read Bible pages, are like bringing a map when exploring.
Below are some active learning games which teach biblical structure. Of course, learning the Bible's teachings is most important—but simultaneously learning the structure frees the reader to truly focus on the message.
BIBLE BOOK SCRAMBLE
Create this reversible board for under $20!
VELCRO dots on the backs of book names enable scramble games: a fun way to actively learn the order and categorization of Bible books.
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scramble some or all books; students race to replace!
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memorization aid
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practice reading in columns (common Bible format)
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use color grouping to reinforce content
-
progressively illustrate a year's theme
Materials: foam core board, colorful cardstock, VELCRO, Sharpie, clear Con-Tact self-adhesive paper
(Use Con-Tact to cover both sides of book names.)
Old Testament side: for each Messianic prophecy studied, students add a star sticker to that book's name
New Testament side: blank upper space to add students' drawings of each lesson studied
This board uses colors to teach book genre (history, wisdom, prophecy, letters) while also showing the continuity of Old and New Testaments.
Design your board to teach the topic desired:
genre, date written, authorship…
The scramble board shown is designed for "big picture" learning, connecting the Old and New Testaments over two semesters.
Old Testament side: for each Messianic prophecy studied, students add a star sticker to that book's name
New Testament side: blank upper space to add students' drawings of each lesson studied
This board uses colors to teach book genre (history, wisdom, prophecy, letters) while also showing the continuity of Old and New Testaments. Design your board to teach the topic desired: genre, date written, authorship…
The scramble board shown is designed for "big picture" learning, connecting the Old and New Testaments over two semesters.
Create this reversible board
for under $20!
VELCRO dots on the backs of book names enable scramble games: a fun way to actively learn the order and categorization of Bible books.
-
scramble some or all books; students race to replace!
-
memorization aid
-
practice reading in columns (common Bible format)
-
use color grouping to reinforce content
-
progressively illustrate a year's theme
Materials: foam core board,
colorful cardstock, VELCRO, Sharpie, clear Con-Tact self-adhesive paper (Use Con-Tact to cover both sides of book names.)
BIBLE BOOK SCRAMBLE
Create many simple games!
-
individual games or competitions
-
students enjoy giving teachers tricky notation to write
BIBLE NOTATION GAMES
Just needs a marker board, pen, and eraser!
Teach gradually, practicing one concept, then another. Increase complexity only when students are ready.
-
books and chapter/verse separately, then together
-
reading, writing, and speaking notation
Silly fun: start slowly, then go faster & faster!
BIBLE NOTATION GAMES
Just needs a marker board, pen, and eraser!
Teach gradually, practicing one concept, then another. Increase complexity only when students are ready.
-
books and chapter/verse separately, then together
-
reading, writing, and speaking notation
Silly fun: start slowly, then go faster & faster!
Create many simple games!
-
individual games or competitions
-
students enjoy giving teachers tricky notation to write