When was the last time you had the words “Davidic Covenant” in your kids’ curriculum? When was the last time your kids left church actually knowing what those words meant? Exactly. What’s in the Bible?, the innovative video series from Phil Vischer and accompanying curriculum attempt to change that. What’s In The Bible? has just released the last of the volumes the Old Testament, nine videos in all. As a celebration for having finished the Old Testament, What’s In The Bible? has been doing a blog tour with each DVD curriculum being reviewed by a different blogger. I’m number five on the list and coincidentally will be reviewing volume 5. Much of what I would have said has already been said four times, so check out the other reviews to find that the curriculum is complete, creative, customizable, and content driven (bonus points for using the same letter to start each word!). It is all of these things for sure. I thought I’d look at some different elements.
Real. Years ago, King George and the Ducky, a Veggie Tales video, was released that attempted to teach the story of David and Bathsheba in a kid friendly manner. While hilarious, entertaining, and even educational, it was not the full story. Too many times, for fear of turning someone off, we shy away from the trickier stuff in the Bible when teaching kids. But those tricky parts are there for a reason, because they teach us so much about mankind and God’s plan for redemption. Each week, What’s In The Bible? provides lessons that hit at the heart of what God was trying to teach by giving us the Old Testament and show us just how we fit into Gods’ big rescue plan. Phil Vischer and his excellent team have put together something that teaches kids the Bible at their level. They do not make the Bible out to be some set of fairy tales or moralistic tales. They will teach your kids the Bible as it should be heard.
Engaging. Incorporating various methods of teaching, Phil and team will keep your kids involved in the entire process of learning what’s in the Bible. Each activity is well thought out and each video is short enough to keep attention and creative enough to make it fun. The fact that the people who work on this project actively work with kids means that they know what works well with today’s kids.
Worth It. We are starting the What’s In The Bible? curriculum with our kids this fall. The only reason we’ve waited this long is because I wanted more lessons available before starting. I’m excited that our kids will get a comprehensive knowledge of their Bibles through these lessons. We sampled a couple of lessons with them this spring and I’m certain that there are few curriculums available that will get kids this excited about their Bibles. The financial cost is minimal considering the value of what you are getting.
Jesus. While I have not watched every video in this series, every video I have watched has one thing in common, Phil is constantly pointing us back to Jesus. It’s as if the whole Bible is actually about Him even though He hasn’t even been born yet by the time volume 9 wraps up. This is, hands down, my favorite part.
In addition to my review, I’ve been asked to give away a copy of volume 5 of the curriculum and also let you know that you can enter to win all nine volumes by entering your email address at the special Race to the Finish giveaway page. To enter to win volume 5, just leave a comment below telling us your favorite Bible story you will never teach in kids’ church (like mine is when Judah and company convince their enemies to be circumcised and then kill them while they are writhing in pain).
To purchase one or all of the curriculums, click here.
To see my initial thoughts I had when I originally discovered What’s in the Bible?, see my DVD review.
Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of volume 5 for the purposes of this review.
And finally, here is a video from my “friend” Phil introducing the curriculum.
[tentblogger-youtube klOgpELHAk8]
These look interesting! I’m sure the kids will learn a lot! I am considering buying the set! I’m sure I could learn something too! Lol. Thanks for all you do for our children!
These look interesting! I’m sure the kids will learn a lot! I am considering buying the set! I’m sure I could learn something too! Lol. Thanks for all you do for our children!
I think the whole story of song of songs is interesting to show love between husband and wife and as allegory of God’s love.
I think the whole story of song of songs is interesting to show love between husband and wife and as allegory of God’s love.
Ah yes. Probably not the most kid friendly love story on the market. It’s beautifully written, but also very sensual.
Ah yes. Probably not the most kid friendly love story on the market. It’s beautifully written, but also very sensual.
Favorite Bible Story I’ll never teach in kids’ church? hmm. How Lot’s daughter’s (and Lot) behaved after fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah, and how Tamar uses manipulation and deceit to get what was denied her. Those would be rough.
Question about the curriculum – do you find that it engages all ages of the elementary spectrum? This next school year, my ages skew a little on the older side. They’re getting tired of Veggie Tales by now so I’m curious if these will hold their interest.
Favorite Bible Story I’ll never teach in kids’ church? hmm. How Lot’s daughter’s (and Lot) behaved after fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah, and how Tamar uses manipulation and deceit to get what was denied her. Those would be rough.
Question about the curriculum – do you find that it engages all ages of the elementary spectrum? This next school year, my ages skew a little on the older side. They’re getting tired of Veggie Tales by now so I’m curious if these will hold their interest.
I would have to pass on teaching the story of the man in Judges 19 who dismembered his concubine into 12 parts and sent them into all the areas of Israel. Far too graphic on so many levels.
From what I have already seen in Volumes 1 & 2, I am a believer! These DVD’s are wonderful and I would highly recommend them for anyone for personal use at home or in a church seting. The teaching is spot on with the truths of the Bible and the songs are catchy and add meat to the spoken word. I am very impressed with the different forms of media utilized, from puppetry to animation to human interaction, they all work together flawlessly to convey the story. I look forward to owning the entire collection myself.
I would have to pass on teaching the story of the man in Judges 19 who dismembered his concubine into 12 parts and sent them into all the areas of Israel. Far too graphic on so many levels.
From what I have already seen in Volumes 1 & 2, I am a believer! These DVD’s are wonderful and I would highly recommend them for anyone for personal use at home or in a church seting. The teaching is spot on with the truths of the Bible and the songs are catchy and add meat to the spoken word. I am very impressed with the different forms of media utilized, from puppetry to animation to human interaction, they all work together flawlessly to convey the story. I look forward to owning the entire collection myself.
Favorite Bible story that won’t be told in children’s church: Tamar and Judah (and his other two sons). Somehow “the sin of Onan” just doesn’t seem appropriate to expound upon with young children!
Favorite Bible story that won’t be told in children’s church: Tamar and Judah (and his other two sons). Somehow “the sin of Onan” just doesn’t seem appropriate to expound upon with young children!
Maybe the story of Hosea
Maybe the story of Hosea
The risqué chapters in Song of Songs
What about the guy in Judges who straps a sword to his thigh and stabs the fat king who is so fat that the fat encloses in around the hilt of the sword. Doesn’t he die on the toilet or something? …. oh wait I can see myself teaching that in Sunday School…
What about the guy in Judges who straps a sword to his thigh and stabs the fat king who is so fat that the fat encloses in around the hilt of the sword. Doesn’t he die on the toilet or something? …. oh wait I can see myself teaching that in Sunday School…