I use a teaching method that I learned from Heart of Wisdom called the 4mat system. I have modified it slightly to suit the needs of our family. I have found these steps to be very beneficial in not only our Bible study but when approaching all lessons. I have created the anagram IDEA to help you remember the steps. (see the download page for a printable bookmark based on ‘IDEA’
I D E A
- Introduction
- Digging Deeper
- Examine & Elaborate
- Apply
Introduce the material or subject
In this step, I like to start with singing a hymn or chorus or listening to one on CD or tape. This time is also good for reviewing and reciting all memory verses. It is also wise to pray before going any further. I like to pray along the following lines:
1. Pray for guidance (If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5)
2. Pray for truth (Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32)
3. Pray for insight (but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:10)
4. Pray for application (Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:22-25)
Then, depending upon relevance, I might briefly recap the previous lesson. This can be helpful but is not always necessary. Next is where you introduce your student to the concept that you are presenting. You can tell them briefly what you are going to be looking at that lesson. This may create an interest; it may excite the student which provides motivation for learning. You might introduce the lesson formally or informally. If you are using a map for geographical reference, now is a good time to briefly bring it out, but you will examine it in greater detail in another step. You may choose to ask a question which is relevant to the application of the chapter. Asking questions is a good way to draw the shy child into the discussion. This step usually only takes a few minutes.
Digging Deeper
This is where we start to look more closely at the material. We are looking for facts. We are looking to see what the passage is saying. We need to read with our heart and our mind, not just our head and voice. The more you read and get to know a particular book of the Bible, the more its truths will be revealed to you. It is in this step that you may benefit from reading the passage two or three times over. Maybe you could listen to the passage via audio as you do the morning chores. This step is where we will gather the facts and use a few study tools: the 5 W’s and a H (Observation sheet) are helpful here. You might also like to use mind-maps or graphic organisers for some students. Do not skip this step! You may need to use a dictionary and/or Bible dictionary as well as an atlas to research unfamiliar words or look at places mentioned. This step can take anywhere from 5 minutes to several days. Do not be led by the clock; instead be led by Holy Spirit and the interest of your student.
Examine & Elaborate
After seeing what the passage says, we are now looking to discover what the passage means. Whilst we are still digging for information and examining the text, we are also looking to expand and interpret upon the information which may lead to reading book, watching DVD’s, listening to audio’s or reading web sites along with doing a word study, checking various study guides and cross referencing. It is in this step that the student is required to do something with what they are learning. Some assignments may take 10 minutes to complete whereas other projects may take several days. Again, don’t be led by the clock but by the child’s level of interest and the Holy Spirit. This is where narration or the Activity Sheets will be most helpful.
Apply
This step is where we investigate how this passage applies to our life. Once we know what the passage means (hearing the word) we are called to be transformed by that word through being and doing. Actually this process cannot be forced or even ‘taught’ and is best done by each person as a living example rather than lecturing or telling a child what they should be applying to their life. As truth is revealed to us, and we hear the word of God, we will be transformed and we will respond in obedience to that truth. Rather than demand that your student completes an ‘application process’ you might prefer to share your own learning and understandings with them first. Tell them how this passage applies to your life so that they can see a living example. This step can be formal or informal (just be careful that you don’t treat Bible knowledge as an academic exercise), simple or complex. It can be as simple as presenting a narration or report or taking part in discussion over the tea table. Even though this step may seem simple, it is very important- don’t skip it! Charlotte Mason wrote, “As knowledge is not assimilated until it is reproduced, children should ‘tell back’ after a single reading or hearing: or should write on some part of what they have read.” (Charlotte MASON: A Philosophy Of Education, Preface p. xxix) If the student has been writing a report, journaling, researching or another activity it is time to share their learning with someone else. As a parent, this step can often seem to be the most rewarding and fulfilling as the student is looking to apply all earned material to their own life. However, don’t push this process- it can’t be forced.
Note:
Although you may feel that these steps are time consuming, they are necessary in order to understand how truth applies to our life. Observation, correct interpretations are essential for correct application. Sometimes, the steps can occur simultaneously or spear to have no definite beginning and end points…don’t be concerned; allow the Holy Spirit to lead and teach you. Feel free to get carried away with your study, investigate words, cross-reference scriptures, read study tools and meditate upon His words.
I hope you can see that the above points are individual…they aren’t a One Size Fits All. There are basic principles that need to be observed for the sake of productive study but the key point remains that it isn’t where or when or even what translation we use, rather it is integral that we read and study with a genuine attitude. We need to approach God’s Word and the study of it with absolute reverence, praying for understanding as we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us.
Recent Comments