AWANA - our home-school Bible curriculum

Quiz Bowl

Awana Games

I order quite a bit of our homeschool curriculum from Christian Liberty Academy, the school I graduated from. But I wasn't all too impressed with the Bible curriculum they offered for the lower grades. I am looking forward to getting into the upper grade stuff, like The Life of Christ and The Kingdom of God.

But since we are still in the lower grades, I want my kids to have a good base knowledge of Bible application in every day life... this is why I LOVE AWANA! Having two kids in the Truth & Training program, one in Sparks, and one in Cubbies... I get to memorize a LOT of Scripture with them.

Awana Games, Tyler was a flag bearer

The best part of the Awana format is that it teaches Biblical truths with Scripture memorization to back it up.  In Cubbies they do it with a story and a simple verse to go along with it. Since this is geared for ages 3-4, it's pretty simple. In Sparks (K-2nd grade) they memorize a verse that backs up a Biblical statement. For example: S-P-A-R-K-S stands for:

Savior, 1 John 4:14 - Jesus is our SaviorPower, Romans 1:16  - the Gospel has Power
According to the Scripture, 1 Corinthians 15:3 - The Scripture predicts Christ's death
Rose Again, 1 Corinthians 15:4 - and also his Resurrection
Keep, James 2:10 - We are to keep the whole Law (which is impossible, thus the need for Grace!)
Saved, Acts 16:31

Opening ceremony at the Games

In T&T the kids are learning it in a Q & A fomat, such as:
Q: How can I help other people?
A: I can be patient with other people.

Verse (supporting the Q&A): James 1:19 "So then, my beloved brethren, Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."
Review Verse (from a previous section): 1 Timothy 4:12 "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity."

They must memorize and recite all of this, and because of the fun format they use to present it, and the motivations they have in club (like quiz bowl and awana games), the kids are really excited about it.

Awana Grand Prix

Awana Grand Pix, two second place trophies!

One really neat part of the program is that adults can get the books, memorize, and be rewarded too! Awana has trophies, medals, and best of all scholarships for those who complete the books. But the greatest reward has to be the value of all that scripture memorized. With all four kids in club, and volunteering as well, I have memorized more scripture this year than in my entire life up until now. It has been a real joy!

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

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