As a homeschool mom, we’re always searching for ways to make learning meaningful for our children. When it comes to studying the Bible, chronological Bible studies can offer a unique and impactful approach. This method of Bible study not only deepens their understanding of Scripture but also makes it easier to weave the lessons into your homeschool routine. Let’s explore why chronological Bible studies matter and how you can get started today!

Why Chronological Bible Studies Matter

1. Understanding the Big Picture
   The Bible is more than a collection of individual stories; it’s a continuous narrative of God’s work throughout history. By studying the Bible chronologically, children can see the flow of events, how they connect, and where key figures fit into God’s plan. This helps them grasp the overarching story of the Bible and better understand how each part relates to the whole.
2. Building Contextual Knowledge
   In traditional Bible studies, children may learn isolated stories, but often without knowing what came before or after. And that’s okay, especially when they’re little. As they get older, a chronological approach helps them make sense of historical events, cultures, and timelines, enriching their learning experience. They begin to see how the people and events they study interact with each other—like how Abraham’s story ties to Moses’, or how the prophecies of Isaiah relate to Jesus’ life. They make connections.
3. Encouraging Long-Term Retention
   Learning in order helps kids connect dots that might otherwise remain scattered. As they move from creation to the resurrection and beyond, they build on what they’ve already learned, reinforcing their memory and encouraging deeper engagement. Children begin to internalize not just isolated stories, but the full biblical narrative, fostering lifelong faith.
4. Fostering Spiritual Growth
   Chronological Bible studies naturally lead to deeper discussions about faith and God’s plan for humanity. As children understand more about God’s story, they can relate it to their own lives and see how they fit into His plan. This holistic understanding promotes spiritual maturity and helps kids form a personal connection with the Bible. It helps them see the Bible as one cohesive book.

How to Start Chronological Bible Studies in Your Homeschool

1. Pick an Age-Appropriate Approach
   Whether you’re teaching a kindergartener or a middle schooler, start with resources that are age-appropriate and engaging. Younger children may enjoy Bible storybooks or picture timelines, color sheets, and crafts. Older children can handle more in-depth studies and reading passages directly from Scripture. They should be able to write about what they read and make an application. We do an alternating schedule, studying the Old Testament one year, and the New Testament the next year.
2. Create a Flexible Schedule
   Depending on the ages of your children and how many you’re teaching, you can adjust the pace. Some families prefer daily lessons, while others may do it weekly. If you have multiple children, aligning the studies so that everyone is learning about the same event can be a lifesaver. You can also adjust based on how much time you have each day or how in-depth you want to go.
3. Use Hands-On Projects
   To keep kids engaged, incorporate hands-on activities like crafts, timelines, and journaling. Building a physical timeline of events as you progress through the Bible is a great way to visualize the chronological flow of Scripture. Older children might create notebooks or lapbooks to track important people, places, and events. Younger kids could make story-related crafts or coloring pages.
4. Incorporate Review Questions
   Keep your lessons interactive by asking review questions to reinforce learning. This doesn’t have to be a formal quiz but can be a casual conversation about what they learned in the previous lesson and how it connects to where you are now. Encourage kids to ask questions, too, as this leads to deeper understanding and curiosity about the Bible.
5. Make It a Family Affair
   One of the beautiful things about homeschooling is the flexibility to involve the whole family. Younger children can listen in as older ones work on projects, and older kids can help explain stories to their younger siblings. This creates a family-centered Bible learning environment that encourages both knowledge and spiritual growth across all age groups. We often do these studies at night when even Dad is home to join in.

Recommended Chronological Studies and Resources

• The Bible: The best source of any Bible study! You can walk through the Bible, starting from Genesis and working your way through key events and books.
• Children’s Bible Storybooks: For younger children, Bible storybooks that present the stories in chronological order are helpful. Look for those with vibrant illustrations and summaries that capture the essence of the stories.
• Timelines and Visual Aids: Use wall charts or personal timelines to help your kids see the progression of biblical events visually. This is a fun, hands-on way to reinforce where each story fits in the grand narrative.
• Activity Books and Journals: Journaling their thoughts or creating notebook pages on each Bible character or event can be a great way for children to process and retain what they’ve learned.

Conclusion

Chronological Bible studies provide a rich, engaging way to help your children understand Scripture in a deeper way. By seeing how God’s plan unfolds across history, they can better grasp the big picture and grow in their spiritual journey. As a homeschool mom, you have the unique opportunity to guide your children through these studies at a pace and depth that works for your family—so why not dive into this meaningful way of studying the Bible today?

What are your favorite Bible study resources or tips for teaching multiple children? Share them in the comments below!