As homeschool moms, especially one teaching multiple children at different levels, we’re always on the lookout for ways to blend subjects. Not just for the purpose of saving time, but also to fully immerse our kids in the subject we’re studying. Choosing spelling and vocabulary words from their Bible lessons is a perfect way to do that. We can create simple, engaging weekly lessons to build spelling and vocabulary skills while connecting with our subject of study.
Why Use the Bible for Spelling and Vocabulary?
Integrating the Bible into spelling and vocabulary lessons is a way to enrich your child’s learning by making connections to the meaningful stories they’re already exploring. You’re not only building language skills but also deepening their understanding of the Bible. Bible-based spelling lists also add excitement, as kids recognize words from familiar stories, and new vocabulary words open doors to more conversations about our faith. Those conversations have become one of my favorite parts of homeschooling.
Step-by-Step: Creating a Weekly Bible-Based Spelling and Vocabulary Lesson
Each week, follow this simple framework to plan and execute your lessons:
1. Choose Your Story and Theme for the Week
You probably already have this planned out to some extent, especially if you are using a ready-made curriculum for Bible. Otherwise, start with a Bible story or passage that will engage them. Make it relevant to what they’re currently learning in Bible study. Each week, your story will inspire the vocabulary and spelling list.
2. Select Spelling Words from the Story
I like to create a list of about 15 spelling words, drawing six from the Bible story itself (words like faith, disciple, miracle, or journey). Select other words that will enhance your children’s language development and reinforce phonics or spelling patterns you want to cover. For older kids, pick a mix of challenging words that build vocabulary and spelling.
3. Add 5 Vocabulary Words with Definitions
Each week, introduce five key vocabulary words that may be new or unfamiliar. Write definitions that match your children’s comprehension level, and add Bible-specific meanings if relevant (e.g., covenant as an agreement with God). Discuss these words together.
4. Create a Fill-in-the-Blank Worksheet
A fill-in-the-blank activity makes spelling and vocabulary practice fun and reinforces learning. Create sentences based on the weekly story, leaving one word blank. If the week’s story is Daniel and the Lion’s Den, a sentence might be: “Daniel had great ___ in God and continued to pray.” This worksheet is quick to make, and it only needs ten sentences to be effective!
Tips for Multi-Age Teaching
Teaching kids of varying ages can be a juggling act, so here are a few ways to tailor these lessons to meet everyone’s needs:
- Use Color Coding: Assign each child a color for their worksheet or notebook so it’s easy to identify at a glance.
- Adjust Vocabulary for Age: While younger kids might focus on simpler words like prayer or faith, older students can tackle deeper terms like covenant or redemption.
- Encourage Teamwork: Older kids can help younger siblings learn definitions or play games like a spelling bee. This fosters sibling support and strengthens everyone’s understanding.
Hands-On Ideas to Reinforce Learning
Children remember words better when they engage with them beyond the page. Try these hands-on activities:
- Spelling Sand Tray: Let kids trace their spelling words in a tray of sand while saying each letter aloud. A tactile activity like this brings extra sensory input into spelling practice.
- Word Art: Have your children write vocabulary words on small stones or paper and decorate them to reflect the story (e.g., a cross for faith or a lion for courage in Daniel’s story).
- Bible Verse Writing: Pick a verse that features one of the week’s words. Older children can practice cursive by writing it out, while younger ones can trace the letters.
- Spelling City: Create a free account and enter your words. Kids can log in and play fun games to help reinforce learning.
Make It Fun and Rewarding
Celebrate their progress with small rewards. End each week with a family review day or “quiz” to reinforce what they’ve learned. Let your kids quiz each other, or play a quick spelling game to mix things up.
Wrapping Up
Weekly Bible-based spelling and vocabulary lessons give your children the chance to learn about God while building foundational language skills. And for you, as a homeschool mom, it’s a practical way to blend subjects, especially in a multi-age homeschooling setup.
