How the ESV Study Bible Is Being Used in Middle Schools
We were too delighted to receive the following note from Heather Dirkse, who teaches at Westminster Christian Academy in Elgin, IL:
This Bible has completely transformed my classroom. I cannot even begin to express how exciting it is to see 6th, 7th, and 8th graders so interested in not only reading their Bible, but also using the notes, the cross references, and the maps to find additional information and to answer questions they may have. We desire to teach God’s Word hermeneutically so that when students leave this place they are equipped to study God’s Word on their own. This Bible gives them the tools to do that!
The maps are everywhere! We don’t have to turn to the back of the Bible—the map that is relevant to what we are studying is right on the page! We use this daily.
7th grade is studying the prophecies and we have a section that discusses “The Day of the Lord.” I was able to build an entire class around the graphic organizer on The Day of the Lord found in Amos!
With the online Bible (we have smart boards), I am able to have the Bible open in front of the class. We can cross reference immediately and highlight areas we are discussing!
8th grade is studying the life of Christ. The notes consistently teach them how everything ties into the Old Testament. I have made many worksheets that engage them in using the notes and cross references to explain a certain passage.
These are just a few examples of how we are using this Bible. I wish the people who worked so hard on this could witness the excitement I have experienced in my middle school classrooms! It is a great blessing!
