10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible for Children

Welcome to the wonderful world of 10 Keys! The lessons that follow were adapted from Colin Smith's book, 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible. They were used for a children's program that coincided with an adult study of the 10 Keys at the Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church. The children's program consisted of students aged 5-10, readers and non-readers, churched and un-churched.

Our aim was to take one age appropriate concept from each chapter to present to the children. The lessons are intended to build upon one another, leading to a deeper understanding of the gospel message from the beginning of the Bible to the end.

We departed from the order of Colin Smith's book at one point. We felt the children would benefit from a lesson on the life of Christ and also from combining the lessons on the Cross and Tomb (chapters 6 and 7).

We highly recommend that all teachers working with students read 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible by Colin Smith.

Resources to consider ordering ahead of time:

Abingdon's Book of Buildings, Abingdon Press
Flannel graphs for Nativity Story and Easter Story
Max Lucado books referenced
Video of Miracles of Jesus

Each lesson plan includes:

• Aim
• Scripture Reference
• Presentation
• Craft
• Materials list

In our program we did not include singing. If there was extra time, simple games were provided.