Why Timberdoodle Doesn't Include a Bible Course

Our Approach to Bible Instruction and Devotion Time

Why We Focus on Devotions Over Bible Workbooks

Family devotionals have always been a cornerstone of our home. Teaching the Bible to our children is one of our top priorities. Still, we’ve noticed that many families rely heavily on Bible workbooks, which often become simple “read-and-regurgitate” exercises. While these workbooks can help teach Bible facts—like who killed a giant with a stone or who turned water into wine—they rarely cultivate a deeper understanding of God’s Word or a personal connection with the gospel.

Children need more than just Bible trivia; they need consistent, meaningful exposure to Scripture to fully grasp its beauty and significance. Daily family devotions are a powerful way to provide this. Independent reading with books like The Action Bible can be excellent for learning Bible stories, but the discussions, insights, and shared moments during group devotions create lasting spiritual growth.

Why Not Require Daily Bible Reading?

Encouraging children to read their Bibles daily is an excellent goal, but let’s be honest—have you ever “read” your own Bible while your mind wandered to dinner plans, a toddler’s meltdown, or tomorrow’s to-do list? Kids face the same distractions. Without guidance and engagement, daily Bible reading can become just a routine task, lacking depth and impact.

How Devotionals Are Different

Daily devotionals bring the Bible to life in a way that resonates with each child’s unique needs and experiences. Unlike a workbook or standard reading plan, devotionals allow you to adapt discussions to your child’s questions, struggles, and understanding.

As a parent, you can share personal anecdotes, highlight how Scripture applies to real-life situations, and model how God’s Word is living and active. This relational engagement turns devotional time into something your child will cherish and look forward to.

Why We Don’t Include Devotionals in Every Grade Level

We intentionally don’t include devotionals in every curriculum kit because families can use some resources across multiple ages and years. In addition, every family’s spiritual journey is unique, and what works for one child at a particular stage may not suit another.

Instead of locking families into grade-specific options, we recommend flexible, high-quality tools that can be tailored to each family’s needs. This way, you can choose the most meaningful and appropriate resources for your home.

What Does Ideal Devotional Time Look Like?

We believe in daily Bible reading, starting with age-appropriate resources.

But don’t stop there! Include theological books that challenge and inspire your family. When our children were younger, we read heavier titles slowly—sometimes just a page or two a day—and often paused to discuss the ideas and how they applied to our lives, our friendships, and the world around us.

We also ended every devotional time with a chapter from a true-to-life story, both Christian and secular. These stories naturally opened up conversations about motivations, challenges, and how God’s Word applies in real-life situations.

So, What's Your Plan?

This year is full of opportunities for spiritual growth in your child’s life. Don’t wait to decide how to make devotion time part of your family’s routine. Start somewhere, even if it’s small, and adjust as needed. Experiment with timing, content, and format to discover what works best for your family right now, and be open to making changes as your children grow.

Final Thoughts

Timberdoodle doesn’t include a Bible course because spiritual growth is profoundly personal and best nurtured through family-led devotionals rather than one-size-fits-all workbooks. By focusing on shared discussions, personal insights, and consistent Bible reading, you can help your children see the Bible as a vibrant, transformative part of their everyday lives.

Whatever resources you choose, the key is to start. Lead your family in discovering the richness of God’s Word, and watch as it shapes their hearts and minds for years to come.