YouVersion shares parent resources
The COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges for parents as they face the start of a new school year.
For parents who are looking for new ways to incorporate the Bible into their kids' education, YouVersion, created by Edmond-based Life. Church, offers spiritual resources and activities to help parents create meaningful moments during this challenging back-toschool season.
“Many of us on the YouVersion team have children, and we're feeling the same tension that parents across the country are feeling as we head into this new school year,” Brian Russell, director of YouVersion, said in a news release. “We understand the weight parents are carrying, and we want to make sure they know about our resources that might help lighten their load while enriching their children's lives.”
Developed in partnership with OneHope, the YouVersion Bible App for Kids was specifically designed to help young children fall in love with God's Word. The interactive animation and fun activities are designed to help children want to learn about God, and the child-friendly navigation gives them the independence to engage in a Bible adventure all their own. Parents also can sign into the app with their YouVersion account and create profiles for their children to receive weekly updates on their childrens' progress.
The free Bible App for Kids may be downloaded at bible.com/kids.
Trade busy work for meaningful work: In addition to the interactive experience within the Bible App for Kids, parents of young children can go to bibleappforkids. com for additional free, and Bible-based activities that will help fill their days once the schoolwork is done:
Video episodes feature 41 big stories of the Bible and are designed to help Scripture come to life. Adventure Books help children develop a deeper understanding of the themes in the Video Episodes through memory verses, coloring activities, and questions. Parent Guides include additional activities, verses, and discussion questions to give parents opportunities to experience the Gospel story alongside their child.
Screen time with value for pre-teen, teens: The Bible App now offers a specialized experience for kids ages 7-12. The Kids Bible Experience was created in partnership with OneHope and can be accessed within the free YouVersion Bible App. Parents can download the app and enable the experience in their Bible App settings to see culturally relevant, spiritually focused content that's specifically made for their pre-teens.
Though they're likely old enough to complete their schoolwork independently, teenagers aren't immune to the challenges of this season. They still need their parents to guide them and help them learn spiritual lessons that will prepare them for adulthood. The Bible App offers several Bible Plans that combine Scripture with daily devotionals tailored to teens and the unique issues they face. Download the app and find teen-focused daily devotionals at app.bible. com/youth.
“We pray that these tips give parents more options for free, trustworthy, and age-appropriate learning activities, as well as much needed support in the midst of this unpredictable season,” Russell said.