K-6 Bible Study Guide
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The Spiritivity catalogue was built on a simple idea: story is the best onramp into the Bible. These author-written guides accompany each title with discussion questions, activities, and scripture — designed to lead children from a contemporary story back into ancient, living truth. Pick what works. Leave what doesn't. There's more than enough.
UNIQUE Features of the Spiritivity Children's Bible Study Curriculum:
• 20+ story-driven/character driven children's books that serve as an onramp to scripture study
• curriculum written by author with 30+ years of classroom teaching experience
• strong author voice throughout since it's not written by committee
• arts curriculum not normally found in Bible Study Guides including
• multi-modality learning for all types of learners
• two books illustrated by Ugandan illustrators Davis Bamwine amd Muganga Samuel
• a "why this story" explaining the inspiration behind each children's book
• summary of the accompanying book for easy teacher reference
• supplemental questions, activities and scripture that allow you to explore the depth of each scripture, book and lesson
The Bible Study Guide also includes
• key scripture verse
• monthly curriculum planner
• oganized by core themes
• grade level activity guide
• organized by core themes
• standard (substitute-ready) lesson plans
• a pre-lesson prayer (objective)
• total lesson time (including teacher short cuts if running out of time)
• warm-up activity
• questions
• main activity
Introduction
“We don’t start with the lesson—we start with the story.”
This study guide serves as a companion/reflection on the stories throughout the Spiritivity Studio catalogue. The questions range from personal experiences and reaction to the stories themselves and some invite deeper theological discussion. I've created the guides specifically to lead children into the Bible, hopefully encouraging their curiosity and excitement about Bible verses and chapters that may be more difficult to access without a small onramp leading from their contemporary lives back into ancient times.
Teachers/Parents should look at the study questions ahead of reading the book aloud to kids. Some of these questions work well integrated as you read them the story. Others may be asked at the end of the book. An asterisk* signifies material that is more morally complex and better suited for older students.
Activities are also suggested that may be useful as a "lived" reflection, not just as intellectual/emotional stimulation. The "Commentary" section after each section gives you as the adult/leader a chance for deeper reflection as well. If nothing else, it gives you a peek my intentions.
It's important to note that this guide is not meant as a prescriptive "Do these things in this order." It's just a suggestion of things you may wish to cover. Going through all the questions in any one of the stories would be a multiple day experience. That's fine if you'd like that. But most of you will want something less time intensive. Please pick and choose questions and activities like you would items in a Smorgasburg. Take some. Leave some. As a teacher I know the trauma of running out of things to do. "Okay, kids color." or "Read." I don't think you'll ever have that issue with this curriculum. There's more than enough.
One final note about age appropriateness. Upper grade teachers don't need to shy away from the children's picture books. As an ex-fifth grade teacher, I found that my kids delighted in the few picture books I read with them, especially if they had deep themes. All the books in the Spiritivity COLLECTION are in this category. The Biblical truths told through Spiritivity stories and reinforced with questions, activities and scripture provide rich curriculum regardless of grade level.
I pray that these books give you and your students new insights and helps you all grow in your faith and love of Jesus.
Blessings!
Clark
Teen Reflection Guide
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This guide helps teens explore their own faith through the lens of Erika Mallory and her family, leading to in-depth conversations and scripture reflections. Ideal for families, youth groups, home groups and personal reflectionn. Each chapter features scriptural references for deep dives into The Word.
Relection Study Guide (sample)
Forward
How to Use This Study Guide
This guide is a companion to My Dad’s a Dreamer, My Boyfriend’s a Planet, and I’m Lost in Space. It is designed for use in a group setting (youth group, classroom, or family discussion) or with a trusted adult or leader.
The material is intentionally rich, but you are not expected to answer every question. Think of it like a smorgasbord—choose one or two questions that feel meaningful and go deeper. Most groups will only have time for one or two questions per session.
Some questions invite personal reflection. Share only what you feel comfortable sharing.
While the novel is a Christian/mainstream crossover, this guide is more directly Jesus- and Bible-centered. My hope is that it helps deepen faith, invites honest reflection, and encourages a more personal relationship with Jesus. Scripture from both the Old and New Testaments is included throughout, and you may discover additional verses that speak even more clearly to you.
This guide is best suited for teens (approximately ages 13+) and mature readers, as it includes real-life topics such as relationships, family conflict, emotional struggles, and possible abuse. These are included to encourage honest, faith-centered conversations. Leaders and parents should use discretion and provide appropriate support where needed.
This study guide is not a substitute for professional counseling or pastoral care. If you or someone you know is struggling with abuse, mental health concerns, or an unsafe situation, please speak with a trusted adult, counselor, pastor, or appropriate authority.
The goal of this guide is not to provide all the answers, but to spark thoughtful conversation and personal reflection rooted in Scripture. Different churches and traditions may approach certain topics differently—use this as an opportunity to explore, ask questions, and grow.
Unless otherwise noted, scripture passages are from the New International Version (NIV.)
I pray that, like Erika, your journey of faith becomes more personal and authentic. That’s a journey we’re all on, and I’m glad we can take it together.
Blessings,
Clark
Chapter One Sample Questions
The Cringe Moment
1) Have you ever had a cringy moment? Describe it.
Think of Mary, Jesus' mother. She literally had to carry her embarrassment with her for nine months.
“If a man is found sleeping with another man’s wife, both the man and the woman must die…”
Deuteronomy 22:22
So this was a culture that took betrothal (engagement) seriously. Life or death seriously. In Mary's time, the physical punishment was no longer there, but the shame most certainly was.
2) First, without looking at the scriptures, answer the following by trying to put yourself in Mary's place.
a) What would your initial reaction be if an Angel named Gabriel said to you: "You 're going to give birth to the Son of God?
b) What would it take for you to change your reaction?
3) If you were Mary, how would you explain to Joseph, your fiancé, why you were pregnant?
4) Now, let's look at Luke 1:26-38
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
5) How were Mary's reactions different than your own?
6) Gabriel said:
Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.
Luke 1:36-37
Why do you think Gabriel added this? Do you think that was an important part of Mary's decision to trust God?
Identity
1) Erika describes herself as "mid" in relation to her other friends Rhon and Nette. How would you describe yourself in relation to your: parents/siblings/friend group/youth group?
2) Judging from just Chapter One, which character is most like yourself: Erika, Rhon or Nette? What makes you say that? What about that character is relatable?
3) Like Erika, list your anxieties? (in no particular order)
4) Choose one anxiety and meditate on this scripture: Allow it to calm your heart.
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...
Isaiah 43:1-3
Being Seen
1) What do you think Erika means when she talks about being "seen?"
2) Who "sees" you the best: parents, siblings, friend group, youth group, etc.
3) What does it take to really "see" someone? Are you good at it? Why? Why not?
4) How do you think God "sees" you? Reflect on these scriptures. Do these impact your view of yourself?
So God created mankind in His own image,
in the image of God He created them;
male and female He created them.
Genesis 1:27
God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.
Genesis 1:31
Middle Grade Allegory Guide
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In Development