the text more approachable . In class , they begin to weave together the story of God ’ s powerful love from Genesis to Revelation .
Seventh grade zooms in on the Old Testament , and eighth grade on the New Testament .
“ I want students to be able to read the Bible independently , using hermeneutics to do so . One thing we ’ re constantly reviewing is context . By helping students interpret historical , cultural , chronological context , audience , author , and genre , we approach the text with better understanding ,” says Ryan .
Classes use the Casket Empty learning aids by David Palmer and Carol Kaminski . Timelines are broken down like acronyms Creation → Abraham → Sinai → Kings → Exile → Temple , and subsequently , Expectations → Messiah → Pentecost → Teaching → Yet-to-Come . Each segment identifies key characters , events , and shifts in genre .
Mary Latta ’ s classes channel creative inspiration into these timelines , illustrating key stories and pivotal moments from the Bible as works of art . Some students interpret Bible stories like a newspaper article : “ The Walls of Jericho Crumble Into Dust !” while others design flow charts or drawings to document the Israelites Exodus timeline or the bloodline of Jesus . These illustrations are collected into a journal for students to work on throughout the year . This gives them another way to meditate on God ’ s Word , processing some of the most nuanced sections with art and creative expression .
The Heart
God intends for Scripture to speak truth to me – what does this passage mean for my life ? How is God encouraging me ?
In addition to their survey of the New Testament , John Patton ’ s class introduces opportunities for reflection and selfsearching , like journaling . Students are encouraged to journal on different parts of the lesson and are given space to sift through their own individual encounters with grace , forgiveness , love , and salvation .
“ The progression of engagement with journals from the start of the year to the end of the year tracks some healthy progress in vulnerability and introspection . At this age , that ’ s not a reflex that comes naturally , and many students are tentative to start . Each of these students have their own set of challenges and learning curves at school and at home . I want this class to be a respite , a place for them to know their own hearts ,” John says .
Head of Middle School Rhonda Smith attests to the power of these teachers and the community of staff who shepherd young hearts through growing up : “ The moment a student connects with a teacher and says ‘ you too ? I thought I was alone ,’ is a breakthrough moment , often opening the door for ministry .”
Ryan and John both use neighboring Edwin Warner Park to take classes off campus and into nature to practice the concept of Sabbath . It ’ s simple and lifegiving . Students take their Bibles and journals to spend time in prayer by the creek . Teachers have identified this as something that must go hand-in-hand with a rigorous academic curriculum , letting the noise of school fade away .
Evident from every corner of the Bible team is a deep fondness and passion for teaching God ’ s Word , and most importantly for the students themselves .
The Hands
What should my response be ? How can I apply what I ’ ve learned and bless others as a result of this Scripture ?
The final leg of the journey for students involves applying what they ’ ve learned in every area of their lives ... not just in the Bible classroom . The beauty of a Christian worldview at the Academy is that every part of the student experience focuses on gospel truth , and middle school is no exception .
There is cross-curricular alignment . Diane Wright ’ s Life Science class learns the chemical properties of blood during seventh grade ’ s venture into Leviticus – a commentary on blood and sacrifice . Advisory lessons often coincide with Bible class content , for example , unpacking Holy Week and the crucifixion with multi-tiered instruction in small groups , Chapels , and in the classroom . Seventh Grade Greek Day draws lessons from the History , English , and Algebra classrooms , while coinciding with the New Testament study of Paul and the early Church .
“ As a Professional Learning Community , our faculty collaborates to both align learning objectives from a multidisciplinary approach and reinforce opportunities for personal growth . This is evident in the classroom , on the playing field , in the dance studio , you name it . We have such a talented group of educators who really enjoy working with each other to bring life to these students every day ,” says Assistant Head of Middle School – Academics Trudy Waters .
Students begin to connect to service projects in a new way , often bringing their experiences in the Bible classroom to the forefront of their engagement with the community . This year , middle schoolers coordinated the collection of canned food for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee , feeding so many Nashvillians affected by the pandemic . They also participated in a “ Bible drive ” collecting Bibles for local non-profits who distribute God ’ s Word throughout the city . During this project , Sally Weatherly ’ s class focused on the ways in which we value the Bible , it ’ s scarcity in many parts of the world , and how to be salt and light to our community .
The middle school Bible team seeks to continue this cycle of transformation through education , using God ’ s Word to inform the faith of young students coming to adulthood in a vastly evolving world – a mission central to the heart of the Academy .
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