A “series” is a 13-lesson study of some part of the Bible. Shaping Hearts curriculum contains 12 series, each having a title that expresses a major theme of a section of the Bible. For example, All Things Made New is a series of lessons from Genesis. “Level” distinguishes a level of study within a series. All Things Made New workbooks are available at 4 Levels in which the vocabulary, Bible readings, and Memory Verses are each graduated in difficulty.

The Shaping Hearts levels are:
Level 1 – emergent readers or 4s & 5s
Level 2 – beginning readers or grades K-1
Level 3 – intermediate readers or grades 2-3
Level 4 – advanced readers or grades 4-5

The Shaping Hearts team has been careful in what is for some a sensitive subject. Please read the following carefully and thoughtfully.

A translation is a rendering of what is communicated in one language in words of another language that have the same meaning. This is often made difficult and involves judgment because words of different languages are not equivalent. It becomes even more difficult when the effort is to communicate with children who are at different reading levels.

A concerted effort is made in Shaping Hearts curriculum to communicate the message of the Bible at children’s levels. This is challenging because the vocabulary and syntax of the Bible is often difficult even for adults. One translation is available that is an effort to communicate the Bible at children’s level of understanding. The New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) is a translation from the original manuscripts that lowers the reading level by simplifying the words and shortening the sentences.

Shaping Hearts writers used the NIrV in publishing Levels 1-3. Level 4 transitions to the New American Standard Bible, while the young teen books use both the NASB and the English Standard Version. Verses that have controversial translations are consciously avoided so as not to confuse or disturb young readers.

The Agenda guides the teacher to the materials that form the core curriculum for a class period. Interspersed throughout the Agenda is the Lesson of the Day. These lessons are determined by the Teaching Sheets. These sheets feature the Lessons of the Day for each Shaping Hearts series, making 12 series available with 13 sheets per packet. Coordinated with the Teaching Sheets are Take Home Cards, one given to each student each class period to reinforce the lesson taught. Two Class-in-a-Box are available, each one to be used in the same way but with different songs and activities. Class In a Box 1 features songs about the Father, Son, and Spirit, while Class In a Box 2 features songs telling the story of the Bible. This sounds complicated, but it really isn’t, and anyway a tutorial is included that demonstrates the use of the Box.

No, there is a Teacher’s Guide for each Series. Each Teacher’s Guide applies to all Levels of a Series. The Guide provides numerous teaching ideas from which the teacher chooses the ones that are best for her or his students. A separate Teacher’s Guide is available for Young Teens.

We tried that and found it to be cumbersome to use. Most teachers we polled preferred having a Student Workbook just like their students have and a separate Teacher’s Guide.

Yes. Shaping Hearts curriculum is designed for each student to have a workbook and to have the workbook available at home to get ready for class study. The lessons are designed for student-use in preparing for class not for reading aloud in class. One parent shared her method of helping her children keep up with their workbooks – store them in the child’s underwear drawer!

They don’t. The Bible Knowledge Expectations (BKE) are chosen to help students learn basic Bible facts that provide background and context for all Bible lessons. They are general and do not directly coordinate with Shaping Hearts lessons.

All Shaping Hearts products are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any form without
permission from the publisher. The products are immediately available and shipped in a timely
way. If you get caught without having what you are supposed to teach, contact us and we’ll
work with you as much as we can.

Most merchandise may be returned for credit or refund within 90 days of the date of purchase. Materials returned for credit must be unused and in new condition. Returns should be carefully packaged so they are not damaged in transit. Credit is not given for damaged materials.  Returns must include inside the package a copy of the original invoice or a clearly written document including the name and contact information of the person or church receiving credit.

Sample Kits or any components of it may be kept for 90 days before payment or return. Payment is due 90 days from the date of purchase or the materials should be returned.

VBS materials are typically ordered a few months in advance of the event. Returns of VBS materials must be made within 30 days of your VBS event. VBS Coordinator’s Guide , VBS Teacher’s Guides, and opened VBS Graphics may not be returned for credit.