Making God’s Story Real: Biblical Integration in the Classroom
By Mrs. Buckley, professional development coordinator
Every day at Intermountain Christian School we challenge ourselves to be biblically relevant by intentionally instructing our students through the biblical lens. Whether it is learning the alphabet, exploring Utah’s geography, or dissecting a piece of literature, our educators desire to bring a Christian worldview into every lesson they teach.
But how do we do so authentically? How do we model our faith and point students to God’s truth in ways that capture their heart and mind? How do we make God’s story real in our students’ lives?
Mrs. Roach leads her second grade class in worship at the beginning of the school day.
Several years ago we embarked on the Teaching for Transformation (TfT)* journey. This program brings together educational best practices and intentional biblical integration, giving our teachers the tools they need to authentically integrate God’s story into their subject matter.
I get to see this in action every day at ICS! Enjoy a few examples from our first weeks of the school year:
Middle School: Our 7th graders take a class called College and Career Awareness. Ms. Reed has woven in the biblical worldview in creative ways, including asking students to investigate What are God’s jobs? In addition to taking strengths surveys and exploring traditional career models, our students are taking TfT’s Biblical Throughlines and applying them to potential job choices. Ms. Reed loves for students to investigate how all jobs can be used to glorify God.
Members of Mrs. Florell’s Anatomy and Physiology “thrive as students” while connecting with Abigail Florell, who works as a laboratory supervisor for the University of Utah Dermatopathology Lab.
High School: In her Anatomy and Physiology class (pictured right), Mrs. Florell began the year sharing Psalm 1:3. After talking with her students about the sweet spot of success in her classroom (being likable, respectful, and productive), she used the psalm as an illustration of what thriving as a student means: to thrive looks like a tree planted by streams of water--healthy and vibrant in contrast to parched and struggling. What a great example for our juniors and seniors!
Elementary School: Mrs. Roach recently shared how she uses worship time in her second grade classroom (pictured above). Leading students in song on her guitar, she integrates into their schedule time to praise God, refocus, and settle their minds. Seeing them wholeheartedly praise God together is a gift to Him and to Mrs. Roach as well!
It is such an encouragement to see our teachers intentionally and authentically weave God’s Word and truth into their lessons. I invite you to pop in and see our teachers and students living out His story.
*For more information about TfT, check out their website: