The Homeschool Answer Book with Tricia Goyer

One Chapter a Day: Helping Students Fall in Love with God’s Word

Homeschool

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If there’s one thing I love most, it’s real conversations with friends about the things that matter: God’s Word, our kids, and how to help the next generation see the beauty of God’s story.

Recently, I talked with author and Bible teacher Trillia Newbell about her new resource, 52 Weeks in the Word: Student Edition. It’s a simple, hope-filled guide that helps students read the New Testament one chapter a day. The heart behind it? Make Scripture accessible, keep it relational, and let the Holy Spirit meet students where they are.

Find the podcast episode here!

One Chapter A Day

Our teens are busy. Many feel overwhelmed by “big” Bible plans or curriculum-heavy workbooks. Trillia’s vision is refreshingly doable: one chapter a day, five days a week, with white space to think, respond, and apply.  That’s it. And it’s changing the way students (and their parents!) approach Scripture.

“I wanted to help kids and teens get into the Word—and stay in the Word.” 

Trillia Newbell

What’s Inside 52 Weeks in the Word: Student Edition

  • A chapter-a-day plan through the New Testament (with a weekly rest day).
  • Guided questions that gently train students to observe, interpret, and apply:
    • What do you learn about God and His character?
    • Where is Jesus in these chapters?
    • Where do you see the gospel?
    • How might you apply these verses to your life?
  • Weekly reflections from Trillia that coach kids in the “how. Things like, how to pray, how to study, and how to stick with it when parts feel hard.
  • Time estimates for each reading (a quiet win for reluctant or dyslexic readers). Seeing “2.2 minutes” next to 3 John can melt resistance fast.
    Perfect! Here’s the revised version with reflection questions woven in, so each section feels both teaching-oriented and devotional:

Why the White Space Matters

On thing I love when it comes to kids and Bible reading is white space, which is time to think and listen. As a homeschool mom, I’ve seen what happens when lessons are too full of content. Packed pages prompt students to read quickly just to finish, rather than to truly listen. White space slows us down. It whispers, “Pause here. Notice what God is saying.”

Using a resource like this is more about heart posture than study skills. Scripture tells us: 

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

White space creates room for stillness, for the Spirit to highlight a word or phrase, and for us to respond. As students jot down their reflections, they’re keeping a personal record of God’s work in their lives. They’re creating a journal of His faithfulness!

All of us—not only our kids—need to ask: Where do I see God here? Where is the gospel at work in this passage? White space isn’t empty at all. It’s a canvas for God’s voice.

Reflection Question: Where can you add “white space” in your day—quiet, unhurried time—to let God’s Word sink deeper into your heart?

For Every Age (Yes, Even Grown-Ups)

Although the cover says “Student Edition,” the truth is, we’re all students of God’s Word. Trillia likes to remind us that disciples never graduate from Scripture—we grow into it. If you’ve been searching for a gentle re-entry into daily Bible reading, this plan is a gift.

Invite your kids to walk through it with you—or start on your own. God promises His Word will never return void (Isaiah 55:11). The simple act of opening your Bible one chapter a day can renew your heart and reshape your family’s habits.

Reflection Question: In what area of your life do you need to be reminded that you are still a student of God’s Word?

Tackling the “Hard Parts” Without Fear

Books like Ezekiel or Revelation can feel overwhelming, even for adults. But hard passages don’t have to halt us. In fact, they’re an invitation to depend more fully on God. When students come to difficult sections, Trillia encourages them to simply ask: “Lord, help me see You here.”

Remember, the Spirit is our teacher (John 14:26). Complexity doesn’t block us from God—it draws us into deeper trust. Every chapter, even the mysterious ones, still whispers of Christ. And each time we keep going, we’re training ourselves and our students in perseverance and reliance on Him.

Reflection Question: What’s one “hard part” of Scripture you’ve avoided—and how might you invite the Spirit to teach you through it this week?

The Fruit We’re Seeing

This simple, steady rhythm is already bearing fruit:

  • Families reading together—moms and daughters sending each other texts about what they discovered that day.
  • First-time readers opening the Bible—realizing they can understand and even enjoy it.
  • Students learning to look for Jesus—seeing how the gospel thread runs through every page.

This is discipleship in its truest form: ordinary people, with ordinary time, opening God’s Word and expecting Him to speak. And He does.

Reflection Question: What small fruit have you seen in your own life—or your family’s life—as you’ve made space for God’s Word?

How to Study the Bible with Your Kids

  1. Pick a time you can mostly protect (breakfast, car rides, before bed).
  2. Read one chapter aloud or listen on audio.
  3. Ask one question from the page. Let silence do its work.
  4. Write one sentence each. What stood out and why.
  5. Pray one prayer of thanks, confession, or “help.”
  6. Celebrate small wins. God meets us in our minutes.

A Final Word of Encouragement

God doesn’t make His Word complicated … we do. When students take Scripture one chapter at a time, with space to notice and respond, they discover what we all need to remember: the Bible is a meeting place, not a merit badge. Jesus is eager to meet them there.

Where to Find It

Recommended Resources to Go Deeper

This content first appeared on Tricia Goyer and is used here with permission. To view the original visit: https://triciagoyer.com/one-chapter-a-day-helping-students-fall-in-love-with-gods-word/
 

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