The greater part of the material for this stage of instruction will come from the Old Testament, and will make the child familiar with the childhood of Moses, Samuel, Joseph, David, and other such characters as possess an especial appeal to the child’s sympathy and imagination.  The New Testament must be drawn upon for the material bearing upon the birth and childhood of Jesus.

Material for later childhood.—­In the period of later childhood (ages eight or nine to twelve or thirteen) the child is still unready for the more difficult and doctrinal parts of the Scriptures.  Most of the impulses of earlier childhood still continue, even if in modified form.  Types of Bible material adapted to the earlier years, therefore, still can be used to advantage.

A marked characteristic of this period, however, is the tendency to hero worship and to be influenced by the ideals found in those who are loved and admired.  This is the time, therefore, to bring to the child the splendid example and inspiration of the great Bible characters.  The life and work of Moses, the story of Joseph and his triumph over discouragements and difficulties, the stern integrity and courage of Elijah and the other prophets, the beautiful stories of Ruth, Esther, Miriam, and Rachel, but above all the story of Jesus—­the account of these lives will minister to the child’s impulse to hero worship and at the same time teach him some of the most valuable lessons in religion.

During later childhood, the sense of personal responsibility for conduct is developing, and the comprehension of the meaning of wrongdoing and sin.  This is the time, therefore, to bring in lessons from the Bible showing the results of sin and disobedience to God, and the necessity for repentance and prayer for forgiveness.  During this period also, while the social interests are not yet at their highest, the narrow selfishness of earlier childhood should be giving way to a more generous and social attitude, and a sense of responsibility for the welfare and happiness of others.

To meet the needs of the growing nature at this point many lessons should be provided containing suggestions and inspiration from high examples of self-forgetfulness, sacrifice, and service as found in the life of Jesus, Paul, and many others from the Old and the New Testament.  The child’s growing acquaintance with the world about him and his study of nature in the day schools prepare him for still further deepening his realization of God beneficently at work in the material universe.  Abundant material may be found in the Bible to deepen and strengthen the learner’s love and appreciation of the beautiful and good in the physical world.

Material for adolescence.—­The adolescent period (ages twelve or thirteen to twenty or twenty-two) is the transition stage from childhood to maturity.  The broader, deeper, and more permanent interests are now developing, and character is taking its permanent trend.  Conduct, choice, and decision are becoming more personal and less dependent on others.  A new sense of self is developing, and deeper recognition of individual responsibility is growing.