Plants Grown Up: Projects for Sons on the Road to Manhood

by Pam Forster

Doorposts

Parents interested in training sons rather than just raising them should appreciate this book full of ideas for projects to build Godly character in their sons. The title is drawn from Psalm 144:12 which says, “That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth....” Some of the topics covered are leadership, Bible study, self-control, courage, perseverance, relationships, serving cheerfully, obedience, contentment, communication, teaching skills, and finances. These are arranged under seven headings drawn from II Peter 1:5-7--virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, Godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity.

Each chapter features ideas appropriate for both younger and older sons, arranged in a helpful, approximately chronological order so that you choose from the first ideas for young boys and from the latter ideas for older boys. However, many of the ideas are easily adaptable for a wide range of ages. For example, one activity is to “Read through How the Bible Came To Us by Meryle Doney. Write a summary of the book’s content. Do some of the activities suggested in the book.” You might have a young child simply narrate back to you some of the key ideas in the book, while you would require a written assignment from an older child.

A variety of planning, organizing, and worksheets are included for those who wish to use them. There are character evaluation questions at the end of each chapter that ensure practical application of each lesson. A lengthy section of reproducible memory verse pages (KJV) with check-off boxes is at the end of the book.

Plants Grown Up is easy-to-use and extremely flexible, allowing you to choose which ideas to use for your family. Activities vary to suit different learning styles, so there is something to appeal to everyone. While the “lessons” will touch on other subject areas, you should probably consider this the Bible study part of your curriculum. Polished Cornerstones, follows the same format for girls. See the review below. [Valerie Thorpe/C.D.]