Publication Review - Ignited by the Word

The following review was written by Kristen Brands, an elementary school teacher in West Michigan, on the publication Ignited by the Word. This review was originally published in the June 2024 issue of the Beacon Lights, a monthly magazine written for Reformed Christian young people and young adults. 

Ignited by the Word is a Reformed magazine that is published quarterly by the Reformed Free Publishing Association and is written specifically for children. The magazine staff does an amazing job of laying out each issue with a broad diversity of content that is engaging for schoolchildren from ages four to fourteen, which is the primary target audience. However, this is not just a magazine that children will be edified by, but one that adults can also gain valuable information from and use in their daily lives.

The magazine is laid out in a way that will entice children while also guiding them to think carefully about God’s word in a way that they might not have before. Ignited by the Word has three different sections, each targeting a specific age or grade level. These sections are split into material for 6th–8th graders, 3rd–5th graders, and Pre-K–2nd grades. The content of each section is intentionally written for the target age group so that children can understand at their own level what is being presented. 

Several aspects of the magazine make it engaging to children at any grade level. First, the magazine has an attractive design that draws in children of all ages and captures their attention. A good example of this design is how text is often placed within a colored shape, which can help children to avoid becoming overwhelmed by the volume of words. Second, the pages are all brightly colored, and key points and ideas are usually numbered or sectioned off for clarity. Third, there are a variety of pictures on each page, which help lead children to understand biblical truths more easily. Finally, the magazine includes student writing and artwork, all of which provides an additional way to engage children in the content. 

Perhaps most important, Ignited by the Word places a large emphasis on Bible texts, often providing two or more on each page. The different article categories also steer children to consider people, events, and places that they may not have thought about before. Each issue of the magazine has its own theme and a devotional guide for the three grade-level groups. In addition to their value for personal use, these are great supplements for teachers to use in the classroom on a day-to-day basis! 

The regular content of the magazine includes several sections of interest. One section has articles about figures from the Bible or church history who might be less familiar to students. These include characters such as James the brother of Jesus, Joanna, Ahithophel, Martin Luther,  Lady Jane Grey, and many more. Another section carries the theme “The Beauty of the Earth” and speaks to science and creation topics, while a third category titled “Every Nation under Heaven” focuses on the different areas in the world where our sister churches are found. 

One of the most precious portions of each issue is an assortment of reflections on a memorable event or topic with deep personal significance. In one issue, for instance, the reflection was dedicated to individuals with disabilities. It was helpful to read the perspectives shared by these individuals and to grow in my own understanding of their lives, struggles, and joys. Another memorable reflection focused on a group of friends and how their relationships changed throughout their childhood and into adulthood. Yet another article contained an interview with Tim Kooima, who shared his experience in the army while stationed in Korea. This personal touch makes each issue real and relevant to readers. 

Each issue ends with a section of activities for children that are related to what they have learned in each magazine. These activities range in type and style from issue to issue, but all follow the common theme of having a biblical application. 

Ignited by the Word is especially beneficial for elementary school teachers or those who are aspiring to the field of education. There are a variety of different ways that these articles can be used in a classroom setting. For instance, I have used the magazine’s devotional material in my own classroom. The themes of prayer, friendship, and time given to us by God are just a few of the topics covered in recent devotionals. This material provides a great way to engage students in discussion, especially since each issue comes with questions focused on the topic of interest. The same can be said for articles in the other sections, which can easily find use in science or history classes across a variety of age groups. 

It would certainly be possible to list many other examples of how Ignited by the Word can be used by Christian educators and parents in the home. Each reader will find specific areas of interest for their personal growth, spiritual encouragement, and appreciation of God as creator and sustainer of this world. I would encourage adults and children alike to pick up an issue of the magazine so that they can see firsthand the value of learning from a biblically Reformed perspective! 

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