Welcome to the Play-by-Play
The Play-by-Play is a new resource from the News Coach. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
As you move from discover to explore to discern, the themes go deeper. But any of these stories can work for conversation with the whole family. We’ll also include a Conversation Kickoff somewhere in every Play-by-Play, to help you break the proverbial ice if your kids aren’t ready to dive deep right away.
This week, we’re noticing an overarching theme of wisdom. Keep an eye out for examples of wisdom—and our need for it—in these stories.
The walls have a story.
🧠 What do we need to know about this story?
An Illinois man found a note hidden inside a living room wall. It was left by 14-year-old Stephanie Herron (now Stephanie Poit) in 1975. It describes her life and family.
❤️️ How does this story affect our understanding?
Notice the theme of remembrance. Stephanie wrote down details she considered important. What would you want future generations to know? Also notice the theme of discovery. What does the Bible say about finding hidden treasure? (Hint: Check Proverbs 2 and Matthew 13.)
✋ How does this story inspire our actions?
Consider creating a time capsule together as a family. Tell future readers about your life today. Bury it to dig up later or hide it for someone else to discover by surprise.
Oldest Skydiver
🧠 What do we need to know about this story?
Dorothy Hoffner set a world record by skydiving at the age of 104. She died peacefully in her sleep several days later.
❤️️ How does this story affect our understanding?
What does it mean to live a full life? In today’s world, many people think of old age as something to dread. But what does God tell us about old age? What does it have to do with wisdom?
✋ How does this story inspire our actions?
Look up “gray hair” in the Bible. Think about the elderly relatives and neighbors in your life. Just because they’re old doesn’t mean they don’t love fun! Reach out and do some activities together. (Maybe not skydiving.)
Conversation Kickoff! What do you want achieve before you’re 104 years old?
Misinformation in Media
🧠 What do we need to know about this story?
On October 7, the Islamist group Hamas attacked Israel. In response, Israel declared war. Social media websites like X (formerly Twitter) are accused of promoting misinformation about the conflict.
❤️️ How does this story affect our understanding?
Consider the theme of emotions. Why does “fake news” often go viral? How do we wisely handle our emotions when we see disturbing headlines? Notice the conflict around free speech. Why don’t social media platforms simply ban misinformation? What makes free speech hard to protect?
✋ How does this story inspire our actions?
Ask friends or family where they get their news and why they look to those sources. For older kids, consider ways to practice good news literacy. If a headline catches your eye, slow down and read the whole article. If something seems extreme or hard to believe, see if you can find the same facts reported in other outlets.
How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. — Proverbs 16:16
Together, let’s get the conversation started. As always, remember: He has equipped you for the work.
