Head to the Heart Confirmation:
What’s New for 2026-2027?
The 2026–2027 release is the most significant content update to Head to the Heart in over a decade. The focus of this update is the student side of the curriculum: updated cultural references, relatable examples, and fresh content written to connect with a middle schooler in 2026 — not a middle schooler from ten years ago. Every student-facing and leader-facing document has been reviewed and revised with that goal in mind.
New Resources
QuizBowl and What’s That Word? PowerPoint
A new standalone teaching tool built around the two most popular segments of every lesson. QuizBowl isn't a knowledge test — it's a fun, game-show-style teaching tool that introduces new lesson content to students through play. Run it as its own self-contained session or drop slides directly into your Full Lesson PowerPoint. Includes Did You Know? slides after every answer and Leader Notes with theological context, real-world examples for middle schoolers, and a discussion question built into every slide.
QuizBowl and What’s That Word? Leader Reference Guide
For every question and vocabulary term in the lesson, this guide gives you the answer, two or three deeper-context facts, a plain-language explanation of why it matters theologically, concrete examples for connecting it to middle schoolers' lives, and a discussion question you can use during your Large Group session. It's written for leaders who aren't pastors or trained theologians — and it's useful for any leader, but especially valuable for non-pastors. Even if you never run the games, this guide belongs in your weekly prep. You'll walk into every session knowing the material, knowing how to explain it, and knowing how to make it land.
Updated Resources
Full Lesson PowerPoint
All QuizBowl questions and answers and all What’s That Word? clues have been rewritten to speak directly to a middle schooler in 2026.
Youth Handout
Many sections rewritten to connect with today’s students.
Fresh quotations from popular culture — sports, entertainment, and more — that today’s students will recognize.
New Questions to Ponder to spark discussion during Small Group time.
New Remember 1 Thing summary connects the lesson to students’ everyday lives.
Small Group Guide Handout
Focus This Week rewritten to help Small Group Guides connect the lesson to the needs and dynamics of their specific group.
New Questions to Ponder Discussion Guide gives practical suggestions for drawing out conversation from each prompt in the Youth Handout.
New Servant Event ideas added.
Family Home Huddle Handout
Focus This Week rewritten to connect the week’s lesson directly to the family during their nightly Home Huddle.