Resources for Teaching the Bible to Kids at Home
One of our single greatest responsibilities as parents is to teach our children to know and love the Lord. It’s not the church’s job to do it, it’s ours. Here are some of our favorite resources for teaching the Bible to our kids at home.
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Bible Story Books and Devotionals
This was the first storybook Bible we read to our kids. I like that instead of teaching each Bible story as a stand alone text that doesn’t connect to anything before or after it, it teaches how all of the Bible is woven together into one big picture of God’s love for humanity. It’s interesting enough to keep the attention of younger readers (think age 2ish), but it is complex enough that some of it would be best understood by an older child. I’ve also noticed that they have a Big Picture Family Devotional, which I have never looked at but would love to check out.
We’ve currently been working through this book in conjunction with the Jesus Storybook Bible. I love that this book combines the idea of a Bible storybook with a devotional. In addition to giving an opportunity to teach the Bible story, it also teaches children the attributes of God by teaching the names of God. My kids have been loving it!
We also have I Am: The Names of God for Little Ones for our youngest.
I’ll be honest, I had heard great things about this storybook Bible and had high expectations. I ordered it for my kids last month and we’ve been working our way through it since then. I love the illustrations, but the stories take a little more liberty than I expected them to. I guess that’s why it’s a storybook Bible, though. I would definitely still buy it again, and it’s a good resource, but as with any storybook Bible, you may need to couple the stories with a discussion of the actual text from the real Bible.
Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids about God and Science
If you’re looking for a devotional, more so than a Bible story book, this one is a great place to start. The devotions are short, but provide ample opportunity for additional discussion.
Other Resources for Teaching the Bible to Kids at Home
Life Church creates their own video based curriculum that they use in all of their children’s programs, and they offer it all online for free. To see the breakdown of different videos by age click here.
Elevate Kids Now has amazing children’s curriculum for church and home use. It’s a little pricey, but definitely a top notch product!
More Like Grace has some great Bible journals for kids who are old enough to read and write.
Lisa Yvonne over at Graceful Abandon has a guide to having family Bible time that’s worth checking out!
Other Tips For Teaching the Bible to Kids at Home…
1. Model a love for God’s word.
Can’t seem to drag yourself out of bed early enough to read the Bible before your kids wake up? That’s okay! Maybe instead you can incorporate Bible reading time into the daily schedule for both you and your children. Let them see you sit and study the word of God, while they have the option to look at their story book Bibles or play or draw quietly. Teach them the importance of studying God’s word daily by letting them see you do it.
2. Play kids’ worship music.
Youtube is full of great kids’ worship music that teaches scripture and biblical concepts through song. I LOVE it when I hear my kids repeating things that are good, wholesome, and true as they sing the songs that they’ve heard throughout the day in our own home.
3. Teach them to hide God’s word in their heart.
Even young children can begin to memorize simple scriptures. When you practice the habit of scripture memorization (coupled with discussion) in your home regularly, you will truly be hiding that scripture in your kids’ hearts. This was one of the things my mom did so well when I was growing up. As an adult, I have had many times where scriptures that directly relate to my situation have sprung to my mind out of seemingly thin air… it’s all because the seeds of scripture that my mom planted in me consistently all throughout my childhood.
Even if your children don’t seem to be able to recall the scriptures you’re working on at a later date, know that your time isn’t wasted. Those are seeds that are being planted.
4. Talk about it.
Help them to learn to apply God’s word to their daily lives. It doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t have to be an expert. It’s okay to answer their questions with “I don’t know” if you don’t know the answer. Don’t make up answers. But open the door of dialogue and let your kids know that there is nothing they can’t ask.
Bonus Tip:
If you are going through a storybook Bible with your children, it’s helpful for you as the parent to also be studying the corresponding text in your Bible – especially if it’s been a while since you’ve read it. Read the text slowly – don’t rush. You’ll be amazed at the details you pick up that you didn’t realize before. PLUS it will keep it fresh in your mind so that you can differentiate the truth of the text from any creative liberties the authors of the storybook Bible may have taken to make the story come alive and be more relatable to kids.
If you missed it earlier, be sure to grab your free printable planner download below!
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