Ten Ways To Help Children Read The Bible

Here are ten practical (and easy) ways to help children read the Bible – from Dr. Lawson Murray.

What do you want for your child?

According to the Arbor Research Group, parents’ main concern today is their children’s mental health, access to opportunities, and character development.

The ultimate goal for Christian parents should be that our children will know Christ. This requires intentionality on our part as parents.

“Point your kids in the right direction – when they’re old they won’t be lost” Proverbs 22:6 (Msg).

To help children be on the right path and stay on it, we must teach them the Scriptures (cf. Deuteronomy 6:7).

The ultimate goal for Christian parents should be that our children will know Christ. This requires intentionality on our part as parents.

Ten ways to help your children read the Bible

Here are ten practical and easy ways to help your children read the Bible (don’t miss the last one, it’s essential!)

Do it together.

Talk about the Scriptures at home (cf. Deuteronomy 6:7). The Bible is about relationships (with God and others) and is well suited to family settings. Take turns reading it. Fix a regular time for doing it (e.g. supper). Make it interactive.

Family Quest is a Bible reading resource designed for the whole family. It contains 30 cards, each with its own Bible reading and 6 different ways to engage with the story and grow in faith, together! Buy Now.

Family Quest is a great tool to help children read the Bible — Help children read the Bible with Family Quest

Make it appealing.

Children draft off the emotions of their parents. Read the Bible with excitement, wonder and passion. Be dramatic. Be expressive. Add fun elements.

Try this: Read the Bible passage together, then re-read it and have family members mime the story as you narrate it.

Connect it.

Relate the Scriptures to real-life events that are happening here and now. Capitalize on teachable moments. Form links to your children’s interests and experiences.

Watch this video from our School of KidsMin on teachable moments.

Apply it.

Find practical ways to enable children to live what they learn.

Try this: If you’re reading about loving others, take your children to the grocery store and let them buy 10 items to donate to the food bank.

Talk about it.

Encourage children to share their thoughts. Facilitate dialogue and discussion. Foster an environment for asking questions and making comments. Keep it conversational. Help family members reflect on their interpretations and perceptions. Chat about your own experiences and insights. Use illustrations, testimonies and stories.

Tip: Use open-ended questions (ones that don’t require a yes/no or one-word answer) to encourage discussion. Questions like “How do you think Mary felt?” or “What would you do if you were David and you saw that giant?”

Encourage children to share their thoughts.

Be creative.

Sing the Scriptures. Draw them. Act them out. Use finger puppets. Make things. Write a play. Dress up. Speak with accents or different voices. Play experiential games.

Try this: If you’re reading about the Passover (Luke 22), eat matzos (you can buy them at most supermarkets).

Go visual.

Children do well with visuals – illustrations, short movies, or colouring pages are all helpful in helping children understand the story. Maps are also helpful with older children.

Check out The Bible Project and Max7. Download the free Bible App for Kids.

Be realistic.

Don’t expect too much. Don’t settle for too little. There will be stops and starts, setbacks and victories. Roll with it. Pray. Encourage your children to persevere.

Use age-appropriate resources.

Check out Scripture Union’s Bible reading guides and Scripture books for children aged 4-8. And a shout-out for Phil Vischers, What’s in the Bible? (available on RightNow Media) – it’s an excellent resource for elementary-age children.

Do it yourself.

More is caught than taught. Children learn to value what you value. Model a love for God’s Word. When children see you regularly reading the Bible, it helps them develop a Bible-reading habit.

If you need help, then try a daily Bible Reading Guide – it equips you to read, reflect and respond to Scripture passages. Take our quiz to find the reading guide that’s best for you.

Children learn to value what you value.

Don’t wait to help children read the Bible. Start now.

Don’t wait till you think you’re ready to get started, do it today!

If you need help getting started, order Family Quest, it contains 30 Bible reading cards packed with activities to help your whole family read, reflect and apply God’s Word to everyday life. Family Quest is designed to have your family spend quality time together, laughing and making memories while reading the Bible and learning new ways to engage with the Word.