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As busy Christian moms, we all know the challenges that come with trying to find time to Bible study among all the demands of our daily lives. However, we also know that it is extremely important to instill a love for God’s Word in our children from a young age.
As Christians, we know and understand how important it is to include Bible study in our lives. It is never too early to teach our children the Word of God.
Unfortunately, Bible study with children can be “interesting” to say the least. It is going to require you to have patience, creativity, and willingness to meet your children where they are in their studies.
Today, I will share some tips and techniques for Bible study with children. Whether you are new to Bible study or a veteran, these ideas will give you strategies that you can use immediately.
Choose the Right Bible Version
For my personal Bible study, I use the King James Version. I also supplement it with Concordances, commentaries, dictionaries, and other versions–like the NIV. I was raised on the KJV, and it is my preference. (NOTE: I am not saying that other versions are wrong. I own other versions, and access several online when I am studying.)
For Bible study with children, one of the biggest decisions you will have to make is which version of the Bible to use.
There are many versions available, and you may have your own preferences already. Each version of the Bible has its own unique language and style.
When you are considering which version to use for Bible study with children, here are some things to ponder:
Importance of Choosing the Right Version
The version of the Bible that you choose to use for studying will impact how and how much your children understand.
If you have children of multiple ages, you may want something situated in the middle of the comprehension levels. You can supplement for the younger and older children as needed.
Be sure to choose a version that is easy for your children to read, comprehend, and make connections.
If the version is too complicated or mature for his/her comprehension level, it can cause frustration and disinterest.
Different Versions Available for Children
There are some versions of the Bible specifically translated for children. However, others that are in the mainstream market are written at lower comprehension levels.
Here are some of the popular versions that are available:
The International Children’s Bible (ICB): This version is written at a third-grade reading level and is easy to understand. It also has colorful illustrations that will capture your child’s attention.
The New International Reader’s Version (NIrV): The NIrV is written at a second-grade reading level and is designed to be easy to understand. It uses shorter sentences and simpler words than other versions.
The New Living Translation (NLT): The NLT is written at a sixth-grade reading level. This is often a popular choice for families with children of different ages because it is accessible to both younger and older readers.
Other Considerations When Choosing a Bible Version
Some of the other things that you should consider when you begin choosing a Bible version to use for Bible study with children, are the age of your children, their reading levels, and their comprehension levels.
You might want to think about using the same version that you use for your own Bible study. That will help ensure familiarity and consistency. However, you can use something easier to read for Bible study with children than you use for your own time.
Since I use the KJV for my personal study, I would use something (like the NLT possibly) for Bible study with children. As we are reading, I would share some verses or passages from the KJV because there are some parts that are so poetically written.
Just remember that your goal is to find a version that will make Bible study with children engaging and enjoyable. Take the time to review some different versions. Check them out at your local library, if possible. If not, head to the bookstore and spend an hour or so reading through Bibles.
Plan the Study Time and Place
After you have chosen the right Bible version to use for your Bible study with children, next plan the time and place to study.
Importance of Planning a Study Time and Place
Most children, well, people in general, do well with routines. To be successful with your Bible study with children, you need to have a set time and place, if at all possible.
This will communicate the importance and value of God’s Word to your children.
Creating a Study Routine
You probably already have a routine in place for your mornings and evenings. It’s essential to set a routine for Bible study time as well.
Have a daily or weekly time set aside and stick to it. Consistency is the key to building a habit of Bible study.
As you plan your routine, keep in mind your children’s schedules and choose a time that works best for them.
You may prefer to study in the mornings before your day is completely started and chaotic. But, you may want to do it at night as a way to reflect on your day and bring calmness to your evening.
When you choose to Bible study with children is up to you, but be sure that it is in a place on the schedule that you can do consistently.
Choosing a Study Place
When your children are studying for school or doing homework, they have a place to do that, right?
The same is true for Bible study. You need a comfortable, quiet area where you can focus without a lot of distractions.
Bible study can be done outside, but I probably wouldn’t go to a busy playground.
You can do it at the library, but I wouldn’t go during a special activity time.
As you are considering places to use for your Bible study with children, think about the lighting, seating, and needed materials. You can stress the importance of Bible study to your children if you have a dedicated area in your home for it.
An environment that is good for learning and engagement is the goal. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It can be something that you pack away if you don’t have space to leave out the supplies.
Planning the study time and place will help to set you up for success and enjoyment in your Bible study with children.
Engage Your Children
Bible study is not only about reading scripture and memorizing verses, although those are important things.
Bible study with children is about helping our children to understand and apply God’s Word to their lives. We can help our children to engage with their Bible study.
Importance of Engaging in Bible Study
Engaging in Bible study is essential for spiritual growth. It helps your children to understand the lessons better and apply them to their lives.
When your children are engaged in their Bible study, they are more likely to remember what they learned and develop a deeper love for God’s Word.
Techniques for Engagement
You will have to try different things and see what works best for you and your children, but here are some ideas for how to engage your children in Bible study.
Ask Questions
This is a great way to encourage your children to think about what they learned. Ask open-ended questions that cannot be answered with a YES or NO. Also, ask questions that require thought, not just comprehension questions.
Through their answers, your children will be able to connect to the lessons in the story and express their thoughts and feelings.
Use Visual Aids
Visual aids are an amazing way to engage your children in Bible study. You can use videos, pictures, illustrations, books, toys, or puppets. Anything that can help explain the lesson in a visual way may be able to help them understand it better.
If your child is a visual learner, this is especially important to do. I can still remember some of the videos, skits, and puppet shows from my church.
Use Songs and Games
Most children love singing and playing games. You can incorporate these into your Bible study time and make it even more engaging.
Find songs or games that reinforce the lesson or teach Biblical truths.
Encourage Participation
We want our children to participate. However, we really shouldn’t force them. We can encourage them to participate, and it will make learning and understanding easier for them.
Ask them to read a passage or share their thoughts. Give them the study questions to ask for the day. If you feel like he/she may be struggling to understand, this is a good way to make it more comfortable. He/she will not have to answer the questions, only ask them.
When the child asks the questions, you, your husband, and your other children can answer them. If you are answering, give an incorrect answer to be sure everyone is paying attention and to help build your children’s confidence. If you get something “wrong,” they won’t feel so bad when they do it, maybe.
Focus on One Lesson at a Time
During Bible study with children, focus on one lesson at a time.
Importance of Focusing on One Lesson
We all know that the Bible is full of amazing stories and lessons. Why can’t we tell 2-3 of them in one day?
If you focus on one lesson at a time, it will help your children to apply the lessons to their lives more easily and understand the lesson better.
When you focus only on one lesson, your children will be able to ask deeper questions about it.
Break Down the Lesson
When you are having Bible study with children, you need to break the lesson into manageable parts. It will make it easier for the children to understand.
This is especially true for younger children or children with shorter attention spans.
When you break down the lesson, you can focus on smaller sections or on a key verse or passage.
It may mean that you use the same passage for a few lessons so that you can cover all of it. Break it down as much as you and your family need it. There is no rush to get through it.
Discuss the Lesson in Detail
When you break the lesson down, you can discuss the details of each part. You don’t have to do the whole lesson at once.
Ask questions. Share your own thoughts and feelings. Encourage your children to share as well.
A discussion of each part of the lesson will help them to understand it better and make the application to their lives easier.
Apply the Lesson to Real Life
Probably the most important part of Bible study with children is helping them to apply the lessons to their lives.
Importance of Applying Lessons to Life
Our children need to understand how to apply the lessons from the Bible to their lives.
The Bible is not just a book of stories; it is a guidebook for how to live a godly life.
Help Children to Apply the Lessons
Part of Bible study with children is helping them apply the lessons to their lives.
When you ask how they can apply it, or use it, in their lives, they may have an answer. If not, you will have to guide them in coming up with answers. In the beginning, there is a chance that you will have to tell your children how to apply the lessons.
After a while, they will begin to see how it works. Then they will be able to tell you how they will apply it.
Encourage Children to Share
Every day, and sometimes multiple times a day, we ask our children what they are thinking or why they are doing something.
We can do the same during Bible study. Ask your children to share their experiences and thoughts. How is the lesson relevant to their lives?
This will build a stronger connection to the Word, but it will also help your children to understand the Bible better.
Applying lessons to real life will help your children to grow in their faith and become more like Christ.
Use Resources
As I said earlier, I use resources, like commentaries and dictionaries, for my Bible study. We can use resources with our children as well.
Importance of Using Resources
Resources can make Bible study with children more relatable and accessible.
They can give context and insights into the lessons and help children grasp complex concepts.
Resources Available for Bible Study with Children
Here are some resources you could use for Bible study with children.
Bible Study Books
Books in this category can give age-appropriate explanations of the Bible.
The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones and The Action Bible by Doug Mauss are great examples to check out.
Bible Apps and Websites
Most children love doing things on their phones, tablets, or computers. Check out these apps and websites that may help your children to be more interactive and engaged in their Bible study.
“Bible App for Kids” by YouVersion
“Children’s Bible Study”
Tips for Using Resources Effectively
Here are some quick tips for using resources.
Choose resources that match your children’s age, interests, and learning styles.
Use resources to supplement your teaching, not replace it.
Encourage your children to interact with the resources and ask questions.
Use a variety of resources, not the same ones all the time, to keep Bible study interesting.
Have your children share their thoughts and insights about the resources. This may help you determine if you need new ones.
When you use resources effectively, you will enhance your Bible study with children.
Conclusion
Bible study is an important part of our Christian lives. As Christian moms, we should begin Bible study with children at a young age, and it will have a lasting impact on their spiritual growth and development.
I’ve covered a lot of information today. I trust that it was helpful. Here is a recap.
- Setting a regular Bible study routine
- Creating a conducive study environment
- Encouraging active participation and engagement
- Using age-appropriate Bible versions
- Incorporating resources for a more engaging and interactive study experience
It can be hard to find time for Bible study with children, but if you use these tips and make it a priority, you can have a meaningful impactful study experience with your children.
Now’s the time. I encourage you to start a Bible study with children today. Watch as their faith grows and develops in the weeks, months, and years to come.
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