To help children love the Lord with all their heart, soul and strength, we must teach them the Scriptures (cf. Deuteronomy 6:7).
Here are ten practical suggestions for helping children read the Bible:
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/hearing it. Set a regular time to do it together (e.g., supper). Make it interactive and experiential.
Make it appealing.
Children draft off the emotions of their parents. Read the Bible together with excitement, wonder and passion. Be dramatic. Be expressive. Add fun elements.
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. Think like a boy/think like a girl. Show children the bigger picture.
Apply it.
Find hands-on ways to enable children to live what they learn. For example, if you’re reading about loving others, ask your children to accompany you on a hospital visit.
Talk about it.
Facilitate dialogue and discussion. Foster an environment for asking questions and making comments. Keep it conversational. Encourage children to share their thoughts. Help them reflect on their interpretations and perceptions. Chat about your own experiences and insights. Use illustrations, testimonies and stories.
Be creative.
Sing the Scriptures. Act them out. Use finger puppets. Make things. Write a play. Dress up. Speak with accents or different voices. Play experiential games. Eat what biblical characters ate (e.g., matzos when reading about the Passover in Luke 22).
Go visual.
Pictures, drawings and other visuals help children understand concepts, remember, and stimulate their imagination. Download the free Bible App for Kids. Check out the Bible Project and Max7.
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 at Christian Books Canada. And a shout-out for Phil Vischers’ What’s in the Bible? DVD series – 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.
Contribute by sharing your comments, guidelines or practical ideas for helping children read the Bible.
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Summary
To help children love the Lord, it’s essential to teach them to read the Bible. Our Bible reading tips for families include finding ways to make Scripture engaging and interactive. Incorporate creative methods, such as acting out Bible stories, using visuals, and applying lessons to real-life situations. Foster a love for God’s Word by reading together, making it appealing, and encouraging dialogue. Model Bible study for children to develop a habit. Use age-appropriate resources, such as Scripture Union’s Bible reading guides, to enhance the experience. How to make Bible reading fun for kids: practical Bible reading tips for families.
FAQ 1. Why is it important to teach children to read the Bible?
Teaching children to read the Bible is important because it helps them develop a lifelong love for God’s Word and a strong spiritual foundation. Scripture shapes their understanding of God, identity, and how to live wisely. When children engage with the Bible from an early age, they’re more likely to grow in faith and spiritual maturity.
FAQ 2. How can parents make Bible reading engaging for children?
Parents can make Bible reading engaging by using interactive methods such as storytelling, acting out passages, asking questions, and connecting Scripture to real-life experiences. Adding creativity, visuals, and discussion helps children stay interested and understand the message more deeply. The goal is to make Bible reading both meaningful and enjoyable.
FAQ 3. What are practical ways to build a family Bible reading habit?
Families can build a Bible reading habit by setting a regular time, reading together consistently, and modelling enthusiasm for God’s Word. Using age-appropriate resources, keeping sessions conversational, and applying Scripture to everyday life also helps. Over time, consistent practice helps children see Bible reading as a natural and important part of daily family life.
© Scripture Union, 2023
6 Responses
There is no better way to introduce children to the daily reading of God’s Word than together as a family. Thank you for such practical advice in giving children a love for God’s Word. The application to every day living is vitally important. Children need to understand how God speaks through His Word into every day life. This is wonderful advice for families
“But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers” Psalm 1:2-3.
Bible reading is essential for children. They can learn the value of reading the Bible from us. May God Bless you and your Ministry.
Children like building blocks. Here is a set for parents to help them on the way to helping their children to grow in their connection with their Father God through regular adventures with His Word. Nothing complex, just great reminders to create lasting family traditions and build for eternity. Read on and enjoy!
This is so good! I especially like #1. However, if children struggle to read generally, listening to the text may help. There are apps to help facilitate this.
Youversion, Dwell and Bible Gateway give options to listen.
Thanks for these wonderful insights! Will keep them in mind as my son grows!
Researches tell us that many young people drop off their faith because they find that it is not relevant to their daily lives. I like this article because it is down to earth, reminding parents that we need to relate the Holy Bible to children in practical and creative ways so as to arouse their interest and passion for reading the Bible.