Reading Bible stories to preschoolers and reading a picture book, may seem like the same thing, but they are not. When we read picture books with our kids, we usually have some great hopes in mind from our time: reading skills, language and vocabulary acquisition, preparing them for school, and maybe even bonding with our child.
However, when we read a Bible story to our kids we are not simply equipping their minds and hearts, we are introducing them to their Creator who loves them desperately. We are hoping to build a love for God and his Word. So, that as they grow into a full-text Bible, they will continue to come back to Him and this book every day for the rest of their lives.
Reading Bible stories to your preschooler has an eternal purpose and therefore deserves our best efforts. Colossians 3:23 says, “Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others.” (TPT) I definitely think this verse applies to our reading of Bible stories with our little ones.
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Here are 3 things you may be doing that could be bumps in the road for your littles ones engaging with Bible stories.
Bible Story Reading Mistake #1 – Being Monotonous
The Bible is an exciting and engaging book filled with stories that can help your child meet and grow their relationship with God. While not every Storybook Bible is amazing, I believe the Holy Spirit can still use them all. In reading the story, it is more about how YOU read the story than it is about the specific story.
If you read with enthusiasm and excitement, that will encourage the same in your kiddos. You don’t have to use funny or dramatic voices, but be careful not to be monotonous. My husband is great at voices, but I am not. However, I can still keep my girls engaged in a Bible story.
Bible Story Reading Mistake #2 – Underutelizing the Picture
The picture is an excellent tool to help your kids to learn and engage with the story. If you are just reading the words and showing the pictures, you could be missing great opportunities for conversation and engagement.
Using the Picture Before Reading the Bible Story
Look at the picture together and ask these questions:
- Where do you think this story takes place?
- What do you think is going to happen?
- Who do you think we will hear about?
Using the Picture While Reading
- When a new character is introduced or speaks have your child find that character in the story.
- Have your child identify the way people are feeling in the picture.
- If you turn a page, have your children look at the picture and guess what may happen.
Using the Picture After Reading
- Point at a character and identify the character and ask what part they played in the story.
- Cover a part of the picture and ask what is missing.
- Ask kids to find objects (animals, pictures, people wearing sandals, something blue).
- Ask your kids to retell the story using the picture.
Bible Story Reading Mistake #3 – Expecting Your Kids to Sit Still
Movement sparks memory. If you can find simple, containable ways for your kids to move throughout the story you will help to activate their memory and create an experience for your kids.
Imagine your kids remembering rocking on a boat in a storm with Jesus and his disciples or fanning themselves in the hot fires with Daniel’s friends. How can you invite your children into the story and get a few wiggles out?
The Holy Spirit is ready and willing to engage with your toddlers and preschoolers as you share Bible stories with them. You can prime the pump and create an inviting environment for him by using the Playful Bible Reading Strategies. These tips for reading Bible stories to preschoolers will also work with toddlers and, even, early elementary school ages.
If you have found yourself doing any of these three things and want to learn more about these or other strategies join me for a live training on FB on May 1, 2021, at 9 am PST. You can find out more and register here.
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