We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

If you’ve ever searched practical ideas for how to teach your children the Bible and felt lost, you’re not alone.  Many parents desire to teach their little ones the Word, but need a simple way to make it relatable to their kids.

Looking for similar ideas, my husband and I acted out the story of David and Goliath for family devotions when our kids were ages two and four.  Playing the part of David, I stuffed a nerf ball in the curve of an old belt and swung it over my head like a lariat.  The ball shot out, missing Jim (Goliath) by a mile, but as per the plan, he spun around, falling foward, limp, on the couch.

As soon as that happened, both kids glared at me as if I’d actually killed daddy and burst into tears.

Needless to say, we did not try that tactic again.

*This post may contain affiliate links.  Should you choose to purchase certain advertised items, I will receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you, which will help keep this blog up and running!  You may view my policies here.

While your kids may respond well to charades (or maybe Bible stories of a less violent nature), here are a few other ideas for teaching them what Scriptures have to say.

Teach your children the Bible

1.)  Start them young

Sing Bible songs to your babies, relate parables to your toddlers, and teach them short Scripture phrases or verses.  Pray short prayers teaching strengths from Bible characters such as Daniel or Moses.

2.)  Use books on their level

The Bible in Pictures for little eyes is a book my parents read to me as a young child.  Each page contains a short Bible story, along with a vivid picture.  I still recall some of the illustrations from reading this book as a child!

3.)  Make it natural

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.  Deuteronomy 6:7

4.)  Play charades

Ok maybe not David and Goliath, but how about Noah’s ark with stuffed animals, or Jesus’ empty tomb, mounding pillows for a pretend opening?

5.)  Purchase devotional books on their level

52 Commands of Jesus for Children: One Year Devotional with 52 Coloring Pages helps teach your children the Bible, drawing from Jesus’ practical teaching from parables in the gospels.  Each week teaches a command and character quality, with most of the Scriptures being quotes from Christ Himself.  Some of the character traits discussed are humility, truthfulness, self-control, deference and resourcefulness.  There are also suggested questions to encourage discussion.

Since I happen to know the author (she goes by “Mimi” and has an affinity for grandchildren), I’m pleased to receommend this terrific book to use with your own children!

52 Commands of Jesus for Children

I love how Susan suggests actionable ways to teach these traits.  For instance, on week 25 the trait is obedience.  Referencing Jesus’ offer to exchange our heavy burdens for His lighter yoke, she suggests role-playing with a sack of potatoes.  She draws the character trait of obedience from Jesus’ command to:

“Bring to him all of our troubles, our sins, our problems, and hand them over to Him…nd then He says, ‘In exchange I will give you rest and peace'”.  Matthew 11:28

You can even find additional coloring pages accompanying the book on her site here!

Read about the book here

Purchase the book

You can purchase 52 Commands of Jesus for Children in print from Amazon today.  Simply click here for details!

Remember, it’s never too early – or too late to teach your children the Bible.  Teach it simply through stories, songs, books, prayer, or even charades.  Make speaking God’s Word as natural as breathing.  Because equipping a child with Scripture will arm him or her with the most valuable tools for life!