Although young children can’t read yet, it’s never too early to introduce the Bible. Kids learn about the Bible from you, the adult. By explaining the Bible to children, parents and teachers convey the message that it is God’s special book for us.
These 15 tips for explaining the Bible help young children understand the importance of God’s Word:
1. Let kids know that God speaks to us through the Bible.
Introduce the Bible to youngsters by explaining that it is God’s message to us. That’s why it’s so important! God made sure that everything we need to know is in his Word.
2. Tell children that God “talks” to us in the Bible.
I ask kids, “How do we talk to God?” and they answer, “By praying.” Then I say, “How does God talk to us?” and they answer, “Through the Bible.”
3. Always hold an open book.
Even though you might not be teaching (i.e., reading the words) directly from the Bible, always keep it open to the passage you’re using. And always keep the book in sight of the children so they see it. (Even if you use an iPad or smart phone to look up Scripture during church, kids need to see an actual Bible while you’re teaching. Then again, many young kids are tech-savvy these days. So you also can show them that Bible verses are available on the internet.)
4. Bring your own book.
Encourage children to bring their own Bibles to class. Then make a big deal about it! Have some extras to hand out too.
5. Borrow a child’s Bible.
“Borrow” a young student’s Bible to teach the lesson. Not only do kids love it when their Bible is chosen, but you’re also teaching them that all Bibles are the same. Spread the news that it doesn’t matter which Bible you use to teach and learn.