ABC Jesus Loves Me

My goal for all Bible stories is for the child to know the basic story so well that they can tell it back to you using a puppet, props, flannelgraph story characters, etc.  

• I believe that it is very important for a little child to have a Bible of their own.  Although Bible stories are readily available on the internet for free, I encourage you to spend the few dollars to give your child a Bible to hold, to take to church, and to sit on their night stand.  There are many, many children's Bible available.  Here are a few Bibles that I suggest:

The Beginner's Bible: Timeless Children's Stories

    My Story Bible by Godfrey and Grudina - This is the latest Bible added to the curriculum because I LOVE this Bible.  The stories written are easily understood and fun to read.  Each story is typicallly two pages long and each page includes a cute picture to illustrate the storyline.  Also, the way these stories are written make them easy to act out or have the children listen for repeated words.

• Just like with your child's favorite books, your child's Bible should be read over and over.  Don't put the Bible back on the shelf just because it has been read through one time.

• The same Bible lesson is taught for a week at a time.  This gives ample opportunity for a child to learn the character names, story plot, and Memory verse.  I suggest use of props or flannelgraph to teach the story.  On the first day, tell the child the story using the props yourself. The next time allow the child to assist with the props as you tell the story. By the last time, the child should be able to tell the basic plot of the story by themselves. In a week, introduce the story on Monday. Leave the props out in an area where the child can play with them. On Tuesday, allow the child to assist you with the props as you tell the story. On Wednesday, let the child interject main points into the story – maybe peoples’ names or places. Continue until on Friday the child can tell the story on their own to someone else or put on a play for their stuffed animals or dolls.

• When practicing the weekly Bible verse don't dismiss the scripture reference.  Help the child remember the reference by displaying the numbers on their fingers.  This is excellent fine motor practice as well.  (ie. Genesis 1:1 - point "one" with one hand and then "one" with the other hand.)

• Refer back to Bible lessons as situations arise throughout the day to remind the child that God is in control (ie. if it is raining discuss Noah, if the child is afraid talk about Daniel in the lion’s den)

• Encourage the child to pretend they are a Bible Character in their playtime (Adventures in Odyssey by Focus on the Family has many episodes depicting this)

• Name toy people using Bible names

• Have a puppet tell the story

• For those really tough questions...The Little Blessings have done a wonderful job answering those tough questions about God and the Bible.  The authors make it easy enough for a preschooler to understand.  All answers are backed with scripture.  I especially suggest these books for parents who are new to the Bible and the Christian faith. You can learn along side your child!  Read more...

       What Is the Bible?                 Who Made the World?

• Refer to a Bible timeline to help your child understand the chronological order of Bible stories - A free printable timeline is available at Preschool Sunday School Central. 

• Here is an excellent website with story ideas, crafts, and snacks for various Bible lessons - Baptist Church Suite 101