Flannelgraph has been a beloved teaching tool for generations. Over 75 years ago, my grandma used it to share Bible stories and now it remains a visual favorite for helping children connect with the stories in an interactive way. The flannelgraph characters and scenes make learning fun, and when children retell the stories using these pieces, it deepens their understanding and strengthens their memory. That's why flannelgraph is an optional yet valuable tool in the ABCJesusLovesMe Preschool and Bible Curricula.
Day 1 (Monday): Introduce
Narrate the story using the flannelgraph or props, but do not involve the child in the storytelling at this stage.
Day 2 (Tuesday): Practice
Allow the child to help with the props while you tell the story. This participation reinforces their understanding.
Days 3-5 (Wednesday-Friday): Identify
Encourage the child to recall key points, characters, or locations in the story by actively engaging with the flannelgraph. By the end of the week, the child should be able to recount the storyline independently.
1. Preparation is key. Without proper preparation, using flannelgraph to teach may not yield success. It may be necessary to rehears the process a few times before presenting the story to children.
2. Have the supplies ready before you begin. For example, collect the flannel board, scenes, characters, and any props needs.
3. Arrange the characters and pieces in an ordered stack to ensure you can quickly pick up the next piece required in the story.
4. Before beginning, place the background scenes on the flannel board.
5. Use the figures and props to supplemental the story, rather than making them the main focus of the time.
Here is an example from the Betty Luken's Teacher's Manual:
Wrong: "Now, this is Noah. See his long beard and his very beautiful robe!"
Correct: [As figure of Noah is placed on the board] "Noah did just as God told him to do. Every day he preached to the people..." [as figures of people are added]
6. Less is more. When working with younger children, simplicity is often more effective. Young children can struggle to process too many story details. Start with the main pieces and gradually introduce additional figures with each retelling of the story.
Here is an example: On Monday, place Jesus and the lost lamb on the board. On Tuesday, add additional lambs to represent the 99 that Jesus left behind while searching for the one.
7. Avoid standing directly in front of the flannel board.
8. The placement of characters is very important. Make sure that figures of people are "grounded" (not floating in the air), and that children don't appear to be taller than adults.
9. My grandma never told a Bible story to children without a Bible in her lap. I recommend keeping the Bible open with the Interactive Bible Script placed on top. Remind the children that the true story comes directly from God's Word.
10. Relax and have fun. Don't be afraid of silence while you place the pieces on the board. And if you make a mistake, remember that children are very forgiving!
Some of these suggestions are adapted from Betty Luken's Teacher's Manual. A special thanks to Aunt C for contributing additional ideas.
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While various companies offer flannelgraph sets, the Betty Lukens set stands out for its exceptional clarity and lifelike representation of each figure and object. My children could easily recognize different Bible stories just by looking at the pictures. The quality is superb, with thick felt and vibrant, vivid colors.
I suggest purchasing the Deluxe Set
Yes, the Deluxe Sets are expensive. For this reason, the use of the flannelgraph in the ABCJesusLovesMe Curricula is optional, not mandatory.
That said, if you plan to teach your children about the Bible or are teaching in a preschool or church over a longer period, I believe you'll find this investment to be highly valuable and worthwhile.
Sets can be purchased on Amazon, Betty Lukens website, and on Ebay.
Exciting News: Betty Lukens has generously offered ABCJLM users an exclusive 10% discount on products purchased through their website! Use code ABCJLM10 at checkout to receive this discount.
If purchasing a flannelgraph set is not in the budget right now, there are simple ways to create your own Bible visuals. One idea is to use illustrations from the ABCJLM Bible Activity Workbook or the Curriculum Workbooks. Read more...
Discover a variety of holiday activities that keep Jesus at the heart of your celebrations! From crafts to family traditions, these ideas will help you create meaningful moments for your family or classroom that focus on the true reason for the season.
The ABCJLM Interactive Bible Stories digital downloads provide an age-appropriate script to actively involve the child in the story. Optional flannelgraph suggestions included. View for FREE:
Below are two videos of my children as preschoolers telling a Bible story with the Betty Lukens Flannelgraph.
