Do you struggle to get your kids excited about reading the Bible?

Imagine this: You’ve gathered the kids together before bed to read a Bible story. But one kid is jumping on the sofa and still hasn’t brushed her teeth or put PJ’s on. One kid is running around chasing the dog. One kid has her nose in a book and one kid is screaming because his sister is on “his” side of the couch. 

Sound familiar?  I get it. Trying to get my kids excited about reading the Bible and engage them in a meaningful time in God’s Word together sometimes makes me feel like the ringmaster at a three-ring circus.  In this episode, we’re going to talk about some practical ways you can help your kids engage in your family devotion time. 

Welcome to episode #3 of The Family Bible Connection Podcast with Laurie Christine! If you prefer to listen, rather than read this blog post, you can listen here: 

Do you want your kids to KNOW the Bible and GROW in their love for God & others? Do you want to prepare your kids to GO into the world as passionate followers of Jesus?  Then The Family Bible Connection is for you!  

Hi!  I’m your host, Laurie Christine. Through devotional resources, family routines, and Bible study, I will teach you how to create a Christ-centered culture in your home.  

IN THIS EPISODE…

In episode 001, we talked about WHY it’s important to spend time in God’s Word together as a family. 

In episode 002, we talked about WHAT it looks like to have family devotional time in your home, and we also talked about what to do if you feel like you’ve failed in this area. 

This episode is the first in a two-part series on HOW to engage your kids in family devotional times.  Using my background as a public-school elementary teacher, more than twelve years of experience as an elementary Bible teacher at my church, and ten years (so far) of Christian motherhood, I have created a collection of eight practical ways parents can help get their kids excited about reading the Bible and engage their family in devotions and Bible study.

HOW TO GET YOUR KIDS EXCITED ABOUT READING THE BIBLE

 

1. BE PASSIONATE

Teach your kids from the overflow of a full heart. If you’re not excited about reading and studying God’s Word, then they won’t be either. Show your kids that you are excited to read the Bible and learn about God with them.

Teach your kids from the overflow of a full heart.

This may seem basic, but reading with expression will make a huge difference in how well your children engage with the story. Nobody likes listening to a dry, monotone voice. Try using different voices for different characters! 

 

2. TAKE A PICTURE WALK

If your devotional book or Bible story has illustrations, a “picture walk” will help your kids prepare their minds to engage with the story.

Help your kids prepare their minds to engage with the story.

First, read the title and look at a few pictures. Ask your kids, “What do you think this story is about? Do you have a prediction about what might happen?”

 

3. CONNECT WITH PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

If your kids have grown up going to Sunday School, they may feel like they’ve “already heard” this Bible story and may not be interested in hearing it again. (Of course, you and I know that there are endless truths in the Bible to learn or apply to our lives). 

Help your kids identify what they already know.

Ask your kids, “What do we already know about this character or topic?” 

In a journal, ask your kids to draw or write everything they know about this particular story. Then at the end,