Using the Bible with Preschoolers

The Bible commands us to teach Scripture to our children. Deuteronomy 6:4-7 reminds us that not only are we to teach our kids Scripture, but, we are to remember that kids are just like sponges that soak up all that is around them … both the good and the bad. They are learning every waking moment of the day. And, God’s desire is that many of those moments include experiences of kids seeing and hearing their leaders/teachers/parents reading from the Bible and treating the Bible with respect.

Unfortunately, in many preschool classrooms, the Bible is placed on a very high shelf so that no child could possibly reach it, touch it or interact with it. Why? Often the reason given is to “protect” it and “take good care of” it. Sadly, this approach does nothing to influence preschoolers positively about using the Bible. So, what would be some great reminders about how to use the Bible effectively with preschoolers?

• The Bible should be visible and accessible. Consider placing a Bible in every learning center, activity location in the room. This way as teachers interact with preschoolers they will be reminded to share Bible phrases and parts of the week’s Bible story with the kids.

• Teachers should use Bible story conversation as it relates to what a child is doing and experiencing.

• The Bible can be used any time it gives meaning to an activity and a child shows interest.

• Bibles can be placed in cribs to remind teachers to talk about the Bible with a child while changing a diaper.

• For crawlers and toddlers, Bibles can be “hidden” under blankets and toys for children to discover.

God’s plan has always been and will always be for preschoolers to learn from the Bible through the significant adults in their lives. The Bible can become a very treasured book as preschoolers observe the adults in their lives using the Bible and talking about it as a part of everyday life.

Jerry Vogel serves as a Childhood Ministry Specialist in Lifeway Church Resources. He is married to Janie and has four children and twelve grand kids. Jerry is a member of Brentwood Baptist Church and teaches preschoolers there. He is committed to enriching the lives of those who teach kids as well as making eternal investments in the lives of children.