5 Ways to Teach the Bible to Toddlers
A few weeks ago, I shared the article, “How Not to Teach Your Kids the Bible,” on my Facebook page. While it was helpful for some, it left others asking how teaching the Bible should look for toddlers who can neither read nor sit still for long.
While I don’t have children, I am the oldest of *put down your hot drinks so you don’t spit them out in shock* TEN children. Because of this, I grew up watching my mom implement several of these ideas with my younger siblings and using them myself to help teach the Bible to my siblings, nieces, and nephews.
Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links. See my sidebar for my full disclosure.
Here are 5 ways to teach the Bible to toddlers:
1. Read Aloud
Read the Bible together. Even if it is just a few verses, try to develop the habit of reading at breakfast or before bed. There are many options for wonderful children’s Bibles that keep the heart of the message of the Gospel but don’t be afraid to simply read them the actual Word of God. Children are capable of much more than we give them credit for! You might need to scale your expectations and start by reading simply a verse or two at first, but take time to read the Bible, even when they’re young. Crack open the Scriptures and read through a few verses together. Ask them what they think it means and guide them towards the truth.
2. Pray with Them
Praying aloud with your children from a Biblical perspective (not implying simple moralism, prosperity gospel, etc.) is another way to slowly demonstrate a proper understanding of the Bible to them. If you’re not sure where to begin, pray Scripture over them and together. Read through the Beatitudes praying, “Blessed are the pure in heart. Lord, give us pure hearts. Blessed are the merciful, Lord, open our eyes to opportunities to show your mercy to others.”
Read through the Lord’s prayer and memorize it together. It may seem daunting but if you make a habit of praying it together at the same time (before dinner, bed, in the car, etc.), it’s amazing how quickly they will learn it.
3. Use Music
Start teaching your kids through music. Songs that teach scripture memory stick in their minds forever. Hide Em In Your Heart by Steve Green still regularly runs through my mind because my mom played it constantly when I was little! The New City Catechism songs are not Scripture but also have big truths scaled down for little hearts.
4. Check Out Tiny Theologians
Tiny Theologians designs amazing tools geared to little ones. Specifically, they have tools to help kids memorize concepts that might be too big for them to understand now, but will stick with them forever. This helps give them the vocabulary to understand when they are older and hides truths in their heart that they can recollect later.
5. Read Catechesis Books
These books are FULL of scripture and writing from Church fathers but are designed to be counting primers, animal primers, opposite primers, etc. They are a great way to include the Bible in things you are already trying to teach toddlers.
I hope this helps equip and encourage you as you help your children hide the truth of God’s Word into their hearts from a young age! May the Lord bless your efforts and multiply them as He did the fishes and loaves and may your children never forsake the God of their youth.
You might also enjoy:
Teaching Kids To Pray: A Catholic Perspective
Teaching Kids To Pray: Common Catholic Prayers
The Comments
Albany Chanel
Bailey, Thank you for sharing how we can teach the bible to our toddlers. I know when I grew up, music played a very important role in how I learned about Christ and how I was able to retain His teachings from a child’s point of view. These are great tips that I can utilize when I’m with my 3-year-old niece and one-year-old nephew.
Bailey
Albany ChanelIt was just an important part of my upbringing as well. I’m so grateful that I still have those songs stuck in my head!
kage2015
Books were and I think always will be the best way to teach kids. Especially at this age.
Bailey
kage2015They are so wonderful. Stories always stick with us.
Mandy
This is great! I have often assumed my kids weren’t ready for learning some Biblical lessons only to realize later that they understand much more than I give them credit for. Thank you for these tips, I’ll be trying them with my youngest.
Bailey
MandyIt’s amazing how much their little minds can hold!
21flavorsofsplendor
So many great resources. Even though my girls are now older, reading God’s Word aloud every night is still important to us.
Bailey
21flavorsofsplendorIt’s a blessing that will never return void!
Tinashe
This is super helpful. I never thought of actually reading the Bible out loud to my 4 year old, will definitely start. And you’ve opened my eyes to a great resource which l will definitely be checking out Tiny Theologians. God bless you!
Bailey
TinasheI’m so glad, Tinashe! Tiny Theologians is SO neat!
bradley9
All of these are great ideas! Teaching them while they’re young is awesome!
Bailey
bradley9It’s so important that you plant seeds when they’re young!
Kristin's Peppermints and Cherries
My family has been reading through the Bible chronologically this year. I have young children, but it is amazing the little things they pick up on in our reading. I’m a music teacher, so music is huge part of our home. Miss Pattycake is an excellent resource for children in teaching songs and Bible principles. She also has a beautiful lullaby cd.
Bailey
Kristin’s Peppermints and CherriesI’ve never heard of Miss Pattycake! Will definitely check her out!
Kristin Cook
I’ve seen Tiny Theologians on Instagram, but I haven’t really checked them out before. I need to so that I can share it with my past nanny families!
Bailey
Kristin CookTiny Theologians is ADORABLE! I love their focus.
tweilbacher714
Yes! The key here is to do it out loud!! I have prayed and read the Bible AROUND my boys ever since they were born, but only in the last year did I realize I needed to be doing those things out loud so they could learn to follow suit. It’s part of our daily routine now, and I pray that they will learn to love the Lord and seek after Him every day.
Bailey
tweilbacher714That’s such a good point! Even just opening up with what you’re currently doing by reading, praying, etc. aloud makes a big difference.
Diana
I started teaching my children how to read anything by first writing down memory verses on paper and then hanging them on the wall. I love your #1 and #2 tips.
Bailey
DianaThanks, Diana!