Hey friends! Have you noticed that when you listen to podcasts, you start to pick up the phrases of your favorite podcasters? A few months I found myself opening yet another blog post with echoes of Christy Wright, and when I typed “hey friends!” just now, I was hearing the voice of Kathi Lipp from The Communicator Academy in my head. Too funny. But neither Christy nor Kathi wrote today’s guest post! Dr. Ifeoma Samuel writes the Personal & Meaningful blog. Isn’t that the kind of life you want to have? I sure do! Today, Ifeoma is sharing with us about teaching your kids Bible study habits that can change their lives forever.
How to teach your kids Bible study at realworldbiblestudy.com
How To Help Your Kids Develop Personal Bible Study Habits
I have some children who spend time with us for tutorials and Bible Study. Over time I have watched them wait eagerly to start off Bible Study plans and share what they learnt. This has helped shaped my approach to children’s Bible Study. I will like to share some ideas that has helped my daughter and vacation students grow.
Start with a study plan.
Depending on your child’s age you may go for Topical Bible Study. Memory Verses weekly alongside a focused topic work well. If your child can read and write, journal pages would work well with your study plans.
I’ve put together a free Bible study plan and journal for kids; you can download yours below for free (*no sign ups required*).
Kids Bible Study Habits Start When You Study Together
Independent study takes off gently when your children watch and learn from you. I found it easy studying Good Morning Girls Bible Study with my daughter. It is a chapter a day Book study. I let her read the verses out loud and at other times we take turns reading out loud. I also spend time offering explanations to some verses.
(Joy says: Don’t think you know enough about the Bible to explain things to your kids? Think again. When you don’t know something, look it up! Grab a good study Bible or ask your pastor or a friend! It’s important for your kids to see your progress, and to see what you do when you don’t understand. They don’t need to think that Mom and Dad know all the answers; they need to learn how to search out those answers!)
Studying along is a powerful way to teach children about God’s Word.
Allow for Independence with your Kids’ Bible Study
Now my daughter does her own study plan but with some occasional nudges. She takes on her chapter by chapter study on either Psalms or Proverbs which are easier to memorise and understand.
Reading out loud helps.
If your child is easily distracted try make him/her read out loud. It keeps their eyes and minds on the same page.
Be Intentional and consistent with the goal in mind.
Consistency helps build routines and habits. Be clear about your child’s Bible Study Plan, purpose and style. Follow it patiently. Head up! There will be some days of down times and burnouts. Give you and your child grace and start again the next day.
Create a routine and clearly discuss this with your child.
Let them know what is expected and why it is great to dig into the Bible.
For instance, whenever my daughter is done I ask two or three specific questions. She expects my questions.
- What is God saying?
- What did you learn today?
- What is your responsibility?
This way you are both tracking what your child is learning because she is going to share it with mamma or daddy.
Allow questions no matter how funny they are.
The heart of a child wonders and wanders to far places. It may surprise you what they are learning and how they relate what they have learnt to events around them.
Keep in mind all children are not the same and it is never too late to start your children on Bible Study habits.
As you continue to try out these suggestions you will discover more ways to help each of your children find their rhythm and go on to independent study.
About Ifeoma Samuel
About Ifeoma SamuelIfeoma Samuel is wife to sweetheart, Obi, and mom to one busy girl. The Purposeful and Meaningful blog serves as an encouraging community for women just like you. Whether you have gone through the jagged edges of life or are struggling to find hope, or you are navigating through motherhood and marriage, sister, you are not alone.
Through deep Bible Study, inspiring devotionals and of course prayers we encourage each other. It is incredible how God uses ordinary everyday life experiences to teach us about His immense love for us and draw us closer to Him. You can learn more about the Purposeful and Meaningful community at purposefulandmeaningful.com.
Thank you for giving the opportunity to write for your audience.
God Bless Joy.