How to Teach the Bible to Toddlers
Toddlers are a unique group of childen; they are not babies, but they're not quite preschool age either. Toddlers are a group whose needs are sometimes overlooked by churches. The church must put new emphasis on its young members. It is important to start teaching the Bible to these children in order to set a foundation for the lessons they will continue to learn as they grow physically and spiritually.
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Instructions
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Break up the teaching time into ten-minute segments. Toddlers do not have long attention spans, so you need to keep things moving and changing. Prepare what you are going to do in each segment. Select short stories and activities that teach simple Bible principles.
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Use short themes each week and help the toddler learn them. "Jesus loves me" and "God made everything" are two examples. Repeat these phrases with the toddlers and clap on each word. Use the phrase throughout each segment of the class time. Repetition is a great tool to use when teaching toddlers.
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Use movement when teaching a Bible theme. Toddlers have a lot of energy, so incorporate movements that relate to the lesson theme. For the phrase "God made everything," have the children point up when you say "God," rub their hands together like they're sculpting clay when you say "made" and raise their arms in the air when you say "everything."
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Use one or more puppets when telling a Bible story. Toddlers don't care, and may not even notice, that you are moving your mouth; they are focused on the puppets. Try to use a different voice for each character.
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Do creative activities. Use Bible story coloring pages that go with the theme of the day. Use washable crayons or markers, because toddlers do not stay in the lines or on the paper. Play a children's Bible songs CD or a Christian video such as Veggie Tales while the children are doing the activity. The music will have a calming effect; a video will occupy the attention of a child who is losing interest in the activity.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure you have every minute planned and you are well prepared to help avoid the problems that arise when children have nothing to do.
Have other workers available for times when a child need specific attention.
References
Resources
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