How does a dot-to-dot become a Bible learning tool? When does a maze lead to more than just a finish line? What can a hidden picture game reveal about a Bible story?
In an activity book (like Big Book of Amazing Bible Activities) based on biblical stories and truths, with a Bible verse on every page of games, puzzles, and coloring activities to support Bible learning, enhance Bible understanding, and encourage Bible memory.
10 Ways Parents and Teachers Can Use Bible-Based Activity Books and Children’s Ministry Activities to Help Children Learn the Bible
1. Add sensory experiences!
Tactile activities using coloring pencils, crayons, and markers help children improve fine motor skills while the experiential learning increases their Bible knowledge retention.
2. Go slooooow.
Avoiding overstimulation and frustration is key to creating a positive experience. Encourage children to try to complete only one or two pages at a time (depending on their ability).
3. Make it an audio experience!
As the child works on the puzzle or coloring activity, read the Bible verse out loud and encourage them to repeat it. Or read a related Bible story to them from a children’s Bible.
4. Read, review, repeat.
Beyond the Bible verse included on each page, read related verses or the ones around that verse for context. Review the meaning and talk about it together. Repeat the verse again at snack time or mealtime to help with retention.
5. Focus on application.
Talk about the ideas presented in the puzzles or in the related Bible stories. Ask your child: How do you see this in your world? What do you think that means? How might what this Bible story says affect your own choices?
6. Group work.
If working with a group, make sure each child has their own page to work on or challenge pairs of children to work together and talk about the story as a group.
7. Praise and encourage.
Talk about the things the children are doing, noticing, or learning and let them know you are happy with what you see. “Emily, you’ve circled a match! Good work!” “Brayden, I can see you are trying hard. That’s great!” “Hayley, I love what you said about how Jesus helps you!”
8. Be flexible.
If a child wants to skip pages or color the page differently or do something other than what the directions say, that’s okay. Use their natural interests and abilities as a launchpad for more learning. “I notice you love coloring all the animals. Let’s find some more Bible stories about animals.” “The things you are circling on this page are so interesting. What can you tell me about them?”
9. Show the significance.
If you give the activity a place of importance, kids will be more likely to feel that it is important. Hang up pages they’ve completed in a prominent place where everyone can see. When you walk by it, use it as a reminder to ask your child about the Bible story. “I love the color you used on this page. What was happening in that story, do you remember?”
10. Let them teach you.
As your child is doing activities, ask if you can try a page too. Let them guide you in how to do it. Or once a child has finished a page, ask them to tell you the story about it. What is going on in the picture?
Using activity books can be so fun for young learners, but they also provide a beautiful, screen-free option for kids to take time to learn new skills and information and to focus on God’s Word. And you may even find doing the activities helps you too!
12 Awesome Bible Games for Kids of All Ages
12 Awesome Bible Games for Kids of All Ages
12 Awesome Bible Games for Kids of All Ages
Activities for Your Children’s Ministry
- 10 No-Prep Activities for When Service Runs Long
- 10 Commandments Activities Free to Download
- Simple Noah’s Ark Crafts and Activities You Can Download for Free
- 13 Creative Bible Verse Memory Games and Activities for Kids
- Bible Verses for Kids: How Scripture Memorization Helps Kids Know and Love God
- 13+ Children’s Ministry Bible Games that Spark Joy
- How to Get the Most Out of Your Sunday School Games
