11 Ways to Introduce the Bible to Preschoolers

Preschoolers can’t read, but they learn about the Bible from you – the adult.  Even though they can’t pick it up and read the words, don’t let that discourage you from introducing the Bible to preschoolers. This is the perfect time for them to learn that the Bible is a unique and special book. Here are some ideas to use with children that will help them understand the uniqueness of God’s Word.

Share That The Bible Is God’s Message

When introducing the Bible to preschoolers, explain that the Bible is God’s message to us and that’s why it is so important. God made sure everything we need to know is in His Word.

Explain that God “Talks” To Us In The Bible

Teach the children that God “talks” to us in the Bible. You can ask them – “How do we talk to God?” They can answer – “By praying.”  You can say – “How does God talk to us?” and they can answer – “Through the Bible!”

Explain That The Bible Has Two Main Parts

Teach them that there is an Old Testament and New Testament and help them find where the Old Testament stops and the New Testament begins. Each week you begin introducing the Bible to preschoolers, start the lesson by telling them whether you’ll be teaching from the Old or New Testament and have them find it.

Help Them Understand That The Bible Is A Special Book

Put a pile of books on the floor (favorite kid books and a Bible) and ask the kids which one of the books is different from the rest. Then talk about why the Bible is different.

Keep The Bible Open And Visible

Even though you might not be teaching directly from the Bible (reading the words), always keep it open to the passage you’re teaching from and visible to the children so they see that what they are learning is from Scripture.

Encourage The Children To Bring Their Own Bibles

Encourage the children to bring their Bibles to class (and make a big deal about it). “Borrow” one of their Bibles to teach your lesson. Not only do they love it when their Bible is chosen, but you are also teaching them that all Bibles have the same words — God’s words.

Show Them How to Find a Verse

When teaching a child a verse, look it up and show them where it is in the Bible. Even though they can’t read the Bible, they are learning that the words are from the Bible. Start with an easy one to find — Teach them Genesis 1:1 and show them how to find it in the Bible by opening to the first words in Genesis, the first book of the Bible. They will be proud that they can look up a verse by themselves!

Write Out A Verse and Use Simple Pictures

When teaching a verse – write it out on a piece of poster board and then add a colorful picture that illustrates the verse. For instance, write I will trust and not be afraid – Isaiah 12:2 on the poster board. Add pictures of situations in which the child might be afraid so that the child connects the verse to a life situation.

Start To Teach Them The Books Of The Bible

Begin teaching them the books of the Bible through song or repetition. Many preschoolers have learned to recite the books before they could read, but do this in a fun way! Challenge older preschoolers to find a book of the Bible by showing them how to locate some of the bigger books, such as Psalms or Genesis.

Sing About The Bible

Teach them a song about the Bible. The old favorite is The B-I-B-L-E.  You could change “I stand alone on” to “I love to hear,” because little kids might not understand how you “stand” on the Bible. A lot of newer songs have also been written — do a quick search of music to add some to your playlist.

Thank God For The Bible

Include in your prayer time a moment to thank God for giving us the Bible. As the kids begin to see what an important book the Bible is and how to use it, they will feel more ready to engage with stories and verses from the Bible!