A Fun and Simple Way to Read Through the Bible With Your Kids

I love idea sharing – especially when it comes to great ideas to do with our kids.

Last summer, my friend Brittney gave me this great idea that she saw on Instagram (I think). Pictured was a big book of drawings created by the kids of one family as they read through the whole Bible. Story by story, the kids illustrated a picture of what they learned. In the end, they had the complete story of the Bible in drawings.

How cool is that?!? I instantly loved the idea but decided to modify it a bit to fit the age and stage of my kids.
 
First, we found a Children’s Bible that contained a vast collection of stories from the Old and New Testament. The kids decorated the cover of their binder that would become their book, which they titled “The Bible Book”.

Besides knowing about the events of the Bible, we want our kids to learn how to apply the truth of God’s Word to their own lives. This requires them to think beyond the details of the story in order to make it personal.

To do this, they answer two questions, which my oldest leads and writes down:

1. What did you learn about God?
2. What did you learn about you?

Sometimes the application is easy. Sometimes it’s really difficult. But doing it together opens up some really great discussion as a family. When they’re stuck, we ask them open ended questions and encourage them to think outside the box.

After weeks of doing this, my kids are beginning to draw out a major theme of the Bible in their responses. All the way through Genesis, many of their responses have been the same: “God always keeps His promises.” and “We can trust God.”  And while they want to come up with something else because “we always say that”, I can’t help but smile. Only one book into God’s Word and they already see the faithfulness of God! His goodness is undeniable.

But whether they’re totally engaged and loving it or just getting through, seeds are being planted. Imperishable seeds that by the grace of God will reap an abundant harvest.

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seek for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth; It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11

This activity has easily become our favorite thing to do with our kids.
It’s an idea worth sharing!

What ideas do you have to share?