Teaching children to read and engage with the Bible can be a rewarding journey that nurtures their faith and builds a lifelong habit of seeking wisdom from Scripture. At Foundations, we believe that guiding kids to connect with God’s Word is both a privilege and a practical process. Here are three actionable application points to help your children learn to read the Bible with confidence and joy.

1. Start with Story-Based Reading
Kids are naturally drawn to stories, and the Bible is full of them! Begin by introducing your children to age-appropriate Bible stories that capture their imagination. Choose a children’s Bible or a simplified version like the Jesus Storybook Bible for younger kids, which highlights the narrative arc of Scripture pointing to Jesus.

• Practical Tip: Read one short story together each night, like David and Goliath or Jesus calming the storm. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think David was feeling?” or “How would you feel if you saw Jesus do that?” This encourages engagement without overwhelming them. For older kids, transition to short passages from an easy-to-read translation like the New Living Translation (NLT).
• Why It Works: Stories make the Bible relatable and memorable, helping kids build familiarity with its characters and themes before diving into deeper study.

2. Make It Interactive and Fun
Reading the Bible doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Turn it into an interactive experience to spark curiosity and keep kids engaged. Use activities like acting out scenes, drawing what they read, or playing Bible-based games to reinforce learning.

• Practical Tip: Try a “Bible scavenger hunt” where you give your child a simple clue (e.g., “Find a verse about love in John”). Use a children’s Bible app with colorful visuals or audio narration for tech-savvy kids. For example, apps like YouVersion’s Bible App for Kids offer interactive stories and quizzes. Alternatively, set up a weekly “Bible craft” time where they draw or create something inspired by a verse, like Psalm 23:1 (“The Lord is my shepherd”).
• Why It Works: Interactive methods tap into kids’ creativity and energy, making Scripture feel alive and relevant rather than abstract or distant.

3. Model and Discuss Regular Bible Reading
Kids learn best by example, so let them see you reading the Bible regularly. Share what you’re learning in a way they can understand, and invite them to join you in small, manageable ways. Create a routine that fits your family, like reading a verse or two at breakfast or before bed.

• Practical Tip: Start with a short family devotional time, even 5–10 minutes, using a resource like The Gospel Project for Kids or a simple verse-of-the-day calendar. Pick a verse like Philippians 4:13 and talk about what it means in your daily life (e.g., “This verse helps me when I’m nervous about a big meeting”). Encourage your kids to share their thoughts or questions, even if they seem silly—it builds confidence in engaging with Scripture.
• Why It Works: When kids see you value the Bible, they’re more likely to see it as meaningful. Plus, discussing it together creates a safe space for questions and curiosity.

Final Thoughts
Helping your kids learn to read the Bible is about starting small, keeping it engaging, and showing them it’s a natural part of life. By focusing on stories, making it interactive, and modeling regular reading, you’re laying a foundation for them to grow in faith. At Foundations, we’re here to support you with resources and encouragement as you guide your children toward a deeper connection with God’s Word. What’s one step you’ll take this week to help your kids engage with the Bible?