I have found these resources helpful while teaching my daughters the Bible. Many of these I have used both at home and when teaching children in the local Church.
1."My Goodnight Book", written by Juanita Raybourne and illustrated by Grace Schmidt.
What I like: This is a sweet gentle book to read at bedtime. I always love reading with my girls the Bible verses throughout the book as we prepare for bedtime.
I love listening to scripture songs with my girls. It is such a fun way to get the whole family thinking and talking about God's Word.
"but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of
water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers." Psalm 1:3-4 ESV
Bible verses put to music give us a chance to meditate on God's Word.
1. Sing short songs with motions. Short catchy songs with motions are great for toddlers. Songs like this include "The B-I-B-L-E", "It's Bubbling", "God Is Good To Me", "We've Got A Great Big Wonderful God". Motions are a great way to engage a toddler, even if they can't sing all the words to a song. You can also shorten a song, such as the chorus to "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms". Your toddlers can sit in your lap as you lean together.
I really enjoy teaching this verse, James 5:13, to my girls. There is great application to teach in everyday life. And as I endeavor to also pray and sing praise during my daily life, I grow with my daughters.
Theme Verse:“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.” James 5:13 ESV
Theme Verse: “Make a joyful noise to the LORD all the earth.” Psalms 98:4 Song: “Happy”-Psalm 144:15, from “Songs for Saplings ABC” by Dana Dirksen Happy are the people whose God is the Lord. Happy are the people whose God is the Lord. La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la, Psalm 144:15 Parent Preparation: Psalms 147:1, Psalms 98:4-6, Psalms 92:1-2, 1 Samuel 18:12-16, 1 Samuel 19:1, 1 Samuel 22:1-5, Psalms 63:7 Supplies: Bible, print out of notes
Day 1
Psalms is a book in the Bible. (show your child where it is in your Bible) “Psalms” means songs. Who do these songs praise? God! (Read theme verse.)
We don’t want to be silly when singing songs of praise, because we want to show God respect. But we can have fun being joyful and rejoicing.
(Read Psalms 92:1-2) What do you do in the morning? Can you sing songs to praise God? What do you do at night? Can you sing songs to praise God?
Day 2
(Have child repeat theme verse after you.)
(Read Psalm 63:7)
This is a Psalm written by David. He was was running away from Saul who wanted to hurt him.
David went to God for help and he sang and rejoiced because God took care of him.
Does God have wings? No. But like a mother bird protecting her chicks, God takes care of us.
We can sing praise to God even when we need help.
Day 3
(Have child repeat theme verse after you.) This verse is about making a joyful noise to the LORD Jehovah. We are making a joyful noise to God.
(Read Psalms 98:5-6)
David played a harp. What are other instruments that you have seen people play when singing praise to God?
What are instruments you can play when singing praise to God?
(Sing a song together and play a shaker or a drum.)
Additional Activities:
Make a scroll together. Explain that different men wrote these Psalms down as God told them what to write. David and Asaph were some of the men that wrote Psalms in the Bible. They would be written down on a scroll.
Additional songs to sing: “Little David Play On Your Harp”, “Praise Him in the Morning”, “Praise Him All You Little Children”
Our family has so much fun singing Bible songs together! With these teachings we had such a great time talking about God's power with parting the Red Sea, and praising God together with songs.
Theme Verse: “The LORD is my strength and my song” Exodus 15:2 “Strength” flex arms, “Song” - cup hands around mouth
Theme Verse: “Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God” Acts 16:25 ESV
Song: Praise Him Praise Him, praise Him Praise Him in the morning, praise Him at noontime Praise Him, praise Him Praise Him when the sun goes down. Here is a video of some motions.
One day while riding in the car, I thought about my recent reading of Titus chapter 2. I turned my husband Luke and said "Titus 2:13 talks about a "happy hope", that would be great for kids to sing about." This song is the product of that car ride. "Happy Hope" is a simple children's song. What I love about simple children's songs is that once you know them, they can be sung anywhere. It is so great to be in the middle of an activity with my child and to burst into singing praise to God together.
We've included the sheet music and the guitar chords for the song. Simple songs like this are great for children learning to play the guitar, piano or recorder. They are also great for parents wanting learn or dust off music skills, while the family praises God together.
Happy Hope*
I've a happy hope to look for. (hand above eyes looking out) D A I've a happy hope in Christ. (3 claps) A D When the trumpet sounds I'll see him. (pretend to play trumpet) D A So I'll glorify God in my life. (3 claps) A D *The song can be swung as heard in the video above.
This song is shared with the intent for use in the home and in the local Church.
"Moreover, the grace of God that brings salvation [deliverance] has appeared to all people, educating us that we should deny ungodliness and worldly cravings and live soberly and justly and godly in this present age, looking for the happy hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and of our Savior Jesus Christ." Titus 2:11-13Working Translation: A Journey Through the Acts and Epistles
