Are you convinced that what is best for your child is to know God, understand the Gospel, and be taught to follow His good commands and example? Our hope is that in time our children will be meditating upon God�s word for themselves. So, we take a few minutes every day to have some Bible input. This time is more than just teaching them precious truths, but also equipping them to read and interpret the Word for themselves. Very importantly we want this time to be fun for us all.
In our home, we call this time �family devotions�. This takes about 5-10 minutes and we normally try to do it all together at breakfast time. We have found that thinking about resources to use ahead of time serves our family well. Below are some of the resources we have found useful for our family (note: our eldest Child is almost 7).
Jesus Storybook Bible (ages 2-10): From the time our eldest would sit still we have read them this book. When going through this we simply read a story each day and talk it through in an age-appropriate way.
The Jesus Story (ages 2-8): Over 10 weeks, this resource will take you through the major events in the Bible. You may find this a good place to start because it comes with a helpful guide. Instructions on how to do the activities are also included.
Shorter Catechism (ages 4-12): As a church, we adopt the Westminster Standards. Hence, the is a very helpful resource for us. Our family has found Big Truths for little kids to be very practical and engaging as it combines the catechism teaching with some associated stories. However, you could consider just working your way through the catechism.
Family values (all ages): Our values are the things which are important to us as a family and are rooted in what God calls his people to. We spend a week on each value. I�d certainly encourage you to consider thinking and praying through your own values. In years to come, it is my prayer that our children will cherish these values.
Gospel of Mark (3 and up): I�d recommend you simply follow the sections in your Bible, much like most adults do in their daily devotions. Going through Mark in this way will take you roughly 8 weeks. (You can do this with any book, but a fast-moving narrative is helpful for younger children).
Esther (4 and up) : Don�t be afraid to do some Old Testament Narrative also. We also did with our 6 and 4 year olds which they loved. Especially because the resource our church used included some comics!
Resurrection Eggs (2-10): We use these every Easter. We simply start them 12 days out and they take us through the final hours of Jesus life.
Jesse tree (2-10): Similarly, at Christmas there are heaps of wonderful advent resources you can use. Because we plan to do this every year, we�ve made some activities which the kids love and which are repeatable. One is a Jesse tree which gets its name from Isaiah 11:1, �There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.�
Mission Month Booklet (3 and up): Each year our church spends a month considering the privilege and responsibility we have a sharing the Gospel locally and globally. The church produces a booklet with devotions and prayers for what God is doing through our church body throughout the world. Having a month where we focus on God�s call to make disciples of all nations is something we think helps build in our children a heart for the nations. I can�t share this booklet online, but please contact me for a hard copy.
Christian Heroes now and then: We�re intending to get our eldest child reading some missionary biographies from this series. Ask me what we think of these in a month or two!
A year of devotions for kids aged 5 and 3
(This plan has a few spare weeks � to give you some breathing space)
- The Jesus Story – 10 weeks
- Easter (Resurrection Eggs) � 2 Weeks
- Gospel of Mark � 8 weeks
- Big Truths for little kids � 6 weeks
- Esther � 4 weeks
- Mission Month � 4 weeks
- Family Values � 10 weeks
- Christmas (Jesse Tree) – 4 weeks
