Research has shown the impact of reading with your child starting in infancy. The benefits go far beyond language development and include social, emotional, and character development. Experts point out that the practice of reading to your child daily also builds strong parent-child bonds. Including God’s Word and Christian books in this time together provides priceless benefit as you and your children “spend time with God and one another” (Matthew 18:20).

St. Peter loves supporting families as they introduce their children to God’s Word. We have Jesus Storybook Bibles available in our worship spaces, simple board and picture books in the worship bags, and a variety of bibles, books, and devotionals for parents and kids to peruse in our Living Room. Each Bible offers different things to develop understanding from simplified vocabulary for emerging readers to discussion questions and prayers as your understanding deepens. Feel free to check them out or ask us for recommendations. Here are a few tips and tricks to introduce bible stories to your kiddos.

 Reading to Your Child:

• Find a comfortable place to read, such as a cozy chair with enough room for your child to sit on your lap, or with your child tucked in bed and you sitting alongside.

• Make sure the lighting is bright enough to read and see the art clearly.

• As you read, vary your voice to emphasize important words and to add excitement for your child.

• Point out the artwork. As your child becomes more familiar with each Bible account, encourage them to point out specific elements in the picture that relate to the story.

• If you are reading as part of your child’s bedtime routine, close with a familiar bedtime prayer or by simply thanking God for the story you read and the time spent together.

• Over time, your child will develop favorite Bible stories. Alternate between reading the next Bible story in order and asking your child to pick.

 Reading with Your Child:

• Continue to find a comfortable, well-lit place to read together with your child.

• As your child’s reading ability and language skills grow, encourage them to read all or part of the Bible account.

• Young readers can be slow; allow time for them to recognize sight words and to sound out words they may not know. Provide assistance only as needed or requested.

• Use the art images to help reinforce the vocabulary used in the Bible story.

• Check for understanding by asking a few questions about the story.

• Help your child apply the Bible account to everyday life in a practical way.

The Bible can provide daily opportunities for you and your children to study God’s Word together. As you work through the Bible accounts, you each can grow in your understanding of the Word and the language of faith.