Reading Scriptures with Young Children

by Tristi Pinkston | More from this Blogger

Yesterday, I posted a blog called "Choosing Your Battles at Scripture Time." In it, I talked about how it can be difficult to get children to pay attention to the scriptures, and that we want to make scripture time as positive as we can so that our children will want to read them by themselves later on. I also promised some tips for how to make scripture time less of a battle. This would be that promised blog.

1. Read scriptures while gathered around the dinner table. Most children take longer to eat than the adults do, and you can read to them while they are finishing up.

2. Read to them while they are splashing in the bathtub. They'll be delighted to play in the water longer, and you'll be coupling an activity that they love with the scripture reading, thereby making it a more positive experience right off the bat.

3. Give them paper and crayons and ask them to draw pictures of things they hear you say while you're reading. Not only does this keep them occupied, but it's interesting to see what they are "hearing" when you talk.

4. When you come to one of the traditional scripture stories, have your children act out the parts. You be the director and the prompter, and tell them where to stand and what to say.

5. Illustrate the story with flannel board figures, pictures from The Friend or Ensign, or draw stick figures. Anything that will help the child identify the scripture character as a real person is fabulous.

6. If your child is learning how to read, scan the upcoming verse for a word he can read. Ask him to read it when you get there, and congratulate them on reading the scriptures.

It can be difficult to read scriptures with young children. But keep in mind - we've been asked to do it, but we haven't been given a quota. If you can only get through a verse or two, but it's been a positive experience, that's the most important thing. Keep persevering - they won't be little forever. And then you'll be reading with teenagers - and that's a whole 'nuther ball of wax.

Related Blogs:

Creating the Quiet Teaching Moments in Your Home

Teaching Your Children to Recognize the Spirit

Liken the Scriptures

Learn more about Tristi Pinkston

I am a stay-at-home mom, author of eight published books, a freelance editor, and the mother of four incredible children. I enjoy scrapbooking, watching good movies, and taking naps.

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