Seeking God with Jaime Wiebel

Finding Our Identity in the Heart of God.

Teaching Children the Bible & Sitting Among Friends #29

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I have small children and one thing I want for them is to know God’s Word and be able to hide it in their hearts. As a mom, I want to choose materials that aide in that process while remaining faithful to Biblical truth.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
Growing up, I went through an AWANA program at our church. Many verses that I know and rely on today pop up from those I have hidden deep in my heart.
Being a children’s director for several years, I had to choose curriculum and teach many lessons. Also, when choosing materials for my own family, I look for several key features.

Has the content or meaning been distorted in any way?

When reviewing children’s Bible storybooks or literature, I look for them to be as Biblically accurate to the actual Bible story as possible in a language that children can understand and relate to. 

Has a true story been changed to be too much like a fairytale ? 

My goal when reading my children stories from the Bible is for them to have a real or accurate view of the Bible. Although there are fabulous children’s materials out there that depict stories of the Bible, paying attention to details is always important.
As a teacher or parent, it is helpful to know the story to expand on facts and make certain truths are being told.

Can I correct any misleadings or are the pictures too impactful?

Children are being bombarded with information and visual images from every direction. It is key to emphasize the Bible as truth and clarify what is not real or a fairytale. It is also important to remember when using Bible storybooks or other literature, they are the author’s version of the story put in their own words. Clarity may be necessary. 
Pictures speak a thousand words, pay attention to the details.
When choosing materials that are Biblical based it is vital children know what is the Biblical truth from the story, what is the truth that can be applied to life, and what parts of the story are someone else’s thoughts.

Will my children be able to make better sense of the Bible?

Kids generalize information. It is often based on their limited experiences and knowledge. While some books make for great bedtime stories, mixing fiction with the Bible can leave a fine line or many gray areas.
I want my children to know the Word of God is true. If I put those truths into fiction without clarifying what is real and what is fiction, I am leaving them with differentiating information for themselves. I risk them thinking fiction stories are true or the Bible is a fairytale.  
When I am using literature that is not straight from the Bible to teach Bible lessons it must be for the purposes of making the story more understandable or making sense at their level.
Finally, I have been teaching children Bible lessons for many years. To be honest, kids can always handle more than we give them credit for.
I will give you an example. I was teaching a group of 4-year-olds and was telling the kids (I always give lots of “grown-up” information) the book of Luke was written by Luke and Luke was a doctor. Why would it be good to know that Luke was a doctor? Luke, from the first verses, told us how important it was for him to be accurate with his information. To tell the truth. There are many people that don’t believe the Bible is real but Luke is looked at by many historical scholars because he wrote his details so precise. They are trustworthy.
Kids should get that, right? Why not tell them anyway? Someday, God may bring it back to them. 
One little boy, I was telling this story to, was riding with his older brother and mom in the car and they were talking about church and the lessons and this little boy was telling his family that Luke was a doctor. His mother couldn’t believe he knew that and why he would know that.  I told her I like to give the kids lots of information.
They can take it. They are like little sponges. Teach them and teach them truth. God’s truth! Friends, they are going to need it.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

*What things do you look for in choosing children’s Bible based literature? Share with us below in the comments and share this post so your friends can join in the conversations.*

You can check my review of the ESV Family Devotional Bible here. We are loving this devotional at my house. All the devotions are actually contained within a full version of the Bible. That’s a bonus in my book!

Before you go, stop by my review and giveaway of Bible Belle’s. A series to help teach girls about the beauty within.

 *New To Sitting Among Friends* 
I am glad to call you, friend! Here is a badge you are welcome to post on your site!



I am going to be sharing a Featured Friend, weekly! I love that so many of you come and share with us every week and I would love to highlight your work! The friend that I have chosen this week is… 
Kelly from Raising Samuels.
Kelly is a homeschooling mom that shares her faith and love of family at Raising Samuels.  Every week we are encouraged through through updates, lesson ideas, and enriching materials. Thanks Kelly for joining us here.  

While you’re here, sit down with some of my friends.

WOW! I know Summer is busy so I thank you all for coming here and for the 97 Amazing posts. This party has been wonderful and it is thanks to you, friends, who link-up with us and those who stop by and read and SHARE! Thank you!

You all are amazing writers who share DIY’s, Recipes, Photos, Giveaways, Homeschool and Family and Faith. Many of you have amazing journeys of faith and I praise the Lord we are able to connect here! 

Friends are here to encourage and challenge us in our walk of life, so enjoy!

There are easy share buttons to your left or at the bottom of each post (mobile) and after you link-up. Thanks for sharing! 

Thanks! From all of us at  #SittingAmongFriends 

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Comments

  3. Karren Haller says

    Your message is right on and I love the new featured friend, Kelly is wonderful and one of our Hostess over at #OMHGWW.
    Thanks for hosting and stopping by this week to share your blog!
    I hope you have a wonderful week!

    Reply

  5. Raising Samuels says

    Thanks for featuring me as friend of the week, Jaime! It is much appreciated! I love the scripture and the message of your post today. It is so important that kids do get the truth from the Bible, and not the watered down fairy tale version. Awesome article, my friend! Hope you have a wonderful week and thanks for hosting 🙂

    Reply

  11. Pamela Blosser says

    My friend, I can't tell you how many times I prayed Proverbs 22:6 over myself. In fact I still do. Raising Godly children is our first calling as Christ-following women, but as we all know it's not easy. Thanks for these tips!

    Reply

  12. Horace@pleasingtothepotter.com says

    Oh how I loved Awana growing up Jaime. At that point in my life, I really enjoyed the games we played at the end but some of the scripture memorization has stayed with me over the years. Although I did not always "apply" those scriptures to my life. I really like your thought process regarding bible stories vs. fairy tales. I know my mother is always searching for quality material for her grandchildren. I will have to mention the Bible you recommend too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for hosting this blog party. Have a wonderful weekend and may God bless you and yours in all your endeavors!

    Reply

  14. Hazel Moon says

    I love the way you screen the children's material you use to teach. I agree that some of the cartoon type stories and videos seem more like a fairy tale than a Gospel true story.
    The bible club programs are great for children. We attended Good News clubs, and Vacation Bible School, as well as Sunday School every Sunday. Each morning my mother read to us from the Bible and we learned a verse for the week. God is good. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.

    Reply

  15. Lux G. says

    This is true. We should never underestimate the wisdom of children and their ability to understand the scripture. Best way to spend time with them too is by sharing God's words. 🙂

    Reply

  16. Lisa Ehrman says

    Great post and Blog Hop. I loved sharing Bible stories with my children, too. Whether it was Awana, S.S. or at home, they really do learn fast. Thanks for sharing your great post at Together on Tuesdays 🙂

    Reply

  17. Lori Schumaker says

    These are fantastic questions to ask when screening these materials, Jaime. With so many parents serving as homeschool parents as well, it is so wise to screen materials carefully before using them!
    blessings, friend!
    Lori

    Reply

  18. Melanie Redd says

    Hey Jaime,
    I found your post today on Moment of Hope!
    Great questions to consider when selecting Bible study materials for your kids! Love these ideas.
    Also, I signed up to be reminded about your link up. I'm going to try to start joining in.
    Thanks for being an encourager!
    Blessings to you~
    Melanie

    Reply

  19. Janis Cox says

    Jaime,
    I totally agree with you. We water down Christianity. We water down Christ. The Bible is your best resource. Wonderful suggestions. I hope my newest children's book teaches children to live in the Kingdom of God with their gifts and to rely on Him always. Prayer is an important part of my story.
    blessings,
    Janis

    Reply

  21. Karen Woodall says

    My kids are grown now, but I had the same concerns about children's Bible stories when mine were little. I really tried to keep strictly to the story and find books that had realistic looking pix rather than cartoons. It's hard enough to help children learn that the stories from the Bible are different from fairy tales without teaching showing them cartoonish pictures. Great advice and questions to keep in mind … maybe for the grandkids!! 🙂

    Reply

  23. The Forever Joyful Homeschool says

    Great guidelines. I love both the Jesus Story Bible and the Big Picture Story Bible because I think they are pretty faithful to the biblical meaning. I've never been a fan of Veggie Tales-type Bible stories because I want the kids to take the Bible seriously, and I think it's hard to take talking veggies seriously. (They have some great non-Biblical but moral stuff.) Thanks for sharing at the #LMMLinkup.

    Reply

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