Lexi Shipp: Lexi Shipp is a passionate writer, speaker, and Bible teacher. With a Bachelors in Religion and Masters in Human Services Counseling, both specified in Christian Ministry, Lexi loves serving alongside her husband doing Next Gen Ministry. Working with middle and high school girls for years, she has a heart for connecting all generations of women and championing the next generation for the cause of Christ – starting within her own home as a mom. Lexi serves as a regular LifeWay Girls blogger and the Communications Team Lead for the SBC of Virginia’s Women’s Ministry. To read more of Lexi’s writings or to book her as a speaker, connect with her on Instagram @alexisleeshipp.
Having a quiet time as a mom with little ones can seem like the biggest irony. Quiet and toddlers or preschoolers aren’t exactly words commonly affiliated with each other, unless you’re speaking on the lack of quiet. While we may not get peace and silence to ourselves every day when reading the Bible, we can seize the opportunity that naturally presents itself when our children are climbing all around us. What could cause irritation can become discipleship. Today, we want to share 3 practical steps for helping your young children engage with Scripture:
- Choose a memory verse to focus on and add hand motions.
Choosing one verse to focus on at a time brings mental space for focus. You can explain the verse to your child(ren) in different ways throughout the time frame that you focus on that verse. Memorize it one small piece at a time. Keep repeating. Try adding voice inflections for extra fun and help with memory. In addition, add hand motions! This makes it easier to remember and almost impossible to forget. - Let them see you reading the Bible and read it out loud to them as you study.
It is said so often regarding parenting, but most of the time, “more is caught than taught”. When your kids see you engaged and enjoying God’s Word, they will want to do so as well. As you welcome your day and your children in the morning, read your Scripture reading out loud. It’s not about understanding in this moment, it’s about exposure. - Have a children’s Bible that they are able to access easily and pull off of a shelf when they join you for your quiet time.
Reading Scripture both for what it is and in a broken day way that kids can better understand will help with the processing portion of reading Scripture.
