Encouraging our children to develop a love and passion for the Bible is important for a lot of parents. It’s not merely a book but a lifelong source of wisdom that can guide you through the best and worst of times. That said, finding the right Bible for children can be difficult; what translation should they have, should it have annotations and study excerpts, should they have one when they’re little and graduate to another version when they get into their teens? All questions I’ve had to ask myself as a new parent. So in this article, we’ll go over some of the most popular Bibles and translations for children as well as some tips to keep them engaged.
7 Ways to Select the Best Bibles for Your Children
Cultivating a passion for reading into your child’s heart is no easy feat, but it is very rewarding. When your young one starts to read, they are beginning an exciting journey. With all the different types of Bibles out there — how do you know which is the good one? It can be hard to choose because there are so many choices. Here are some ideas from experts as well as people like you who have kids. They hope these ideas will help you get a Bible that your child will love:
1. Choose a Bible Carefully
Opt for the bible that your child would love to delve into diverse realms and experiences while retaining a sense of familiarity, enabling them to identify with the characters. Your child will remain engaged and eager to conclude if the words and messages possess relatable aspirations and dreams.
2. Consider your Child’s Age and Reading Proficiency
This understanding of their reading and comprehension skills according to their age will aid in selecting a Bible or storybook that aligns with their capacity to enjoy and grasp. Full-text Bibles encompass all 66 books of the Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, typically arranged from Genesis through Revelation. On the other hand, Storybook Bibles cater to children aged four to eight and feature vibrant illustrations. They serve as a valuable supplement to acquaint young ones with fundamental Bible stories and themes. Nevertheless, it’s essential to acknowledge that storybooks cannot replace the significance of engaging directly with God’s Word and reading it to our children.
3. Stay Attentive
Observe your child’s engagement with Bibles. Do they quietly enjoy flipping through the Bible, or are they energetic explorers who listen while needing to keep moving? Having both types of children prompts me to tailor my approach to presenting books differently for each. I might leave a collection of new library Bibles for my tranquil reader while considering audio books or read-aloud experiences for my other child.
4. Find an Easy-to-Read Version
Discover a Bible that is appropriately challenging for your child’s reading level. Employ the Five Finger Rule when your child reads independently. If a Bible contains several challenging words, read it with your child. Introducing children to more sophisticated language within context is beneficial. However, if the language and concepts surpass their comprehension level and hinder their enjoyment, opt for a simpler version to prevent discouraging them from reading altogether.
5. Evaluate the Uses
Consider the purpose behind your child’s use of the Bible. With full-text Bibles, numerous options abound. Understanding your child’s intended use, whether for personal devotion, following along in church, or for Bible studies, facilitates selecting a Bible with features tailored to their requirements. A gender-specific devotional Bible could be suitable, while for church use, opting for the NIV version might be preferable for personal devotions.
6. Share Your Childhood Stories
If you still have your childhood reading bible, read them together. Alternatively, if you’ve parted with them, explore online options to check if your local library or bookstore still stocks those bibles. Don’t feel discouraged if your children don’t exhibit the same enthusiasm for these books that once captivated you. It could mean they haven’t yet reached the same level of interest.
7. Take Help from Teachers
Engage in conversation with your child’s teacher. They possess extensive knowledge of bible reading. They can help you with the perfect version students in their classroom love to read. Classroom teachers and school reading specialists serve as invaluable sources of guidance and information!
Conclusion
After selecting and obtaining a Bible for your kid, find time to make them familiar with what it contains and how it is structured. It is a good idea to read interesting stories from the Bible that they will enjoy or understand easily, as well as use their new Bible for daily devotions. Getting into the habit of reading the Bible is important early in life, and having their own easy-to-read version will encourage this.
Article by Born Realist