When I first begin a study of the Bible, I always help the children understand that the Bible is useless to them unless they know how to use it. Before discussing that concept with children, I do an activity that demonstrates the idea.
During class the children will experience confusion and uncertainty about what they don't know. They also get to demonstrate what they do already know. DURING the activity, I NEVER make application to the Bible. That comes later in the lesson.
Children learn new information only as it relates to what they already know. Children crawl before they walk and walk before they run. They must add before they can multiply and multiply before they divide.
Display various objects you may have lying around your house. Pick things children may know how to use and other things they may NOT know how to use. Here are items I used recently.
- Egg separator
- Apple corer/slicer
- A level used in construction to keep things level or plumb
- Crochet hook
- Measuring tape
- Rotary cutter used for quilting
- Potato peeler
- Stud finder
- Allen wrench
WHAT TO DO
Let children look at the objects displayed.
Ask individual children to choose one item and explain to the class what it is and how to use it if they can.
Call attention to the remaining objects that no one can figure out. Ask them if that object would be useful to them. The answer will be no, because they have no idea what it is or much less HOW to use it.
Demonstrate that object for the class explaining what it is and what it is for. Then ask again if THEY could use it now that they understand that.
At the end of the activity, I like to let the children experiment with the egg separator which removes the yolk from the white of the egg. They may know what it is and what it is for but it can take practice to get it right.
NOW is the time to make the application to the Bible.
- Is the Bible useful to us if we don't know what it is?
- Is the Bible useful to us if we don't know how to use it?
Begin introducing Bible facts to the children. Use lots of visual aids as you teach the facts. I always begin with a Bible library explaining that the Bible looks like one book. It is really a library of books.
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This is a library of Bible books I always have on display in the classroom. We constantly refer to this library as we sing the Bible book songs.
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This photo above is an interactive bulletin board.
The Bible is black poster board.
Each Bible fact is laminated card stock attached with Velcro.
Children must match the facts.
They enjoy this because they can stand up rather than be stuck in a desk.
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Old Testament Books - 39
New Testament Books - 27
All Bible Books - 66
Bible Writers - 40
Years to write - 1,500
Middle Book - Psalms
Longest Chapter - Psalm 119
Shortest Chapter - Psalm 117
Shortest Verse - John 11:35
Learning facts does NOT have to be boring. Use your imagination and have fun with the children.
