I’m continuing my theme on teaching Scripture this month. In my last blog, I emphasized helping children retain what they’ve learned. In this blog, I’ve written a short list of ways to creatively teach Bible verses for various age groups and maturity levels. You can scan quickly and use them this week because they are so easy to make or do. As teachers we know we need to study the “whys” and “hows” of teaching, but we also need to have a repertoire of practical methods handy to accomplish our learning goals. So here are a few ideas that I’ve listed below for you to consider. The first two are basic, but essential, as children need to “understand the meaning” and the “source” Scripture.
- Write out and illustrate the Bible verse with pictures or drawings. Help the children find and read the verse in the Bible; or read it out loud together from the board.
- Explain the meaning, underline key words, and discuss with the children.
- Use an example or object lesson to further explain the meaning of the verse.
- Choral reading: divide class in half and have each group say parts of the verse in unison.
- Have puppets or visiting “Bible characters” teach the memory verse.
- Make Bible verse puzzles. First print the verse in large letters on poster board. Draw puzzle lines and cut. Have the children assemble. This works well for preseason or game time.
- Use relay teams to put verse cards in order. Use 3×5 cards with glued on magnets and magnet boards, or a clothesline and clothespins for each team.
- Give out study cards of 5-10 review verses for children to study for a Bible quiz the next Sunday.
- Provide colored markers or crayons, and paper for children to make their own Bible verse poster. Display in your room, or have them take home and use for review.
- Hide words of the Bible verse in the room (under chairs, tables, etc.) Have children search for cards and put them in order using the Bible reference as a guide.
- Choose two or three children to do a pantomime or a review verse. The rest of the class tries to guess the verse. Have several verses selected in advance. Make sure these are verses you’ve studied recently.
- Make Bible verse murals. Roll out white shelving paper and have small groups of children work together at tables to write out a verse and decorate mural.
- Use actions, sign language and choreography to teach verses.
- Use music with banners and colorful scarves to help children learn and sing the Bible verses.
The ideas above are taken from my book, First Steps for Effective Teaching, available for purchase from this website.
God bless you as you help children grow in their faith!
Verda Rubottom
