7 Ways to Lead Small Children to God
1. Read age appropriate children’s Bibles.
One of the easiest ways to begin teaching young children the Bible is to read children’s Bibles that match their age and level of understanding. A toddler does not need the same level of detail as a ten-year-old, and that is okay. Start with simple Bible storybooks that introduce creation, sin, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, the cross, and the resurrection in a way they can follow. Then, as your child grows, keep maturing the books with them. Move from very simple story Bibles to more detailed children’s Bibles, then to reading actual Scripture together. The goal is not to keep Bible teaching childish forever, but to give them truth in a form they can understand now and build on later.
2. Read Scripture out loud while they play.
Young children do not always need to sit perfectly still in order to benefit from hearing Scripture. Sometimes one of the simplest ways to fill your home with God’s Word is to read the Bible out loud while they play, color, build blocks, or eat a snack. They may look like they are not listening, but little children often absorb far more than we realize. This also teaches them that Scripture is a normal part of family life, not something reserved only for church or formal school time. You can start with short passages from the Psalms, Proverbs, the Gospels, or Bible stories from Genesis and Exodus. The goal is not to force a long lesson every time, but to let them regularly hear the words of Scripture in your home.
3. Let them see you reading the Bible
One of the most powerful ways to teach young children the Bible is to let them see that God’s Word matters to you. Children notice what we make time for. When they see you reading your Bible, taking notes, praying, or talking about what you are learning, they begin to understand that Scripture is not just something children are told to learn — it is something Christians live by. You do not have to make it look perfect or impressive. Let them see you open your Bible in the morning, keep it nearby during the day, or return to it when you need wisdom and encouragement. Over time, this teaches them that Bible reading is a normal and important part of walking with God.
4. Teach them children’s catechisms
Children’s catechisms are a simple way to teach young children the basic truths of the Christian faith. A catechism uses short questions and answers to help children memorize doctrine before they are old enough to fully explain it. For example, they can learn truths like who made them, what sin is, who Jesus is, and why we need a Savior. This gives them a foundation of biblical categories that will grow deeper as they mature. You do not have to make it complicated. Practice one or two questions at a time during breakfast, in the car, before bed, or during family worship. Little by little, those repeated truths help shape the way your child thinks about God, themselves, sin, salvation, and the world.
In our home, we use The Illustrated Catechism for Boys and Girls from Founders Press, and it has been a helpful way to introduce basic truths in a simple question-and-answer format. You do not have to use the exact same one, but I do recommend choosing a children’s catechism that is biblical, clear, and easy to practice regularly.
5. Sing Scripture and Bible songs
Young children often memorize songs before they can sit still for a full Bible lesson. Singing Scripture, Psalms, hymns, catechism songs, and simple Bible songs is a wonderful way to plant truth in their hearts. A child may not understand every word at first, but repeated songs give them language for who God is, what He has done, and how we respond to Him. You can play Scripture songs during breakfast, in the car, while cleaning, or before bed. Over time, those songs become truths they carry with them. The goal is not just to keep them entertained, but to help God’s Word become familiar, memorable, and loved.
6. Talk about God throughout the day
Teaching young children that God is our whole world, not just particular parts of our week or day, is important. Some of the best opportunities to talk about God come during normal daily life. When your child sees a sunset, talk about God as Creator. When they are scared, remind them that God is near and that we can pray to Him. When they disobey, talk about sin, forgiveness, and our need for Jesus. When something good happens, thank God out loud. These small conversations help your child understand that God is not separate from everyday life. He is Lord over all of it. The goal is to help your children see the world through biblical categories little by little, one ordinary moment at a time.
7. Connect correction, sin, and forgiveness to Jesus
One of the most natural times to teach young children biblical truth is when they need correction. Discipline is not only about getting them to stop a certain behavior. It is an opportunity to help them understand that sin comes from the heart, that sin separates us from God and hurts others, and that we need forgiveness. When your child lies, disobeys, hits, yells, or refuses to share, you can gently name the sin and point them back to Jesus. This does not have to be a long lecture. It can be as simple as, “That was disobedience. God tells children to obey their parents. We need to ask God to forgive us and help us obey.” Over time, this teaches children that the answer to sin is not pretending it did not happen or trying harder in their own strength. The answer is confession, forgiveness, and the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
It’s Easier to Teach the Bible When You Understand It Yourself
You do not have to understand every passage perfectly before you begin teaching your children the Bible. But the more you understand the big story of Scripture, the easier it becomes to explain God’s Word in simple, natural ways throughout the day.
When you understand how creation, sin, Israel, sacrifice, Jesus, and redemption all fit together, you are better equipped to answer questions, choose good resources, and help your children build a strong biblical foundation as they grow.
Bible 101 was created to help Christians understand the Bible as one complete story from Genesis to Revelation.
With clear, structured lessons you can complete at your own pace, Bible 101 helps you grow in confidence so you can keep teaching your children God’s Word one step at a time.
Start with a free class and begin understanding the Bible with confidence.
