Deciding Your Bible Play Strategy

The term "Discipleship" and "Bible Study" can sound really intimidating! Especially if you are a new mom or a new disciple yourself! At Little Bible Box, we call it "Bible Play". Why? Because PLAY is how our children learn BEST! It is a realm where they are most at ease, least intimidated and therefore they are at their best mental state to learn.

 

Examples of Re-Enactments/Role Playing/Small World Play

We would always encourage emerging bible learners to start with these forms of play as they provide greater parent-child engagement, pique interest, while leaving much room for guidance. As the Word of God is not given for private interpretation, we want to make sure that what our children is learning is grounded in the teachings of the Bible and not their imaginations. 

Re-Enactments allow children to process, tell and re-tell the bible story according to their understanding and perspective. If parents would pause to observe it is a good opportunity to pick out any misconceptions or to provide your child with positive reinforcements. 

 

An Example of an "Invitation to Play" Set Up

In a world that lauds "Open Ended Play" (which I do very frequently with my children too), Bible Play is always partially guided. Why? The Word of God is a "lamp unto my feet, light unto my path", in similar fashion, the Word of God should also illuminate their play. 

In the beginning, your child would need to be taught. Once they progress in understanding, we can prompt them through "Invitations to Play". "Invitations to Play" are guided prompts that directs our children to process and interact with the material leading to a desired learning outcome. (Do note: Bible Play differs from the Reggio concept that allows complete and total self-directed play.) You can read more about creating "Invitations to Play" by clicking on the embedded link. 

In Little Bible Box, we create an element of free-play (see the Eden Felt PlayBox below, we allow children to create an Eden of their own imagination) while ensuring that important doctrinal teachings remain rooted in the Word of God. 

   

 

We hope that this article has helped you! Click Here for more Tips for Successful Bible Play!