In a world filled with diverse media and educational content, it’s essential for parents and educators to have access to high-quality Christian resources that help children grow in their faith. From books to curriculums to multimedia tools, there are numerous options available that can engage young minds and hearts with biblical teachings. This article reviews some of the best Christian educational resources designed to nurture children’s spiritual growth.
1. Books
The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones
One of the most beloved children’s Bibles, “The Jesus Storybook Bible” beautifully weaves the narrative of Jesus through both the Old and New Testaments. Each story points to Jesus, making it clear how every part of the Bible is interconnected. The engaging illustrations and simple yet profound storytelling make it a favorite for children and parents alike.
God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren
This touching story explores the themes of family, love, and the uniqueness of each child. Through gentle dialogue between a polar bear mother and her cub, children learn about God’s creation and His special plan for their lives. The book is beautifully illustrated and perfect for bedtime reading.
The Action Bible by Sergio Cariello
For older children, “The Action Bible” presents the Bible in a graphic novel format. Illustrated by renowned comic book artist Sergio Cariello, this book brings biblical stories to life with dynamic artwork and engaging storytelling. It’s an excellent resource for preteens and teens who enjoy visual and action-packed narratives.
2. Curriculums
Orange Kids Curriculum
The Orange Kids Curriculum is designed to help churches and families partner together to influence the faith of the next generation. It offers age-specific resources for preschoolers, elementary kids, and preteens. Each lesson includes engaging videos, activities, and discussion prompts that are easy to implement. The curriculum emphasizes relational learning and practical application of biblical truths.
Godly Play
Godly Play is a Montessori-based curriculum that helps children explore their faith through storytelling and creative play. The program uses simple, handcrafted materials to tell Bible stories, inviting children to wonder and reflect on the narratives. This approach encourages children to develop a personal and meaningful relationship with God.
Awana Clubs
Awana Clubs provide a structured curriculum that focuses on Bible memorization, understanding, and application. The program is divided into different age groups, each with its own set of handbooks and activities. Awana emphasizes discipleship and long-term spiritual growth, making it a popular choice for many churches.
3. Multimedia Resources
Superbook
Superbook is an animated series that brings Bible stories to life through the adventures of two children and their robot friend. Each episode transports viewers back in time to experience biblical events firsthand. The series is engaging and educational, making it a great tool for Sunday school classes and family viewing.
VeggieTales
VeggieTales is a classic animated series that uses humor and fun characters to teach biblical values and life lessons. Each episode features stories from the Bible or moral themes, all delivered in a way that is entertaining for children. VeggieTales also offers a range of songs and videos that reinforce the messages in a memorable way.
Bible App for Kids
The Bible App for Kids by YouVersion is an interactive app that allows children to explore the Bible through animated stories, games, and activities. The app is designed to make Bible learning fun and interactive, with touch-activated animations and engaging narration. It’s a fantastic resource for tech-savvy kids and parents looking to integrate faith learning with screen time.
Conclusion
Selecting the right educational resources for children can significantly impact their spiritual growth and understanding of the Bible. Books like “The Jesus Storybook Bible” and “The Action Bible” offer engaging narratives, while curriculums like Orange Kids and Godly Play provide structured learning experiences. Multimedia resources such as Superbook and the Bible App for Kids make biblical teachings accessible and fun. By incorporating these high-quality resources, parents and educators can help children develop a deep and lasting faith foundation.
