Monday, March 12, 2012

{Hope for the Home}: Teaching Through Play


Hi, everyone! I'm Amanda in case you didn't meet me last time (or in case you have slept since then)! I am so excited to be back with Erin and her series Hope for the Home today. I love this opportunity to focus on ways to bring hope and the love of Christ into our homes and families. What a great way to start the week!

As I reflected this week on what I should say, I kept going back to my own life right now. My son, Max, just turned 18 months old yesterday. Now, Max is all boy (as I'm sure many of you can relate) and at his age and activity level I have found myself struggling with ways to bring Christ into our everyday lives. Now, obviously prayer, singing songs, and even bringing Jesus up in regular conversation are so important at this age. You know, planting seeds, people!

However, trying to keep this kid still while I read him a Bible story (even a short one out of a board book) is not happening right now. Craft time? Try eat paper time. And that's okay!

So...what to do? Well, I'm no professional by any means, but I have found something that works for me. And I hope it does for you too! What do kids like to do at this age? PLAY! It's so simple!

Find ways to bring Jesus and stories from the Bible into your everyday playtime. There are so many ways you can do this! I challenge you to get creative as you play with your kids and plant the seeds of a love and knowledge of Christ that will take root and grow over a lifetime.
Max has a Fisher Price Noah's Ark that he just loves. When he pulls it out, I like to get on the ground with him, line the animals up two-by-two and tell him the story. No, it's not rocket science. But I know somewhere in that little brain of his, he's absorbing the story. And since I'm on the floor playing with him he's not wiggling to get away like he would if I was trying to read him the story. Now, you don't have to run out and buy all new toys to do this. Try using toys you already have to act out stories from the Bible.

Another option? Get creative or crafty! These little wooden pieces can be found at any craft store. They are less than $1 apiece...much cheaper if you wait for a sale or coupon. Add a craft stick or magnet to the back (make sure it's age appropriate...no choking!) and you have a fun little set for playtime. They are a great way to help toddlers understand the creation story and several others!


Take a few moments this week to think about simple, fast, cheap (and no stress!) ways to bring Bible teaching into your toddler's playtime. You may be surprised at how easy it is!

Oh, and if your little one is getting big enough to enjoy a little longer story time, I highly recommend this Bible...it's fantastic!


See you again soon, Amanda


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1 comment:

mrs.stinnett said...

love that! Also letting them play with playdough and have cookie cutters to match the story is a great way for them to play and listen.

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