Research on early literacy has shown that sharing books with children is a key to literacy. Reading books and telling stories are also keys to faith. Our Christian faith is centered in the stories from the Bible that tell us about God’s saving work culminating in the death and resurrection of Jesus. These stories speak to all Christians, even very young children. And so we tell them stories about Baby Jesus, Daniel in the lions’ den, and Noah’s Ark.

As little ones become more verbal, they learn one of the most useful words for developing early literacy: “Again!” We quickly learn their favorite books when we hear that word exclaimed at the last page. May your little one say “Again!” as you read Bible stories to them. The telling and telling and telling helps them remember and live in the stories with their minds, bodies, and souls. May it be the same for us!

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. –Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Ready to start reading Bible stories with your little one? Try the Frolic First Bible, a board book Bible for very young children that tells twenty of the Bible’s most well-known stories in language that even the littlest can understand.

Originally Published 2/9/2017