Wooden spoon Bible stories

wooden spoons with faces drawn on them for a story

Draw faces on wooden spoons and use them to tell Bible stories! We created these together, making a collection of men and women (and some other odd characters!). We tried out using a pyrography pen, but a) it was very VERY hot so I didn’t feel comfortable letting my 8 and 10 year olds use … Read more

Using loose parts to play Bible stories

I was recently looking at the Benedictus, otherwise known as the words Zechariah says on the birth of his son, John the Baptist in Luke 1:67-79. It’s a powerful passage, although not as well-known as Mary’s song a few verses earlier in the chapter. As I looked at it, I started to see connections with … Read more

Sand Art Response

sand art

I love having opportunities for an open-ended, self-chosen response to a Bible passage or story. It’s a great way to give each other space to develop our own relationship with God in line with the type of person he’s made us. How to do it You could do this at the park or beach, by … Read more

Review: You are very special

Title: You are very special By: Su Box and Susie Poole Price: £5.93 from Eden Published by: Lion Hudson Perfect for: birthday or baptism/dedication gift for unders 5s, especially those not regular at church  Best bit: joyful artwork, hardback book and the mirror at the back which you can actually see yourself in! Worst bit: … Read more

Review: Jesus and the Children

lost sheep book about Jesus and the children blessing

Title: Jesus and the Children By: Andrew McDonough Price: £6.99 Published by and available from: Sarah Grace / Malcolm Down Good for: children age 0 – 11 Best bit: Jesus affirming his love of children And the child who arrives on a skate board! Worst bit: My children love it too much! Especially the skateboard, and … Read more

Review: Jesus and the storm

Lost Sheep book of Jesus calms the storm

Title: Jesus and the storm By: Andrew McDonough Price: £6.99 Published by and available from: Sarah Grace / Malcolm Down Good for: children age 0 – 11 Best bit: Jesus saying: “Down, waves, down! Do not even wiggle!” And the suggestion to do some snoring practice on Cecil’s page at the back!! Worst bit: My children … Read more

Review: A B C Prayers

simple prayer for young children and their carers

Title: A B C Prayers By: Myriam Baudic, Camille Bernard Price: Hardback £6.99 Published by and available from: Lion Good for: children age 0 – 7 Best bit: Short, simple prayers with cute mice pictures! Worst bit: so many prayers!!! More thoughts: Once upon a time I wouldn’t have picked up this book, but the idea … Read more

Review – Welcome to the Journey

cover of welcome to the journey a brilliant baptism gift for children

Title: Welcome to the Journey By: Bob Hartman and Raffaella Ligi Price: Hardback: £9.99 Published by and available from: Lion Good for: godparents, grandparents, parents and adults with contact with young children being baptised. Best bit: Delightful repeated refrain: Welcome to the journey! Worst bit: The traditional Baptism-gift cover hides a much more vibrant book inside … Read more

Saint Valentine’s Day

Each year, we explore the story of Saint Valentine a little bit, and then we make cards and sometimes edible gifts to let our friends know they are loved. The story of Saint Valentine is a bit gory and sometimes a little x-rated, so if you plan on sharing a short youtube video, be sure … Read more

Make an invitation to play

This is a simple, creative, easy to roll out idea to let children play, including playing with things of faith such as Bible stories, prayer, helping others. They are created using things you have at home, and involve minimal adult preparation or input: Set out a selection of toys, craft materials, construction items or other … Read more

Review: The Newborn King

Title: The Newborn King By: Sarah J. Dod and Raffaella Ligi Price: £5.99 Published by: Lion Available from: Eden Good for: children aged 3-7 years Best bit: Lovely artwork and tone of the storytelling, which makes all the characters feel real Worst bit: There is what I would consider additional elements added which aren’t in the … Read more