Bible Basics: Abraham, Part 2

Welcome to Bible Basics at Family Abounds!  I'm glad you took the time to stop in.  While you read, I hope you will be encouraged and inspired in your efforts to teach the Bible to your toddler or preschooler.

If this is your first time visiting, please check out our introductory post to get an idea of what we're aiming for with this weekly series.  You can find a growing list of previous lessons here.  And you can also find last week's lesson - Abraham, Part 1 - here.

And take note that we will be having a week-long series next week.  I'm excited to be working on this set of posts and I hope it will be a good resource for many of you.

BIBLE BASICS: HOW TO SERIES

NEXT WEEK!

September 9-13, 2013

Topics will include:

Why teach the Bible to toddlers?

How to choose a Bible for your toddler.

How to memorize scripture with your toddler.

And More! 

But before we get into some more of the nuts and bolts of teaching the Bible to toddlers, we are going to finish up our two-part lesson on Abraham.  This week we will keep the same memory verse and lesson focus as last week, but our story will come from the account of Isaac's birth.  And since toddlers are generally fascinated by babies, we'll keep our craft supplies in the box for this one and get into some good old fashioned pretend play!  :)

I confess that Abby and I did not do an activity with this lesson - even an activity as simple as the one below.  Everyone in our house has been pretty worn out as of late, so we've been keeping things as simple as possible.  For preschool time - and our toddler Bible lessons - this means that Abby and I read the story for the week.  We did a coloring page one day.  And that's it.

Be assured that any time you spend with your toddler is of great value.  And any amount of time you spend with your child in God's Word is worthwhile.  Don't worry if you don't have time or energy for crafts and special projects.  Reading the Bible with your child is the most important aspect of teaching it to them.  The goal for toddlers and preschoolers is for them to be familiar with key people, places, and events of the Bible.  Hearing the Word read to them (by you or a good audio Bible is the foundation.  Games, activities, and crafts are all for fun and reinforcement.

So, don't sweat it!  Just get out your Bible, start reading, and enjoy this time with your toddler! 

ABRAHAM, PART 2
Genesis 21:1-7

Memory Verse
Choose one of the following that is appropriate for your child's age and attention span:
"Abraham believed God" -Genesis 15:6
OR
"God said to Abraham, 'Go from your country to a land that I will show you...and I will make of you a great nation." -Genesis 12:1-2 
 
Lesson Focus
Abraham believed God.


Project
Baby Doll Pretend Play

Materials
- Doll or stuffed animal
- Blanket or other "props"
- Your imagination

Directions
1. After you have read this week's story, take out a baby doll or stuffed animal.  Name the baby Isaac and talk about how Abraham and Sarah waited for this baby to be born just like God promised he would.  Now start playing!  Wrap the baby in a blanket, rock it, sing to it, even change its diaper!

How We Go Through the Lesson
1. Recite or sing memory verse.
2. Read Bible story.  We use the Beginner's Bible, but you can choose a children's story Bible or "grown-up" translation that suits you and your family.
3. Recite or sing memory verse.
4. Craft or project.  Depending on the day of the week this may be a project like the one above or it could be a coloring page or something completely different.

*Repeat the lesson almost every day.  This could mean doing it on weekdays or taking one day to work on the project, saying the memory verse together throughout the day, and reading the Bible story before bed each night.  It doesn't matter when or how, but the repetition is key for toddlers to retain the lessons presented to them.

Some more ideas for teaching about Abraham and the Birth of Isaac:
Free printable coloring page
No-Sew Sock Doll


What fun Bible lessons have you done with your toddler or preschooler this week?


Find more encouraging resources in the following link-ups:
Titus 2 Tuesdays @ Cornerstone Confessions
Teach Me Tuesdays @ Growing Home
Hip Homeschool Hop @ Hip Homschool Moms
The Sunday Showcase @ Learn Play Imagine