For Children
God gave us families to care for us and love us, and He gave us a church family, too! Children will learn about the people God has placed in their lives to encourage them, teach them, and play with them.
Bible Families
Pick your favorite children’s Bible and, as you read a story, explore the family it involves. For example, when you read about Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors, talk about all of Joseph’s brothers and his dad.
Here are some stories to get you started! Be prepared—they aren’t all neat and tidy. These families can get a little messy and ugly, just like ours!
- Joseph’s family (Coat of Many Colors)
- Abraham’s family (Abraham and Sarah have Baby Isaac)
- David’s family (David Anointed King, or David and Goliath)
- Moses’ family (Brother to Aaron and Miriam, but raised by Pharaoh’s daughter)
- Ruth’s family (Ruth & Naomi)
- Esther’s family (Uncle Mordecai)
- Jesus’ family (The Birth of Jesus)
- Lazarus’ family (Mary & Martha)
Don’t have a children’s Bible? Consider one of these:
Story Books
What a Family! by Rachel Isadora
Did you ever wonder where you got your freckles, or your weird toes, or that astounding ability to wiggle your ears? Do you know the difference between a second cousin and a first cousin once removed? Families are a real puzzle, especially a family as big as Ollie’s. But with Grandpa Max’s help, Ollie navigates his family tree and sees the many things all these different people have in common as well as the things they don’t!
Tell Me a Story, Mama by Angela Johnson
Mama’s memories of her own childhood have been told to her daughter so many times that the girl has made them her own bedtime litany; she tells her mother the stories and her mother reassures her that she has the story right. Johnson captures perfectly the way children make stories they love their own. Soman’s lively, warm watercolors alternate between the bedtime rituals of the girl and her mother, and the loving vignettes from “Mama’s” childhood. Parents and children who share this book may wish to begin their own brand of family storytelling.
Rufus and Ryan Go to Church by Kathleen Long Bostrom
In Rufus and Ryan Go to Church! Ryan explains to his stuffed monkey, Rufus, what is happening as they attend church on Sunday morning. He lets Rufus know when it’s time to sing and to pray and to be quiet.
Video
God Made Families by Baby Faith
Designed for children ages 0-2, this video presents biblical truth through music, Bible stories, and fun images. Sit with your child and explore with them the world of family.
Crafts/Activities
My Family | Fingerprint Family Tree or Photo Family Tree
For the fingerprint family tree, grab some paint or an ink pad and let those in your family put their fingerprint on this unique family tree. Alternatively, you can download this template and let your child glue or tape pictures in the appropriate places.
As you are doing this, talk about how you are related to others. For example, as you are talking with your child, you could say something like, “Your grandma is my mom.” Help them learn how everyone is connected. Little ones may not fully understand, but they’ll have fun trying!
My Church Family | Envelope Church
Let your child create a picture of their church family (or, your family at church) with an envelope and some craft sticks! Help them identify specific people in the church they know and interact with. Ask them questions about what they like about their church family or things they’ve learned from people at church.
-
My Church | Church Folder/Greeting Card
Create this folder to recreate going to church on Sunday! You can use this picture of WPC to make it extra special!
- God Made Families | Song
Sing this song with your little one, to the tune of Frere Jacques:
God made families (point up)
God made families
Yours and mine (point out to someone and back to yourself)
Yours and mine
I will love my family (put your hands over your heart)
I will love my family
All the time (spread hands up and outward)
All the time
Experiences
Kids can learn even more about their families through these experiences:
- Talk one-on-one with each child about the characteristics or traits they share with different family members (i.e., brown hair, freckles, a love for reading).
- Play the game Beat the Parents if your children are old enough. This kids vs. grown-ups game is based on knowing “trivia” about either your parents (if you’re a child) or your kids (if you’re a parent).
- Invite friends from the church over for a meal or playdate.
- Visit some of our members in nursing homes. They’ll love the energy and life the kids bring to their room. A list of members is available at the church office.
- Adopt someone from the church as part of your family. Allow your child to draw pictures for them, write notes, send small gifts, etc.