Eight Ways to Read to Your 4-5 Year Old

By Susan Shadid

 

As I sat with Zara, a 4 year old, reading the bible story of “The Red Sea”, I saw the awe and wonder in her eyes as she looked at the pictures, listened and turned the pages. God’s stories are timeless and raise wonderful questions when we can read them in simple and engaging ways. Here are a few:

1. Choose a Bible such as The Beginner’s Bible that has colorful pictures and words that are age appropriate.
2. Vary your pitch of voice and speed as you read – strategizing your moments. Bring the story to life vs. a monotone voice.
3. Pause to allow your child to look at the pictures and reflect. Enter the story with him/her as you too listen to God’s words.
4. Invite your child to turn the pages.
5. For the Bible stories that are their favorites, tell them you will be asking them to help you read it. When you pause, invite them to say the last word of the sentence. This helps them to feel like they are reading it too and gain confidence. Repetition and getting things in small bites is a key to learning at this age. For the stories they know really well, as you read, ask your child if s/he would like to act the story out?
6. Ask them reflective questions such as – What did you wonder about? What was your favorite part? If you could be anyone in the story, “Who would it be?”. 
7. From time to time, show your child different illustrations from other illustrated Bible story books. Different illustrations helps to broaden kids perspectives.
8. Reinforce that these Bible stories are true. When applicable, remind them of a Bible story they read that helps them apply it in a given situation. For ex. they need courage to do something – simply remind them of the story you read of when God help David or Joshua.

Susan Shadid is the Director of Scope and Sequence in Promiseland. You can email her at sshadid@willowcreek.org.