How to Keep Younger Kids Busy During Bible Time
When you have both big and little kids, it can be hard to find a Bible study routine that works. But here’s thing: Bible time doesn’t have to be perfect to be good!
6 Practical Ways to Keep Littles Happy during Bible Study:
1. Fill Their Cup First
Before diving into Bible study, spend a little time focused on your younger kids—a snuggle and a story or a quick puzzle together, whatever fills their cup. When children feel connected, they’re far more likely to play independently afterward.
2. Keep Them Around
I have five kids, so I know this isn’t always practical! In order to meet everyone’s needs, I’ve almost always had two Bible times—one for the little kids where we snuggle up and read from a storybook Bible, and one for the big kids where we read and discuss the “real” Bible.
I use discussion-based Bible studies with my older kids (rather than just handing them a workbook or devotional) for several reasons. One of those reasons is that littles pick up way more than we realize. Sometimes they surprise me with answers to my questions as they play across the room, but even if Bible study is just background noise, they’re listening. And they remember.
When my youngest was 4, we sat down to dinner one night, and he said, “I sure am glad I’m not Grace.” I asked why he wouldn’t want to be Grace since she was his best friend. He responded that she wouldn’t be allowed to have bacon for dinner like us, since her family follows all of the Old Testament laws. I’d been going through Leviticus with the older kids, and dietary restrictions were one of the things we’d covered a few weeks back. Apparently, this little guy was listening! Don’t underestimate your kids’ ability to learn!
Passover at Grace's house, where my youngest was correct about not eating pork
3. Special Activities
Create a few busy bags or bins with activities your child only gets during Bible time— stickers, puzzles, playdough, whatever your child likes and is easy. Rotate them so they feel new and exciting for longer! To be honest, my kids were so obsessed with Duplos that this was never necessary. They’d play Duplos for hours, so we usually did Bible time in the living room… even though the boys sometimes played loudly, crashing the cars they built into each other just to watch them break apart.
4. Make the Most of Snack Time
Everybody likes to eat! Younger kids will be happier to sit at a table and listen if they have something yummy in front of them, and a snack in a highchair will keep toddlers contained and occupied.
5. Take it Outside
When it feels like chaos inside, we go outside. Bible time in the backyard is amazing. The little ones run around and play, and the older ones relax on the hammock or rocking chairs while we talk.
6. Teach During Naptime
Let’s be real. Some days are just hard. There’s no shame in waiting until naptime to do Bible study with the older kids. Yes, the littles do learn while they’re in the room during Bible time, but they have many years ahead of them to learn. It’s ok to make life easier for yourself because when you’re relaxed, so is everyone else.
Give Yourself Grace
No two days will look alike, and that’s okay. Some days it will go smoothly; other days will be loud, messy, and full of reminders that we’re all still learning patience. On those days, remind yourself that this is holy work. Your investment in your children, both big and small, will shape hearts forever. What you do counts! All of it!
Some days it may feel like you’re juggling flaming torches during Bible time. But friend, you’re not alone. I see you. And more importantly, God sees you in this season. And yes, it is just a season. And He can bring peace, joy, and laughter into the beautiful chaos of homeschooling multiple ages.
Interested in discussion-based Bible study where everyone learns together?
I recommend starting with Genesis. Some people may think that the Old Testament is boring or isn’t relevant. I beg to differ! Genesis is the foundation for the whole Bible and is full of excitement for all ages:
- Creation: All the science that goes with it
- The Fall: Why we need Jesus
- The Flood: Which animals got on the ark, how they fit, how they were fed, how the earth was reshaped
- The Tower of Babel: New languages, genetics, why we look different even though we all came from Noah’s family
- Abraham’s Family: God’s big promises that set the stage for the rest of the Bible
- The 12 Tribes: How Joseph ended up in Egypt to save them from starvation (which could lead to an interesting study on ancient Egypt)
Genesis is fun for the whole family! If you don’t have time to research and plan discussions for all the exciting things in Genesis, our Bible study discussion guide has everything you need—discussions, optional activities, and additional books and articles for when your kids are really excited about all the cool stuff they learn. We also have a coordinating activity book for littles with coloring and copywork to keep everyone happy during discussions!
