The whole task seemed quite overwhelming! Of course having all the kids with me in a store they're not used to frequenting could have factored into that feeling. Too bad I didn't find the kid section with toys & a TV until we were already nearly finished with our shopping!!
Anyway, we ended up with a bible that's kind of in between a story bible and a traditional bible.
The front cover looks a little young and it's advertised for preschoolers to "experience the fun!" However, when I looked through the inside I ended up liking it better than what we had already picked out - a traditional children's bible. You know, the thing I went in to actually purchase.
Moving on...I say it's an in-between type of bible because it is set up in stories (85) yet uses scripture (including verse numbers) in an abridged form. It's "real Bible text" using the NLT for "its clarity for readers of all ages."
It has hands-on activities on nearly ever page (some pages have more than one). Some I think Layla will enjoy more than others. Regardless, I love that it involves physical movement. Yay for adding in some multiple styles of learning!
There is a "Jesus Connection" at the end of each story as well as discussion questions ("Let's Talk") and a short prayer.
I was really drawn to these aspects the most...especially the prayer. I love that they're short & sweet and age-appropriate. As much as I'd like to think I would naturally ask these types of questions after reading a story in a story bible, I'm just not confident I wouldn't simply help the kids summarize the story and promptly close the book. I am hopeful the prayer aspect will really help us focus on adding family prayer into each day (or at least each day we remember to read from this) aside from our prayer before each meal. And, let's be honest, that meal-time prayer is pretty rote.
The end of each story also includes another activity or two. Some are activities you can incorporate during your normal goings-on of each day. Bonus! Let's hope we remember them :-)
I really wasn't sure I decided on the right one before typing this out. I was wondering if I should have stuck with the traditional children's Bible. However, I am too often trying to make Layla grow up faster than she needs to. I felt this Bible may have been a little too juvenile for her but I'm not feeling that way anymore. I think they need to just get rid of that "preschool" title on the front. And maybe do away with the kiddie animals (apparently named Pockets and Cuddles). Or is that me making her be too much of a "big kid" again? I guess we'll see how she takes to the characters.
What did/does your 6ish-year-old use as a Bible? I'd love to hear suggestions/advice/true stories from those who have gone before! Whether that mean years before or you are currently in the same stage with your kid and were simply more pro-active on getting him/her a Bible before now. :-)
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