7 Simple Ways to Help Kids Love the Scriptures
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Helping children develop a love for the scriptures can sometimes feel like a big responsibility.
We want them to know the stories, understand gospel principles, recognize the voice of the Spirit, and—most importantly—develop their own relationship with Jesus Christ.
But that doesn't mean family scripture study needs to be long or complicated.
Children often remember the small things: a story they loved, a picture that caught their attention, a question that made them think, or a moment when a scripture suddenly reminded them of their own life.
Here are seven simple ways to help make the scriptures something your children don't just read, but begin to genuinely love.
1. Tell the Story Before You Read It
Some scripture passages can be difficult for children to understand when they hear them for the first time.
Before reading, give them the story in simple language.
You might say:
"Today we're going to read about a young man named David. Everyone else was afraid of a giant named Goliath—but David believed God would help him."
Now they have a picture in their minds and something to listen for when you open the scriptures.
As children get older, you can gradually add more details and let them discover more of the story themselves.
2. Use Pictures and Visuals
Children are naturally drawn to pictures.
Use gospel artwork, maps, scripture cards, simple drawings, videos, or other visuals to help scripture stories come alive.
Before explaining the picture, ask:
"What do you notice?"
Then:
"What do you think is happening?"
Let them explore the story with you instead of always beginning by telling them the answer.
3. Let Them Participate
Family scripture study doesn't have to mean children sitting quietly while an adult teaches.
Let them participate.
A child could:
- Hold the picture
- Read one verse
- Act out part of the story
- Choose the next person to read
- Ask the family a question
- Draw something from the story
- Retell the story afterward
Even small responsibilities can help children feel like scripture study is something they're part of, rather than something happening around them.
4. Ask Questions They Can Actually Answer
You don't need complicated questions to have a meaningful gospel conversation.
Start with simple ones:
What happened?
How do you think they felt?
What would you have done?
Then move deeper:
What does this teach us about Heavenly Father?
What does this teach us about Jesus Christ?
How could we use this in our family?
Some of the best family scripture conversations begin with surprisingly simple questions.
5. Connect Scripture Stories to Their Lives
Help children discover that scripture stories aren't just about people who lived long ago.
When you read about David and Goliath, ask:
"What is something that feels really hard to you right now?"
When you study Noah:
"How can we follow God even when other people don't understand?"
When you read about Joseph forgiving his brothers:
"What can we do when someone hurts our feelings?"
The scriptures become more meaningful when children begin recognizing that the principles apply to their lives too.
6. Keep It Short When It Needs to Be Short
Some nights, ten or fifteen minutes may work beautifully.
Other nights?
You may have five minutes.
Use the five minutes.
Read one scripture. Look at one picture. Ask one question.
Then end.
A short, positive experience with the scriptures can be far more valuable than forcing everyone through a long lesson simply because you feel like you should.
The goal isn't to finish everything.
The goal is to help your children want to come back.
7. Help Them See Jesus Christ in the Scriptures
More than anything else, help your children learn to look for the Savior.
As you study, regularly ask:
"What does this teach us about Jesus Christ?"
Sometimes the connection will be obvious. Other times you'll need to look a little deeper.
Over time, children can begin to understand that the scriptures aren't simply a collection of stories and commandments.
They point us toward Jesus Christ.
And ultimately, that's what we hope our children carry with them.
You Don't Have to Create Perfect Family Scripture Study
There will be nights when everyone listens.
There will also be nights when someone is wiggling, someone is tired, someone is complaining, and you're wondering whether anyone heard a word you said.
Keep going.
Your children may not remember every lesson you teach.
But they can remember that the scriptures were part of your home.
They can remember talking about Jesus Christ.
They can remember asking questions.
They can remember learning together.
And little by little, those ordinary moments can help create something much bigger:
A lifelong relationship with the word of God.
Make Family Scripture Study Simple
Explore Christ-centered "Come, Follow Me" resources, scripture activities, study cards, and printables designed to help families make scripture study meaningful and engaging.