Three Reasons to Read to Your Sunday School Kids each Week

When I was new to teaching Sunday School, I visited a toddlers’ class to see an experienced teacher in action. She kept to her weekly routine, and near the end pulled out the well known book “The Hungry Caterpillar.” Most of the kids listened intently as the teacher read about the hungry caterpillar who eats a whole array of food from an apple to a pickle to a piece of chocolate cake. But, as she neared the end, a little boy blurted out, “We read this same book every week!”

When I was new to teaching Sunday School, I visited a toddlers’ class to see an experienced teacher in action. She kept to her weekly routine, and near the end pulled out the well known book “The Hungry Caterpillar.” Most of the kids listened intently as the teacher read about the hungry caterpillar who eats a whole array of food from an apple to a pickle to a piece of chocolate cake. But, as she neared the end, a little boy blurted out, “We read this same book every week!”

I couldn’t help but smile.  Some kids certainly do enjoy reading the same treasured book over and over (and over and over and over again). But others, such as this boy, prefer variety. Either way, there is an important truth that can not be denied. We all like stories. They help us understand our world better.

Reading books is more than just a fun time filler—it’s a chance to learn and grow.

Reading aloud helps us connect with one another on a deeper level. When done right, it encourages group interaction. With younger children, that might simply begin with asking easy questions about the story you are reading (ex. can you spot the yellow duck?) or incorporating actions (ex. sound effects at certain parts of a story).  As  you are able, ask though provoking questions pertaining to their Christian faith.

Reading aloud reinforces the truths being taught in the Bible lessons. It is one thing to hear a truth such as, “Love one another.” That is something we all know in our heads, but tend to forget with our actions. A good story takes truths beyond simply hearing with our ears. It captures your heart.

Reading aloud adds depth to well known Bible stories and concepts. I’ll never forget the first time my brother read me “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” when I was in preschool. It was near Easter, so the resurrection was fresh on my mind. When we got to the part about the mighty Lion Aslan dying in Edward’s place and coming back to life three days later, I was blown away by how much it reminded me of Christ’s death for us.

Of course, a novel is probably too long to read aloud in church, but there are many short stories available. For example, Max Lucado’s book called “You are Special” teaches young children that God loves them just the way they are. Other books that teach about God’s love include Debi Gliori’s “No Matter What” and Sam McBratney’s “Guess How Much I Love You.”

If your church doesn’t have the budget for many books, visit a local library in your town and pick out a few books to read to your kids. For a few suggestions on good books and accompanying “faith talk questions” visit the blog “Children’s Literature: A Resource for Ministry.”