I want to piggyback on Diane Stortz’s post yesterday. She reviewed a new children’s Christmas book, Goodnight, Manger.

What are some ways that young children can learn (and imagine a little) about the birth of Jesus? How can we as parents, authors, and teachers give them books, other materials, and opportunities, to get to know that most important event?

BOOKS

I love to explore the Christmas books that are available to young children. In addition to the one Diane reviewed yesterday, our own Christian Children’s Author – Crystal Bowman – has a new Christmas book out. You can read all about M Is for Manger here.

Goodnight, Manger gives children a playful text that allows them to imagine.

M Is for Manger gives children the challenge to explore each letter of the alphabet as it fits into the story of Jesus’ birth.

I love the way that each book gets right to the early literacy needs of preschoolers and beginning readers.

Children who are actually reading also will enjoy reading from a beginner-friendly version of the Bible itself.

OTHER MATERIALS

Children also love to tell the story with child-friendly nativity set. Reading one of the books above, or reading a beginning reader Bible passage and then encouraging children to retell what the story with a plastic nativity set fosters lots of early literacy skills – summarizing and sequencing, for example. The Fisher-Price Little People (R) Nativity (photo from Family Christian Stores) is one such set.

What about dress up props? A bathrobe can transform a child into Mary or Joseph for an at-home play. A baby doll can be Jesus. Children LOVE to put on plays for each other and for the adults in their lives. And they love to do it again and again. What a wonderful way to spend family time! What a wonderful way to reinforce this most important Bible account!

OPPORTUNITIES

Soon we will begin to see opportunities to view live nativity scenes or even to tour larger, scene-by-scene re-inactments. These are perfect for reinforcing the books that children have read. They are great input for the plays that children can use to tell the story of Jesus’ birth.

How have you taught young children about the Christmas story?

Carol

A note from Carol: I have the privilege of authoring two devotionals for preteens. Just Sayin’ is for girls, and Dare U 2 Open this Book is for guys. This is the time of year that parents, grandparents, and children’s ministry workers are looking for fresh, new devotionals for the new year. I invite you to stop by my blog to learn more.