Bible Reading Plans for Kids

Top 3 and Then 1 More

In this digital age of ours, getting a Bible and actually opening it up can be a rare thing for us  to do as parents, let alone our kids. But there are so many benefits for kids and adults to doing that very thing. Don’t take me wrong, listening to the Bible being read or even reading the Bible online can also give most of the following benefits—but there is just something extra special about having your own Bible, getting unique bookmarks, using pens and highlighters especially made for Bible pages, and delving into a reading plan or Bible study that can go way beyond that digital Bible.

First, let’s jot down some benefits for your kids by reading the Bible.

*hear from God and recognize His voice

*gain a love for reading God’s Word

*claim and declare the promises of God

*get to know their Heavenly Father

*be inspired by the Holy Spirit and His gifts

*experience God’s presence

*create a spiritual discipline in spending time with God

That last one is an especially hard one for most of us. But, if we start our kids young in making time every day to open their Bible and reading it, the battle will be mostly over by the time they are out of their elementary years. The discipline will have been created, nurtured, and cherished. And in those tough middle school and high school years, that habit of daily Bible reading will continue and be that lifeline for them. 

I decided to do a bit of research to see what is available online in the area of Bible reading plans for kids. I want to share with you my top 3 choices and then add an additional goodie.

My requirements for elementary ages were the following:

  *free

  *printable/downloadable

  *age appropriate (not reading 5 chapters every day, in other words)

  *targeting “exciting” stories or reading plans with topics

  *extras were a bonus

While I, as an adult, understand that every Word of God is inspired and beneficial, getting kids to slog through the genealogies will not inspire them to keep diligently reading the Bible every day. So, we can include “reading through the entire Bible in a year” programs for the older teens and adults.

Without further ado, here are my top 3 reading plans found online (with very little searching).

1)      adventurebible.com

     This entire site is actually full of so many kinds of resources for kids—but I love their Bible Reading Plans. These are split into topics that can be downloaded and printed off. Most are 7- or 14-day plans, so that the child doesn’t become bored with a single topic. The reading selections are not one verse selections, nor an entire chapter, but a short passage. There is also a Topical Index that can be accessed for even more reading plans by choice. Another section is called LIVE IT! Which gives you a portion to read from the Bible and a little commentary/devotional that goes with it. This site also had crossword puzzles, fill in the blank, word searches, matching games, activity packets—all to create reinforcements of what your child is reading. Timelines and Bible Maps are also accessible.  No need to purchase the Adventure Bible, although some topics do give a page number to reference, as well.

2)      kidscorner.net

     This is a ministry site by the Christian Reformed Church. Everything that I saw conformed to our church beliefs. Their children’s ministry online is super special.

Under the DIY Activities page, scroll down to Activities and View All. There you will find a download of The Bible in One Year Plan. (ok, forget what I said earlier about The Bible in One Year) This plan is for kids, though, that guides them from OT to NT with the great stories of the Bible. This is a weekly reading—it’s only downfall, I think, but you sure can quickly modify the verses for a daily reading. To go along with each weekly reading, there are Bible story podcasts that introduce the Bible story, a discussion guide so the whole family can do this together, a memory verse for the week, an online quiz, reflections and a weekly challenge.

3)      wildlyanchored.com

     This mom has created a daily Bible reading plan for older elementary kids that once again focuses on reading both the OT and NT. This can be done as a family devotional, as well, if you have younger kids that might not be able to read an entire 20 verses on their own. The download is great to create a checklist for each daily reading.

One More:  questionsgod.com

     This site has 6 Children’s Reading Plans. These are 10 Minute Challenges divided for younger children and older children and can be downloaded and printed. These include the following:

*30 day reading plan (younger children) for the book of Romans and a 5-question quiz at the end

*30 day reading plan (younger children) for the book of Matthew

*30 day reading plan (younger children) for the books of Matthew and Luke

*30 day reading plan (older children) for the book of Romans and a 5-question quiz

*30 day reading plan (older children) for the book of Matthew

*30 day reading plan (older children) for the books of James, I Peter, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, Matthew, and Luke

A couple of tips:

1)      Children imitate what they see. If they see you enjoying your time in God’s Word, they will want to try it.

2)      Provide a quiet spot with limited distractions.

3)      Get an easy-to-read translation of the Bible such as NIV, NLT, or ESV

4)      Encourage them to journal while reading answering questions such as “What is happening” and “What is God telling me”

5)      Bible reading is a habit—don’t punish if neglected, but make it a priority before other “extra” things