Teaching the Bible
What has worked for us . . .
One of the most important duties of a parent is to pass on our spiritual beliefs to our children. I want my children to love God with all their hearts. So how do we pass this on to our deaf children that miss out on so much verbage?
1. They are very good at asorbing information visually, so what are we telling them visually? Do they see us worshipping? Do they see us love and cherish them? Do they see us helping those in need? Do they see us honoring our authorities? My deaf daughter is the best at mimicing me and, sadly, she picks up on all my sinful habits. We need to be sure we do what we say!
2. A Bible notebook has been a fabulous idea at our house. Each of my children keep a Bible journal which we have worked on at different times in our homeschooling years. Sometimes each morning after breakfast and sometimes right before bed. The younger ones draw pictures of whatever Bible story they are reading and copy a sentence from their Bible story books. My deaf daughter has been copying scripture for several years now. She doesn't know all that she is writing, but she is definately getting familiar with Bible reference.
3. We also enjoy acting, signing, and retelling of Bible stories. I get the video camera out and they enjoy acting out their favorite stories. Sometimes I read and sign a story - or sometimes I only sign the story. They all get a kick out of that. Most of the time they do all the acting! Our most recent project was the Armor of God. I made them a costume and as they dressed their 3 year old sister they explained all the parts. It was great fun!
4. We also take advantage of Bible coloring books. No Greater Joy has a new series of very detailed Bible coloring books that my kids have enjoyed. They also have a corresponding comic book Bible.
5. And my favorite is Deaf Missions Bible DVD's. They offer the whole Bible in ASL on DVD!! We use this when she is studying a particular passage. They also have a fun selection of kids videos. Also check out Silent Blessings as they also offer Dr. Wonder's Workshop and Finger Food Cafe. All awesome!
6. The Video Phone has been a blessing in this area also. We limit her time on the phone, but I also am glad to see her chatting with my adult deaf Christian friends on there. It's a great way to give Christian role models without having to travel so far!
7. I am now interpreting her youth group at church for her. Some are blessed with church interpreters, but we have always attended small churches. And she doesn't always want her mommy following her around. But she has allowed and enjoyed me with her at youth group and I'm seeing her grow because she can actually follow the conversation!
1. They are very good at asorbing information visually, so what are we telling them visually? Do they see us worshipping? Do they see us love and cherish them? Do they see us helping those in need? Do they see us honoring our authorities? My deaf daughter is the best at mimicing me and, sadly, she picks up on all my sinful habits. We need to be sure we do what we say!
2. A Bible notebook has been a fabulous idea at our house. Each of my children keep a Bible journal which we have worked on at different times in our homeschooling years. Sometimes each morning after breakfast and sometimes right before bed. The younger ones draw pictures of whatever Bible story they are reading and copy a sentence from their Bible story books. My deaf daughter has been copying scripture for several years now. She doesn't know all that she is writing, but she is definately getting familiar with Bible reference.
3. We also enjoy acting, signing, and retelling of Bible stories. I get the video camera out and they enjoy acting out their favorite stories. Sometimes I read and sign a story - or sometimes I only sign the story. They all get a kick out of that. Most of the time they do all the acting! Our most recent project was the Armor of God. I made them a costume and as they dressed their 3 year old sister they explained all the parts. It was great fun!
4. We also take advantage of Bible coloring books. No Greater Joy has a new series of very detailed Bible coloring books that my kids have enjoyed. They also have a corresponding comic book Bible.
5. And my favorite is Deaf Missions Bible DVD's. They offer the whole Bible in ASL on DVD!! We use this when she is studying a particular passage. They also have a fun selection of kids videos. Also check out Silent Blessings as they also offer Dr. Wonder's Workshop and Finger Food Cafe. All awesome!
6. The Video Phone has been a blessing in this area also. We limit her time on the phone, but I also am glad to see her chatting with my adult deaf Christian friends on there. It's a great way to give Christian role models without having to travel so far!
7. I am now interpreting her youth group at church for her. Some are blessed with church interpreters, but we have always attended small churches. And she doesn't always want her mommy following her around. But she has allowed and enjoyed me with her at youth group and I'm seeing her grow because she can actually follow the conversation!