Have you heard of Bible Journaling? It is one of the ways I share my faith with my students. When I began teaching young students I realized the best way to discuss my faith with my early learners was to use a children’s Bible. I have added stories and books to teach about prayer. I also use adult bibles to help the children connect between what they see and what they hear.
As I began to delve deeper into our faith in the classroom (I teach in a Christian based program) I realized there were some illustrations that were still too advanced for my young students. This led me on a journey of finding out the best way to create my own illustrations to support our learning. Enter bible journaling…
I now have a bible full of illustrations that helps support my students understanding of biblical discussions. After a few years of illustrating my own bible, I began to encourage my students to create their own form of bible journaling. I use the small books I found in the dollar section of Target for my students. I have a few different prompts that we use to make our bible journals. As a result, we create a lasting keepsake each year. This year we are actually working on a book of Catholic Saints, and it has encouraged many additional conversations around our faith.
Faculty Professional Growth Opportunity
Creating staff and faculty ministry opportunities revolving around bible journaling was easy with the Momentum products. I created a calendar for my staff that helped them stay focused each month and keep the faith at the forefront of their day. And only a few years ago I joined a FaceBook group, where beginners can share their illustrations with others. The FB group continues to inspire me to create illustrations relevant to my teaching opportunities. I have really come to enjoy my time spent journaling. It allows me to dig deeper into the Word as well as gives me daily permission to spend time reflecting.
Bible Journaling with Support
There are many opportunities to become part of a larger ministry. Finding a course when I started my journey, helped me not only decide which Bible was right for me but also how to choose scriptures that spoke to me. Most importantly the course gave me the permission, I felt I needed, to actually write in my Bible. That was difficult for me in the beginning. Designating one specific Bible to draw in has helped combat the issue.
I have found that being part of a larger group of journaling gurus has helped me stay true to my goals. Allowing me to free my inner creativity. And sharing this art opportunity with my young students helped them gain a deeper understanding of the Bible.
As a result, of learning how to start bible journaling, I also created resources for Catholic Kids. From prayer prompts to lessons and more. The bundle will allow teachers of young students in faith-based programs to easily integrate faith into their day!
In addition, if you are looking for more information on how to encourage faith-based lessons with your young students you can check out my friend Marissa’s blog. Where she shares all about faith-based activities for students. Check her out here at Teach By Faith!
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