- Allow the child to choose a Bible from the shelf. Place it in front of them and tell them the book of the Bible that you’re looking for that day.
- Ask them if that book is in the Old Testament or New Testament.
- Ask them what they need to do to find the scripture. (Open the Bible to the middle)
- After they’ve opened the Bible to the middle, ask them if that puts them in the OT or NT (OT).
- Ask them again if the scripture text you’re seeking is in OT or NT.
- If NT, ask the child what they need to do next. (Go to the right section of the Bible, then go to the middle again).
- Ask them where this puts them, in the OT or NT (NT).
- Slowly pronounce the book of the Bible that you’re seeking (if Luke, say LLLLL-Luke, ask what letter do you hear at the beginning?)
- Review the books of the NT up to the one you need: Matthew, Mark, Luke, etc.
- Flip through the Bible, stopping at each book to show them the book name, pointing out that Matthew is a longer “M” word and Mark is the shorter “M” word, etc. Involve the child as much as they are comfortable. Many children want you to open the Bible, but they will tell you what to do.
Reflections Along the Journey 