Start the day with family discipleship moments paired with time at the table sharing breakfast and biblical resources together.
If you read my intro to homeschooling post, you’ll know that we are on the starting line! Our first child, with his first year of “school”. I shared my hesitations with starting heavy thorough school while so little, but also saw that little guy would thrive with the doors opened to self accessed literature. We have a reader on our hands. Our goal is to have those hands full of wonderful biblical resources, early and life and early in the day.
Starting a Morning Basket
The one thing I absolutely look forward to growing in together is the concept of a “morning basket”. The idea may have shown up on your own curated Pinterest page, or a beautifully Montessori aesthetic Instagram post. A hearty breakfast, a read aloud, liturgies, memorization and song… Some of you cringing and some of you are leaning in – I see you.
The bottom line is that these early years are critical. They are the foundational pieces of belief, security, self-image, “home” and “family”. Who are we? Why do we make the decisions we make? What do we stand for? Where did everything come from? Who is God? A toddler mind may not fully grasp that these are the questions we are out to answer. But, the rhythm of daily approaching our worldview – the way we see the world – seems so key with these early years. In our house, these are the books in our basket.
In our home, it didn’t require a level of maturity or understanding. It began with the songs we sang. At one year, they can hardly pronounce words correctly but they can sing and match the hand motions! Once songs were memorized, it became evident that we could memorize other things, namely Bible verses. Mom made up random hand motions or put the verse to a nursery rhyme and voila, it stuck. Our distracted eater munched happily when books were being read, so mealtimes came with a blend of fables and well written Bible stories. It can begin at any age.
If you’re looking for new ways to engage your kids, at any age, these are some of our favorite resources:
Morning Devotion Books for Toddlers and Early Readers
There are many books out there for kids that simply address behavior. But these resources tell the story of the Gospel, and God’s big story, while stirring up the heart. They use tangible and relatable interactions or subjects to get the mind thinking. I’ve included other titles here as examples of other books in the series, or by the author as well.
- “My Big Book of Five Minute Devotions for Children” by Pamela & Douglas Kennedy
— “More 5-minute Devotions for Children”
This book uses animals as allegory for spiritual disciplines and development of character in little ones. Is it good to be angry like a hippo? Can we be hard working like an ant? Animals are an approachable topic for little minds, and they can learn how to manage emotion, choices and circumstances from their animal friends.
2. “The Little Man Whose Heart Grew Big” by Steph Williams
- “Never Too Little”
- “The Dad Who Never Gave Up”
- “The Best Thing To Do”
Lovely bright colors and simple content, these stories by Steph Williams bring animation to the big concepts behind God’s simple stories. Make sure you use your funny voices for these!
3. “Courageous & Bold Bible Heroes: 50 True stories of daring men & women of God” by Shirley Raye Redmond
Use Shirley Redmond’s book to expand a children’s Bible, by exploring the lives of minor and major Bible characters. This is a wonderful reminder that God’s story moved through lowly and important people through history. They all point back to Him!
4. “Otter B: Taking Turns” by Pamela Kennedy & Anne Kennedy Brady
- “Honest”
- “Helpful”
- “Kind”
Teach your kids to live out good character, and the fruit of the Spirit with Otter “B”! Otter “B” follows a cause and effect narrative where he learns to recognize his own mistakes and rectify them for better future outcomes. These stories have helped our kids recognize their mistakes, and given them the means to sort out problems as well as see God’s grace in second chances.
5. “The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross” by Carl Laferton
- Part of “Tales that Tell the Truth”
- “God’s Very Good Idea”
- “The Friend That Forgives”
- “The God Contest”
Some of our favorite stories! Between the intriguing art and the conversational language, Carl’s stories help us see how major Bible characters and their deeds mirror the Gospel story.
6. “The Jesus Storybook Bible” by Sally Lloyd-Jones
The Biblical narrative written out with the lifelong story of the Gospel that is important for our modern ears. Learn how God started His rescue plan at the beginning, and carried it through generations of sin and folly. The fruition of the rescue comes through Jesus, and His heart for His people.
Biblical Liturgy for Family Discipleship & Worldview Development
For this category, I am referring to liturgy as a “repeated ritual”, or a book that is useful for repeating for the sake of memorization. “I Am”, for example, does not have particular phrase every chapter, but does have liturgical approach to knowing the names of God and a concluding prayer. Repetition is key in helping kids connect and remember – whether in songs or in reading.
Repeat in question and answer form to make God’s truth unforgettable! Talk through questions and their answers like, “Why did God make you and all things?” “For His own glory!” We pair the catechisms with song from “Ask Me WhoOo, Vol. 1” by Diana Beach Bataseh… Often paired with some kazoo-ing!
2. “The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever True” by Marty Machowski
The Ology is an excellent resource for the whole family. It can be difficult to find books for all ranges of ages, but the Ology takes simple concepts and deepens them. Approachable for many ages.
3. “I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God” by Diane Stortz
Learn the names of God, and examples of His character in Dian Stortz’s book. Knowing God, His name and character, allow hearts of all ages to trust Him.
Biblical Audio Resources for Discipleship
For the mornings we are on the go, or as supplement to our time together, we often sing along with Ellie Holcomb’s melodies “burying some truth in light in our hearts by singing scripture.” Some mornings, mom doesn’t have it all together and needs a minute to finish breakfast while Mrs. Julie from the Village Church leads us.
- The Village Church Preschool playlist
- “God’s Big Story” Podcast
- Ellie Holcomb reels + “Sing” album
- “Songs for Saplings”
- “Slugs and Bugs”
- “Ask Me WhoOo, Vol. 1” by Diana Beach Batarseh
Use Yoto MYO cards to make these songs and stories accessible to your kids!
Biblical Interactives for All Ages
If you have a kiddo that likes to move while they listen, these may be a better fit for you! We also find them to be excellent for car rides.
- “Highlights: Noah’s Ark; A Hidden Pictures Storybook” by Teresa Bateman
2. “Seek and Find: New Testament Stories” by Sarah Parker
- “Old Testament Stories”
- “The First Christmas”
3. “My Bible Story Coloring Book”
4. The Peaceful Press “The Good Gospel” Curriculum
Bringing It All Together: Morning Moments That Matter
As we settle into these early years of learning and loving, I’ve realized that our morning basket isn’t about checking off lessons or following a perfect routine—it’s about beginning each day with truth. These small, faithful rhythms—reading Scripture, singing songs, asking big questions—are shaping how our children see the world and their place in it. The books and resources we choose become more than lessons; they’re invitations to know God deeply and joyfully, right in our own homes.
Start small this week. Gather one book, one song, and one verse. Open your Bible together before the day unfolds. Let truth fill your home before noise fills your day. You’ll be amazed at how a few quiet minutes in the morning can grow into a lifelong rhythm of faith, curiosity, and peace.
Read More:
Finding Quiet Moments to Read: Using Yoto MYO Cards This Fall
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