Teaching Bible Values through Play-Based Learning Techniques
The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of instructing children in faith and values, portraying them as a gift from God and capable of glorifying Him [1, 7]. Passages such as Deuteronomy 31:12-13 and Proverbs 22:6 highlight the mandate to instruct children in God's ways, while Proverbs 1:8-9 and Exodus 20:12 underscore the importance of attending to parental teaching and honoring parents [1]. Children are also depicted as those who should obey and fear God, remember their Creator, and show love and care for their parents [1, 2].
The concept of "play-based learning" is not explicitly mentioned in biblical texts, but the principles of instruction and spiritual formation for children are clear. The Old Testament, particularly Deuteronomy, frequently calls for parents to teach their children diligently about God's commands and statutes (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). This instruction was to be integrated into daily life, "when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise" (Deuteronomy 6:7). This immersive approach suggests a learning environment that is natural and experiential, rather than strictly formal.
The New Testament continues this emphasis. Paul, in Ephesians 6:4, exhorts fathers to bring up their children "in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" [1]. Colossians 3:20 notes that children's obedience to parents is "well pleasing to the Lord" [2]. Jesus himself welcomed children, rebuking his disciples for trying to keep them away, and stating, "Let the little children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:13-16) [1]. This interaction suggests an approach to children that values their presence and capacity for spiritual understanding.
The idea of a "pedagogue" in ancient Greek society, as referenced in Galatians 3:24, provides an interesting parallel to guided learning. A pedagogue was a faithful servant entrusted with a child's care from childhood to puberty, guiding them and accompanying them to studies and amusements [4]. This role involved keeping the child from evil and fostering their development, suggesting a holistic approach to education that included supervision and guidance in various aspects of life, not just formal instruction [4]. The law, in this context, served as a "schoolmaster" or "tutor" to lead people to Christ, implying a preparatory and guiding function [4].
While the Bible does not detail specific pedagogical methods like play-based learning, it does advocate for instruction that is both comprehensive and appropriate for the learner's stage of development. The author of Hebrews, for instance, urges believers to move beyond "the principles of the doctrine of Christ" or "the word of the beginning" to deeper understanding, indicating a progression in learning [3, 5, 6]. This implies that initial instruction, like that given to children, might involve simpler, foundational elements before advancing to more complex theological concepts [5]. Calvin, commenting on Hebrews 6, notes that while one must never abandon the foundation, "to be always laboring in 'laying the foundation' would be ridiculous," suggesting that learning should progress beyond basic principles [6].
The biblical emphasis on children's capacity for faith, their need for instruction, and the holistic nature of their upbringing provides a framework within which modern educational approaches, including play-based learning, can be understood as tools for spiritual formation. Such methods, by engaging children actively and experientially, can align with the biblical call to instruct children diligently in the ways of God, making the learning process natural and impactful.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Children — Christ was an example to -- Lu 2:51; Joh 19:26,27. Are a gift from God -- Ge 33:5; Ps 127:3. Are capable of glorifying God -- Ps 8:2; 148:12,13; Mt 21:15,16. Should be Brought to Christ. -- Mr 10:13-16. Brought early to the house of God. -- 1Sa 1:24. Instructed in the ways of God. -- De 31:12,13; Pr 22:6. Judiciously trained. -- Pr 22:15; 29:17; Eph 6:4. Should Obey God. -- De 30:2. Fear God. -- Pr 24:21. Remember God. -- Ec 12:1. Attend to parental teaching. -- Pr 1:8,9. Honour parents. -- Ex 20:12; Heb 12:9. Fear parents. -- Le 19:3. Obey parents. -- Pr ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Children, Good — The Lord is with -- 1Sa 3:19. Know the Scriptures -- 2Ti 3:15. Observe the law of God -- Pr 28:7. Their obedience to parents is well pleasing to God -- Col 3:20. Partake of the promises of God -- Ac 2:39. Shall be blessed -- Pr 3:1-4; Eph 6:2,3. Show love to parents -- Ge 46:29. Obey parents -- Ge 28:7; 47:30. Attend to parental teaching -- Pr 13:1. Take care of parents -- Ge 45:9,11; 47:12. Make their parents' hearts glad -- Pr 10:1; 29:17. Honour the aged -- Job 32:6,7. Adduced as a motive for submission to God -- Heb 12:9. Spirit of, a requisite f”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 6:1: Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,.... The Gospel is the doctrine of Christ, and is so called, because Christ, as God, is the author of it; as Mediator, he received it from his Father; as man, he was the preacher of it; and he is also the sum and substance of it: the principles of this doctrine are either the easier parts of the Gospel, called milk in the latter part of the preceding chapter; which are not to be left with dislike and contempt, nor so as to be forgotten, nor so as not to be recurred to at proper times; but so as not to abide in”
- Galatians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Galatians 3:24: "So that the law hath been (that is, hath turned out to be) our schoolmaster (or "tutor," literally, "pedagogue": this term, among the Greeks, meant a faithful servant entrusted with the care of the boy from childhood to puberty, to keep him from evil, physical and moral, and accompany him to his amusements and studies) to guide us unto Christ," with whom we are no longer "shut up" in bondage, but are freemen. "Children" (literally, infants) need such tutoring (Gal 4:3). might be--rather, "that we may be justified by faith"; which we could not be ”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 6:1: 6:1-3 In light of the hearers’ immaturity (5:11-14), the author urges them to move beyond basic teachings. The six basic teachings here were all foundational elements of Jewish instruction. The author might be challenging them to move beyond these basic teachings to further understanding about the person of Christ, which he elaborates in 7:1–10:25. 6:1 Let us go on: Or Let us be carried on, suggesting that God initiates growth to maturity (Phil 2:12-13) and that it is an ongoing process. • Repenting and faith are the basic commitments that initiate a person to the”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 6 (introduction): WARNING AGAINST RETROGRADING, WHICH SOON LEADS TO APOSTASY; ENCOURAGEMENT TO STEADFASTNESS FROM GOD'S FAITHFULNESS TO HIS WORD AND OATH. (Heb 6:1-14) Therefore--Wherefore: seeing that ye ought not now to be still "babes" (Heb 5:11-14). leaving--getting further forward than the elementary "principles." "As in building a house one must never leave the foundation: yet to be always laboring in 'laying the foundation' would be ridiculous" [CALVIN]. the principles of the doctrine--Greek, "the word of the beginning," that is, the discussion ”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 127:3: 127:3-5 Children are one of God’s blessings. The words translated “children” (Hebrew banim) and “builders” (bonim, 127:1) form a wordplay. Having children builds a family.”