Bible Journaling in the Classroom

Bible journaling is an engaging and creative way for students to explore their faith while developing important skills.

Curriculum February 3, 2025

Bible journaling is an engaging and creative way for students to explore their faith while developing important skills such as critical thinking, artistic expression, and emotional reflection. Introducing Bible journaling into classroom curriculum can provide students with a unique opportunity to connect with biblical texts and themes in a hands-on manner. 

The practice of Bible journaling typically involves reading scripture passages and then responding through art, writing, or other forms of creative expression. This can include drawing, painting, or even crafting visual representations of the concepts read. By integrating creativity with spirituality, students can deepen their understanding of biblical teachings and how these lessons apply to their lives.

To successfully introduce Bible journaling in a classroom setting, educators can start with simple prompts related to specific Bible passages. Providing students with journals, art supplies, and a quiet space for reflection can help create an inviting environment. Regularly scheduled journaling sessions can also be incorporated into class curriculum to encourage consistency and engagement.

Here are a few techniques I recommend:

  1. Illustrated Verses: Choose a verse that resonates with you or the students and illustrate it with drawings, doodles, or watercolor. This can help reinforce the meaning of the passage and make it more memorable.
  2. Mind Mapping/Branching: Create a mind map around a particular piece of scripture. Start with the verse in the center and branch out with themes, related verses, and personal insights.
  3. Collage Creation: Use magazine cutouts, printed images, and stickers to create a collage that represents the themes or messages of a scripture passage.
  4. Creative Writing: Write a sentence, reflection, or words inspired by a particular piece of scripture. This encourages deeper contemplation of the text and helps with creativity.
  5. Coloring Pages: Use premade or custom coloring pages that feature scripture verses. Coloring can be a meditative practice that allows for deeper reflection. 

These simple techniques can help educators and learners engage with scripture in meaningful and creative ways, building a deeper understanding of and personal connection to biblical teachings.

Engaging in Bible journaling can be so much fun for everyone! Teachers can incorporate themed days throughout the week, such as “Art Journaling Day,” “Poetry in the Bible,” or “Bible Creativity Session.” Students will look forward to that specific time, even if their artistic side is not their strength. Having a Bible journaling corner of the classroom can also be of great use and provide a safe haven for this activity.

Below, I have included a list of useful materials for Bible journaling: 

  1. A Bible that has wide margins or dedicated journaling pages designed for notes and artwork
  2. A notebook for drawing, coloring, prayers, and thoughts (if a student prefers to not write directly in their Bible)
  3. Quality pens (micron or gel) that are fade-resistant and won’t bleed through the page
  4. Good quality colored pencils for coloring and shading
  5. Non-toxic, bleed-proof markers for bold writing and illustrations
  6. Mild highlighters for emphasizing verses
  7. Decorative tape for borders, tabs, or simply to add color and design
  8. Christian-themed stickers and stamps for visual interest
  9. Glue or tape runners for attaching items like printed quotes, images, or other embellishments
  10. Extra materials: rulers, crayons, plain or colorful paper, watercolor paint, magazine cut-outs, etc.

In conclusion, Bible journaling can be a meaningful addition to the classroom, offering students a creative outlet for exploring their faith. By nurturing their spiritual growth through artistic expression and personal reflection, educators can help cultivate a deeper understanding of biblical teachings and their relevance in daily life.

Author

Elaine Navia

Elaine Navia is a Spanish teacher at the University of Notre Dame and a former Spanish, Portuguese and Italian teacher at Andrews University. Her passion for teaching extends beyond languages and arts. She enjoys incorporating creativity into her classes and leads Bible journaling groups as a fulfilling hobby.

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