Recently at church our pastor’s wife taught the kids an easy way to learn the 10 Commandments. I think it is wise for children to learn the 10 Commandments because firstly, it is the foundation for morality and secondly, it points us all to our need for a Saviour. I recorded Joshua reciting the 10 Commandments, I debated editing the but decided to leave it just as he said them. At one point he has the hand sign right but you can see him searching for the right one I love the look on his face when he remembers it.
In case it wasn’t clear in the video…
- You hold up one finger, ”There is only one God.”
- You hold up two fingers and make them like scissors cutting down the idols. ”Do not make any idols.”
- You hold up three fingers to your lips, ”Don’t use God’s name in vain.” You can also tell your children that the 3 fingers represent, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- You hold up four fingers in front of you like your holding something, setting it apart. ”Keep God’s day holy.”
- Hold up your hand like you are ready to high-five your Mom or Dad. ”Honor your mother and father.”
- Put your hands together and with your thumbs and first two fingers make a gun, I know, I know, but it makes 6 being held up. ”Do not murder.”
- Lay your palm flat and take your first two fingers of your other hand and place them on the palm. (Mom and Dad and their bed) seven fingers. This was taught to the children as, “Keep marriage special.” Joshua has obviously heard it enough times the other way. ”Don’t commit adultery.”
- Lay your palm flat and on your other hand take your thumb and two first fingers and make like you are picking something up.(eight fingers) “Do not steal.”
- Place your one hand across your chest and hold the other hand up at your side thumb in like your giving an oath. ”Do not lie”
- Place all your fingers in front of you and wiggle them like you want to grab everything in sight. ”Don’t be greedy.” You can easily teach the meaning of covet and teach, “Do not covet.”
You will be surprised how fast they learn them and in the correct order with their fingers helping them out!
(Thanks for helping out Joshua!)
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I love this idea. Kids often learn so much faster when there are motions or actions to go with the words.
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It is so very true Rose, when I do use actions and they pick it up quickly I always think I need to use actions more often!
perfect timing! Tobi has been learning the 10 commandments the past 2 weeks. he's been doing well with one commandment/day and can get the first 5 with very little prompting but the hand actions should help! thanks!
Good for Tobi, he seems like a real bright little guy!
cool! I love this! I remember when Layton was not even walking yet and he knew sooooo many verses with his little actions. I love it!
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I think I often underestimate what the children are capable of.
We learned something very similar when I was growing up
Thanks for the reminder!
No problem Tina!
What a neat idea! I love the concept of using fingers to count through the commandments. I'm sure it goes a long way in helping them remember them! My son is just getting to the age where we should really start teaching them to him, and I think we'll use this technique! Thanks for writing it all out so clearly!
I'm stopping by from the voiceBoks Members to Remember event from last week (I'm a little late… hehe). I was the first to join so I'm going back after the event ended to visit the last few people on the list. I loved this post!
Have a great week! Smiles, Jenn @Misadventures in Motherhood
Thanks for stopping by and I am glad it is helpful.
This is great!!! I'm sharing this on my blog for "Wednesday's Feature"
Thank you for sharing this Angela!
That is very cool!!! I love it!!
Can't wait to teach this to my munchkins!!!
Thanks Aimie!
What a fantastic way to teach the 10 commandments, and yes, you're a mommy blogger, but the cool kind! ooxx
Honestly Amber I cannot remember the last time that cool was used to describe me, I am lovin it!
It is so wonderul that he all ready knows them! I would imagine that getting them in order would be the hardest part. Half the time I forget the order. I hope when my kids are a little older I can be as successful teaching them as you clearly have been. So refreshing to see!
Before this I could name them but not in order so it helped me get them in order now and it was so easy.
Helpful for little kids! Great idea there.
Jill from voice boks
Thanks Jill!
kids learn things so much faster with actions! so great. your family is darling. I'm coming to you from voiceboks members to remember and now, I'm a follower! have a great day.
kathryn http://www.thedragonsfairytail.blogspot.com http://www.thebusybeefamileee.blogspot.com
Hi Kathryn I find it amazing how adding actions helps the children (and me too) remember things Thanks for stopping by.
I love this idea!! I will definitely have to remember it for my own kids
Just stopping by to say Hello, and also to pass along this Sunshine Award to you!! I thought your blog really deserved it 
http://sahmcity.blogspot.com/2011/11/sunshine-awa…
Jackie
Thank you Jackie for the award!
Oh, I'm SO gonna steal this!!! Love it and your video is awesome!
Thanks for linking and joining in the Koinonia Community!
That’s a nice post.