Reformation Day is a wonderful memorial to observe with our kids.
The Protestant Reformation was a significant event–not only did it change the course of Western history, it also changed the course of the world.
Spurred on by growing and unhindered corruption in the Roman Catholic Church and a theology increasingly based on human tradition, men and women of faith fought for theological and practical reform. That fight erupted uncontrollably across Europe, causing not only religious change, but social and political changes as well.
While it’s easy to align the beginning of the Reformation with Martin Luther’s life, early attempts at reform had begun by about 1350 AD. By 1648, the Reformation was over and a new era of the Church had begun. With the 506th anniversary of Reformation Day upon us–when we remember Martin Luther nailing the Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany–here’s a list of some truly wonderful Reformation books for children and teens.
You can teach your kids about the Reformation, biblical doctrine, and some colorful figures in a fun way!
Celebrate the Protestant Reformation with these fun Reformation Day Activities. Some of these activities will work wonderfully on Reformation Day, while others may take time to work through.
You can pin and share this list to keep track of it for years to come.
With my children, I really like to emphasize that the Protestant Reformation was a stand for the truth and sufficiency of God’s Word, the Bible. Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church because he believed the Bible to be true, and the decrees and actions of the Catholic Church (particularly the sale of plenary indulgences) did not match the outline of salvation we find in Scripture. The gospel was being perverted, and he hoped to help restore the preaching of biblical truth.
God is holy and just, and all have sinned and fallen short of his standards. The wages of sin is death. Jesus Christ is God the Son, become fully man and fully God. He willingly died on the cross in our place, for our sins, that if we believe he is Lord and confess it with our mouth, we will be saved. He died, rose again, and will return one day to judge the earth and gather his children. It is by the grace of God through faith that we are saved–not by our works, so that no one can boast. <– What a marvelous truth!
That is the truth Martin Luther fought for, and the victory of that truth is worth celebrating. Reformation Day is a great time to celebrate the gospel.
Reformation Day Resources
When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther
The 5 Solas: Signs to Follow on the Narrow Path, A 7 Day Family Bible StudyBuy NowWho was Martin Luther? (Who What Why)What was the Gutenberg Bible? (Who What Why)Why did the Reformation Happen? (Who What Why)
Grab the autographed Reformation Family Bundle!
Looking for a Reformation Day family read aloud? Check out my historical novel, When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther. Learn about Martin Luther and the 95 Theses below!
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV
Reformation Day Activities
1) Read the story of Martin Luther to your family (or have your teens read it themselves) in When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther.
2) Learn key facts about why the Reformation happened and who the Reformers were, why the Gutenberg Bible and the printing press were such a big deal, and how Martin Luther helped start a revolution with the Who What Why series for 8-11 year olds.
3) Do some hands-on celebrating.
4) Read through the above sample or full text of the 95 Theses and discuss what they mean.
5) Discuss what you’ve learned, with short Bible studies in the When Lightning Struck! Book Discussion Guide.
6) Adventures in Mommydom has a Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation unit for you.
7) Take a look at these 10 Reformation Day videos.
8) Make Reformation lapbooks on Martin Luther, the Gutenberg Bible, and the Reformation!
8) Teach your toddlers about the Reformation with this fun idea.
9) Learn about the 5 Solas as a family with readings, discussion, and activities in a 7-day Bible study.
10) Read about what it would take to print the 95 Theses on a printing press.
11) Create your own Martin and Katie Luther craft with the 95 Theses and the Wittenberg Castle Church.
12) Print this sample of the 95 Theses or the full 95 Theses (down under the green 95 Theses heading–I prefer the modern text for kids) and pretend to nail it to your door. (The printable buttons are at the very top in light blue–just choose the PDF one.)
13) This 95 Theses door activity takes a little more work, but it’s awesome.
14) Make Johann Gutenberg and the printing press.
15) Celebrate Reformation Day on October 31st with this fun set of Reformation Day snacks (with printables).
16) Do this Reformation Biblical Word Study.
17) Use this simple, one-page 5 Solas coloring page. We used this with our boys when they were younger.
18) Create this cute Reformers craft!
19) Make this printable A Mighty Fortress is Our God Lyrics craft to learn about the hymn.
20) Do this A Mighty Fortress is Our God hymn study.
21) Color these beautiful 5 Solas intricate coloring sheets.
22) Teach your kids about some of the important figures involved in the Reformation with this set of Reformation Biographical Cards.
23) Make a 5 Solas Hand Garland.
24) Make stained glass paintings.
25) Spend some time reading about the Reformation with these 40+ Reformation Books for Children and Teens.
26) Work on the Rumblings of the Reformation 70-page Cobblestone Path™ Church History Research Journal (a free sample) with your teens!
27) Follow this Reformation Day for Slackers plan.
28) Schedule this 12-week Martin Luther Unit Study for your teens.
29) Learn about Michelangelo, who was active in Rome at the time of Martin Luther’s visit.
30) Grab this Reformation Day Printable Pack for your younger kids.
31) Go through the Atlas of the European Reformations with your 4th-12th graders with this free study guide.
32) Use this Martin Luther copywork.
33) Try one or two of these Reformation Day art activities.
34) Study the Armor of God with this fun Bible study lapbook.
35) Check out this Celebrating Reformation Day set.
36) Your kids can make these fun history detective bookmarks to remind them that learning history is fun–and important!
37) And… here’s a fun craft to help kids become Christian Church history detectives!
38) Help your kids put together renaissance knight and lady costumes.
Celebrate Reformation Day and the triumph of Scripture over tradition with your kids this year!
Learn more about the Who What Why series and get your FREE Abolition Lapbooks here.
Bible Resources for Your Kids
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Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids
Christian History Matters for Our Kids.
History matters. Now, more than ever, we see how important it is for our children to know and understand history and the Bible.
Here’s why:
- God is the sovereign ruler of all things. It’s important for our kids to see his hand in the history of nations and in the lives of both peasants and kings.
- Christian history is the story of our family history. Our kids get to see how people who love Jesus follow him.
- Understanding history can help our kids learn historic and biblical theology. They learn what the Bible says and what that means for us. They also see when the study of Scripture has taken important turns that have changed the Church.
- Reading Christian biographies and history can be a wonderful way for kids to think outside their own time and culture. God’s Church spans centuries and includes people from every nation.
- Christian biographies help kids consider their own faith, walk with Jesus, and the impact their witness may one day have on others–and on history.
Grab the autographed Reformation Family Bundle!
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