Learn about the Protestant Reformation with your kids through picture books, audiobooks, movies, songs, and more!
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I’m going to keep this post short and to the point, because this week has been full to the max and I have been wanting to share some resources with you that I am really excited about all month. And here it is, a couple of days past the middle of the month already.
The last day of October is Reformation Day. That’s right, it’s not only Halloween, it’s also a day to remember an event which not only led to the birth of the Protestant church, it also changed the course of Western history as a whole. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenburg, hoping to engage in scholarly discussion on several points of disagreements concerning sin and forgiveness.
Rather than simply opening the door for discussion, Luther’s 95 theses set in motion the Protestant Reformation.
Of course, you can study the Reformation during any time of the year. But there is always something significant and unique about studying events during the time of the year they occurred. We have celebrated Reformation Day for years as a family and at our church.
This year, as our kids are getting older, we are beginning to do more with them to learn about the Reformation. I am SO excited because I am sure I will be learning a ton along with them. AND I’m excited simply because at the heart of the Reformation is the gospel and I am really looking forward to all the discussions we will be having about the essence of the gospel.
Easy Way to Learn about the Protestant Reformation with Your Kids
1. Books
Of course, books. We purchased the first two books, and checked out the others from the library.
Reformation ABC’s : The People, Places, and Things of the Reformation– from A to Z :: Stephen J. Nichols
Who doesn’t love a good ABC book?! This one is informative while not being overwhelming, and the illustrations are colorful and fun.
Martin Luther : Christian Biographies for Young Readers :: Simonetta Carr
I’ve heard so many great things about this author and her work, I knew investing in her book would be a great idea. We started reading through it this morning. I appreciate how she covers some of Luther’s childhood and family life, in addition to the more well-known events of his life.
The Life and Times of Martin Luther :: Meike Roth-Beck
This large hardcover book includes a lot of illustrations (with a section in the back giving even more details), details about Martin Luther’s life, and information about how Europe and the church was at the time. I especially like that author included several of Luther’s actual theses in the this book.
2. Audiobooks
Morning Star of the Reformation :: Andy Thomson
I found this audiobook on John Wycliffe to listen to during mealtimes and in the car. The narrator is enjoyable to listen to, and the story is captivating. Even though I’m sure a lot of it will go over my kids’ heads, they will still learn some things and I hope to learn a lot as well. If anything, I hope that listening to this book reminds us how thankful we ought to be to have Bibles in our language, readily accessible and plentiful.
3. Movies
We have watched this movie on or around Reformation Day for many years and it really doesn’t get old. When the movie first came out, I probably watched it a few times a month. It is SO GOOD.
The movie is very well produced and faithfully covers a lot in terms of history and the central issues concerning the Protestant Reformation.
4. Songs
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God :: Martin Luther
Did you know that A Mighty Fortress is Our God was written by Martin Luther? This would be the perfect time to learn this wonderful hymn with your family! It’s beautiful and so full of truth.
I created a couple simple printables to help your family learn this hymn– a song sheet and a word sheet. I have filled in the meanings of several of the words that may be more unfamiliar, and left a few blanks to fill in more on your own.
The Five Solas :: Cody Curtis
This song was written by an incredibly gifted musician who used to be an elder at our church. He and his group, PSALLOS, have written phenomenal music centered around the truth of God’s Word. You can check out their album on the book of Romans (also perfect for studying the Reformation), and their album on the book of Hebrews.
Cody wrote this song, The Five Solas, while he was still at our church and it is still a regular song we sing. As you learn about the Reformation with your kids, you can use this song to reinforce the biblical teaching on salvation. The reformers referred to these as the five solas. (Read more about the five solas here).
You can find The Five Solas song on Bandcamp, and download it for just a dollar (a dollar well spent, I assure you).
To help you and your kids learn the five solas, I created a printable graphic. Put it up on your refrigerator, hang it in a frame, but whatever you do, talk about these important points together!
This is only a beginner’s course on the Reformation, but it is a great start for introducing this incredibly important period in history!
If you have any Reformation Day traditions, please share them in the comments! I am hosting a Reformation Day party for our Wild & Free group in a couple of weeks and I’d love to hear your ideas!
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Thanks for the helpful article, Lisa! I believe that talking with children about God, religion, Luther King, causes and aspects of Reformation is necessary from early childhood. Unfortunately, many children are often bored with these conversations. But thanks to your selection of books and movies, I’m sure this task will become much easier. Thank you again for this work, I am sure you have done a very useful job!
You have some wonderful recommendations that I plan to take a look at with my children. As it turns out, Mrs. Carr of the Christian Biography Series for Children is a dear friend. I endorse her books wholeheartedly!! Here is a recommendation for you that we have been enjoying as a family during Morning Time: https://www.ligonier.org/blog/. We watch a short clip (or two, or three) in addition to our normal routine. It has been a wonderful addition to learning about our Reformed roots. Reformation month is sort of the kickoff to Advent in our home. 🙂