A picture is worth a thousand words — learn to use costumes, props, and visuals to make teaching unforgettable.
Truth becomes clearer when it’s not just heard but seen. When you turn lessons into something visual, you’re creating snapshots of truth that stick for life.
God, though Himself invisible, is a visual God – He always made His presence visible, from a pillar of cloud by day to a pillar of fire by night for His people, to His incredible acts in the Old Testament to the literal object lessons Jesus did in the New. God knows His people need to SEE Him at work, not just read or hear about Him.
In my planning, one of the questions I ask myself regularly is,
“How can I help the kids SEE this — not just HEAR it?”
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them… Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
Deuteronomy 6:6–9 (NIV)
Kids are naturally visual. In a world filled with screens, images, and sensory input, if we just stand in front of them and talk, their attention will drift. But if we give them something to look at — something that enhances, illustrates, or engages curiosity — our teaching becomes far more effective.
Visuals create mental bookmarks that can be referenced for the rest of life.
One of the best examples of this comes from my own childhood. My mom used to teach me and my friends each week with a simple tool: her “Mystery Box.” Every week, she’d bring out this special box, and we’d wait breathlessly to see what she’d pull out. Sometimes she’d tease us — slowly opening the lid, reaching inside, talking a bit… then walking away and letting the lid fall closed again. It was torture — in the bestway. We were captivated.
And you know what? No matter what she pulled out — even if it was just a stick, a rock, or a paper crown — we were ready to learn from it. Her object lessons never disappointed. Years later, I still see certain objects and remember what my mom once taught me with them. That’s the power of visual teaching. It’s one of the things I loved about my Mom’s teaching.
Here are a few practical ways to be intentionally visual in your teaching:
1. Dress Kid-Friendly
Costumes, silly hats, themed T-shirts, or even just fun accessories can signal to kids that this isn’t just another boring grown-up moment. You don’t have to be in full costume every week — but visual creativity makes an impression. Something as small as a funny hat can instantly raise curiosity and lower resistance. The reality is, a fun costume can transform a lesson from boring down-to-earth to a lesson that is out of this world!
2. Decorate Your Space
Your environment teaches before you ever speak. Whether it’s your stage area, classroom, or large group room — decorate in a way that says, “This is going to be FUN!” You don’t need a big budget — you simply need big creativity. Cardboard, paper, dollar store finds, or even repurposed props can transform a space. A themed environment invites kids into a story.
3. Use Props — Never Teach Empty-Handed
Whether it’s a puppet, a magic trick, an object lesson, a toy, or a household item with a twist — never teach with empty hands. Props grab attention, invite curiosity, and create instant illustrations that make abstract truth concrete. If it can be held, opened, stretched, broken, burned, unwrapped, or turned upside-down — it can probably be used to teach God’s Word in a way they’ll never forget.
And don’t forget the power of curiosity: if you walk on stage holding something and say nothing about it at first… they’re already hooked.
Being visual isn’t about being flashy. It’s about being effective. Jesus was visual — He pointed to fig trees, coins, sheep, seeds, lamps, and even His miracles were a visual way to teach. He showed people truth as much as He told them. Think about what prop you can bring in?
When we prioritize visuals in our communication, we’re teaching like Jesus taught!
My Prayer for You:
Creative God, You filled this world with color, beauty, and life. Help us teach Your truths in ways that are vibrant, memorable, and full of joy. Use every visual tool we employ to point kids’ eyes — and hearts — toward You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
FINAL THOUGHT: Clear truth today paints a picture of hope for tomorrow.
“Write down the revelation and make it plain on
tablets so that a herald may run with it.”
Habakkuk 2:2
Let’s Get Visual!
