We love reading stories—especially true ones that inspire and encourage our faith and remind us of God’s truth. We tend not to read too many Halloween stories this time of year, instead we prefer to remember the Reformation—a pivotal moment in church history that helped ensure we can read God’s word.

Learning about heroes of the Christian faith helps encourage our walks with the Lord. God uses ordinary men and women to accomplish his extraordinary purposes. Celebrating the reformation during a traditionally dark night helps shine the light of Jesus—celebrating the faithfulness of God through the lives of His people.

Here are 9 stories to celebrate the Reformation—a collection to inspire young hearts to love Scripture, stand firm in faith, and thank God for the gift of His Word.

We love reading stories! But we do not enjoy scary stories. We hold Halloween very loosely. We don’t decorate or celebrate with skeletons, witches, blood, monsters, or brooms. We barley trick-or-treat. Not only does our daughter have a really low tolerance for scary things, but we don’t enjoy them either. There is real evil and real dark in the world and we do not want to mess with it. We also don’t love candy. No one needs that much sugar.

Now that I’ve officially repelled the people who enjoy haunted houses, I’ll share our 7 non-scary halloween stories.

We love reading stories! Since our daughter was little, we’ve made reading together a part of our daily rhythm. Over the years, those shared moments have become treasures—time spent exploring new worlds, asking questions, learning about life, and sometimes just laughing together.

In the fall, we especially love stories that slow us down and help us notice the season around us—the crisp air, the changing leaves, the busy animals preparing for colder days.

Having taught elementary school for the past decade, I’m well versed in my farm animal literature. Our curriculum had a 12 week unit devoted to life on the farm. These are our favorite farm stories from toddler board books to preschool picture books and even some early childhood chapter books. Much of these stories are inspired from my time in the classroom or our own shelves at home. I hope these stories help transport you and your little learner to country and you enjoy your time among the animals.

If I were to look on your kids’ bookshelf would I see more storybooks (fiction) or information books (nonfiction)? My guess is fiction. Most people read storybooks with their kids. Their children’s library is filled with Elephant and Piggie, Pete the Cat, and stories written by Eric Carle. These aren’t bad options, though I’d love to introduce you to Jan Brett (The Mitten) or Michael Bond (Paddington), but kids, especially young kids really thrive with information books.

These nine Christian children’s books are some of our favorites, the ones we keep returning. We love them not just because they are well written or beautifully illustrated, but because they have helped us love God more deeply together. My hope is that as you read them with your family, they will help do the same for you.

Whether you’re looking to replace your worksheets, create a calm routine to your morning, or get your students more fine motor work practice, this is a great place to start. Once you set it up, it runs itself. This small shift can make a BIG difference for you and your students.

Most often when parents think of teaching their child to write they search for letter worksheets and have their child practice tracing their name. Writing letters and names may seem like a great place to start—but you’re missing a few key steps.

Whether it’s following directions, completing a puzzle or game, or learning to write, kids need stamina to stick with a task—especially when it get’s hard. Writing is a laborious task. It takes focused attention and physical strength to color a picture, trace a shape, or write a letter…Writing requires stamina and stamina needs built up over time.

Following directions is a crucial skill, for life and the good of the family. Children need to be able to follow directions for growing independence, helping out around the house, getting out the door, and for learning to write their letters.

Our world can be extraordinarily loud. If we are not careful, our kids will grow accustomed to the pull of distraction and disengagement, especially in a world filled with noise, stimulation, and screens. It’s no wonder that so many kids are struggling with focus and attention. Though it can seem like some kids are just “naturally” more focused and others are destined to race from one thing to another, the truth is focus is a skill which can grow and strengthen when properly nurtured.

When in doubt, go out! Outdoor exploration is a great way to get young children moving and exploring. The great outdoors has the power to change your mood, slow your pace, and deepen your breath—drawing your attention back to the present. With a few simple tools and the space to freely explore, outside play is a great rhythm to add to your day.

Young kids need time to explore the world with their whole body. Sensory play is a meaningful opportunity to help toddlers and young children build focus and fine motor skills while they dig, splash, or scoop. With a few simple tools and designated space, you can help your child learn through exploration.

Most of what prepares a child to write doesn’t look like writing at all. These small, play-filled moments–incorporated into your every day rhythms–are skill building spaces. Don’t feel pressured to start worksheets or “school lessons.” These simple tools and activities are meeting your child where they are and are helping them build the necessary skills for later academic success.

Tummy time may seem simple and at times tedious, but it is a powerful opportunity to help your baby grow. With intentional time and space on their stomach, a few minutes throughout the day, your baby will gain body awareness, motor control, and confidence.

Just a little before your child turns 6 months, they begin to sit up, giving your child a whole new perspective on life. Before sitting, everything was viewed from the floor, now everything looks new and exciting. Sitting play helps your child continue to build strength, coordination, and cultivate curiosity. With a little support and some simple tools, this new stage becomes a new part of your daily rhythm.

Were you told not to play with your food as a kid? Though it may be a helpful rule for toddlers, babies need to “play” with their food. Eating play is a great way for babies to explore new foods and strengthen their fine motor skills. With a few simple tools and your presence guidance, eating play can become a new part of your daily rhythm.

Toddlers are naturally curious as they explore the world around them. Puzzles and problem-solving toys (preferably without screens or batteries) are the perfect toys to help them slow down for more than a second, and engage in critical thinking while using small, focused movements.