Hand Commands - Some Great Reviews!

A Great Homeschooling Review

We recently learned that Eclectic Homeschooling Online published a positive review about Hand Commands, Ann’s little book about teaching the Ten Commandments to children.

Hand Commands: The Ten Commandments for Little Ones

Publisher: Kregel Publications
Author: Ann Dunagan
Format: Board Book
Ages: Preschool/Kindergarten (and older!)

Review by Jean Hall of Eclectic Homeschooling:

Fingerplays are a wonderful way to teach little ones, and not-so-little ones! In fact, our whole homeschool science class (students from age eight to eighteen and their parents) recently used a fingerplay to memorize the five species of Pacific salmon!

Hand Commands is a charming board book that will help you teach your little ones something much more important: The Ten Commandments.

The book’s introduction is sweet, winsome, drawing the reader gently into the book, and the conclusion encourages storing up God’s Word in the heart. The Ten Commandments are quoted from Scripture on the last two pages. Both the New King James Version (for all but one of the commandments) and the New International Version (just for one of the commandments) are quoted.

The text is simple but not simplistic, illustrated with bright pictures that bring a smile. For each commandment, there’s a photograph (or two) of a child’s hands illustrating the meaning of the verse, an explanation of what the verse means, and the verse as quoted in Exodus 20. The hand motions are quick to learn and easy to remember. (When I think how I struggled to keep all the Commandments straight, myself—I always got the first four in the right order, but it was hard to keep the rest straight for the longest time—I wish I’d had this book a long time ago, for my own sake as well as our little ones’!)

I’ll never mix up the order again. (Can you say the same?)

More Reviews:

Customer Average Rating at ChristianBook.com:
5 out of 5 stars, (7 of 7 Reviews Showing):

5 out of 5 stars - Reviewed by Gretchen (Snoqualmie), October 25, 2008

We really enjoyed this book. Our whole family learned the 10 commandments in order this summer by reading this book at camp for 5 days. The kids from ages 4-12 can still tell you all the commandments and the older two can recite them out of order or while being questioned, “What’s the 5th commandment?” We have been able to witness to friends and family by sharing what the kids learned! What a blessing.

4.5 out of 5 stars - Reviewed by Stacy (Phoenix, AZ), January 20, 2008

Even though my kids are past board book age, we enjoyed using this book in our homeschool to learn the 10 commandments. We supplemented it with the CD, If You Love Me: Songs for the Ten Commandments, by Judy Rodgers.  We found the motion for the 8th commandment a little tricky — it requires motor and cognitive skills that kids of the recommended age (under 5) will find difficult. For the motion for the 10th commandment, we made a grabbing “give me” motion to accentuate the meaning of “You shall not covet.”

5 out of 5 stars - Reviewed by Elisabeth Dillon (Wichita, KS), October 19, 2007

We are using this book as a supplement to a curriculum for preschoolers and kindergartners on the Ten Commandments. All the children seem to really like the book, from ages 2 to 6. They are picking up the hand moves and having a fun time. One of the best unintended benefits is for the adults teaching and for the parents of the children. I have had numerous adults say that they have never memorized God’s commands and that this book is helping them! We have actually ordered numerous extras to sell to parents wishing to augment their learning and their children’s by having this book in their home. Highly recommended for ALL ages.

5 out of 5 stars - Reviewed by Ernest (Tulsa, Oklahoma), January 10, 2007

This tiny little book offers a whole lot more to “ALL” age groups. I am a 21 year old male, and learning the 10 commandments in order in a very simple way has been a joy to my heart. This book is easy to read, easy to follow, happy, and God-honoring, and its not just for kids, but adults as well!

5 out of 5 stars - Reviewed by Pam Hughes (White Salmon, WA), January 08, 2007

Sometimes wonderful, precious things come in small packages and this is exactly what you will find in “Hand Commands!.” Our church bought 75 books to put in “Operation Christmas Child” shoe boxes. We like having some for the children in our Nursery and Pre-school programs too! A great gift that children of all ages can treasure for eternity as they hide God’s Word in their heart!

5 out of 5 stars - Reviewed by Tiffany Westby (Aberdeen, SD), January 03, 2007

I love the book “Hand Commands”! We are a family of seven and each one of us who read the book ONCE was able to say the 10 commandments in order, using the hand motions! Did I mention that 4 of my 5 kids are teenagers and THEY think it’s neat? My pastor loves the book and we are going to use it for baby dedication gifts. You will be amazed at this little book.

5 out of 5 stars - Reviewed by Lorraine (The Dalles, OR), December 22, 2006

The bold colors and pictures of little children quickly caught the attention of my 21 month grandson Josiah. The ‘Hand Commands’ were very easy to follow and fun to learn. Josiah was able to imitate most of the commands, I know it won’t be long before he has them all down. These scriptures are so important to learn for our everyday lives they lay a foundation for our children to walk upon, and you have presented them in a way that children will not only learn from but enjoy reading over and over again. I’ve bought four copies for each of my grand children and my nephew.

To order Hand Commands, at Christianbook.com

Click Here!

Hand Commands Explanation

QUESTION: Hi I am a children’s ministry director in South Africa and am busy teaching on God’s laws. I would love to use the Hand Commands too. Please could you email the basic outlines, as you did for Virginia in New Zealand? I would be so grateful.

Here you go!!! Included here are the hand motions from my book, HAND COMMANDS - The Ten Commandments for Little Ones, to assist you in helping your children to easily memorize all of God’s Ten Commandments, in order. Blessings to you all! ~Ann Dunagan

Commandment 1:

I AM the LORD your God…

(Hold up one finger, like a big #1 and a giant Capital “I”)

You shall have no other gods before Me.

(Now shake your finger, as if saying “No, No, No!”)

Commandment 2:

You shall not make any idols to bow down to and worship.

(Hold up two fingers together, and make them “bow” up and down.)

Commandment 3:

You shall not take the Name of the LORD in vain.

(Hold three fingers up to your lips and say, “SHHH.” - Watch what you say - especially when you are speaking God’s HOLY and wonderful Name!)

Commandment 4:

Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy.

(Hold up two fingers on each hand, joined together like a steeple. - “On God’s special day, where do we LOVE to go?” - God wants us to have quiet times with Him - to rest and to listen for His voice.)

Commandment 5:

Honor your father and mother.

(Have child give a “high five” by lifting up their hand and clapping someone else’s hand up high. You need to give you dad and mom a big “high five!”)

Commandment 6:

You shall not murder.

(Hold up six fingers, pointing one finger like a gun into the palm of the other five. - “bang-bang” - God doesn’t want us to hate other people, or to want to hurt them.)

Commandment 7:

You shall not commit adultery.

(Hold up seven fingers - 2 + 5 - and say, “It’s a family!” -  Here is the husband and wife…and over here, their handful of kids! - however many blessings, kids are a handful!!! God wants moms and dads to be married and to always love each other with thoughts and actions pure . . . and He wants ALL of us to keep our thoughts and actions pure.)

Commandment 8:

You shall not steal.

(These hand motions are a little “tricky”! Hold up eight fingers: 5 on the left, 3 on the right, then quickly ‘bump’ your hands together and switch to 4 fingers on each hand. “Did you see that? That right hand just ‘stole’ a finger from the left hand!”)

Commandment 9:

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

(Hold up nine fingers. Then, say with a ‘sarcastic’ tone, “Nine is close enough to ten, don’t you think? Let’s just call it ten. What difference would it make? What’s wrong with just a ‘little lie?’” -  NO!!! God wants us to always tell the truth!)

Commandment 10:

You shall not covet.

(Hold up ten fingers and pretend to “grab” in front on you as if saying, “Gimmie-Gimmie! I want it!” - Don’t be selfish, or “want” things that belong to others.)

These HAND COMMAND motions are from Ann Dunagan’s book, Hand Commands - The Ten Commandments for Little Ones - published by Kregel Publications.

For assistance with these hand motions, please take a look at the 2nd week of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE videos, Day 6 (Commands #1-2) - Day 7 (Commands #3-4) - Day 8 (Commands #5-6) - Day 9 (Commands #7-8), and Day 10 (Commands #9-10).

Click for more about Hand Commands - The Ten Commandments for Little Ones

The Challenge: DAY 10 - God’s Commands #5

His TRUTH

Welcome to DAY 10 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!

Today your family will learn the HAND COMMANDS (finger motions) for the Ten Commandments #9 and #10 - about being truthful (not lying, or bearing false witness against our neighbor), and not coveting.

Day 10 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE - daily encouragement to become more effective for eternity. Today focuses on Commandments #9 & #10, with the HAND COMMANDS, along with surrendering everything to follow Jesus.

C’mon . . . Take the Challenge!

• Recommended Mission Resource: M.A.P.S. for KIDS - Missions Adventure Preparation School - a FREE Mission-Minded Vacation Bible School Curriculum
• HAND COMMANDS - The Ten Commandments for Little Ones
• Missionary Quote by Keith Green
• Geography Quiz at lizardpoint.com: MIDDLE EAST
• Memory Verse: Matthew 19:21 (read in context: Matthew 19:16-22)

A few questions for feedback:
Discuss Commandment #9 - As a family, do you speak God’s TRUTH? Are there times that you may tell only “part” of the truth, or mislead others by not giving full information? Do you ever struggle with lying or being deceptive? (Does your mind ever ponder or “camp too long” on lies of the enemy? Do you ever think about these lies, or speak them to others, even to yourself, rather than God’s TRUTH?)
Commandment #10 - What does it mean to “covet”? Sometimes, by merely going “window shopping” too often, or browsing through store catalogs too frequently, it can lead to “coveting” unneccesary things. As a family, discuss being content with what you have. (And would you be willing to be content if God asked your family to live a simpler life for His purposes?) Discuss the story of Jesus and the rich young ruler: What did Jesus ask of this man? Has God ever presented you with “one thing” to surrender? If God asks anything (or everything!!!) of you, don’t go away sad. Respond to Jesus, and follow Him fully!!!

The Challenge: DAY 9 - God’s Commands #4

His DESTINY

Welcome back to DAY 9 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!

Today your family will learn the HAND COMMANDS (finger motions) for Commandments #7 and #8 - about keeping thoughts and actions pure (not committing adultery or “allowing” it into your home via movies or other media!!) and not stealing.

C’mon . . . Take the Challenge!

• Recommended Mission Resource: The Mission-Minded Family
• HAND COMMANDS - The Ten Commandments for Little Ones
• Missionary Quote by William Carey
• Geography Quiz at lizardpoint.com: MIDDLE EAST
• Memory Verse: Romans 12:1-2

A few questions for feedback:
Discuss Commandment #7 - As a family, how are you keeping your thoughts and actions pure? Do you have standards and guards over the media entering your home? Do you have boundaries (even for moms and dads) to protect marriage purity (such as not being alone with someone of the opposite gender, guarding unnecessary phone conversations or copying-in your spouse on emails or online networking)? Are each of your kids and teens guarding God’s best (in their thoughts, actions, and modesty) for their future spouse and marriage? How?? (Do you know of resources that have helped your family in this area? If so, let us know. It’s important for mission-minded training!!!! For teens, it’s also a good day to focus on God’s definition of marriage as ONE MAN and ONE WOMAN, for life!!!)
Commandment #8 - Is your family honest before God (and not “stealing” in regards to even little things)? Does your family ever borrow things - even from siblings - and not bother to return them? Are you, as a family and as individuals, faithful to your giving to the Lord (see Malachi 3:8-12 about “robbing” God)?

The Challenge: DAY 8 - God’s Commands #3

His WAY

Welcome to DAY 8 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!

Today your family will learn the HAND COMMANDS (finger motions) for the Ten Commandments #5 and #6 - “Honor your father and mother” and “You shall not murder.”

C’mon . . . Take the Challenge!

• Recommended Mission Resource: Teaching With God’s Heart for the World
• HAND COMMANDS - The Ten Commandments for Little Ones
• Geography Quiz at lizardpoint.com: MIDDLE EAST
• Memory Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

A few questions for feedback:

Discuss Commandment #5 - What does it mean to honor your father and mother? (One blessing of youth is that you can know you’re in God’s perfect will by simply honoring your parents and obeying them. Compared to the process in adulthood of earnestly “seeking” God’s perfect will for your life, it’s so easy!!!)

Commandment #6 - Some Christians use this commandment to teach their belief in pacifism. The wording actually refers to murder. There is a difference between ‘to murder’ and ‘to kill for justice’ - as in a judicial execution, in service to one’s country in a just war situation, or in self-defense. There is need in this world for godly people in all spheres of society, and that includes the military. My husband has preached the Gospel to many military soldiers throughout the world and this specific explanation - about the difference between “to murder” and “to kill” - has helped many people in the military to surrender their lives to the Lord. Without this understanding, many soldiers do not realize that it can be possible to be both a good soldier and a good Christian. On a more personal family note, our oldest son is a young man who strongly loves the Lord, and he is currently serving as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Our son definitely sought the Lord for guidance in this decision, and as parents, we prayed with him in that regards. We have a peace about his decision, and believe that wherever our son will be sent, he will go as God’s ambassador.

This commandment can also refer to abortion; as mission-minded families, it is vital to instill in our children the importance and value of LIFE.

By the way, although I refer to a quote by Helen Keller, I do not recommend her as a Christian role model, but rather, as a remarkable example of determination and perseverance.

Continue the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE . . .

Click here for DAY 9

The Challenge: DAY 7 - God’s Commands #2

His LAW

Welcome to DAY 7 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!

Today your family will learn the HAND COMMANDS (finger motions) for the Ten Commandments, specifically today #3 and #4. We’ll also discuss how to keep God’s Word and His Law in our hearts.

C’mon . . . Take the Challenge!

• Recommended Mission Resource: Bruchko and the Molitone Miracle, by Bruce Olsen
• HAND COMMANDS - The Ten Commandments for Little Ones
• Missionary Quote by Ron Luce of TeenMania
• Geography Quiz at lizardpoint.com: MIDDLE EAST
• Memory Verse: Proverbs 7:1, 3

A few questions for feedback:
Discuss Commandment #3 - As a family, do you honor the Lord’s name and even guard how you say the name of “God”? In our home, we train our kids to always conclude their prayers with a strong “In the Name of Jesus, Amen.” Far too often, Christians “water-down” prayers, especially in public settings, in an attempt to not be offensive; instead, we need to be unashamed of the Lord Jesus Christ and BOLD in our witness. If we’re given an opportunity to pray, at family gathering or a city meeting, our prayers should glorify the Lord without shame. Also, if you ever hear a person swear, by taking the Lord’s name in vain, it’s a great time to witness and to let that person know how much you love Jesus and His wonderful Name!
Regarding Commandment #4, how does your family remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy? Does your family have a specific day of “spiritual rest” from your regular work, to focus on the Lord?

Continue the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE . . .

Click here for DAY 8

The Challenge: DAY 6 - God’s Commands #1

His PATH

Welcome to DAY 6 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!

Today your family will consider God’s path of life and two “ditches” to avoid: legalism and lawlessness. This week we’re focusing on God’s Ten Commandments, and learning the HAND COMMANDS. These simple finger motions can help you to show people their need for God’s salvation.

C’mon . . . Take the Challenge!

• Recommended Mission Resource: David Livingstone - Africa’s Trailblazer - From YWAM’s Christian Heroes Then & Now Series
• HAND COMMANDS - The Ten Commandments for Little Ones
• Missionary Quote by David Livingstone, Missionary Explorer to Africa
• Geography Quiz at lizardpoint.com: ASIA
• Memory Verse: Matthew 7:13-14

A few questions for feedback:
Discuss as a family Commandment #1 and #2. What does it mean to love the LORD your God and to only serve Him? Is there anything in your family that is out of place? Also, are there are “idols” or things in your life that take priority over your relationship with the Lord? What do you think about walking on God’s path and not falling into either legalism or lawlessness; which “ditch” is more of a tendency for your family?

Continue the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE . . .

Click here for DAY 7

40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!

You are invited to take a FREE Online Mission Class:

Introducing the 40-DAY Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!!!

It’s eight-weeks to becoming more effective . . . for eternity! (Just 5 minutes a day!)

For several months, this idea for a “40-Day Mission-Minded Family CHALLENGE” has been stirring in my heart. The vision is to provide eight weeks (Monday through Friday) of FREE on-line encouragement to motivate you and your family to become more effective for eternity.

I warn you. These online videos won’t be slick, glossy, or high-tech; but they will be biblical, focused, and heart-felt. In just 5 minutes a day, you and your family will be motivated to love God, and to love others. You’ll be challenged to guard the gates of your home, to raise the bar for your kids (for God’s glory), and to move beyond the typical self-centered focus our “Me-First” culture to focus more on the huge needs of our world and to seek God for your part in His Great Commission.

Throughout these 40 days, we’ll be referencing my three-book mission-minded set:

1. Hand Commands - The Ten Commandments for Little Ones
   
2. The Mission-Minded Child - Raising  a New Generation to Fulfill God’s Purpose
   
3. The Mission-Minded Family - Releasing Your Family to God’s Destiny

This 40-Day CHALLENGE will give you the opportunity to get a FREE “sneak-peak” of these resources . . . or if you can follow along with your own copies, you’ll be encouraged to apply the vision of these mission-minded books into your daily family life.

Every day will include a hard-hitting missionary quote, a quick-look at a particular geographical area of the world, a look at a recommended missionary biography book or resource tool, a targeted mission-minded Bible verse, and a practical (and very specific) challenge for you and your family. In just eight weeks, you’ll move forward toward becoming a more effective family for eternity. Spread the word . . . invite a friend to join you in the challenge, or a young person with a heart for missions, or another family, or maybe even your Sunday school class or a home group.

Take the Challenge!

A Personal Note:

This 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE is designed to be utilized over 8-weeks, although some families have been going through several videos (or even a week’s worth) at one time. To begin the challenge, you don’t need to “sign-up” for anything; instead, just click on a day’s title, watch the 4-5-minute video, take the suggested geography quiz-for-the-day, ponder or memorize the daily Bible verses and quotes, and then take ACTION on that day’s CHALLENGE. Suggested links and mission resources are added each day to assist you and your family in further learning. Please feel free to add your own feedback and comments . . . as you allow the Lord to draw you closer to Himself, and to stir-up more of His passion for the lost. We trust it will be a blessing (and a challenge) to you and your family!

As Hudson Taylor, the famous missionary to China said, “The Great Commission is not an option to consider, but a command to obey.”And as I say, “Missions is not just for missionaries; God’s call is for all.”

In His Love & For His Harvest,
Ann Dunagan

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Week 1 - GET THE VISION!

MONDAY: God’s Vision - Start your “40-Day Challenge” by clicking here…
TUESDAY: God’s Compassion
WEDNESDAY: God’s Joy
THURSDAY: God’s Passion
FRIDAY: God’s Mission

Week 2 - GOD’S COMMANDS! (The Ten Commandments)

MONDAY: Hand Commands #1
TUESDAY: Hand Commands #2
WEDNESDAY: Hand Commands #3
THURSDAY: Hand Commands #4
FRIDAY: Hand Commands #5

Week 3 - PRAY TO GOD!

MONDAY: A Time to Pray
TUESDAY: A Place to Pray
WEDNESDAY: Parents who Pray
THURSDAY: Kids who Pray
FRIDAY: Families who Pray

Week 4 - GOD’S ATTITUDES! (The Beatitudes)

MONDAY: The DISCIPLES
TUESDAY: Those who MOURN
WEDNESDAY: The MEEK
THURSDAY: The MERCIFUL
FRIDAY: The PERSECUTED

Week 5 - GUARD THE GATES!

MONDAY: Stop it at the DOOR!
TUESDAY: Guard the EYE Gate
WEDNESDAY: Guard the EAR Gate
THURSDAY: Guard against EVIL influences
FRIDAY: Guard your TONGUE

Week 6 - GIVE TO GOD!

MONDAY: Stewardship
TUESDAY: Sacrifice
WEDNESDAY: Creativity
THURSDAY: Hospitality
FRIDAY: Generosity

Week 7 - GET READY TO GO!

MONDAY: Get Passports
TUESDAY: International Adventure
WEDNESDAY: The 4 Spiritual Laws
THURSDAY: The Gospel Colors
FRIDAY: The EvangeCube

Week 8 - God’s MISSION!

MONDAY: His DESTINY
TUESDAY: His PLEADING
WEDNESDAY: His LOVE
THURSDAY: His CROWNS
FRIDAY: His MISSION

Do Your Kids Know God’s Ten Commandments?

With Hand Commands, kids can learn God’s Ten Commandments using simple hand motions. It’s a fun way for all ages to discover how to LOVE GOD and LOVE OTHERS!

Ann Interviews with Kregel about Hand Commands

Kregel Publications: Where did you get the idea for putting together a children’s book that teaches the Ten Commandments through hand motions?

Ann: Actually, my husband, Jon, was out on a prayer walk one day, and strongly felt impressed that I should put these Ten Commandment hand motions into a little board book for preschool children. That very day, I took some spontaneous photos of our own little kids—just out in our front yard—added the simple verse, and originally titled it Oh, How I Love God’s Law! It took a long time to find a publisher—and I almost gave up—but during this waiting time, the concept was refined and retitled as Hand Commands. Surprisingly, the final book includes most of the original photographs taken that first day, along with a few other new favorites—including a photo of a little Ugandan boy from Harvest Ministry’s Osanidde Village orphanage.

You are a home-schooling mom and have experience with children’s ministry. How has that contributed to the concept of Hand Commands?

Years ago, I was asked to teach a ten-week series about the Ten Commandments to the children at our home church. However, as I began to prepare, I realized that I actually didn’t know them all—especially in order. Eventually, I wracked my brain and finally came up with all ten in some random, hodge podge order, but I was very frustrated at myself—especially because I grew up in a wonderful godly family and rarely missed a day of church throughout my entire life. I couldn’t believe that I didn’t really know something as vitally important as the Ten Commandments; and over the years, I’ve found that many other God-fearing people are in this same situation. We discuss the importance of keeping God’s Ten Commandments visible in public places, yet we haven’t always kept them in our hearts. . . .

In my frustration, I earnestly asked God to help me create a visual method to remember the Ten Commandments in a way that I could easily teach kids—and I believe He helped me. As a long-time homeschooling mom, I’ve used these Hand Commands to teach my own seven children, and as a kids’ minister and international missionary, I’ve used them to help share about “sin” and our need for the Gospel. As a mother and a teacher . . . I enjoy children’s books that convey a sweet tenderness (especially those that share the love between a parent and a child), and I appreciate books that convey the spiritual capability in children to deeply love God. In writing Hand Commands, I attempted to convey both.

Will your book help children with different learning styles learn the Ten Commandments?

Yes! The book’s hand motions work well for visual learners, and also for those who benefit from kinesthetic activities. It’s geared for very young children, yet I’ve actually used these same hand motions to teach older children, teens, and even adults. The photos in the book are engaging, colorful, and vivid; the wording is simple, yet thought-provoking; and the hand motions are easy to remember. It’s just a little board book, but this concept for teaching the Ten Commandments really works!

Are you hoping that kids will also gain knowledge of the “spirit of the law” as well as knowledge of what they are?

Absolutely! It’s not enough to just know God’s laws in our head. Instead, God wants us to personally know HIM as our loving Heavenly Father and our closest Friend, and He wants us to want to follow His purposes for our lives. Through this little book, I hope both children and adults will sense my deep love for God and His Word, and that they will be encouraged to obey His commands.

Why did you design Hand Commands to have parental involvement?

As teachers and ministers, we can impact the lives of children in a profound way; however, we need to remember that God has actually given the primary child-training responsibility to the parents. When I share in church or school settings, I do my best to make a lasting difference; yet, I realize that my influence as a teacher is more temporary and limited than that of the children’s parents. One of my greatest passions is to inspire and encourage parents, because as moms and dads, they have the greatest potential (for good or for bad) to influence their children. If a parent commits to godly child training, that influence can continue day-after-day and year-after-year. It isn’t limited to school hours on Monday-through-Friday or to service times at church. A parent’s influence continues all throughout a child’s life and even—as future grandparents—into the next generation.

There’s something special that happens when a mommy snuggles up on the couch with her little one to read a godly children’s book, or when a daddy lifts his kids onto his lap to share from his heart about why he loves God.

Can Hand Commands be utilized in a school, Sunday school, or VBS setting? How?

I’ve shared these Hand Commands in many settings—in elementary schools, family camps, Vacation Bible schools, and in churches. They’re very quick and fun to learn, and easy for all ages to remember. Each hand motion is mentally connected to the “concept” of the commandment (not to our English words), so these motions can even be used in cross-cultural settings. They’ve worked in remote African villages and with hundreds of inner-city kids in Brooklyn, New York. I’ve used them to teach adult Bible college students and pastors (you’d be amazed at how rare it is to find people—even among faithful church goers—who can recite all Ten Commandments in order). These Hand Commands “connect” each commandment with its particular number so children and teachers can always remember them—both in and out of order. Quick! Do you know the sixth commandment? What about the third? As a Sunday school teacher, VBS leader, or elementary school teacher, the Ten Commandments are always appropriate, and with these easy-to-remember finger motions, a teacher will always have a quick “stash” of instant lessons (with ready-to-use “visuals” and hands-on student interaction) if a class time goes unexpectedly long. These Hand Commands can be reviewed quickly—at a moment’s notice—or a teacher can take time to expand upon each commandment.

How can parents help the Ten Commandments take root in their children’s hearts—not just their heads?

When I began to write this little book, the words, “Oh, how I love God’s law!” from Psalms 119:97 were ringing in my mind. I wanted to convey something much deeper than religious legalism with its “do’s” and “don’ts” and endless regulations. Instead, I wanted to convey—to both children and adults—an attitude of deep love for God and a heart desire to want to follow God’s word and His ways. Living for God is not just following rules or trying to not get caught when we do something sneaky. As parents and teachers, we should encourage children to live their whole lives (even when no one is looking) to bring God pleasure and glory. Jesus summed up all the law with just two commandments: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself”; but even these two simple rules could never be continually kept without God’s help. God gave His law to show us His will and how we’ve all missed it—and to reveal our desperate need for His salvation. In fact, that’s why Jesus came to die on the cross. Jesus died to pay the penalty for our disobedience to His laws. We’re all saved by God’s grace—not by merely “knowing” the rules in our heads and trying to keep them.

In Hand Commands, you use Proverbs 7:1, 3, which says, “My son, keep my words, and treasure my commands…bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.” Why did you choose that verse?

I got so excited when I found this verse—and it actually served as a motivating Scripture that kept compelling me to share these Ten Commandment hand motions in a book form! This verse conveys the central theme of Hand Commands—of instilling in the hearts of our children a heart attitude that sees God’s Word and His commandments as incredibly precious. We all need to “treasure” God’s commands, and as parents and teachers, God wants us to convey this heart attitude with our children. I think it’s wonderful how God wrote His law—with His own great hand—on tablets of stone, and now He wants us to keep His law written on the “tablet” of our hearts. I also love how this verse says to “bind” God’s commands “on your fingers” because Hand Commands teaches finger motions to remember the Ten Commandments.

What is the one thing you hope Hand Commands accomplishes?

As with every area of my life, I hope Hand Commands will bring glory to God. I’d love to see the idea of these simple hand motions spreading like wildfire to help parents and ministers to teach the Ten Commandments—and to help share why we all need God’s salvation—because we’ve all fallen short of God’s laws. I also hope parents and teachers will catch my passionate love for God and His Word, and the importance of instilling this passion into the next generation.

Hand Commands

The Ten Commandments for Little Ones

By Ann Dunagan - Kregel Publications

Board book

“Oh, how I love God’s Law!”

“God’s mighty words He wrote on stone,
Carved with His own GREAT HANDS,
And with ten little fingers, you can learn
God’s mighty TEN COMMANDS!”

Original location of Ann’s interview with Kregel
A Review of Hand Commands by Eclectic Homeschooling

You can find Hand Commands at:
Christianbook.com, Kregel Publications, and Amazon.com