How to Teach the Ten Commandments to Preschoolers

The preschooler is at an age where he begins to realize that all his actions have an outcome. Therefore, this is the time when you can lay a strong moral foundation. Learning the Ten Commandments is important because it provides children with the values to discriminate right from wrong. Although you should help preschoolers to memorize each of the Commandments, remember to focus on teaching them the meaning of each one. Seek to build up a desire to follow the Commandments out of love rather than a fear of punishment.

Instructions

    • 1

      Use flash cards and posters that have a picture communicating the meaning of each Commandment. Since preschoolers learn better from visual representation, create your own posters and flash cards with pictures that appeal and make sense to younger children. For instance, to teach the First Commandment, which states that you shall have no other gods before me, draw something like a first-place ribbon and write out the Commandment below or on the reverse of this drawing. Alternatively, use posters available on websites like Garden of Praise (see Resources).

    • 2

      Explain the meaning of the Commandment in simple language, using comparisons that children can understand. When you begin teaching a Commandment, first state the exact wording and ask the kids for their interpretation of what they think it means. Listen to what they say and draw them toward the exact meaning by giving relevant examples from their daily life. For example, help them understand the meaning of the First Commandment by saying that God is the most important of all things. Therefore, they should happily switch off the TV when Mom says it is time for prayer.

    • 3

      Set the words of the Ten Commandments to music. This will make it interesting and fun for children to learn. Create a simple tune with a rhythm that preschoolers can easily catch. Use the music of the child's favorite song or rhyme if possible and make the child sing the Commandment. This will ensure that he memorizes the words correctly. Use this song in combination with the poster or flashcards for best results.

    • 4

      Teach children that following the Ten Commandments will make God happy. Focus on this positive aspect to create a vision of a loving God rather than a punishing God. Instill a desire to follow the Commandments because it is the right thing to do. For instance, instead of saying that God is watching to see every mistake they make, tell them that God has a book in which he makes note of all the good they do so he can reward them when the time is right.

    • 5

      Ask children to share examples of what they did during the last few days to adopt the Commandments they learned. Help them understand what you mean by giving a small example of your own. For instance, tell how you were very angry with someone but remembered the Third Commandment and did not use bad language. Encourage children to think of how they can practice the Ten Commandments in their interactions with parents, teachers and friends.

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