Download a Printer-Friendly PDF Version
Scroll to the bottom of the page or click here for additional resources and information.
The Absorbent Mind: Infant to Six Years-old
In this first stage, ages 0-6, children’s minds are like little sponges soaking up information, which is why they are said to have “absorbent minds.”
From 0-3, kids explore the world through their senses of touch and taste, grabbing everything they can find and usually popping it into their mouths.
It’s their way of learning and crucial for their early years. They gather information like gathering pieces of a puzzle.
However, they don’t need to put those pieces together just yet. They’ll connect them in the next stage.
Often, around age three, kids start formal education. However, we shouldn’t move to the abstract too soon.
Until age six, children still need concrete experiences and learn best by handling objects and experiencing things firsthand. The journey towards understanding the abstract, the spiritual, begins with what we can see and touch.
Religious Activities for the Absorbent Mind
Religious activities should focus on what’s real and tangible. Kids need to experience concrete realities without knowing how everything fits into the bigger picture.
Kids are naturally curious and often ask, “Why?” But that’s not because they’re looking for a long-winded explanation. They want to keep the conversation going, to stay engaged and connected.
At this age, kids are fascinated by names, images, and stories of critical religious realities. Bible stories should also be in the mix by age three if you read other stories to them.
Start with illustrated children’s storybook Bibles like The Beginner’s Bible. There is a lot to choose from. A favorite is The Jesus Storybook Bible.
Get several books so you can have a rotation. When one gets old, start another.
These Bibles present the significant characters and stories of the Old and New Testaments. They don’t tell the whole story, but that’s fine for this age. They don’t need to know how the entire Bible story fits together.
Making connections too soon can disrupt their natural learning process. These Bibles tend to repeat the same stories, but that’s good. Reading these stories over and over will solidify the essential pieces, laying a foundation for deeper understanding in the future.