Teaching the 10 Commandments to preschoolers is both a spiritual and educational undertaking. At ages three to five, children are in one of the most formative stages of development, where they absorb language, behavior, and values through observation and imitation. While the 10 Commandments contain complex theological and moral lessons, these can be introduced to young children in simplified, age-appropriate ways. For preschoolers, the focus is less on memorizing the full biblical text and more on understanding simple values like loving God, being kind, telling the truth, and showing respect. This article examines how to teach the 10 Commandments to preschoolers effectively, how to simplify the language for young learners, and what kinds of teaching methods—including stories, crafts, songs, and play—help these lessons stick.
Why Teach the 10 Commandments in Early Childhood
Preschoolers are at an age where they begin to understand rules, consequences, and relationships. They are learning social skills like sharing, taking turns, and respecting authority, all of which are closely tied to the spirit of the commandments. By introducing these rules early, parents and teachers provide children with a moral framework that can grow with them. Learning the commandments at this age does not mean expecting children to fully grasp their depth. Instead, the goal is to plant seeds of understanding that nurture empathy, respect, gratitude, and faith.
Developmental Readiness of Preschoolers
Children between three and five years old are in Piaget’s preoperational stage of cognitive development. They can use symbols, participate in pretend play, and learn through stories and visuals. Their thinking is concrete, and they interpret ideas literally. For example, when told “Do not steal,” they think of not taking toys rather than abstract concepts of property. This developmental readiness makes the commandments a useful tool to reinforce positive behaviors. Preschoolers also thrive on repetition, so simple phrasing, songs, and visual aids work best for introducing the commandments.
Simplifying the 10 Commandments for Preschoolers
The original text of the 10 Commandments in Exodus and Deuteronomy is too complex for preschoolers. To make them accessible, educators often use simplified phrases that capture the essence of each commandment in language young children understand.
Table 1. Preschool-Friendly Versions of the 10 Commandments
| Commandment Number | Simplified Version for Preschoolers |
|---|---|
| 1 | Love God first |
| 2 | Worship only God |
| 3 | Use God’s name with love |
| 4 | Take time for God |
| 5 | Love and obey your parents |
| 6 | Be kind, don’t hurt others |
| 7 | Keep your promises |
| 8 | Don’t take what isn’t yours |
| 9 | Always tell the truth |
| 10 | Be happy with what you have |
This chart shows how complex biblical laws can be translated into short, clear statements children can understand and apply in daily life.
Teaching Methods That Work for Preschoolers
Teaching preschoolers the 10 Commandments requires an interactive and engaging approach. Since children this age learn through play, imagination, and creativity, lessons should not feel like lectures but instead take the form of activities, songs, crafts, and role-play.
Storytelling
Preschoolers love stories, and biblical stories about Moses receiving the commandments on Mount Sinai can be simplified into short narratives with strong visuals. Using puppets, picture books, or flannel board storytelling helps capture their attention. Stories that connect commandments to daily life, such as not taking a sibling’s toy or saying kind words, make lessons relatable.
Crafts
Crafts give children a tangible way to remember the commandments. Tablet crafts made from cardboard, coloring sheets with each commandment represented by a picture, or mobiles with symbols for each rule are engaging and memorable. Hands-on activities also strengthen fine motor skills.
Songs and Rhymes
Music is one of the most effective ways to help children memorize information. Simple songs that list the commandments in order or use rhymes with actions allow preschoolers to internalize values while having fun.
Role-Play and Games
Children can act out scenarios that reflect the commandments, such as sharing toys (honoring “don’t steal”), telling the truth (commandment nine), or helping parents (commandment five). Role-play transforms abstract rules into lived experiences.
Table 2. Teaching Method Comparison
| Method | Benefits | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Storytelling | Builds comprehension, imagination | Introducing lessons |
| Crafts | Hands-on, visual reinforcement | Review and memory building |
| Songs and rhymes | Easy recall, fun learning | Daily repetition |
| Role-play | Active, experiential learning | Real-life application |
| Visual aids | Provides concrete reminders | Classroom/home display |
Example Lesson Plans for Teaching the Commandments
A well-structured lesson plan combines storytelling, activity, and reinforcement. Below is an example weekly plan introducing each commandment one at a time.
Week 1: Love God First
Story: Moses receives the commandments
Craft: Heart-shaped tablet with “Love God First”
Song: “Love the Lord with All Your Heart”
Activity: Children share ways they show love for God, like praying or singing songs
Week 2: Worship Only God
Story: Simplified tale of people worshiping a golden calf
Craft: Drawing of things God made vs. things people make
Activity: Talk about how we thank God for the world
Week 3: Use God’s Name with Love
Story: Why names are special
Craft: Children decorate their names on paper and learn that God’s name is holy
Activity: Practice saying kind and respectful words
This pattern continues until all ten commandments are covered, with each week including one story, one craft, and one reinforcement activity.
Linking the Commandments to Preschool Life
Preschoolers connect best when rules are linked to their daily experiences. For example, “Don’t steal” can be explained as “Don’t take your friend’s toy.” “Honor your parents” can be reinforced through helping set the table. By linking commandments to everyday routines, children develop an early sense of morality that guides interactions with family, peers, and teachers.
Socioeconomic Considerations
Access to structured faith-based preschool varies across families. Some children attend Christian preschools where the commandments are part of the curriculum, while others learn them at Sunday school or at home. Families with limited resources may rely on low-cost activities such as homemade crafts, storytelling, and free printable coloring pages. Regardless of socioeconomic status, teaching the commandments can be adapted with creativity and resourcefulness.
Table 3. Low-Cost vs. Resource-Rich Approaches
| Resource Level | Example Activities |
|---|---|
| Low-cost | Oral storytelling, hand-drawn posters, songs and clapping games |
| Moderate | Printable coloring sheets, basic craft supplies like paper and crayons |
| Resource-rich | Puppet theaters, laminated visual aids, music CDs, illustrated children’s Bibles |
Cultural and Religious Sensitivity
While teaching the 10 Commandments is central in Christian and Jewish traditions, not all preschoolers come from the same background. In multi-faith or secular environments, educators must approach with sensitivity, emphasizing universal values such as kindness, honesty, respect, and gratitude. Language should remain inclusive, while still presenting the commandments in their religious context for faith-based programs.
Parent Involvement
Parents play a critical role in reinforcing lessons at home. Sending crafts or coloring pages home, encouraging family discussions at mealtimes, or practicing simple songs together helps children remember what they learned. Parents can model living by the commandments through everyday actions, showing children how faith integrates into family life.
Long-Term Value of Early Introduction
Teaching preschoolers the 10 Commandments lays the foundation for later moral and spiritual growth. As children grow, their understanding deepens from simple obedience to thoughtful reflection about God’s laws and how they shape life choices. Preschool teaching is not about enforcing strict rules but about planting seeds of love, kindness, respect, and faith that mature with time.
Conclusion
The 10 Commandments may be thousands of years old, but their values remain timeless and relevant. Introducing these teachings in preschool allows children to begin their faith journey with a strong moral foundation. By simplifying the language, using crafts, songs, and stories, and connecting lessons to daily life, parents and educators make the commandments accessible, memorable, and meaningful. In doing so, they equip children with early tools to navigate relationships, understand right and wrong, and build a life rooted in faith and love.