Understanding 2- and 3-year-olds

1. I learn best by experiencing.
1. ”Let me see it, touch it, feel it, hear it… maybe even taste it.”
2. “Let me act out songs and actions to the Bible events.”

2. I have a short attention span. I may not sit still very long (3-4 minutes).
1. Rotate activities. Some should be quiet and calm and others should be more active and expressive.
2. Create a special place for us to do our activities together.

3. I like repetition.
1. I will learn by watching and doing what you do.
2. I like hearing familiar stories repeated.

4. I am naturally curious.
1. I need to ask “why.”
2. I may have a “one track” mind but it switches tracks often.

5. I can learn about Jesus and God.
1. I can learn about key people and key names. But I may need to hear them repeatedly.
2. I especially like to learn about Jesus. He is a real person I will hear about often.

6. I need to feel secure.
1. I can learn a lot about God’s love by feeling love and getting attention.
2. Spiritual growth for me has much to do about feelings.
3. I can learn that God is loving and protecting when I feel safe and secure.

This is an excerpt from the Ministry Partner Handbook.

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