As a mom, teaching my kids to worship is something I’m very passionate about. Worship is a way for kids to connect with God and learn about His love in a way that’s natural and fun for them. With two small kids I’ve learned that in this season it’s all about keeping things simple and joyful. But I believe as they grow older it’s about helping them understand who God is and what these songs mean.
Why Kids Worship Matters
Teaching kids to worship can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Worship is a way to express our love and gratitude to God, and we can teach our kids how to do that in a fun way. Choosing the right songs can be like giving them a soft place to land after a hard day. It’s a way to say “thank you” to God in the moments that matter.
Age-Appropriate Worship Songs for Kids (By Age Group)
1. Preschool (Ages 3-5)
- Jesus Loves Me – This classic song is easy to sing and a perfect way to remind little ones of Jesus’s love.
- This Little Light of Mine – Kids love holding up their fingers like a little “light,” and it’s so cute watching them beam as they sing!
- God Is So Good – Simple and repetitive, this song can be a great bedtime or cuddle-time song.
With toddlers and preschoolers, hand motions are a lifesaver. I use motions for words like “Jesus” and “light,” and it makes all the difference! Plus, repeating songs over a few weeks gives little ones a sense of comfort as they begin to know the lyrics.
2. Early Elementary (Ages 6-8)
- My God Is So Big – The message that God is bigger than anything they’ll face sticks with them, and they love doing “big” gestures!
- He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands – This classic is catchy, and it teaches kids that God is caring for everyone around them.
- This Is Amazing Grace – With just a few minor tweaks, they can start singing about the amazing gift of grace.
I love adding little explanations before singing songs at this age. For “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” I say, “This song is about how God is caring for everyone we love!” And with some songs, we make up simple moves or even a little dance—kids are all about fun and movement!
3. Upper Elementary (Ages 9-12)
- Who You Say I Am by Hillsong Kids – This song speaks to who we are in God’s eyes, a beautiful message for kids discovering their identity.
- Way Maker by Sinach – It’s wonderful to watch kids understand that God can make a way through hard times.
- Good Good Father by Chris Tomlin – This song is gentle yet profound, helping kids feel the warmth of God’s love as a Father.
Kids this age start to connect the dots more deeply. I like to ask a question after a song, like, “What do you think it means that God is a good father?” It helps them think about what they’re singing and makes worship feel more personal.
Teaching Kids Worship Songs
1. Keep It Simple and Break Down the Lyrics
For kids, simple explanations make a world of difference. If a song has a line like “You’re a good, good Father,” I might explain that God is a perfect Father who always loves us, listens, and takes care of us.
2. Use Hand Motions and Dance (Make It Fun!)
With younger ones, using hand motions is huge! We clap, make little motions, or even twirl when it fits the song. For older kids, we sometimes turn it into a mini dance party to get the energy out while praising God.
3. Lean on Visuals
I’ve found that a picture or prop makes lyrics stick, especially with the little ones. For “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” I sometimes grab a globe or show a picture of the earth. It helps them connect what they’re singing to something they can see and understand.
4. Encourage Them to Share What They Feel or Think
Older kids start getting curious about what they’re singing. They love sharing their thoughts, and this is the perfect time to start conversations. Asking questions like, “How do you feel when you sing this?” or “What do you think this song is saying about God?” can help kids feel connected to worship.
5. Give Grace and Time
Kids won’t always be interested in worship time, and that’s okay. Over time, with consistency and love, they’ll start joining in and even singing the songs they’ve learned around the house. Worship can become a natural part of their lives.
A Heart for Kids Worship
Teaching our kids to worship is about letting them connect with God in a way that’s genuine, meaningful, and full of joy. Watching our kids sing and love God through worship is a special blessing, and it’s also a reminder that these moments we spend worshiping with them are building blocks for a lifelong love of God. As we keep things simple, fun, and rooted in truth, worship will become something they cherish and carry into their lives.