My children and I spend our breakfast reading Bible stories and reciting memory verses and catechisms. We believe that the memorization of foundational truths is a great way to fill their hearts and minds with what is true about God and themselves. One of the early catechisms we memorize is the question: “How many persons are there in God?” My boys will answer, “3! The Father, the Son, and the Merry Pirit.” I’ll chuckle and correct them, “Yes! The Holy Spirit!” And trust that one day soon their pronunciation will catch up with their responses and I’ll miss the days that “Holy Spirit” translated from “Merry Pirit.” But I often think: as hard as it is for a two-year-old to say "Holy Spirit," how much harder is it to understand who the Holy Spirit is? Even as an adult, the trinity is such a theologically complex topic. But, the Holy Spirit is not intrinsically harder to understand than the Father and the Son. It just needs some more explanation in an age-appropriate way. It doesn’t have to be complicated.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
We believe that the Holy Spirit is God. He is the third person in the Trinity. He is equally God as much as the Father and the Son. He’s been with God since the beginning of time. The Holy Spirit is our helper, sent after Jesus’ ascension back to heaven. Kids can easily understand what a helper does, as they are often called “mama’s helpers” themselves. The Holy Spirit helps believers walk in the Lord's ways. He encourages, convicts, and helps us discern what is true and good. He produces good fruit in us.
For children, we can break it into two parts. The Holy Spirit is our helper, helping us choose to do and think of what is right, and he produces fruit in us. He helps us look more like Jesus!
The Holy Spirit Helps Us
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26
The Holy Spirit Comforts Us
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another helper, to be with you forever.” John 14:16
The Holy Spirit Guides Us
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Romans 8:14
The Holy Spirit Produces Good Fruit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
Hands-On Activities to Teach Kids About the Holy Spirit
When we talk about how the Holy Spirit is our helper, it’s helpful to use physical objects that they already understand. Using toy tools, like hammers and wrenches, can help them understand - these tools help us to build things and without them we could not do very much building. As they help us, the Holy Spirit helps us.
When we talk abut the Fruits of the Spirit, we use actual fruit and talk about how fruit trees bear fruit! If an apple tree didn’t ever produce apples, we would not call it an apple tree…. Or if we did we would be very disappointed in our lack of apples. In the same way, Christians are to be loving, kind, patient, etc. If we were not any of these things, how can we expect people to see that we are different from the world? The Holy Spirit helps us bear those good fruits so that the world can identify us, and so that we can walk in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.
Teaching Toddlers about the Holy Spirit through Simple Lessons
Our Big Truths: Holy Spirit lessons are two short and simple plans to help you introduce this topic to your toddlers and early preschoolers. It keeps the ideas short, engaging, hands on, and understandable for little ones, ages 1-4. Lesson 1 focuses on how the Holy Spirit is our helper, and uses sensory bins and tool images to help you keep little hands busy as you read verses explaining who the Holy Spirit is. Lesson 2 focuses on the Fruits of the Spirit, and includes interactive games to get your children up and moving as you discuss the fruits that the spirit produces in our hearts as we follow the Lord.
Children can understand who the Holy Spirit is. Teaching kids about the Holy Spirit doesn't have to be intimidating. With simple explanations, hands-on activities, and age-appropriate Bible lessons, even toddlers can begin learning these important truths. Simple, biblical teaching makes a lasting impact. You don't need a theology degree to teach these truths.
Ready to teach your children about the Holy Spirit with confidence? Explore The Holy Spirit: Big Truths Curriculum and start building a strong biblical foundation today.
Common Questions Kids Ask About the Holy Spirit
Is the Holy Spirit God? Yes! God is three persons in one. God is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Can I talk to the Holy Spirit? Yes! He is living and active. He is our helper.
What does the Holy Spirit do? The Holy Spirit is our helper and he produces good fruits in us.
How does the Holy Spirit help me? He encourages, convicts, and guides us throughout our Christian lives to walk in God’s ways.