The Childhood Spiritual Formation Toolbox is a production of Central United Methodist Church Traverse City, in conjunction with the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church and the Northern Waters District.
Share widely. Tell the story.
You have our permission.
Early Childhood Formation Toolbox
Starting faith formation in early childhood is a wonderful opportunity to model and share God’s love with the littlest ones. Young children can know they are loved by God, the church is a safe place, and learn simple rituals to grow in their faith.
This toolbox contains videos, articles, ideas and more to encourage parents and caregivers who help young children to foster faith.
For Grown-ups
Early Childhood Development
Steps Family Tool Kit (Michigan)
Little Steps, Big Faith: How the Science of Early Childhood Development Can Help You Grow Your Child’s Faith by Dawn Rundman Ph.D.
Appropriate Faith Development Through the Years from childrenministry.com
Celebrate Milestones
Honor special days in the life of your child or family such as:
First Steps/Word/Smile
Starting daycare/preschool
Starting Kindergarten
Keep a journal with these special days and write a prayer or blessing for each. It could be as simple as “Thank you God for new things!”
Faith at Home
With Kids
Play
Nature Walk – talk about creation and thank God for the nature you see
Use toys to re-tell a Bible story
Pray
Prayers for Faithful Families by Traci Smith is an excellent resource with many prayers relevant to families
Try praying together at these times:
- When changing a diaper
- Bedtime
- Brushing Teeth
- First Steps
- Mealtimes
Recommended Resources
Board Books from Frolic & Spark House
Board Books from Beaming Books
Check out the Conversations from Sesame Street guides on this page
Congregation Resources
Worship
Ideas for including young children and families in worship
- Prayground/Grace Space
- Welcoming Noise in Worship
- Baptism
Supporting Parents & Caregivers
Ways to support parents and caregivers of young children
- Parent groups
- Parents Night Out
- Co-op for stay at home parents
- Connect with experienced parents
- Trustworthy parenting resources
Faith Formation
Faith formation ideas for young children at church, including the nursery.
- Milestones (Here’s a list of possible milestone ideas)
- Nursery (The Most Important Space in the Church: The Nursery by Rita B. Hays)