Toddler groups: Nurturing children’s spirituality

The church environment

Environments that foster moments of awe and wonder help us connect with God through our hearts and senses as well as our intellect.

Your toddler group space might have access to a building with stained glass windows, soaring architecture or high ceilings that spark a feeling of ‘wow’. Maybe it’s a modern building, with banners with Christian imagery or a prominent cross on the wall.

Or you might be in a nondescript hall with no Christian elements at all! Even there, you can choose to introduce some posters, Christian books or Bibles, or symbols that speak of faith.

• Think about what existing or new elements of your surroundings you could use, and how you could help the children connect with some of those features.
• Whatever your group’s situation, running a church group and enabling children and adults to feel comfortable in the space provided can help foster a sense of connection with the spiritual.

‘Toddler groups are so important when they take place in church, like this one, as they transform the place into amazing, exciting spaces rather than museums of the past.’ (Clergy)¹

A sense of belonging

As volunteers we often say ‘We just’ make the teas, do the washing up, or put the toys out. In fact, in doing so we are offering a valuable service to young families – welcoming them, developing relationships, and creating a sense of community.

In addition, the regular routines in toddler groups help children establish a sense of familiarity and belonging.

• When we welcome a child by name, give a warm smile of recognition, or remember their favourite choice of biscuit, we communicate that they matter to us.
• Offering pastoral care, a listening ear or signposting parents to local support such as foodbanks, all helps provide a safe space for families to build community and friendships.
• Introducing certain signs that are used in every session to transition from one activity to the next, or simple rituals such as a goodbye song, can build a warm feeling of belonging.

‘I have only been coming here for the past three weeks, and it’s been a long time since I have been in a church environment. I enjoyed seeing the vicar last week, it wasn’t threatening or anything, just really friendly and he was interested in me and what I had to say. I wish church was like this, a real community where we can support each other and be there for each other.’ (Grandparent)

Role modelling

Seeking to live out Christian values such as compassion, valuing the families and offering friendly hospitality can create a warm and receptive atmosphere for both children and parents.

We don’t have to be perfect – when we say sorry for an oversight, a hasty comment or a mistake, that in itself sends a powerful message.

• Reflecting on our values and articulating them explicitly as a team can help us be intentional about what type of group we’re trying to create.

‘[The leader] is a great role model on how to let children be children and is a calming presence in the group, and this sets the atmosphere for all of us.’ (Parent)

Bible stories, prayers and worship songs
When we build on a foundation of loving and serving the families, specific Christian content is likely to be well-received and will help them to understand what motivates our love and service.

• Seasonal activities, making use of the Christian festivals, and appropriate crafts can all be used to introduce toddler-appropriate spiritual content.
• The free Playtime storybooks have songs, stories, crafts and take-home ideas you can use.
• Read the toddler group report by 9Dot Research for many helpful insights and examples of how groups can be distinctively Christian in a way that is welcomed by those attending.

Relationships with others

Church toddler groups provide valuable opportunities for communal play and interactions between children and between parent and child.

Some adults find playing with children challenging, especially in an environment where it is easier to sit and chat. But providing suitable toys and activities can prompt imaginative play and moments for children and parents to engage with each other. Some activities particularly encourage sharing and engagement with others, and developing these skills helps children to build loving relationships.

• Providing play material where adults participate alongside a child enables conversations and bonding.
• Coming together for stories and songs, or to share food and drink, is a wonderful way of bringing the group together.

The natural world

Spiritual moments are often created when children spend time in nature. The world is full of mystery and curiosity for young children. Exploring what is around them gives them a sense of awe and wonder, and they love to question as they encounter the world.

• Bringing the natural world indoors can provide opportunities for observation, interaction, and shared experiences, to help children engage with the world around them.
• A story about nature, together with some stones and leaves for rubbing, can be a simple starting point.
• Perhaps there is an outdoor space you could use occasionally – even a (safe!) corner of a church car park can bring new dimensions to the group.

‘We run an outdoor toddler group in a park. There are challenges – little car parking and, therefore, very time-intensive for setting up and transporting resources. However, it is worth overcoming the challenges for the benefit of the group!’ (Toddler group leader)

Understanding of self

Play is essential for developing children’s spirituality, and often, this play can involve children being creative and imaginative in the silence of their minds. Having time and space to do this is vital as it allows them to develop an understanding of self.

• Loose play items such as mini-me figures and craft activities encourage individual engagement and provide opportunities for children to connect to self and others.

A sense of wonder

Spiritual moments are nourished through opportunities for children to be still and engage in the here and now. However busy our groups may be, be encouraged that children can become absorbed in the present moment, totally engaged in what they are doing at that time.

• Perhaps you feel your environment is congested with too many activities, leaving little time for quietness and stillness? Some groups have experimented with not putting out all their toys every week, and this has resulted in a much calmer space.
• Creative ways of setting out the indoor environment can help inspire curiosity, imagination, messy play, and moments of stillness.

Helping parents

Parents have the most time with their child, and are naturally their biggest influence. Be encouraged that when we support and nurture parents and carers through our groups, we give them more capacity to care for their children well throughout the week, providing a positive environment for faith to flourish.

• Make it easy to repeat toddler group activities at home – for example, offer parents copies of simple prayers used in the group, or words to songs.
• Connecting the parents in your group with The Kitchen Table Project can help them find everyday ways to nurture their children’s faith, without it feeling daunting or like yet another job on their to-do list.
• Order free leaflets to give to the parents, or many churches have bought copies of Raising Faith for each parent.