About This Age Group

The average vocabulary of a 2-year-old is 200 words. This grows to 1,500 words during the third year. What an exciting opportunity to teach basic Bible stories and truths to 2-year-olds who are grasping the words of our faith and 3-year-olds who are learning stories of the Bible!

A child’s basic attitude towards life, other people, and God develops during the first five years. It’s our job as teachers to help the students in our classes develop positive attitudes towards God, his Word, and his church. A child’s first impression of God is formed from the attitudes and actions of the adults in his or her life. So, as you teach God’s love for themand encourage their love for their heavenly Father, provide a loving atmosphere.

Two-year-olds:

• cannot think abstractly
• need simple and concrete examples
• often feel small and vulnerable
• have a fear of separation from parents
• are curious about everything
• are physically active
• have limited small motor skills
• are developing large motor skills
• understand more words than they can use
• have a limited 200 word vocabulary
• play NEAR others

Three-year-olds:

• cannot think abstractly
• need simple and concrete examples
• like to be helpful
• watch and imitate adults
• have sensible conversations
• can sit a little longer
• have limited coloring/gluing skills
• follow simple directions
• know some Bible words
• have a 1500 word vocabulary
• play WITH others