Teaching the Beatitudes to Young Children

 

As a Catholic mom homeschooling my son, I always seek ways to weave our faith into everyday learning. The Beatitudes, found in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, are fundamental teachings that can be both profound and accessible for young children. We have explored this a couple of years ago when my son was still 7 years old. So now I'm sharing with you a few ideas on how you can introduce and explore these beautiful lessons with your little ones.

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Explanation: Being "poor in spirit" means recognizing our need for God. 

Activity: Have a family gratitude journal where each child can draw or write things they are thankful for, teaching them to appreciate what they have and to rely on God.

Books:

1. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

2.Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

3. The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau

4. Lily and the Paper Man by Rebecca Upjohn

4. Stone Soup by Jon J. Muth

 

2. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Explanation: Those who are sad will find comfort in God. 

Activity: Create a "comfort basket" with items like tissues, a small cross, and a prayer book, teaching children that they can turn to God and family for comfort.

Books:

1. The Invisible String by Patrice Karst

2. The Memory Box: A Book About Grief by Joanna Rowland

3. Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs by Tomie dePaola

4. The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr

5. Tear Soup by Pat Schwiebert

 

3. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Explanation: Being meek means being gentle and patient. 

Activity: Role-play scenarios where children can practice patience and gentleness, reinforcing the value of being meek.

Books:

1. The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

2. Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

3. The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

4. The Mitten by Jan Brett

5. The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood

 

4. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Explanation: Desiring to do what is right and just. 

Activity: Discuss with your children ways they can help others, like donating food or clothes to those in need, fostering a desire for righteousness.

Books:

1. Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai

2. A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

3. The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson

4. Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez by Kathleen Krull

5. I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy

 

5. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Explanation: Showing mercy means being forgiving and kind.  

Activity: Have a family "kindness jar" where each act of mercy or kindness is written down and celebrated, encouraging a habit of mercy.

Books:

1. Enemy Pie by Derek Munson

2. The Forgiveness Garden by Lauren Thompson

3. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

4. Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud

5. The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

6. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Explanation: Having a pure heart means being honest and sincere. 

 Activity: Read stories about honesty and discuss the importance of truthfulness, helping children understand what it means to be pure in heart.

Books:

1. Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

2. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

3. I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont

4. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

5. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

Explanation: Peacemakers try to resolve conflicts and promote peace. 

Activity: Create a "peace corner" at home where children can go to calm down and resolve conflicts peacefully, fostering peacemaking skills.

Books:

1. The Peace Book by Todd Parr

2. What Does Peace Feel Like? by Vladimir Radunsky

3. The Peace Tree from Hiroshima by Sandra Moore

4. Paulie Pastrami Achieves World Peace by James Proimos

8. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Explanation: Standing up for what is right, even when it’s hard. 

Activity: Discuss stories of saints and martyrs, teaching children about courage and faithfulness, even in difficult times.

Books:

1. The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles

2. Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai

3. Brave Irene by William Steig

4. The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

5.The Youngest Marcher by Cynthia Levinson

Practical Tips for Teaching the Beatitudes

1. Use Simple Language: Break down the Beatitudes into words and concepts that young children can easily grasp.
2. Interactive Activities: Crafts, role-plays, and stories help children internalize the lessons.
3. Daily Application: Encourage children to practice the Beatitudes in their daily interactions with family and friends.
4. Prayer and Reflection: Incorporate prayers that reflect the Beatitudes, helping children connect with God’s teachings on a personal level.
5. Consistent Reinforcement: Regularly revisit the Beatitudes, using different activities and discussions to reinforce their meanings over time.

Free Printable Booklet

I have made a printable booklet for you with simple explanations and short stories you can use to teach your children the Beatitudes. This booklet includes engaging activities and illustrations to help young children understand and live out these important teachings. Download it here. If you would want a bigger full A4 page version, you can download it here.

The 8 Beatitudes for Little Ones (Booklet) 1/2A4

The 8 Beatitudes for Little Ones a4 Landscape

Teaching the Beatitudes to young children can be a joyful and enriching experience, deepening their understanding of faith and guiding them towards living a life of love and compassion.

God bless you!