Age characteristics
of children

This is a downloadable chart of age-level characteristics from 4–14 years old, and includes teaching tips per age group.

To teach children effectively, it’s important to recognize that each child is unique. Every child has a different temperament, background, and combination of strengths and challenges.

When teaching a group, it isn’t always possible to meet every individual learning style. However, children within a similar age group often share common characteristics, and being aware of these can make a meaningful difference.

• Knowing what children at a particular age can typically understand—and where they may still struggle—helps you plan a lesson that is clear, engaging, and well-suited to them.

• Children learn in various ways in the different phases of their development, so it’s important to use methods and tools that match their age.

• As children grow, they change rapidly; and their thinking, emotions, and understanding develop alongside these changes. Effective teaching recognises this and presents truth in ways that remain relevant and meaningful to them.

General characteristics of children

Children

• are sinners by nature, but want to be good.

• love stories and have a rich imagination.

• want good to triumph over evil.

• enjoy singing, acting and being creative.

• are emotionally sensitive, and thus vulnerable.

• are generally carefree.

• forgive easily and forget quickly.

• can easily become discouraged.

• are good at memorizing.

• are eager to learn and acquire skills.

• are trusting and believe what adults tell them.

Additional characteristics of children brought up in a godly environment:

They

• believe in God and see Jesus as a friend.

• find it easy to pray.

• have faith in God’s ability to answer prayer.

• accept everything in the Bible as being true.