What Age Should Kids Start Learning the Bible? A Guide for Parents

INSIDE: Wondering what age kids should start learning the Bible? Find out how to begin early and explore our Bible lessons made just for PreK–K kids.

As Christian parents, we want to raise kids who love God and know His Word. But what age should kids start learning the Bible? Is there a “right” time to begin teaching Scripture to little ones?

Let’s explore what the Bible says, what child development tells us, and how you can begin planting seeds of faith early in your child’s life.

Why Start Early?

Children begin learning from birth. They recognize voices, copy actions, and respond to routines. That makes the early years the best time to introduce Bible learning.

Here’s why starting early matters:

• Young minds absorb truth – Preschoolers can remember Bible stories, songs, and simple truths easily.
• Repetition builds understanding – Little ones love hearing the same stories again and again.
• Faith is caught and taught – Your example and consistency help kids see that God’s Word is important. Take your kids to church with you, and let them see and hear you reading the Bible and praying.

Proverbs 22:6 encourages us to “Train up a child in the way he should go…” The sooner you begin, the more time you have to build a solid foundation.

What Can Kids Learn at Each Stage?

You don’t need to wait until kids can read or write to begin Bible study. In fact, each age brings new ways to grow in God’s Word:

Ages 2-3 (Toddlers)

• Learn through songs, actions, and short stories
• Recognize Bible characters (Noah, David, Jesus) as they listen to the Bible stories
• Understand simple concepts (God made me, God loves me)

Ages 4-5 (PreK)

• Retell familiar Bible stories
• Start learning memory verses with help
• Begin to connect ideas like obedience, kindness, and prayer

Kindergarten and Early Elementary

• Trace Bible timelines and major events
• Draw or act out Bible stories
• Learn short verses and ask good questions

Bible study at these ages should be hands-on, short, and fun. Think stick figures, songs, memory games, and journaling. At this age, simply listening to an audio version of the Bible or Psalms can be very fun during “quiet time”.

You’re Not Alone – Tools to Help

Not sure how to begin? That’s where we come in.

Our Old Testament Journals for Preschool to Early Elementary are designed for ages 3–7. These studies let kids draw the Bible timeline, learn key people and events, and start developing the habit of journaling Scripture.

Our New Testament Overview for PreK-K takes little ones through the life of Jesus, His teachings, and the early church – all with age-appropriate activities and stick-figure illustrations.

Both studies are designed for short attention spans and busy families. You can teach them in just minutes a day.

👉 Explore Old Testament Journals for Preschool to Early Elementary
👉 Explore New Testament Overview for PreK-K

Final Thoughts

So, what age should kids start learning the Bible? As early as possible! Start simple, be consistent, and keep it fun. Little ones are capable of understanding far more than we sometimes expect – especially when we take the time to teach with patience and joy.

Your investment today can shape your child’s walk with God for a lifetime.