Teach a Multi-Age Bible Class: Three Tips

While it is traditional to split children into age groups for Bible class, that isn’t always an option. Sometimes there aren’t enough kids or teachers for separate classes, or a church might not have the classroom space. 

Combining age groups can be a challenging thing, especially since most available curriculums focus solely on single-age/grade children. 

But there are some incredible benefits to mixed-age classes. Here are some tricks and tips to help you if you are navigating this situation:

1) Create a buddy system 

Match up your older students with your younger students as Bible class partners. The older student will be in charge of helping the younger student through activities. This helps teach so many different principles. 

• someone doesn’t have to be your age to be your friend 
• In the body of Christ, we help one another
• No matter how old you are, you can be a leader and help someone know Christ better 

2) Let the older students tell the story to the younger students. 

Not only will having your students retell the story you are trying to teach help reinforce the message for them, it also teaches them how to teach. This is such an important lesson in discipleship, as our job is not simply to tell the story of the Bible, but to make disciples who will make disciples. 

3) Divide by age and medium when appropriate.

There are some activities that might be better for specific ages, such as reading and writing vs coloring. 

When you choose to incorporate these into your class, have different activities for the different education levels present. 

In my curriculum packs, I try to always include various activities for different grade levels. From coloring pages to crosswords. 

If you are doing a sequencing activity with the younger students, that would be a bit on the boring side for the older students, hand them a set of activity pages like decoding memory verses or word searches. Give them something that will challenge them and reinforce the lesson at the same time. 

While it is not traditional to have multiple age groups combined in a class, it can be a huge blessing for those participating. 

Remember that the church is one body, young and old, and we are all members of it, no matter what grade we’re in. 

Have you taught multi-aged Bible classes? Share your insights below!