Talking to Recon. Kids About God

Rabbi Adam Graubart · 2026-01-14T16:20:35-05:00

Hi there! I was wondering if folks had tips on how to talk to kids about the Reconstructionist way of relating to God. I have struggled because we think of God largely in abstract and metaphorical terms, but many of my students can't grasp abstract thinking (they're just not at that stage developmentally.) Any advice would be helpful, but I'm specifically looking for: - How do you talk about God during tefilah with kids? How do you describe an abstract concept of the Divine that is accessible? How do you encourage them to engage even if they don't believe in God? -Lesson plans for K-3 that explore a metaphorical/abstract God in a way that kids will understand -Lesson plans for 4-5 that explore a metaphorical/abstract God in a way that kids will understand Thanks so much everyone for your help and guidance. Warmly, Rabbi Adam

This topic has 2 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 2 months ago by Rabbi Alex Malanych.

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- January 14, 2026 at 4:20 pm #32708
 
 Rabbi Adam Graubart
 Participant
 
 Hi there!
 I was wondering if folks had tips on how to talk to kids about the Reconstructionist way of relating to God. I have struggled because we think of God largely in abstract and metaphorical terms, but many of my students can’t grasp abstract thinking (they’re just not at that stage developmentally.) Any advice would be helpful, but I’m specifically looking for:
 - How do you talk about God during tefilah with kids? How do you describe an abstract concept of the Divine that is accessible? How do you encourage them to engage even if they don’t believe in God?
 -Lesson plans for K-3 that explore a metaphorical/abstract God in a way that kids will understand
 -Lesson plans for 4-5 that explore a metaphorical/abstract God in a way that kids will understand
 Thanks so much everyone for your help and guidance.
 Warmly,
 Rabbi Adam
- January 15, 2026 at 10:11 am #32709
 Rabbi Adam Graubart
 Participant
 I was wondering if folks had tips on how to talk to kids about the Reconstructionist way of relating to God. I have struggled because we think of God largely in abstract and metaphorical terms, but many of my students can’t grasp abstract thinking (they’re just not at that stage developmentally.) Any advice would be helpful, but I’m specifically looking for:
 
 -How do you talk about God during tefilah with kids? How do you describe an abstract concept of the Divine that is accessible? How do you encourage them to engage even if they don’t believe in God?
 
 -Lesson plans for K-3 that explore a metaphorical/abstract God in a way that kids will understand
 
 -Lesson plans for 4-5 that explore a metaphorical/abstract God in a way that kids will understand
 
 Thanks,
 
 Rabbi Adam
 - This reply was modified 2 months, 3 weeks ago by Rabbi Adam Graubart.
- February 3, 2026 at 11:07 am #32712
 
 Rabbi Alex Malanych
 Participant
 
 Hi R’ Adam,
 
 One way that I have done this in tefillah is by creating a Mad Libs Amidah activity–particularly for the Avot v’Imahot. Students had a chance to use their own metaphors and points of reference to apply in the prayer space. While younger kids might choose an occupation (teacher, doctor, etc. etc), I encouraged older students to think about G-d through abstractions they were more comfortable talking about: emotions, processes/actions, etc. We then got use these madlibs during tefillah as our English translation, so that really cool!
 
 Another way that could be fun for kids who have the literacy skills is to do a “Scrabble G-d” activity. You could use bananagrams, scrabble pieces, letter magnets, or just plain old paper. Spread the letters and ask students to create as many appropriate words as they can. Pause to talk about the relationship between the alphabet and language and then repeat with a more specific prompt. I find that this gives some ground for abstraction, our power to create meaning, G-d as a source of meaning, etc. etc. I have also used it for students to consider specific prayers. Happy to talk more if that would be helpful!
 
 R’ Alex
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