Skip to content
DeedsNotWords.org

Children’s Classes

Children's classes nurture spiritual qualities, truthfulness, generosity, kindness, through stories, songs, prayers and acts of service. They are free and open to all.

Painting of four children walking arm in arm with their school bags in front of a colourful mural

Children's Classes - Ages 5-10

What Are Children's Classes And How Can My Child Benefit From Attending?

In a regular school system, students will learn reading, writing, and arithmetic, among other subjects. If they are already attending regular schooling, what is the need for Children’s Classes you might ask? The answer to this question lies in the human reality that we are spiritual beings that need moral and spiritual development through nurturing and appropriate guidance. Bahá’ís believe that moral, spiritual, and values-based training for children and youth is essential in order to nurture these capacities that lie within all of mankind.

Because of this, Bahá’í communities all over the world sponsor and fully fund moral and spiritual education classes for children of all faiths, belief systems, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The classes seek to develop essential virtues such as the knowledge of God, trustworthiness, honesty, and justice. They aim to build a strong moral framework that will assist individuals to achieve lasting excellence in the material, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of life.

Bahá’u’lláh, The Prophet Founder of the Bahá’í Faith inspires us to “regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.”

Bahá’ís the world over are working to bring forth these “treasures” and to enhance the nobility and beauty that all of humanity possesses inherently within. The training offered for both children and youth is a refreshing response to the barrage of messages that promote materialism and self and neglect the ideals of a healthy and prosperous society achieved through unity and community service. Children’s Classes aid in building strong moral foundations for our children so that they excel in all areas of their lives by having a balance of intellect, spirituality, and problem-solving skills.

If you would like more information on the classes Bahá’ís offer for children ages 5-10 years old, or to attend children’s classes in your area, see the resources linked below.

Painting of children singing together from a songbook with their teacher in a children's class

Prayer for Children

O God! Educate these children. These children are the plants of Thine orchard, the flowers of Thy meadow, the roses of Thy garden. Let Thy rain fall upon them; let the Sun of Reality shine upon them with Thy love. Let Thy breeze refresh them in order that they may be trained, grow and develop, and appear in the utmost beauty. Thou art the Giver. Thou art the Compassionate.

~‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Come Join Our Children's Classes

Painting of five smiling children of different backgrounds with their heads together, looking upward

Learn more about Children's Classes

Learn More

Children's Classes FAQs

Common questions from parents and families.

Classes are typically organized for children ages 5 to 11 (roughly kindergarten through fifth grade), often grouped into grades or stages. Once young people reach age 11, they can transition into the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Programme (ages 11 to 15).

No. Children's classes are open to children of all backgrounds, cultures, and religious traditions. Many participating families come from diverse religious or secular backgrounds and choose the classes to help nurture universal virtues, character, and a spirit of service in their children. Parents are always welcome to meet the teachers and learn about the lessons.

No. Bahá'í children's classes are completely free of charge. Teachers volunteer their time as a community service, and all lesson materials, craft supplies, and workbooks are provided at no cost to families.

Classes usually meet once a week for 60 to 90 minutes. A typical session centers on a specific virtue, such as truthfulness, kindness, generosity, or courage, and includes memorizing a short prayer or inspiring quotation, discussing the meaning of unfamiliar words and concepts, listening to and discussing a story that brings the virtue to life, singing uplifting songs and playing cooperative games, and creative arts, coloring, or simple service projects for family and neighbours.

The classes use educational materials developed by the Ruhi Institute (beginning with Grade 1 through Grade 4 and beyond). The curriculum is designed to help children develop moral capabilities, appreciate the oneness of humanity, and practice virtues in daily relationships.

Classes are conducted by local volunteers, often older youth or parents, who have completed the teacher training courses offered through the Ruhi Institute (starting with Teaching Children's Classes, Grade 1, Book 3). Training covers child development, storytelling, leading cooperative games and music, and maintaining a supportive, encouraging classroom environment.

Primary sources for the Baha'i writings quoted on this site are published in the Baha'i Reference Library.

Open the Baha'i Reference Library (opens in a new tab)