Upper Elementary
"Kids need strong faith
figures . . . to encourage
their own faith walk."
MONICA KEGLEY
In the early elementary stage, parents want
their children to learn independence while also
protecting them from risks and dangers. Early
elementary is a balancing act between a child
gaining new experiences and asking complex
questions about their faith while trying to navigate
making friends, feeling accepted, and showing
kindness to their neighbor.
The upper elementary years are crucial, as
children desire to know their purpose in the world
and how to use their God-given skills. Kids are
more capable of thinking like adults but do not yet
have the life experience to act like adults. Much as
it was in the early elementary stage, confidence
is a crucial part of development. Kids need strong
faith figures in their lives to encourage their own
faith walk. Children benefit when trusted adults
show them the gifts they see God has given them
and guide them in how to share their faith with
others.
An upper elementary student
like ten-year-old Amara knows
what Jesus has done for her on
the cross. She is a believer in
Jesus and desires a relationship
with Him. She continues to have
complex questions such as "Why
do bad things happen to good
people?" She enjoys making new
friends but is finding her place in
the friend group. Amara is starting
to notice that her friends have
different beliefs and traditions
than her family does. Her hobbies
include volleyball, soccer, and
making crafts. She feels a lot
of different emotions when it
comes to balancing volleyball and
soccer practice, completing her
homework on time, and serving
as an acolyte at church. She is
gaining confidence as a young lady
because of her parents and other
adult figures who remind her of the
gifts and talents God has given her.
A Day in the Life
Upper Elementary • 1 • cph.org • Copyright © 2019 Concordia Publishing House
