Leading a kid’s group with a wide age range can feel like juggling a dozen different needs at once! A first grader’s attention span and understanding are worlds apart from a sixth grader’s—yet in some situations, they’re all in the same room, needing engagement and connection at the same time.

At my church, our KidMin is structured more like a service than small groups. That means all kids, from 1st through 6th grade, worship, learn, and engage together. Through lots of trial, error, and learning from some of the best leaders, our teams have found ways to adapt activities so every child can grow—no matter their age or stage.

Here are some strategies that help us create an engaging experience for all:

Layer Activities for Different Levels

One of the easiest ways to reach all ages is to design activities with multiple layers of participation.

• Bible Memory: Younger kids repeat a verse with motions. Older kids memorize the full passage and unpack its meaning.
• Crafts: Offer a basic version (coloring, gluing) for younger kids, while older ones journal or create something based on the theme.
• Games: Let younger kids roll dice or choose cards, while older kids engage with strategy or discussion.

Once, when I taught on the Armor of God, younger kids colored pictures while older kids wrote about how the armor helped them face real-life challenges. Same theme, different depths of engagement.

Use Helper Roles to Empower Older Kids

Preteens often disengage when something feels “too childish.” The solution? Give them meaningful roles!

• Small Group Buddies: Pair with younger kids to help discuss or complete tasks.
• Drama Helpers: Older kids act out Bible stories while younger ones join with sound effects or props.

I remember a 5th grader who always seemed bored—until I asked him to assist during a game. He lit up! Helping the littles gave him purpose, and eventually, he started engaging in other ways and looking forward to service.

Adjust Discussion Questions by Age

Discussion questions aren’t one-size-fits-all. Try using tiered options:

• Younger Kids: Simple recall (e.g., Who was in the story?)
• Middle Ages: Deeper thinking (e.g., Why did David trust God?)
• Older Kids: Personal application (e.g., When have you had to trust God when you were afraid?)

When everyone has a question they can connect with, the room stays engaged.

Give Choices in Participation

Not every kid wants the spotlight. Offering options helps all personalities connect!

• Active Learners: Act out the story or do movement games.
• Quiet Thinkers: Journal, draw, or use reflection stations.
• Hands-On Kids: Use sensory bins or building activities.

During a Good Samaritan lesson, some acted it out, others drew comic strips, and a few wrote about how to love others better. Everyone stayed involved—and had fun!

Modify Games for All Ages

Games are a great teaching tool, but they need to be inclusive.

• Team-Based: Use mixed-age teams where everyone contributes.
• Adapted Rules: Simpler questions for younger kids, more challenging ones for older kids.
• Blend Action & Thinking: Mix physical tasks with brain teasers.

A friend of mine uses a scavenger hunt where younger kids find items and older kids solve riddles. It’s a genius example of age-friendly teamwork!

Use Multi-Sensory Teaching Methods

Kids learn in all kinds of ways, so mix up your approach!

• Storytelling with Props: This keeps younger kids focused, while older ones can discuss meaning.
• Worship with Motions: Littles follow motions; older kids lead—or even create their own!
• Building and Creating: Use blocks, Legos, or Play-Doh to build story elements.

In a lesson on Jesus calming the storm, younger kids made waves in water, while older ones discussed storms in their own lives. Simple, yet powerful!

Allow for Varied Response

Offer different ways for kids to connect with the message.

• Prayer Stations: Littles can draw their prayers; older ones write them out.
• Peer Prayer: Older kids praying for younger ones is powerful—and empowering!

I once had a 2nd grader who wasn’t sure how to pray out loud. But after watching an older child she looked up to do it, she gained confidence and started praying for others too. Seeing kids learn from each other is one of the most rewarding parts of multi-age ministry!

Adapting your KidMin for a wide age range might feel overwhelming, but it’s actually an amazing opportunity to build a spiritual family. When you create space for every child to engage at their level, you’ll see growth, connection, and transformation.

Don’t stress about perfection. Just make space for kids to meet Jesus in ways that make sense to them—and trust the Holy Spirit to do the rest!

Alysia Gonzales is the Executive Pastor of Ministries at Harvest Church in CA. She oversees kids ministries to ensure the church's culture is consistently maintained at each campus. Her desire is to empower kidmin leaders to lead with purpose and passion, and to see the next generation raised up ready to influence the church and the world with the power and love of Jesus.