10 Easy Ways To Teach Purim To Babies And Toddlers

Purim is one of the most joyous and exciting holidays in the Jewish calendar, making it a perfect opportunity to introduce even the youngest children to its rich traditions. But how do you engage babies and toddlers in a way that’s fun, meaningful, and age-appropriate? Teaching Purim for children doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s all about creative play, sensory experiences, and simple storytelling tailored to their level.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 easy ways to teach Purim to babies and toddlers, helping you bring the story of Queen Esther, Mordechai, and the Purim celebration to life for your little ones. From colorful crafts to sing-along songs, these ideas are sure to fill your home with laughter, learning, and the spirit of Purim.

1. Tell the Story with Visual Aids

Babies and toddlers thrive on storytelling that incorporates bright visuals and dramatic gestures. Simplify the Purim story into short, easy-to-follow sentences. Use picture books or felt board characters of Queen Esther, King Ahasuerus, Mordechai, and Haman to make the story engaging.

Pro Tip:
Make your own Purim puppet theater using socks or paper bag puppets. Let your toddler "help" by moving the puppets around, adding an interactive element to the storytelling.

2. Dress-Up Fun: Let Them Become Purim Heroes

Costumes are a central part of Purim for children, and toddlers love dressing up! Whether it’s a tiny Queen Esther crown or a miniature Mordechai robe, these simple costumes can make your little one feel like part of the story.

DIY Idea:

Use a purple or pink onesie as the base for a Queen Esther outfit and add a paper crown decorated with stickers.
Create a Mordechai costume with a blue shirt and a makeshift beard using felt or cotton balls.

Dressing up not only makes the holiday more fun but also helps toddlers begin to connect with the characters.

3. Hamantaschen Baking: A Sensory Adventure

Baking Hamantaschen isn’t just delicious—it’s also a wonderful sensory activity for young children. Let them squish dough, smell sweet fillings, and help with simple tasks like adding jam to the centers.

Toddler-Friendly Steps:

Pre-roll the dough and let them use cookie cutters to make circles.
Show them how to fold the triangles.
Choose kid-safe fillings like chocolate spread or fruit jam for a sweet reward!

4. Music and Movement: Purim Songs for Little Ones

Music is an amazing way to teach Purim to babies and toddlers. Choose simple Purim songs with repetitive lyrics and upbeat tunes that they can clap, dance, or wiggle along to.

Popular Songs to Try:

“Oh, Once There Was a Wicked, Wicked Man”
“Mishenichnas Adar”
“Chag Purim”

Add instruments like tambourines, maracas, or pots and pans to create your own Purim parade!

5. Create a Mini Megillah

While the full Megillah may be too complex for toddlers, you can create a mini version that’s perfect for little hands. Use sturdy cardboard or foam sheets to make a simple scroll with pictures of the Purim story.

How-To:

Draw or print pictures of key moments (Esther crowned queen, Haman’s plot, etc.).
Attach the pictures to a strip of paper and roll it around two wooden dowels or paper towel tubes.
Let your child “read” their mini Megillah.

6. Make Noise with Graggers

Graggers (noisemakers) are a toddler favorite! Every time Haman’s name is mentioned in the story, encourage your child to shake, rattle, and make noise.

DIY Gragger Idea:

Fill an empty plastic bottle with dried beans, rice, or pasta.
Seal it securely, and let your toddler decorate the bottle with stickers and markers.

This activity is not only fun but also helps toddlers associate actions with parts of the Purim story.

7. Simple Crafts for Tiny Hands

Crafting is a fantastic way to introduce Purim in a hands-on way. Focus on projects that are easy for small children to complete with minimal help.

Craft Ideas:

Paper Crowns: Cut out a crown shape from cardstock, and let your toddler color it or stick on shiny paper “jewels.”
Purim Masks: Use paper plates or foam masks for your toddler to decorate as characters like Queen Esther or Haman.
Decorative Stars: Let them finger paint stars to hang up as Purim decorations.

8. Parade Time! A Mini Purim Celebration

Bring the excitement of a Purim parade to your home! Dress up your toddler in their costume, grab their gragger, and march around the house to festive Purim music.

Ideas for a Home Parade:

Use chairs and blankets to create a “royal court” as the parade destination.
Give your child small treats or stickers for participating.
Invite siblings or stuffed animals to join in the parade!

9. Teach the Value of Giving with Mishloach Manot

Even toddlers can participate in the Purim mitzvah of giving gifts. Help them assemble tiny Mishloach Manot baskets filled with simple treats like crackers, fruit, or candies.

Toddler-Friendly Steps:

Let them place items into small bags or boxes.
Encourage them to decorate the packaging with drawings or stickers.
Take them along to deliver the baskets to family or friends, teaching the joy of giving.

10. Read Purim Books Together

Books are one of the best tools for teaching Purim for children. Choose picture books with bright illustrations and simple text that toddlers can enjoy.

Top Picks for Babies and Toddlers:

“The Purim Story” by Sylvia A. Rouss
“Esther’s Gragger” by Martha Seif Simpson
“Sammy Spider’s First Purim” by Sylvia A. Rouss

Reading these books during the weeks leading up to Purim will help familiarize your child with the story and traditions in a fun, age-appropriate way.

Conclusion: Celebrate Purim with Joy and Creativity

Purim is a time of joy, celebration, and connection, and even the youngest members of the family can take part in the festivities. By incorporating storytelling, crafts, music, and sensory activities, you can make the holiday meaningful and exciting for your baby or toddler.

With these 10 easy ways to teach Purim to babies and toddlers, your little one will not only have a blast but also begin to develop a love for this special holiday that they’ll carry with them for years to come.

So grab your costumes, bake some Hamantaschen, and let the Purim magic begin for the tiniest members of your family!