Multisensory Prayer Table for Children

I remember struggling as a college student to start a life of prayer, but by the time I graduated, I had disciplined myself to pray daily and constantly. Years later, when I became a new mom, I knew I should teach my children to pray from the early days of their lives. I am a mom to three kids with various sensory, learning, and physical needs, and with gifts given by the Holy Spirit since their Baptism. That is something I encourage you to keep in mind about your child(ren) as they might have additional needs. They, too, have been given the Holy Spirit, the Giver of gifts.

These are the gifts that, as parents, we are invited to discover and shape in our child(ren)’s own prayer life. Still, how do we start? You might be feeling overwhelmed at the thought of tackling praying at home with your child(ren) with special needs. I would like to walk you through a practice I have used in my home to anchor our prayer time. Hopefully, you will find it helpful to use it in your home, too.  

A good practice is to set up a multisensory prayer table that your child(ren) can interact with, making use of all senses. For this, you will need a small table your little one can reach. Other options could be a coffee table, a large plastic bin, or even a big cardboard box. Next, set the table up in a quiet corner or any other quiet nook that is in sight but not on the way. Maybe next to their bed or at the end of a hallway. Now, you could place a piece of cloth as a table covering or make one out of felt (no sewing required!). You could match its color to align with the Liturgical Calendar, or perhaps you could just leave the table bare.

See what works for you and your little one(s). Next, gather some of the following items so your cutie(s) can touch and handle them. They might be sturdy or soft enough for their hands depending on your child(ren)’s likes and needs: 

• Wooden Cross or Crucifix; 
• Battery operated tapered or votive candle; 
• Child’s Bible or a Bible board book; 
• Corded, plastic, or large beaded Rosary; 
• Little statue or a doll of Our Lady or a saint: 
• Laminated holy card of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, or the Holy Trinity; and/or 
• Small bell or child’s percussion instrument. 

That is it! Now you are ready to use this prayer space either throughout the day or every morning/night to teach your child(ren) one new prayer item by modeling and/or guiding their hands. For instance, after everybody is ready to start the day or go to bed, gather at the table. Introduce one of the items with a simple prayer from your heart that could be said about such an item.

For example, “Thank you, Jesus!” or “Jesus loves us very much,” while you take the Crucifix in your hands. Then, pass it to your child(ren) or help them hold it while repeating the phrase or signing it if you use American Sign Language (ASL) with your child. Keep adding items and simple aspirations to your prayer moments each week/day as you see fit. Remember that God made you the parent of your child(ren) giving you specific graces for the beautiful mission of leading them in their prayer life. May the Holy Family be your inspiration and strength as you set up your very own multisensory prayer table for your little one(s) with additional needs. 

My name is Ana Barraza, now living in California for the second time in my life. I’m a certified Special Education teacher, a master catechist, and a National Catechetical Leader. I have been married to my best friend, Alex, for 26 years. We have been blessed with 3 faith-filled kids who are now young adults in college. My ministry has expanded to the digital continent.

(For my complete bilingual bio, press here.)