Reverence

• Train the young to approach the moment with the appropriate respect. Children typically receive first communion in grade school. At this age it is sometimes difficult to understand and demonstrate the reverence expected in such situations. Teach them about the solemnity of Christ's words at the last supper and the awesome sacrifice He made in His crucifixion.
  
  

Sacraments

• Since first communion is probably the first time a child consciously receives a sacrament, he should know what his faith teaches about the sacraments in general. Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox Christians believe in different numbers of sacraments. Most Protestants believe in no more than two sacraments: baptism and Eucharist. Catholic and Orthodox Christians believe in seven sacraments total. Furthermore, each faith has distinct views regarding the significance of the sacraments.
  
  

Eucharist

• Educate children about your faith's particular beliefs about the Eucharist. Teaching children about the seriousness of the moment will be difficult if they do not know the specific beliefs and traditions of your religion and culture. Protestant Christians should stress the gravity of this commemoration of Christ's last meal with His apostles. Many Anglicans and Lutherans believe in the Real Presence of the Lord in the bread and wine. Catholic and Orthodox Christians believe that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Jesus.
  
  

Formal Dress

• Explain to children that the occasion merits formal dress. This is not always welcome news with children so you may want to offer them a variety of possible outfits, all of them acceptable for the given circumstances. This way they at least feel that they have a choice and are not restricted to one type of suit or dress. Of course, your tradition may require certain garments, in which case you should describe the history surrounding the apparel involved.
  
  

Practice Makes Perfect

• Children will also need to understand the liturgy used for the ceremony. Some faiths use a more intricate rite than others. There is nothing more intimidating to a young child than the obligation to a public performance. Each child ought to have an opportunity to become comfortable with the ritual movements and words, so practice the ceremony ahead of time, just as you might rehearse a wedding.