The five pillars, simply
Islamic Studies · Key Stage 1 · The School
Why "pillars"
A pillar holds a building up. These five things hold up a Muslim's life: SHAHADAH (saying what you believe), SALAH (praying five times a day), ZAKAT (giving a share of your wealth), SAWM (fasting in Ramadan), HAJJ (the journey to Makkah once, if you are able). Take a pillar away and the building leans.
One sentence each
Shahadah: there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad ﷺ is His messenger. Salah: five prayers a day at set times. Zakat: 2.5% of savings given each year to people who need it. Sawm: no food or drink from dawn to sunset through Ramadan. Hajj: the pilgrimage to Makkah, once in a lifetime for those who can.
Not all at once
Children are not expected to do all five. You learn the shahadah first, then prayer bit by bit, then a few hours of fasting when you are older. Zakat and Hajj come with being an adult who has money and health. Islam is taught in steps, and knowing that stops anyone feeling behind.
SHAHADAH: yes, and it is the one that comes first. SALAH: children are taught it gradually and start young. SAWM: not required of children, though many try part of a day. ZAKAT: only for those who hold wealth above a threshold for a year, so not yet. HAJJ: once in a lifetime, for those who are able, so not yet. Two now, three later — Islam is taught in steps.