Faith Filled Environments: Preschoolers

Faith-Filled Environments: Preschoolers

Unlike their younger counterparts, preschool children are able to understand something exists, even if they can't see it. That's a huge developmental step in spiritual growth and understanding God's existence. At the same time, preschoolers are also literal in their thinking. If you tell a preschooler "Jesus is in your heart," they are likely to ask, "How does he fit in there?"

With all the work and effort that goes into teaching your preschooler about Jesus, do you ever wonder, "Do they really get it?" You bet they do. Preschoolers have many spiritual capabilities and emerging skills.

They can:

• Express love for Jesus and others
• Exhibit an intense wonder about God's world and everything in it
• Understand and often retell Bible events
• Memorize and understand simple Bible verses
• Pray to God
• Differentiate between right and wrong
• Understand the consequences of behavior
• Try to please adults
• Have compassion for others
• Ask many questions

The challenge at this age is getting them to sit still long enough so you can help develop these skills. With the best intentions, parents have a tendency to focus on teaching--which is what we do--rather than on learning--which is what children do. Knowing how your preschooler learns will let you share God's love and biblical truths in a way he or she can understand.

Because preschoolers learn on the go, it’s important to keep them moving through active, hands-on learning. Play games, sing songs, create hand motions for Bible time, use choral responses, and allow lots of time for your child to explore their environment.

It is equally important for you to show God's love through your actions because preschoolers learn by imitating you. So, take that extra moment or two to think before you act, to make your child feel special by spending time having conversations, or to praise them for successes and efforts. These small positive actions go a long way in your child’s spiritual and emotional development.

Remember your greatest mission is about telling and showing them Jesus in a way they can understand so that someday they will become followers of Jesus. Your child comes to church with trust, an open heart, and the kind of attitude needed to approach God. Are you willing to let your child come as they are, sometimes noisy and active? Just bring a big heart, lots of patience, correction when needed, and a smile! 

Adapted from Children’s Ministry Magazine