I need help with ideas for the church pre school

Terry - posted on 12/17/2010

I also teach pre-school i love it and we do arts and crafts and sing and we do a number of bible stories they even memorize scripture we hav e much fun every Sunday my class is full. if you really want to talk contact me at tjachi56@live.com ok

Darla - posted on 12/11/2010

Sounds perfect for you since you have a 4 year old.
Before I go on I must say, that if I were you, I'd ask if you could do it temp. for a while just to make sure. God gives us each giftings and callings. One of those gifts some have is teaching. But like with my little church, I am in a teaching position, because no one else can do it. So sometimes we do have to do what needs to be done. But you enjoy it and get so much more out of it if it is one of your "gifts"
Definitely go to a bible book store in your area, ask to see some curriculum books for 3-4 year olds. There are lots of choices, find one that you think would be fun!
Once you have that... google away! I find all kinds of crafts, special treats to make that go with our story, finger play, puppets, all kinds of stuff online for each lesson.
Everything you do should flow together for that lesson. Kids really like organization and similarity. Make yourself a chart to go by for time(just for you) For example: 1-short free play time 2-put toys away 3-prayer 4-bible story 5-question and answer time 5-finger play 6- snack 7-memory verse
I like to do things to encourage the children each week, whether it is bringing their bible, just attendance, memory verse, etc. We just did race cars racing to the finish line - now each child's name is on a large green leaf falling through levels on a tree on the wall. Look for age-appropriate things that they will enjoy. Even just stickers is great for your age. Let them put the sticker by their name, etc... Hope this has helped. Feel free to email me with any questions.

Amy - posted on 12/11/2010

Hi Melissa. I ran our church preschool for 10 years and worked in the field of ECD for 25 (working with special needs/children at risk for the last 2 years). If your church can buy a curriculum that is nice, but not needed. This age children just want to play and the environment you create for them is all about getting them excited to come to class and they can learn about Jesus thru listening to music while they play and short stories! Some parents want to see something (craft, picture) but there is nothing sweeter than having your preschooler start singing "Jesus Loves Me" or "Zacchaeus was a..." in the car! Pick a song, http://www.kididdles.com/lyrics/z100.htm... These bible stories are great and kids this age especially love flannel board stories. It takes time, but you can make them yourself. Laminate them and you can use them over and over. These guys love repetition. You will get and hold their attention longer. It really brings the story to life for them! And then let them play with it! They love to retell the stories on the board! Then simple things to keep them enjoying the time... play-dough, paper and washable markers. Many kids go to preschool, but some don't, and sadly many parents and teachers don't want to deal with the mess! These guys even love just cutting and gluing! This is all great small motor development and they get to be creative and are proud of their "art" work. The point is, "process" over "product". It is not about "how" it looks, but that they enjoyed "doing" it! They don't have to all be doing the same thing at the same time... some can be coloring, some playing with the flannel board, some playing w/play-dough, etc... Maybe try and create 2 or even 3 different "centers", play-dough at one table, paper and makers at another, and a big box of Potato Heads in the circle circle.. If kids are left with a bunch of "toys" to just play, they will get board really fast. You move around the room and join them and play/role model with them. This not only gives them ideas to expand on, but social skills. Many kids are just given toys/art tools, but not taught "how" to play or use them. For your little guy that cries, the best thing I found is to acknowledge his concern... "I know, Mommy/Daddy are the BEST! and they love you! But I love you and Jesus love you too, Mommy/Daddy will be back soon, but look, let's...". You can email me anytime: ceoAmy@gmail.com
Blessings! Amy

Melinda - posted on 12/10/2010

There are great websites out there that have curriculum you can follow. I do the nursery and out church even provides a curriculum for that young of an age. I know that when my daughter was in that age group. she would listen to a bible story and then do an art project related to the story. Even if it's just coloring pages. Plus, our church tries to tie in the kids lessons with whatever we are learning in church that Sunday. You could also try to put together a Christmas program, weither it's a play or a few songs they can sing during church services for their parents. I would def. look into getting a good kids bible, for sure! Good luck! And may God bless you for working in the children's ministry, in our church it's hard to find volunteers to do it! Oh and BTW, with the little boy that cries all the time, if you can try and give him alittle extra attention. If you do, then you will get to know him and he will get to be comfortable with you, pretty soon, you will be his favorite and coming to class will be fun. I usually get down on their level and play with them..show him a toy and show him how to play with it....pretty soon he'll be sitting in your lap and before you know it, he will be playing with the other kids as if nothing at all is wrong!

Cynthia - posted on 12/10/2010

What a wonderful age group...Life is still new a nd fasinating to them. What i do know is they will pick up on your joy for them and Jesus. Just talking about ANY topic is a chance to point out Gods goodness. "I saw the beautiful clouds in the sky, isn't God so good to give us such beautiful clouds?" Being animated while telling a story wisper at times while tellinghe story. give them a chance to act out parts of the story (pretending to climb the mountain or draw water from the well pretending of course)
I'm with you great age group! You don't have to be an "old" Christian to let Jesus love those kids through you!! Above all Pray!!!

Louise - posted on 12/10/2010

p.s i am a sunday teacher it work for me

Louise - posted on 12/10/2010

Jesus is alla bout love and kindness . if he cry is because he need attention find out what he like and once he comfortable he will listen

Cindy - posted on 12/10/2010

Hi Melissa, my name is Cindy and when the Pastor told me i would be teaching the children in my church i just prayed about it and let God do the teaching,or the Holy Spirit,you know when go about Gods work with our own agenda it wont work but pray about it and move yourself out of the way and let the Holy Spirit do the work not Melissa.invest in children movies and for the little one that cries sing a song it works trust God to lead you.

LYDIA - posted on 12/10/2010

I THINK THAT IS SO WONDERFUL. I LOVE BEING WITH KIDS. YOU KNOW SOMETIMES WHEN I HAVE MY GRANDSON, WHICH IS A TODDLER, I HAVE TO KEEP HIM ENTERTAINED WHILE I COMPLETE SOMETHING THAT I'M TRYING TO DO. SO I DO THE SAME THING I DO FOR EVERYTHING ELSE, I ASK GOD TO HELP ME WITH SOME NEW IDEA. AND IT WORKS. I THINK AFTER THE BABY GETS USED TO YU GUYS HE WILL STOP CRYING OR MAYBE IF YOU KINDA MAKE IT A LITTLE MORE FUN. I USUALLY ACT A LITTLE SILLY, MAKE A LOT OF NOISE, WHAT THEY LIKE, AND CLOWN AROUND FOR A MINUTE UNTIL EVERYONE GETS SETTLED AND COMFORTABLE THEN MAYBE YOU CAN TEACH A BIT, UNTIL THE NEXT TIME! LOL

Suszanne - posted on 12/10/2010

Hi Melissa, I used to teach pre-schoolers and our church provided a curriculum for me to use. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of the lessons, so I did a search online. I found a free download site for pre-school lessons here: http://ministry-to-children.com/free-sun...

Be sure to check with your Pastor to see if the church has anything available as well. Have your Pastor pray over the search and any subsequent decisions.

May God bless your time with those children and may His name be Glorified!

Good luck!

Tonya - posted on 12/10/2010

When I first began to work with the children I was a little apprehensive at first as well. I went to dltk-kids.com and found a lot of items. They are very age appropriate. There are crafts, bible lessons, as well as different songs. I hope this will help.

Ruth - posted on 12/10/2010

we teach our kids in our church from 6 months! age is not a barrier to God, why should it be to us? they understand the Word as it is written in their hearts and the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these! The kids now lead praise and worship, know the Holy Spirit - are filled and pray in tongues, we dont hype any of it up, we use our faith and God does the rest. if you want to minister to these kids, God has put it in your heart cause it's in His!!! Go for it! read the Word to them, have them praise God, worship Him, abide in Him, pray, tithe, crafts, games all around the message of that day. really, it's age appropriate church! everything we have - they can have! and they LOVE it! cause its fun! Kids ran to Jesus (so He must havebeen pretty joyful then!!) so we shoudl expect the same from our kids today! Be Blessed, u can do all things with Christ who strengthens you.

Shannon - posted on 12/09/2010

Try to figure out what they enjoy... I have taught for 4 yrs... Some classes do better with crafts, some with games. Parents .com is a great place for simple crafts, u just have to figure out how to connect your project. We played with playdough.. For noahs ark... We Covered them in black trashbags put shower caps on and cover thier heads in whip cream(it dowsn sting just in case) and cheese balls.. They get to throw cheese balls at each other when they answer questions from the lesson... We usually played for longer so I made up questions from past lessons too. This age u have to be flexible!!

Heather - posted on 12/09/2010

There is a program called Rainbows that is perfect for preschool aged program. I don't know what denomination you at but you can find in Gospel Publishing House. There are great ideas at your local Christian Bookstore, too.

Carlene - posted on 12/09/2010

These are great websites I've used them myself

Nora - posted on 12/09/2010

Get some buttons and make bracelets and necklaces, I have a ton of ideas having helped in a preschool for many years. Get some lunch bags and make puppets. Use paper plates and paint their hand and print it on a plate, they can give it to grandma or grandpa for a gift. Punch a hole through the top and insert ribbon to hang. Just a few ideas......

Ingrid - posted on 12/09/2010

Hi - search on the Scripture Union site for Bubbles workbook & sheets - "Lively, interactive Bible based learning for children aged 3-5 years. Bubbles big sheets are lively, colourful and A3 size. There is also a full-colour pullout Bubbles Bible Storybook that families can build up and use to enjoy the Bible stories together." I work with nursery class in our Church (Kirkwall Baptist, Orkney Isles) & we find these lay things out wonderfully & are not that expensive - our church pays for ours - maybe you could ask if yours would? I hope you manage to find what you're looking for - God Bless you too! Ingrid

Lalie - posted on 12/09/2010

to the young lady that has been in childrens church for a yr and a half, i feel sad for you missing out on services for so long, they dont have anyone to trade off with you, an dif they do give u a cd or dvd its still is not the same as being in the actual service awwwww. i hope balance becomes a factor in ur situation, because u need catered too as well hun.

Lalie - posted on 12/09/2010

its your time of being mentored , discipled, and seasoned......

Lalie - posted on 12/09/2010

First of all how big is your church? are you the only one that can help? because you are still a new christian, according to the recent study i did, I feel you should not be thrusted into "serving" right now. Like you said, your still new to this, how can one focus on the word, and getting your praise on in the most crucial time of your walk with christ? while missing entire services ALREADY by watching 6 or 7 three to four yr olds? its impossible. what you need right now is to drop off ur 4yr old and get your focus on, for 6 months to a yr or however long the spirit leads u, I promise God wont be mad. i made the same decision one day to be on the praise team when i should have been sitting down being fed by the word of God. I still stayed saved but new Christians get overwhelmed easily. we need time 2 build up our spiritual backbone.you see just cuz i am a singer doesn't mean i gotta rush on everybody praise team, ppl will amp you up and not really have ur best interest at heart, bcuz they "need help" its ok 2 say no 2 church folk.... so ask God to continue to confirm his answer to you, whether thru a dream, or circle of moms forum im responding to now, or whatever.



now if u just got it made up in ur mind that u feel, you gotta serve....let the babies have fun, teach them cute little jesus songs, but let them be kids. my nursery at church teaches 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8 yrs olds the same thing, thou art..etc....and i think that is so dumb! i am an aspiring teacher and i love teaching kids in and outta church, but make it fun, and age appropriate. happy deciding.......

Merita - posted on 12/09/2010

I was the childrens church director at my church for awhile. I would read them a short bible story or show them a 30 minute bible video (they love these) then we would do a craft. You can order bible based crafts from oriental trading and other companies in group packs really inexpensively. Kids love to make gifts to give to their moms. Even though you are a new christian God will bless you through these children. They always say something to bless your heart.

Alana - posted on 12/09/2010

First I think it is great that you are wanting to teach the little ones especially being that as you said you are a new christian. It is the best way to learn more about him for yourself too!
I have been teaching preschoolers at my church for a number of years and have found a few things that have worked. Here is what we have been doing.
Few minutes of play with toys or play dough
Circle time read a short story, sing a related song and pray. Ask the kids lots of questions to relate it to their little lives.
Snack time and then craft also related to story if possible.
This can take up about an hour. if there is still extra time we play games like Simon says.

Hope this helps.

Kelly - posted on 12/09/2010

Check out Christian Warehouse.com...you can get some great stuff at the library...and I bet your church will have a library too.

Brenda - posted on 12/09/2010

there are several web sites that have things to do. I too also do the material for our children's church ages 3-7. the older kids usually pitch in and help the younger ones with their craft. try www.dltk.com web site for ideas for all ages. I have also found if you use a book w/pictures for the story, that will keep their attention span longer. That age--keep all things short and to the point. teach them how to fold their hands and pray even if it is only "Thank you God" more will come later for them. hope this helps !!!!!

Also try to have a rotation program of Mom and others. We have a 2 month program--the more volunteers the less you miss in "big church" We even let our older youth help an adult---they can really relate to the kids !!

Bonnie - posted on 12/09/2010

Great!! in our church we have 4 different young moms that take turns teaching on Sunday morn to the little ones, so then they only miss 1 sermon a month. Teaching God's word is totally rewarding for yourself more so than anything-you grow from each and every effort, so rewarding. Children teach adults what they have forgotten about life......HUGS

Bonnie - posted on 12/09/2010

WONDERFUL, planting the seed of knowledge about God lives with those children forever....in their own time they will make it grow further. God's blessing to you.....Merry Christmas....HUGS

Sandra - posted on 12/09/2010

Melissa,

I have been working with children's ministries for over 5 years. These little guys are hard to keep sitting still, but they absorb so much that we don't even realize. There are some great programs out there. One in particular that I really love is from Lifeway Christian Bookstores. You can go to www.lifeway.com and review what they have to offer. Also, The Beginner's Bible is great too. If you have a few of those to work with. The kids really love them. Beginner's Bible also has DVD lessons that if you chose to use one of them for the kids to watch on a Sunday, You can talk about what they learned from the DVD after they watch it. Kids love to watch movies and they really pay attention to them and pick up a lot of stuff from the too. Veggietales is another great set of DVD's that have wonderful morals and virtues and you can also talk about what they kids learned from them too. This will also give you time to set up a craft of some sort that you can do with them or a reading lesson while the watch the moral or virtue that you have chosen for them for that particular Sunday. Our church tries to correlate what our pastor might be teaching that Sunday so that the kids can learn the same things as their parents and then they can all talk about it at home. The most important thing that you can do for your kids is make sure that you have material that you can send home with the parents to review with them during the week. This will help to strengthen your families and their bonds. We, unfortunately, only have so many hours with them in a year, where their parents have them a lot more than we do. It is always important to make sure that you are working with the whole family for this little one's salvation. We never know when something might spark a memory for them years from now that says, "Oh yeah, I think I learned this in Sunday school and mom and dad really made sure that we knew about this." Believe me, the statistics are staggering as to how many kids stop going to church after they leave home for college, and it's even more staggering when you research the number of families that don't do anything with their kids at all to help them grow in a Christian Worldview. Also, Try www.christianbook.com and look over the programs that they offer for preschoolers too.

Don't ever discredit yourself or the time that you are giving to these little ones. Jesus says that we are to become like little children if we want to even be able to inherit the Kingdom of God and what you are doing to help them get there is so very important. Helping them to grow and learn a Christ filled Worldview is what is important and getting them to the level of truly understanding . When they reach that age of accountability to where they have to make a decision to leave or follow Christ, You will have done all that you can to help them make that decision. That is whats important.

Lugene - posted on 12/09/2010

Preschool age is the BEST! As others have commented- learn songs with actions, have fun studying the Word and teaching the Word- kids will remember what is taught at a young age forever. You are blessed to have this opportunity.

Jenifer - posted on 12/08/2010

Sounds like most of my ideas have already been given by these awesome ladies. One thing to remember though is "YOU". I was too a new Christian when I began working with our Jr. Church. And I really do love it and feel that I was called to do it. ANd there is nothing like hearing a child speak the Bible and about God. BUT I miss listening to the sermons, and my praise time with god on Sundays. Make sure you have someone who can take your class at least once a month. So you can rejuvinate with Him.
We have a small church 50+ members, so we can't really afford to spend a lot on the really nice curriculums that have it all spelled out. I decided to buy a few books, and of course use the wonderful resource the internet for putting together my classes. i spent $60 and have enough to put together enough class sessions to cover more than 2 years.
Birthday Party for Jesus is an awesome thing. This is Definately something you should do. It helps to remind children what Christmas is all about. Good Luck and God Bless!

Sheri - posted on 12/08/2010

I love this age because they are so trusting and "into" whatever you are doing. I love to role play with them. Read them a Bible story then role play with the using an assisant (we use teenagers) to be the main character, but different children have roles as you tell the story. Zacheus can climb up into a tree "onto a chair" or Lazarus can be raised from the dead or Jesus can walk on water "a sheet". They love it and remember it. Last week, they ate bugs like John the Baptist!!

Melissa - posted on 12/08/2010

Once my daughter came along I knew that I needed to step up and ensure that she was learning...even at here very young age. A year and a half later here I am, in charge of the preschool dept. I do miss the worship services and it's been so long since I was in church that some people are surprised to find that I still attend!! We did some research and I got some info from another church and we use Karen Henley's program. It's very user friendly and takes just a little bit of planning. There are fun crafts and the stories are short and simple. Remember that just because they aren't quiet and sitting perfectly still doesn't mean that they aren't hearing. The more often they hear the message the more it will sink in over the years. It's our responsiblity to lead them.
Is there someone that can take the little guy that cries the whole time to another room? Maybe his mom or dad need to stick around for a bit (even a few Sunday) just to help him adjust. We had a little boy like that and his parent stayed in the room the whole time, bit by bit he shortened the stay. Now he's fine. Remember stick to the basics. Our plan of attack is this. Play time (about 10-15 min). Coloring pages--something related to the story. Story time (about 10 min). Snack time. Craft time (hopefully related to the story as well). Play time/clean up time. Kids need structure and we try to keep to our plan. Our nursery use to be a place where kids ran wild and played for an hour, but I didn't think that was a good idea. My child can stay home and play. Church is about learning about God.!! Blessings to you!!

Ancela - posted on 12/08/2010

Lots of singing fun songs about jesus, bible stories but u have to put fun it in just ask God for directions you will be amaze how well you will do

Carey - posted on 12/08/2010

My daughter's preschool is concentrating on the fruit of the spirit throughout the year in music class. Her music teacher didn't get a curriculum, but did a bible study with other moms over the summer on the fruit of the spirit and is now teaching them with songs and hand motions. She wears a fruit of the spirit hat. My daughter had all of them memorized by the 3rd week of school and loves her class.

Rebekah - posted on 12/07/2010

You have the BEST time of year to do some FUN stuff with these preschoolers.

Main thing, pray before the kids come into the classroom, ask God to open the hearts of each child before they come in. Take annointing oil and annoint the doorpost and each chair that a child will sit in and ask God to keep all distractions at bay and let the Holy Spirit rain in the room.

Some awesome stuff you can for Christmas is:

1. Make a starry night.
Take Christmas lights and string them all over the ceiling of the room. Turn out the big lights and turn on the stars! Give the kids robes and let them act out the shepherd scene of the Christmas story. If you're really handy, make an angel appear - you'll have to make trigger to make an angel come down a string or fall from the ceiling.

2. Do a lesson on "Helping Hands" using the verse Ephesians 2:10 and break it down for their level to "God made me to help others". Cut out hand shapes, let them color and then put up a helping hand mural. Tell the story of Moses and how God sent Aaron to Moses for helping - use pictures or felt or peel-n-stick story people.

Use music - make up your own songs using Bible verses. Great way to teach prayer is to sing it, such as sing this to the tune of Mary Had A Little Lamb: "Thank you God for making me, making me, making me. Thank you God for making me with helping hands."

Do transition times, maybe they crawl like worms to the next activity or if they get fidgety in a story have them pop like popcorn then go back to the story.

Use BIG demonstrative actions and keep things on their level... you'll do just fine! :)

Nicole - posted on 12/07/2010

I teach 30+ 3-4 year olds every 4th Sunday! We are given curriculum from the head of Christian education at our church. There are verses the children need to know and currently the children's church is learning the same message as the adult church. Two things of advice, Pray for God to lead you with your lesson (He will) then check on what other classes are doing. I do suggest that you teach only one Sundays a month, you need your fellowship with adults.

Jamie - posted on 12/07/2010

keep it short. I always do short stories, I make big motions and movements when demonstrating something so that it catches their attention. They love crafts. I do recommend playdough and paint but if you do paints, always add dish detergent to it(it washes off easier) and I took some old sheets and make paint smocks for them. They love it. With the ones that cry, I usually spend extra time with them. I try to involve them as much as possible in "helping" cuz they love the attention and respect of the other kids. Some classes I would have to do lessons with a little one on my lap or on my hip. Now about half my class sit with me out front as well. lol the moms joke and say i'm their second mom. Its sweet.

Michele - posted on 12/07/2010

Hey Mielissa, I ran the toddler dept. ibn my church for many years, and all I can say is make it fun! I used lots and lots of music, bible stories set to songs and lots of dancing. We also had a schedule so they knew3 when it was singing time, when it was story time, snack time, ect. Dont ever feel bad for taking special time with the ones who need you more, and dont forget to pray over every little one you have! God Bless You!

Rosemarie - posted on 12/07/2010

There are gonna always be oneswho will cry but the object is to give them some more attention witout the others seeing..like for instance read a story and ask then question and ask the sad child if he agrees with the answer make them feel like there re the center of things...some choildren ik that

Kimberly - posted on 12/07/2010

I was in the same situation before a while back. I was in high school and during one of the services I volunteered in a classroom with 3-4 year olds. They love music, singing, and playing. You can find a children's bible and read out of it and make up some activities that go along with the story. One thing you can talk about is listening to mommy and daddy. Talk to them and ask questions. One thing about the little boy that cries, comfort him by holding him and singing to him. That may help and let him know if he wants he can color by his self at a table until mommy or daddy comes to get him. Also let the parents know about his crying as well. They may help you figure out how to coop with that.

Amy - posted on 12/07/2010

I was asked by my church about 6 years ago. I started out as a Pre School class teacher. I did that for about 2-3 years. From there I am now the Children's church Director from Nursery all the way up to Elementary ages.. I still love teaching. As for ideas for the Pre Schoolers.... I do alot of looking on the internet. There are free internet sites you can get on and get information and lessons.. I have one that emails we weekly. Plus I did alot of internet shopping for lesson plans, and material. If the church can afford some material... There is alot to look at and consider. It all depends on what you want to teach them. I started with Bible Heroes, Daniel, David, Jonah, Josheph, Abraham, Isaac, and Moses. To help familiarize the students with the bible. That's it's not a fairy tale but a book about real people doing extraoridnary things through God. Keep the lessons short and simple. I have used puppets, flannelgraph, or I have the kids act out parts once story is told. Also sing songs about the story if you can find them. This helps them to remember the story better. As for those who cry or want their parent. That's where having a helper is vital.. Plus I devised a system of inexpensive toys or stickers. If the child stays or doesn't cry then this child gets pick of a sticker or toy take with them. I also tell the parents about this and I make it a big deal with the parents so the child gets praise not only from me but also from his/her parents. Introducing an out-going child to a shy child sometimes helps too. Especially if they are willing to play together. If the child continues to cry then he/she should go tot the parent.. You can't spend your whole time entertaiing a child who wants it's parent. Believe me I know. I've tried and it's frustrating. Good luck.. and I pray you have as much fun as I had and still do to this day. Blessings

Rosemarie - posted on 12/07/2010

It sounds interesting,,, what you can do is as you use the guide try and implement crafts and other ideas tailored to the childs age that can asssist with things in the everyday worl.. for instance if you teaching creation...bring the lesson home to them meaning show creation in the birth of a baby brother or sister or even a pet......ensure that each lesson teaches reall day values as well as biblical principles

Kevalyn - posted on 12/07/2010

We use the Hands-On Bible Curriculum. It's a great teaching tool especially for volunteers who don't feel that teaching is their strength but love working with kids. It's a little pricey - about $150.00 per quarter, but everything is spelled out for you. We invested in a full year but it's totally reusable. I love that the ideas are really bit-sized for the toddlers, but completely follows the bible and that it's hands-on so they get to touch and feel and act out everything that they are learning.

Rosemarie - posted on 12/07/2010

Is this just a a sunday school type thoing or regular mon to friday schhol

Roseanne - posted on 12/07/2010

Hi there. Ita so cool u are doing that. Iam doing it too at my church and what we have is a curriculum for the whole year. Choose a bible verse that you wanna teach and then we have a lesson on it. We try to relate it to everyday life too. For example; we choose a memory. Verse- God has come to help his people (luke 7:16). Objectives: the children will know;
That Jesus knows when people are sad.
Feel confident that God wants them to help others who are sad.
Respond by helping people who are sad.
Then the message we want them to get is:
We serve God when we help peole who are are sad.
So then we plan fun activities around this like plays (teachers as well as the children act out scenarios)

Say we ask questions like your birthday is tomorrow how would u feel?- they make a face- happy or sad. Or we do a collage of a sad or happy face etc. Then we read the story from the bible about the verse. The key here is to pass the message so we can act it out, use colored or painted pictures illustrated for the story to say I out. Hope this helps. For the. Crying child maybe the mother can stay in the class with him/her until they are confident to stay thee alone. We are about three in the class so we share the workload as in one would do the readiness part- talking about feelings with actions or art on the message. And the other will do the story. And the other helps to keep the
Children quiet and hand out stuff this way not one person is doing everything I the class. Team work helps alot and
Preparing the lesson atleast two days before presenting it helps. Have fun. Cheers. Roseann

Susan - posted on 12/07/2010

Look at Sunday School materials for that age group. Lots of easy crafts, coloring will help their fine motor skills; center it on a Bible story each time and a letter sound and writing that letter. Like Jj in big shapes to color, then write. Then story of Jonah, color picture. Lots of songs, finger play type songs. Lots of active games interspersed, like follow the leader, pretending to be animals, blocks building a city of Ninevah - many short activities, but with a very well-established routine, so that they know what's next. Lots of lining up: to wash hands before snack, to use restroom after outdoor play time. You are getting them ready to cooperate and take turns, plus numbers, counting, letter sounds and identification, colors, shapes. Dress up box with Bible time clothes to act out stories, hats, scarves, dolls to act out things, trucks, cars, building things, PUZZLES!!! Have fun. Now at Christmas is the most fun!

Terri-lee - posted on 12/03/2010

good on you love! The Holy Spirit is showing you a part of your giftings! You know where you are called to serve and thats the best start! God will show you the rest. They surely wont throw you into it without helping you! ask the person who runs childrens church or nursery, what they usually do, how they like things done. ask them to sit in as a helper while you watch and learn. you can then do as they do, and add fresh, fun, new things to it too! Your gift will make room for you love :-) just always make Jesus the center of everything and you cant go wrong!

take advantage of seasonal things. such as Christmas, Easter and so on. But obviously do not do santa or easter bunny or anything, always focus on the LORD. lol. Plus the seasons, summer, winter etc. You can theme your days on these, teaching the kids about God's wonderful beautiful creation, about being thankful for Him etc. Also, the fruit of the Spirit is VERY important. Kids need it just as much as adults do. Look up the fruit of the spirit. you can read them a fun book on it, or make up your own activities, questions and games that teach them about love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control.

remember to keep things simple. always go back to the message of Christ. regularly. and encourage them to not be judgemental of those who dont know God but to pray for them.

include prayer. teach them how to pray. remember in all you do, keep it simple, but do not underestimate them! If they want to go deeper, go deeper! If they have questions, answer them! and if you dont know the answer, find out...even find out together.

make sure they know how important prayer and the word is.

as a new Christian you will be able to relate with them at how new and exciting Christianity is! They will love your enthusiasm, honesty and new passion for God, and you will love that they are little sponges.

as for misbehavior, every church is different in how they deal with it. some ask you to get the parents to come deal with them. Others will have a younger helper to keep them quiet/still/behaved. Just talk to other people who have been doing it for a long time at your church about how they deal with it.

just know, these kids want LOVE, TRUTH and FUN. if you can give them all three, youll be the best sunday school teacher ever!

Patricia - posted on 12/02/2010

Melissa i found the websites I was talking about.... www.christianpreschoolprintables.com www.abchomepreschool.com www.dltk-bible.com
www.daniellesplace.com ..the last two are where I get alot of my ideas..i hope this helps...God Bless..

Patricia - posted on 12/02/2010

I volunteer at my church with 3 and 4 year olds, and we have a curriculum that we follow.If you dont have that , may i suggest googleing " Bible lessons or crafts for preschoolers" I always get alot fo my ideas from the internet. I use there curriculum but I always throw in a craft for fun. I am so happy that you had desided to teach those children about God. It is a blessing to see how they reseve his word and remember it the following sunday.We also tell a story every sunday and sing songs.We also have a schedule we follow 9:00 free time....9:15 first activity 9:30 clean up..9:35 story and songs 10:00 bathroom and wash hands..10:10 snack ( fish crackers and water) 10:25 second activity 10: 40 dismissal..If you have a schedule it helps out alot..if you need more info about crafts and ideas let me know .I have been voulnteering at my church for 2 years now and my mother and I team up together to teach on sunday..we actully have the 11:00 preschools coming early because there parents like what we do in the class..I can also give you a couple of web sites when I find them..I hope this helped alittle ..God Bless!!

Heather - posted on 12/02/2010

I think it's great. That's what we do here too. :) It would be really neat to throw a birthday party during toddlers church... hmmmmm I wonder if I get to work that week?

Melissa - posted on 12/02/2010

Thank you,I wanted to do somthing for chrismas.I told my 4 year old that chrismas really is about Jesus and when he was born and that it is a big birthday party for Jesus exept we get to have presants and we get to give presants.It is a way of reconizing our Lord.He loved it so I wanted to share this with other parents.What do you think?