Experienced educators at Methodist Preschools share tips on teaching Bible stories and Bible- based values to preschoolers. If you are a parent or caregiver to preschool-aged children, you can adapt some of these useful tips at home to nurture your preschooler during their formative years.
1. Keep it simple and relatable
Preschoolers have a limited attention span, so it is essential to keep the storytelling simple. Use age-appropriate language, keeping sentences short and easy to understand.
When teaching values to preschoolers, use simple language and relatable examples. Break down complex biblical principles into child-friendly concepts, such as “sharing is caring”. To help them grasp the teachings, share practical ways of what they can say or do in school and at home to apply the teachings in their daily lives.
2. Make it interactive
Engage them in interactive storytelling by asking questions. Use vivid visuals, such as colourful pictures, videos, puppets or simple props to capture their imagination and bring stories to life. Utilise animated facial expressions with varying tones of voice to convey emotions and create an exciting storytelling environment. They make the stories or values taught more memorable.
3. Incorporate actions and music
Music is a powerful tool to reinforce teaching and aid memory retention. Singing catchy action Bible songs makes the learning experience joyful and engages children in body, soul and spirit. The repetitive nature of songs helps embed messages and key learning points in their minds. Singing of action Bible songs during daily devotions and celebrations like Easter and Christmas is an integral part of Methodist Preschool’s curriculum.
4. Employ crafts and activities
Incorporating simple hands-on activities, crafts and drawings gives children room to express and cement their understanding of the stories told or values taught; for example, crafting Noah’s Ark using paper plates and creating David and Goliath puppets. Hands-on activities help reinforce stories and provide a tangible connection to lessons. Playing simple games is also an effective means to drive home the message as children learn best when they are having fun!
5. Connect stories to everyday life
Help preschoolers see the relevance of Bible stories in their own lives. Discuss how the values taught in the stories can guide their actions and interactions with others. Explain the “why” behind each principle. For example, when teaching about honesty, discuss why being truthful builds trust and strengthens relationships. Providing context helps them connect the values to meaningful outcomes.
6. Memorise Bible verses
Choose age-appropriate Bible verses that highlight the values you want to teach and encourage the children to memorise them. This can help reinforce the values and provide them with a spiritual foundation. Methodist Preschool educators have found that regular recitation of the centre’s selected memory verse(s) for the term during the school’s daily devotion is an effective way of enhancing their retention of Bible verses over time. However, it is essential to balance repetition with varied and engaging learning activities. Incorporating interactive activities and hands-on experiences alongside repetition can enhance the learning process and make it more enjoyable.
7. Celebrate progress
Acknowledge and celebrate when children demonstrate the values they have learnt. Positive reinforcement can motivate them to continue practising good behaviour. Giving children verbal affirmation and sometimes simple tokens like attractive stickers is a common practice of positive reinforcement.
The BB Explorers Programme
Developed by The Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade Singapore, the Programme is an integral part of Methodist Preschool’s curriculum for teaching the Bible and Bible-based values. The BB Explorers Programme delivers lessons on character values based on biblical principles and practical life-skills through videos, stories, hands-on activities and fun games. Children attending the BB Explorers Programme are also encouraged to demonstrate Bible- based values and lessons taught as they attain badges in various categories as symbols of their accomplishments.