Using Bible Skills with Preschoolers

I love teaching Bible skills to grade school kids but recently I’ve been challenged to offer some adaptations for younger kids and preschoolers.

Here are some skill games I’ve published on Kids Ministry 101 in the past. I’ve linked the games but also offer specific modifications:

Bible Skills Twister:  Use different instructions created for younger kids that “match” the colors on the mat. (Example: the spinner lands on yellow. The child must cross on the yellow dots (perhaps doing a specific task (jumping, hopping, crawling) and find a prepared yellow Bible bookmark placed at a specific verse to be read by the teacher).

New Testament Pyramid Stack:  Line the cups in order using a prepared “help sheet.”

Chopstick Sort:  Instead of Chopsticks, use tongs to match “eggrolls” with the “sushi tray.”

CD Shuffle:  Create labeled clothespins that match the books printed on the CDs. Allow children to clip the matching clothespin to the correct CD.

Don’t Break the Ice:  Allow children to select from prepared New Testament book cards to determine which piece of “ice” is to be tapped out.  

Spill and Spell:  Provide prepared index cards on which Bible book names have been printed. Allow kids to use the magnetic alphabet to spell the book represented on a chosen card.

Minor Prophet Muffin Mix:  Allow boys and girls to take turns matching minor prophet books printed to two different colored ping-pong balls.    

Consider these tips that I think will help as you work to grow knowledge and love for the Bible in preschoolers.

• Most skill games must be teacher led.
• Think “matching” and “sorting” when teaching skills to preschoolers.
• Use color matching dots to help sequence verses, phrases, and books of the Bible.
• Color code testament and division books when listing them on various mediums.
• Simplify skills by breaking information into “chunks.”
• Avoid the need for the use of small motor skills that haven’t fully developed.
• Avoid competition that results in winners and losers.
• Use listings, Bible bookshelves, and other “help sheets.”
• Use the “familiar” in an “unfamiliar” way.

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Kids. A graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served as a Kid’s Minister and currently teaches 2nd Grade Bible study.