Kindergartners (Fives)

Kindergartners (Fives)

The kindergarten child has been described as unique and complex. He is ready for a challenge; are you? Teaching a kindergartner will keep you on your toes. Remember he likes to talk about what he knows and, at the same time, he might be anxious about coming into the classroom.

He will expand his relationships during the year. You are an important part of how he will view other teachers in these years of more formal learning. He will come to trust you and believe what you say and that is encouraging because you are laying a foundation for spiritual development. When you teach biblical truths, tell Bible stories, and make the applications to his life, he will begin to understand a little more about God, Jesus, the Bible, and church.

You can make a difference in what the child understands.

• Read the Bible story each week and decide how you will tell the story with the Bible opened on your lap. Make a list of the parts of the story; practice telling the story.
• What other elements can you use to relay the biblical truths of the story and application? 
             1. Sing or play musical instruments. 
             2. Retell the story as the children “play out the story.” 
             3. Ask questions that are not “yes” and “no” answers. Use questions that  ask what they thought or understand about the story: “Why is it an important story?”
            4. Play a game related to what they know about the sequence of the story.
• Remember to share elements in the story while the child is engaged in the activities you have prepared. Example: “Paul told Lydia about Jesus. Can you tell someone about Jesus?”
• Prepare activities in the room that will help you easily relate back to the biblical truth or the Bible story.

The kindergartner will choose and decide what he wants to do. Plan the activities you want him to choose from. Usually, a rule of thumb will be at least three activities. Choose those activities that are really simple to do and some that may be more involved. He will need to make decisions; he needs the practice. Here are some suggestions:

• Puzzles (biblical), blocks (use stand up figures from the leader pack), and books (use the various books designated for the session) are always good choices.
• Play in a homeliving setting will allow for more intentional play: preparing meals, changing the dolls’ clothes; pretend play opportunities with others.
• Separate the loud activities from the quiet ones so that the child may choose depending on his mood of the day.

Enjoy your time with kindergartners! They are ready to learn!