Shepherding Our Little Ones Part 2

PHOTO CAPTION: Who are the little ones in your life?


Last week I attempted to share just a little from my experiences with “shepherding” young children. As those of you who also are working in the realms of ministry to young children know, what I shared was just a small drop in the bucket of what goes into “shepherding” each week. This week I am going to share just a little bit more, however I realize that this too is but a drop in the bucket. Perhaps what I want to share the most with you is that on those days when you feel incredibly weary and it seems that you are simply treading water, remember you are doing a good work. You are important. God sees you and knows your heart. As you continue to walk in relationship with Jesus asking Him to anoint and bless, you will see results. “Shepherding” our little ones, loving and caring for them as they take those first toddling steps of faith will make a difference. God bless you. I am cheering you on. 



THE FAITH BASICS


So what exactly can preschoolers learn as they explore relationship with God? I mentioned last week that they can learn that God made them and God loves them. What are some other basics that they can learn? 
I believe that they can learn quite a bit and really can become connected with a simple timeline and stories of the Bible.
 These are some of the things they can learn:
* God made me and loves me. I also like to tell the kids that God did a good job when He made them. They are fearfully and wonderfully made.

* God made the world.
* 
Jesus is God’s Son.
 I can welcome Jesus into my heart as my forever friend.

* I can talk to God in prayer.
* 
God is always with me.

* Jesus died on a cross to rescue me. I pair this truth with the Resurrection. Jesus didn’t stay dead, He is alive and well. I also like to tell the story of the Lost Sheep with this. The good shepherd looked for his little lost lamb that strayed away because He loved that little lamb. He rescued the little lamb and that is what Jesus did for us.

* Jesus is alive.

* Jesus wants me to love God and love others.

* I can give and share because God gives me good things.


These are just a few of the things preschoolers can learn as they explore the stories of the Bible with you. How do we begin to help them learn these faith basics and grow in their relationship with Christ? By watching for teachable moments and helping them learn the way they learn best.



HOW DO PRESCHOOLERS LEARN BEST?


* Hands on! They largely learn by doing and by playing.
* Make your stories interactive. Including your preschoolers in the experience, insures they will be back for more and also helps them remember the point of what the story is saying.
* Sensory Input. They use their senses to understand and process information. The more senses you can include in your lessons, the more your preschoolers will learn and remember.

* Multiple Learning Styles – Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, Social. etc. Preschoolers are not cookie-cutter little people. They are one-of-a-kind, unique individuals, masterpieces by God’s design. They each have different ways of learning and growing in their faith. Learning about their preferences and including the things they enjoy each Sunday will gain you a fan and also help these little ones grow in their relationship with Jesus. 

* Special Needs. Know the kids in your room. Do you have a special needs child in your classroom? What is their special need? Are they hearing impaired or visually impaired? Do they have sensory problems? Take these things into consideration and try to create some spaces and activities that will make these children feel welcome and comfortable. Pair a special needs child with a buddy – a teen helper or another adult who wants to be their special friend can help ease their way.

* Capitalize On Their Natural Curiosity. Preschoolers are full of questions and love answering simple questions. These questions make for teachable moments. Answer simply when you can and if you don’t know the answer, find out together. Create activities and spaces where they can learn and discover on their own.

PARENT OR TEACHER PRAYER:

Father God,

Jesus welcomed children and I want to welcome these little ones you have placed in my care too. Show me how I can value and “shepherd” these little ones as they take their first simple steps in following you. Reveal yourself to them. May they know that you made them in a unique and amazing way. May they know that they are deeply loved and that you have a special purpose just for them. Show me ways to engage with them during those teachable moments so that their faith grows deep.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of caring for and guiding these little ones. Bless them I pray with eyes of faith and a heart that trusts you fully. Amen

A FEW SIMPLE IDEAS FOR 
TEACHING PRESCHOOLERS

1. Provide a snack. Not only do they love snacks, but snack time is a good time to talk to them, learn about them and bond with them.
2. Remember art is about the process, not the finished product. Let them be creative even if it doesn’t turn out the way you planned.
3. Be generous with praise and encouragement.
4. Focus on the positive. Even with discipline, try to be positive. State your rules in a positive way such as, “Use your walking feet.” instead of “Don’t run!”
5. Take time to listen. Children love to tell their stories. When you take the time to listen, they will feel valued.
6. Pray and be flexible. Some days won’t go exactly as planned. That’s okay. Be prepared, but go with the flow.
   
   REMEMBER…
   * What’s most important? Keep the main thing the main thing. Loving and caring for these little ones is vital.
   * Know your why – Why are you passionate about shepherding little ones? Keep that uppermost in your mind when you serve. My personal why is because I love kids and I believe Jesus welcomed and loved kids too. I believe that they can have a relationship with Jesus at a young age.
   * Know your mission, your values and your vision and communicate them with your team. If you don’t yet have a mission statement, if your not sure what you value or where you are going, think it through with your team and write it out. It’s hard to get anywhere if you don’t know where you are headed.
   * Feeling a little tired or even burned out? Ask God to renew your passion.
   * Count your blessings or celebrate your wins. A little celebration energizes and rejuvenates us.
   * Do everything with love. It’s not about perfection, but rather about loving. Loving God and loving the kids. Loving yourself too. There will be days when you might wonder, “What happened? Where did I go wrong?” That’s okay. You can be sure that the kids still think you are awesome if you simply showed them love and care.
   * Messes are okay. They can be cleaned up. If the kids leave knowing that they are loved and valued, then that’s really what matter.

Kid’s Section

STORY: Facing A Giant – 1 Samuel 16:8-13, 17:34-37 


Israel was at war. Three of David’s brothers were in the army but David was the youngest. He stayed at home to care for the sheep.

One day, David’s dad said, “Take some food to your brother’s and see how they are doing.” Early the next morning, David left to check on his brothers.



When David got there, he ran to greet his brothers. As he was talking with them, the giant Goliath, stepped out and shouted, “Who’s going to fight me?” The Israelite army was afraid of Goliath. They ran from him. (Run in place.) No one wanted to fight Goliath. They were afraid because Goliath was so very big and strong. (Show muscles.)

But David said, “Who is this giant that defies the armies of the living God? I will fight him.” 



King Saul said, “David, you can’t fight him, you are only a boy.” 



David told the king how God helped him protect his sheep from a lion and a bear, “I know God will help me fight Goliath.” 

King Saul gave David his armor, but the king’s armor was way too big for David. How did David fight Goliath? He took his shepherd’s staff, his sling and five smooth stones.

When Goliath saw David, he laughed, “Ha! Ha! Ha! Do you think I’m a dog that you send a boy out to fight me?” 



Was David was afraid of Goliath? Maybe a little, but he knew that God was with him. He said, “You come against me with a sword and spear, but I come against you in the name of the Lord……” As the giant moved closer, David ran towards him, put a stone in his sling and slung it at Goliath. Goliath fell to the ground. David defeated Goliath with a sling and a stone because God helped him. 

David trusted God to help him and God did.

God is with you too even when you are afraid or have BIG things to do. He can help you just like He helped David. He loves you so much and He wants to help you everyday. His love is BIGGER than any giant and BIGGER than we can reach. His love is wide and long and high and deep.

MEMORIZE: Ephesians 3:18 NIV – (Hands open as though holding a book.)

… How wide – (Arms out wide to the side.)

And long- (Stretch arms out in front of you.)

And high. – (Reach up high.)

And deep – (Reach down low.)

Is the love of Christ. – (Cross arms, then raise hands up.)

KNOW: God will help me face BIG things.


TALK ABOUT: People who help us.


ASK: Who loves you? God loves me. Who is always ready to help you? God is always ready to help me.


AND DO… Trust God to help me.



FUN IDEAS FOR THIS WEEK:


• Cheer your child on when he/she does something new or courageous such as gets his or her face wet in swimming lessons or goes to preschool without tears.
  • Set up a block or Lego® tower. Take turns trying to knock it over with a foam ball. Talk about how God helped David knock the giant over with just one stone and God can help us do hard or impossible things too 


    
    PRAYER: 

    Dear God,

    Thank you that you love and care for me. Your love is amazing. You are with me when I am afraid and all the time. I know you can help me just like you helped David. Help me face BIG things in my life just like David faced the giant. I love you. Amen

    
    PLEASE NOTE: I have presented a workshop entitled “Heads Up, Hands On And Heart Felt” that I have presented to teachers and volunteers at churches and ministry conferences. If you are interested in hearing more about this topic, please e-mail me at: debbie@faithstepsandmore
    
    I would be happy to do a workshop at your church or to meet with you via Zoom.