Over 25 years ago, my husband and I walked into our first assignment as newly appointed volunteers in the preschool ministry at our church. Parenting our then two year old firstborn and having a genuine love for kids were the only pluses on our resume. In other words, we had no idea what we were doing!
Our children’s director at the time offered me an opportunity to shadow a seasoned teacher who directed a thriving preschool ministry in the area. It was just for one morning, but this teacher was phenomenal. She had so many creative tips and ideas, and I soaked them all in! I also began recognizing the talent and skills of elementary school teachers, and started asking questions and purveying websites to brainstorm ways to utilize the creativity they used in their secular classrooms in my church classroom.
Simply put, I determined that I didn’t want to just be a “babysitter.” I loved Jesus and wanted the children I taught to know His great love for them. I knew that if kids could watch a tv program and quote the catchy lyrics of a song word for word…certainly they could learn God’s Word! I knew that if crafts and activities at school could reinforce the lessons they were learning…certainly I could do the same thing to help them learn at church! I wanted our time together to be worthwhile. I wanted them to learn about my Savior…and I knew they could…if someone would just take the time to teach them!
Fast forward 25 years, and my husband & I have learned a lot about kids. We have 10 of our own, as well as 2 beautiful grandchildren. We have continued serving in various forms of preschool and kids ministry throughout all of those years. While I am constantly trying to add to my repertoire of games, songs, activities and object lessons…I realize that I have quite a collection! Just as people have so graciously shared their wisdom and creativity with me over the years, my hope with this blog is that I pay it forward! My greatest desire is to help you help your kids learn more about Jesus in a fun, creative, engaging way!