Caring for Others, Preschool Style

Written by Joye Smith

"Do that again!"

Have you ever heard a preschooler say those words? Preschoolers express this excitement as they become involved in ministry and missions. Preschoolers become involved in missions as they learn about missions work around the world, as they begin to pray for others, as they give to missions, and as they learn to help other people. The preschool years are the first steps in a lifelong journey of learning to care for the needs of others and share God’s love with others.

A most exciting aspect of missions for preschoolers is in helping them to minister to others. Preschoolers enjoy helping others by doing something kind or giving something to another. The preschool missions organization, Mission Friends, introduces preschoolers to the concepts of caring and sharing. Preschool leaders are encouraged to do "helping others" activities with preschoolers in Mission Friends. Parents can also do "helping others" activities with their preschoolers at home. These are simple activities appropriate for the age of the child, such as placing Bible verse labels on cans for the church food pantry or making a card for a shut-in. Preschool leaders and parents can use resources such as the Helping Others Activity Box or 200+ Ways to Care for Preschoolers to gather ideas for ministry activities with preschoolers.

The concept of caring for others is reinforced through books for preschoolers. Books such as I Can Help Others, I'm A Part Of God's Plan, and Around the World reinforce the hands-on experiences of preschoolers. Preschool books such as these can be used for a preschool story time in the library. Extend the story by making bookmarks to give to senior adults or decorating a sharing basket for the church staff. Express to preschoolers the joy of caring for others, and preschoolers will want to do it again and again.