Using Games to Teach Preschoolers

TeamKID Preschool: Recreation Core Pack

As you begin planning games for preschoolers, one of the first things to consider is where you will be playing. If you are planning to play outside, remember to look for a large grassy space free of holes, roots, and rocks. Consider weather conditions as you plan for outdoor games. Games may be harder to play if the grass is wet or if children are bundled up because it is too cold.

When planning to play games inside, remember that space is important. Look for a room or gym that is free of all other equipment. Look for carpeted space that will cushion falls. Gyms have great open spaces, but use caution on the slick surfaces. The children should wear rubber-soled shoes.

Other important things to consider when planning games:

• Choose simple movement activities that encourage jumping, running, and hopping.
• Choose games that allow the children to imitate the adult leader.
• Gather all the equipment before you begin the game.
• Know the game instructions before the children arrive. Give simple instructions. Repeat the instructions as often as needed.
• Demonstrate the game for the visual learner. Participate with the children.
• Teach the game in parts. For example, teach children how to roll the ball. Next, give each child a number. Pass the ball around while each child repeats his number. Then, pass the ball, calling out random numbers. Finally, allow a child to call out a number as he passes the ball to another child.
• Repeat the game several times, so children will become familiar with the game.
• Encourage children to suggest different ways to play the game.
• Quit before the children get bored with the game.

5 Bible Concept Games
The primary way preschoolers learn is through play. You can help them learn Bible concepts through these easy to play games.

• Be Kind to One Another
  Stand in the center of a ring with one child holding a ball. Say: "Sarah is standing in the ring. Sarah can do a kind thing.'' Sarah bounces the ball to another child. Then, that child goes to the center of the ring to begin again. Continue until each child has had a turn.
• I Have Friends at Church
  Children sit in a circle on the floor. One child walks around the outside of the circle. To the tune, "Mary Had a Little Lamb," sing: " David came to church today, church today, church today. David came to church today. Now he can pick a friend.'' (Use the child's name in the song.) When David touches a friend, the friend stands and then walks around the circle as you sing. David sits where his friend was sitting. Continue playing until every child has a turn to walk around the circle and pick a friend.
• God Loves Us
  Locate a ball or a beanbag. Stand with the children in a circle. Ask "Who does God love?'' As you roll or toss the ball to a child, answer, "God loves (child's name).'' The child you name catches the ball and says "God loves (child's name)" as he throws the ball to another child. Continue until each child has had a turn.
• I Can Say Thank You to God
  Say, "I thank God for something that is blue.'' Encourage the children to name blue items in the room until a child guesses the item you had in mind. The child who guesses correctly then says, "I thank God for something that is (name the color)." Play until each child has had a turn.
• I Have Friends at Church
  Preschoolers stand facing each other in two rows on opposite sides of the room. Name one child on each side and ask, "Can you march to a friend?" The two children you named march across the room and each touches a friend in the opposite row. Ask the children they touch to skip to a friend. Those children skip across the room and each touches a friend. Continue until each child has a turn to move. Other movements include: hop, run, hop on one foot, walk backwards, skate, crawl, and crawl backwards.

Adapted from Teaching Preschoolers: First Steps Toward Faith, by Thomas Sanders and Mary Ann Bradberry.