Preschool
Is God good and can I trust God?
The preschool Love God, Love others Bible curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to introduce young learners to the foundational concepts of Christianity in a nurturing and engaging environment. At this formative stage of development, the curriculum aims to lay the groundwork for a lifelong relationship with God by fostering a sense of wonder, belonging, and trust in God’s love and care. Through age-appropriate Bible stories, songs, and activities, learners are introduced to the character of God as loving, trustworthy, and ever-present in their lives. Emphasis is placed on nurturing a sense of security and belonging as children learn they are known and loved by God who created them uniquely and has a special plan for each of them. Through engaging storytelling and interactive experiences, children learn about the life and teachings of Jesus, the role of the Holy Spirit as a comforting presence, and the importance of the Bible as God's Word. Using context characters, learners will be introduced to the six lenses of Bible context. Through song and singing they will be introduced to the formative practice of “writing God’s Word on their heart” – Bible internalization.
A central goal of the curriculum is to cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity about God and God’s creation. Through hands-on activities, exploration of nature, and creative expression, learners are encouraged to marvel at the beauty and complexity of the world around them, recognizing God's handiwork in every aspect of creation, themselves, and each other. Throughout the curriculum, an emphasis is placed on creating a sense of belonging within the classroom community and the larger family of faith. Through group activities, shared experiences, and opportunities for collaboration, children learn the importance of supporting and caring for one another as they journey together in their faith. Through engaging storytelling, interactive experiences, and age-appropriate activities, children are introduced to the core beliefs of the Christian faith in a way that resonates with their young hearts and minds, setting them on a path of lifelong discovery and discipleship.
Essential Questions:
Who is God? Jesus? The Holy Spirit?
Can I trust God?
What is God like?
How does God show love in the Bible and to me?
What is the Bible? And where did the stories take place?
Who wrote the Bible?
What does it look like to follow Jesus?
Key Topics:
God’s love story - the Bible
Characteristics of God
Followers of Jesus
Holy Spirit
Context Characters
Preschool Units
The Goodness of God, The Goodness of Jesus and the Holy Spirit
Suggested Text: I Wonder: God’s Grand Story, By Glenys Nellist
Unit 1: The Good Creator (8 Lessons)
Through the Bible stories of creation and Adam and Eve, learners will study God's goodness in the world around them and explore how God made them good–in God’s image. Learners will also study God's remarkable provision through the stories of Noah and Abraham and how they are called to reflect God’s goodness to the world.
Unit 2: God’s Good Faithfulness (8 Lessons)
Both Jacob and Esau experienced God’s faithfulness in different ways. In this unit, learners will study what it means to reflect God's faithfulness to those around them. Learners will also study God's faithfulness in tough situations through the stories of Joseph and Miriam. They will discover how God's power is evident even amidst struggles.
Unit 3: God’s Good Presence (8 Lessons)
Through the stories of Rahab, Ruth, and Naomi, learners will study God's grand narrative and how God’s presence is always with them. Both David and Elijah had powerful experiences with God's presence. Through their stories, learners will learn that God is always with them and watching over them. They will begin to recognize where God is at work in their own lives.
Unit 4: God’s Good Plan (8 Lessons)
In this unit, learners will learn that God is a good listener and that God has a good plan for each person. Through the stories of the Little Servant Girl and Jonah, they will discover that God is always near and hears their prayers. Through the stories of Daniel and Nehemiah, learners will discover that God provides what is needed to carry out the work God calls us to do in the world.
Unit 5: Following Our Good Rabbi (8 Lessons)
In this unit, learners will study what it means to follow Jesus. Through the stories of John the Baptist and the first disciples, they will explore the true meaning of what it means to be a disciple. Learners will also encounter the teachings of the Good Rabbi, Jesus.
Unit 6: Our Good Friend (8 Lessons)
Jesus urges His followers to emulate the actions of the friends who lowered their companion through the roof to be healed. He also shares a profound story about a son welcomed home by his father. In this unit, learners will learn more about how we treat one another. Learners will engage with the story of the woman who is healed by touching Jesus' cloak. They will also explore the concept of growing fruit through Jesus' parable of the good soil.
Unit 7: Jesus’ Good Acts (4 Lessons)
In this unit, learners will explore the stories and miracles of Jesus feeding the crowd and walking on water. Through these narratives, learners will have the opportunity to grasp the significance of sharing with others and placing trust in our good God.
Unit 8: The Good News of Jesus (4 Lessons)
In this unit, learners will study the lives of Paul and Lydia, witnessing how the good news about Jesus spread throughout the world. Learners will explore what it means that God reaches out to them and consider how they, in turn, share the story of Jesus with others.
Unit 9: The Psalms (4 Lessons)
In this unit, learners will be introduced to the Psalms and have the opportunity to create their own Psalm.
Unit 10: Animals of the Bible: Intro to Context Characters (6 Lessons)
As a foundational introduction to the contextual lenses that will be further explored in later grade levels, learners will discover the various animals mentioned in the Bible.
Unit 11: Wondering Together (2 Lessons)
As a culminating activity for the year, learners will dive into the significance of wonder. They will create their own "wonder box" to sustain their curiosity and exploration throughout the summer.
Christmas Unit: God’s Good Gift (2 Lessons)
This Christmas unit will introduce learners to the story of God's good and precious gift in Jesus. They will explore the concept that nothing is impossible with God and that a life devoted to following God is extraordinary.
Easter Unit: Jesus’ Good Provision (4 Lessons)
In this unit, learners will study the events leading up to Jesus' death and celebrate His return and appearance to Mary. Learners will understand why this story is so important and what it has to do with their lives.