Teaching Preschoolers Through the Power of Story

Who doesn’t love a good story? Ones that entertain, inspire and captivate us often draw us in to learn something deeper. But the very best stories have one important thing in common: a good storyteller.

Every good story starts and ends with a good storyteller. Do you know anyone like this? Someone who has the ability to captivate you with their words and teach you important lessons along the way? Well, this month, our First Look curriculum focuses on teaching preschoolers about the best storyteller . . . Jesus!

Jesus was a fantastic storyteller. Preschoolers can learn at their young age that He teaches us important things. If you’re a First Look Curriculum user, you’ll notice that our theme for the month of January is Story Time. There are some new bottom lines that will teach preschoolers a few important things that Jesus teaches us.

January 2022 First Look Curriculum Overview

What better way to learn the important things Jesus teaches than through stories? That’s why the theme for January 2022 is Story Time. Each week, preschoolers will sit down and listen to the stories Jesus uses in the Bible to teach us important things.

The memory verse for this month will be Matthew 7:28, NIV: “The crowds were amazed at his teachings.” Preschoolers will learn the bottom line is that Jesus teaches me important things.

Here’s a glimpse at some of the lessons preschoolers will learn each week:

Week 1: Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24)

Through the story of the Prodigal Son, Jesus teaches us that God loves us no matter what. This is an important truth for our preschoolers to learn at a young age. God’s unchanging love for us is depicted through the relationship between father and son.

Week 2: The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7)

In this story, Jesus teaches us that we are important to God. Just as a shepherd cares for his sheep, God cares for us. Like a shepherd, he feeds us, protects us, and will come looking for us when we’re lost.

Week 3: Bigger Barns (Acts 2:45; Luke 12:16-21)

In the story of the bigger barns, Jesus teaches us we can share our stuff. The man in the story has big barns to hold his food but builds even bigger barns to store it rather than sharing his leftovers. God tells us not to hoard things but share them.

Week 4: Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

Through the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus teaches us to help others. Rather than just telling us to help others, God knew we would need to be taught this. Especially when it comes to helping others who are different from us. The man in the story, whom most people didn’t think would do the right thing, is the only one to stop to help an injured man. Preschoolers will learn they can help everyone in need.

Week 5: House on a Rock (Matthew 7:24-27)

With the final story of the house built on a rock, Jesus teaches us how to live. This story teaches us that wisdom is the best foundation for our life. However, it also teaches us that foolishness is like a house built on sand. With God’s help, we can live a life of wisdom.

Well, that sums up the month of January for our preschoolers. And what an exciting month it will be learning from the master storyteller, Jesus! He is able to teach us important things that will help us live a godly life. As preschoolers learn these valuable lessons at an early age, our prayer is that this wisdom sinks into their heart. After all, a huge part of our job as preschool ministry leaders is to plant the seed of God’s love in their hearts. And with awesome small group leaders, parents, and other influential adults, this will be a big month of learning and growth for our little ones.

Because when Jesus starts talking, it’s time to listen.

For more ideas and inspiration on these two new themes, be sure to check out the First Look Pinterest, Facebook, and Spotify!

If you aren’t a First Look Curriculum user and want to try it free at tryorangekids.com!