UNDER 5s
This section covers the development of under 5s, the practicalities of working with this age group and relevant resources and materials.
Young children are mimics – that is how they learn to walk, speak, feed and dress themselves… the list is endless. It is through your actions, and those of others, that they will discover what it means to be a Christian. If, from their first visit to church, they have a positive experience of feeling loved and cared for, then they will grow up wanting to be part of the church community.
Pretty much everything you need to know about working with under 5s
(Judith Wigley,Scripture Union)
2014 & 2013 conference recommendation by Alison Clark & Claire Wells
2012 conference recommendation by Lianne Smith
2011 conference recommendation by Maggie Barfield
Jam-packed with very practical information in a highly accessible, easy-to-read format, plus photocopiable pages. Part 1 helps adults step inside the world of the child and understand their spiritual and physical development. Part 2 contains all the practical advice; planning and running programmes, using the Bible, prayer, worship and lots more.
Top tips on worshipping with under 5s
(Alison Dayer, Scripture Union)
2014 & 2013 conference recommendation by Alison Clark & Claire Wells
Help under-5s to worship God and grow in relationship with him; Biblical insights into worship with young children; ‘think about’ suggestions for growing your ministry with this age-group; practical ideas based on real-life experience.
Bubbles
Light dated curriculum aimed at 3-5s
(Scripture Union)
Sold quarterly (starting in January, April, July and October each year). Each quarter has a Leader’s Guide and children’s sheets. Links to similar themes for older children. Supplementary material is available to download from the LightLive web site.
Go Teach 3-4s
(Go Teach) 4-year curriculum published 3 times a year (Spring, Summer, Autumn) with 15 sessions and a family service outline. Each season has a Leader’s Guide, Visual aids including a CD-Rom for all ages and children’s activity sheets. Links to similar themes for older children.
Click 3-5s
(The Good Book Company) Weekly curriculum published by The Good Book Company. Twelve units of 10 sessions are available. Units link to older age groups only at the overall theme level and don’t cover the same Bible passages.
Tiddlywinks
(Scripture Union)
A series of 6 books aimed at 3-5s, each containing 25 themed sessions, including a photocopiable activity page for each session. Also in the Tiddlywinks range are 4 books of sessions built around a picture to colour or collage and books on craft, prayer and singing.
The Holy Spirit and under 5s
(Olly Goldenberg, 2016 conference)
Removing the boundaries of our expectations and allowing our children to encounter God. Practical tools and inspiring stories to help you help your children.
Delegate rating 9/10
Tending tiny disciples
(Jo Williams, 2016 conference)
Explore how to create a nourishing environment in which the faith of very young children can grow, and how to provide suitable play and multisensory activities drawing on the ROOTS resources.
Delegate rating 8/10
Hands On discovery with under 5s
(Mina Munns, 2015 conference)
Practical ways to help young children engage with God.
Delegate rating 9/10
10 HANDS ON ways to create a great space and place for young children
(Judith Twani, 2014 conference)
FREE 10 ideas PDFDelegate rating 9/10
How can you disciple under 5s?
(Olly Goldenberg, 2014 conference)
The Bible has lots to say about this age. We’re going to see what it says, share some stories and give practical tips on discipling babies and toddlers.
Delegate rating 9/10