Storytime Lesson Plan for Preschoolers

Storytime Lesson Plan #1:

"You Can Do It, Even Though You're Small!"

Matthew 19:14

Remember that each lesson plan should be adapted for your individual group's needs and your available resources.

I. As an introduction, show the children some nice glossy pictures of various trains. Get a nice over-sized book on trains at the library, and choose pictures with color and variety. Show a caboose, a passenger train, a diesel engine, etc. Spend a few moments discussing the pictures with the children.

II. First Story: The Little Red Caboose, by Marion Potter .

Draw attention to the fact that even though small, the caboose was very important.

III. Finger play: "The Train"

Say: "Here is the engine on the track (thumb)

Here is the coal car, just in back (pointer)

Here is the box car to carry freight (middle)

Here is the mail car. Don't be late. (ring)

Way back here at the end of the train (little)

Rides the caboose through the sun and the rain."

IV. Song: "Choo Choo Train," by Gary Lapow, from "I Like Noodles" album.

V. Bible Verse Bracelets: (The children love these! Print out multiple rows of the Bible verse onto a sheet of colored computer paper. Cut between each verse so that you have lots of long strips, each with the verse printed on it. Give one to each of the children by wrapping it round a wrist and securing it with a piece of sticky tape.)

Matthew 19:14: "But Jesus said, 'Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.' "

VI. Second Story: What's for Lunch? by Joanne Bader.

Discuss how, just as in the caboose story, the most insignificant character can have the most important role. Reiterate how Jesus pays attention to and values children.

VII. Song: "Praise Him, Praise Him" from "Songs of Praise" album by Cedarmont Kids.

VIII. Finger play: "I Caught a Fish Alive"

Say: "1-2-3-4-5, once I caught a fish alive.

6-7-8-9-10, then I let him go again.

Why did I let him go?

Because he bit my finger so!

Which finger did he bite?

This little finger on the right!"

IX. Art Activity: Shape Train Collage