Preschool praise and worship experiences are bursting with joy. Why? Because so are preschoolers! Young children need to hear that Jesus loves them. And they need age-appropriate ways to express their love for Jesus. Learn how to nurture praise-filled preschoolers at Sunday school and church.
Understand Preschoolers’ Development
Preschoolers, children ages 3-5, are full of curiosity, energy, and imagination. Their attention spans are short, but their capacity for joy and wonder is immense. For preschool praise and worship, know about these developmental traits.
Preschoolers have short attention spans, so keep activities brief. Movement is ideal, because most young children learn best through action. Teachers will need to explain spiritual concepts in simple, concrete ways. For best results, add lots of real-life examples and object lessons.
In addition, preschoolers tend to express lots of emotion. They also love repetition. So repeat songs and actions to boost learning and familiarity.
Tips for Preschool Praise and Worship Experiences
- Use simple, repetitive songs. Choose songs with easy-to-remember lyrics and motions. Repetition helps biblical truths stick.
- Add movement. Use hand motions, dance, or marching to help kids engage their whole bodies in worship.
- Use visual aids. Puppets, props, or pictures bring worship themes to life.
- Encourage participation. Give preschoolers instruments like tambourines, egg shakers, or scarves to use during songs.
- Keep it short and sweet. A preschool praise session should last no more than 5 or 10 minutes, to maintain attention.
- Transition smoothly. Move from high-energy songs to quieter, reflective moments with a calming song or simple prayer.
- Be joyful! Your enthusiasm is contagious! If you worship with joy, preschoolers will too.
- Recognize different learning styles. Change things up to include all students.
- Auditory Learners: Use music with clear, simple lyrics and rhythms.
- Visual Learners: Include hand motions, props, or images that match song themes.
- Kinesthetic Learners: Encourage dancing, jumping, or acting out words in songs.
- Tactile Learners: Provide hands-on elements like fabric, instruments, or bubbles.
8 Creative Preschool Praise and Worship Ideas
1. Parade Praise
Give kids small instruments. Then let them march around the room while singing a song about God’s power and love. Tie this to Psalm 100:1-2. “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!”
2. Bubble Blessings
Blow bubbles while singing a slow, worshipful song about God’s love. Encourage kids to “catch a blessing” and thank God for it. Connect to James 1:17: “Every good and perfect gift is from above.”
3. Creation Praise Dance
Assign children different aspects of creation (sun, trees, animals). Then have them dance or move in worship as you sing a topical song. Link this to Genesis 1 as well as Psalm 148, which calls all creation to praise God.
4. Glow Stick Worship
Dim the lights and give children glow sticks to wave as they sing about Jesus being the Light of the World. Reference John 8:12. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
