Early Childhood Education: November 2010

Advent and Preschoolers

By Anne Neuberger

Advent is a time to prepare. However, when you teach excited preschoolers, it is helpful to prepare for the preparation time!

The story of the Nativity is probably the favorite of all Scripture stories that young children are told. From a child’s perspective, it is intriguing and filled with possibilities for imaginative play. It is also a story that helps children begin to have a sense of Jesus being close to them, which can stay with them all their lives.

As you share this story with your tiny students, you may likely be faced with numerous questions. So be prepared! Below is a list of questions to ask yourself or that you may be asked. Take time to reflect on them, and look forward to the time when you can bring the children to the stable through this glorious story.

Do the children understand:

• why Mary and Joseph had to travel?
• travel was not by car or plane?
• what is a shepherd? Why were they outside at night?
• the magi were wealthy, well-educated people that lived far from Bethlehem?
• some people could use the stars to navigate? That there were not maps as we know them, nor were there directions from the Internet?
• a manger is a container to put hay in for animals to eat

Help them understand:

• why Jesus is so special
• that Jesus is so special, God sent angels to announce his birth
• that both the very poor and very rich came to see Jesus
• Jesus came for all of us

Consider how you will deal with the issue of King Herod. Preschoolers are not ready to hear about his violence towards babies.

You may be asked:

• Was the stable dirty because of the animals?
• Would Joseph have taken the animals out of the stable? Did the animals try to eat the food Jesus was laying on?
• Was there snow? Was it cold?
• Were there Christmas trees?
• Why didn’t Mary and Joseph go to a hospital to have Jesus?
• Who delivered Jesus?

Check out Anne's website at www.anneneuberger.com and see her latest book, "All God's Children".