Preschool

Birth Kindergarten

Space at Church

Post Office Box 728, Brentwood, TN 37024

(615) 371-7905 / (800) 558-2090, ext. 7905
Content of Preschool Space at Church is compiled and adapted from materials provided by
LifeWay Christian Resources, and
The Preschool and Children Ministry Team of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.
All materials used by permission.
To obtain copies of this resource please contact the
Childhood Education Team of the Tennessee Baptist Convention.

Tennessee Baptist churches giving through the Cooperative Program

make this resource possible.

Theresa Thomas
Preschool Ministries Specialist Tennessee Baptist Convention
(615) 371-2082 [email protected] www.tnbaptist.org
 ~ Table of Contents ~

CONTENT or TOPIC PAGE

The Importance of the Preschool Learning Environment .. 4
Preschool Education Space Guidelines ... 5
How to Choose Equipment and Toys for Preschoolers . 7
Guidelines for Choosing Appropriate Bible Learning Activities 8
Guidelines for Arranging a Room for Babies ... 9
Floor Plan: Babies (Birth to One) .. 10
Books and Puzzles for Babies and Ones . 11
Equipment and Accessories Babies and Ones 12
Guidelines for Arranging a Room for Ones .. 13
Floor Plan: Ones . 14
Equipment and Accessories Ages Two Through Kindergarten 15
Books and Puzzles for Twos .. 17
Books and Puzzles for ThreesPre-K 19
Books and Puzzles for Kindergarten . 21
Guidelines for Arranging a Room for Twos, Threes, Fours, Pre-K and
Kindergarten . 23
Floor Plan: Twos . 24
Floor Plan: ThreesPre-K . 25
Floor Plan: Kindergarten . 26
Floor Plan: Babies-Fives . 27
Floor Plan: Threes-Kindergarten ... 28
Principle-based Preschool Ministry ... 29
Sharing Classrooms and Resources 31
Teaching on a Shoestring ... 32
Setting Up a Resource Room .... 33
Sources for Preschool Equipment and Accessories .. 34

Preschool Space at Church 3

 The Importance of the Preschool
Learning Environment
It has been said that 95% of a persons concepts are formed before he or she enters first grade.
How important the first years of life are for laying foundations of all kinds! The environment in
which a churchs preschoolers learn is extremely important for helping to lay foundations of all
types, especially spiritual ones.

Preschoolers have many opportunities to learn at church. Sunday School, church weekday
education, Mothers Day Out, choir, and many other ministries must all be carefully planned and
coordinated in regard to teaching space. What is best for preschoolers should always be the
primary consideration in designing an effective preschool room.

Careful consideration of space, equipment, and other teaching resources is the first step in
providing a quality-learning environment for preschoolers at church. God created preschoolers
to be active learners. It is therefore logical to plan a preschool room to respect this design. A
preschool room needs to include developmentally appropriate activity centers that allow the
young child to make good choices. This allows each girl and boy to grow spiritually, physically,
socially-emotionally, and cognitively. Leaders will also find that by respecting Gods design for
teaching preschoolers, discipline difficulties are greatly eliminated!

The following pages are a compilation of suggestions that will help you create the best learning
environment possible for preschoolers. The information offered represents an ideal; however,
additional ideas are given to help you do the best with less than ideal resources.

Other sources of information from LifeWay* Christian Resources that are helpful in planning and
designing a church preschool learning environment are:
Essentials for Excellence CD, Connecting Preschool Sunday School to Life, Carrie Beth Tonks;
ISBN 0-6330-8918-4
Preschool Sunday School for a New Century, Cindy Lumpkin and
Thomas Sanders; ISBN 0-7673-9986-2
Teaching Preschoolers: First Steps Toward Faith, Thomas
Sanders and Mary Ann Bradbury; ISBN 0-6330-0842-7
Teaching in Christian Weekday Early Education, Pamela K.
Boucher, Compiler; ISBN 0-7673-9079-2

*Contact LifeWay at 1-800-458-2772

or online at www.lifeway.com.

4 Preschool Space at Church

Preschool Education Space Guidelines
Organizational Models

Age Groupings Adult/Child Ratios Maximum Group Sizes

Babies-Kindergarten 1:3 12
Babies-Twos 1:3 12
Threes-Kindergarten 1:4 15
Babies 1:2 12
Ones-Twos 1:3 12
Threes-Pre-K 1:4 20
Kindergarten 1:4 24

Size Guidelines
35 square feet per child
No room smaller than 12x16 clear floor space, 16x24preferred

Location
First floor ground level
Near worship center and young adult classes/department
Close to parking
Accessible to playground
Convenient to main corridors, but free from unrelated traffic in the preschool area
Controlled Access for security

Corridors
8 wide minimum and unobstructed
Well lighted and inviting
Doors staggered so they do not open across from each other
Doors recessed to keep door swing from intruding into the corridor

Floors
Carpet, tile, or a combination of both
Carpet: commercial, tight loop, anti-static, stain resistant, anti-microbial
Floors should be comfortable for seating and activities, easy to keep clean, allow freedom to
participate in activities, and safe for preschoolers

Walls
High quality, non-toxic, semi-gloss enamel paint
Vinyl wallpaper with no strong patterns
Neutral colors or soft pastels. Rooms with a lot of natural light may use soft blues or other
cool colors. Rooms with little natural light may use yellow or warm colors.
Caution: Bold colors, patterns, borders, or murals may distract from learning, make room
look cluttered, encourage hyperactivity, and make it difficult to change room for learning
objectives. If additional color is desired, add a soft color accent wall to the room.

Preschool Space at Church 5

 Doors
Solid doors with a window at adult eye-level for safety and security
Fire-rated corridor doors that meet building codes
Half-doors (Dutch doors) do not meet fire safety codes and may distract from learning
36 wide to facilitate moving cribs and wheelchairs
Note: Some codes may require a door to the outside for fire exits

Ceilings
Acoustic tile

Windows
18-24 above the floor
Window ledges flush with wall
Miniblinds when necessary to eliminate glare or to close out distractions
Shatterproof glass

Lighting
Fluorescent lighting with color corrected bulbs
For infant classrooms, provide lights with dimmers

Electrical Outlets
Two per wall with an additional outlet above counter
Safety outlets and/or safety covers
In infant through twos rooms, outlets should be 4 feet above floor

Cabinets
26 counter with high neck sink and spray hose
Wall cabinet (50 above floor) for supplies and teaching materials
Diaper changing area
Optional cubbies: individual spaces for personal items

Rest Rooms
Connected to the room can be shared with another room
Child-size toilets
Child-size lavatory with soap dispenser and paper towel at childs level
Tile floor
Doors without locks
Trash receptacle with lid

Specialty Rooms
Kitchen Resource Room Indoor Play Area
Laundry Welcome Area Sick Room
Office Nursing Room

Resources from LifeWay

Preschool Sunday School for a New Century, Cindy Lumpkin and Thomas Sanders
Understanding Todays Preschoolers: Developing Tomorrows Leaders Today, Morlee
Maynard and Jerry Aldridge; ISBN 0-6330-1375-7
Weekday Early Education Administration Guide, Bob Couch and Lois Gamble;
ISBN 0-6330-0396-4
Teaching in Christian Weekday Education, Pamela Boucher, Compiler

6 Preschool Space at Church

How to Choose Equipment and
Toys for Preschoolers
Is this toy or piece of equipment age appropriate?

Can this toy be used in a variety of ways?

Is the toy realistic and not cartoon-like?

How often will this piece of equipment or toy be used?

Can this piece of equipment or toy withstand heavy use?

Does the toy have sharp edges?

Are there any small pieces that might be broken off and
swallowed by a child?

Is the toy made from nontoxic and nonflammable materials?

Can the moving parts of the toy pinch or trap a childs finger?

Preschool Space at Church 7

 Guidelines for Choosing Appropriate
Bible Learning Activities
Does the activity help the child feel valuable and worthwhile?

Can the child experience success with the activity?

Is the activity challenging?

Does the activity allow the child to do the work?

Does the activity allow the child to be creative and/or express

himself?

Does the activity relate to something important/relevant to the

child?

Is the activity the preschoolers personal choice of the day?

Does the activity relate to the purpose for the session?

Is the activity enjoyable?

Can the teacher accept the childs

finished product or effort?

Does the activity provide an

opportunity for first-hand
experiences?

Does the activity provide

opportunities for relating
to others?

8 Preschool Space at Church

Guidelines for Arranging a Room for
Babies
Heads of cribs are against the wall, leaving easy access to both sides.

One teaching picture, book, or a Bible is placed in each crib.

A mobile that has objects (washable) with the designs positioned

horizontally is hanging approximately 10 to 12 inches from a babys eye
level. (The mobile is removed when the baby begins to pull up)

When a nursing room is not available, place a sturdy folding screen in the
corner of the room for nursing mother. Behind the screen is one adult-size
rocking chair and a table for a box of tissues.

Place a floor mat in a portion of the room (away from main traffic areas)
where babies can play with toys and interact with teachers.

Use adult-size rocking chairs, no more than 2 per room, with an

enrollment of 8 babies.

Use an unbreakable horizontal wall mirror for babies to

discover themselves. Attach the mirror to the wall
at the baseboard.

Provide counter space for cleaning supplies,

CD player, and a slow cooker.

Preschool Space at Church 9

10 Preschool Space at Church
Books and Puzzles for Babies and Ones
The following are suggestions and good examples of books and puzzles for babies and one-
year-olds. Books and puzzles are chosen as they relate to a unit of teaching. They are kept in
the room during the session or series of sessions that relate to the teaching unit. When the unit
is complete, they are returned to a central storage area.

Bible
Read to Me Bible for Kids (NIrV or KJV) (Holman Bible Publishers - 1999); ISBN 1-5581-9844-X
Read to Me Bible for Kids (Holman Christian Standard Bible) (Holman - 2005); ISBN 1-4158-2812-1

Books (Legend b: babies; 1: one-year-olds)

1. All About Baby!, (Dorling Kindersley, 1994); ISBN 1-56458-530-1 (b,1)
2. Baby Animals, Dogi (Readers Digest Childrens Publishing); ISBN 1-57584-268-8 (b,1)
3. Babys Good Morning: A Super Chubby Board Book, Ricklen (Little Simon); ISBN 0-671-76084-X (b,1)
4. Babys Good Night: A Super Chubby Board Book, Ricklen (Little Simon); ISBN 0-671-76085-8 b,1)
5. Babys Toys, Ricklen (Simon and Shuster); ISBN 0-671-62078-9
6. Family Time, Miller (Little Simon, 1998); ISBN 0-689-800517 (1)
7. Grandpa, Bailey (Annick Press, Limited, 1994); ISBN 1-55037-967-4 (1)
8. I Can Help, Miller (Little Simon, 1998); ISBN 0-689-80044-4 (1)
9. I See, Isadora (Greenwillow); ISBN 0-688-04060-8 (b,1)
10. I Touch, Isadora (Greenwillow); ISBN 0-688-10524-6 (b,1)
11. Im Grown Up, Miller (Little Simon, 1998); ISBN 0-689-80043-6 (1)
12. Its Fun to Be One, Pragoff (Simon and Shuster); ISBN 0-689-71813-6 (1)
13. Little Lamb, The, Dunn (Random); ISBN 0-394-83455-0 (b,1)
14. My Home, (Star Bright Books, 1997); ISBN 1-887734-32-5 (b,1)
15. Nature, (DK Publishing, Inc., 1997); ISBN 0-7894-1548-8 (1)
16. Oh, Baby!, Stein (Walker and Company); ISBN 0-8027-8261-2 (b,1)
17. Pots and Pans, Hubbell (Harper, 1998); ISBN 0-694-01072-3
18. Smile!, Intrater (Cartwheel Books/Scholastic, 1997); ISBN 0-590-05899-1 (b,1)
19. Very First Words, Usborne (Usborne Publishing Ltd., 1999); ISBN 0-7460-3827-5 (b,1)
20. Water, Water, Greenfield (Harper Collins, 1999); ISBN 0-694-01247-5 (b,1)
21. What Can You Do in the Rain?, Hines (Harper Collins, 1999); ISBN 0-688-16077-8 (b,1)
22. What Can You Do in the Snow?, Hines (Harper Collins, 1999); ISBN 0-688-16078-6 (b,1)
23. What Can You Do in the Sun?, Hines (Harper Collins, 1999); ISBN 0-688-16080-8 (1)
24. Who Says Quack?, (Grosset and Dunlap, 1991); ISBN 0-448-40123-1 (b,1)

Bible-Related Puzzles for Ones

1. Jesus Is Born, 0-6330-1392-7 (4-pcs.)
2. Miriam and Baby Moses, 0-6330-1995-X (4 pcs.)
3. Samuel, 0-6330-1987-9 (4 pcs.)
(Order by calling LifeWay, 1-800-458-2772)

Other Wooden Puzzles for Ones

1. Animals, J040112 (6 pcs.) 11. Rain, J040022 (4 pcs.)
2. Birthday Party, J040021 (5 pcs.) 12. Table Setting, J040042 (7 pcs.)
3. Community on the Go, J704010 (6 pcs.) 13. Tools, J040015 (6 pcs.)
4. Easy Fruit, J120006 (4 pcs.) 14. Transportation, J040009 (6 pcs.)
5. Easy Shapes & Colors, J120008 (4 15. Vegetables, J040057 (5 pcs.)
pcs.) (These puzzles are available from Frank
6. Easy Vegetables, J120007 (4 pcs.) Schaffer Publications, 1-800-417-3261)
7. Farm Animals, J040010 (5 pcs.)
8. Friendly Farm Animals, J48084 (4 pcs.)
9. Pets, J040013 (5 pcs.)
10. Parts of the Body, J8011334 (5 pcs.)

Preschool Space at Church 11

 Equipment and Accessories-Babies and Ones
The following is a list of basic items that are needed in order to teach babies and one-year-olds
using developmentally appropriate methods. These items should be in all rooms and available
to all teachers in each area of preschool ministry. Equipment is visible in the room at all times.
Accessories are stored and made available to preschoolers as needed during a teaching
session. Consult with the director of your ministry area for approval to add or remove items
from the room.

Equipment for Babies

1. Cribs (hospital style 27 x 42) 12. Plastic grocery cart
2. Adult rocking chair 13. Plastic or rubber ducks
3. Changing table 14. Plastic saucers and bowls
4. Solid surface floor mat (42 x 42) 15. Plastic toy telephones
5. Horizontal unbreakable mirror (24 x 16. Push and pull toys
48 attached to wall) 17. Shape sorter (with no more than 3-4
6. Slow cooker or bottle warmer simple shapes)
7. Screen for nursing area 18. Simple rhythm instruments
19. Spinner toy
Equipment for Ones 20. Sturdy plastic tool set
1. Rest mats or towels 21. Teethers (rattles and teethers need to
2. Vinyl changing pad be phthalate free)
3. Shelf for toys (closed back 26 x 36 x 22. Textured or nubby ball
12) 23. Toddler pots and pans
4. Vertical unbreakable mirror (24 c 48 24. Vinyl farm and zoo animal figures
attached to wall) 25. Wind chime
5. Wooden doll bed (16 x 26 x 8) 26. Wooden or sturdy plastic cars and
6. Child-size rocker trucks

Equipment for Babies and Ones Other Accessories:

1. Water source for disinfecting Other items suggested in your curriculum
2. Diaper bag cubbies or hooks such as pictures and other toys. These
3. CD player items are kept in the room during the
4. Small counter-top refrigerator session or series of sessions that relate to
5. Trash receptacle with lid the teaching unit. When the unit is
6. Disposable gloves complete, they are returned to a central
storage area.
Accessories for Babies and Ones
1. Baby Tap-a-Tune Piano (Little Tikes)
2. First Keys (The First Years)
3. Girattle (First Years)
4. Rock-A-Stack (Fisher-Price)
5. Snap-Lock Beads (Fisher-Price)
6. Tap-a-Tune Xylophone (Little Tikes)
7. Tap n Turn Bench (Fisher-Price)
8. Balls (beach and large vinyl)
9. Dolls (washable plastic with no
movable parts, sculpted hair)
10. Mobiles
11. Cardboard or vinyl blocks

12 Preschool Space at Church

 Guidelines for Arranging a Room for
Ones
Provide counter space for cleaning supplies, CD player, and slow cooker.

Place a doll bed, child-size rocker, and unbreakable wall mirror

(attached to the wall) across the room from the door.

Provide cardboard blocks for block play. Place blocks in a large open
area where ones can play without a lot of distractions.

Provide a space for changing diapers (child-size mat) on the floor.

Place cardboard blocks, toy shelf, rocking boat/steps, child-size rocker,

mirror, and doll bed, along the wall. Leave an open space in the middle
of the room for walking and movement by one-year olds.

Preschool Space at Church 13

14 Preschool Space at Church
Equipment and Accessories
Ages Two Through Kindergarten
The following is a list of basic items needed in order to teach preschoolers using developmen-
tally appropriate methods. It is not an exhaustive list. These items should be available to all
teachers in each area of preschool ministry. Equipment is visible in the room at all times.
Accessories are stored in the room and made available to preschoolers as needed during a
teaching session. Consult with the director of your ministry area for approval to add or remove
items from the classroom.

Art and Creative Play Equipment 3. Wooden Unit Blocks 3s-5s

1. Easel Preschool size 3s 60 to 70 wooden unit blocks
2. Tableno more than 30 x 48. Height in 7 to 12 shapes
is 10 above seat of chair. 4s K 150 wooden unit blocks
3. Chairs in 19 to 24 shapes
8 2s
10 3s Block Center Accessories
12 4s and 5s 1. Multi-ethnic family figures
4. Art cabinet or shelf no more than 36 2. Multi-ethnic male and female workers
in height 3. Farm and domestic animals
4. Zoo animals
Art and Creative Play Accessories 5. Tools
6. Transportation toys:
1. Finger Paint
Cars (different sizes)
2. Tempera paint and containers
3. Paint brushes Fire trucks
4. Toothbrushes Dump trucks
5. Crayons Tractors
6. Markers washable Boats (different sizes)
7. Pencils Traffic signs
8. Scissors left and right handed Airplanes
9. Hole punchers
10. Assorted drawing and construction
paper
11. Glue
12. Masking and Cellophane tape
13. Collage materials
14. Clothes pins
15. Smocks for children
16. Play dough accessories:
Cookie cutters
Large and small rolling pins
Old scissors

Block Center Equipment

1. Block shelf no more than 36 in height
2. Cardboard Blockbusters and/or large
plastic blocks 2s (available from
Constructive Playthings
www.cptoys.com; 800-448-1412)

Preschool Space at Church 15

 Homeliving/Dramatic Play Equipment Sand, Rice and Water Play Accessories
1. Stove 1. Measuring cups
2. Sink 2. Funnels
3. Refrigerator 3. Small plastic containers
4. Table and chairs (see art) 4. Shovels
5. Doll bed 5. Pails
6. Unbreakable Mirror 6. Spades
7. Rocking chair 7. Spoons
8. Scoops
Homeliving/Dramatic Play Accessories 9. Plastic eyedroppers
10. Sieves
1. Dolls (washable plastic with no 11. Items that will and will not float:
moveable parts, sculpted hair)
Corks
2. Doll blanket
Wood
3. Doll clothes
Styrofoam
4. Pots and pans
5. Dishes Rock
6. Utensils (for 3s-K) Rubber ball
7. Measuring cups and spoons Feather
8. Towels and cloths
9. Plastic bin (for washing babies, etc.)
Science and Nature
10. Telephones (2) 1. Magnifying glasses (unbreakable)
2. Magnets
Manipulatives 3. Measuring spoons
4. Eye dropper
1. Legos/Duplos and /or Bristle blocks 5. Egg timer
2. Bean bags 6. Compass
3. Stringing beads and strings 7. Flashlight
4. Small magnetic board 8. Tape measure
5. Small dry erase board 9. Hand mirror
10. Tuning fork
Music Equipment 11. Touch box or bag (feel)
1. Cassette or CD player 12. Prisms
13. Color cells
Music Accessories
Other Equipment
1. Cassettes or CDs
1. Shelves for manipulatives, puzzles, science
2. Rhythm instruments: 12 to 15 rhythm
and nature, and books as space allows
instruments for each room
2. Tables and chairs (see art) as space
Drums allows
Bells 3. Trash receptacles with lids
Rhythm sticks
Shakers Other Accessories
Triangles Other items requested in your curriculum such as
Cymbals pictures and dress-up clothes. These items are
3. Scarves and streamers for movement kept in the room during the session or series of
activities sessions as they relate to the teaching unit. When
the unit is complete, they are returned to a central
Sand, Rice and Water Play Equipment storage area.
1. Sand and water table or plastic bins

16 Preschool Space at Church

Books and Puzzles for Twos
The following are suggestions and good examples of books and puzzles for two-year-olds.
Books and puzzles are chosen as they relate to a unit of teaching. They are kept in the room
during the session or series of sessions that relate to the teaching unit. When the unit is
complete, they are returned to a central storage area.

Bible
Read to Me Bible for Kids (NIrV) (Holman Bible Publishers, 1999); ISBN 1-5581-9844-X
Read to Me Bible for Kids (Holman Christian Standard Bible, 2005); ISBN 1-4158-2812-1

Books
1. All About Baby!, (Dorling Kindersley, 1994); ISBN 1-56458-530-1
2. Baby Animals, Dogi (Readers Digest Childrens Publishing); ISBN 1-57584-268-8
3. Big Like Me, Hines (Greenwillow, 1989); ISBN 0-6880-08354-4
4. Daddies at Work, Merriam (Simon & Schuster, 1996); ISBN 0-689-80998-0
5. Family Time, Miller (Little Simon, 1998); ISBN 0-689-800517
6. Grandpa, Bailey (Annick Press, Limited, 1994); ISBN 1-55037-967-4
7. How a Baby Grows, Buck (Harper Collins, 1998); ISBN 0-694-00873-7
8. I Can Help, Miller (Little Simon, 1998); ISBN 0-689-80044-4
9. I Make Music, Greenfield (Writers & Readers, 1991); ISBN 0-86316-205-3
10. I Touch, Isadora (Greenwillow); ISBN 0-688-10524-6
11. Im Grown Up, Miller (Little Simon, 1998); ISBN 0-689-80043-6
12. In the Yard, Brown (Dorling Kindersley, 1993); ISBN 1-56458-267-1
13. Little Lamb, The, Dunn (Random); ISBN 0-394-83455-0
14. My Five Senses, Aliki (Harper & Row, 1989); ISBN 0-06-445083-X
15. My Home, (Star Bright Books, 1997); ISBN 1-887734-32-5
16. Nature, (DK Publishing, Inc., 1997); ISBN 0-7894-1548-8
17. On the Farm, Brown (Dorling Kindersley, 1993); ISBN 1-56458-269-8
18. Pat-a-Cake, Kenyon (Candlewick Press, 1994); ISBN 0-7636-0431-3
19. Pots and Pans, Hubbell (Harper, 1998); ISBN 0-694-01072-3
20. Sharing Dannys Dad, Shelf (Addison-Wesley Edu. Pub., Inc., 1994); ISBN 0-673-36275-2
21. Smile!, Intrater (Cartwheel Books/Scholastic, 1997); ISBN 0-590-05899-1
22. So Many Circles, So Many Squares, Hoban (Greenwillow, 1998); ISBN 0-688-15165-5
23. Trucks, Trucks, Trucks, (Harper Collins, 1999); ISBN 0-688-16276-2
24. Very First Words, Usborne (Usborne Publishing Ltd., 1999); ISBN 0-7460-3827-5
25. Water, Water, Greenfield (Harper Collins, 1999); ISBN 0-694-01247-5
26. What Can You Do in the Rain?, Hines (Harper Collins, 1999); ISBN 0-688-16077-8
27. What Can You Do in the Snow?, Hines (Harper Collins, 1999); ISBN 0-688-16078-6
28. What Can You Do in the Sun?, Hines (Harper Collins, 1999); ISBN 0-688-16080-8
29. When We Get Home, Ballard (Greenwillow, 1999); ISBN 0-688-16168-5
30. Who Says Quack?, (Grosset and Dunlap, 1991); ISBN 0-448-40123-1

Bible-Related Puzzles (4 to 6 pieces)

1. Breakfast With Jesus, 0-6330-1472-3 (5-pcs.)
2. Jesus Fed the People, 0-6330-1394-3 (5 pcs.)
3. Jesus Is Born, 0-6330-1392-7 (4 pcs.)
4. Jesus Reads the Bible, 0-6330-1393-5 (5 pcs.)
5. David and the Sheep, 0-6330-1986-0; $9.95
6. Miriam and Baby Moses, 0-6330-1995-X; $9.95
7. Samuel, 0-6330-1987-9; $9.95
8. Bible Times Fishing, 1-4158-2061-9

(Order these puzzles by calling LifeWay, 1-800-458-2772)

Preschool Space at Church 17

 Wooden Puzzles
1. Animals, J040112 (6 pcs.)
2. Automobile, J040113 (9 pcs.)
3. Birthday Party, J040021 (5 pcs.)
4. Boy, J606041 (6 pcs.)
5. Butterfly, J506020
6. Community on the Go, J704010 (6 pcs.)
7. Easy Fruit, J120006 (4 pcs.)
8. Easy Shapes & Colors, J120008 (4 pcs.)
9. Easy Vegetables, J120007 (4 pcs.)
10. Friendly Farm Animals, J48084 (4 pcs.)
11. Fruits, J040055 (5 pcs.)
12. Giraffe J506025 (7 pcs.)
13. Girl, J606040 (6 pcs.)
14. Kitten, J506016 (5 pcs.)
15. Pets, J040013 (5 pcs.)
16. Parts of the Body, J8011334 (5 pcs.)
17. Rain, J040022 (4 pcs.)
18. Robin, J506018 (4 pcs.)
19. Table Setting, J040042 (7 pcs.)
20. Tools, J040015 (6 pcs.)
21. Transportation, J040009 (6 pcs.)
22. Vegetables, J040057 (5 pcs.)

(These puzzles are available from Frank Schaffer Publications, 1-800-417-3261)

18 Preschool Space at Church

Books and Puzzles for ThreesPreK
The following are suggestions and good examples of books and puzzles for three and four-year-
olds. Books and puzzles are chosen as they relate to a unit of teaching. They are kept in the
room during the session or series of sessions that relate to the teaching unit. When the unit is
complete, they are returned to a central storage area.

Bible
Read to Me Bible for Kids (NIrV or KJV) (Holman Bible Publishers - 1999); ISBN 1-5581-9844-X
Read to Me Bible for Kids (Holman Christian Standard Bible) (Holman -2005); ISBN 1-4158-2812-1

Books
1. All the Places to Love, MacLachlan (Harper Collins Juvenile Books); ISBN 0-06-021098-2
2. Autumn Leaves, Robbins (Scholastic Trade); ISBN 0-590-29879-8
3. Bein with You This Way, Nikola-Lisa (Lee & Low Books); ISBN 1-880000-05-9 (hardcover),
ISBN 1-880000-26-1 (paperback)
4. Bread, Bread, Bread, Morris (Lothrop, Lee & Shephard); ISBN 0-688-06334-9 (trade),
ISBN 0-688-066335-1 (library binding)
5. Brown Eyes, Blue Eyes, McCullough (New Hope); ISBN 0-936625-04-X
6. Building a House, Barton (William Morrow & Co.); ISBN 0-688-09356-6
7. Can I Pray With My Eyes Open?, Brown (Hyperion); ISBN 0-7868-0328-2 (trade), ISBN
0-7868-2273-2 (library binding), 0-7868-0328-2 (paperback)
8. Friends in the Park, Burnett (Checkerboard Press); ISBN 1-56288-347-X
9. Garden, Maass (Henry Holt); ISBN 0-8050-5951-2
10. Gods Quiet Things, Sweetland (Wm. B. Erdmans Publishing Co.); ISBN 0-8028-5167-3
(paperback), ISBN 0-8028-5082-0 (hardcover)
11. Grandmother and I, Buckley (Harper Collins); ISBN 0-688-17525-2 (paperback)
12. Here Are My Hands, Martin & Archainbault (Henry Holt & Co.); ISBN 8-8050-5477-4
13. How a Seed Grows, Jordan (Harper Collins); ISBN 0-06-445107-0
14. I Eat Fruit, Tofts (Zero to Ten Childrens Books); ISBN 1-84089-000-2
15. I Love My Daddy Because, Porter-Gaylord (Dutton Books); ISBN 0-525-44625-7 (hardcover)
16. I Love My Mommy Because, Porter-Gaylord (Dutton Books); ISBN 0-525-446257
17. Im Busy Too, Simon (Whitman); ISBN 0-8075-3464-1
18. I Took a Walk, Cole (Harper Collins); ISBN 0-688-15115-9
19. I Read Signs, Hoban (William Morrow); ISBN 0-688-07331-X (paperback), ISBN 0-688-02317-7
(hardcover)
20. I Read Symbols, Hoban (Morrow/Avon); ISBN 0-688-16696-2
21. In the Woods: Whos Been Here, George (Morrow/Avon); ISBN 0-688-16163-4
22. Jacks Garden, Cole, (Harper Collins); ISBN 0-688-13501-3 (library binding), (Morrow Books); ISBN
0-688-15283-X (paperback)
23. Jamaicas Blue Marker, Havill (Houghton Mifflin); ISBN 0-395-72036-2
24. Jamaicas Find, Havill (Houghton Mifflin); ISBN 0-395-45357-7 (paperback), ISBN 0-395-39376-0
(hardcover)
25. Jesus Makes Me Happy, Hayes (Standard); ISBN 0-7847-0263-2
26. Jonathan and His Mommy
27. My Five Senses, Aliki (Harper Collins); ISBN 0-06-445083-X (paperback)
28. My Hands, Aliki (Harper Collins, paperback); ISBN 0-690-04880-7
29. On Mothers Lap, Scott (Houghton Mifflin); ISBN 0-395-62976-4 (paperback)
30. Round Trip, Jonas (Morrow/Avon); ISBN 0-688-09986-6 (paperback)
31. Saying Thank You Makes Me Happy, Hayes (Standard); ISBN 0-7847-0270-5
32. Smalls, (Little Brown); ISBN 0-316-79880-0
33. Thats What a Friend Is, Hallinan (Hambleton-Hill); ISBN 0-8249-8492-7 (paperback), ISBN
1-5710-2113-2 (hardcover)
34. The Very Special Night, Odor (Standard); ISBN 0-78470-272-1
Preschool Space at Church 19
 35. Twins, Scott (Simon & Schuster); ISBN 0-689-80347-8
36. Water, Water, Greenfield (Growing Tree); ISBN 0-694-01247-5
37. We Are Best Friends, Aliki (William Morrow & Co.); ISBN 0-688-07037-X (paperback)
38. We Can Do It, Dwight (Star Bright Books); ISBN 1-887-73434-1
39. Were Very Good Friends, My Brother and I, Hallinan (Hambleton-Hill); ISBN 0-8249-8469-2
40. What Comes in 2s, 3s & 4s?, Aker (Simon & Schuster); ISBN 0-671-79247-4
41. When Mama Gets Home, Russo (Harper Collins); ISBN 0-688-14985-5
42. When Will Sarah Come?, Howard (Harper Collins); ISBN 0-688-16181-2
43. Where Does It Go?, Miller (Mulberry Books); ISBN 0-688-10928-4 (paperback)
44. Work, Morris (Lothrop, Lee & Shepard); ISBN 0-688-14866-2
Bible-Related Floor Puzzles
1. A Boy Learned to Share, ISBN 0-8054-3443-7 (24-pcs.)
2. Jesus, Gods Son, Was Born, ISBN 0-8054-3326-0 (24 pcs.)
3. Philip Explained the Bible, ISBN 0-8054-0904-1 (24 pcs.)
4. The Creation: God Made People, ISBN 0-8054-0901-7
(These puzzles may be ordered from LifeWay, 1-800-458-2772)
Bible Related Wooden Puzzles (10-13 pieces)
1. Jesus and the Children, ISBN 0-6330-1397-8; $10.95
2. Jesus Visited Friends, ISBN 0-6330-1398-6
3. Marys Good News, ISBN 0-6330-1395-1
4. Bibles, ISBN 0-6330-1989-5; $9.95
5. Creation, ISBN 0-6330-1988-7; $9.95
6. Noah Obeyed God, ISBN 0-6330-1990-9; $9.95
(These puzzles may be ordered from LifeWay, 1-800-458-2772)
Wooden Puzzles (These puzzles are available from Frank Schaffer Publications, 1-800-417-3261)
1. Birthday Party, J040041 (6 pcs.)
2. Boy, J606041 (6 pcs.)
3. Breakfast, J066000 (10 pcs.)
4. Car Mechanic, J066019 (13 pcs.)
5. Cat and Kittens, J065012 (13 pcs.)
6. Construction Workers, J606525 (11 pcs.)
7. Dinner, J066002 (14 pcs.)
8. Doctor, J606527 (11 pcs.)
9. Farmer, J606016 (15 pcs.)
10. Fruits, J040055 (5 pcs.)
11. Giraffe, J506025 (7 pcs.)
12. Girl, J606040 (6 pcs.)
13. Hospital, J506654 (12 pcs.)
14. Hot Day at the Beach, J115011 (11 pcs.)
15. House, J506651 (12 pcs.)
16. Lunch, J066001 (12 pcs.)
17. Nurse, J606022 (11 pcs.)
18. School Crossing Guard, J606523 (13 pcs.)
19. Sheep and Lambs, J506028 (10 pcs.)
20. Table Setting, J040042 (7 pcs.)
21. Teacher, J606020 (17 pcs.)
22. Tools, J040045 (9 pcs.)
23. Panda and Cub, J506032 (10 pcs.)
24. Penguin Family, J506034 (8 pcs.)
25. Police Officer, J606521 (12 pcs.)
26. Rainy Day, J115009 (11 pcs.)
27. Windy Day, J115012 (11 pcs.)

20 Preschool Space at Church

Books and Puzzles for Kindergarten
The following are suggestions and good examples of books and puzzles for five-year-olds.
Books and puzzles are chosen as they relate to a unit of teaching. They are kept in the room
during the session or series of sessions that relate to the teaching unit. When the unit is
complete, they are returned to a central storage area.

Bible
Read to Me Bible for Kids (NIrV or KJV) (Holman Bible Publishers - 1999), ISBN 1-5581-9844-X
Read to Me Bible for Kids (Holman Christian Standard Bible) (Holman -2005), ISBN 1-4158-2812-1

Books
1. All the Places to Love, MacLachlan (Harper Collins Publishers); ISBN 0-06-021098-2
2. A South African Night, Isadora (Greenwillow Books); ISBN 0-688-11389-3
3. Bein with You This Way, Nikola-Lisa (Lee & Low Books); ISBN 1-8800-0005-9
(hardcover), ISBN 1-8800-0026-1 (paperback)
4. Building a House, Barton (William Morrow & Co.); ISBN 0-688-84291-7
5. Can I Pray With My Eyes Open?, Brown (Hyperion); ISBN 0-7868-0326-2 (trade), ISBN 0-
7868-2273-2 (library binding), ISBN 0-7868-0328-2 (paperback)
6. Construction Zone, Hoban (Greenwillow); ISBN 0-688-12284-1
7. Daddies at Work, Sweetland (Wm. B. Erdmans Publishing Co.); ISBN 0-6898-0998-0
8. Daddy Will Be There, Grambling (Greenwillow); ISBN 0-6881-4983-9
9. Exactly the Opposite, Hoban (Greenwillow); ISBN 0-6880-8861-9
10. Grandfather and I, Buckley (Lothrop, Lee & Shephard Books); ISBN 0-6881-2533-6
11. Grandmother and I, Buckley (Lothrop, Lee & Shephard Books); ISBN 0-6881-2531-X
12. Gods Quiet Things, Sweetland (Wm. B. Erdmans Publishing Co.); ISBN 0-8028-5167-3
(paperback), ISBN 0-8028-5082-0 (hardcover)
13. How a Seed Grows, Jordan (Harper Collins); ISBN 0-06-445107-0
14. I Eat Vegetables, Tofts (Zero to Ten Ltd.); ISBN 1-8408-9001-0
15. I Read Signs, Hoban (William Morrow); ISBN 0-688-07331-X (paperback), ISBN 0-688-02317-7
(hardcover)
16. Mommies at Work, Merriam (Simon & Schuster); ISBN 0-6898-0999-9
17. Rainbow of My Own, A, Freeman (Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers); ISBN 0-
1405-0328-5
18. So Many Circles, So Many Squares, Hoban (Greenwillow); ISBN 0-6881-5165-5
19. Thats What a Friend Is, Hallinan (Hambleton-Hill); ISBN 0-8249-8492-7 (paperback), ISBN
1-5710-2113-2 (hardcover)
20. We Are Best Friends, Aliki (William Morrow & Co.); ISBN 0-688-07037-X (paperback)
21. When I Was Little Like You, Walsh (Viking); ISBN 0-1405-6829-2 (paperback), ISBN 0-
6708-7608-9 (hardcover)
22. Work, Morris (Lothrup, Lee & Shepherd); ISBN 0-688-14866-2

Bible-Related Floor Puzzles

1. A Boy Leaned to Share, ISBN 0-8054-3443-7
2. Bible Times Market Place, ISBN 1-4158-2067-8
3. Creation: God Made People, ISBN 0-8054-0901-7
4. Elijah Prayed to God, ISBN 0-8054-0903-3
5. Jesus and the Children, ISBN 0-8054-0744-8
6. Jesus, Gods Son Was Born, ISBN 0-8054-3326-0
7. Jesus Reads the Bible, ISBN 0-8054-0902-5
8. Phillip Explained the Bible, ISBN 0-8054-0904-1
9. Ruth Helped Her Family, ISBN 0-8054-0746-4
10. The Four Friends, ISBN 0-8054-3444-5
11. Zacchaeus Meets Jesus, ISBN 0-8054-3327-9
(These puzzles may be ordered from LifeWay, 1-800-458-2772)
Preschool Space at Church 21
 Floor Puzzles
1. Construction Side, FS56509, 34 pcs.*
2. Noahs Ark, #400, 24 pcs.**
3. Transportation, FS3712, 24 pcs.*
*These puzzles can be ordered from Frank Schaffer Publications, 1-800-421-5565.
**These puzzles can be ordered from Lights, Camera, Interaction!, 1-800-284-3048.

Wooden Puzzles
1. Continents, JO46003 (7 pcs.)*
2. Dentist, JO66005 (12 pcs.)*
3. Dinner, J066002 (14 pcs.)*
4. Grocer, J606083 (17 pcs.)*
5. Giant Food Pyramid Puzzle ***
6. Hebrew Alphabet, #122**
7. Jet Airplane, J606002 (14 pcs.)*
8. Lawyer and Judge, J066017 (15 pcs.)*
9. Mail Carrier, J606524 (12 pcs.)*
10. Numbers 1-20, J051007*
11. People Puzzles, LM368***
12. Teacher, J606020 (17 pcs.)*
13. Uppercase See-inside Alphabet, J051003*
* These puzzles can be ordered from Frank Schaffer Publications, 1-800-417-3261
** These puzzles can be ordered from Lights, Camera, Interaction!, 1-800-284-2948
*** Lakeshore Learning Materials, 2000 Early Childhood Catalog, 1-800-428-4414

Bible-Related Wooden Puzzles (14-20 pcs.)

1. Bible Times House, ISBN 1-4158-2070-8
2. Children Praise Jesus, ISBN 0-6330-1425-7; $19.95
3. Jesus Birth, ISBN 1-4158-2063-5
4. Jesus and the Woman at the Well, ISBN 0-6330-1424-9
5. Jesus Grew, ISBN 0-6330-1399-4
6. Daniel, ISBN 0-6330-1993-3; $9.95
7. David and Jonathan, ISBN 0-6330-1991-7; $9.95
8. People Sang To God, ISBN 1-4158-2062-7
9. The Temple, ISBN 0-6330-1992-5 $9.95
10. The Tent Church, ISBN 1-4158-2064-3
These wooden puzzles may be ordered from LifeWay, 1-800-458-2772

Jigsaws in a Box
1. Construction in a Box*
2. Vehicles in a Box*
3. Zoo in a Box*
4. Creation, ISBN 1-4158-2065-1; LifeWay
5. Life of Jesus Wooden Box Puzzle, ISBN 0-6330-1994-1; $13.95; LifeWay
6. Life of Moses, ISBN 1-4158-2066-X; LifeWay

Playtime Puzzles (all see-inside puzzles)

1. Parts of a Flowering Plant, J48010 (6 pcs.) *
2. Parts of a Tree, J48009 (9 pcs.) *
3. Rain Forest Animals at Home, J48005 (8 pcs.) *
*These puzzles can be ordered from Frank Schaffer Publications, 1-800-417-3261

22 Preschool Space at Church

Guidelines for Arranging a Room for
Twos, Threes, Fours,
Pre-Kindergarten, and
Kindergarten
Place the homeliving/dramatic play center across the room from
the door.

Group quiet activities together.

Arrange more active, noisy activities near each other.

Locate messy activities near a

water source or rest room.

Place nature materials near

a window.

To create space in a room, use the

floor for some activities.

Preschool Space at Church 23

24 Preschool Space at Church
Preschool Space at Church 25
26 Preschool Space at Church
Preschool Space at Church 27
28 Preschool Space at Church
Principle-based
Preschool Ministry
Principle 1: Principle 2:
All decisions and procedures are based Rooms, furnishings, and supplies belong
on what is best for preschoolers. to the preschoolers assigned to the room.
Children are a gift from the Lord. They are
a reward from Him. Psalm 127:3
This principle influences decisions about:
This principle influences decisions about: Use of rooms, cabinet space, and
furnishings
Teaching vs. babysitting The room and everything in the room
In some churches preschoolers are belongs to the age-specific preschoolers
loved, cared for and taught using a assigned to the room.
planned curriculum. Other churches
simply find someone who will watch Speakers or Video monitors in the
them so that adult activities will not be room
disturbed. Preschoolers are always Speakers and monitors are for teachers.
learning; it is simply a matter of what They do not benefit the child; instead,
they learn and how we use the time we they deprive the child of a valuable
are given with them. relationship with the adult.
Teaching methods used
Principle 3:
God created preschoolers to be active.
Therefore, teaching methods should Everything in the room relates to the
take advantage of the opportunity to ministry and session in progress.
teach Bible truths as they move about But everything should be done in a proper
the room, experimenting with and and orderly way. 1 Corinthians 14:40.
exploring carefully chosen materials.
This principle influences decisions about:
Curriculum choices
Curriculum greatly influences the Permanent Murals, pictures, and
spiritual foundation being laid in the life posters
of a preschooler. Curriculum needs to Preschoolers are easily distracted by
be within their understanding, include a irrelevant materials. The best teaching
variety of teaching methods, be active can take place when all visuals in the
rather than passive, allow the child to do room support the concept being taught
the activity rather than the teacher, and in the session in progress.
be Biblically-based.
Set-up and takedown process
Rotating teachers Teachers provide a variety of materials
One of the basic ways preschoolers (i.e. books, puzzles, block accessories)
learn is through consistent relationships. for each session they teach. At the end
When teachers rotate they cannot build of the session these materials are
on previous sessions or gain a personal removed so the next ministry using the
understanding of the child and his or her room may provide its own materials
life. for the best possible teaching
session.

Preschool Space at Church 29

 Principle 4:
Fantasy is not mixed with reality, be- No Locked cabinets
cause preschoolers need to know that Since the materials in the room belong
everything at church is true. to the preschoolers, it is not necessary
to have one full set of materials for
This principle influences decisions about: Sunday School and another full set for
weekday or missions ministries. The
Books, pictures, puzzles, etc. majority of storage and resources are
Teaching materials should depict people available for use at any time by all
and animals in the way God created teachers. Then a smaller shelf/cabinet
them. can be designated for each ministry to
store ministry specific items. All
Use of cartoon or fantasy characters teachers respect the space designated
Even though some may see these and do not remove items from that area.
characters (i.e. Veggie-tales, Sesame
Street) as teaching Biblical truths or Special requests from parents, care
values, the child sees vegetables or during adult activities such as
animals with voices and/or faces. This weddings, and volunteer vs.
is not real. Reverence for the Bible employed leaders
dictates a more discriminating approach. Consistency is vital to leaders, children
and parents. This can occur only when
Room dcor everything related to the preschool
Choose wall coverings, crib sheets, ministry is governed by church adopted
blankets, and window coverings free policies and procedures. No one is
from fantasy figures. exempt from the accepted policies and
procedures.
Special events and holidays
A picture of Santa kneeling at Baby Outreach efforts
Jesus manger is mixing fantasy with Sunday School and weekday teachers
reality. When the child discovers that may go together to visit a child they
Santa is pretend, he may assume that both teach. Teachers may also
Baby Jesus is pretend. Caution: partner with other age-group leaders
Halloween has no place within
to minister to the entire family.
preschool rooms at church. Fall fun is
more appropriate using real pumpkins, Adapted from: You Can Have a Principle Based Preschool
fall leaves, and learning about animals Ministry, Sue Raley, TN Baptist Convention
preparing for winter.

Principle 5:
Teachers model Christian cooperation
through planning together the use of
rooms, equipment, and accessories.
We work together with God. 1 Corinthians
3:9.

This principle influences decisions about:

Room arrangement
Teachers who share space meet to-
gether to plan the arrangement of
equipment and storage of accessories.

30 Preschool Space at Church

 Communicate Work to prevent
Sharing conflict. Schedule regular times for
all preschool leadership to meet
Classrooms and together and coordinate the use of
equipment, accessories, and
Resources supplies. (We are more apt to be
considerate of someone we have
Preschool rooms at church are used by met than a faceless image we never
many different preschool ministries talk to or see.)
Sunday School, weekday, choir, mis- Determine basic equipment and
sions and discipleship. The classroom accessories that remain in rooms at
does not belong to any one person, all times. Post a room arrangement
group of teachers, or ministry, but in- diagram in plain view.
stead it belongs to the preschoolers. When classroom space permits,
Just as the church sets aside areas for provide each ministry an area to
worship, music ministries, and meal store ministry specific items such
preparation, the preschool area is space as curriculum or materials brought
that is given to the preschoolers by the from home.
church. It belongs to them in the sense Visuals should always be current
that everything within that space is for and relative to the program area of
the best possible care and teaching. focus. At the end of a teaching
session remove any visuals that will
The different preschool ministries of the not be used by the next ministry
church each have a particular focus, but scheduled to use the room.
the methods and philosophies of teach- Provide adequate storage. A
ing preschoolers are the same. A diver- resource room where materials and
sified preschool program requires that a supplies may be checked in and out
room be ready for another preschool should be available for all ministries.
ministry as soon as the room is vacated. Combine A separate set of scissors
Each ministry group deserves the whole and crayons for each preschool
classroom and has the right to use the ministry does not model sharing and
classroom for its own purpose. is not good stewardship. Combining
resources and budget dollars with
Consider these general guidelines: other preschool ministries can create
the opportunity to purchase better
Establish a Church Preschool quality equipment and make
Committee or Team that is available more choices of resources
responsible for developing guidelines for all teachers.
and policies for all preschool Procedures and schedules for
ministries. Maintain consistent custodial care and materials need
expectations for teachers in all to be clearly established.
preschool ministries.
Assign a church staff member to
supervise the work of all preschool
ministries.
Educate all preschool leadership in
appropriate teaching philosophies
and methods for a consistent
approach to teaching preschoolers.
Preschool Space at Church 31
 Spray bottles Margarine tub for bowls
Teaching Trim roller (painting)
Utensils such as a potato
Paper bags and shopping
bags
on a masher (gadget painting)
Vegetable foam trays
Picnic basket
Pillow, sheet, quilt
(collage background)
Shoestring Wallpaper sample or scraps
Play money, offering envelopes
Potholder
Wrapping paper scraps (no Purse (easy open/close for dress-up,
The following is a list of fantasy designs) doctors bag)
items that may be saved for Raincoat, boots
BLOCKS Scales
teaching on a shoestring. Cardboard pieces (roofs,
Some items include a sug- Scarves
bridges)
gestion in parenthesis. Sponges
Cardboard tubes and cones
Think safety as you use Spray bottle
(stand-up figures)
small items. All materials Suitcase, map, slippers,
Carpet samples
should be appropriate for the robe, toiletry cases
Craft sticks (cargo, roofs,
age of the user. bridges) Tablecloth
Dowel rod or broom handle Telephone book
ART sections (logs) Yardstick
Aluminum pie pans (paint, Golf tees (hammering into
glue) MUSIC
layered cardboard)
Berry baskets (gadget Aluminum pie pans (tambourine)
Log or piece of wood
painting) Dowel rod sections (rhythm
(hammering with nails)
Braid, lace, rickrack scraps sticks)
Milk cartons (stuff with
(collage) Film canister (shakers)
newspaper and cover with
Cardboard (collage, crayon contact plastic to make blocks) Metal bandage box (shakers)
rubbings) Rocks (small ones for cargo) Oatmeal boxes, coffee cans
Cloth scraps (collage) (drums)
Sheet or window shade
Coat hangers (mobiles) (draw roads on surfaces) Sandpaper, wooden blocks
Crayon pieces (to be melted (sand blocks)
into chunk crayons) HOMELIVING
Roll-on deodorant bottles PUZZLES
Apron (child-size made from
(painting) remnant) Bolts and nuts (matching)
Feathers and feather duster Baby dish, spoon, bib Buttons (sorting)
(painting, collage) Baby lotion and powder Egg carton, muffin pan
Felt scraps and upholstery (sorting)
containers empty
samples (collage) Extra teaching pictures
Blanket or beach towel
(mount on cardboard and cut
Frozen juice cans Camera into puzzle pieces)
(containers) Cash register receipts Film canisters (smell or sound
Golf balls (golf ball painting) Clock winding type canister to match)
Grater (crayon shavings) Cookie cutters Gloves (match)
Greeting cards, magazine Diaper bag Postcards (sort or match
covers and picture (pictures Dishcloth, plastic dish cards)
no fantasy) scrubber
Margarine tubs (containers) Feather duster YOUNGER PRESCHOOLERS
Adult shirts (painting smocks) Flashlight Mixing bowl, measuring
Mesh bags (collage, rubbings) Food container empty spoons (nesting)
Paper bags Gloves, mittens Plastic clothes hangers (mobiles)
Paper crinkle cups from Hats Spray can tops (fill and dump,
candy or cookie boxes Jewelry, watches puzzles, sorting)
(collage) Keys, briefcase Wooden spoons
Ribbon, string, yarn scraps Lids from coffee cans for
(collage) Charles Bridgers, adapted by Janet Ivey
plates
32 Preschool Space at Church
 each division to aid teachers further identify puzzles by
Setting Up a in looking for areas of subject area.
resources. A worktable that File teaching pictures by
Resource is kept uncluttered is an
asset.
subject areas. Bible-
related pictures may be
Room Provide sturdy shelving for
storing items. Be sure to
further categorized by: Old
Testament: Creation
Setting up a resource room measure items that will be through Moses, Judges and
makes good sense. Providing stored in order to provide Kings, Prophets, other Old
a place for resources and shelving that will Testament Stories; New
sharing them with all pre- accommodate large bins or Testament: Jesus Birth and
school ministries is good baskets, or oversized paper. Childhood, Jesus Ministry,
stewardship and provides a Books, puzzles and Jesus Parables and
way to monitor the use of teaching pictures may be Stories, Jesus Last Days,
supplies. When shared items categorized and filed by Early Church.
are gathered and stored in a placing them under the Provide a place, such as a
closet or room, this provides a subject areas of: God, file cabinet for storing
much wider choice of teaching Jesus, Bible, Creation, resource kit items. These
materials for all teachers to Family, Self, Church, and can be filed using the
use. A resource room also Community and World. categories above. You
provides a place for teachers Assign each subject area a might also want to add other
to put items with missing color. Place a poster in the categories like recipes, door
pieces, unsafe toys or materi- resource room identifying posters, and sample letters.
als, or items needing repair or colors with their Start files of magazine
replacement. corresponding subjects. pictures for art and nature
To help identify books activities. These can be
Storing these resources in a place a small piece of filed by categories such as
central location can encour- colored tape on the spine of flowers, families, animals,
age good stewardship of ma- each book to identify its and so forth.
terials. A resource room aids subject. Very thin books Provide prop boxes or bins
teachers in finding what they can be put in an empty for dress-up clothes and
need and enables in ordering detergent box to keep them community helper items.
supplies. Organizing and from falling over. Cut off the These may be labeled
maintaining a resource room tope of the box and cover Doctors Office, Bible Story
takes time and a bit of crea- with contact plastic in the Costumes, Present-Day
tivity but is well worth the color that represents the Dress-Up, etc.
effort. subject area. Provide labeled containers
Provide shelving 5-6 inches to store similar items such
The following are some ideas
apart for puzzles. Assign as masking tape, crayons,
on how to set up a resource
each puzzle its own number scissors, etc.
room:
and write the number on the Provide baskets and
Find a central location bottom of each puzzle encourage church members
that is accessible to the piece. If several puzzles to collect reusable
preschool rooms. are spilled, the number aids resources such as fabric
Layout a floor plan that in putting them back scraps, juice cans, film
divides the room into together. Also write the canisters, etc. (See
divisions of art, blocks, number, the title of the Teaching on a
books, homeliving, music, puzzle, and the number of Shoestring.)
nature and science, puzzles puzzle pieces on the edge Enlist someone to maintain
and manipulatives, infant of the puzzle. This the room on a weekly basis.
toddler supplies, information assists teachers Schedule a workday
audiovisuals, teacher in locating a puzzle. A dot periodically when teachers can
resources, and other activity of color from a permanent assist with cleanup, repair and
centers that are found in marker on the edge helps to organize resources.
your classrooms. Label
from Sunday School for a New Century; Breakthrough Preschool Sunday School Work Preschool Space at Church 33
 Sources for
Preschool Jonti-Craft
P.O. Box 30
Equipment and 171 Hwy 68, Wabasso, MN 56293
Phone: 800-543-4149
Accessories Fax: 507-342-5617
http://www.jonti-craft.com
LifeWay Church Sales*
One LifeWay Plaza MSN 138 Kaplan Early Learning Company
Nashville, TN 37234-0138 1310 Lewisville-Clemmons Road
Phone: 800-622-8610 Lewisville, NC 27023
Phone: 800-334-2014
Childrens Factory http://kaplanco.com
245 West Essex Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63122 Reynolds
Phone: 877-725-1696 P.O. Box 6058
Fax: 877-726-1714 Abilene, TX 79608
http://childrensfactory.com Phone: 800-588-4031

Community Playthings Constructive Playthings

359 Gibson Hill Road Phone: 800-448-1412
Chester, NY 10918-2321 http://www.cptoys.com
Phone: 800-777-4244
Fax: 800-336-5948 http://www.LakeShoreLearning.com
http://communityplaythings.com
http://www.angeles-group.com
Discount School Supply
P.O. Box 7636
Spreckels, CA 93962-7636
Phone: 800-627-2829
http://www.discountschoolsupply.com *NOTE: While LifeWay is not a
manufacturer of preschool furniture and
Early Childhood Manufacturers supplies, they are a distributor for many
Direct Phone: 800-896-9951 of the companies listed here. Check
http://www.ecmdstore.com with one of their representatives for
possible discounts on equipment and
Environments, Inc. accessories for your church.
Post Office Box 1348
Beaufort, SC 29901-1348
Phone: 800-EI-CHILD (1-800-342-4453)
Fax: 800-EI-FAX-US (1-800-343-2987)
http://www.environments.com

34 Preschool Space at Church