“After taking them in his arms, he laid his hands on them and blessed them” (Mark 10:16 CSB). Jesus sets an example of how we should connect with children. He took time to hold them and bless them with His words.

As leaders of Mission Friends, we have a wonderful opportunity to make connections with the preschoolers in our care and share the love of Jesus with them. As we lead each session, interact in the interest areas, and share the mission story during group time, it is important to be present with preschoolers. 

We can (and should) interact with preschoolers to build a relationship in which we can share how important they are to Jesus and how they play an important role in God’s plan to share the gospel.

Our connections with preschoolers set the stage for preschoolers to not only learn about missions, but also to help them experience relationships of their own. And when preschoolers know how to make and keep relationships, they are able to reach out if they are feeling lonely.

There are many ways to help preschoolers have a sense of connection in Mission Friends.

Use Their Names

• Greet each child by name as they come into the classroom. Use their name each time you interact with them.
• If you have an area for their belongings, add name labels.
• When you pray in class, remember to pray for each child by name.
  

Learn About Them

• Find opportunities to spend time with the families of your preschoolers. For example, you can sit with them at a church dinner or take a few minutes to visit them before or after the church service.
• Ask the preschoolers questions. Really listen to what they say. Focusing on preschoolers as they talk shows you value them.
• Follow up on previous conversations, asking additional questions and talking about what they have shared.
• Have parents fill out a “get to know my child” questionnaire so you can learn about preschoolers’ interests, families, likes, and dislikes. Use the information to start conversations with preschoolers.

Join in Their Play During Activity Time

• Grab some play dough and create with preschoolers. Engage them in conversation as you play.
• Sit with a child and talk about the books they are looking at.
• Join preschoolers as they play in the homeliving area. Take on a role such as a customer requesting coffee.
• Listen to what preschoolers are saying and expand on it. If a child says, “Want coffee?” you can say, “Yes, Susie, I would love a cup of coffee. May I have a cookie with it?”

Preschoolers thrive when we as adults take the time to focus on them. They learn that we care about them and they learn that Jesus cares for them. We are modeling the very thing we are teaching them about missionaries — missionaries build relationships to share the gospel.

So have fun joining your preschoolers as they build with blocks and play with baby dolls. You are building lasting connections and setting the stage for practicing the skills of making and keeping friends!

by Juliana Rhea