How to Foster Preschoolers’ Sense of Belonging at Church
What can we do to help preschoolers feel like they belong when they come to Mission Friends? For those who are new to our church, those who attend sporadically, and even for those who come regularly every week, how can we foster preschoolers’ sense of belonging at church?
In order to belong, preschoolers need to feel like Mission Friends is the place for them.
Mission Friends is a time at church when someone knows them and cares about them. No matter how often they attend, preschoolers need to feel like they are part of the group.
How can we do all of this to help them know they belong?
Try three simple things that will make an impact.
Know and Use Preschoolers’ Names
Learn your preschoolers’ names as quickly as you can so you can call them by name. Knowing a preschooler’s name makes her feel like she is important to you. It also helps preschoolers feel like they are part of the group if they know names.
- Use the nametags in the Mission Friends Digital Package until you are familiar with their names.
- Especially at the beginning of the year, play name games during Group Time such as tossing a ball to each child as the group says that child’s name.
- Use the preschoolers’ names in conversation. Preschoolers will feel like they belong when Mission Friends leaders know the preschoolers’ names.
Engage Preschoolers in Activities as Soon as They Arrive
When preschoolers are engaged from the moment they arrive, they are more likely to have a sense of belonging.
- Arrange your session schedule so preschoolers are involved in activities from the time they walk in the door.
- Involve preschoolers in ways they can actively participate rather than simply standing by and watching. Be prepared to suggest an activity for a new preschooler, and walk with him to that activity area.
- Consider having an item from an activity for a preschooler to hold. For example, say, “We’re learning about boat races at the Olympics. Here’s a straw for you to see how far you can blow a boat across the water in a tub. Come with me to our Nature area.” Involving preschoolers in this way helps them feel like they belong.
Make Eye Contact
Preschoolers want to know that you see them and you see who they are. Making eye contact with a preschooler is an important way of making a connection with him.
- Position yourself at their eye level so it is easier to make eye contact with them. Many times adults stand over preschoolers and it is hard for preschoolers to make eye contact with someone towering over them.
- Bend down to greet a preschooler as she comes in the room.
- Sit with preschoolers during activities so you can make eye contact with them during conversations.
- Look preschoolers in the eyes as you tell the story at Group Time. Making eye contact with preschoolers also makes them feel like you hear and listen to them. This goes a long way in helping preschoolers know they belong in Mission Friends at church.
Joye Smith is the WMU preschool ministry consultant.
