Preschoolers learn best through play and hands-on activities. In Mission Friends, that means we offer preschoolers several choices of activities and allow them to choose, play, and learn through their interactions with supplies, other preschoolers, and leaders. A wide variety of interest area activities are available each month in Mission Friends Leader. 

Interest areas are suggested for Mission Friends ages three through kindergarten. Each weekly session includes time dedicated to preschoolers and their chosen interest area activities before they move to Group Time activities. 

The role of preschooler leaders is to provide and set up interest activity areas for Art, Blocks, Books, Homeliving, Music and Movement, Nature, and Puzzles and Manipulatives. 

Here are some tips for using interest areas with preschoolers.  

How much time should I provide for preschoolers to do interest area activities? 

If your Mission Friends meet for one hour, plan approximately 30 minutes for preschoolers to pursue their choice of interest areas. 

How many interest area activities should I provide each session? 

Choose three or four different interest area activities each week for your preschoolers. Consider alternating which type of activities you provide to engage preschoolers with different interests and learning styles. For example, in Session 1, arrange activities for Art, Books, Nature, and Puzzles and Manipulatives. In Session 2, arrange Art, Blocks, Homeliving, and Music and Movement activities. 

What should I do to prepare for an interest area activity? 

Carefully read the provided directions. Gather suggested supplies and place them in the corresponding area. Prepare necessary Mission Friends Leader Kit items to go with the different activities. All required materials should be in place before preschoolers arrive. 

How can I adjust activities to reflect the needs of my preschoolers? 

You know your preschoolers best. Change out materials to items you have on hand that still work well for the activity. Precut art supplies if some of your preschoolers have difficulty cutting. Allow older preschoolers to do the bulk of any activity. Feel free to adjust an activity or supplies as needed.  

What do I do while preschoolers engage in interest area activities? 

Leaders should always be alert to what occurs around the room. But leaders can also sit with preschoolers to offer help or guide discussions. Use suggested teacher talk and questions to lead preschoolers to learn about the missionary, missions area, and Christian concept area. Engage in dramatic play or sing along with preschoolers. Help build towers or churches with blocks. Be available to help solve problems, redirect, or suggest alternative ideas if something doesn’t work the way you expect.  

What if preschoolers have a favorite activity area? 

Feel free to repeat favorite activities! You may also repeat favorite activities during Closing Time or in a different session. 

Note: Since babies, ones, and twos learn best through their senses, a special emphasis is placed on providing sensory areas. The youngest of preschoolers do not have group time but learn as they listen while a familiar and trusted leader shares with them as they play. 

Angie Quantrell is the editor for WMU preschool resources.