from the director | september 2017

Young children love stories. This is why we are passionate about sharing God’s story with preschoolers. Stories have the power to shape a child’s sense of self and understanding of what the world is all about.

“In the beginning, God created…” Genesis 1:1

We begin each school year at the beginning of God’s story - the creation story found in the book of Genesis. We notice the design, intention, and beauty of how the world was made and say: “Wow, God is amazing!” Preschool faith is build on this sense of wonder.

God’s grand finale in the creation story was making people. This month, we learn about the “ME” that God created. Children study their physical characteristics as they create self-portraits. They discuss how they are growing up, what they can do now that they couldn’t do when they were babies. They thank God for the other people in their lives - their families and  friends - and the many ways they help us. Together, we celebrate the way God created each child as we say, “Wow, God made you in a wonderful way!

God made me.

I encourage you to share God’s story with your child at home. Children’s bibles make it easy to do. (See our recommendations here) You don’t have to know the answers to all your child’s questions about how God made the world (they will have a ton!), but you can wonder together.

There is another storybook I would recommend as well. It’s called “God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies.” The tender topic opens a conversation every family needs to have about appropriate and inappropriate touch. It’s written for 2- 8 year olds. It will give you language to use at home. I have a copy in my office that I’d be happy to loan you.  Here is another resource from some ministry friends of mine who are doing excellent work in this area:  Five Reasons to Talk to Your Preschooler about Private Parts

Switching gears a bit… September holds some special opportunities for parents. Here are the 3 big ones. Follow links for all the details:

• Attending Open House on Tuesday, September 19. 
• Connecting  with other WDS moms at the Mom’s Mingle, Thursday, September 28.
• Considering if a developmental screening may be helpful for your child.

“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”  Hebrews 11:3

In Christ,

Beth Hewitt