Teaching Preschoolers About Jesus: Planting Seeds of Faith Early

Teaching preschoolers about Jesus is one of the most meaningful parts of early childhood education. At this stage of life, children are full of curiosity, wonder, and trust. Their hearts are open and ready to understand love in its purest form—making it the perfect time to begin helping them know who Jesus is and how much He cares for them.

1. It All Starts with Love

Preschoolers may not understand big theological words, but they completely understand love. Teaching them that Jesus loves them is the foundation of faith. When they learn that God’s love is constant—whether they’re happy, sad, or learning to share—they begin to see the world as a safe and caring place.

Simple reminders like, “Jesus made you and loves you so much,” or “You’re being kind just like Jesus,” help them connect faith with real life. At City Tree Christian School, these truths are woven into the rhythm of every day—through songs, stories, prayers, and the way teachers and friends treat one another with care.

2. Tell the Stories of Jesus

Children learn best through stories—and Jesus’ life is full of them. When we share stories about His kindness, miracles, and compassion, we help preschoolers picture who He is.

• Jesus calming the storm teaches that He is with us when we’re scared.

• Jesus feeding the 5,000 shows that He provides for our needs.

• Jesus welcoming the children reminds us that He loves and values every one of them.

  
  

3. Model What You Teach

Children watch how we live even more than they listen to what we say. When adults model patience, kindness, forgiveness, and joy, we give them a living picture of Jesus’ love in action. In the classroom, this happens through gentle words, a helping hand, shared prayer, and encouragement when mistakes are made. These moments teach children that following Jesus means loving well.

4. Bring Faith Into Everyday Moments

Faith grows through repetition and routine. When children see prayer and gratitude as part of everyday life, they begin to understand that God is always with them.

• Thanking Jesus before a meal teaches gratitude.

• Praying for a friend shows compassion.

• Saying, “Jesus can help us when we’re sad,” reminds them that faith is personal and comforting.

In our preschool at City Tree, these small practices are part of every day—helping children see that God is present in the ordinary moments of play, learning, and friendship.

5. Encourage Wonder and Gratitude

Preschoolers naturally notice beauty and joy—flowers blooming, rain falling, the sound of laughter. We can help them connect those moments to God’s creativity and goodness. When children learn to pause and say, “Thank You, God!” they begin to see His presence in the world around them.

A Lasting Foundation

Teaching preschoolers about Jesus isn’t about memorizing verses or mastering facts—it’s about nurturing a relationship. It’s about helping them feel loved, safe, and confident that God is always near. When love, story, and example come together, we give children a foundation that will guide them their whole lives.

At City Tree Christian School, this is the heart of what we do every day. Through play, prayer, and community, we help children grow in faith and character while discovering the joy of knowing Jesus. The seeds planted in these early years truly can last a lifetime.

By Lisa Phipps, Preschool Director