Goals

  • To instill a respect, love, and excitement for God and His Word.
  • To sow seeds of Bible truths in our littlest ones hearts.
  • To build connections between everyday life and what the Bible says.
  • To expound upon their sense of awe and wonder about their world.
  • To experience different art mediums with the process as the goal, not an end product.
  • To emphasize a love for learning through enjoyable, developmentally appropriate experiences.

Overview of the Joyful Learning Lessons

The following links will take you to pages that show and describe some of the activities that can be done for each month.

Month

Themes

Bible Concept

August

Oceans/Beaches
Camping

God created all things.

September

Family
Home

God made me part of a family.

October

Fall

The Bible is God's
special book for me.

November

Five Senses
Thanksgiving

I should be thankful to God.

December

Christmas

Jesus is God's Son.

January

Snow/Winter
Groceries

I can talk to God
 through prayer.

February

Valentines Day Tea
Doctor

Since God loves us, I should show love to others.

March

Baking: Breads/Cake/Muffins/Pizza
Birds

God provides for my needs.

April

Easter and Eggs

Jesus loves me and died
for my sins.

May

Baby Animals
Flowers and Gardens

God is loving and patient.

June

Zoo Animals
Bubbles

I am safe in God and
can trust in Him.

July

Fourth of July
Picnics and Baskets

God can use my words
 to help others.

Resource Books

  • Before Five in Row by Jane C. Lambert. Five in a Row: 1997.   ISBN: 1888659041   (BFIAR)
  • First Art: Art Experiences for Toddlers and Twos by Mary Ann Kohl. Gryphon House: 2002. ISBN: 0876592221   (FA)
  • Little Hands Fingerplays and Action Songs: Seasonal Rhymes and Creative Play for 2 to 6 Year Olds by Emily Stetson and Vicky Congdon. Williamson Publishing: 2001. ISBN 1885593538(LA)
  • More Toddlers Together: The Complete Planning Guide for Toddler Curriculum by Cynthia Catlin.  Gryphon House: 1996.  ISBN: 0876591799.  (MTT)
  • Slow and Steady Get Me Ready by June Oberlander. Xulon Press: 2003. ISBN: 159160236X
  • Story Stretchers for Infants, Toddlers, and Twos: Experiences, Activities, and Games for Popular Children's Books by Shirley Raines, Karen Miller, and Leah Curry-Rood. Gryphon House: 2002 .  ISBN 0876592744 (SS)
  • Things To Do With Toddlers and Twos by Karen Miller.  Telshare Publications: 2000.  ISBN: 0910287155 (TTD)
  • Toddler Theme-a- Sauraus:  The Great Big Book of Toddler Teaching Themes by Jean Warren. Totline Publications: 1990.  ISBN:  0911019375   (TTH)
  •  Toddlers Together: The Complete Planning Guide for Toddler Curriculum by Cynthia Catlin.  Gryphon House: 1994. ISBN: 0876591713.  (TT)

Other Resources for Teaching Young Children

Preparatory Curriculum: From Brightly Beaming Resources