Supporting Early Years Education
In a recent survey we carried out on School’s Ministry, we were struck that a large number of churches were supporting children in their early years. This ranged from church-based Toddler groups, involvement with local nursery schools and input into early years education in a primary school setting.
It’s recognised that the first 1001 days, from conception to age two, is a period of rapid growth. During this time babies’ growing brains are shaped by their experiences, particularly the interactions they have with their parents and other caregivers. What happens during this time lays the foundations for future development. Work with this age group provides the church with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate care and support for local families, ensuring that children get the best start in life. Indeed, giving children the best start in life is central to the Scottish Governments Early Years Framework - which can be viewed here.
Below we share some ideas and resources for churches in their work with Early Years.
Opportunities for churches with early years
Could you provide play activities with early years or offer help and supporting to a pre-existing community group?
Inspired by 3D Drumchapel, could you host a School Buddies session to give children and their families the chance to meet other school families prior to school starting?
Could you contribute to a quiet or sensory corner, perhaps with dim lighting/fairy lights etc. Easy to include e.g. a smooth wooden cross for stroking/an electric candle/other artefacts to add elements of spirituality (from multiples faiths?) to an existing space.
Many nurseries involve the children in the preparation of food - could you have some fun by introducing children to Bible stories with Bake through the Bible
Could you host local community walks for children and their parents? Muddy Church have lots of outside ideas and it’s worth checking out the Wonder Walks series from the Scotish Bible Society.
Could you share songs on Bible themes using Playtime Christian songs or Out of the Ark; Fischy Music
Materials and resources
There are quite a few materials for Toddler Groups that could also be used in school settings and a range of materials and resources that people from local churches can use and share as they support work with early years children and their families.
· The Church of England | It’s Just the Toddler Group – Toddler groups are amongst the most exciting and signifi cant starting places for mission for both adults and children.
· Not just a parent and toddler group - 12 top tips for school readiness
· Playtime | Care for the Family – a range of story books and songs to use with under 5’s
The Good Practice Guide for Parent and Toddler Groups - The guide has recently been updated and is very useful if you are running or thinking about starting a Toddler Group
Toddler Bibles and Bible Story Books
There may be opportunities to share Bible stories in a school context, especially around Christian festivals. Opportunities to come to the church and explore some of these may also be appreciated. There are Toddler Bibles and big story books as well as stories on YouTube.
Beginning with God - Beginners Bible and accompanying bible study notes that helps parents with young children to explore the Bible with their child. It provides a simple and fun way to start your child in a regular habit of reading God's word and growing to know God, who loves them.
Share a Story Bible - With captivating illustrations and simple Bible stories, this bright book offers a great first step for young children to learn more about Jesus and God's plan for the world
Bob Hartman Rhyming Bible - From Esther to Samuel, Zacchaeus to Daniel, join in the rhyming fun with all your favourite characters and see the Bible come alive in Mark Beech's fantastic illustrations.
Scottish Bible Society Resources for Children - Explore key Bible stories through a range of books, films, images and activities.
Stories Jesus Told by Nick Butterworth – the book includes various parables of stories told by Jesus. This book is an ideal introduction to simple, short and often funny stories, sharing truth, love and wisdom with young children.
Other Bible Story books for Toddlers
Further Reading
Scottish Government - Early Years Framework
Steps the Scottish Government, local partners and practitioners in early years services need to take to give all children in Scotland the best start in life
Education Scotland - What is Curriculum for Excellence
The Curriculum for Excellence builds on the solid foundations developed in the critical years pre-birth to three. Within CfE, children are entitled to a broad general education from age three until the end of S3. The early level of CfE for most children spans the period of time from age three until the end of Primary 1. It supports a smooth transition in learning between ELC and primary school.
Education Scotland - Early Years Resources and Reports
Play Scotland - Realising the ambition: Being Me
This key document on learning through play in early years has been creatively and sensitively designed to guide and support all those who work with babies and children in the early learning and childcare sector and beyond into the early years of primary school in Scotland. Threaded throughout the document you will find updated information, detailed advice based on recent research and signposting to a wide range of professional development resources.
