Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8
What is true to a preschooler? Children at this age are receptive to truth, accepting God’s existence, accepting that He loves them and understanding that He cares for them. They also believe that God created everything, gave us the Bible, and that God’s Son, Jesus, died for our sins. They learn this through the consistent and intentional modeling of that truth by you as the parents, and by our school faculty and staff as we interact with them daily.
Even at this young age, children can grasp the essence of truth. They are hungry to learn and are trusting. That’s why Jesus called for childlike faith. “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Mark 10:15. The beauty of a childlike faith is that they refuse to be troubled by what they cannot understand.
Children at this age think in vivid imagery. So inviting Jesus into their heart may conjure up a picture of a red Valentine’s heart with a door. It’s “easier and more precise to explain faith as complete trust and unconditional surrender.” If using symbolism and metaphors, each must carefully be explained.
It’s important to also separate reality from fantasy. Children today are bombarded with fantasy and make-believe. But we must be diligent in drawing the line between what is reality and what is fantasy. Even though they may be reading an Adam Raccoon or Max Lucado book on Jesus’ parables, make sure that your child understands which is make-believe and which is God’s truth.
Talk to your children. Have them repeat things they have learned, especially during Bible times. You may be surprised to hear their version of the “truth.” Teaching our children spiritual truth is a never-ending, non-stop duty that God has called you to. As a school, we partner with you to do the same.
Linda Kawakami
Director of Educational Services
Johnson, Phillip R. “Teaching Your Children Spiritual Truth.” spurgeon.org. N.p., n.d. Web. Sept. 2012. <http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/articles/children.htm>.
Trent, John, ed. Teaching Kids about God. Colorado Springs: Focus on the Family, 2000. Print.