Christian Preschool Storytime: How to Plan Story Hours with Christian Themes

As a former preschool teacher and children's librarian, I have a passion to see children enjoying books. As a Christian, I understand the importance of bringing children up in the understanding of our faith. What a great opportunity then, to use the wonderful variety of picture books available today as a tool for teaching basic moral and Christian truths!

In 2003, I was given the opportunity to start a preschool storytime at our local Christian Lending Library in NSW, Australia. I'd run secular story hours for my public library, and wanted to be able to use popular books that all children enjoy. I saw no problem using secular children's books to draw on Christian themes. In fact, it was a fun challenge! By combining popular children's books with a particular Christian idea or lesson, and adding preschool finger plays, games, art and craft activities and both Christian and secular children's music, I was able to offer a preschool storytime that was fun, relevant, and effective in teaching basic Christian truths.

It is my wish that readers drawn to this site might implement Christian Preschool Storytimes in their churches, Christian libraries, and Christian schools. Read my storytime plans for ideas on how to organize your own story hours, or use them as they are (each one has been tried, tested, and approved in a storytime setting with real kids!) Good luck!!