Welcome, We’re Glad You’re Here
Chances are you got here by attending one of Dr. Mimi Larson’s Breakout sessions at CPC 2024. Welcome! Dr. Larson is the Executive Director of the Center for Faith and Children at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. In addition to serving for 25 years as a children’s ministry leader in the local church, Dr. Larson has done extensive research on early childhood faith formation. The CFC team has put together a page of resources for you that we hope will bless you and the preschoolers you care about. Read on to discover some resources we love!
Books we Love
We know it can be tough to find and evaluate resources online. We want to help! These are books we’ve looked at and held in our hands. In many cases, these are books we’ve used in our own ministries. At CFC, we love theologically-rich resources that take children seriously and are created with the unique ways that young children learn and process the world in mind. We don’t have space for everything, but here are a few books we love!
Catechesis Books has a variety of beautiful, durable board books and other resources that explore theological concepts for the littlest ones among us. We especially love We Believe and Psalms of Praise.
The God Loves Me Storybook set contains 52 short, rhyming Bible storybooks especially written for 2-3 year olds. We love how each book connects with young children through an invitation into the story at the beginning and a wondering question at the end. Check it out! We bet you’ll love them too!
The bright illustrations in The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible make it one that your preschoolers will beg to read over and over. We love how many stories this Bible includes, the bright illustrations, and the playful feel it maintains while taking children seriously & communicating Jesus’ deep love for them.
We love all of Sally Lloyd Jones’ books, but The Jesus Storybook Bible is a favorite for older preschoolers. With masterful artwork and beautiful storytelling, this Story Bible shows how every story in the Bible points to Jesus. We love that you can get this Bible in a variety of languages, including a bilingual English/Spanish version.
Music We Love
Looking for songs your preschoolers will love to dance to? We made you this playlist of songs that we bet you will love just as much as the littles in your life! We love the way these songs are rich in theology and content and playful and fun. Who knows? You just might find your new favorite song.
Books we Love for Parents of Preschoolers
You probably know that the first few years of a child’s life are some of the most important developmentally. This includes their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual development. Children this age can know and be known by God, just as they are. Want to help parents understand how children learn and join their children on the journey of faith, right where they are? Check these resources out!
While it is an older book, the concepts in Right From the Start are timeless and applicable to all parents of babies through preschoolers. We love how this book helps parents understand the importance of development in the early years and helps them make the most of the first three years in regards to their child’s faith development!
Teach Your Children Well will inspire parents in your church with a vision for faith formation from birth through the teenage years. We love how this book paints a beautiful picture of the opportunity parents have to join their children in the life of faith and offers practical, inspiring tips that parents can use right away! You can also check out the author’s library of free resources.
Creative ways to PLAY & PRAY
For many preschool children, words don’t come as naturally as big muscle movement, play, or exploration. Their primary language is play. God wants to connect with children as they are! Sensory prayer activities can help young children engage in prayer as the practice of being with God, even if they don’t have words. Below are a few examples of what playful prayer can look like with preschoolers. Scroll through our slideshow of ideas below, and download the PDF with links here.
Want More?
At the Center for Faith and Children at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Dr. Mimi Larson is leading a dynamic team to reimagine church where a child’s faith flourishes. We are here to serve ministry leaders just like you! We have new initiatives rolling out all of 2024 including a podcast, a conference, a certificate program, and much more.
Walking on Dry Land 