Large Preschool Group: Tell the Story

Signal the beginning: Story presentation begins with a clear instruction that lets children know it is time to listen. Use something such as a special story bell, a finger play, blinking the lights, etc. Be careful not to overshadow or distract from the story. Provide an area where the children can have a clear, uncluttered view of the teacher.

Praise: As children reach their designated places, begin praising those who are sitting with their hands in their laps, their feet in front of them, and their eyes looking towards the teacher. Use statements like "I like the way Susan is . . ." For a child who is slow getting situated, say, "I like the way Stephen is going to sit down quickly."

Open your Bible: With your Bible open in front of you, tell the children that the Bible is God's Word and its stories are true.

Pray: Tell them the name of the book of the Bible for the day's story as you show it to them. Instruct them to bow their heads and hearts to God as you pray. Pray simply that God will help you tell the story the way He wants and that children will have open hearts to learn what God wants them to learn.

Begin: After praying, look as if you have something important to tell the children (to get their attention) and start immediately with your beginning statement.

Continue: Continue the story while watching for interest and attention levels of the children. Children who are openly disruptive should be removed and isolated by an assistant teacher or specially assigned helper (see below).

Conclude: Conclude the story with your ending statement and praise the children for their good attention. Immediately begin the story questions.

Topic Sections

Introduction
Tell the Story
Ask Questions
Expect Cooperation