Sing-Along Songs for Preschoolers

Here are some fun sing-along songs that are easy for twos and threes and preschoolers to learn, and are sung to familiar tunes. (Music is also included.) Best of all, they teach Christian concepts in ways tiny tots can remember! Feel free to also make up new words and verses to the tunes to create songs your class enjoys.


Jesus Gives Me Joy

Tune: ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT

Joy, joy, joy, joy
I give Jesus joy.
Just because I love Him so,
I give Jesus joy.

Joy, joy, joy, joy
Jesus gives me joy.
Every day along my way,
Jesus gives me joy.

 I Can Use My Hands and Feet

Tune: MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB

I can use my hands and feet (move both hands and feet),
hands and feet, hands and feet.
I can use my hands and feet
to help with all the work.

I can use my arms and legs (move arms and legs),
arms and legs, arms and legs.
I can use my arms and legs
to run and play each day.

Oh, We Can Praise Jesus

Tune: DID YOU EVER SEE A LASSIE?

Oh, we can praise Jesus, praise Jesus, praise Jesus (skip in a circle).
Oh, we can praise Jesus (stop)
This way and that (sway to the left, then to the right).
By clapping, by clapping, by clapping, by clapping (clap).
Oh, we can praise Jesus this way and that (sway left, then right).

For more verses, substitute different actions and words for the clapping. Try singing, praying, ringing (pretend bells), or other actions the children think of.

Preschool VBS Programs

Many of you have most likely debated over whether or not you should include preschoolers in your VBS program—and you're not alone! If you do include preschoolers, you'll want to be sure they have their own age-appropriate programming, which some programs don't include.

Preschoolers are wiggly, giggly, and filled with enthusiasm. We've created 2 specially-designed VBS preschool programs with these characteristics in mind. Each one will work as a stand-alone program, or along with whatever VBS program you're using.

The Jesus in Nazareth Preschool VBS is a five-day VBS program including Bible stories, snacks, crafts, and games with reproducible student sheets and colorful visuals. Your little ones can travel to the Marketplace and enjoy the stories of Jesus written at their own level. Crafts and games in the Preschool Leader’s Guide are preschool-friendly. The preschool VBS program is completely flexible.

This VBS program is a great way to include your younger children with activities written just for them.

Each day, preschoolers will:

• Hear a Bible story about Jesus written for their age level 
• Learn short Bible memory words 
• Do coloring activities 
• Play games 
• Make a simple craft to take home 
• Have yummy snacks (suggestions are given in the Snack Leader's Guide, or you may choose to use some of the snack ideas from the marketplace in your elementary VBS program)

The Jesus in Nazareth Preschool VBS includes everything you need to give children ages 2-5 their own VBS. More information & samples >

This Joseph in Egypt Preschool VBS is also a great program to supplement your elementary VBS program this summer (or use as a stand-alone Preschool program). Written especially for 2- to 5-year-olds, this five-day VBS program includes Bible stories, snacks, crafts, and games with reproducible student sheets and colorful visuals. Your little ones can travel to the Marketplace and enjoy the stories of Joseph written at their own level.

The Preschool Leader’s Guide includes decorating ideas, tips for working with preschoolers, a suggested rotation schedule, and a preschool sign-in sheet. The download contains separate job descriptions for your Snack Leader, Bible Story Leader, Games Leader, and Crafts Leader. You can print instructions for the leaders each day of your VBS so they can collect any needed supplies and decide which options to use.

This program also includes registration cards, safety tips, a course overview, coloring pages with NLT and NIV memory verses, “How to Lead a Child to Christ,” recruiting tips, and lots more.

The Joseph in Egypt Preschool VBS includes everything you need to give children ages 2-5 their own VBS. More information & samples >

Whichever program(s) you decide to use, you may want to begin each day of your VBS with elementary children and preschoolers together for a time of opening music. Be prepared to have one or two helpers take the two-year-olds to your preschool classroom for free play if the large group setting becomes overwhelming. We recommend ending each day with a prayer time especially for your preschoolers and then letting the preschool children have free play until their parents arrive.

You can shop all VBS programs in our VBS Store. We guarantee the lowest prices, plus you'll receive FREE SHIPPING on order of $99 or more. Shop now >

Recruiting and Training Preschool Leaders and Helpers

The adult leaders and helpers have some of the most important roles in starting and running your preschool program. They are the ones who will provide the very early church experiences for your preschoolers and will act as guides to help the children explore Bible truths.

"You may feel that because you are teaching twos and threes, you don't need much wisdom or spiritual discernment," says Mary A. Barbour in her book You Can Teach 2s & 3s. "But you soon discover you need a great deal, for you are working with children while they are at their most impressionable level of development.

"Your responsibilities are great to keep yourself growing in Christian virtues and to know the Saviour better day by day. This you may do with an open Bible, an open heart, and an open line of communication with the Lord through frequent, earnest prayer. And the more you grow as a Christian, the better teacher you will be."*

To ensure your preschoolers the very best experiences in your program, look for leaders and teachers with the following qualifications:

• Are dedicated Christians who seek to live for Christ daily, who study God's Word, and who know the plan of salvation
• Are tuned in to kids, and able to build upon their natural interests
• Enjoy sharing in the children's joy of discovery
• Are warm, outgoing, and have a genuine love and sensitivity for children
• Have a basic understanding of children in terms of their physical, mental, and emotional development, and their spiritual needs
• Are reliable and disciplined to prepare for each meeting
• Are suitable role models for children

How to Recruit Preschool Leaders

Prayerfully and with a lot of help! This is a big job, so meet with your Christian education director, children's pastor, or Sunday school superintendent. Begin with prayer, asking the Lord to direct you to the people whom He wants to teach your precious preschoolers. Ask Him to prepare the hearts of these people to be receptive to becoming preschool leaders or helpers.

Then make a list of qualified people who might be interested, and make an appointment to visit them in their homes. Explain the preschool program and the responsibilities of a preschool leader or helper. Ask him or her to pray about the decision, and if desired, leave a specific job description with him or her.

It is good to involve a variety of people in working with your preschool program: fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, college students, or adults with older children may all enjoy working with twos and threes. Make a concerted effort to get men involved in the program—particularly fathers of twos and threes. They will love it, and so will the kids. A man in the classroom often helps to reduce discipline problems, too.

Organize a list of "substitute" teachers from which to draw when a regular leader or helper is unable to attend. Be sure to fill each vacancy as soon as possible.

There are most likely people in your church who aren't available on a weekly basis or just don't want to be tied to a schedule, but do like to help when presented with a special need, such as VBS. These are the people who can help you by preparing handcraft materials, cutting out visuals, or making or providing snacks. Senior citizens and singles are particularly receptive to this idea. Show your appreciation for their help, just as you show your appreciation to your regular leaders and helpers.

The leaders are the most important part of your preschool program—not because they do everything themselves, but because they are the only means through which children can be truly involved and discipled. The most successful preschool group is usually the one where the adult leaders do less so the children can do more. This is the toughest kind of leadership, but it's the kind that produces disciples and leaders in your students.

*Mary A. Barbour, You Can Teach 2s & 3s (Wheaton, IL: Victor books, 1987), 33.

Should You Include Preschoolers in Your VBS Program?

If you've been debating whether or not you should include preschoolers in your VBS program—you're not alone! If you do include preschoolers, you'll want to be sure they have their own age-appropriate programming.

Some VBS programs include preschool, but for those that don't, you'll need to figure out how to include these precious little ones.

Preschoolers are wiggly, giggly, and filled with enthusiasm. We've created 3 VBS preschool programs with all of these characteristics in mind. Each one will work as a stand-alone program, or along with whatever VBS program you're using. They're buzzing with fun for little ones, helpers, and everyone involved. Children will explore God's Word and learn how to apply it to their lives.

The special summer edition of the Preschool All-in-One Kit includes a VBS option. Each quarter of this preschool curriculum can also be used for any time you have preschoolers (children's church, midweek, MOPS, or more). The curriculum contains a full quarter (13 weeks) of lessons, with instructions on how to adapt for a 5-day or 10-day vacation Bible school program. Plus, there's an optional Awards Program available if you'd like to supplement your kids' Bible learning. It is totally flexible and designed to work with whichever elementary program you choose.
Each day, preschoolers will:

• Participate in age-appropriate, hands-on learning centers 
• Watch a brief puppet show that introduces them to the Bible theme of the day 
• Do a finger play or action rhyme to help get the wiggles out before the Bible story 
• Hear a Bible story written for their age level 
• Learn short Bible memory words 
• Do coloring activities 
• Play games 
• Make a simple craft to take home 
• Have yummy snacks (suggestions are given in the Leader's Guide, or you may choose to use some of the snack ideas from your elementary VBS program) 

The Preschool All-in-One Kit includes everything you need to teach children ages 2-5 in one classroom! More information & samples >

The Jesus in Nazareth Preschool VBS is designed to supplement your elementary VBS program. Written especially for 2- to 5-year-olds, this five-day VBS program includes Bible stories, snacks, crafts, and games with reproducible student sheets and colorful visuals. Your little ones can travel to the Marketplace before the older children but can also enjoy the stories of Jesus written at their own level. Crafts and games in the Preschool Leader’s Guide are preschool-friendly. The preschool VBS program is completely flexible.

This VBS is available with a Preschool Leader’s Guide plus CD-ROM. This is a great way to include your younger children with activities written just for them.

Each day, preschoolers will:

• Hear a Bible story about Jesus written for their age level 
• Learn short Bible memory words 
• Do coloring activities 
• Play games 
• Make a simple craft to take home 
• Have yummy snacks (suggestions are given in the Snack Leader's Guide, or you may choose to use some of the snack ideas from the marketplace in your elementary VBS program)

The Jesus in Nazareth Preschool VBS includes everything you need to give children ages 2-5 their own VBS. More information & samples >

This Joseph in Egypt Preschool VBS is also a great program to supplement your elementary VBS program this summer. Written especially for 2- to 5-year-olds, this five-day VBS program includes Bible stories, snacks, crafts, and games with reproducible student sheets and colorful visuals. Your little ones can travel to the Marketplace before the older children but can also enjoy the stories of Joseph written at their own level.

The Preschool Leader’s Guide includes decorating ideas, tips for working with preschoolers, a suggested rotation schedule, and a preschool sign-in sheet. The download contains separate job descriptions for your Snack Leader, Bible Story Leader, Games Leader, and Crafts Leader. You can print instructions for the leaders each day of your VBS so they can collect any needed supplies and decide which options to use. The download also includes registration cards, safety tips, a course overview, coloring pages with NLT and NIV memory verses, “How to Lead a Child to Christ,” recruiting tips, and lots more.

The Joseph in Egypt Preschool VBS includes everything you need to give children ages 2-5 their own VBS. More information & samples >

Whichever program(s) you decide to use, you may want to begin each day of your VBS with elementary children and preschoolers together for a time of opening music. Be prepared to have one or two helpers take the two-year-olds to your preschool classroom for free play if the large group setting becomes overwhelming. We recommend ending each day with a prayer time especially for your preschoolers and then letting the preschool children have free play until their parents arrive.

So, our answer to the question, "Should we include Preschoolers in our VBS?" Yes. If you can recruit the volunteers to do so (more on that tomorrow)...you'll be glad you did when you see their eyes light up throughout the week. You'll be planting seeds in those precious little hearts, and if even one of those children comes to know Christ, it's all worth it for His kingdom.

Creating a Preschool-Friendly VBS

Setting up VBS for Preschoolers

Young children who have not attended VBS before may not be comfortable with some of the large group activities planned for your elementary VBS. You can help by setting up specific preschool areas for the Bible story, free play, crafts, games, and snacks. It may help to divide your preschoolers (or any of your young students from age two to five) into groups of 8-10, with an adult or youth leader for each group. The groups can rotate through each activity station, combining with other preschool groups for the Bible story, games, and snacks.

It may also help to have a "quiet room" with puzzles, coloring pages, and picture books for your toddlers and preschoolers. Children who finish the craft early or who tire of the large-group activity can spend time in the quiet room reading picture books or doing quiet activities with an adult or youth helper.

If your VBS begins with elementary children and preschoolers together for a time of opening music, be prepared to have one or two helpers take younger children to your preschool classroom for free play if the large group setting (or the loud music) becomes overwhelming.

Use similar VBS-themed decorations for your preschool rooms as you use for your elementary VBS. Just make sure to use decorations without small parts that your little ones can swallow. A good test is to use only those items that are too large to fit inside a cardboard paper towel tube.

Place an attendance chart in your preschool area(s). Give each child a sticker as he enters and help him place it in the appropriate square on the chart. (Some children may prefer not to do this, which is fine. A helper can add stickers for them instead.) An attendance chart can be a wonderful distraction for your twos and threes who may have difficulty saying goodbye to Mom. Greet the child by  name (stoop down so you can look him in the eye), help him say goodbye and give Mom a hug, then hand him a sticker and help him find his name on the chart. You can purchase themed VBS stickers as well as Bible stickers, cross stickers, glitter stickers, and colorful attendance and memory verse charts from eChurchDepot.com.

Free Play for Preschoolers

Provide the following toys and supplies for your preschool free play area(s). Ask church members and preschool leaders for donations. Make sure they label their items if they want them to be returned after VBS. Conclude your free-play time with a bathroom break.

• Blocks: Wooden, plastic, or cardboard blocks in different sizes, shapes, and colors; toy people and animals; toy vehicles; manipulative building toys; but nothing with sharp edges or small parts.

• Art: Crayons, washable markers, and chalk; white paper and construction paper; poster paper taped along a wall and over tables for murals; paper shapes for coloring and decorating; stickers; tape for hanging artwork from walls and ceiling.

• Disguises: Costumes, shoes, masks, scarves, capes, plastic sunglasses, purses and bags, and dress-up clothes for boys and girls.

• Dramatic Play: Dolls, doll clothes, plastic cell phones, toy cameras, stuffed animals, small chairs or large pillows, doll beds, dishes, toy food, doll strollers, plastic shopping carts.

• Books: Various picture books showing items familiar to young children such as nature, farm animals, pets, friends, family, church, preschool, etc. Include several VBS theme-related picture books, if available.

• Puzzles: Colorful cardboard and wooden framed puzzles with 25 pieces or less, some with knobs.

Use the new Jesus in Nazareth Preschool VBS from Christian Ed. Publishers this summer to supplement your elementary VBS program from Group, Hometown Nazareth. Written especially for 2- to 5-year-olds, this five-day preschool VBS program includes Bible stories, snacks, crafts, and games with reproducible student sheets and colorful visuals on CD-ROM. You can view samples and take a look at the contents and course overview for the Jesus in Nazareth Preschool VBS. Order the spiral-bound book with CD.

Now you're on your way to a fun-filled, stress-free VBS for your young toddlers and preschoolers!

Preschool Jesus in Nazareth VBS

Use this new Jesus in Nazareth Preschool VBS from Christian Ed. Publishers to supplement your elementary  Hometown Nazareth VBS program this summer. Written especially for 2- to 5-year-olds, this five-day preschool VBS program from Christian Ed Publishers includes Bible stories, snacks, crafts, and games with reproducible student sheets and colorful visuals on CD-ROM. Your little ones can travel to the Marketplace before the older children but can also enjoy the stories of Jesus (from birth to resurrection) written at their own level. Crafts and games in the Preschool Leader’s Guide are preschool-friendly.

The preschool VBS program is completely flexible and makes a wonderful supplement to your elementary program. So if you want to have your preschoolers play some of the “Pyramid Playground” games planned for the elementary children, they can! (The Fun and Games Leader Manual and the Shopkeeper Leader Manual for the Marketplace are sold separately.) Jesus in Nazareth Preschool VBS is a great way to include your younger children with activities written just for them.

The Preschool VBS Leader’s Guide includes decorating ideas, tips for working with preschoolers, a suggested rotation schedule, and a reproducible preschool sign-in sheet. The CD-ROM contains separate job descriptions for your Snack Leader, Bible Story Leader, Games Leader, and Crafts Leader. You can print instructions for the leaders each day of your VBS so they can collect any needed supplies and decide which options to use. The CD-ROM also includes registration cards, safety tips, a course overview, coloring pages with NLT, NIV and KJV memory verses, “How to Lead a Child to Christ,” storytelling tips, recruiting ideas, and lots more.

Preview samples and take a look at the contents of this VBS written especially for preschoolers. Jesus in Nazareth Preschool VBS from Christian Ed. Publishers includes a Preschool Leader’s Guide plus CD-ROM...all for only $29.95! Bring the feel of ancient Nazareth to your preschool VBS this summer, and help your little ones understand that God sent His Son to live and die and come alive again for them. May God bless you as you begin your VBS adventure in Nazareth and teach children (and families) about God's Son, Jesus!

New! Downloadable Sunday School Curriculum

A great way to follow up your VBS program, is by inviting your students to join you for Sunday school. With NEW Downloadable Sunday School Curriculum from Christian Ed. Publishers, Sunday school has never been this easy and affordable!


Our NEW Bible Foundations Sunday school curriculum download includes everything: Teacher's Bible lesson plans, student sheets, memory verse activities, games, and crafts for 13 weeks each quarter. And it's all reproducible. No need to purchase extra teacher books and extra student materials. Print only what you need! There's never any waste.

Our Bible lessons give you lots of options. You choose the activities that work best with your students. Your teachers will love our easy-to-follow instructions and minimal prep time. Plus all crafts are designed to use simple household supplies. Make extra copies of lesson plans for all your teachers. Print as many as you need of reproducible Student Sheets with exciting crafts, activities, and Bible story review games for class use and to extend the Bible learning at home.
We offer three age levels: Preschool: Ages 2-5, Early Elementary: Grades 1, 2 & 3 and Upper Elementary: Grades 4, 5 & 6. You can have multiple classrooms for each grade level with no added cost. For example, if you have a separate class for two-year-olds, another for three-year-olds, and another class for 4-year-olds, you simply copy as many teacher guides as you need—Fall quarter on sale now for only $59.95!


Check out our three-year Scope and Sequence, FREE sample lessons and special introductory prices. Plus save $40 when you buy all four quarters with our annual subscription plan. Learn more>

All prices are based on your class size. Once you choose whether to order a quarterly or annual subscription, select under 50 students if your Grades 1-3 class size total less than 50 children. If your total is 50 or more students, pay one low price, no matter how big your classes grow.

Still have questions? Call us at 800-854-1531 or download the sample lessons to see for yourself why we believe our Sunday school curriculum downloads from Christian Ed Publishers is the best choice for your kids and for your church!

Also available...Preschool (Ages 2-5) coming August 16 and Upper Elementary (Grades 4-6) available August 23.

Preschool Joseph in Egypt VBS

Use this new Joseph in Egypt Preschool VBS from Christian Ed. Publishers to supplement your elementary  Egypt VBS program this summer. Written especially for 2- to 5-year-olds, this five-day preschool VBS program from Christian Ed Publishers includes Bible stories, snacks, crafts, and games with reproducible student sheets and colorful visuals on CD-ROM. Your little ones can travel to the Marketplace before the older children but can also enjoy the stories of Joseph (from prison to palace) written at their own level. Crafts and games in the Preschool Leader’s Guide are preschool-friendly.

The preschool VBS program is completely flexible and makes a wonderful supplement to your elementary program. So if you want to have your preschoolers play some of the “Pyramid Playground” games planned for the elementary children, they can! (The Pyramid Playground Leader Manual and the Shopkeeper Leader Manual for the Marketplace are sold separately.) Joseph in Egypt Preschool VBS is a great way to include your younger children with activities written just for them.

The Preschool VBS Leader’s Guide includes decorating ideas, tips for working with preschoolers, a suggested rotation schedule, and a reproducible preschool sign-in sheet. The CD-ROM contains separate job descriptions for your Snack Leader, Bible Story Leader, Games Leader, and Crafts Leader. You can print instructions for the leaders each day of your VBS so they can collect any needed supplies and decide which options to use. The CD-ROM also includes registration cards, safety tips, a course overview, coloring pages with NLT and NIV memory verses, “How to Lead a Child to Christ,” storytelling tips, recruiting ideas, and lots more.

Preview samples and take a look at the contents of this VBS written especially for preschoolers. Joseph in Egypt Preschool VBS from Christian Ed. Publishers includes a Preschool Leader’s Guide plus CD-ROM...all for only $24.95! Or, if you need it tomorrow, order the download version. Bring the feel of ancient Egypt to your preschool VBS this summer, and help your little ones understand that God loves and cares for them. May God bless you as you begin your VBS adventure and teach children (and families) about God's constant care!