With KidsOnline’s robust online learning materials development capabilities, powered by purpose-trained AI, even Christian preschools in remote areas, with limited access to the Internet, can make use of pre-developed learning materials that cater to this play-based, multi-sensory, and story-rich teaching and learning approach.
From KidsOnline’s recent participation in a teachers’ workshop with the Association of Christian Schools of Nigeria (ACSN), we have come up with the following best practices:
1. Alphabet with Biblical Anchors
- Preschools can teach young children each letter with a biblical object, character, or story (for example, A for Ark, B for Bible, C for Creation).
- Reinforce the letter sound alongside a short, age-appropriate Bible verse or phrase.
- Use flashcards, picture books, and tactile letters (foam, wood, sandpaper) to engage different senses. KidsOnline can design culturally-appropriate flashcards and picture books for preschool children from Nigeria to Ghana to Kenya to use.
2. Storytelling and Role Play
- In the class, teachers tell Bible stories to young students in simple, engaging language with pictures, puppets, or dramatization; capture these moments and share them on KidsOnline’s app with parents for reinforcement learning at home.
- Encourage children to act out key parts of the story—this builds comprehension, confidence, and memory.
3. Songs, Rhymes, and Movement
- Use alphabet songs with biblical themes. Add movement (clapping, dancing, pointing to letters) so children associate learning with joy.
- Scripture memory verses can be sung in simple tunes for easier recall.
- Here is link to a song and movement learning activity on Letter A and the Biblical verse “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!”, developed by KidsOnline for Nigerian preschools under the Association of Christian Schools of Nigeria: Link to “Learning Letter A” songs and body movements materials.
4. Play-Based Learning Centers
- Reading corner: Bible story picture books and alphabet charts.
- Art corner: Drawing letters and story scenes.
- Building corner: Blocks to “rebuild Noah’s Ark” while identifying letters. Using KidsOnline Teacher app, preschool teachers can develop block-building instructions for young students to follow.
5. Family and Community Connection
- Share weekly alphabet–Bible activities with parents (e.g., “This week: Letter D, David and Goliath”) via the KidsOnline app.
- Encourage parents to practice verses at home during family devotion, and share back these moments through the KidsOnline app with the preschool teachers!
The key is to blend phonics, storytelling, and play with spiritual formation. This way, children learn letters and sounds while also experiencing the Bible as a source of joy, meaning, and identity.
Let KidsOnline help Christian preschools and kindergartens in English-speaking countries across Africa to achieve the goal of teaching 3–5-year-olds the alphabet while introducing them to the Bible effectively, in alignment with each country’s cultural context.
Read more about KidsOnline at http://www.nigeria.kidsonline.io and reach out to teacher Egbeji Godspromise Iveoghene, KidsOnline Nigeria’s Representative at tel/whatsapp: +84 35 663 5634 or email: geepee@kidsonline.io, to discuss enriching your preschool’s teaching plan in the new school year with KidsOnline.