Reading Is a Vital Part of Nursery Ministry

Nursery caregivers have the responsibility of providing a positive church experience for their children. By creating a warm, loving environment, they let children know church is a special place where they are loved.

A good way to make one-to-one connections with children is through reading. Reading aloud to children in the church nursery program serves two important purposes:

First, children receive comfort from a soft, soothing voice. Children in the nursery will respond positively to voices they perceive as kind. By reading quietly to one child at a time, you create an all-important connection that makes each child feel special.

Second, when reading Bible stories, you make early connections to words such as Jesus, the Bible, and love. According to pediatricians, the infant and toddler years are the foundational years for brain formation and development. Specialists say the importance of reading to children during these early years cannot be stressed enough.

Reading provides the foundation for understanding and loving the written language. Children acquire the basics from watching adults read. They learn that words go from left to right, then we turn the page. They begin to understand the symbols they see on the page hold meaning. Children who have been read to from an early age have an easier time learning to read.

How can we use reading to meet the needs of children in the church nursery? As they grow, children have different needs. Newborn babies are not interested in a story line, but they are interested in your closeness and your voice. Babies will not understand what you read, but they will feel safe in a secure, loving environment.

Older babies will need a more advanced approach to reading. Whenever possible, hold a child on your lap when you read. This kind of contact will provide a feeling of safety and comfort the child will associate with books and reading. Follow the words with your finger as you read; this teaches children words go from left to right. It is also important to use an animated, enthusiastic voice. Imitate facial expressions of the characters, give characters different voices, and use sound effects. Children love books that are textured. Different fabrics, bumps, water pockets--anything children can touch and feel will keep their interest.

As children grow older, involve them in the reading experience. Allow the child to turn the pages. Point to objects and ask what they are. Ask the child to point out the different characters. If you are reading a familiar story, leave the sentence unfinished and let the child fill in the appropriate word.

In your nursery, set aside a place for reading. Create a comfortable corner with carpet squares, pillows, or blankets. Keep other toys out of the area so children learn it is a "special" corner for reading. If your nursery is not well-equipped with reading materials suitable for infants, hold a book shower for your church nursery. Prepare a list of appropriate books, and ask church members to supply the books or money to purchase the books.

Successful, loving ministry to babies plays a major role in their lives and in the life of your church. By making reading a vital part of your nursery ministry, you make a difference in the lives of children from the very beginning.

-- contributed by Stephanie D. Harris