Joy is a powerful emotion that children can experience in their everyday lives. This page offers fun and engaging activities to help preschoolers understand what joy is, how it feels, and how they can share it with others. Through Bible stories, songs, and creative play, children will learn to recognize joy as a gift from God and a way to brighten the world around them.
The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-20)
The angels announce the birth of Jesus, bringing "good news of great joy" to the shepherds.
The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
A father celebrates with great joy when his lost son returns home, teaching forgiveness and joy in reconciliation.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7)
The shepherd rejoices over finding his lost sheep, symbolizing God's joy when one person turns to Him.
Paul and Silas in Prison (Acts 16:16-40)
Despite being imprisoned, Paul and Silas sing songs of joy, trusting in God's deliverance.
The Resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-10)
The women at the tomb experience great joy when they learn that Jesus has risen from the dead.
Shorten the verses as appropriate for the child's developmental level.
Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)
The joy of the Lord is your strength.
Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
John 15:11 (NIV)
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV)
Rejoice always.
Psalm 100:2 (NIV)
Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Galatians 5:22 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.
Celebrate the journey to Jesus' birth with the interactive Christmas Advent Workbook! It features a fun tree-building activity and 25 engaging daily guides that explore Jesus' wonderful characteristics through crafts, songs, baking, and games. This delightful resource is perfect for families, churches, and preschools!
New words by Susan Sassaman
Happiness is Church on Sunday
Building us up
For life on Monday
Teaching our lives
To go in God's way
Happiness is the Lord.
Happiness is singing in the choir
Singing God's praise
Till our heart's on fire
Make a joyful noise
Is all He requires
Happiness is the Lord
Happiness is to be in God's Family
Brothers, sisters
That's you and me-
If in your heart
With God you agree
Happiness is the Lord
Happiness is being God's little lamb
Knowing our shepherd, knows where I am
He wants me close
To learn all I can
Happiness is the Lord
Happiness is Sunday School
Lovingly taught the Golden Rule
Taught all God's Word
For it's real cool!
Happiness is the Lord
Happiness is joy and peace
Even when trials seem to increase
God's love and care
Puts your heart at ease
Happiness is the Lord
Cut out three bells. Add "J" "O" and "Y" to each bell. On the "J" bell write, "1st Jesus." On the "O" bell, write "Then Others." On the "Y"bell, write "Yourself."
Play upbeat worship songs and have a dance party. Let the children express joy through movement. Songs like “This Is the Day” or “Rejoice in the Lord Always” are perfect for reinforcing joy while getting them excited. If available, add percussion instruments or bells.
Provide paper plates and have children create smiley faces using markers, paper cutouts, or stickers. Talk about how joy makes us feel happy inside and how we can share joy with others.
Help your preschooler discover the joy of books with a carefully chosen list of the best books and simple tips to make storytime fun and full of learning. This free packet provides easy ideas to keep your child engaged, grow their love of reading, and build important pre-reading skills—making reading together one of the best gifts you can give!
Blow bubbles and let the children pop them while talking about how joy can be shared with others, just like bubbles float and spread. Let them take turns blowing bubbles for each other to pop, spreading joy together.
Joy by Corrinne Averiss is a heartwarming story about a little girl named Fern who notices her grandmother isn't as happy as she used to be. Determined to bring joy back to her grandma, Fern tries to catch and collect joy. Through her journey, Fern learns that joy can't be held, but it can be shared through love and caring moments.
In The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving: The True Meaning of Christmas by Jan and Mike Berenstain, Brother and Sister Bear learn an important lesson about the true spirit of Christmas. As they get excited about the gifts they might receive, they also participate in their church’s Christmas Eve pageant, where they’re reminded that Christmas is about giving rather than getting.
Sounding Joy by Ellie Holcomb is a beautifully illustrated picture book that invites children to celebrate the joy of Christmas. Through a poetic narrative, the book explores the true meaning of Christmas, emphasizing the joy found in Jesus' birth. It encourages children to "sound the joy" by spreading love, kindness, and joy to others during the holiday season and beyond.
