Now that pre-school children have playschools, nurseries and pre-school groups, it is important that the church is a place where this learning is built upon and extended. Above all, these young people need to see the church as a place where they are welcome. They need to know that they are listened to and respected, and that they are loved and cared for by God who is ever with them.

The church may be the only place where there is a concern for their spiritual as well as their physical and educational growth. It is of the utmost importance that we give proper attention and resources to this privilege that is given to us.

The Candles teaching provides just the resources which this age group needs. For each week we start with an aim which is clearly set out, a list of Bible readings, a teaching idea to read as written or adapt as fits the ability of the teacher. The worksheet, which is easily photocopiable, features activities such as cutting out and colouring in and the text is very bold and simple, appealing to pre-school senses. Each session then ends with a prayer and a song. There is also space for any notes the teacher might want to make. All of this resource book has been created specifically for pre-school children and will appeal to their exploratory nature; it is also firmly rooted in the Sunday readings of Common Worship, Year A.