From wonder to stewardship: How preschoolers are learning to care for God’s world

How do flowers grow? Where does water come from? And why does the moon follow us wherever we go? If you have a preschooler at home, you have probably been asked these endless questions as your child wanders – and wonders – about the world around them. Though not always easy to answer, these questions reflect a growing awareness […] The post From wonder to stewardship: How preschoolers are learning to care for God’s world appeared first on Salt&Light.

Religion Apr 14, 2026 0 3 Add to Reading List

From wonder to stewardship: How preschoolers are learning to care for God’s world

How do flowers grow? Where does water come from? And why does the moon follow us wherever we go?

If you have a preschooler at home, you have probably been asked these endless questions as your child wanders – and wonders – about the world around them.

Though not always easy to answer, these questions reflect a growing awareness of the beauty, order and mystery of the earth.

More than that, they present a valuable opportunity to guide our little ones towards a deeper understanding of the world and their role in caring for it.

A student interacting with a live bird at 2025’s iteration of Creation C.A.R.E, which focused on the importance of birds in our environment.

This is precisely what Creation C.A.R.E (an acronym for Children’s Action to Rescue Earth) seeks to do for some 1,000 children from 40 Christian preschools across Singapore this year.

Organised by Presbyterian Preschool Services (PPS) for the Christian preschool community, Creation C.A.R.E, which began in 2022, is an annual programme that aims to educate preschoolers on the importance of caring for God’s world, and to inspire them to do so in small yet meaningful ways.

Little stewards of God’s world

Alicia Yah, who oversees this year’s iteration, explained that the Creation C.A.R.E journey, which runs for 10 weeks this year instead of six weeks in previous years, starts by harnessing a child’s natural inclination for wonder.

Children from Little Seeds Preschool observing birds in nature. Photo from Little Seeds Preschool’s Facebook page.

“Children are educated to notice the beauty, order, and life around them, and to ask simple yet deep questions: Who made this? Why is it beautiful? Why should we care?” said Alicia, who is Head of English Curriculum and Professional Development and Programmes at Little Olive Tree, a chain of preschools operated by PPS.

Students with a kingfisher sculpture built from recycled materials.

Through nature encounters, guided conversations and stories, including the biblical story of creation, children are then gently led to see that God created the world and everything in it, declared His creation good and entrusted it to the care of mankind.

“While many other schools were doing Earth Day as part of their community work, we wanted to delve deeper into the ‘why’ of taking care of the earth. Just as God loves and cherishes His creation, we too are called to love and care for it, becoming responsible stewards of the earth,” said Alicia.

As the children begin to see themselves as stewards of God’s creation, they go on to learn how human actions impact the earth by exploring real environmental issues such as waste, pollution, conservation and sustainability.

Preschoolers from Little Olive Tree (Bethany) at 2023’s public showcase.

Through participating in simple yet meaningful initiatives, such as clean-up efforts, recycling projects, caring for nature and raising community awareness, they come to understand the difference their actions can make.

Finally, they are given the space to express all that they have experienced through art. Using recycled materials, natural elements, mixed media and creative techniques, the students use their creativity to voice their care, concern and commitment to the environment.

Students from Little Seeds Preschool working on their Creation C.A.R.E artefact together. Photo from Little Seeds Preschool’s Facebook page.

The Creation C.A.R.E journey then culminates in a collective presentation, which is open to the public, where children can showcase their discoveries, artworks and actions, to advocate caring for God’s creation to the wider community.

After the presentation, the artworks will continue to be displayed in the different preschools so that the children, along with all those who visit the schools, are reminded of what they have learnt.

A bird’s nest, made out of recycled and natural materials.

“Our hope is that caring for creation grows beyond being a one-time, enjoyable project for our children. We aspire for it to nurture a God-honouring mindset that shapes their everyday lives, choices and habits,” said Alicia.

Nurturing curiosity, stewardship

This year’s theme is Kinder Gardener, which focuses on gardening, planting, patience and growth.

Children from Little Seeds Preschool learning about a stick insect.

Alicia explained: “Aligned with this year’s theme, children will explore their relationship with the natural environment through hands-on gardening activities.

“Through this process, they will not only learn about plant life and ecosystems, but also cultivate important values such as patience, responsibility, and care.

Children from Bethel Day Care Centre participating in a special programme at the Creation C.A.R.E showcase.

“Children will have opportunities to plant and nurture their own greenery, as well as collaborating with experienced gardeners to deepen their understanding of planting techniques. Furthermore, they will engage with the use of recycled materials to design and produce sculptures or artwork, which will be featured in the event showcase.

Learning from others’ presentations.

“We want our children to see themselves as both gardeners of the earth and gardeners of the heart – learning that just as plants need care to flourish, so do our character and our responsibility toward God’s creation.”

Students are taught that at the heart behind creation care is the Creator God.

The theme of Kinder Gardener follows past year’s Creation C.A.R.E themes, which include Orangutan and its Rainforest Friends (2023), Rooted in Beauty: A Celebration of Trees (2024) and Symphony of Wings (2025), which taught children about the vital role of birds in our world.

An artefact made from recycled materials by students at 2024’s Rooted in Beauty: A Celebration of Trees.

The preschools participating in this year’s programme include 16 Little Olive Tree Preschools, nine Little Seeds Preschools, six Methodist Preschools, four New Life Preschool Services Preschools, Bethel Day Care, Zion-Bishan Kindercare, New Life Kindercare, Centre of New Life Schoolhouse and The Chinese Kindergarten.

The Creation C.A.R.E journey brings together students from Christian preschools across Singapore.

The children will showcase their learnings and artworks to their family, friends and the public at Perennial Business City from May 22 to May 24.

Encouraging all to attend, Alicia said: “Come and see what the children can do as advocates of caring for God’s creation, and how we continue to build deep foundations in children for them to have a God-honouring mindset.”