Ali Thompson
"Once Jesus was in a certain place praying.
As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, 'Lord,
teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples' " (Luk...
Natalie Eggum
Your preschool ministry
offers an opportunity to infuse little ones with faith at one of
the most important moments in their lives.
If you work with preschoolers, it's l...
You'll need: A slice of poundcake for each child,
yellow frosting, Gummi Savers candies, thin licorice ropes, and
blunt knives.
Directions: Have children spread frosting ...
Jody Capehart
HOW CHILDREN SOLVE PROBLEMS
Children at this age are still highly multisensory. They learn
and solve problems when they touch and do. Three-year-olds may not
be as assert...
Our preschoolers love to draw with markers but so often lose or
forget to replace the caps. We created a simple marker caddy which
has worked well for us.
Using a block ...
1. A Bird's Eye View-(Supplies: paper and
markers.) Send children to tables with paper and markers.
Say: Pretend that you were a bird at Jesus' birth. Draw
what you w...
Bob Singleton
We were in the studio working on our new album when my music
assistant and I began to rehearse the kids chorus. It's my favorite
time in the studio, working with a group of ...
Every ministry has them --
quirky corners, pesky problems, and messy mishaps. Here are simple
solutions you can use to make sense of common
conundrums.
WHAT A SIGHT
...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Creation Mix: A fun and tasty snack that serves as a fun way to
tell the Creation story.
Day 1 -- God created the light and dark (mini Oreo
cookies).
Day 2 -- God se...
Peter Christian Olsen
What kids really know--and think--about the
Bible
"The first book of the Bible is called guinessis. God created
the world. When he got tired, he took the Sabbath day ...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Invite mothers, grandmothers, and special female guests to
accompany children to this party during your Sunday school or
children's church hour. Serve cupcakes and punch. Fo...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Try this creative way to keep each child's crafts cleary
identified to avoid end-of-class confusion.
Free Children's Ministry Idea:
In our Sunday school class, it's har...
Walter Norvell
What threatens growth in your ministry? Like a summer
garden, you need to clear out the "weeds" and "pests" if you want
your children's ministry to grow...
"Mary, Mar...
Jennifer Hooks
Transforming your Sunday school classroom into an
exciting learning environment for kids can be tough on a budget.
Here are 19 ideas that'll cost you next to nothing...
U...
Lori Haynes Niles
Use this snack to enhance fishy lessons such as Jonah
and the big fish...
You'll need vanilla wafers, vanilla pudding, blue food coloring,
whipped topping, chocolate wafe...
Children's Ministry Magazine
This small stuffed teddy bear came with a card of instructions
around his neck and a cross necklace. The children took turns
taking the bear home for one week. The card arou...
Children's Ministry Magazine
A sweet and tasty snack that packs a great lesson-Jesus pours
out his sweet love over us.
Stuff: Diced apples, caramel sauce, plastic
forks, and plastic bowls.
Give ea...
From frogs to bunblebees, these fun and creative cupcake
decorating ideas are sure to be a hit with your Sunday school class
at snack time.
Use this list of cupcake decor...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Here's a delicious way to send Valentine's Day greetings from
your children's ministry kids to visitors.
From "Age Level Insights 3 to 5"
featured in the January/February...
Sue Geiman
"Feelings" are more than an old song; they're the key to amazing
learning in your classroom!
I sit on the bench under the trees, smiling as I see little
hand- and footpri...
Children's Ministry Magazine
If you feel like you're constantly repeating directions or
shouting to get kids' attention, try unspoken cues to help kids
focus and gently remind them to pay attention.
...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Providing a way for older students to connect with their younger
buddies is a good way to ease transitions and empower students to
help one another.
Pair third- and fourt...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Instead of a card, I mail out these unique birthday wishes to my
kids on their special day -- along with a refreshing, sweet treat.
I purchase Kool-Aid drink packets and att...
Children's Ministry Magazine
As a parent, it's never easy to leave your clinging or sobbing
child to attend worship service. These transition tips will help
your child feel secure while you're away.
...
Virginia Shunkwiler
Discover five building blocks for teaching
toddlers...
"No, Mommy! I don't want to!" wailed my 2-year-old. She clung to
my neck as though I were sending her off to be...
Christine Yount Jones
Your kids can grasp a lot more than you
think
When 4-year-old Craig thought about Jesus "coming into his
heart"--a common metaphor for salvation-he had a vision...
Children's Ministry Magazine
My mother is so special,
she means so much to me.
She's patient, understanding,
and as gentle as can be.
She's lots of fun to be with
And she's always there for me.
Th...
Mary Ellen Drushal
Children usually learn to read by
recognizing combinations of letters. Learning to teach is similar.
Qualities and skills combine to make the teaching process
understan...
Maurcia Delean Houck
Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in
childhood. That's why it's so critical to teach young children how
to pray. As with most spiritual discipline...
Carol Younger
Storytelling tips for the novice and the
expert.
It can happen in almost any class. Kids are engaged in learning
through hands-on experiences, and then it hits. The class...
Nurturing conversations with God
and children at every stage.
Prayer is as simple as a conversation with a best friend and as
powerful as asking a king for help. How can...
Larry Shallenberger
How to make it the book for
kids!
Poll a thousand Sunday school teachers and you'll find a thousand
teachers who want to pass on their love of the Bible to children.
Ea...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Understand how kids of all ages make friends and how you
can nurture friendships
Ages 2 to 4
Sharing
Young children depend on others to
help them develop positive s...
Children's Ministry Magazine
We've developed a positive prayer time with our class of 2- and
3-year-olds. The children love it when I call them to our prayer
circle. We stand, hold hands, and say, "Jesu...
Children's Ministry Magazine
When 3- through 5-year-olds are combined in one class, the older
kids may get bored and troublesome. To keep the older kids
interested in class activities, I involve them in...
Jennifer Hooks
Time is money." We've all heard that. But time is a lot
more than just money -- it's the most precious, non-recyclable
commodity we have.
For some teachers, time is somet...
Susan Shadid
Have you ever been in a classroom where you can see or hear
another group of kids interacting and having fun -- and you're not?
The other teacher and group are lively, but y...
Steve Merritt
Once on a trip, when our car unexpectedly stopped moving
forward, a cranky tow truck driver showed up looking like a grizzly
bear rudely awakened from his winter hibernation...
Kristi Rector
Uh, oh! Those words, spoken by a child, can send a chill of
dread down the spine of every teacher -- what catastrophe awaits?
Kids seem to naturally attract small disast...
Ami Shroyer
Tap into the transforming power
of music in your ministry!
Movies tell a story -- a story most of us can recall for years
afterward. But what would movies be like withou...
Children's Ministry Magazine
One of the first things kids say when parents pick them up from
our program is, "I'm hungry!" So we help parents fill kids' tummies
to tide them over until lunch by offering...
Research shows that laughter plays an important role in both
physical and mental health. Laughter releases endorphins, chemicals
in your body that produce an overall feel-go...
Jennifer Root Wilger
HOW CHILDREN ARE
MOTIVATED
Children at this age are motivated by approval. They're making
exciting advances in their physical abilities, and they look to
adults to affir...
Lori Haynes Niles
They're all laughing at me!" She was 4 and three-quarters; her
big, brown eyes filled with unspeakable sadness. I'd been there all
along and couldn't see anyone laughing at ...
Lori Haynes Niles
No two snowflakes are alike. These amazingly complex
demonstrations of God's handiwork are absolutely unique, shaped by
a complex interchange between temperature, moisture c...
Jennifer Hooks
As kids enter elementary school, they also enter a time when
friendships become a central element in their lives. Kids this age
are still learning how to make friends, and t...
Pumpkin Dip
Stuff: An 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese, a 15-ounce
can of solid pumpkin, 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 teaspoons of pumpkin
pie spice, ½ teaspoon of gr...
Reader Submitted
Finger Food Prayers
Attach the corresponding Finger Food Prayers for toddlers to
bags of finger foods that families can take home.
O-Shaped Cereal -- O God, you show ...
Jennifer Hooks
Each new Sunday school year means new faces, new personalities,
and new opportunities to create a classroom environment that keeps
kids coming back. Great activities, re...
Delia Halverson
Younger children often have trouble grasping some of our adult
thelogical concepts, but they usually have little trouble accepting
a God who can do anything. How can we help...
Mary J. Davis
Bring on the white stuff with an avalanche of 20
free children's ministry activities and ideas for kids, families,
and teachers...
Whether kids live in the north, south,
...
Greg Baird
Resolve to do these five things, and you'll open the
door to better children's ministry.
Resolutions. We've all made them at some point or another. Most
likely, though...
Brenda Nixon
The top 10 statements of the under-3 set -- and why
these traits make teaching toddlers such a joy... and a
challenge.
Exasperating," "entertaining," and "extraordinary"...
Doris Schuchard
18 terrific food creations that are sure to spice up
your Bible lessons!
From the moment Jesus first broke bread with his disciples to last
Sunday when a Sunday school te...
A Caring Prayer
Gather family members in a circle. Hand your child a baby doll
wrapped in a small blanket. Tell each member to gently pass the
doll to the person sitting t...
Lynda Freeman
Easy -- and cheap -- ways to say "I care" all year
long.
[First-Class] Cards
Great times to send cards are birthdays, when children are absent,
and when children visi...
Clowns make children laugh. Smile. Snicker. Clowns can captivate
a child without saying a word. And a clown can teach a lesson a
child will never forget.
Clowning involve...
Lisa Newman
Since it first hit the airwaves in 1969, Sesame Street has
successfully wooed preschoolers with its mix of puppets, humor, and
simplicity. In fact, many parents and Sunday s...
Laurie Copley
Use these new alternatives to avoid common craft
pitfalls that can be impractical, overly messy, or downright unsafe
for your kids.
There are only a few short minutes le...
The 16 A+ ideas in this special section will keep your kids from
playing hooky from church!
Yellow school buses.
Crisp backpacks.
The smell of new school supplies.
...
Cathy Gould
The 13 best children's Bibles for use at home or in
the classroom.
"What Bible should I get for my son?" a mother asked me before
class one Sunday.
"Umm, well, what gr...
Lisa Cowman
Use this list of 19 time-fillers to make that extra
class time positive learning time.
AGES 2 AND 3
-Ring Around the Rosie-Play the usual way but sing, "With
kindness,...
Andrea Moore
6 ways to pray for others when you think there's no
time.
Prayer refreshes us, replenishes us, and enables us to walk with
God.
Too much to do and too little time to...
Mary Davis
You'll love these new ways to capture people's
interest.
Bulletin boards can inform, encourage, and motivate children and
volunteers. Before you jump in to these new bul...
Lois Putnam
MARVELOUS MOM CELEBRATION
Invite mothers, grandmothers, and special female guests to
accompany children to this party during your Sunday school or
children's church hour.
...
Give your kids a positive shot in the arm with these
ideas.
If there's one thing kids need today, it's an immunity to low
self-esteem. Many children are so infected by p...
Are you looking for ways to save money? Who isn't in these
economic times?
We asked readers to send in their homemade concoctions to share
with you penny pinchers. You c...
Carol Younger
It can happen in almost any class. Kids are engaged in learning
through hands-on experiences, and then it hits. The class forms a
circle for story time and the mood sours. A...
Vince Isner
A friend was telling the story of Jesus walking on the water as
a children's sermon. "As I explained to them how Peter got out of
the boat and walked toward Jesus," he said,...
Glenn Q. Bannerman
Kids love creative movement. And early childhood specialists
stress that movement is crucial to children's development and good
health. Creative movement can help children e...
Sheila Halasz
How to Keep Your Subs From Sinking: Create a survival kit to
help substitute teacher succeed.
My phone rang early Sunday morning. I dreaded answering it. I
knew who was c...
Joyce Platek
Want to know how to conquer kids' learning obstacles? If after
every lesson your kids can say, "We came, we saw, we heard, we
touched," they'll also be able to say, "We conq...
Brent Van Elswyk
How children learn Bible stories--and ways to teach them.
AGE
2 to 5 years
HOW CHILDREN LEARN
Young children like to be read to with age-appropriate books. They
like ...
Julie Shaffer and Heather Ward
Here are 4 ways to help explain how God wants us to make
wise choices for ourselves.
1. FOLLOW ME
When children arrive, lead them in a game of Follow the Leader.
T...
Paul White, Ph.D.
From: September/October 1992 Children's Ministry Magazine
Keywords: News Insights
AGE
2 to 4 years
HOW CHILDREN REACT TO THE NEWS
When preschoolers overhear stor...
Chuck Bakinderchuck
Kids love to laugh. They need to laugh. In fact, I would go so
far as to say that without humor, children never really live.
God has given people the capacity to laugh. T...
Kids will enjoy parting their own Red Sea
before enjoying this tasty snack.
For each child you'll need a clear 9-ounce plastic cup filled with
blue gelatin. You'll also n...
Kristine Wendt
Imagine yourself in a crowded, chaotic room. Now imagine that
this crowded room is 6-inches shorter than you are and your
clothing contains itchy wool fabric that's pricking...
Everyone lies. But the way young children lie is different from
the way adults lie.
Three- and 4-year-olds "live by a simple rule: Good people do good
things," says Lawr...
Having a hard time holding children's attention for Bible
stories? Try these ideas:
*Give children paper and colored pencils. As you tell Bible
stories, have kids draw si...
Tidy Sunday school rooms with these simple
tips:
*Rub dirty stuffed toys with cornmeal, and brush.
*Sort small toys into plastic baskets on shelves where children
can ...
Every child wants to be valued.
So try these awesome affirmation ideas with your kids:
*Look children in the eye. Talk to children on their
level. Get on the floor if n...
Ingredients: Blue Jell-O gelatin, boiling water, cool
water, gummy sharks, clear plastic cups, a mixing bowl, and a
mixing spoon.
Combine the gelatin and boiling water i...
Ingredients: Large and miniature marshmallows, white
frosting, red licorice whips, Red Hots candies, plastic knives, and
paper plates.
Give each child two large marshmal...
Ingredients: Chocolate pudding, small paper cups,
chocolate cookies, resealable plastic bags, plastic spoons, and
gummy animals or animal crackers.
Have kids each fill a...
Dear Preschool Parents,
Leaving your children in the care of other adults, even at
church, can be difficult. Most children adjust quickly, and
although they may be upset ...
