Teaching Tips

Woman focuses intently as she helps two preschoolers cut a piece of paper.

Leader Resources

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8 mins

Here’s a Close-Up of Children’s Ministry Curriculum

What makes a great curriculum — and how to make it a win for families and your ministry The cornerstone of every great children’s ministry is a curriculum that sets…

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small group of kids talking

Ministry Basics

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9 mins

Kids Should Be Seen and Heard: 5 Ways to Make Conversation Part of Your Ministry

Conversations with kids are free, require no supplies, and are a snap to drop into a lesson. And, best of all, they deliver huge value! At Group, we make conversations…

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A VBS crew leader is smiling as she is hugged by five of her kids.

Leader Resources

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4 mins

The Top 3 Secrets of Happy Children’s Ministry Teachers

For these teachers, the road to teaching is a true adventure. And they have a few secrets to share with all of us. Teachers come in all personality types, from…

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A woman sits smiling next to a boy in her Sunday school class.

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6 mins

13 Ways to Build Friendships with the Children You Teach

Don’t miss these 13 practical, healthy ways to build friendships with the kids you teach in your children’s ministry. Each week, we face rooms with children excited and ready to…

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A preteen girl covers her face.

Leader Resources

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8 mins

Why Preteens Don’t Come Back to Your Church — and What to Do About It

Why preteens don’t come back to your church — and what to do about it. From kids who’ve done it — and how you can stop the exodus. Each year…

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Elementary aged girl is resting her chin on her hands as she leans forward on the ground.

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4 mins

9 Knockout Activities to Liven Up a Boring Curriculum

We’re giving you 9 knockout activities for a boring curriculum so kids will conquer their yawns and actually learn something. Or will they squirm in their chairs while the lesson…

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A preteen boy smiles during a large group activity.

Leader Resources

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8 mins

What You Need to Know About Kids’ Spiritual Development

We tracked down four noted experts to demystify kids’ spiritual development by the ages. Read on to learn how to reach—and teach—the wonderful little people in your ministry! Every age…

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3 early elementary-aged kids creating murals.

Leader Resources

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7 mins

9 Ideas for Kids of All Ages Develop Strong Friendships

Developing strong friendships — or what the Bible calls phileo love — between kids can be done on a whim, on or off the schedule, and without prep or new…

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An empty church nursery that is clean and organized. It has a lot of nursery toys.

Leader Resources

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2 mins

5 Guidelines to Select and Accept Safe Nursery Toys

Often church nurseries depend on donations of used toys. While many used toys are still safe and make excellent additions to the nursery, remember this criteria as you select and…

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A sad looking elementary girl sitting on a chair in front of a gray background.

Leader Resources

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7 mins

Building a Bridge of Support for Children of Divorce

Forget bleak statistics about kids of divorce. Use this blueprint from a leading expert to build a bridge to connect to these kids. “Kids are resilient.” I’ve heard this said…

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A girl in a small group has a serious look on her face. She's talking about her parent's divorce which is recent.

Partnering With Families

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7 mins

How to Effectively Minister to Children Who Are Impacted by Divorce

How can we help kids whose lives are being radically altered by divorce, how can we help them come to grips with a new kind of family life, and how…

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An elementary aged girl opens up to her children's ministry volunteer.

Leader Resources

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2 mins

4 Topics to Get Kids Talking and Opening Up to You

Looking to get the kids in your ministry to open up? Here’s a helpful strategy you can use to get kids to talk. “Yeah,” “Nah,” or “I dunno” seem to…

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A group of four kids are standing in a circle at a church event. One boy is extending his hand for a high five to another girl. The two children look on with smiles.

Leader Resources

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1 min

6 Creative Ways to Help Kids Build Friendships

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…

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An elementary boy stares off into the distance, full of anxieties.

Leader Resources

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2 mins

How to Respond to the Anxieties of Children at All Ages

Children of all ages face anxieties. Here is what you need to know about these worries, and how you can help ease their concerns. Children’s Anxieties – Ages 2 to…

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girl worship

Leader Tips & Tools

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4 mins

How to Use 5 Senses to Calm Kids’ Stress

Children today are experiencing unprecedented, prolonged stress since the pandemic began. Counselors and therapists suggest giving children their own tools to destress using the 5 senses. Here’s the scoop. Crisis…

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An elementary aged girl writing on a piece of paper as she smiles.

Leader Resources

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2 mins

How to Tailor Your Lessons to Kids’ Learning Styles

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…

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A male volunteer gives a young boy a fist bump.

Leader Resources

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4 mins

4 Steps to Really Connect With Kids in Your Ministry

It’s the little things that matter to kids. Karl Bastian, the Kidologist, shares his secrets to making life-changing connections with kids. No child has ever thanked me for that great…

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A group of three older elementary-aged kids praying with a college-aged leader. She has her arms wrapped around two of the three kids.

Leader Resources

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9 mins

Do You Know the ABCs of Spiritual Growth in Children?

The secret to creating spiritual growth is understanding the ABCs of developmental issues. Rick Chromey explains it for us. Great Minds Think Alike? Over the past century, several notable minds…

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girl worship

Leader Resources

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2 mins

What Kids’ Behavior Issues May Actually Mean

The results of the COVID-19 pandemic will be felt for years. Experts say kids, who may not be able to articulate their feelings and thoughts well, often exhibit feelings through…

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family around table

Leader Resources

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14 mins

How to Translate the Behavior Signals Kids Are Sending

Kids may not have the words to express what they’re feeling, but their behavior can tell you a lot. Here’s how to recognize what kids are telling you and what…

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A very grace-filled teacher talks to a student.

Leader Resources

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8 mins

Why Teaching with Grace is so Important

Here’s why grace is the key component in your teaching toolbox. He was a boy with a knack for trouble. Maybe it was his love of creativity, hunger for freedom,…

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