Learning in Memories

by: Meg

Part of my Sunday’s best is teaching the kid’s ministry. I love to deal with kids. When I started to join the 4pm team, I was just only assisting the ‘arts and crafts’. By learning all the sequence in the lesson plan and attending small workshops and group sessions, I came to manage eventually the pre-school.

Greet – Give a child your best smile and greet them by their names.

In as much as possible, let us greet every child with a smile. Mentioning their names is like a sweet music in their ears at the same time make an eye to eye contact in greeting them assuring that they are special to you.

Lead – Let them decide what they want to play.

Asking and guiding them towards the ‘play area’ (clay, building blocks, jigsaw puzzle, coloring or reading books, fishing) is simply allowing them to explore their creativity, interest and passion. Play with the kids. This is also the best time to know how their weekend is by asking them. Let them share their own stories and surely you will enjoy it.

Ask them their prayer request and pray with them too.

Meg: what is your prayer request?

Preschool: I want to make Jesus happy.

Meg: Oh, that's so sweet!

(before the praise and worship, encourage the kids to help themselves to put the toys in their proper places/boxes for about 5 minutes)

Praise and Worship – Encourage every child to dance and sing with other kids.

An invitation to dance and sing allows the kids to be more passionate in praising and worshiping God. Teaching them the basic steps and actions will give a child an inspiration to follow you. 

(One time I saw this little girl and as I approached her…)

Preschool:  Teacher, I’m shy.

Meg: No baby, you can do it. Come here, I will teach you how.

(Amazingly after the final 3^rd song, I came to see her dancing in front of the class with full of confidence, I saw how happy she was after that and I was happy too.)

Pray – Start the bible stories with a simple prayer. Ask someone to lead. 

Since they are only 3 to 4 years old, allow the volunteer kid to follow your prayer. Make it short and easy to understand.

Meg: Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day. We thank You for Your Word.

May we bless Your heart. In Jesus Name, we pray, Amen.

Remind – Ask kids the four simple classroom rules/ reminders

      1.  Listen to the teacher

      2. Bell means quiet

      3. Raise your hand

      4. Stay on your seat

This develops their discipline and obedience. Give child a complement and appreciation every time he or she participates in group discussion. This boosts and enhances their self esteem.

I came to observe that once a child is encouraged to participate and give a warm complement; that child became more participative and energetic.

Bible Stories – Make the Bible story short and simple.

Be creative. Use images, books or toys to represent bible characters. Some teachers are gifted with several kinds of voices thus, encourage to use finger puppets. In my case, I love kids to volunteer, participate and imitate the Bible characters themselves. This will help the child to retain in their memories the character they portrayed most. And for the volunteer kid, they also feel excited.

Questions and Answers – This will help us how a child can relate to the Bible lesson

After asking the child regarding the basic facts of the bible story, give them ample time to share their thoughts too on how they can relate to the story by simply asking them some practical questions in relation to the topic lesson. Again, appreciate every kid for every answer they will about to share.

Meg: if mom says I love you, what will you do?

Preschool: I will hug her.

Meg: That’s great! Very good!

***

Meg: if your friends’ houses damaged by fire, what will you do?

Preschool: I will buy them a condo (condominium).

Meg: (Speechless and smiled) wow, you’re so awesome!

Refreshment – Ask one kid to pray for the food they will about to eat, lead them again in praying.

Develop each kid the sense of gratitude and kindness. Allow them to practice saying ‘thank you’ and ‘please’.  This will help them a lot to be more loving, caring, thoughtful, sweet, sensitive and grateful.

Film Showing – If there’s still remaining minutes, give time for kids to watch movies.

Kids are more visual, they like seeing pictures/images, shapes and colors. Bible films are great for them to see and watch while waiting for their moms and dads.

Blessing – Invite and encourage kids to come again for the next Sunday school.

As a closing remark, give every child your sweet blessing. Let them feel that you are looking forward to meet them again next Sunday school for a more exciting Bible lesson to learn.  It is also encourage every teacher to talk to the kid’s parents when a child is improving or has done something great; parents will make them happy too. =)

Training the Next Generation Kids of Kidzone here in Malaysia is another exciting adventure. Indeed, I came to share all these things because in teaching and in them (kids), I’m also learning. =)