Training Articles
Get the wiggles out of kids
Have a look at these practical ideas for different ages. Click here to download
Essential Strategies week by week.
Have a look at these ideas. Practical Pointers for you to experience joy in your teaching.
Lower your voice
It's amazing how kids want to know what you're whispering about. Often the children are listening just enough to catth the basics, but are focussing on something else, or talking to someone else.
When you, all of sudden, lower your voice dramatically or stop talking altogether, it will make them pay attention to find out what they've just missed.
To do this properly, first ask for attention at regular volume and wait for it. If the children are not responding - lower your voice dramatically - see what happens.
You could say "if you can hear me, raise your hand'. Some children will immediately raise their hands and others will not. Repeat the phrase several times until all childrens' hands are in the air.
Attention Grabbers
*Play music. Play a short snippet of lively music for five seconds when you want children's attention.
*Whisper. Change your tone of voice to a loud stage whisper. Then resume speaking in your regular voice after you get children's attention.
How do I get kids to talk?
Motivate children to share by forming small groups where there's less pressure to perform and more opportunities to share. You could use the same partners each week, so kids get to know their pairs and feel more comfortable. Intentionally match your friendliest and most welcoming kids with more timid kids. Learn all kids names - and use them. Talk about topics that are relevant to kids and that they'll have an opinion on. Create a accepting, friendly atmosphere.
How do I prevent my kids from being sarcastic and putting each other down?
Children put others down to build up themselves, of course , this doesn't work. Instead it leaves them feeling worse than before. Coach them to encourage their peers with kind words and specific, genuine affirmations. They sometimes start by teasing which leads to sarcasm. Make your ministry a "no teasing or put-down zone". This includes your adults. Encourage adults to be good role models by not teasing kids or one another. Many kids don't know how to say "I like you, will you be my friend?" Give them lots of opportunities to get ot know one another. Get adults to guide the process and keep a positive, comfortable atmosphere.
Connect with parents online:
Use email and Facebook to stay in touch with parents. This is an easy and non-threatening way to followup when a child is away for a few weeks.
Kid's program Rules
When it comes to setting up rules, most teachers create their own. Instead, use imperatives from Scripture the next time you need to train a child. The following are biblical corrections for common things kids say.
- "He hit me first!" -- "Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other..." (1 Thessalonians 5:15).
- "She's stupid!" -- "Do not let any unwholesome talk come from your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up..." (Ephesians 4:29).
- "You're not my friend anymore!" -- "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32).
- "You're not my boss!" -- "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established (Romans 13:1).
- "Why do I have to do that!?" -- "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus...taking the very nature of a servant" (Philippians 2:5-7).
- http://www.childrensministry.com/articles/discipline-that-disciples
Three things that really matter
Use your Bible
Showing kids that the Bible is important to you read more
Ideas to manage the children that work
Click here to download 10 ideas that work
What The Experts Say About Children's Spiritual Development
Daniel is a bubbly 2-year-old. He eagerly and fearlessly topples and tumbles, runs and rumbles through the room. Every corner is a cave to explore, every object a new treasure. Occasionally, his curiosity causes a crash, but the bumps and bruises serve as testimony to growth. Faith is feeling.
Rachel is a tender and quiet 7-year-old. Slightly mischievous, she enjoys laughter. She's learned to push buttons and find limits…sometimes. Gregarious and goofy, Rachel loves making friends -- especially with her teachers. Faith is mimicking adult mentors.
Sarah is a dramatic and dynamic 10-year-old who stands on the edge of adolescence. Her body will soon forever change. Sarah is discovering her strengths and eagerly explores new interests. She's also found friends who influence her decisions. Sarah's faith is guided by new cognitive abilities that allow her to better understand her beliefs. Faith is now more personal.
All three are learning. Each child is growing. To read more ABC's of spiritual growth
Early Childhood Ministry
Early Childhood ministry - resources for those working with children 1-5 years. Why, What, How