Children's Minister Blog

Fly-me-to-the-balloon Challenge

Fly-me-to-the-balloon Challenge

How to play -

You need one balloon per player. Divide each team into two (it doesn’t matter if there are odd numbers). Stand facing each other behind two lines, five paces apart. On the word “go”, the first member of each team blows up their balloon and let’s it go, “firing” it at their team player opposite. That player tries to catch the balloon without moving their feet. Whether they catch it or not, they then blow up their balloon and launch it at the next player opposite. The game continues until all the teams have had an equal number of tries at launching and catching the balloons.

Top Tips on Learning with Children

Top Tips on Learning With Children

1. Get passionate about the Bible yourself.

2. Explore the Bible as one big story that has many little stories included in it.

3. Arouse children’s curiosity in our mysterious, awesome and complex God.

4. Avoid trying to feed children simple, ‘pat’ answers about God.

5. Choose a range of activities that use different intelligences.

6. Organise a variety of activities, but make sure they all point in the same direction to the same truth.

7. Use learning dynamics other than just the leader or teacher talking to a group.

8. Encourage children to ask their honest questions of God.

Leadership Leads

YOU AS THE LEADER

• Maintain your relationship with God – devotional life, quiet days, reading and prayer.
• Understand your leadership style and value it.
• Do things you are good at- find and develop others to do those things you find harder.
• Develop a support network – mentors, friends, parent support group, administrators, prayer team.
• Limit the number of programs and ministries you are involved in.

YOU AS THE LEADER TO LEADERS

• Know your vision, mission, values, strategy and goals
• Communicate these to the Church and your leaders -continually evaluate these with your teams -  reports to Church Board or Council. Newsletter items, reports to other staff members, meeting notes or email.
• Develop a structure of carers for your teams (80/20 principle)
• Encourage your volunteers – hold celebrations, write notes to them, phone-text email. Give them chocolate and lots of it!

FINDING, RECRUITING AND DEVELOPING LEADERS

When recruiting leaders -

• Pray for the right leaders.
• Some people have the gift of recruiting. Find them and use them well.
• Know the task you are asking them to do.
• Spend time getting to know your congregation well
• Work out whether you are a phone, letter, email or face to face recruiter.
• As you ask them to be involved remember you are doing them a favor not the other way around.
• Describe the task in way that appeals to them and is also truthful regarding time commitment, skills needed etc..
• Are the right people in the task already or is it hindering you finding volunteers?
• What is the environment like you are asking your leaders to work in?
• Have job descriptions
• Encourage leaders to fill out an application form and code of conduct form
• Provide training and support for your leaders
• Liase with other staff members so that you all have a balance of leaders.
• Put people in the right ministries
• Include your leaders in the decision making process.

Bible Snakes and Ladders

As part of your Sunday School program or children’s group get the children to learn some Bible memory verses.

For example: John 3:16, Revelation 3:20, John 14:6, Psalm 23:1, John 1:1, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53:6, Genesis 1:1

(perhaps use a simplified translation for younger children)

Use these texts for your Snakes and Ladders as follows:

1. Have a Bible reference at the bottom of each ladder. If you land on that square you can only go up the ladder if you can quote the verse, otherwise stay where you are.

2. Have a Bile text written out a the top of each snake.If  when landing on that square you can give the correct reference for the text, you do not go down the snake. If you cannot give the reference, you do go down the snake.

The group could be divided into teams for this game and it could be played on an overhead projector or wall chart using counters or on the wall with makers which could stick on and be moved.

Hot Potato Game

You will need: One potato, mystery box, Bible questions on strips of paper.

How to play :

1. The children form a circle.

2. One child is “It.”

3. “It” says, ” Pass the potato”

4. The player who has the potato must pass it to his left.

5. “It” calls out, “Hot potato!”

6. Whoever is caught with the potato is “It.”

God’s letter to his children

How to make a kite site

A great website with plans and resources for making and flying kites.

http://www.inquiry.net/outdoor/spring/kites/

Trying to make a Hexaflexagon?

I first discovered hexaflexagons when I was teaching  mathematics. I later used the template for making a hexflexagon and used  my own art work to put Bible memory verses or Sunday School teaching points on them. Because the hexaflexagons are so interesting to older primary (elementary)  aged children I found that they were a great activity to be used in teaching or for a lesson review.

You may be wondering at this point “well what is a hexaflexagon”? They are not easy to explain but the websites below give you some helpful templates and photos so that you get the idea. Once you make one yourself you will see the potential here for using them with children or even creating an evangelistic tool for use with adults or in mission situations.  May the ‘flex’ be with you!

http://www.enarsson.nu//Flexagon/

http://www.flexagon.net/

http://home.xnet.com/~aak/hexahexa.html

Jigsaw Hunt Game

Two jigsaws are needed. They should be about the same size and number of pieces (not too many).

Before the game starts, put together part of the jigsaws then hide pieces all over the meeting room or house, but don’t make them too difficult to find.

The first team to complete their jigsaw is the winner. Players are not alowed to hold on to opponents’ pieces and to make it impossible for them to complete their jigsaw.

This game may be adapted to complete a memory verse jigsaw which has been made beforehand. It is also a game which works well for a family night in a home or at church where you might use several jigsaws .(You might need to mark the back of each piece with a different coloured pen).

Children’s Bible Verse Calendar

I have developed a Bible Verse Calendar which can be used over one month or several months. Included on the back of the calendar is an explanation of different ways in which it might be used and also a number of activities for one or more children.

It is suggested you print the calendar on light cardboard so that it is more durable ( or cover in plastic). Permission is given by Don Stott to reproduce the calendar only for non-commercial uses – family, Sunday school class or Christian school.

Bible Verse Calendar PDF Download ( the printed pdf is much clearer than the Google preview)

Looking for an Easter Family Service idea?

A Family Service address with considerable involvement is as follows:

Worship leader begins telling a story (let’s say about a lost rabbit) only to be interrupted by two young folk offering a chocolate Easter Egg (as a thank-you or whatever).

Worship leader thanks young folk, notices that it is an Easter Egg with sweets (say, chocolate buttons) inside, and asks children (and adults) if they would like to open it in church so that the egg and the sweets inside could be shared.

Invite a child out to open the egg but youngster finds out that the egg is empty.

The shocked congregation soon grasp the surprise of the disciples who found an empty tomb. Opportunity for details to be offered by worship leader.

On a pre-arranged cue the original two young folk come forward with an apology and with the bag of chocolate buttons. They thought that they would eat them themselves and that worship leader would never notice they were missing. They didn’t think it would be opened in church!

Those in the congregation particularly the children – who had been hoping for a sweet are pleased at the discovery of the chocolates. As they are shared, the congregation is in a receptive mood to reflect on the joy of the disciples when they discovered that Jesus was alive again.

This idea is from The Church of Scotland website. Prepared by Rev Douglas Nicol . Other Easter resources are also available to download.

More Easter resources for children’s ministry

A Glorious Easter

Probably one of the best list of Easter resources for children’s ministry online.

See also my other websites – http://easterplus.blogspot.com and http://eliab.com

Easter Talk- The Good News

I’d like to share a short talk I did as a part of an Easter presentation this week for a primary (elementary) school. Here is the summary.

I began the talk by holding up a newspaper and talking about some news items. In the paper we find both good news and some bad news. Which kind of news do you like to hear about most?

Hold up just one sheet of newspaper. I’d like to share with you one news story which is good news for everybody. Fold the sheet as per photo. God sent his son Jesus from heaven (hold top corner and run fingers or other hand down the side to the bottom corner) to earth to show us just how much he loves us. This is the good news of Christmas when we remember about Jesus being born.

Fold again to form the “house shape”. Jesus grew up in a family ( Mary & Joseph…) and when he became older he healed people, helped people, and taught people about how to know and love God.

Begin to tear the paper downwards in a straight line. Talk about how some people believed in that Jesus is God’s Son but there were others who wanted to kill him. Talk briefly about Jesus capture and trial. Tear the other side slowly while talking. Jesus was nailed to a cross. Jesus friends were very sad. This seemed like bad news to them and good news to those who wanted Jesus dead. With the torn off bits of paper, crumple them in your hand and hold them up as you talk about getting rid of Jesus and how his body was placed in a tomb and sealed in the tomb.

Now open the center piece of paper to reveal the paper cross. Though Jesus suffered and died on the cross he was prepared to do that so that we could be forgiven for the wrong things we do (sins). Place your palm over the cross. Jesus wants us to be friends with God and to follow him today. On “Good Friday” we remember all that Jesus did for us. The Good News is that Jesus came back to life again and he promise those who believe in him eternal life-life forever with God. That’s good news (show the newspaper in one hand and the cross in the other) that’s certainly worth sharing with everyone.

Read all about it! Jesus is alive!

(c) Don Stott, http://eliab.com , 2008

Sam, the snowflake

(C) Don Stott, 2000

Everybody’s Prayer

Lord, You know better than I know

myself that I am growing older, and

will some day be old.

Keep me from getting talkative, and

particularly from the fatal habit of

thinking I must say something on every

subject and on every occasion.

Release me from the craving to try to

straighten out everybody’s affairs.

Keep my mind free from recital of

endless details- give me wings to get

to the point.

I ask for grace enough to listen to the

tales of other’s pains. Help me to

endure them with patience.

But seal my lips on my own aches and

pains – they are increasing and my love

of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the

as the years go by.

Teach me the glorious lesson that

occasionally it is possible that I may be

mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet: I do not want

to be a saint – some of them are so hard

to live with – but a sour old man is one

of the crowning works of the devil.

Make me thoughtful, but not moody;

helpful but not bossy. With my vast

store of wisdom , it seems a pity not to

use it all – but You know, Lord, that

I want a few friends at the end.

(ANON)

Disciplining Children

A Teacher Training Idea
1. The following session is best undertaken as a Sunday School teachers or children’s ministry team discussion exercise. I have used this activity as part of some training on ‘children & discipline’. It is best if each point below is accompanied by a photo of a child/ren on a powerpoint slide.

2. The group is divided into smaller groups of 3-4 people to discuss each point.

3. How would you cope with these children?

a. The quiet, shy, withdrawn child in the class -how do you help her feel she belongs?

b. The constantly disruptive child who enjoys being naughty – how do you help him to gain something from the lesson?

c. The “special needs” child who needs constant attention – how do you cope with her in Sunday School.

d. The young child who cries for mum – how do you gain his confidence?

e. The over dependent child who hangs around your legs all Sunday.

f. The children who find Sunday School boring and would rather be playing with their friends.

3. After a reasonable amount of time is given to discuss each point above, the whole group regathers and some time is given for reporting back. The leader then provides some practical suggestions or points for further follow-up.

(see also ‘Discipline & Control of Children’ )

The Secure Man

Let’s admit it: all of us have twinges of insecurity about ourselves. But it is possible to grow towards being a totally secure man, says Larry Titus, president of Men Reaching Men in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.

According to Larry, a totally secure man:

> Does not need to tear down others to build up himself.

> Considers inner convictions more the mark of a man than outer toughness.

> Finds talented people an inspiration not a threat.

> Knows how to take the garbage he was dealt in life and recycle that into energy.

> Forgives people who may never have the courage to apologize.

> Lives his private life as if it were public.

> Considers people more important than projects and plans.

(New Man, November/December, 1994, p.12)

Brothers & Sisters finger play

I just wrote this little finger play for a session I did with our preschool M.O.P.S. children on “brothers & sisters”.

This is my brother (hold up right fist)

See how he grew. ( slowly raise right pointer finger- leave finger standing.)

This is my sister (hold up left fist)

She’s special too. (slowly raise left pointer finger -leave standing.)

This is my God (move the two pointer fingers together to form a roof shape)

He looks after me.

Together we live ( clasp both hands together)

In one family.

(c) Don Stott, http://eliab.com, 2007

MOPS Australia link

Jesus is your best friend

Best Friend
(to the tune of The Adams Family)
Jesus is your best friend
His love for you, will not end
So trust Him now, depend
On Jesus everyday
Jesus loves you (click,click)
Jesus love’s true (click,click)
Jesus loves you. x3 (getting either softer or louder each time)
(click,click -at the end)
Don Stott, http://eliab.com, 2003

Bubble blow game

Let the children blow  soap bubbles to see whose bubble can travel the farthest. Or see whose bubble will keep from bursting for the longest length of time. Or see who can have the most bubbles in the air at the same time.

Variation : Extend  a line between two chairs and select two teams. In a given amount of time each team tries to see how many bubbles can be blown over the line to the opposite side. The teams try to cross the room to the opposite side. They may move forward only while they have a bubble floating in the air.

Serving

“Be not weary in your serving;

Do your best for those in need;

Kindness will be rewarded

By the Lord who prompts the deed.”  – Anon

Things children say.

“What is a wife? asked One, after a thoughtful pause.

“I am wife to Daddy.”

“And is Daddy your wife?”

“No, Daddy is my husband.”

“Then who are you ?”

Pamela Glenconner from The Sayings of the Children (1918)

Children’s Quizzes

Why include Quizzes ?

* for fun!

*to actively involve the children

*to build group/team spirit

*to help the children discover something new

* to review teaching, memory verses, etc.

* to encourage kids to think about their response

Check out 12 different kinds of quizzes you could use in your children’s program at
ChiFam.com

Carol Singing

One night Ethel went Christmas carol singing.

She knocked on the door of a house and began to sing. A man with a violin in his hand came to the door. Within half a minute tears were streaming down his face. Ethel went on singing for 20 minutes, every carol she knew- and some she didn’t.

At last she stopped.

“I understand,” she said softly. “”You are remembering your happy childhood Christmas days. You’re a sentimentalist!”

“No,” he snivelled. “I’m a musician!”

Santa’s Lap

As a little girl climbed onto Santa’s lap, Santa asked the usual, “And what would you like for Christmas?” The child stared at him open-mouthed and, horrified fro a minute, then gasped, ” Didn’t you get my E-mail?”

The Carpenter’s Cradle

The background for this poem is Matthew 1:18-25 . It was used as part of a Christmas sermon on this passage and was read with an improvised piano backing.

The Carpenter’s Cradle

Timber now fashioned, and rough sanded down

With piles of fresh shavings strewn on the ground.

The carpenter ponders each joint and straight edge

Puts down his tools upon the work ledge.

With things to ‘consider’ he returns to ‘his wood’

And enquires of the Lord, ‘What’s for the good?’

The angel commanded him,”Mary must stay”.

It’s now clear his fear shouldn’t stand in his way.

With each hammer and join, things start to take shape

He’s resolved to move forward, he can’t hesitate.

Shifting his stool, he then starts to plane.

Sometimes it’s hard to go ‘gainst the grain.

Finally he smiles, ‘It’s all God’s design.’

His weathered hand feels what’s smoothed, now fine.

This small baby Jesus, a gift to mankind

Will no longer rest in a meagre old manger

But will peacefully rock in this carpenter’s cradle.

Don Stott, 2005, http://eliab.com

Check out “Christmas is Coming” booklet

Christmas Parachute Story

I have just written a new story/program  which uses a parachute (sheet or blanket) to tell the Christmas story. The outline can be adapted to your setting either at a school, home or at a Sunday School. The Christmas parachute story is a great one for all ages to join in together in retelling the nativity Luke and Matthew Bible passages.

Christmas Parachute

The real christmas story (kinda), on facebook

You should check out this very creative Christmas story  ( by Derek Tang) as it might have appeared on Facebook.

Facebook Christmas

Echo Prayer

Sit in a circle with our children or small group. Explain that your will say a very short prayer. Each person around the circle quickly repeats it in turn until it comes back to you, and then you’ll pray a different short prayer for them to echo. Start with simply “Thanks for giving us promises!” Other prayers might include- “We’re glad you sent Jesus” Thanks for your wonderful creation.”  and “You’re the best, Lord!”.

This kind of prayer works well with reluctant prayers.

Fractured Christmas Carols

No one can fracture a Christmas song better than a child. See how some old favorites have been changed.

• Deck the halls with Buddy Holly.
• We three kings of porridge and tar.
• On the first day of Christmas my tulip gave to me.
• He’s makin’ a list, chicken and rice.
• Noel. Noel, Barney’s the king of Israel.
• Olive the other reindeer.
• Sleep in heavenly peas.
• Oh, what fun it is to ride with one horse, soap and hay.
• Come, froggy faithful.
• Good tidings we bring to you and your kid.