If the Shoe Fits...Fashion Tips For Sunday School Teachers

Sorry guys, this one is mostly for my ladies. ;)

  So, as Sunday School teachers we tend to swap snack and storage tips, or ways to get a child involved in the lesson. However, we never seem to talk about fashion. Growing up as a very shy and introverted child (my how things have changed lol) I would use fashion as an outlet to show the world who I was without actually having to tell them...bet you didn't know your closet could be that deep, huh? lol So, I've always loves fashion, but I found my style had to change rather drastically once I became a Sunday School teacher. Sundays were always my days to wear something new I'd bought or rock those high-heels that I don't get to wear during the week. It became very apparent that that was no longer an option once I became a teacher. So, I had to adapt. Now, don't get me wrong everyone has their own style so please don't disregard this post just because you don't like the color of a sweater or don't wear high-heels. Because, I'm going to be focusing more on fit and function than fashion.

Tip 1.
Adapt your outfit depending on the type of class you're having. Example, if I'm playing games outside and making a messy snack I'm not going to wear my new dress heels.                                      

 

So, I'm wearing something comfy and easily cleanable or, worst case scenario, replaceable.

<<<<<<Like this.>>>>>>

Also, if I'm having a more relaxed class I like to take the opportunity to wear a cute dress or fun pair of shoes.






Tip 2.
Shoes have always been my favorite, especially high-heels. I LOVED my stilettos, the higher the better! Buuuuut after leaving class with blisters on my feet I knew the first thing to change in my closet was going to be my shoes.
So, I recommend having three go to styles in
your wardrobe...

1. The Flat
This is your all-purpose every season shoe. You can wear it with pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, you name it. Make sure it's something neutral that will go with everything. Trust me when I say your feet will thank you for buying flats! lol

                                                 2. The Dress Sandal

You can go as simple or as crazy as you want with these, but they're a must have for me; especially in the summer. I prefer sandals over flip flops, personally, because they tend not to rub your feet as much.

3. The Wild Card

Have at least one pair of shoes in your closet that just  make you feel confident. For me this would either be my wedge heels or my combat boots. My heels give me that extra girly flair that I need sometimes. The wedge, while not as comfortable as a flat, makes it much easier to walk and play with my kids than my stilettos from back in the day would. Still I would reserve wedge heels for a more relaxed lesson. My combat boots add a little sassy flair to my dresses while still being comfortable. I'm also a big fan of TOMS since they go with casual or dressy outfits. Or, if you're more of at the tomboy type you can never go wrong with a great pair of sneakers.  

       

                               

Tip 3.

The way you dress and present yourself is the first impression a person gets of you. You may not be in to fashion, and that's perfectly ok. But you can not be into fashion and still look nice and professional. Looking neat, clean, and professional is the goal here. So, if you're female in particular, this means wearing shirts and dresses with a modestly cut neckline and skirts and dresses that come at a reasonable length. A good rule of thumb is if you can't bend over in it you can't teach in it. So, so far we're looking for something professional, modest, and comfortable. Note: all of the following images are just examples you can mix and match according to you style and budget. I shop every where from department stores to thrift stores. I just go with what fits my style and budget at the time. Also, my secret shopping weapon is the Retail Me Not App...just download it and thank me later. It is a couponer's dream.

Ok here we go...

1. Comfy Dress Slacks
So, the first thing in our teacher's wardrobe arscenal are a good pair of dress pants. These are my favorites! They're so not your mama's dress slacks...they're Old Navy's Pixie Pants. They're dress pants, but they literally feel like you're wearing pajamas. Can't recommend them enough. Keep an eye out for sales at the end of summer and winter...you can get these at really good prices in all kinds of colors and patterns.





2. Loose Tops With High Necklines
These are an absolute must for me. I like them in solid colors so that I can mix and them with scarves or by layering with sweaters and jackets. I can not stress loose enough...it's more comfortable and keeps you cooler.
These three things are enough to make an entire closet...I'll explain in a sec.

1. A loose short sleeved top.

               

2.  A loose thin sweater in a neutral color.

3. A loose long sleeve top in fun color.

Now you may say, "3 tops? that's not enough for a wardrobe!" Well, if you invest in 1 jacket and one scarf you end up with nine Sundays worth of outfits. Simple huh?

3. Dresses & Skirts That Are Long But Not Frumpy

If you're into dresses and skirts like me then I have some tips for you too! Just look for something loose with a high neckline. Neckline was never really something I thought about before I started teaching, as long it covered my chest I wasn't overly concerned since you don't generally do a lot of bending over during church. However, after a lot of sweater pulling and what not I decided it was time to invest in some dresses with a higher neckline. All three of the following are great options because they're more neutral and can be mixed and matched to make new outfits by simply adding a sweater, scarf, or jacket.

For skirts and dresses alike ALWAYS get something you can bend over in! Because believe me when I say you don't fully know the importance of bending over until you've went through a Sunday School class in a dress or skirt that is not conducive to bending. lol I really like these midi-skirts from old navy. They're comfy, a great length, and HELLO pockets...I think every Sunday School teacher our there knows the importance of pockets! ;P

Tip 4. 

Last, but not least, BAGS! Ok, I never understood the point of carrying a bag the size of a suitcase until I started teaching. Seriously, I have 3 Sunday school bags and I keep having to clean them out. I don't know where the stuff comes from, but it's like it just ends up in my Sunday School bag and begins spawning. A large bag is indespenciable in this profession, ok? lol

So, I like to go with one of two options. 

1. The classic over the shoulder bag. This offers a great amount of space for your curriculum, Bible, plus all your goodies. Downfall...it can get HEAVY on your shoulder. It is cute though, and generally comes in lots of fun colors.








2. The backpack. I like backpacks because they're a lot more portable, and depending on the kind you get they can also have a lot of room. However, they're generally not very fashionable.





So, in the end it comes down to style or comfort, but again...I generally change it up depending on how I feel that day or what type of lesson I'm doing. So, you really can't go wrong with either.


Well, that's it folks. I hope you get some ideas from all this! All clothes came from Old Navy and all shoes came from Off Broadway Shoes. Leave your Sunday School fashion secrets in the comments! :)

Love and Blessings,
Faith

Transformation

[PRE-POST UPDATE]
Since my post is about a transformation object lesson it only seems appropriate to give an update on how our ministry is growing and transforming. I'm so happy to report that our Children's ministry and God's kingdom are growing! This last weekend I had the the opportunity to act as the Vacation Bible School director for my church, and it was by far one of the most amazing experiences of my life. This was our third VBS, and it was our best yet. We saw 10 kids come to Christ. It doesn't sound like a lot, but when you only average 30-35  kids in the entire ministry that's a pretty huge number. We are growing, and I couldn't be prouder. As a small church we've come a long way, and God's given us a huge vision for our community. I'm so blessed to be able to be a part of what God is doing in my little town in these end times.
Now, down to brass tacks.
As I said earlier, I got to direct our VBS this year, but I also took on a class as-well. We had an amazing curriculum called SonSpark Labs from Gospel Light Publishing. It was the most user friendly VBS I've ever done. It gave you every possible resource, but still allowed you the freedom to put your own spin on things. We will definitely be using them again next year. It was full of wacky and wonderful science fun.
So, like I was saying, I took on a VBS class this year. I was over the Bible Story Lab, but this was no ordinary Bible Story session...oh no...I got to blow kids minds with awesome science experiments too! It was so much fun! However, for my night 2 experiment I decided to deviate a little from the curriculum. They suggested doing the expanding sandwich bag experiment where you fill one baggy with vinegar and the other with baking soda. Then you put the baking soda baggy in the vinegar baggy and seal the vinegar baggy up. They mix together to make carbon dioxide which then inflates the bag. Well, it is a cool experiment, but I had done it before with the kids and it only worked about 75% of the time for me. So, I didn't want to take the chance...
So, I pulled one of my favorite experiments out of my bag of tricks. Same concept, but bigger wow factor.
You will need...

1. A Bottle of Vinegar

2. A Box of Baking Soda

3. A Disposable Baking Pan

4. An Empty Glass Bottle...you can use plastic, but it tends to expand slightly when the chemical reaction occurs so I've found the glass usually works better.

5. A Deflated Balloon

Ok, first things first, be sure to try this experiment at home first! Trust me when I say there is nothing more embarrassing that blowing up an experiment in front of your class, and then having to walking around the rest of the day smelling like vinegar and tasking baking soda...not that I've ever done that...

Alright, now that you have your supplies here's what you need to do. 

1. Use a piece of paper to make a makeshift funnel...or better yet use a real funnel...to put roughly one to two tablespoons of baking soda into the balloon. 

2. Fill your bottle with roughly half a cup of vinegar.

3. Then, quickly and carefully, pull the end part of your balloon (the part you would blow into to blow it up) onto the rim of the bottle emptying the baking soda into the vinegar. 

You will then see a chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda...think 6th grade science fair volcano...it will begin to fizz and froth. This reaction will then create carbon dioxide which will begin to inflate the balloon. Be careful at this stage if you put too much baking soda in the bottle will fill too quickly and the balloon will either fly off or explode...either way you will walk away smelling like vinegar...but the kids will LOVE it...not that I've ever done that. ;)

So, what does all of this have to do with transformation you ask? 

Allow me to elaborate. 

Do you remember that thing called the cross that we seem to only talk about on Easter these days? You know the one that held our Saviour as He died for our sins? Yeah, that one. Well, when Jesus died for our sins the Bible says we became new creatures in Christ. 

I like to use the example of a butterfly. When that Caterpillar climbs into that cocoon it's not a very pretty site.

*Be sure to paint a ooey gooey icky mental picture for the kids.*

Then that Caterpillar climbs into his cocoon and something starts to happen. When he leaves his cocoon he's completely different. He's a new creature. He's not a Caterpillar anymore, he's a butterfly. 

The same thing happens with us. We start out in an ooey gooey icky mess of sin, but when we accept Jesus into our hearts he wipes away all the yuck of the world and turns us into His beautiful creation. 

Just like the vinegar and baking soda came together  and changed into something totally cool when we come together with Jesus we can become His new totally cool creation, a new creature in Christ Jesus. Now, that's better than any exploding science experiment...

Unless you're six in which case you will beg your teacher to again...not that that's ever happened to me. ;) 

Remember to never ever allow a child to do this unsupervised, and to always use caution and all protective measures before doing any experiments...especially where something explodes. lol.

I hope you'll enjoy this as much as my class did!

God Bless,

Faith

Hmmm, Tough Question...

 Ah, the ever elusive, often unanswerable, questions. Kid's are generally a wealth of unanswered questions. Some of them are silly...some of them are serious...and some of them have no earthly answer. So, what is a teacher to do?

1. Remember that some questions aren't your job to answer. 

 Example: Where do babies come from?

haha Ok, don't freak out. That's not one we get often, but I can guarantee that you will be asked equally awkward and puzzling questions. How do we answer these? 
                                                                        
 Well I'll tell you, 
   you don't...

It's not your job. If someone wants to know if their uncle who cussed, drank, and never became a Christian went to Heaven...welllllll...it's best to refer them to good ole mom and dad. Those things are a can of worms that you just don't want to open. The best thing you can do is say, "I don't know. Lets hold that question till after church so you can ask your parents." Don't be afraid to mention these sorts of questions to the parents also. It will help everyone, and save a lot of awkwardness from ensuing later.

2. If you really don't know the answer to a question just don't answer. 

 Kid's will often times think of the most bizarre, yet relevant, questions. The downfall is, sometimes you really won't have an answer. Be it because you haven't studied the topic, or there is no definitive Bible answer. I've heard everything from,

          "Did Adam and Eve have bellybuttons?"
                                                  To 
"Did my dog go to heaven? That's what my mom said."

               I've even heard,


"Will we get wings in Heaven?"
"What does Jesus look like?"
"Does God have a wife?"
"Where did God come from?"

 These questions are difficult at best. Some you can figure out by further study. In that case just reply with something like, "I'm not sure. I'll study more on that, and let you know if I find anything." Now here is the tricky part...you do actually have to study the topic. Because trust me, they will remember and ask you about it. 
 Sometimes your really have no Bible answer for the question. It's just unanswerable. So, don't be afraid to say I don't know. You don't have to make up some spiritual answer. Just say, "I really don't know. The Bible doesn't say anything about that. So, I can't give you a good answer. I guess we'll find out when we get to Heaven." Generally, that will be a good enough answer for kids.

Lastly...and probably most tricky...

3. "Well, my (insert family figure here...generally mom or dad) says (whatever is opposite of what you're teaching).

 This is such fragile territory. Just because we all go to the same church doesn't mean we believe exactly the same thing. There are differing opinions on several things. No matter who is right or wrong it's not your job as a teacher to undermine what a child's parent wants them to believe. Now, if a child asks you a question point blank don't lie, but if you can avoid the topic or change the subject go for it. However, if it ruins your entire lesson, and the child still protests just says something to the effect of, "Everyone believes a little differently." Or, "I've never really heard it like that, I'll have to do some studying on it." It's important not to undermine the parent or alienate the child. Like I said, this is a very sensitive area. If you can avoid it try to. If not, then handle it with care.  But most importantly be honest with your class if it's something you and your church believe. 


Well, I hope this helps! I hope it answers your and your classes questions. Please leave any "Tough Question" suggestions in the comments below. I'd love to hear them...trust me I need advice just as much as every other teacher reading this blog. We're all in this together right? :)

God Bless,
Faith

Christmas Time's A Comin'...In 365 Days

Well, that lovely, snow filled, glittered, and sugared up time of year has came and gone yet again. That's right folks...Christmas!
Now, as a Children's Minister (here forward known as a "CM" cause I'm getting really tired of typing in Children's Minster in every post) I know just how hectic Christmas can be. So, here is few tips from me to you.

1. Christmas gifts can be crazy expensive. So, shop  for presents and crafts early...or LATE!

 If you're like me and you like to do something special for your kids, be it gifts or a special craft, I recommend buying things early in the year or just after Christmas.

So, what do I mean by shopping early/late? Well, I'm glad you asked.

I recommend shopping early...aka the early fall. Granted, at this time you won't find much Christmas related stuff, but you can get some awesome things like pencils and bubbles at a reasonable price.
Or you can follow my second recommendation and shop late.
Usually all major retailers/websites will have an after Christmas sale. The only drawback with this is that things tend to be picked over, but if you get in the action early you can have some great things set aside in the cabinet for next year...just be sure to remember where you put it all!

 Our church buys all the kids toys for Christmas, usually around $10 a child, if you're inclined toward larger gifts. However, I like to give each kid a goody bag just from me. I usually fill it with things like candy, pencils, and stickers...all of which are inexpensive. Particularly when you buy late/early and in bulk.
Speaking of bulk always try to buy a few extras since everyone and their aunt, uncle, sister, and brother seems to show up at Christmas.
I recommend using websites like Oriental Trading where you can order in large quantities. However, if you do ignore my advice, and shop in season instead of out, please bear in mind that shipping may take longer due to the Christmas rush. So, as I said, ORDER EARLY! Or else you will be in a panic that you won't have the gift bags for your class Christmas party, and you will then receive your stuff around 7:00 the night before you needed them. Save yourself the stress and shop smart people. LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES. lol


2. If you plan on doing a Christmas party...pageant...play...concert...basically anything that involves other church leaders...please make sure everyone is clear on the plan and the scheduling.

Ok, this is a short one.
We have inadvertently caused unneeded stress by simply not making sure everyone knew what we were doing for Christmas. We've had Christmas play practices scheduled on Christmas party days...and Christmas pageants  Scheduled when the worship leaders had no clue what we were doing, or how He need to direct the service. Just take it from me, make sure everyone who needs to be aware of the goings on is aware. It will save everyone from some unnecessary  holiday stress.

3.Speaking of Christmas plays/pageants...

I love performing. I grew up being on stage every time I could...if it was a church play or a ballet recital I was absolutely there. So, naturally I got unwillingly drafted into being the director of the Children's Christmas Pageant. haha Weeeellllll....let's just say I learned a LOT those first two years. But to condense all of my hard learned wisdom down into as small of segment as possible I will give you four basic tips.

A. Make sure to get an early start. There is a lot more to a Christmas pageant thanhaha
running a few lines on a stage. You...YOURSELF...need to know the material better than your surly shepherds and sulking angels. Otherwise you will have NO clue what to do...and you will end up with surly shepherds and sulking angels.
Speaking of misbehaving biblical characters...in one play we did my niece and nephew played the artistically challenging roles of donkey and cow. Basically their job was to sit for 10 minutes...well that just wasn't enough for them. My niece, who was 5 then, was apparently a narcoleptic cow, because she fell asleep while sitting on all fours...but she stayed in that position the entire time. Well, as if that wasn't funny enough my nephew, who was four at the time, stood up and started dancing...he then began throwing hay at Mary as she sang. HAHA Needless to say that video will be used as blackmail for many years to come.
So, back on topic.
B. Make sure allllll of your fellow Children's Ministers, stage moms, costume & set designers...etc. know what the plan is. No matter if it's a big or small production it can't be a one person show.
C. Try to play to your kids strengths. If they're bad public speakers a 10 page play is probably not going to be doing their talent any justice. Maybe a short concert or a dance would be more suited to them.
The same goes to assigning parts. If a child wants to play The Virgin Mary "Sooooo bad!" Yet, can't work up the nerve to read a Bible verse aloud in class...well you get the idea. You'll be saving their feelings and your sanity in the long run.
AND FINALLY
D. Have fun. Who cares if someone forgets their lines or your angel choir sounds a bit like a flock of seagulls? Kids are adorable people with love your performance even more with it's flaws. So, have fun with it! Don't get so caught up in the show that you forget your tiny performers who are putting their heart into this. Cause that's where the magic truly happens. People will be more touched by an innocent heart than a perfect performance anyway.

And finally I will finish with this last tip.

4. Don't forget to have fun!

Christmas can be a hectic time for everyone between church stuff and home stuff it can be too much for the best of us, but give yourself grace...as well as the others around you. Christmas is meant to be a time where our faith shines the brightest, not burns the weakest. Do your best, and leave the rest up to God. If that means that a present goes unwrapped just remember that they made bags for a reason. :)

Merry "After" Christmas And A Happy New Year! From my classroom to yours!

Trivia Day!

 We all know no kid likes tests. But they are, however, really great ways to find out if your kids are learning. So, what's the easiest way to test them without them knowing they're being tested? 

QUIZ DAY!!!!

My kids love quiz day! It is such a great way to learn just what your kids know and what you still need to teach them.

All you need are, 

(I added the links for the items below.)

Game Show Buzzers

Bible Trivia Cards

Sound Effects App. (If you have a smart phone...)

Note:

If you are more of the DIY type you can make your own game show buzzers and trivia questions.

DIY Game Show Buzzers

The concept is simple. The kids split into two teams, you ask them trivia questions, and they get one points for ever correct answer.
Note:
This is a lot of fun when you team up boys vs. girls style. It's a big hit with the kids.

 This is such a fun easy way to break up the same old same old Sunday School routine. I like to do Quiz Days at least every couple of months as a review for Sunday School lessons. Also, if you have a weekend when you are running short on time and can't get a lesson plan together this is a fun quick way to teach without all the paperwork. Or, it can even work as a time filler.

I hope this helps!

Blessings,

Faith

The Heart Hat

 As most of you know our class has been doing a unit on love this month. Well, my class kiddos are older so we don't do crafts very often, but they really enjoyed this one. Even my twelve year olds were running to show there parents what they made after church.

~All You Need Is~

Note:I recommend buying the super cheep flimsy plates, because they're easier to cut.

This is a suuuuuper simple craft. All you have to do is,

1. Fold the plate and cut a heart in the center. Then fold it forward so the heart stands up.

2. Let the kids decorate it. 

Note: I recommend writing a verse on it first just to tie it in with a lesson.

And then....TA DA! It's a heart hat!

It's really that simple. This is a such a super fun and easy craft. I hope it goes over as well in your class as it did in mine! 

On a side note...I  found this heart hat idea from alphamom.com...it's a neat website for all you parents out there.

The Road to 2,000

 I just wanted to let everyone know that we are well on our way to 2,000 viewers. I am so beyond blessed and humbled. Thank you to all of my readers and fans! You guys are the best!
 When I started this blog a little less than a year ago I wasn't even sure if there were other Sunday School Teachers out there online. I didn't think anyone would even want to read something I wrote. But this blog has proven me wrong, it has reached everywhere from the United Kingdom, to India, and France. And that is because of all of you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm so happy to be able to help and connect with Children's Ministers from all over the world.

So, here a virtual hug from me to all of you. lol

²⁴ “The Lord bless you and keep you;

²⁵ The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
²⁶ The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26

Love and Blessings,

Faith <3

The Waiting Game

 Class is ending, you're passing out snack, everyone is settling in, you check the time....you've ended early! WHAT DO YOU DO WITH ALL THESE KIDS FOR 10, 15, OR, LORD FORBID, 30 MINUTES?! 

 Not to fear my fellow teachers, I've been there...almost every Sunday. lol.  

 So, how do we occupy kids for a significant amount of time? Well, if you're like me, and attend a small or average size church, then we don't usually have the luxury of an indoor play area. So, I recommend games. Believe it or not it's that simple. Most of the time I let the kids pick what they want to do that day. If it's nice out and I've had a well behaved class that day I don't mind letting them go outside and play for a while. But, since that's only an option for about four months out of the year here are some ideas for the other 8 months.

Option 1.

 If you're dealing with a younger group, play dough is a quick and simple crowd pleaser. Just be prepared for a bit of a mess. It's also a good idea to have hand sanitizer for after so you don't send kids home smelling like play dough.

Note.

This is also a really good one if you're teaching about creation. Let the kids create something like God did.

Option 2.

 These little beauties are...excuse the pun...a ball in class. These are Throw and Tell balls from group.com. The kids toss the ball around hot potato style, you call time, and whoever has the ball has to answer the question under his or her left thumb. Throw and Tell balls come in lots of different themes, and they're also great for lesson review. If it isn't in your church budget to purchase one you can go to the dollar store, get a beach ball and a sharpie, and achieve the same thing for less money. 

Note. 

These are also great for getting a new class to learn 

about each other. 

Option 3.

 If you have a significant amount of time on your hands, and a white board or chalk board in your room, I let the kids play Pictionary. For those of you who don't know what Pictionary is, it is a game like charades, but with drawing. The kids, without using words, draw pictures while the other kids try and guess what they're trying to say.

Note.

 If you're a "prepare ahead type of person", you could even write out ideas that correspond with your lesson for the kids to draw. 






Option 4.

 I can't believe I'm saying this, but the kids ask to play musical chairs allll of the time. Now, even though is an oldie it is still a goody. If you don't know what musical chairs is, then clearly you never went to an elementary school birthday party. Basically, you line up chairs based on the number of kids in your class, if you have 10 kids put out 9 chairs, turn on music, the kids will begin walking in a line around the chairs, they will keep doing this until you stop the music, whoever isn't sitting in a chair when the music stops is out, you then take 1 chair away. You will keep doing this until there is only one chair left. Pretty simple, and great if you only have a few minutes of free time. 

Note.

This is a great way to introduce Christian music to 

your class, since most won't hear it very much

outside of church.

Option 5.

If you're looking for a cute, silly, quick game, that requires few supplies then this is for you. The Why/Because game. This game has the potential for some laughs with your students. You will give each student two small pieces of paper and a pen or pencil. On one card, each person should write a question that begins with the word ‘why’. Then on the second piece of paper, each person should answer his or her question starting with the word ‘because’. You will collect all the why’s in one pile and all the because’s in another. Mix up each pile and then read one why card with one because card. You will get some crazy and silly combinations that are sure to have you and your classroom laughing all the way to the parking lot.

Note. 

This is also a great icebreaker, perfect for 

a new class to get talking.

Well, these are just a few ideas, and I'm sure you will come up with your own. In time you will find exactly what time fillers best fit you and your class. If you have anymore time filler ideas please leave a comment below. I would love to hear about them!

Thanks and God Bless, 

Faith

Student Participation

 Student participation is HUGE to the success of a Sunday School program. I've had serious problem students over my time, and simply letting them participate in class helped tons. 
 The best way to start with student participation is incorporating them into your lessons, like a game where everyone can get involved or even a skit. 
Example, if you're doing a skit or using puppets you may ask some of your older students to help out. This always goes over really well. The older kids love the grown up responsibility, and the younger kids love seeing their friends be goofy.
 My favorite way to get kids to participate in class is to give them daily duties, like passing out Bibles, praying over snack, taking up tithes and offering, passing out craft supplies, and so on. Not only will this help you out each Sunday, but you won't believe how much the kids enjoy it. They fall all over each trying to get their hand up first when I ask for volunteers. Again, kids love feeling like they are doing a grown up job. It makes them feel like a "big kid."
 My kids started getting so involved that they would voluntarily stay after to class to help me sweep, clean the white board, straighten the chairs, take out the trash, and generally pick up the place. 
 Also, praise it key with student participation. Kid's love your approval. You don't have to gush about them in class, but a general, "Thank you (insert name of kid here lol)", will do when they are helping out. But after class I really recommend thanking them one on one. You can say something like, "Thanks so much for helping pick up Bibles after class it helps me out a lot!" Simple right? Kids will respond so well to little things like that. 
 When you bring participation and praise into your classroom you will see better behavior, a closer relationship with your students, and probably a cleaner classroom. haha 
 I believe in teaching our lessons through action, which is why I use so many games, skits, and object lessons in class. But, I also believe things like work ethic and responsibility are learned through action as well. It seems to stick with the kids better this way. They don't just have words to hold onto, but they have a fun memory as well, and that will stick with them for a lifetime. 
 At the end of the day know that your students want your love and approval. Maybe thats something you have difficulty showing. Obviously you love these kids or you wouldn't be back here doing this job. But for whatever reason maybe you have trouble showing it to your kids. So do me a favor, think of this as a homework assignment not to just to teach the kids, but to teach you as well. Show them love and approval, and they will do the same for you.

Thanks,
Faith

Curriculum VS. Self Made Lesson Plans

 A major debate among Sunday School teachers is the use of a curriculum versus self made lesson plans. Some argue that curriculums provide more structure for class and they save time. While others say making a lesson plan yourself gives you the opportunity to build a lesson around your class' needs. But we can't seem to break down exactly which one is better. So, I'm here today to give you my take. 

Curriculum 

Pros:

1. It provides consistent structure to class since most curriculums follow the same basic patterns every class. (Prayer, Lesson, Game, Craft, Snack, ETC.)
2. If you're not a full time Children's Minister then it can sometimes be difficult to find the time get an entire lesson complete with games, snacks, and crafts every Sunday. In this respect a curriculum is definitely a pro since all of your material is there and waiting.  
3. They often have really good ideas that we haven't thought of. These people have spent months putting together dozens of lessons before these curriculums are published. So, chances are they've had more time to come up with awesome ideas, versus your often mad rush to get a lesson plan together 2 hours before church because the weekend suddenly got away from you, come on we've all done it. 
4. They can be reused when kids change in class. Kids grow up and come an go in Sunday Schools. So, I think it's totally acceptable to repeat a Curriculum after some time has passed. 
5. If you have a sick day, are on vacation, or have an emergency and need someone else to teach your class having someone takeover for a Sunday is as easy as handing them a binder. And you don't have to worry about what the sub will teach or how the kids will react.
6. Finally, a big perk to curriculums is that they're just easier to use. Everything is always right there when you need it. If you can read you're set. 

Cons:

1. Sometimes faster isn't always better. Every Sunday School Class is different. They all have different needs, likes and dislikes, and time frames even. So, with you curriculum you are a little more constrained as to what you can and can't do.
2. Sometimes curriculums call for you to buy odds and end things, anywhere from a beach ball to clown costume. Which is cool...if your church budget can stretch it. So, be sure before selecting a curriculum to check out what it calls for.
3. Sometimes curriculums may have been written by people of different denominations than your church. So, things may not always line up with what you like to teach. But don't panic, just grab a pen write a few notes in the margins, and you'll be fine.

Self Made Lesson Plans

Pros:

1. With self made lessons you get a more personal feel. You can make it much more one on one with your class.
2. You get the chance to always minister on what A. God ministers to you and B. What you see the kids needing or dealing with.
3. You're more flexible with your time frames and your schedules. Curriculums often start their first lesson at the beginning of the school year so lessons will fall right on holidays like Christmas and Easter. With self made lesson you're more flexible.
4. You always know exactly word for word what you're ministering because, Hello you're the one that wrote it. This makes you more prepared and confident when entering the classroom.
5. It gives you the opportunity to be creative, and learn some yourself through studying God's Word.
6. Kids can tell when you're just going through the motions. Often times with curriculums you get the feeling that you don't have to try because it's all spelled out in black and white for you. But with self made lessons you take your time, blood (Paper cuts hurt.), sweat (It's tough carrying all those papers around every weekend.), and tears (Yeah, I'm a waterworks kind of girl when God ministers to me.) to get done every week. Which in all honestly does give you an awesome sense of accomplishment.

Cons:

1. It often takes a lot of time out of your week to get a full lesson together, between studying (which honestly we should all be doing every day anyway), searching online for ideas, coming up with games, getting snack and trying out crafts. 
2. If you have a substitute in your class they usually have to come up with their own lesson unless you have one prepared. So, Note: Pick a sub you really trust if they will be the ones preparing the lesson. If the sub says or does something wrong you will have some angry parents.
3. It's often more difficult to cater to a larger class if you use a self made lesson plan. Simply because you're the only one getting all the material together, and if you're running 30+ students every week self made plans can not only be expensive, but they can be time consuming. We don't get a dress rehearsal for our classes if a game or craft takes longer than expected then you will have parents tapping their foot at the door and a lesson left unfinished.
4. Chances are if you are as unorganized with your self made lesson plans as I am you won't be able to reuse them years later because they could be anywhere between your house, church, and the road you took on that spontaneous after church trip to the beach. 

 So, to finish this debate on a personal note...I often use both a curriculum and self made lesson plans. It really depends on my time that week. I'm not a full time Children's Minister so between work, keeping up the house, running errands, and the general craziness some weeks throw at me I'm just glad to get to eat some days much less prepare a full Sunday School lesson so I'm a big curriculum fan. 

 However, sometimes God will minister to me about doing a certain topic in class. And frankly no matter my time constraints, I would rather do what God says. Sometimes I even like to do special days if we've had exceptionally well behaved classes for a few weeks. I will use a self made lesson plan with a few extra games or activities that week.

 Sometimes, I even combine self made lesson plans and a curriculum. Or, I take parts of two or three curriculum lessons and mix them together to make a semi self made lesson plan. 
 In all honesty, the main thing is to follow how God is leading you. We only see these kids on Sunday mornings, but God sees them all week. He knows what they deal with at school, at home, and even in their minds. So, if I can give you one piece of advice it's this, don't listen to cynics and the critics, listen to God. And you will see more growth and joy in your classes than you ever would with just a curriculum or just a self made lesson. No matter what you use, at the end of the day, let it be a God made lesson.

What curriculum is your favorite? Leave your answers in the comments section below.

God Bless,
Faith