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

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!

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.

God Is Love Example

We've just recently started a teaching unit on love, particularly the Love of God, in my class. I used an awesome example that I found in one of my curriculums. It's super inexpensive, but it will make a big impact. 

All you need is,

And,

Note:

Be sure to get the plastic bottle of honey and not the glass, 

since this example involves breaking the bottle.

 Holding the bottle of honey in your hand ask your class what it is, and what comes out of it. Most everyone will know it is ,of course, honey comes out of a honey bottle. 
 Throwing the bottle on the ground again ask them what the bottle is. Call the bottle a mean name, and ask again what the bottle is. Finally, taking the scissors cut gashes in the bottle. Ask the class again what this bottle is. Then ask them what comes out of the bottle.
 Finish off by saying, "Today we have kicked, been mean to, and hurt this little bottle of honey, but despite all that what still comes out of it?", the answer if you haven't guessed is honey lol, "God is the same we can call Him names, break His rules, and even turn our back on Him, but He loves us anyway. His love for us is unconditional. Meaning, there is nothing we can do to make God love us. He has always loved us, because God is love. He may not love the choices we make, but He still loves us. So, just like this bottle, even though we've hurt it, honey still comes out. The same is true with God, even though we try to hurt Him, love still comes out."

 Well, I hope this example will be useful to you! 

Love and Blessings,
Faith

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

In the Begining

The hardest part of teaching Sunday School is the beginning. So, I want to share with you, through my experience, the keys to starting off right. Please learn from my mistakes. haha


Key 1.

Having the courage to try.

 I've been at the same church since I was 5, and things never seemed to change a lot. Growing up I had the most amazing Sunday School teachers, and up until last year they were still hard at it. When they decided to step down it was a tough blow to the program. They'd been teaching for about 13 years, and the kids adored them. Needless to say there were big shoes to fill. When the position fell open I was recommended for reasons unknown to me at the time. When I was officially offered the position I didn't know how to react. I'd never thought of myself as an authority figure much less a Sunday School teacher. Now, looking back I think I was crazy, but I said no. I was absolutely terrified by the responsibility of it all. I'm a 20 something with no children...what did I know about taking care of kids? However, as a favor to my pastors I said I would fill in until they could find a replacement. Well, that lasted for about two months before I finally knew it was God's will for me. When I finally accepted the job my pastors just laughed and said, "I knew God was going to do that to you." Believe it or not I kept getting those comments for months after I became the new Sunday School teacher. Apparently everyone knew it was my calling except for me. 

So, my first key is this. 
Don't be motivated by fear. If God is dealing with you to step into Children's Ministry the first thing I would do is pray...also pray...and then pray some more. Chances are you already know the answer in your heart. The answer may scare you...like run and stick your head into a hole kind of scare you...but have the courage to try. Because I can promise you this, you will never feel easy until you say yes. I spent two months tossing and turning, thinking surely it was just me wanting to do it...not God telling me to. Why would God trust me with kids? But when I had the courage to try I never looked back, and I've never felt more settled in what I'm doing.

Note: I still had no clue what I was doing...lol

Key 2.
Establishing Rules

 In my experience, I went in thinking, "Oh I'll just play a few games, read a few verses, and we'll have snack. The kids will sit nice an quietly, and we will all have an awesome time!" Well, little did I know that kids don't always take well to change, they will test you're authority to see just how far you'll let them go. I had to send kids out of class it got so crazy at times. But I had no real rules and consequence  system. I hated having to play the bad guy. So, I often tried not to throw rules in too much. Which was a huge mistake. And that brings me to key number 2.

 Rules are one of the most important things in my classroom. It's what often separates Sunday School from Circus. I know people often take the "It's just Sunday School though..." stance, but for me I always like to stress the word S-C-H-O-O-L. Yes, we want kids to have fun and be silly, but at the end of the day we want them to walk away having learned something. So, rules are a big part of making that possible. I can't stress how important it is to start a rules and consequences system EARLY ON. Write the rules out hang them in your classroom so they are clearly visible. You don't need 50, just four or five will do usually. 
Ours are written out as,


1. Listen when someone is speaking. 
2. Raise your hand to speak.
3. Follow directions quickly.
4. Be a caring friend. 
5. Always do your best work.

Here is a link to printable versions of my rules: Class Rules

And when a rule is broken correct it only so many times before there HAVE to be consequences. If kids think you will let one by with it...then the whole class will think they can get by with it. So, it is best to nip it in the bud right at the beginning otherwise the whole class gets out of control and extremely difficult to reel back in. When you say there will be consequences don't go back on your word...follow through no matter what. The kids will respect you for it. 
Some of the consequences I use are,

Switching seats...This is usually if they're talking to a friend a lot.
Sitting by a Helper 
Sitting At the Front of the Class
A Good Old Fashioned One On One Correction...Do this one away from the rest of the class so as not to embarrass the child.
And finally, the one I absolutely hate using...
Sending them out of class to sit in service with their parents.

Being the disciplinarian is never fun, but as strange as it sounds when I did this my kids started to communicate with me more...behave better in class...participate more...and dare I say even like me more? Even though it's hard, and sometimes may even make you feel bad it will be worth it. The main thing is to not embarrass the child, and not to loose your temper.

Key 3.
Preparation 

 It took me a while to learn that being prepared for anything and everything is HUUUUGE when teaching. I could cover so many things with this topic, but I'll shorten it down to 3. 

1. Have your lesson (including coloring pages, lesson plan, games, snacks, etc) ready at least my Wednesday of every week. Otherwise you will be scrambling every Saturday night running to the store to get snack, printing out coloring pages like a mad woman, and going through post it notes like it's no tomorrow just trying to remember what else needs to be done. Then by Sunday you're exhausted because you've totally lost your weekend. 

2. Make sure your room is stocked with everything you need. 
Like,


First Aid Kit
Clorox
Glue
Paint
Paper Towels
Scissors
Crayons
Markers
Yarn
ETC.

Every Sunday arrive a few minutes early to get all your supplies laid out. This make things so much easier every class when you're not banging around your cabinet trying to find a glue stick that isn't dried out.

3. Make sure you have a helper lined up each week. 
This tip has been one of the most valuable ever for me. I admire teachers who go it alone, but I am so not one of them. I feel like I'm doing a poor example of a juggling act trying to teach, correct, make snack, walk kids to the bathroom, all while communicating whatever the lesson is that week. When you have a helper scheduled and ready to work every Sunday your class will go so much easier. You can focus on teaching while the helper fixes snack, walks kids to the bathroom, and makes your day go a lot smoother.
 Talk to your pastors about who would be a good helper, get the word out in your church. I'm sure you will be amazed at how many people want to serve. For me a good helper is someone who loves kids, understands your vision for the ministry, is helpful and not lazy, is fun, and most importantly someone who is trustworthy. Find a person like that, and you are on your way to an awesome Sunday School experience.

Key 4.
Have Fun

When I started out I took everything so seriously. If any little thing went amiss I would be crying by the time I got home. Never take it too seriously. As long as you're doing your best let the rest just roll of your back. Play with your kids...don't just be that person standing in the corner barking out rules during a class activity. Sunday school should be taken seriously, you are accountable to God for what goes on in your class, but I don't believe Sunday School should be serious. One is respectful and one is just boring. Sunday School is huge task, but at it's core it's simple...Teach kids about the amazing Savior that loves them. As long as you're doing that you will do just fine.

Any other Sunday School Teachers have some advice to share? Leave your's in the comments section below. 

God Bless,
Faith <3

Sunday School Teachers

 Sunday school teachers, our job isn't glamorous...it doesn't usually pay well (if it pays at all)...it's messy and loud...and it's probably one of the hardest things you will ever do. But you will also find that it is one of the most rewarding and fun things you will ever do.
 Every Sunday we cram dozens screaming children into our classrooms, and attempt to teach them something of value...The Bible. Now, chances are if you've been in this game long enough you've discovered that Sunday School doesn't always look like those pictures you've seen on Google of kids sitting quietly with hands folded in laps listening to an aging Sunday School teacher read from God's Word...those times happen once in a blue moon if you're lucky. The truth is Sunday  School is usually somewhere between the juggling act at the circus, the monkey exhibit at the zoo, and a church service. And you know who the ring master/animal keeper/pastor is? Yup, that's right...you and me. 
However, there are a lot of golden moments that make up for the craziness we take on each week. 

Examples?
When you see that connection in their eyes, that they really get what you're teaching them.

On Sunday morning when they can't wait to tell you how something you taught them helped that week. 

When you're out in the store and one of your kids runs clear across the building screaming your name to give you a big hug. 

When they trust you with their problems, and aren't afraid to ask for your prayers and advice.

When you watch them playing a game or making a craft, and you see that smile on their face...you suddenly know you have the coolest job in the world.

Being a Sunday School teacher isn't easy, but it is by far the best thing I've ever devoted my time to. 
 If you open your heart to these kids, you'll find that you may learn just as much from them as they do from you.  You've never seen faith until you've observed the faith of child first hand, it's a beautiful thing. I consider it my privilege to be able to help cultivate that faith. Too often we forget as Sunday School teachers that we aren't just telling Bible stories. If we're doing our job right we are helping to lay the foundation of our kids Christian walk. And that is a very fulfilling line of work. :) 

 So, that is what this Blog is for, to encourage all of my fellow Children's Ministers out there, to provide you with lessons, crafts, classroom managements tips, and anything else that I've found to be useful. 
 To conclude...here's to the golden moments...the sticky moments...the funny moments...the loud moments...the silly moments...the crazy moments...the happy moments...the messy moments...and every other moment we would never change. But most importantly here's to our kids who make the whole thing worth it.

Signed,
Faith
C.O.G. 
Sunday School Teacher 
Grade 3-6