Depending on the age of the kids you are working with your approach will be different. Younger audiences will need a less intense your program. Select a theme or lesson you wish to convey keeping that in mind as you develop your program. After establishing the “take away” from your program you can develop your program around the subject.
Music is a fun activity to begin your program. Not all kids will arrive on time, so singing fun songs lets kids filter in as they arrive and keeps the environment light. Song services should last about 15 mins. The average song is about 3 minutes, which means that you should be prepared to sing about 5 songs during this portion of your program.
If you play a keyboard or guitar ou can use your talent this way, or if you do not have the ability to play an instrument, use prerecorded music and sing along. At the designated start time start your songs or turn your music player on having the kids sing along with the music.
You can also access karaoke style songs and download them from the internet. This is also a fun way to add music to your program.
Kids under 5 years will need to have a looser program style with more singing and less teaching. Sing memory verse type songs or songs that parallel bible stories. Don’t forget that songs teach lessons and drive them into the little minds. Kids will find themselves singing the songs you taught them at home throughout the week. This keeps them focusing on spiritual things all week long.
Grade schoolers from 1st to 5th grade require more structure in their programs. It is still good to start things off with singing. Kids this age still like little ditties and simple songs so keep that in mind but the older you audience the more complicated the songs need to be.
From 5thgrade on the kids will demand songs with deeper meanings that have lessons or spiritual reflection embedded in them. Ask the kids what songs they would like to sing and guide them to the most appropriate songs for your lesson plan.
Junior high schoolers and beyond can also lead out in the songs. Some of them can even play instruments which can add to the groups participation. They can also select the songs they like best which helps them be more involved.
Besides singing songs you can feature some crafts, interactive games or other activity that will engage.
With grade schoolers you could have them color a picture from a coloring book or download a sheet that leads them toward your lesson of the day. Middle schooler can engage in various craft project they can do that match the theme being taught for that meeting.
Jr High School kids like more challenging crafts or perhaps you could have them work on a skit or play they could develop and present to the church community. If you are looking ideas for a skit, check out our Product Section and see if there are any subjects you would like to use.
Next time we will discuss more ideas about how to develop moving lessons that they will enjoy.
