Laura Keeley

Great idea, Karen.  In our church a verse is written in each Bible that is given to 2nd graders.  The verse is chosen by the pastor for that child.  In worship during the presentation the pastor reads the verse to the child before the Bible is given to the child.  Often that verse is one that the kids recall when they profess their faith.

We were offering in person Children's Worship. It is a lot of work.  But maybe you could adapt some of this to Sunday School.  
The separated by 6 feet is difficult for kids.  So for three and four year olds I pulled in all the short tables and set each two tables in the room like an upside down "V"  The point of the "V" shape is toward the teacher.  The kids sit at the beginning and end of the "V".  THe teacher can still build relationships with the kids but is also 6 feet away.  Note:  I have three "v" shaped sets of tables. 

For Kindergarten, First and Second grade. I purchased Hula Hoops to keep the kids away from each other and the teacher.  They actually kind of like having their space defined.  The kids also moved into a larger room that adults usually use and that is a treat. 

For 3rd and 4th grade,  we use towels to keep the kids apart.  The  kids lay their towel on the floor and work of that space.  At the end of their time together, the towels are rolled up.

In all classrooms we have a plastic box for each child with their name on it. It contains the art tools they can use... colors or markers. scissors, pen, a tea light, glue stick, and anything else they will need that day. For 3rd and 4th grade the box includes their towel.  

I think Dwell Flex would work well with this set up as well.  I hope that helps. 

Laura

 This week I had the same reaction from a church educator when I described how many people looked at a lesson after it was written before it was published -- She had no idea!  Thanks for the article.  

For each week in Lent the children return to congregational worship from Children's Worship for communion. I have printed a Bible verse on card stock that connects to the Lord's Supper such as I Corinthians 10:17. The verse is given to the children in Children's Worship with a purple pen. Following some of the ideas in the book Praying In Color the children focus on the verse by reading it and drawing around it during their response time as we prepare for communion. The kids take the paper with them when they return to congregational worship.

The second idea of offering a video Bible study is wonderful.  What a great way for the church to stay connected with the kids but also for the kids to stay connected to each other.  

There is a church, I don't know which one, but they give each child  a wooden lamb just like the ones used in children's worship.  The director was wondering how effective that was until she found the sheep her middle school son had received in his dresser with other awards and precious items.  

There is a church, I don't know which one, but they give each child  a wooden lamb just like the ones used in children's worship.  The director was wondering how effective that was until she found the sheep her middle school son had received in his dresser with other awards and precious items.  

Hi Ron,

Friendship Ministries has great materials and including their newest curriculum called Together.  Together is an inclusive Bible study that may work well for your group. 

Laura  

 Churches that I work with have selected a particular discipline to emphasize such as prayer- the daily examin or Bible reading using the Immerse Bible series.  One of my favorite books on this topic is Practicing Faith by Dorothy Bass.  

Hi John,  You have a good point.  We want to make sure our curriculum is appropriately challenging. 

Your comments has prompted me to think more about Bible memory so I may write about that soon.