During the month of March, we gave away two (2) great resources for kidmin leaders.
One of those resources was a three-month subscription to Simple Sign In. The winner was Tom Bump!
The other resource was a free Resurrection Clue Hunt game download, provided by my friends at Kidology. The winner is Kim Jackson!
Thank you to all who entered. Congratulations Tom and Kim!
I love to research ideas to make familiar Bible stories come to life in new, fresh ways, especially around holidays. Today I’ll share a resource that might be a great activity to have children in your elementary ministry do this Easter.
Overview
Kidology’s Resurrection Clue Hunt is an adaptation of the classic deduction game, Clue. Designed for children ages 7-13, it is a lesson-based game that helps to uncover the many aspects of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
During the game, players (in groups of 4-6) must discover which PEOPLE clue is missing, what LOCATION clue is unknown, and which OBJECT clue is needed to complete the set. As the children hunt for clues, biblical investigation and devotionals illustrate how the clues fit together to shape the resurrection story.
My Thoughts
Initially I thought the game was more like an actual scavenger hunt than a game played in a small group or family setting. (Now ideas are running through my head as to how we might adapt it that way!) I love that the game is interactive while also helping children understand the crucifixion and resurrection in a new way. I also love how the game is not only designed for fun but also incorporates learning through scripture and discussion. The game is also a great family night activity!
I think that children, teachers and families would enjoy playing Resurrection Clue Hunt this Easter. The PDF game download includes:
Kidology has graciously offered a complimentary game download (regularly priced at $18.99, Kidology Premium Members $13.99) to one of our readers. You can enter to win by leaving a comment below, telling me how you’d use this resource in your home or ministry. The deadline to enter is 11:59pm on Sunday, March 30th. I will randomly select and announce one winner and on Monday, March 31st.
So…how would you use this resource in your home or ministry? Leave me a comment below and you’ll be entered to win!
Kidology provided me a free download in exchange for an honest review.
Last week, I shared that I was coaching one of our elementary small group leaders in effectively leading her group. (If you missed that post, you can read all about that here.)
This past Sunday, I sat in on the group again and saw something AMAZING. The entire atmosphere in the group had been transformed – for the better. Here’s what I observed:
A new routine was established.
Last week, I suggested that the leader establish a routine when the children arrive to the group after the large group teaching time. She determined the following routine: When you come to the small group area, grab your Bible and circle up on the floor. So this week, the children who were there the week prior did just that – amazing! Of course, the children who weren’t there didn’t know what to do but that takes me to my next observation…
The routine and simple guidelines were reviewed.
She asked me to review the routine and the guidelines with the group of nine children. I began by praising the children who remembered what they were supposed to do when they came to the small group area. Then I explained the routine to the children who were absent the week prior and why this routine was being implemented.
Then I explained the guidelines, which we’ve intentionally kept short, sweet and simple:
I briefly explained the ‘whys’ behind the guidelines. All in all, this took about two minutes to explain. This wise investment of time made for a more calm, pleasant environment even though more children were present this week.
The Bible story was reviewed in a more engaging way.
The leader did a fabulous job engaging the children while reviewing the story. She asked great questions (mentioned here). She also kept children engaged by regularly referring to them by name.
The leader was more aware of when it was time to change things up a bit.
Because the children were more within her eyesight, she was able to notice when children were getting restless. When she noticed this, she changed things up a bit. How? Read on…
The children were able to move around after the discussion time.
Last week, I suggested that the children get up and move around after the discussion time on the floor. She had them complete their journal activity at the table before doing a Bible verse activity at the whiteboard. It was very effective. Changing up the ‘scenery’ came at just the right time because she was more aware – and prepared.
The leader was more confident.
I wish you could have been there. Her voice was surer and her posture more upright. She was prepared with her ‘cheat sheet”. She was more relaxed. Her body language screamed, “I can do this!” It was such a God-thing to see this after just one week.
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My goal in coaching this sweet leader was to not only help the children have a great time but also to help her strengthen her leadership muscles. I think she’s on the right track! Moving forward, I suggested that she:
1. Take time at the beginning of each session to briefly review the guidelines.
2. Have fidgety children sit on either side of you or directly across from you. This will allow you to correct behavior with a gentle hand on a shoulder or eye contact.
3. Sit where you can see the clock. This will help you keep track of time. (Note: There is no clock in this leader’s area, but there will be next week!)
4. Break up your 30 minutes into three 10-minute segments.
5. Build anticipation for next week with comments like, “I can’t wait to see you again next week!” or “Next week, we’ll ____. I hope to see you then!” or “If you come next week, you’ll hear more about ____.”
Now it’s your turn to share…How do you coach your small group leaders to lead effectively? Post your tips below!
Today is a very special day – it’s my 40th birthday! Recently I read an article that shared 10 skills all homeowner’s need to have and that got me thinking…What skills should kidmin leaders possess? Since ’40’ is the number of the day, I made a list of 40 skills, none of which are in any particular order.
As a kidmin leader, you should know how to:
Now I can go and read Dale Hudson’s article for children’s leaders over the age of 40! (You can read that article here.)
In the meantime…What would you add to the list?