Big Picture

ARTICLES

Motivation 101

Motivation 101

There must be a thousand ways to teach basic motivation. I remember stories I heard as a child. There was “The Little Engine That Could.” Generations of children have learned from this story that if they really put their hearts into a job it can make a difference.

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Demonstrating Faith

Demonstrating Faith

God is pushed out of the lives of so many of today’s children. Schoolteachers consciously avoid mentioning Him. On TV and in many homes His commandments are blatantly violated. Schedules are packed with nonreligious activities, so how do we demonstrate faith to the next generation of children?

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Emojis As a Teaching Tool? Yes!

Emojis As a Teaching Tool? Yes!

Kid’s ministry has changed so much over the last ten years! For example, I did not own a cell phone until I was 19. Now kids get them at younger and younger ages and because of this texting and social media are becoming more and more relevant to even young children.

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Make the Most of Every Moment

Make the Most of Every Moment

Looking back over 30 years of children’s ministry, I regret the times I put the urgency of completing the lesson ahead of the needs of my learners. I regret the times I told a child I would be glad to listen to his concern over his sick cat “later.”

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Finding God in the Nonfiction Section

Finding God in the Nonfiction Section

Sherry Biddison teaches a Good News Club in the school library with a sign above her head which reads, “Non-Fiction.” It is fitting, because the Bible is as nonfiction as it gets! Children today are offered many different versions of ‘truth’ by their parents, teachers, friends, and TV celebrities.

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Reset! Regaining and Keeping Attention in Class

Reset! Regaining and Keeping Attention in Class

I’m on the children’s church teaching team at my church. I teach the younger group, which range from 3-6 years old. They are hilarious, sweet, and sometimes just plain squirrely! If something hits them funny it can be so easy for them to get distracted and before I know it they aren’t paying attention anymore!

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