Safety First in Your Classroom

Safety Guidelines for Preschool Teachers

To ensure that each child’s experience in your class is a safe and happy one, each teacher and helper should know and practice these simple safety guidelines:

• Beware of balloons. A piece of broken balloon or an uninflated balloon can easily be sucked into a child’s windpipe and cause suffocation.
• Make sure all leaders and helpers know basic first-aid techniques and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, including rescue procedures for choking. Encourage them to learn CPR for children also.
• Have an established way of summoning the parents out of their class or activity in case of an emergency or inconsolable crying. If the parents are not in the church at the time your class meets, know how to reach them.
• Do not release children to anyone but the designated parent(s) at the close of the class, unless the parent has notifiedyou in advance. 
• Do not ever let a child out of your sight. Do not allow a child to go to the bathroom or leave the room without an adult.
• Latch the classroom door with a latch that is above the children’s reach but can be opened from both sides of the door.
• Attach chimes or bells to the classroom door so you will hear when it is opened.
• Keep all electrical plugs capped when not in use.
• Keep all plastic bags high above children’s reach. When using plastic bags for dirty diapers, be sure to dispose of them out of reach.
• Do not carry any medications into the classroom in your purse or pocket. Put your purse, including makeup, nail files, sharp objects, and the like, on a high shelf.
• If you have plants in your classroom, be sure they are not poisonous.
• Do not allow children to run with anything in their hands.
• Do not give any medication to someone else’s child. Ask the parent to come back at the appointed time to give the medication. 
• Do not have any glass bottles, drinking glasses, or other breakable objects in the room. 
• Toys and supplies should be no smaller than 1½ inches in any dimension to prevent swallowing. If the object can fit through a cardboard toilet paper tube, it is too small.
• If a child is injured, however minor, administer first aid and call the parent to the classroom immediately.
• Wash a cut under running water, letting the cut bleed. Cover the cut with gauze and call the parent to apply antiseptic.
• You should have a fully equipped, standard first-aid kit in your room.
• For additional safety tips, including first-aid and playground safety, visit the National Safety Council website at nsc.org.

7 Steps to a Successful Sunday School Program

1. Pray

This is a big job, so meet with your Christian Education Director, Children’s Pastor, and Sunday School Superintendent. Begin with prayer, asking the Lord to direct you and give you wisdom as you plan for your Sunday school program. You may want to organize a prayer team who will continue to pray for your program before your fall registration, during your kick-off week, and on a regular basis (monthly or weekly) as needs arise.

2. Plan

Once you have a budget, order your Sunday school starter kits and print some sample lessons to determine which curriculum will work best for your church. Return the kits you won’t need or keep the extra kits to use as a filler when the sermon runs over—or any time you need an extra lesson. Your kids will enjoy the fun crafts and games anytime. Visit our Sunday school store to see a Sunday School Comparison Chart and print out a Scope and Sequence and sample lessons. Check out the affordable downloads and reproducible Sunday school programs available for all ages.

3. Recruit

Ask the Lord to direct you to the people whom He wants to teach your precious children. Ask Him to prepare the hearts of these people to be receptive to becoming Sunday school teachers or helpers. Then make a list of qualified people who might be interested, and make an appointment to visit them in their homes. Explain the Sunday school program and the responsibilities of a Sunday school teacher or helper. Ask him or her to pray about the decision, and if desired, leave a specific job description with him or her. To ensure your children the very best experiences in your Sunday school program, look for leaders and teachers with the following qualifications:

• Are dedicated Christians who seek to live for Christ daily, who study God’s Word, and who know the plan of salvation

• Are tuned in to kids, and able to build upon their natural interests

• Enjoy sharing in the children’s joy of discovery

• Are warm, outgoing, and have a genuine love and sensitivity for children

• Appreciate and seek to follow God’s command to teach children

• Have a basic understanding of children in terms of their physical, mental, and emotional development, and their spiritual needs

• Are reliable and disciplined to prepare for each meeting

• Are suitable role models for children

4. Prepare

Before you begin signing up children for your Sunday school program, print registration cards onto heavy stock. We've created some free Sunday School Registration Cards you can download. Design your own or use these and simply add your church logo. Give the cards to parents when they register their children. Have parents fill out a registration card for each child attending your program. The card should contain emergency information and a place to list allergies and other medical conditions of your students. For any child with allergies, create a special, brightly colored name badge with the allergies listed so all leaders and helpers are aware of the allergies and don’t inadvertently give the child something that might cause an allergic reaction.

5. Be Creative!

Creativity may not be your strong suit, but no doubt your church is full of creative talent just waiting to be put to good use.

Someone who can paint classrooms, another person who can concoct inexpensive yet healthy snack options, a seamstress who can design skit costumes or puppet show decorations, a musician who can accompany your songs or lead the children in singing along to the CDs, a crafty mom who can modify the suggested crafts into easy-to-prepare keepsakes made from household supplies—all of these people can play a role in kicking your Sunday school program up a notch. The key is to tap into their talents without giving them overwhelming responsibilities. Check out our Classroom Decorations Store for lots of fun bulletin board sets and attendance charts to make each classroom a welcoming and creative place for your students.

6. Pray (Continually!)

Schedule a regular time (weekly or monthly) to have volunteers gather at your church for praises, prayer requests, and a time of prayer for the children, parents, teachers, and helpers. You may want to provide coffee and juice. Use your Sunday school theme for a brief devotion, then make announcements, share prayer requests and praises, and conclude with a time of prayer (for each other, for the children, and for God’s wisdom and discernment). For a complete collection of teacher devotions and training tips, view samples from the book, Refresh! Teacher Training and Devotions by Joyce Tepfer. During your prayer time, encourage your volunteers to share stories of how God is working during Sunday school. Then take time to thank Him for the ways He is using each person to spread His Word and change lives.

7. Consider Having a Preschool Sunday School Program

Sunday school is a great way to introduce young families to your church. Consider including 2- to 5-year-olds in your Sunday school program so they have a Bible curriculum rather than just a babysitting hour. Younger children can have their own learning centers, games, and age-appropriate crafts. The preschoolers can join the other children for your opening song time and then go their own preschool rooms for the rest of the morning. If your Sunday school hour begins with everyone together for an opening song time, be prepared to have one or two helpers take younger children to your preschool classroom for free play if the large group setting becomes overwhelming. Read other blog articles for more ideas on including preschoolers. (See the post, "Using Learning Centers with Preschoolers".) Visit our Sunday school store to take a look at Bible Foundations Reproducible Curriculum and the Preschool All-in-One Kit—Sunday school curriculum written especially for your two- to five-year-olds.

And Finally…Evaluate!

Before the end of your Sunday school year (or quarterly), have thank-you notes and evaluation forms ready for your helpers. Gather feedback about what worked and what didn’t so you can make changes for next year. Make notes so if you are not involved, you can pass them on to your successor. Thank God for the ways He worked to change lives during Sunday school. Be sure to let your volunteers know how much they were appreciated. While they’re still excited about the great things that happened during the past year, ask if they would be willing to consider being a part of the team next year. (Just to get an idea, not for a firm commitment.) Then follow up around May or June to have them start praying about volunteering for your next year of Sunday school. For tips on recruiting Sunday school teachers, visit our Recruiting blog post.

More 2011 VBS Themes Announced

The 2011 VBS themes are now in! It's not too soon to begin choosing your VBS for next summer, and we’re here to help! Take a look at the Bible themes and highlights from some of the 2011 programs…keep checking back for the latest information or visit Shop VBS. (Check out our June 14, 2010 Blog Post for an overview of Gospel Light's SonSurf Beach Bash VBS and Group's PandaMania VBS.)

In a world that is always searching for the “next big thing”, some things will never change and can never be improved upon. God, His promises, His Word, and the Gospel are unchangeable, which is why the Go Fish Guys invite you to KICK IT OLD SCHOOL!

With Kickin’ It Old School, the Go Fish Guys continue  their concert theme, but with an 80s, retro hip-hop influence! Once again, your leaders and kids will be “hands on” with the Bible. This program is not dependent on the theme, the music, or the Go Fish Guys. It’s all about the Bible which means that it WILL be effective!

Using classic hymns from their new CD Kickin’ It Old School, your kids will love the new songs, videos, and karaoke times! Watch the videos.

Your kids will travel through the Old Testament as well as the New Testament to learn several attributes of God. From Adam and Eve to the Passover to the building of the tabernacle to Jesus on the cross, your kids will learn how God’s holiness and separation from sin have never changed. Kids churched and unchurched alike will hear and understand the Gospel in a whole new way. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. It’s time to kick it old school!

Kickin' It Old School VBS Starter Kit: $150.00

Here's an overview of the Kickin' It Old School VBS program. Click on the image below for a larger view. 

Below is a list of the daily themes that go along with each day of the Kickin’ It Old School VBS (hi-res posters are FREE in digital format with curriculum). You can also download the Day 1 Bible Lesson for FREE by visiting our website, ChristianEdWarehouse.com.

Day 1 - This Is My Father's World - God Is Our Creator

Day 2 - Before The Throne Of God - God Is Our King

Day 3 - I Love To Tell The Story - Jesus Is Our Savior

Day 4 - I'm A Soldier In The Army Of The Lord - God Is Our Truth

Day 5 - The Solid Rock - God Is Our Rock

New for 2011, Gold Rush VBS: Discovering the Rock of Ages from Answers in Genesis helps kids learn the answer to the most important question Jesus asks: “Who do you say that I am?”

Howdy, Partner!

Grab your bandana, dust off your boots, and get ready to mine for true gold. 

Our children must decide among many “gods” every day. In media, in school, and in books, they’re taught that all roads lead to heaven. They’re told to “believe what you want and it will be true for you.” These dangerous lies are drawing our kids away from the truth—that Jesus, the Rock of Ages, is the way, the truth, and the life! Salvation is found in Jesus alone! Gold Rush VBS uses the New King James Version for Bible memory verses. A KJV Supplement with student books and posters in the King James Version (works with the Super Starter Kit and the Starter Kit) is available.

Each day, children will see more of the truth about who Jesus is—our Creator and Redeemer. They’ll hear the Gospel and will be challenged to follow Jesus. Gather your gear and join us for unforgettable discoveries!

Gold Rush VBS Super Starter Kit: $189.99
Gold Rush VBS Starter Kit: $99.99
Gold Rush KJV Supplement: $19.99
(The supplement works with both the Super Starter and Starter Kits.)
Super Starter Kits are available with your choice of contemporary or traditional music recordings.

Group's Hometown Nazareth VBS helps kids walk with Jesus. It's the Bible in motion! Welcome kids into the ultimate VBS Bible-times experience. They'll visit with Mary, Jesus' mom, and hear about Jesus' childhood adventures. Everyone will learn Bible truths that they can't wait to apply to their lives and share with others.

Nazareth VBS teaches kids to love God and His Word . . . like you do.
Hometown Nazareth VBS Starter Kit: $119.99

Take a look at the  Hometown Nazareth VBS course overview. Click on the image below for a larger version. Check back for VBS updates each week. Visit Shop VBS to see all of the 2011 VBS programs and special offers.

With Main Street VBS from Standard Publishing, kids will be drawn into stories Jesus told about everyday people in everyday situations. But His stories were anything but ordinary! Jesus turned lives upside down and hearts inside out through parables that challenged people to look at themselves and others in new and unexpected ways.

So come join us on Main Street, for an inside-out, upside-down experience like no other...and let Jesus make a difference in YOU!

Main Street VBS Power Pack: $199.99

Here are the Bible points kids will learn each day on Main Street. Click on the image below for a larger view.

New for 2011, Mega Sports Camp: Go the Distance from Gospel Publishing House encourages kids to run the race of life God's way, all the way. Five sessions focus on key character traits that help them become better athletes and followers of Jesus. Welcome kids into the ultimate sports-camp experience. Everyone will learn Bible truths and good sportsmanship as they participate in a sports camp lead by Christian mentors.

A simple Key Point each day helps kids remember the point of the day, even if they have no prior church attendance or experience. The theme verse for 2011 is "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day." — 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)

Go the Distance Mega Sports Camp can be used in addition to your traditional VBS, providing a way to reach neighborhood kids who might not attend Vacation Bible school, but who would be interested in signing up for a sports camp. It's also a great way for kids to invite their friends who wouldn't be willing to come to a weekly church event.

Go the Distance Mega Sports Camp teaches kids to run the race of life God's way, all the way.

Go the Distance Starter Kit: $129.99

Take a look at what's included in the Go the Distance Mega Sports Camp Starter Kit. Click on the image below for the themes.

Check out our VBS Tips Blog for VBS updates each week. Then visit Shop VBS to see all of the 2011 VBS programs and special offers. 

Every Child Can Be an All-Star for Jesus

God loves his children. He commanded parents to "train up a child in the way he should go" (Proverbs 22:6). We want each child to know that he or she is a star in Jesus' eyes, no matter what the child's skills and abilities are. Jesus loves children just as they are. 

All-Stars for Jesus Bible Clubs are designed to help churches and parents teach children to know God, to believe in Jesus as their Savior, and to live for Him. All-Stars for Jesus Bible Clubs help children to feel loved and accepted so they, in turn, can share the love of Jesus with their friends and families. Researchers say that 43% of people who are Christians accepted Christ as Savior before the age of 13! We want to help you reach that 43%...and more!

Bible clubs also offer a non-threatening place for children who might never attend a regular church service or Sunday school class to learn about Jesus in a fun, casual atmosphere. In a whole where children are exposed to a variety of bad influences coming from all directions, All-Stars for Jesus Bible Clubs are places of love and encouragement, where kids can safely learn how to say no to those bad influences and learn how to live a victorious life in Christ!

So...what exactly IS All-Stars for Jesus?

All-Stars for Jesus provides everything you need for an exciting ministry to children!

All-Stars for Jesus is:

• A multi-use Bible curriculum in a fun club environment for age 2 through grade 6, with an optional awards program.
• A program that provides solid Bible teaching in a fun and interesting way for kids—one that directs them to know and follow Jesus.
• Curriculum that is easy to teach and includes helpful options for teachers, giving you maximum flexibility.
• Age appropriate memory verses to help children hide God's Word in their hearts.
• Bible- and curriculum-based, rather than activity-based. Each part of the lesson focuses on God, Jesus, and God's Word.
• Age appropriate and fun for kids of all ages.
• Bible-centered—every activity helps kids focus on God's Word and begin to share what they learn with others.
• A way to help churches reach the children and families in their communities for Christ.

The All-Stars for Jesus Bible Club program is designed to lead children from age two through sixth grade to a personal faith in Jesus, to teach them about God's love and care, to encourage them to grow spiritually, and to give them a solid biblical foundation for their lives.

All-Stars for Jesus partners with churches to extend their outreach from just Sunday school to mid-week, Sunday evening, or other times children can gather to learn about Jesus. All-Stars meetings are fun, less formal time with a variety of interesting and fun activities to direct the child's attention to God's Word. The optional awards program offers a further way to extend the Bible learning into the home.

What unique features does All-Stars for Jesus have?

Each All-Stars for Jesus age-level Flex-lesson Leader's Guide has everything you need for two meetings a week—to use for Sunday morning and mid-week, Sunday evening and after-school Bible club, or whenever great Bible lessons are needed. Or, you have extra options for one meeting a week!

• Easy-Trac meeting plans direct the leader step-by-step through each weekly program, and let you see at a glance which activities and materials to use.
• The optional awards program provides more opportunities for kids to learn about Jesus by completing Bible learning activities in their award books at home. When each activity is completed, children earn colorful awards to place on a cap or pennant. Plus, each child could have ALL first-year awards for as low as 82 cents per week!
• All-Stars for Jesus offers not only five age-level programs for children age 2 through grade 6, but also the All-Stars Explorers program for combined grades 1 through 6 in one classroom and the Preschool All-in-One Kit for combined ages 2-5 plus reproducible activity sheets.
• There are no membership fees, dues, or doctrinal requirements—just fun, Bible-based, solid Christian learning.
• The All-Stars Promo Kits (included with your Starter Kits) offer great resources to promote your clubs: promotional posters, clip art, fundraising ideas, and club kickoff plans!
• All-Stars for Jesus offers lots of colorful "fun stuff" as gifts, awards, and promotions.
• All-Stars for Jesus is an affordable program. The Flex-Lesson Leader's Guide provides two lessons a week!
• Christian Ed Warehouse offers Standing Orders on All-Stars for Jesus quarterly curriculum so you don't even have to remember to order! Plus, Standing Orders receive a 10%-%15 discount every quarter. We'll send you an email reminder so you can make changes before your curriculum ships.
• There is no requirement that you use all available materials—just choose the options that will work best with your group and your finances.

Does all this sound like something you would like for your church? Visit eChurchDepot.com and order your Starter Kits for a 60-day risk-free review! Or download FREE samples of each age level and order a FREE Lesson Sampler to review with your church. May God bless you as you lead children and their families to a personal relationship with Jesus.

Sunday School Teachers—Architects in Children's Lives

How Sunday school teachers interact with their students has been compared to the job of counselor, advisor, peer, and coach. But the best description of a Sunday school leader or teacher is as an architect.

An architect designs buildings, planning for physical stress, making them as functional as possible, and creating them to be pleasing to the eye. But once the design is finished, the architect's role stops. He has to let other people lay the brick and pound the nails. he has to let other people live and work in the buildings whether or not he likes how they live and what they do. An architect may work on a projects for months or even years, so his job requires patience and endurance. Yet the architect is simply a planner; others will actually create the buildings and use them. Yet often the architect is blamed if something goes wrong.

In may ways, a Sunday school teacher's job is similar to the role of an architect. It takes patience and endurance. A Sunday school teacher can only influence the students with whom he or she works. The students will be the ones who decide how they will respond to the "plan" the Sunday school teacher has presented to them.

As an "architect" in helping develop the lives of your students, your responsibilities as a leader in ministry can include the following:

• Lead weekly Bible lessons.
• Plan and help lead parties and special activities.
• Work closely with the students and parents in creating lessons and events that interest them and help to meet their spiritual needs.
• Get to know each child in your group by name.
• Visit your students in their homes. Invite them to your house or to the church for a special activity, fellowship event, or party.
• Develop a solid relationship with each child. Be sure all children are nurtured—not just a few.
• Have periodic prayer and sharing sessions with the pastoral staff of your church. Communicate victories and needs to them for prayer and assistance.
• Personally pray regularly for each student individually and for your ministry in general.
• Faithfully attend the services of your church (and bring your Bible), not only because you need the spiritual nourishment but also because you are an example to the children who are watching you.
• Live an exemplary, Christ-honoring life before your students.
• Recognize that everything is the Lord's work—your career, your family, trips and getaways, and even baking cookies for your Sunday school class.
• Honor the time of others. Be responsible and plan ahead before meetings. 
• Have respect for those in authority over you.

"Developing caring Christian relationships" best sums up the role and results of effective children's ministry. The leader who establishes and nurtures Christian relationships with students and their parents while growing in his or her own relationship with Jesus Christ, will experience great joy and effectiveness as a servant leader.

Sunday School Registration Cards

Get a head start on your fall Sunday school registration with these helpful cards. Copy the Sunday school registration cards from below onto heavy paper or cardboard. If you divide your students into different age groups or classes, use a different paper color for each age group.

Cut the cards apart and give them to parents when they register their children. Have parents fill out a registration card for each child attending your Sunday school program and for each child attending your preschool or nursery program. 

The card contains a place to record emergency information and has a section to list allergies and other medical conditions your students may have. For any child with allergies, create a special, brightly colored name badge with the allergies listed so all leaders and helpers are aware of the allergies and don’t inadvertently give the child something that might cause an allergic reaction.

Click on the image above for a larger view.

VBS Registration Cards

Before the first day of your VBS program, copy the registration cards from below onto heavy paper or cardboard. If you divide your students into different age groups, use a different paper color for each age group.

Cut the cards apart and give them to parents when they register their children. Have parents fill out a registration card for each child attending your elementary VBS program and for each preschooler attending your preschool program, if you offer one. 

The card contains a place to record emergency information and has a section to list allergies and other medical conditions your students may have. For any child with allergies, create a special, brightly colored name badge with the allergies listed so all leaders and helpers are aware of the allergies and don’t inadvertently give the child something that might cause an allergic reaction.

Click on the image above for a larger view.