How to Make a Class Schedule for Children's Church

kidsministryresources.com

Making a plan for your Junior Church time is essential to a smooth running, chaos free program. It has been said "If you don't plan your time, your class will plan it for you." Your plan is an outline of what you want to accomplish in the given period of time for your class. The plan does not have to be followed to a T, it will be a guide; there will be some give and take based on the children's interest level.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. First break your class time up into segments, at least three for an hour class and five for an hour and half class. Below I suggest some segments and a time allotment, they can be used in any order or combination.

2. Prepare a welcome time. (10-15 Min.)
   The Welcome time can consist of any of the following: Pledges to the American and Christian Flag also the Bible. Taking an offering, singing songs, prayer, taking attendance and announcements.

3. Prepare a lesson. (15-20 Min.) A good lesson will keep children's attention through good story telling, visual aides and student interaction. You can write your own lesson or purchase them at your local Christian Book store. Lessons are also available free and for purchase online; see my resource links below.

4. Prepare a game. (15-30 Min.) Games can be used to shoot some energy into a dull class or to tire a class that is to full of energy. You can make up your own game or buy a game book. Outdoor games are fun, however, always be mindful that kids may have their best cloths on for church. Look for my list of indoor and outdoor games below.

5. Prepare an activity. (10-15 Min.) Word searches, mazes, and other puzzles are good for older students. Use coloring pages and connect the dots, for younger children. There are many good Christian activity books for children available; visit your local Christian book store or search online.

6. Prepare a craft time. (20-30 Min.) Use crafts for hands on learning. A good craft will reinforce the lesson. You can continue to teach as the children work on the craft. If you cannot have a craft area set up ahead of time, have an adult helper to set-up a little ahead of time. Doing this will help prevent downtime.

7. Prepare a Memorization time. (10-15 Min.)
   Use this time to memorize scripture. The scripture can be from the lesson but does not have to be. Some verses to use can include: the Romans road, the fruit of the spirit and the beatitudes. You could also use this time to memorize the books of the Bible or the Ten commandments. Providing memory sheet handouts is always a good idea.

8. Prepare for extra time. This is the time when the pastor has gotten a little long winded and has gone past his regular time. You always need to have a plan ready for this event, IT WILL HAPPEN. This is a good time for memory work, lesson review or an additional game. You can use it for class cleanup as well, if you can get the students into it.

Tips & Warnings

• Look at my kids ministry resource link for lessons, games and activity ideas.

• You can never over prepare, but being under prepared can be a terrible mistake. Prepare more then what you need, you can always move something to the next week if you don't use it.

Resources

• How to Promote a Children's Ministry
• How to Keep Discipline in Children's Ministry
• Kids Ministry Resources
• How to Keep Kids Coming Back to Church