Here are some Insights to help Children get excited about the lesson taken from my past experiences.
Why is excitement important(Insights): In teaching Bible Lessons my experience shows that it is important to make it as exciting for them as possible. The Lord is good, gentle, loving and kind. We show them this when we not only give them some rules but show gentleness and kindness to them just as Jesus would. In Luke 18:16, Jesus said “Let the little children come tome.” They won’t come to him if they are afraid on bored. I’ve seen Children respond positively and get excited.
To get the children excited about coming to the Bible lesson (insights): Here are ways to get them to want to enter the lesson area. Having a set of stairs and a tunnel for them to go through is great. A slide works well too. I found success by using a finger mouse puppet called Squeaky who wakes up and has me tell the children he wants to tell them a secret, but before he can tell the secret they need to come to the lesson area, go up and down the steps, through a tunnel and sit in a chair. After they are used to doing it for a while we have little trouble getting them there and quiet because Squeaky can’t tell the secret until they are quiet.
The Flow that helps keep them excited: Squeaky usually tells a fib and then admits it and tells them the real secret. Then we have songs – usually simple ones that I create with simple melodies from songs like Old McDonald , Mary had a little lamb, If your happy etc. They respond to simple songs and always “Jesus Loves Me” Many of them can sing it and love the motions. I also use Children of Grace Worship from Grace Church St Louis See link HERE The Children of Grace Worship set is few years old but I think they still carry the CD,s The children really respond to these songs. Also you can find simple songs on the internet. I found this good one http://www.ebibleteacher.com/children/songs.htm I have also included a post on songs I have used.
Helping children feel safe and accepted enhances excitement: Every Teacher has a different personality and way of teaching but they respond well to gentleness and love. You will need to be sincere – They know! Positive remarks about their shoes and clothes help break the ice when they arrive. I’s not overwhelm them or get in their faces. They are people even though they are not adults. They also respond well when to respect. If I have them act out a Bible lesson then everyone who wants to, gets a turn or manipulate a prop. Everyone is unique and important. I never force them to do it.
Keeping the Lesson exciting for them: I found that too many words are confusing to them especially the ones they don’t understand. I found I keep their attention better by showing pictures and video lessons of the stories. I also found that they also respond well to props that explain the lesson. They understand concrete examples better than words because they do not think so much abstractly as adults do.
