Mr. J at Washington Elementary, Harvey, Illinois (2012)
Sharing With Kids
BE A FRIEND
There are some easy tips to giving effective children's messages. Everybody approaches talking to children in different ways and you should develop your own style. However, it is important that you stop being an adult talking down to a kid's level and become a friend. Do you remember the wonderful moments when you sat on you grandfather's lap and listened as he read you a book or told a story? If you can become that person for a brief time, your children's messages will have greater impact on the little ones you are sharing your message with.
USE A PROP OR A PROMPT
Every good speaker uses something to get and keep the attention of their audience. It can be as simple as something visual you hold or demonstrate, a powerpoint on a screen behind you, or a type of clothing you wear. Children have wonderful imaginations and even a simple prop gets them thinking. A prompt can be a booklet you read to the kids or a handout you display with key words and ideas. Pictures in any form are always a good idea when talking to children. In the photo, Mr. J. wears cowboy gear and uses a lariat while talking to 3rd graders at Washington Elementary School in Harvey, Illinois.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
A child's attention span is relatively close to their age. So when talking to the little ones be sure you never go over five minutes. Always limit your message to only one main idea, anything more and it can get lost in their magical little minds. They need to hear your main message at least three times or more during the presentation to remember it. Using pictures, music, physical actions, or other personal involvement by the child reinforces their learning.
CONCLUDING A CHILD'S MESSAGE
When it is over, use some specific directions to the group that it is over. Tell them exactly what they need to do, such as, "You have been a wonderful group, now it is time to go back to our seats and listen to the Pastor." Young kids need guidance and helping lead them away to the next part of Sunday School or a worship service is helpful.
There are some easy tips to giving effective children's messages. Everybody approaches talking to children in different ways and you should develop your own style. However, it is important that you stop being an adult talking down to a kid's level and become a friend. Do you remember the wonderful moments when you sat on you grandfather's lap and listened as he read you a book or told a story? If you can become that person for a brief time, your children's messages will have greater impact on the little ones you are sharing your message with.
USE A PROP OR A PROMPT
Every good speaker uses something to get and keep the attention of their audience. It can be as simple as something visual you hold or demonstrate, a powerpoint on a screen behind you, or a type of clothing you wear. Children have wonderful imaginations and even a simple prop gets them thinking. A prompt can be a booklet you read to the kids or a handout you display with key words and ideas. Pictures in any form are always a good idea when talking to children. In the photo, Mr. J. wears cowboy gear and uses a lariat while talking to 3rd graders at Washington Elementary School in Harvey, Illinois.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
A child's attention span is relatively close to their age. So when talking to the little ones be sure you never go over five minutes. Always limit your message to only one main idea, anything more and it can get lost in their magical little minds. They need to hear your main message at least three times or more during the presentation to remember it. Using pictures, music, physical actions, or other personal involvement by the child reinforces their learning.
CONCLUDING A CHILD'S MESSAGE
When it is over, use some specific directions to the group that it is over. Tell them exactly what they need to do, such as, "You have been a wonderful group, now it is time to go back to our seats and listen to the Pastor." Young kids need guidance and helping lead them away to the next part of Sunday School or a worship service is helpful.