I'm looking for suggestions on managing a Bible School class of 20 3-year-olds?

Question

The theme is "Incredible Race," and lots of automotive-type add-ons. (Obviously trying to capitalize on the movie release of "Cars.") Anyway. . .I think all I have to do is shuffle them from one station to the next. My 3-yr-old is very attentive and obedient, but I'm not quite sure what to do with such a large group of them. (I'm not a "fun" mom. . .more a "be polite" and "do your chores" kind.)

I'd appreciate fun suggestions for the following:

*Things to keep them engaged for 15 minutes in the morning while we're waiting for everyone to arrive (and when we're done)

*A "quiet" sign that they might think is fun, for when they need to listen to what's going on

*Something fun to keep them quiet and all together in the halls as we're going from one station to the other.

*If you have experience with this, anything else that might be helpful. . .thank you!

Answer 1

Good for you for not being the "fun" mom. If you go into this group being the "fun" person, they will walk all over you!

It is possible for you to keep a group engaged for 15 minutes. It takes some practice, but you have to walk in there confident and they will listen to you. It is something you feel in your gut (best way to explain that).

Have the group sit (or stand) in a circle. If they can sit ask them to sit "criss cross applesauce" (legs folded hands in their lap). You then need to "set" them. Say something in an animated but not condescending tone. "I learned a new song. It goes like this." or "I saw something so interesting outside!" Just a little saying for them to stop and listen to you.

You can read a story or sing some songs with movement. Look into the "Wee Sing" series. They have some great finger plays. Here's one of my favorites:
Tell the child to "put you hands behind you back." Put you hands behind your back and sing "10 horses came galloping into town (open and close you hands moving them in front of you). 5 were black (hold right hand open in front of you) and 5 were brown (hold left hand in front of you). They galloped up (open and close hands up) they galloped down (move hands down) and then they galloped out of town (put hands behind your back)." Repeat the song 2 more times once in a softer voice and then silent. They will love this! You can change it to "10 cars came driving into town" to fit with your theme.

Often times when you "set" the children they will become quiet. You can also get a "quiet chime" or bell. Tell them when they hear the bell it is time to get quiet.

Have them line up from tallest to shortest or the opposite) before going through the halls. You can also line them up boy girl boy girl or another creative way. They can play follow the leader or walk holding hands or hand on shoulders. You'll need to "set" them again before the transition. "Let's see how quiet we can be walking to the next station. Miss Jones will be so surprised."

Check out http://www.enchantedlearning.com for some great printables. Good luck!

Answer 2

Wow, good luck with that! I think I'm going to end up teaching a group where my own child is the youngest at 5 1/2, and I'm nervous enough about that!

At 3, you're going to want something like colouring (there are a lot of free religious-themed colouring sites on the Internet), reading, dance (get some age-appropriate religious music and let them go nuts and sing their little hearts out!)

At our church, one of the lay members takes the 4-7 year olds out of the church for a sermon-related activity during the sermon, and colouring and crafts are what she uses. I would even think you could use simple crafts in the morning when they first come in. Veggie Tales is also something you can use, either the videos or the music.

The "quiet" sign with our group is usually just the universal "lets put our listening ears on!" with the gesture of tugging on the earlobe.

Good luck! It's not easy keeping kids that age entertained.

Answer 3

ok. the first thing you will need is help and alot of it. you probably wont be able to keep them still for a whole 15 minutes. they are way to young.my son is also three. i have taught every age group but this one. this is a tough age because they arent quite ready for a structured class. like vbs. keep in mind that they are only three. you need to put aside how you teach and deal with your own child. because many kids arent raised that way they are allowed to run wild and arent disiplined. so it will be tough. good luck and May God bless your school this year.goodluck

Answer 4

Doing some sort of a sing-a-long with hand/body motions would be great. That's what we do in the 3yr old bible study we teach. Kids that age love to move and my 3-yr old loves song with motions.