Three Questions to Ask about VBS

Vacation Bible School season is in full swing. Each day is sure to be packed with fun and learning. If your child is attending VBS this summer, here are three questions to ask when he gets home.

• Who was the story about today?

• What did that person do?

• Why is that important to us today?

For example, the Day 1 lesson from Agency D3 (Lifeway) focuses on this question: Was Jesus just a good man? So, a child studying that VBS curriculum would be able to answer three questions as follows.

Who was the story about today?

The lesson is about Jesus and John the Baptist.

 

What did that person do?

Jesus asked John to baptize him. When he did, a voice from heaven announced that Jesus is indeed God's Son.

 

Why is that important to us today?

If Jesus is God's Son, we should study the Bible to learn more about His life and teachings.


Asking three simple questions can help your child review the day's lesson. It can also give you a starting point for further discussion and life application.


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Notes from Carol

I am super excited about my devos for tweens. . .

Dare U 2 Open This Book 

and

Just Sayin'

Coming from Zonderkidz in October 2014!

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



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copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

Three Rules for Behavior Management at VBS

Vacation Bible School is huge. Obviously, it is huge because of its importance in teaching kids about God and His plan for their lives.

VBS is huge in other ways as well. It is a time when a very large number of children and adults gather. Huge! Sheer numbers can create a time of confusion or even chaos, but it does not have to be. Exercising three rules can make Vacation Bible School a breeze.

• Prepare

  This one really applies to the adults, but the end result helps everyone. Preparing materials and planning which adult will be responsible for different tasks ahead of time as possible will keep the lessons and activities flowing. Kids will stay engaged in learning and fun.

• Explain Expectations

  Everyone does better knowing their expectations. If a child knows what is expected (such as listening during prayer or as another child/adult speaks) it is much for likely to happen. No expectations explained? The results are left up as many interpretations as there are children and adults.

• Follow a Routine

  People (young and old) thrive on routine. Many Bible Schools have a schedule (routine) that assists teachers in moving on to the next activity. If your VBS has classes that function independently (all activities in one room) consider creating a schedule so that things get done and kids know what to expect next. 

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Notes from Carol

I am super excited about my devos for tweens. . .

Dare U 2 Open This Book 

and

Just Sayin'

Coming from Zonderkidz in October 2014!

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



*******


copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

VBS Benefits for Kids

Are your kids going to Vacation Bible School this year? Of course, there are lots of obvious benefits: learning about the Bible, having fun with friends, and doing something worthwhile instead of just vegging in front of the TV. Sometimes we kind of gloss over the benefits. However, VBS addresses three distinct ways that kids learn. What better way to teach kids Bible truths than to engage them in their learning language?

Music

Is your child the one who sings everywhere he goes? Does he form a band with his friends to entertain other
kids in the neighborhood? Maybe he is the one who uses songs to remember important information for tests. Music appeals to many people. It is a beautiful way to worship God. The music and movement at VBS engages many kids. How exciting to hear kids humming or singing the words of God's Word from Vacation Bible School music! 

 

Recreation

Maybe your child lives for sports. She loves competition. She is always moving, playing, challenging others. VBS recreation encourages kids to learn Christian sportsmanship. There is nothing wrong with competition as long as it is tempered in Christian love. If your child loves sports, you will love the recreation aspect of VBS recreation.

Other kids are not so competition-oriented, but they need to move. A lot. These kids also benefit from VBS recreation. Moving help them to focus on the new ideas they are learning.

 

Crafts

Some children love art. They love to make things. Other kids just learn best when their hands are busy. They need to fidget in order to take in new information. The items made in crafts address that need and the love of creating, as well as provide momentos that will keep teaching long after VBS week is over.

What are some other specific learning languages of VBS? What does your child like most about Vacation Bible School?


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A Note from Carol

Let's connect on Twitter and Facebook!



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copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

Summer Bible Reading Club for Kids

You might share some of my loves: I love summer! I love summer reading clubs! I love the Bible!

I think that kids love summer, reading, and the Bible as well. I have written about encouraging Bible reading here. Today, I want to share three ideas for creating a summer Bible reading club for children.

• Choose the Material 

  Perhaps you have a preschooler who is not in the reader category just yet. Choose a Bible storybook with multiple stories. Your child can choose the stories from the book for his or her reading material.
  
  Perhaps you have a beginning reader. A Bible storybook or beginning reader Bible would be appropriate reading that would foster reading independence and give your child ownership in his efforts in the Bible reading club.
  
  Perhaps you have an elementary reader. He may be ready for a traditional Bible reading, or he may feel more comfortable with one of the selections above. Remember the goal is to create an enjoyment and habit of reading the Bible, so help the child choose a comfortable Bible choice.
  
  Perhaps you have a tween reader (age 9-12). A traditional Bible is most likely the best selection.

• Choose the Rewards

   Plan the plan! Talk to your child about the reading expectations. Will it be one story from the Bible storybook? A chapter from the traditional Bible?
  
  How often do you hope the plan will be done? Perhaps the child will need a reading schedule, or maybe he will be motivated to reads lots.
  
  Track the progress. A simple sticker chart or check sheet can fit the bill here. However, you can be super creative. Choose a simple paper shape (such as a frog) that can move up the frig or across the wall to show progress in reading.
  
  Plan a reward system. The important thing is that the rewards are fun, not expensive. Will the child receive a reward after every five readings? An ice cream cone might be a fun reward. Do you hope that 50 readings will happen this summer? Maybe a movie reward will be in order. Let your child help plan the rewards! Communicate the plan early to maximize a clear understanding of how the summer Bible reading club will work.
  

• Enjoy the Plan

  Let your child read with you. Here are some more ideas: How to Grow a Bible Reader.
  
  Join in. Kids LOVE doing things with their parents. What will be your summer Bible reading plan? Let your child help you track your progress. Yes. You, too can have a frog on the frig!
  
  Have fun!

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Notes from Carol

I am super excited about my devos for tweens. . .

Dare U 2 Open This Book 

and

Just Sayin'

Coming from Zonderkidz in October 2014!

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



*******


copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

The Great Commission

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A Note from Carol

Let's connect on Twitter and Facebook!



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copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

God's Creation

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Notes from Carol

I am super excited about my devos for tweens. . .

Dare U 2 Open This Book 

and

Just Sayin'

Coming from Zonderkidz in October 2014!

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



*******


copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore