Probably every adult can remember songs they were taught as children,” said Rod Marshall, vice president of counseling for Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries. “But the ones they can probably remember the best were ones with motions attached to them. We all remember Sunday School lessons or VBS (Vacation Bible School) lessons where we prepared things, tasted things and smelled things.”
It’s things with tactile stimulation like arts and crafts, cooking, drama and music that make an impact. “Anything that involves more of a child’s body than just the eyes and ears will be a doorway into creativity,” he said.
And creativity is a vital part of VBS because the more sensory channels teachers can tap into, the more likely it is their intended message will take hold, added Marshall, a registered play therapist supervisor and past president of Alabama Association for Play Therapy.
It’s that stimulation through creativity that opens doors for sharing the gospel, said Mandy Marbutt, director of children’s ministries at Clements Baptist Church, Athens, in Limestone Baptist Association.
“They have so many other things that draw their attention, so it’s important to do things that will encourage them to want to come to VBS. … If it’s not fun, engaging and creative, children won’t want to come,” added Marbutt, who has worked in various VBS roles for more than 25 years and currently serves on Limestone Association’s VBS team.
Marshall said some ways to keep things engaging for children include
- Putting things to music.
Children are rhythmic and quickly respond to the opportunity to move around.
- Decorating the room.
Use props and demonstrations that affirm the lesson themes.
- Making the lesson experiential.
Instead of talking about harvesting and planting, let the children plant seeds. Instead of talking about being fishers of men, let them fish.
- Committing to a wholesome, affirming touch.
Greet the children with a squeeze on the hand. Hug them when they leave. Make eye contact.
- Making a game out of the lesson.
Take care to ensure the game is age appropriate and not overly challenging.
It’s also important for the teacher to be brave and remember he or she sets the tone for a child’s attentiveness and involvement, Marshall added.
“The teacher is the thermostat for the classroom, and what they set the temperature for is the way the children will react,” he said. “If you want children to have fun and participate, you have to have fun and participate.”
And if you feel as if creativity is not your sweet spot, then ask for help, Marbutt said.
“The biggest thing for us is to try to get the whole church involved,” she said. “When you get the whole church involved, you find people with talents in certain areas, people with expertise, who can then take things off of you or use their resources to do something for VBS. … I feel like by getting the whole church involved and letting them know what’s going on, they may think of something I never would have thought of.”
And brainstorming for this year’s ranch theme from LifeWay Christian Resources — “Saddle Ridge Ranch,” based on James 1:5 — should come easy, Marbutt said, noting a ranch is something with which many people in Alabama are familiar.
“For most people, even if they weren’t raised on a farm or around animals, they have some knowledge of it — a point of reference,” she said.
For more creative ideas or information on this year’s theme, visit www.vbs.lifeway.com or contact your association’s VBS director.
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Roundin’ up questions, drivin’ home answers
Day 1: Who Am I?
Bible Story: God Creates Adam & Eve (Gen. 2)
Application: I am God’s greatest creation. I can praise Him.
Day 2: Does God Care About Me?
Bible Story: Joseph Recalls God’s Provision (Gen. 45)
Application: God cares about me. I can trust Him no matter what.
Day 3: What Is God’s Plan for Me?
Bible Story: Jesus Visits Zacchaeus (Luke 19)
Application: God has a plan for me. I can have a relationship with Jesus.
Day 4: How Can I Be Like Jesus?
Bible Story: Jesus, Our Example (Luke 4 and 5; Mark 6)
Application: I can be like Jesus. I can follow His example.
Day 5: What Do I Do Now?
Bible Study: Go to it! Do it! (Phil. 4:4–9)
Application: I know what to do. I can live in ways that honor God.
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