This month's training video is called the "2 Minute Challenge." Watch the video below and then enter your idea in the comment section to enter the contest (click on the word "comment" below). The winner will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card. Winner will be announced May 1.
Share your idea here to enter the contest.
ReplyDeleteEncourage the parents for two minutes to talk with their child about what they learned in church...let them know its a two minute challenge for Gods word. Then let them have their child go over what they have learned in two minutes..make it fun and a game :)
ReplyDeleteAn obvious one is to greet them with a smile. Sometimes the obvious gets neglected.
ReplyDeleteI don't know many of the kids yet, but on an occasion where I've noticed something positive with one of the kids in my group, I'll try to share that with the parent when they pick the child up.
Some parents are very nervous about dropping their child off for the first time, or if they're out of town visitors. Try to reassure them that you'll keep an eye on their child.
I think we should definitely try to make sure that we have two (2) people at check in. This will allow for more of a connection opportunity. If I am checking kids in, and want to connect with a parent, it's so hard when other kids and parents are standing there waiting to be checked in. I know we are short handed a lot, so this may be tough to do,
ReplyDeleteI think that we need to try to have two (2) people at check in. When I want to connect with a parent, it's so hard to do when you have other kids (and parents) standing behind them waiting to be checked in. I know this may be tough because we are often short handed.
ReplyDeleteUse the two minutes to encourage, equip, and empower the parents by:
ReplyDeleteStep 1: Give them verbal affirmation and words of encouragement for being the parent of such a valued and precious child
(Parents need encouragement and validation. If they are single parents, the church may play an even larger role as part of their emotional support system.)
Step 2: Inform them about free online CF video resources made for parents to watch alongside their children at home. Give them a handout with instructions on how to access the resources and information on what the videos entails.
It would be highly beneficial to have online CF videos for parents to watch alongside their children that teach them about Jesus and Biblical principles. This allows parents to bring CF home with them, via the online resources. If we start videotaping some of the children's chapels, as well as using the TV studio to create creative filmed Biblical teachings, online
CF Christ-centered resources for children that parents could access for free could be effectively created.
Having free online CF Christ-centered resources created for children to watch with their parents will help children grow closer to Jesus in the home,and better maximize CF's potential to partner with parents in raising their children to be Christ followers.
God bless you!
Danielle Madsen
At CityPlace, we use the Pick-up time to have each child recite their memory verse in front of their parent(s). It helps the parent remember the motions as well as giving the child the satisfaction of showing them something they've learned.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I am a volunteer for CF City Place and I spend my time with the babies :) There have been a few times I have been with the PreK'ers and I have seen how every week each of our kids will recite a Bible verse to their mom's and dads. Everyone gets excited when this happens (parent, baby and us) To build on that, what if we developed a way for both parent and child to speak the verses (verses just child speaking). For example, say the verse of the week is John 3:16, it would go like this:
ReplyDeleteParent: For God so loved the world
Child: that he gave his one and only Son
Parent: that whoever believes in him
Child: shall not perish
Parent: but have eternal life!
Or..
Parent: and God said
Child: I love you (points to parent(s)) SO MUCH
Parent: that I gave you (points to child) my one and only son
Child: so we can live forever together!
This allows for a conversation to take place between parent and child as well as opportunity for parents to speak truth over their child. Parents can also be encouraged to repeat this dialogue throughout the week; we can maybe even add in more in depth suggestions to lead conversation.
(I hope to hear ideas for the nursery! I'm excited!!) :)
Krysten
I believe the scripture Proverbs 22:6 can be prominently added to our stick-on name badges and prominently added to shirts and aprons as they are updated. The badges are the most economical way to do this because you can possibly just update the program used to print them. In addition to friendly and attentive service as parents drop off and pick up their kids, this would serve as a constant reminder of one of the most, if not the most, important responsibilities of parents.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Tabatha McDonald
Make an effort to find one thing that their child did well during their time in the class...or one thing that made them stand out, or a personality characteristic that is positive. Then be sure to communicate that one thing to the parent when they pick up the child, being sure to call the child by name.
ReplyDeleteAs a parent that picks up her children in the nursery, I love hearing positive things about their time in the class. It makes me feel like the teachers really care, are really paying attention, and that my child is doing well. It motivates me to continue to bring my child and increases my confidence that they are being well cared for.