25/04/2026
Raising kids is a calling—and no one said it would be easy 💛
Grateful hearts for everyone who joined our Basic Handling and Teaching of Kids Workshop. It was a meaningful time of learning simple, practical, and faith-based ways to guide children with love, patience, and wisdom.
Together, we were reminded to connect correct and coach with grace, teach with purpose, and raise kids who honor God.
Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨
Understanding Child Development
Topics:
• Stages of development
🚶 1–2 Years (Toddler Stage)
Physical: Walks, climbs
Social: Shows independence (“No!” phase)
Language: 10–50+ words
Cognitive: Follows simple instructions
👉 Focus: patience, routine, simple teaching
🚶 1–2 Years (Toddler Stage)
They are: restless, emotional, easily overwhelmed
👉 For Sunday School Teachers
Connect:
Get down to eye level, smile, say their name often
Use simple, repetitive phrases: “God loves you”
Guide:
Give one-step instructions: “Sit here,” “Hold this”
Use songs with actions (don’t try long lessons)
👉 For Ushers
Stay calm when they cry (don’t panic or rush parents harshly)
Help parents feel supported, not judged
Avoid:
Long talking
Forcing them to sit still too long
2–3 Years
Physical: Runs, kicks ball
Social: Parallel play (plays beside others)
Language: 2–3 word sentences
Cognitive: Sorts shapes/colors
👉 Focus: talking, reading, guided play
2–3 Years
They are: exploring, saying “no,” easily distracted
👉 For Sunday School Teachers
Connect:
Talk with them, not just to them (“What’s this?” “Yes, ball!”)
Use objects (toys, pictures)
Guide:
Redirect instead of correcting:
❌ “Stop that” → ✅ “Let’s do this instead”
Repeat routines every week
👉 For Ushers
Gently guide wandering kids back—no pulling or scolding
Use a soft voice, short phrases
Avoid:
Expecting sharing or perfect behavior (they’re not there yet)
🧒 3–5 Years (Preschool)
Physical: Jumps, balances
Social: Plays with others, shares (starting)
Language: Full sentences, asks MANY questions
Cognitive: Imagination, pretend play
👉 Focus: creativity, social skills, storytelling
🧒 3–5 Years (Preschool)
They are: curious, imaginative, talkative
👉 For Sunday School Teachers
Connect:
Enter their world (stories, acting, pretend play)
Let them answer—even if answers are funny or wrong
Guide:
Teach through stories + actions
One clear message per lesson (don’t overload)
Example: 👉 Instead of explaining long, act out “David and Goliath”
👉 For Ushers
Use gentle reminders: “Let’s sit and listen”
Affirm good behavior immediately
Avoid:
Over-correcting small things
Killing their excitement
🎒 6–8 Years
Physical: Better coordination
Social: Friendships become important
Language: Reads, writes simple stories
Cognitive: Logical thinking starts
👉 Focus: encouragement, support
6–8 Years
They are: eager to learn, want approval, starting logic
👉 For Sunday School Teachers
Connect:
Ask questions: “Why do you think that?”
Let them help (handing materials, reading verses)
Guide:
Explain why (not just rules)
Encourage effort: “Good try,” “You’re improving”
👉 For Ushers
Use quiet correction + positive reinforcement
Give simple responsibilities (line leader, helper)
Avoid:
Public embarrassment
Ignoring their effort
🎒 9–12 Years
Physical: Growth spurts begin
Social: Peer influence stronger
Language: More complex communication
Cognitive: Problem-solving improves
👉 Focus: guidance, values, confidence-building
They are: influenced by friends, thinking deeper, sensitive
👉 For Sunday School Teachers
Connect:
Be real: share simple life examples
Ask open-ended questions: “What would you do?”
Guide:
Discuss values and choices, not just stories
Let them express opinions safely
Example: 👉 “If your friend lies, what would you do?”
👉 For Ushers
Treat them with respect (not like little kids)
Give quiet, private corrections if needed
Avoid:
Controlling tone
Ignoring peer pressure struggles
2. Correct
Discipline Basics (NOT punishment)
• Setting clear rules and boundaries
• Consistency
• Natural and logical consequences
• Positive reinforcement (praise, rewards)
Case Study Discussion
Example:
🧒 A 3-year-old throws toys when angry.
Questions:
• Why might this happen?
• What should adults do?
• What should adults avoid?
You can emphasize these throughout:
✔️ Every child is different
✔️ Behavior reflects needs
✔️ Connection reduces misbehavior
✔️ Consistency builds security
✔️ Calm adults = calm children
⭐ Game: “Childhood Throwback”
Participants share:
• Favorite childhood activity
• Discipline they remember most
Insight: Adults realize how experiences shape behavior.
✝️ SUNDAY SCHOOL SCENARIOS
🧒 Scenario 1 — Running Around the Room
A child keeps running during the lesson.
💛 Likely NEED: Movement / attention / engagement
❌ Not just disobedience
✔️ Response:
• Give small task (helper, line leader)
• Provide movement break
• Seat near teacher
• Use interactive teaching
🧒 Scenario 2 — Refusing to Participate
Child refuses to sing, pray, or answer questions.
💛 Likely NEED: Security, confidence, time to warm up
✔️ Response:
• Do not force participation
• Encourage gently
• Allow observation first
• Praise small efforts
🧒 Scenario 3 — Talking Nonstop
Child keeps talking while teacher is speaking.
💛 Likely NEED: Attention / connection
✔️ Response:
• Acknowledge briefly
• Give turn to share at proper time
• Assign role (verse reader, helper)
🧒 Scenario 4 — Crying for Parent
New child cries and wants mommy/daddy.
💛 NEED: Safety and reassurance
✔️ Response:
• Comfort calmly
• Stay close
• Distract with activity
• Never shame or rush
3. COACH
Teach and model
When They Have a Tantrum / Big Emotions
In the moment:
“I see you’re upset. I’m here. Let’s calm your body first.”
(Wait. Don’t lecture while emotions are high.)
After calming:
“Tell me what happened.”
“What can we do next time instead of shouting/crying like that?”
📖 James 1:19
Be quick to listen, slow to anger.
Simple “In-the-Moment” Guide
When a child is misbehaving:
Toddler: distract
Preschool: redirect
6–8: remind + explain
9–12: talk + guide decision
✝️ Biblical Reflection
You may share:
“Let the little children come to Me… for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
— Jesus’ attitude toward children 💛
🧒 Scenario 5 — Noisy During Sermon
Child talks loudly, drops things, kicks chair.
💛 Possible NEED: Boredom, hunger, restlessness
✔️ Response:
• Provide quiet activity bag 📚
• Sit near exit if needed
• Short breaks outside
• Prepare child beforehand
🧒 Scenario 6 — Wants Phone to Stay Quiet
Child asks for gadget during service.
🎁 WANT: Entertainment
💛 Possible NEED: Stimulation / engagement
✔️ Response:
• Offer alternative (coloring, Bible picture book)
• Teach appropriate church behavior gradually
Preview for application
Basic teaching on bible story ( te emy)
Application grouping
🧒 Scenario 7 — Falling Asleep
Child sleeps during service.
💛 NEED: Rest
✔️ Response:
• Allow sleep (especially for young kids)
• Encourage earlier bedtime at home
• Avoid scolding
🧒 Scenario 8 — Fighting Over Supplies
Two kids argue over crayons or materials.
💛 NEED: Fairness + guidance in sharing
✔️ Response:
• Mediate calmly
• Teach turn-taking
• Provide extra materials if possible
🧒 Scenario 9 — Child Says “I Can’t Do It!”
Child refuses craft activity.
💛 NEED: Encouragement / fear of failure
✔️ Response:
• Offer help
• Break task into small steps
• Praise effort, not perfection ⭐
🧒 Scenario 10 — Attention-Seeking Disruption
Child makes silly noises to get laughs.
💛 NEED: Recognition / belonging
✔️ Response:
• Give positive attention for good behavior
• Assign meaningful role
• Avoid humiliating correction
