What curriculum should we use?
This is a question often asked, yet difficult to answer. Churches need to learn to evaluate their unique needs in order to choose a curriculum that is right for them. Considerations should include: age grouping, facilities available, staff and volunteers available, and finances. For example, if you have one room available and must combine age groups, then a children's church curriculum or club program may be the best option. If you multiple rooms and can group the students according to age, then a Sunday school curriculum that builds student/teacher relationships is the best choice. Be sure any curriculum offers creative, optional learning activities in order to meet the needs of your diverse learners.
This question is answered in the publication, 21st Century Sunday School by Wes Haystead. However, we have provided this basic chart to assist you:
Age | Attendance | Room Size | Teacher:Student Ratio |
0-2 | 15 | 600-900 sq. ft. | 1:2 |
2-3 | 16 | 700-900 sq. ft. | 1:3 |
4-6 | 20 | 800-900 sq. ft. | 1:4 |
Grades 1-3 | 25 | 800-900 sq. ft. | 1:6 |
Grades 4-6 | 30 | 900 sq. ft. | 1:8 |
Can we use teenagers as teachers with our children's ministry?
Although we are not aware of legal requirements regarding this question, we recommend the following policy to protect the children, the teenager, and the ministry of the church.
Two Adult Rule: At no time will one adult (18 years of age or older) be left alone with a child or children unless the classroom is in a public and visible area. This is to assist the worker should there be an emergency, a discipline problem, a needed potty break, a need to obtain supplies, etc. If providing two adults is not possible, a designated "roamer" may be assigned for each service. A teenager may teach or help as long as there is an adult present in the classroom.
Video: Federal copyright laws prohibit using purchased or rented videos for any purpose other than home viewing. This includes non-profit organizations. For a small fee your church can obtain a license that covers video use for the whole church from Christian Video Licensing International (CVLI). This umbrella licensing includes: Tommy Nelson, Touchstone Pictures, Universal Pictures, and Walt Disney. However some producers, such as MGM, are not included.
Music: Copyright laws on music differ slightly from video. If a CD is played in your classroom for listening or teaching a song, it is not a violation of copyright laws. However, once you photocopy music or lyrics, display lyrics on an overhead, or record your worship services onto audio or videotapes, a license is needed. Christian Copyright Licensing International provides an umbrella license for a fee based on the attendance of your church.
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Center for Spiritual Renewal
Children's Ministry