Have you ever tried to pour liquid into a container, but the opening to the container is too small, so the liquid goes spilling all over the place?
Of course you have!
In fact, if you're like me, you do it on a regular basis because you're too lazy to go to the garage and get a funnel.
A funnel is a useful tool for getting liquids into containers, but did you know it's also a useful tool for getting the gospel into kids? (Important note: before you go putting funnels into kid's mouths and trying to shove Bibles down them, please read on.)
If your children's ministry lessons don't have good structure, then they're difficult to follow. And if they're difficult to follow, kids most likely won't understand or remember what you have to say. A good lesson structure serves as something like a tour guide who meets the kids where they're at and says, "Follow me, I'm going to take you on a memorable trip to somewhere special."
In GO! Curriculum, our lesson structure follows what I call a "Funnel" approach. It's a structure that begins with a broad problem or issue that's familiar to kids, then funnels them toward a singular point they can remember and apply.
You can see what I mean with the illustration below.
Here's an example...
Let's use the story of David and Goliath as an example of what the funnel approach might look like.
Introduction: This is where you set up the lesson by introducing a relevant problem or challenge.
Example:
Have you ever struggled with...?
Do you hate it when...?
Have you ever faced a giant-sized problem...?
Transition into the Bible story: This is where (in a sentence or two) you make a connection between the problem or issue and the Bible story. Clear transitions are important because they tell the audience where you're going and why.
Example:
"Well, you're not the only one who's faced a giant-sized problem. There's a guy in today's Bible story who face an ACTUAL giant!"
Bible story: This is where you tell the story from the Bible in an engaging way. In GO! Curriculum, we use interactive storytelling methods to engage kids in the Bible.
I won't go into it here, but if you want to read more about some of our methods, you can find 10 storytelling ideas for preschoolers here and 10 more ideas for elementary kids here.
God truth: After the Bible story, the lesson is going to answer the question, "What does this story tell us about the character and nature of God? (Why not the character and nature of David? Because God is the central character in the Bible, people are merely supporting players.)
Example:
"The reason David had courage wasn’t because of his own strength. It was because he knew that God was with him. He said to Goliath, “You come at me with a sword, and a spear, and a javelin, but I’m coming against you in the name of the Lord. This day, the LORD will give me victory over you.” David knew that God is greater than the greatest giant."
Application: This is where you answer the question, "Now that we know this truth about God, how should we respond in our daily lives?" Application is important because it makes the connection between God and life.
Example:
"God was with David, and guess what…God is with you too! When you’re on God’s side, He'll fight for you."
Big Idea: This is the singular point that you want kids to walk away with. It's the God Truth and application in one sentence.
Example:
God is with us, so we can stand up to our fears.
The funnel approach isn't the only structure you can use, but it's a very simple one that's effective with kids. Regardless of what structure you use, though, ask yourself, "Do my lessons have a discernable structure that's easy for kids to follow?" If not, try integrating a funnel into your lessons.
Or better yet...
Save yourself the work and give GO! Curriculum a try. Now is the perfect time...
GO! Curriculum Super Summer Sale!
For a limited time, you can get the GO! Summer Bundle for only $75. (Regular combined price for these individual units is $536.) It's a great way to try it before you subscribe.
This bundle contains 2 months of both elementary and preschool PREMIUM curriculum (video lessons included). It gives you everything you need for your summer programming.
8 Elementary large group and small group lessons
8 episodes of the "Journey Today Show" elementary video lessons
9 Preschool large group and small group lessons
9 episodes of "Topher Time" preschool video lessons
9 episodes of "Extra Time with Topher" bonus preschool video content
Media Slides
Social Media and Email templates
Countdown videos
Coloring sheets
And MUCH more...
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