COVID-19 may be changing how churches execute KidzLife this year, but it doesn’t have to stand in the way of children learning who Jesus is and how much He loves them! It can happen inside the church with new procedures, or outside of the walls of the church.
We’ve compiled a list of suggestions on ways you can implement KidzLife this year. Of course, every group will need to adapt these suggestions based on the safety regulations in your location.
Meeting In-Person
We suggest incorporating these best practices if your leadership has given the thumbs up to meeting in person.
Plan Ahead
Limit the number of registrations to suit your space (remember to include leaders and their children in your counts).
Require a signed COVID-19 waiver. (Click button below to download a sample waiver.)
Clean and disinfect all spaces regularly with approved products.
Require leaders and kids (age 3+) to wear masks.
Arrival
If possible, utilize a carpool drop off to limit the number of people inside your building.
Take no-touch temperatures of everyone entering your facility upon arrival.
Kids and Leaders either wash hands or apply hand sanitizer upon arrival.
During KidzLife gatherings
Warmly greet children! Even in masks, children can see your enthusiasm. Go above and beyond to convey your joy to see them!
Show kids how to do an elbow bump or footshakes.
Begin your time together in worship and praise. This doesn't just mean singing – it could also include times of praise, sharing answers to prayer and testimonies.
Share the Bible lesson. Use props! If possible, position the teacher far enough away from the kids that he or she doesn’t need a mask. Facial expressions are important for children seeing and hearing your heart. If you must wear a mask, consider a face shield and also increase your energy level.
End with small groups. At the end of your time together, you want kids to be seen AND HEARD. During this COVID-19 season, our children have been isolated. This is a key opportunity to HEAR them and pray together.
Assess whether meeting outside for small groups is an option (weather permitting, of course). Our small groups are portable, so meeting outdoors could be a welcomed breath of fresh air.
Dismissal
Have children wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before leaving.
Take them to their cars (if using carpool).
If parents are walking in, be sure they're wearing masks. It’s best to check their temperatures as well.
Disinfect any surfaces, supplies and toys used.
Follow Up
Send a warm email expressing your joy that children came with a summary or story of what happened during the time together.
Invite them back next time.
Pray for your kids and leaders by name!
Consider mailing a note or postcard to your kids.
Online Ideas
In some cases, in-person gathering just might not be possible. But incorporating some of the suggestions below will develop an engaging online presence that goes beyond posting teaching videos or holding small groups over Zoom.
Memory Verse Incentives
Keep track of who has memorized their verses and offer some sort of reward. You could do a version of Kingdom Cash virtually or send kids a treat after a set number of verses have been mastered. Kids can even complete as individuals or teams, such as boys vs girls, or by grade levels for added incentive.
Theme Nights
Ask kids to log on to Zoom small groups in costumes based on certain themes (tie dye night, cowboy night, sports night). The kids love it when leaders play along, too.
Another variation would be a show-and-tell element at the end of the lesson. Show us your pet, favorite stuffed animal, etc.
Call for Submissions
Ask kids to submit videos saying their memory verse, singing their favorite worship song outside, teaching a memory verse to their family, or something else fun but purposeful. Call for photos of kids showing their favorite spot to study or work on their journal.
Then post a compilation video or share the submissions on social media and in parent e-newsletters. If your congregation hasn’t been able to meet in person, families will look forward to seeing what other families are up to.
Remember that a simple request is far better than a complex one. Kids are more likely to participate in something that only takes a few minutes.
Personalize While Distanced
If you are gathering primarily online, here are some supplemental ideas for connecting with the kids off-line as well as serving the community.
Drop-Offs
Kids love care packages. Instead of filling them with cheap trinkets, fill them with supplies for a craft that relates to your weekly lesson, supplies for a gift they can make for someone else, or an object that relates to the lesson.
Post Cards
Ask each small group leader to send children in their group postcards a couple of times each semester. They can write a message of encouragement or blessing.
Yard Decorations
Kids love waking up to surprises! “Flamingo” their yard, tie a balloon to their front door with a note, stick a magnet on their mailbox or something else creative to remind them that you’re thinking of and praying for them.
Donation Drives
What needs in your community can you help meet? Consider inviting kids to stock a food pantry with a needed item or collect something for nurses or first responders. To make things even more fun, add a competition element by asking boys to drop off one item and girls another, or you could compete by grade level.
Drive-in Events
Host an outdoor or drive-in KidzLife event. Depending on the size and layout of your property, you may be able to teach and lead worship, or it could literally be an opportunity for families to drop off the items they collected for the donations mentioned above. Keep things exciting by dressing staff members and volunteers in costume, music and more!
We’d love to hear your creative ideas too! Comment what’s been working for your ministry.