The following post was written by Stephanie Chase, Childhood Ministry Team Leader of Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.
Here are five steps that are sure to help when you find yourself sharing a classroom:
1. Decide to share! Sharing space is a mindset. Decide today to SHARE with others. Each preschool and children’s class is there for the same purpose, to lay spiritual foundations in the lives of young children. Realize that you are a team working together to provide what is best for children.
2. Treat others the way you want to be treated! How do you feel when you find the classroom is a disaster? Determine to ALWAYS leave the classroom the way you want to find it.
3. Get to know the team! You can do this in many different ways: Plan a meeting with everyone who shares the room. Talk about schedules and activities of each ministry. Ask other teachers, “What can I do to help you?” Pray for each teacher and ministry sharing the room.
4. Make a plan! Standard preschool and children’s equipment remains in the classroom. Work together during the meeting to arrange the furniture in a way that benefits all children and ministries. Make a diagram of the room arrangement and post it in the classroom. Plan to leave the furniture the same from week to week. Bring in unit or topic specific toys and materials during each session and return the toys to the resource room at the end of the meeting.
5. Be the leader and set the tone! We want children to share, so let’s role model. Throw away locks and labels. Be the leader in your ministry who refuses to talk about others, forgives when someone leaves a mess, and determines to share with a good attitude.
Do you share a classroom? In the comments section, share a few of your own tips!
