Special Needs – Page 2

Encouragement, Leadership, Special Needs, Training

October 29, 2013

6 Ways to Serve Families with Special Needs Children

As Kids Ministers, we are called to serve and care for the needs of the church body – even those with special needs. No matter what capacity you have in your children’s ministry, this is something to be sensitive to and act on.

Here are six ways to serve families with special needs children:

1. Have a willing heart.

Approach these needs with a prayerful spirit and a willing heart that desires to serve all families that walk in your door. Train your leaders and volunteers to do the same. Once that posture is taken, then families feel welcome and at ease to tell you what they need for their child to be well-cared for during the teaching and worship hours.

2. Make small modifications.

Many special needs children need small modifications in order to have a comfortable experience at church. Visual instructions and a structured schedule help most any child feel at-ease about what to expect next. This will help almost any child in your classes, not just ones with extra needs. Think through your schedules and make signs with pictures for your leaders to show what is happening next. Structure your teaching hour so that it is roughly the same each week. Mark spaces in your environments with colorful tape or dots to show where you want children to sit, stand or walk. These are small modifications, but can help children know what to do, limiting anxiety.

3. Provide an extra volunteer.

For children who may require extra attention, provide a “special buddy” to stay with a child to help with any extra needs that are beyond the capacity of your teachers and leaders.

4. Think through scenarios.

Some children are uncomfortable with leaving the classroom or with participating in a large group environment. This may be for various reasons including loud music or lots of movement and excitement. Have an alternate activity for these children to do during this time and quickly reunite them with the group when they feel comfortable.

5. Keep open communication with parents and caregivers.

If families know your heart is to provide an inclusive experience for their children, they will be more willing to share specifics about what their child needs. This starts with you. Communicate to your church body that you have a willingness to provide an environment that is inclusive of all children and that you’ll do your best to serve and accommodate those with special needs.

6. Love on these families.

Remember that the stress of bringing up children who have special needs is overwhelming on marriages and home-life. They, more than anyone, need time to worship and know that their children are being cared for and taught about the love of Jesus. Do whatever you can and prioritize this service in your ministry.

Special Needs, Training

October 24, 2013

7 Influencers on Kids Ministry (Part 3)

By Bill Emeott

Yesterday I posted the first four influencers (Part 1 and Part 2). I encourage you to take a look back at those two posts. Here’s the last three:

5. Special Needs: Special Needs issues are playing a larger role in Kids Ministry than ever before. More and more kids are being diagnosed, and parents are demanding us to provide for their children. If we don’t, we will lose these families from our church bodies! Our choice is simple, will we minister or will we not?

6. Ethnic Diversity: Kids today are not at all concerned with the color or ethnicity of their friends. Interracial dating and marriage among Gen Xers is not an issue (in most situations). Over the last 30 years, marriages between blacks and whites have increased 400% and has increased by 1000% between whites and Asians. Unfortunately, our churches (for the most part) continue to remain racially and ethnically divided. I am aware of cultural practices that may move folks to different choices for style and practice, but I believe we will see less and less division as the current generation matures and starts to take leadership roles in the church. Our Kids Ministries must be places of acceptance and unconditional love. “Jesus loves the little children…” do we?

7. Economy: The economy is forcing change and restructuring that no one could have anticipated. As family incomes shrink, so does their tithe and ability to afford extracurricular activities. As a result of “seeker sensitive” messages, many have never heard nor understand the biblical discipline of tithing. As Baby Boomers with deep pockets and little debt die out of our congregations, churches will be forced to reconsider what and how they do Kids Ministry.

If I’m not careful I can become discouraged. These influencers can be overwhelming. On the other hand, I find comfort and confidence in knowing that God is in control and ultimately His plan will succeed. He is never taken by surprise. None of these suggested influencers have “snuck up on God.” My job is to take this information, these (and other) influencers, and plan and prepare accordingly.

Our work (with the help of the Holy Spirit) is to create ministries that share with kids the love and provision God has given them through His Son, Jesus Christ and to provide opportunities for those kids to grow in their relationship with Him. Does this mean that Kids Ministry tomorrow will look just like Kids Ministry today? I seriously doubt it. Does it mean I need to “throw out the baby with the bathwater?” DEFINITELY NOT! But it might mean that I have to be willing to change – change the way I do some things, change my attitude, change my focus, change my habits, or even overlook my preferences for the bigger picture. Change can be difficult, but it will be worth it!

Leadership, Special Needs, Sunday School, Training, Vacation Bible School

October 22, 2013

Try This, Not That: Dealing with Difficult Parents

By Jerry Vogel

From time to time I hear fellow kids ministers say, “Kids Ministry would be great if all we had to do was deal with kids!” So true! However, those in kids ministry quickly learn that along with those kids come parents, families, and leaders. A great percentage of our time is actually spent with adults.

Today, let’s talk about parents. Today’s parents are very busy, possibly over scheduled, and they practice a lot of “helicopter parenting.” They hover over their kids, rescue their kids from many learning experiences, and from time to time have tunnel vision related to their kids weaknesses.

When dealing with difficult parents (which, by the way, any of us can be diffiult at times!) consider these options:

1. When confronted by an angry parent:

Try this: Remember that Scripture teaches that a soft answer turns away wrath. (Proverbs 15:1)

Not That: Argue and attempt to justify your own actions/decisions.

2. Once you have learned that a certain parent can be a challenge:

Try This: Pray for these parents by name. Let them know that you have prayed for them in a positive way.

Not That: Distance yourselves from these parents and avoid them.

3. When talking with parents about a child’s challenging behavior:

Try This: Make the parents aware that you love their child, are glad he is in your ministry, but, let them know that when he chooses to “_______”, you are having trouble knowing what to do. Ask them, “What do you do?”

Not That: State that the child is disruptive and he can never come back to church activities!

4. When parents and families are in the midst of a crisis:

Try This: Just be there for them!

Not That: Feel like you have to preach a sermon and know every Bible verse that deals with that crisis.

Fun, Resources, Special Needs, Sunday School, Training, Vacation Bible School

September 25, 2013

Simply Amazing Activities

By Cristy Whitlock

The following post was written by Dathan Hale, Content Editor for Kids Ministry.

I don’t have that; I don’t have the space for this; that will never work for my kids. If you find yourself saying one or more of these statements, you probably just looked at a list of activity suggestions for your next ministry assignment. Don’t sweat it! You can do that amazing activity! You just need to simplify. The following questions will help you.

Do I really need that?

You may not need all the supplies on that list. For instance, a paper plate lion face is a suggestion for “Daniel and the Lion’s Den.” Supplies include paper plates, googly eyes, foam shapes for the mouth and nose, and pieces of yarn for the mane. You don’t have googly eyes or foam shapes. No problem! Kids can draw them.

Can I substitute?

If you can’t drop a supply, maybe you can substitute it. You find a tossing game activity. It calls for three beanbags and three buckets. You don’t have either of those supplies. You can use paper wads for the beanbags. As for the buckets, any containers will work, even a taped square. With a little thought and creativity, you can substitute most items you don’t have.

Can I change it?

If you can’t eliminate or substitute, you may be able to alter an activity. If an activity requires running and you don’t have a lot of space, change it. Invite the kids to jump, crawl, or skip. It’s OK to change an activity to better fit your kids and environment.

If you like amazing activities that are already simplified, consider The Gospel Project for Kids. Every session includes at least two activity suggestions, often more, that use minimal supplies. See, you can keep it simple and still keep it amazing!

Encouragement, Special Needs, Sunday School

September 18, 2013

5 Tips for Special Needs Ministry – From an Expert

By Cristy Whitlock

Matthew 12:34 says, “For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.” This is one of my favorite verses. When we are truly loving Christ, it’s evident by our words. Our passions are showcased in what we talk about.

In July, I met Sophie Boudreaux. Sophie is a sophomore at LSU. Within minutes of meeting, I knew her passion for loving people with special needs. We met on a mission trip to South Africa, and I was privileged to watch her interact with a teenage boy who has Down Syndrome. Sophie’s passion stems from growing up with a brother with Down’s, and she strategically places herself in more areas to love on others with this condition. Take a look at the five tips Sophie gives for doing special needs ministry:

1. Embrace the fact that everyone is special.

2. Recognize that our needs are the same – to feel loved, accepted & valuable.

3. Understand that the path to meeting needs has to be tailor-made for each person.

4. Read about the diagnosis or condition, then put the book down and get to know the person!

5. Avoid predetermining limitations.

There they are – five simple tips that will help you love your special buddies more effectively. I first saw the picture above on Sophie’s Facebook page, where she added the caption, “My heart has never been this happy. #blessedbeyondmeasure #rockingthatextrachromosome” On top of these tips, Sophie’s heart teaches us that doing special needs ministry is a blessing.

What other tips would you give for special needs ministry? Comment below!

Encouragement, Leadership, Networking, Special Needs, Sunday School, Training, Vacation Bible School

September 4, 2013

You’re Never Finished!

By Klista Storts

Enlistment can be a four letter word – H.A.R.D. It’s kind of like that bunny that just keeps going and going and going and going. It’s one of those projects that never gets finished. In fact, truth be known, it’s probably the top reason that kid ministers leave the ministry.

Sadly, I remember a time when I couldn’t even share the joy of one of my teachers who excitedly told me she was expecting. All I could think was that in about nine months, I was going need to find a new teacher! Now, that’s bad.

So what do you do? Here are a few suggestions that might help.

• Ask someone in person.
• Ask someone face-to-face.
• Ask someone eye-to-eye.
• Ask someone toe-to-toe.
• Ask…

Hmmm. See a pattern? While there are tons of different ways to bring the need to light through bulletin inserts, pleas from the pulpit, bulletin boards, flyers in the bathroom, etc., that’s just advertising. (Shout out to Kim Harris for that statement!) THE number one way to get the teachers you need is to ask personally. Otherwise, people assume that they’re not capable, not called, or not needed. They’re waiting for you to ask! Invite them to join your exciting team of leaders that get to impact a child’s life forever! Let them know that you don’t accept just anybody. You’re asking them for a reason! You know they love kids; they’d be a great example; they’re energetic; they’re ___________! (You fill in the blank!) Be picky and make sure they know it. Make them feel blessed just knowing you believe they’re worthy to teach!

And, you don’t have to do it all yourself. Put together a team and break the task into smaller chunks. The whole pyramid idea works in this case. You ask two people, then they ask two people and so on and so on and so on. A great part of sharing the blessing of enlistment is that you have a larger pool of people to ask!

Remember to think outside the box:

Senior adults (missing their grandchildren!)
Empty nesters
College students
Men
VBS leaders
And, outside your circle of friends!

So, pray about it. Ask God specifically for the people you need. Go and find those people — take them to coffee, maybe even lunch! Then…ASK!

Encouragement, Missions, Resources, Special Needs, Sunday School

August 30, 2013

Pinterest Friday: Special Needs Ministry

By Cristy Whitlock

With class clowns, quiet cuddle bugs, analytical thinkers, and everything in between, it’s a teacher’s job to facilitate a learning experience for each of the children gracing a colorful plastic chair or lounging on the carpet. Many times, these little bodies include one or more kids with special needs. This week’s Pinterest board highlights specific ways we can minister to kids with special needs and their families. We hope you enjoy it!

For resources specifically designed for Special Needs ministry, check out Special Buddies from Lifeway Kids!

Resources, Special Needs, Training

August 28, 2013

Help for Kids with Difficulty: Shadowing in the Classroom

By Katie DeCillo

Have you ever heard of shadowing in a kidmin classroom? Shadowing is a great technique used with children who are having difficulty in group settings. It requires an extra volunteer to stay close and assist when the child requires help. The person shadowing becomes the child’s buddy and must remain close enough to intervene when necessary. The volunteer would help, love, support, and encourage the child. And being close to the child will help limit disruptive behavior, help protect other children, and help the child feel guided, loved, and accepted.

Shadowing works well with different ages and stages of development. One of the earliest issues that teachers encounter is biting. The person shadowing stays close to the child that is having difficulty controlling the urge to bite. Because the volunteer is close, they can intervene when the child is getting ready to bite. This person also gets to know the child better and learns to recognize what is causing the child’s frustration which results in biting. This method also works with children who are having difficulty getting along with others. Children sometimes need gentle loving reminders to be nice while playing with friends.

Shadowing is a great way to maintain a positive teaching and learning environment. This technique benefits the child that is experiencing difficulty in group settings too. It will help the child get adjusted to being in a group as well as helping him through any transitional periods. Shadowing will create a happier, more positive teaching and learning environment for both the teacher and child.

Do you practice shadowing in your kids ministry classroom? Do you think it might improve the classroom experience for kids who need a little extra help?

Leadership, Missions, Prayer, Special Needs, Sunday School, Training, Vacation Bible School

August 19, 2013

6 Ways to Pray with Kids

By Cristy Whitlock

The following post was written by Mona McDonald, Family Ministries Coordinator of First Southern Baptist Church Scottsdale, Arizona.

You can make a difference in the lives of children and their families by praying for them and by teaching them how to pray.

The prayers of a child are special to God because the child is special to Him. One of the greatest gifts teachers can give to a child is to teach them to pray. Prayer can be fun and simple to teach. Try these ideas with children and encourage their families to try them, too:

• Prayer walk outside, thanking God for the beauty of creation
• Prayer walk your church and school campus, stopping at doors to pray for the person who works or teaches in that room
• Adopt a missionary kid your class can pray for; obtain a picture of the child so they can see for whom they are praying
• Take children to the altar one at a time and pray with her about something she suggests
• Make a Prayer Notebook using a three ring binder and sheet protectors. Include letters and pictures of missionaries, government leaders, or church leaders in the notebook as prayer reminders
• Make it a “special gift” to be prayed for on their birthday; Numbers 6:24-26 is a great scripture to pray for each child

You can also pray these Scriptures for children and families:

Deuteronomy 6:5: May this child love the Lord our God with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength.

Joshua 24:15: But as for these households, may they serve the Lord.

Encouragement, Resources, Special Needs, Sunday School, Training

August 12, 2013

Tips for Giving Non-Verbal Instruction

By Katie DeCillo

The following post was written by Mona McDonald, Family Ministries Coordinator at First Southern Baptist Church Scottsdale, Arizona.

Non-verbal instruction is a very effective teaching method. Learning this great skill can rid your classroom of frustration and lost teaching time. Some children “want” your constant attention and look for ways to get it. Some children “need” your attention and don’t know how to get it. Try a few of these ideas during your next class and see what happens.

• Smile, raise your eyebrows and nod at someone who is following directions. This shows approval and encouragement
• Use eye contact with children who need to pay attention as you give instructions. Walk near them if necessary
• Touch your fingers to your mouth to silence; to your ear when asking to listen; to your head to encourage “thinking hard”
• Remind “rule-breakers” of a certain rule by pointing to the posted rule
• Being prepared is a great non-verbal way of instructing children that you are the teacher
• Some children need a little extra help so ask them to touch their knee or shoulder to refocus attention or touch the word they should be reading in the book to bring them back on task
• As you give instructions, make eye contact with the disruptive child and shake your head slowly to show disapproval of their actions
• Model your instructions

Disruptions are often a child’s desire to know that someone sees them and that they are an important member of the class. Children want to be successful and know they are important. Your non-verbal communication speaks louder than words.

6 Ways to Serve Families with Special Needs Children

7 Influencers on Kids Ministry (Part 3)

Try This, Not That: Dealing with Difficult Parents

Simply Amazing Activities

5 Tips for Special Needs Ministry – From an Expert

You’re Never Finished!

Pinterest Friday: Special Needs Ministry

Help for Kids with Difficulty: Shadowing in the Classroom

6 Ways to Pray with Kids

Tips for Giving Non-Verbal Instruction

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