| All children's church lessons I create have some form | | | | church lesson icebreaker generic. Don't play a Bible |
| of an icebreaker introduction. Let me list some reasons | | | | game or Bible activity as your icebreaker. Remember... |
| I think you should include them too. | | | | the whole idea of the icebreaker introduction is to |
| Kids Need to Relax | | | | provide an activity or game that kids can jump right |
| Do you remember when you were a kid? How did it | | | | into, participate, contribute and feel successful. New |
| feel to walk into a new Sunday School class for the | | | | kids weren't there for last week's children's church |
| first time? Were you ever a guest visiting a new | | | | lesson. If your icebreaker is a lesson review, they won't |
| church? No... it's not fun, especially for shy or very | | | | be able to participate and they may feel awkward and |
| young children who aren't used to separating from their | | | | isolated. |
| parents. Separation isn't easy and it's sure not fun for | | | | * Non-church kids most likely don't know the Bible at all. |
| the kids, parents or teachers. Children's church lesson | | | | If you start with a Bible game or Bible activity there is |
| icebreakers can ease a kid into the flow of the class. | | | | a good chance they will feel uncomfortable right off |
| A simple fun game or activity can engage kids and | | | | the bat! These kids don't know how to look up Bible |
| help them to relax. | | | | verses. They probably won't know Bible characters or |
| Kids Need to Connect | | | | Bible stories. This destroys all the benefits of an |
| Imagine again walking into a room where you don't | | | | icebreaker! |
| know anyone. Think of it like the first day on a new | | | | * Set up your children's church lesson icebreaker to run |
| job. You are stressed and uptight. You don't know | | | | immediately. Start the game or activity with early |
| your boss or co-workers, and you don't know the | | | | arrivals and during the check in process. This way all |
| rules! You're lost and you just want to turn around and | | | | the kids and especially visitors and shy kids can flow |
| walk back out the door. A simple, fun game or activity | | | | into the activity or game immediately without waiting |
| can get kids laughing, talking and connecting with one | | | | around and feeling uncomfortable. |
| another before you actually begin your children's | | | | * Use one activity or game for your icebreaker or set |
| church lesson. The kid's anxiety diminishes and their | | | | up different stations of games and activities the kids |
| guard begins to drop. The best thing for a new kid is to | | | | can do themselves. Icebreakers are the perfect way |
| find a buddy they can talk to! | | | | to begin children's church lessons. Watch and see... |
| Icebreaker Tips | | | | your kids will be warmed up and ready for your lesson |
| * This one may shock you. Make your children's | | | | to begin! |