Children's Ministry Sharing Site

Ideas for Transitioning children and youth through your various groups

* Have adults who have worked with the kids before share information, like what is helpful in working with this child, what gets in the way of learning and cooperating for this child in a group setting, any of those things it is helpful to know when having this child in a group.

* Ask parents what you can do (and what you can avoid) to make it a good experience for their child.

* Most kids do best with transitions if they know it is coming. Tell them. Frame it positively, as something to look forward to.

* Give kids a foretaste of the new group - adult leaders, space, what they'll do.

* Make it a party. Let kids currently in the group tell the going-to-be-new-kids what they like about it.

* Invite current adult or teen leaders to go to this event or experience with the children. Kind of like having Elijah drop his mantle on Elisha. Lends credibility and makes it feel safe and familiar.

* Invite parents to participate during the first session. That can be a blankey, a safety object that helps kids make the transition.

* Have adult leaders or teachers contact each home, speaking to both the child and the parent. As part of the conversation, have adults express how much they are looking forward to having the new child in the group. Ask questions of parent and child about what the adult leader can do to make this a smooth transition and a good experience.

* Keep in touch with the home. Send home letters or flyers about what the group is doing and will do and upcoming dates and events.

* Call the home or drop a note to tell the parent what the child did well! They will love you and become your new best friend.

* Tell the children and parents that you will be praying for them and for the transition ... and then do it!

* Make the space attractive and welcoming.

* Be there early and be well prepared for the session so that you can give the kids your undivided attention when they arrive.

* Use nametags and and call kids by name.

* The high schoolers would plan a "early morning" Saturday kidnapping welcoming the new 9th graders into the youth group. They would drive them around with loud music, of course, parents were in on it, and made sure the kids were dressed appropriately. Sr highers would make breakfast and would play get to know you games with them all morning. Then we would have a "swearing in". They would dress in choir robes and the high schoolers would lead them in a pledge/promise to stay active in the youth group!

* As soon as confirmation was over, I would have a "welcome to high school" retreat just for 9th graders.

* For Early grades, just a welcome celebration early in the fall before kids groups began.