Sunday school games can be such powerful tools, doing far more than just adding fun to the classroom. Well-planned and well-executed games will make your lessons more relevant, more meaningful, more memorable, and ultimately, more actionable. (Read: more life change!) And with the little time we have in class each week, we need to get the most out of our Sunday school games.
With the little time we have, we need to get the most out of our Sunday school games.
Here are some tips.
Choose Sunday school games wisely
Select games not just based on their “fun factor” but rather pick those that are aligned with your lesson’s objective. For instance, a game of Bible Charades can be an appropriate introduction to a lesson on Love in Action. When choosing your Sunday school game, also be mindful of the age of your students, the allocated time as well as the physical space available.
Add variety
No two children are exactly alike. Because children learn differently, you should vary your Sunday school games to cater to various learning styles and sensory needs. It is good to include a diversity of games and activities within each lesson so that each child can take home something that week.
For instance, to help your class remember all nine attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit, you can play both Fruit of the Spirit Blow Wind Blow—which is more suitable for kinesthetic learners—and Fruit of the Spirit Memory Game—which works better for visual learners. In that way, both types of learners will benefit.
Brief your helpers
If you have others assisting you in the lesson, explain the game to them before class begins. Leading the game will be much easier if there is someone else in the room who understands how the game is played. For games involving a large group, consider having a dry run with all the helpers well in advance.
Give bitesize instructions
Explain the game as simply as possible. If you are playing a new game that is fairly complex, you should share only the most important rules first just to get the game going. After everyone has a rough idea of how the game is played, you can continue with a more detailed explanation. A demonstration with several volunteers will also be very helpful.
Be sensitive
Sunday school games are intended to inject fun into the class, not add stress to students. Avoid making anyone feel uncomfortable. There may be individuals in the group who are exceptionally shy and who do not enjoy group games. If appropriate, assign a special role for this person such as score keeper or time keeper.
Intentionally downplay the importance of winning but focus instead on the game itself and on teamwork. You should also avoid games that involve embarrassing anyone.
Also be aware that even though the children in your class may be of roughly the same age, they are all at different points in their personal faith journeys. Take care when playing games that rely heavily on knowledge of the Bible, especially if your class includes a mix of believers and pre-believers.
Relationships over programming
In the midst of the fun and excitement, we can sometimes forget that the key to successful discipleship lies in relationships. Take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere that games encourage and intentionally use this time to get to know your students on a more personal level. A deeper relationship puts you in a better position to lead them to be more like Jesus.
Take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere and use this time to get to know your students.
Above all, love
Finally, remember that Jesus taught people from a heart of compassion. Love must also be our motivation. Whatever tools we employ in our Sunday school lesson, we need to see our students through the eyes of Jesus and remember that every one of them is precious and loved by him.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
12 Awesome Bible Games for Kids of All Ages
12 Awesome Bible Games for Kids of All Ages
12 Awesome Bible Games for Kids of All Ages
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