Hi Toddler class parents and teachers,
Since there are a number of people who lead the toddler class, we (the curriculum planning team) wanted to out together a simple outline for leading the class. We realize the kids are not old enough to be super interactive (yet), but establishing a rhythm will keep the kids feeling comfortable in the environment. Keeping the rhythm the same is beneficial since we change teachers and content each week.
Here's a basic outline of a typical class (all times are approximate):
8:45-- Make sure the front (big) room is set up with the carpet in the middle, toys to the side-- Ozzy should be setting it up this way. Grab the Bible story for the week from the box in the kiosk-- Joey will be sending out the story number in the reminder email (see the previous post for the number/story listing). Bring over any craft supplies, snacks, play dough, wet wipes, gate, music, playdough, etc you might need.
9:00-- Make sure either you or the Preschool teacher brings the rope over to the Taproot Lobby
9:25-- Meet the toddler kids in the Taproot Lobby. Make sure all parents sign in and check with all kids if anyone needs to use the bathroom with their parents before heading over. Most kids are not yet toilet trained so confirm the location of diaper bags. Also, note any food allergies.
9:30-- Walk the kids over to the office on the rope. Make sure someone grabs the sign in sheet.
9:35-- Gather in the front (big) room on the carpet. If a child is having a hard time saying good bye to their parent, it can be helpful to pick them up and have them sit on your lap on the carpet (as is age appropriate).
-- Sing a welcome song including teachers names (ex. Sung to the tune of "Hello Ladies"-- Hello Judah, Hello Zachary, Hello Elsie, I'm so glad you're here....)
-- Sing 2-3 songs with motions or clapping (Reba is putting together a binder of song ideas, but for example: If you're happy and you know it, Twinkle Twinkle, He's got the whole world in his hands, Jesus loves me). Don't feel bad if no one sings or someone is crying, just keep trying to engage them as best you can. If singing is not your thing, try a game of ring around the rosie, or eye spy, or something else interactive.
9:45-- Read the bible story on the carpet. Ask if they see the characters on the pages. It seems over their head or silly, feel free to paraphrase. If they are really wiggly that day, try going to the table and distributing the snack first.
9:50-- Snack time at the table (guide kids towards the most stable chairs). Pray a prayer of thanksgiving first, if you are able. There should be goldfish in the kiosk. I think most of the kids are ok with gluten on a limited basis, but if that changes, check their diaper bag for a different snack. While they are snacking, try asking them questions about themselves-- they probably won't answer, but that's ok :)
9:55-- Craft or similar table based activity. There are not high expectations here, just some crayons, paper and a plan is enough. If you can tie it to the story or theme, great! For example, on palm sunday, we just took green crayons and drew palm branches all over the paper. They can't do scissors or glue on their own yet, but you can if you want to help. Don't worry about making something to take home. If you can't find a good craft related to the story, no worries, just google toddler crafts and pick whatever sounds fun.
10:00-- Open play time for the last 15 minutes. Feel free to just let the kids play with trains, toys, play-dough, etc. There is a stereo in the nursery and kids CDs in the kiosk if you'd like to use that.
10:15-- Pick up time. You can put up the door gate so that no one escapes and little fingers don't get slammed with the door opening/shutting. Make sure parents are singing the kids out. Be sure to let parents know if their kid had a diaper change, and also if they did something really cute or helpful, that's always great to share!
That's all. Thank so much for being willing to invest in these kids!
Laura
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