Top Tips was a training event on Monday 23rd October to encourage and enthuse Sunday School/Club leaders. The speakers for the evening were Barbara McDade, who is the Children’s Development Officer in the Presbyterian Church and Rev. Anne Taylor, Children’s Ministry Officer (SSSI).

The evening was packed with top tips and ideas on bible stories, music, discipline, group preparation, resources and more.

Barbara explored different ways of telling bible stories and stressed the importance of sincerity, enthusiasm and animation in the delivery of the story.  She also looked at ways of reinforcing the story through drama, objects and drawing.  This led onto ways of using memory verses in helping children learn the message of the gospel.

Anne explored the area of discipline within the children’s group and looked at some of the danger areas and how to create a more harmonious group.  She also highlighted the need to be aware of special needs within the group and the need to use parents as partners in helping understand the needs of each child.  The use of music was encouraged along with an awareness of the message that songs are conveying to the children.

Before the evening finished the group also explored ways of helping the children’s group connect to people and projects outside their parish and some time was given at looking at resources for use with the under 5s.

The evening finished with a chance to have coffee and chat with Sunday Club leaders from other parishes as well as a chance to look at the resources available in more detail.