Meaningful Ministry to Under 8’s (Part 1)

This week saw the celebration of Under 8’s Week across Queensland, Australia, with activities and events held in schools, libraries and parks.  So, what are the characteristics of a child under 8?  What impact can your Kid’s Ministry have on them?  It’s a broad topic so I’ll focus on 6-8’s because, in most cases, they’ll be in the ‘big’ room of your Kid’s Church.

Under 8’s are developing new hobbies and interests

Under 8’s enjoy discovering new things and they like to have fun while doing it.  As their reading improves they’ll use books and magazines to follow up things they’re interested in.  If there’s a fad taking hold in the playground they’ll be into it.  They still like imaginative play and will pretend to be whoever has made an impression on them.

• Keep an eye on kid’s media: broadcasting, publishing and Internet. Knowing what they’re watching, reading and listening to will influence your teaching.
• What’s showing? What movies are making an impact?  Theme a Fun Day around the genre when it’s appropriate.
• Create characters to teach a Story or a Memory Verse. A lost archaeologist, a reformed pirate or a forgetful chef.  Use lots of comedy!
• Teach Bible stories in a relevant way. At the time of writing the television show, Lego Masters, was a big hit.  So use Lego in your teaching or create your own challenges.
• Remember Fidgets? One of many fads that have come and gone.  (In my day marbles, yo-yo’s and elastics!) Incorporate the latest gizmos in games or object lessons.

Under 8’s are learning how to make friends and be a friend

Now social skills are developing they’ll have formed special friendships with one or two other children, usually of the same gender.  They will all share the same interests.  Appearance, clothing, and hair styles are beginning to be noticed.

• Discourage cliques: small close knit groups who don’t let others join them.
• Encourage your kids to be welcoming to others because when kids have good friends they feel like they belong.
• Focus on God’s love for people. Teach about Jesus’ love and care for everyone and illustrate ways kids can imitate Him.
• Cultivate a culture of looking outwards by highlighting Evangelism and Missions.
• Encourage children to be givers, not just of their pocket money, but of their time. Make gifts or cards to giveaway.  Support a charity like Samaritan’s Purse or Compassion.
• Encourage your volunteers to model inclusive behaviour. The kids are watching.

Under 8’s like things done ‘the right way’

Most under 8’s want to please the adults in their lives so they feel its important things are done the right way.  Their morals and values are developing.  They’ll be very aware of what others are doing and will share strong opinions about whether it’s right or wrong.

• Teach Bible principles clearly so the kids are in no doubt about what you, Mum and Dad and the Church believe.
• Read and teach from the Bible, the source book for daily living, the standard for conduct and guideline for right and wrong.
• Make Kid’s Church rules clear.
• Be consistent in the behaviour you expect from the kids.
• Before playing Games make sure everyone knows the rules. Fairness is important to Under 8’s.  (Some will be competitive and the desire to win may make them challenge rules, or even cheat, and this can cause arguments.)

This is an exciting time of development and there are critical needs for Under 8’s that you as a Kid’s Ministry leader are equipped to deliver!