Although large Kid’s Churches are running a more relaxed holiday program over the summer holidays, and small Kid’s Churches are taking a break, the ‘Back to School’ advertising and stationery in stores herald the approach of a new school year.  New shoes, new bag, new classroom.  So, why not think about a new look for your Kid’s Church space.

A visit to the Science Centre to see an exhibit on outer space gave me some tips on how to optimize the use of indoor space.  The risers on the stairs leading to the exhibit had been numbered 10 to 1 in a countdown.  Someone saw 10 steps and an opportunity!  While we don’t have the budget or resources to replicate a museum display, we can create an amazing Kid’s Church space that welcomes children and announces, ‘This is where you want to be because amazing things happen here!’  Begin by clearing your Kid’s Church space of old displays and clutter.

Look Up!

The space exhibit tented a bright orange parachute, used in a splashdown, to decorate the ceiling.  You may not own a parachute (except maybe the one used in group games) but a fishing net suspended across the ceiling is effective.  Handy to hang craft from and run fairy lights along at Christmas.  You may be fortunate to have exposed steel or wooden beams to hang things from.  I use fishing line between hooks, too, but the line does sag over time.  Draped fabric also looks great.  Synthetic organza is lightweight and sheer.  I have a length of blue to use as sea or sky and orange for the desert or outback.  I bought the fabric at charity stores.

Wall Space

Walls are a ready made backdrop for displaying lessons and craft and parents can see what you’re teaching when they drop off or collect their children.  I create a heading about the theme, add the memory verse, and leave room for children’s craft so they have some ownership of the space.   If I’ve used flashcards for the story, I Velcro dot them up, too.

The trick is not to crowd the walls and make them overstimulating.  Keep your displays to defined areas and with space between so everyone’s eyes can have a rest!  (Leaving 20% to 50% wall space clear is recommended.  Visual exhaustion is a thing.)  When a program of lessons is finished (and there are other displays to look at) I remove them.  Every display should serve a purpose.

Doors

Make a new welcome sign (unless you have a permanent one) as they can get pretty ratty by the end of a year.  I haven’t done a lot with doors, but looking at images of decorated doors on line, I’m in awe of what school teachers do.  You’ll find lots of ideas!

Floor Space

I like to add a rug or mats to an area of the room.  If I choose to read a Bible story aloud I like the children close to me.  Mats provide areas for small groups, too.  If I tell the story of Jesus feeding the 5000, I’ll put out picnic blankets.  Believe it or not floors are another way to help children memorize Scripture.  I’ve used footprints for the children to follow and say words aloud.  I’ve used masking tape to make a hopscotch.  Masking tape on the floor is also a good way to designate zones or no go areas.

Windows

Many of my kid’s church rooms have been without windows because the church has been housed in an industrial building.  Another was a multipurpose demountable with black curtaining all around for media purposes.  But if I had windows I’d use them!  Again, there’s lots of ideas on the internet, mostly children’s craft on display.

Hallways

Add photos of your Kid’s Church leaders and their names.  Make a collage of your best fun days so visitors can see the type of things your Kid’s Church offers.  I’ve also turned a hallway into a laser field by zigzagging red wool between the walls for an adventure filled spy fun day.

What about Rented Space?

A lot of my teaching Kid’s Church in the early years was in rented spaces so I understand the limitations.  Even when we moved into our own premises, the Kid’s Church was in a shared space, so everything had to be packed away when Sunday morning was over.  I’m a big believer in setting up a portable space using some sort of screen or backdrop, a floor rug, and chair.   You’ll find ideas to help you in my blog 6 Ways to Create an Amazing Kid’s Church Space. https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/6-ways-to-create-an-amazing-kids-church-space/

Designing, not just decorating, a space your kids and families will enjoy is another way to demonstrate your Kid’s Ministry has value. The effort you and your team put in can take your space from the mundane to out of this world!