The competition between boys and girls is strong among our Sunday morning kidmin group. We'll often hear the question: "Who was best at singing, the girls or the boys?" or "Did the boys find the Bible passage first, or the girls?" And the rivalry becomes intense during our review segment at the close of each lesson.
A challenging review segment for added fun
The review segment poses questions to see how well the children remember the content of the lesson, the Bible point and the Bible verse. But our focus, along with reinforcing a basic understanding and application of the lesson, is for kids to have fun! The link between fun and learning is strong. So, if a child answers a review question incorrectly, we still award points for trying. And we generally include the opportunity for bonus questions, if they care to attempt a challenge... and most do. How do you structure your review?
The review segment poses questions to see how well the children remember the content of the lesson, the Bible point and the Bible verse. But our focus, along with reinforcing a basic understanding and application of the lesson, is for kids to have fun! The link between fun and learning is strong. So, if a child answers a review question incorrectly, we still award points for trying. And we generally include the opportunity for bonus questions, if they care to attempt a challenge... and most do. How do you structure your review?
Bonus challenge
We'll often include a 'Minute to Win It' style challenge to win those extra points. And yes, the kids all clamour to be picked to answer the review questions and to attempt the challenge. The challenge doesn't have to involve a lot of extra planning or expensive resources. You can find some great ideas and resources for these types of challenges here...
We'll often include a 'Minute to Win It' style challenge to win those extra points. And yes, the kids all clamour to be picked to answer the review questions and to attempt the challenge. The challenge doesn't have to involve a lot of extra planning or expensive resources. You can find some great ideas and resources for these types of challenges here...
Pom pom popper challenge
Here's a simple activity, a fun challenge, that you could include for such a segment- a pom pom popper.
The concept is simple; shoot a pom pom a certain distance to gain extra points. You can use masking tape to mark out various distances with corresponding points.
Lay out a hoop as the starting point. Shoot the pom pom and gain the points. (I'd give the kids 3 attempts- it's not as easy as it looks.)
Here's a simple activity, a fun challenge, that you could include for such a segment- a pom pom popper.
The concept is simple; shoot a pom pom a certain distance to gain extra points. You can use masking tape to mark out various distances with corresponding points.
Lay out a hoop as the starting point. Shoot the pom pom and gain the points. (I'd give the kids 3 attempts- it's not as easy as it looks.)
You'll need a pom pom popper
So now, all you need is your pompom popper. Although there are numerous instructions on the web for creating a plastic cup popper, this one from FrogsandSnailsandPuppyDogTail uses a pool noodle. (How versatile are pool noodles? I don't know what we did without them!)
It's a more robust popper and one that even younger children should manage.
And.... you'll only need 3 items to create one: a pool noodle, a balloon and some masking tape.
Oh.. I guess you'll need some pom poms, too. It's almost easy enough for kids to make their own.
So now, all you need is your pompom popper. Although there are numerous instructions on the web for creating a plastic cup popper, this one from FrogsandSnailsandPuppyDogTail uses a pool noodle. (How versatile are pool noodles? I don't know what we did without them!)
It's a more robust popper and one that even younger children should manage.
And.... you'll only need 3 items to create one: a pool noodle, a balloon and some masking tape.
Oh.. I guess you'll need some pom poms, too. It's almost easy enough for kids to make their own.
Instructions:
1. Use a craft knife to cut a length of pool noodle approx 7cm long. I tried using a slightly longer length with little success.
2. Cut the end off a balloon and discard. Stretch the cut edge of the remaining balloon piece across one end of the pool noodle.
3. Wrap masking tape around to secure the balloon in place.
4. Tie a knot in the neck of the balloon... and you're ready.
Slip a pom pom into the popper. Pull back the knotted end of the balloon and ...let go!
Actually, you'll need to pull the balloon back quite a bit to shoot your pom pom far. I was a little tentative to begin with.
1. Use a craft knife to cut a length of pool noodle approx 7cm long. I tried using a slightly longer length with little success.
2. Cut the end off a balloon and discard. Stretch the cut edge of the remaining balloon piece across one end of the pool noodle.
3. Wrap masking tape around to secure the balloon in place.
4. Tie a knot in the neck of the balloon... and you're ready.
Slip a pom pom into the popper. Pull back the knotted end of the balloon and ...let go!
Actually, you'll need to pull the balloon back quite a bit to shoot your pom pom far. I was a little tentative to begin with.
So.. do the boys win or the girls? The competition is intense but everyone enjoys being involved since it's a challenge that anyone can attempt. But more than that- kids are really listening, remembering and learning. And the review part of our program is a real highlight. Disappointed wails accompany the occasional sound of the 'big church' finishing before we get to the review. What a great way to finish- kids disappointed because it's time to finish!
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