Theme
11. Is it child-oriented and captivating for kids?
Is the theme well-executed throughout? One curriculum’s theme centered around Jesus, but the Bible stories focused on everything but Jesus. Every component of the VBS program should emphasize and re-emphasize the theme. So are there added tips to transform an environment and better communicate the theme?
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Materials and Resources
12. What are the director materials like?
Are there preplanning tips? Are there teacher-training tips, age-level insights, discipline tips, and very clear overviews of each class?
13. Do the resources equip teachers?
Are they easy to understand, helpful, and complete? Are there age-level insights to give teachers information about what they can expect from the age they’re teaching? And are there positive discipline techniques that would help a novice teacher?
14. Do the materials appeal to students?
Are the materials age-appropriate? Do they consider the appropriate level of concrete vs. abstract concepts for each age group? Are they mindless exercises, or do they actually require kids to use higher-level thinking skills that lead to life application? Are they appealing? Would kids want to read these, or are they the same old tired art styles and drab colors? Are student materials multisensory? The top-rated VBS programs use hands-on activities such as kids making mud bricks, crafting jewelry, and sampling candy.
15. How helpful are the publicity resources?
Are they up-to-date, appealing, and easy to use? Are they big enough to see from a distance? Do they contain follow-up materials?
16. What teacher aids are included?
Are they creative, helpful, and relevant?
17. Is the art appealing?
Is it up-to-date, colorful, and engaging? In some VBS kits, art is not an issue because the kit is simply a guidebook for the leader to set up the learning experience. But in other kits, art is a crucial element.
18. Will the crafts intrigue the students and teachers alike?
Are they new, creative, and relevant? Do they relate to the theme or lesson in an integral way, or are they just time-fillers that have no meaning? Are they neither supply- nor preparation-intensive? Are they “keeper” crafts?
19. How reader-friendly is the provided material?
Is it organized and easy-to-understand? Would a novice director or teacher clearly understand the material?
20. What is the music like?
Does the music relate to the theme? Is it relevant, easy to learn, and catchy? Does it reinforce the content of the VBS program in a way that makes sense? Are there childlike hand motions and involvement devices that’ll make learning and retention easier? Will it get through to the heart of kids, and will kids remember the music long after the program is over?
Now tally your results! Once you do this for multiple VBS kits, one is sure to rise to the top as the best VBS for your ministry!
This guide to choosing the best VBS program for your church was originally published on ChildrensMinistry.com, © Group Publishing, a division of David C Cook.
