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How to Keep Kids’ Attention: Follow This 9-Step Formula

5. Let kids talk, talk, talk and talk.

This formula encourages kids to get involved by talking throughout class time. Be proactive and tell kids when you want them to talk. Also insert plenty of discussion questions throughout the class time.

Yes, have some time when kids aren’t talking (prayer time, worship, etc.). But instead of saying, “No talking right now,” say, “Let’s listen to what ________ has to say about this for a minute.” A noisy classroom is a good thing.

Active, noisy learning > passive, quiet listening

6. Use visual communication.

When it comes to how to keep kids’ attention, a picture truly is worth 1,000 words. So use lots of pictures during your time with kids.

7. Let kids play, play, play and play.

Kids love games. And you can use games to help teach the Bible lesson. Every game should have a purpose. Play a game that correlates with the lesson. Then debrief with questions that tie back to what kids learned. Also include life-application elements.

8. Make involvement your goal.

Watch the kids. Make a note when you lose their attention. Go back and tweak that part of the lesson. Your goal should be to involve every child in the lesson. Yes, you might need to make sound effects or cheer or hold up a sign. But every single child deserves to play an active part in class.

9. Tell stories.

The final part of the formula for how to keep kids’ attention is to teach like Jesus did. How did He teach? He told stories. Parables are stories. While you’re verbally teaching, use lots of stories. You’ll notice that when you’re telling a story, kids will zoom in on you. Once the story is over, however, they zone back out.

Remember: God has appointed and anointed you for such a time as this. As you lead the class, the Holy Spirit is working in the hearts and lives of children.

(Do you need lesson plans that help you maintain kids’ attention? You can get a year’s worth of curriculum that incorporates everything from this article. Check it out at this link.)

What else do you recommend for how to keep kids’ attention? In the comments below, please share your thoughts with fellow children’s ministers and teachers.

This article originally appeared here.