Church days are the best days, aren’t they? Every parent arrives right on time, every volunteer is accounted for, and every kid is on their best behavior. Okay. . . maybe we’re actually thinking of the church days of our dreams!
Let’s be honest.
We all get the stress and the hustle and bustle a real church day can bring — whether that’s a Sunday morning, Wednesday night, or any other day of programming. Now, let’s be clear, it’s SO worth it. But sometimes, it may feel like it would be even MORE worth it if you weren’t tired. Or constantly running around putting out fires.
This is why our team created the media package for 252 Kids and Preteen curriculum. While we can’t promise you won’t be tired (although a nap just might help!), we can guarantee this resource was designed to lighten your load while enhancing your programming. Plus engaging kids in a fun and dynamic way.
Unsure of where to start or why you should give this a try?
Take a look at some of the reasons this may be just right for you!
- There’s not enough of me to go around.
Maybe it’s a Saturday night, and you’re glancing at Planning Center with dismay because your Large Group leader just called out sick. Now you don’t have anyone to lead Worship or teach the Bible Story. Or maybe you have multiple services but only have enough help for one service and not the other. Hopefully, that’s not the case, but if that is you, we get it and have got you covered! Instead of stressing out about what to do, the Media Package is here for you! Its robust offerings provide you with two worship videos that include live dancers as well as, not one, but TWO different styles of teaching videos. And if you’re really low on volunteers, the Online Experience Videos merge all the main elements you would need to pull off your morning. - Time is money.
Prep work can take up a lot of time when preparing for your programming, and time is valuable. Relationships are valuable, especially in this phase of life for a kid. Sometimes, it takes a while to sort through the scripts and edit them. As well as, time to learn the song with the dance moves. Instead of focusing most of your time trying to create the best environment by doing all the things. Create the best environment for your kids by being a part of it. Engage with the kids on a deeper level by spending time with them. Interacting with the content the same way they do. By utilizing these videos, you save time on the front end with prep work and create valuable moments with your kids on the back end. - “I only have ____ minutes.”
Whether your Pastor loves to go long or short (does this part actually happen?) on their message, sometimes it’s hard to gauge how much extra programming you either need to add in or take out. While you still may not know exactly how much time you have available, utilizing these videos shows you the exact amount of time you have or need. If the service is short that day, you know you can play the teaching video in x amount of time. While still creating space (maybe even in that same room) for small groups right after. Or if the service is running long, and you’re using the Media Package. You know you have supplemental videos available to you that you can use to not only fill the time, but still connect to the truths your kids are learning that day. - Model diversity.
One of the beauties of God’s church is how rich it is in culture, ethnicity, race, age, and gender. Just like the Church is made up of a diverse body of people, kids need to see that they too can be a part of it. When a kid sees someone who looks like them, or even when they don’t, they can begin to realize that when Jesus instructed the disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19), that God’s Big Story truly is bigger than they could imagine and that they can take part in it. If you have a desire to grow in diversity, but your church is in a community where everyone looks the same, that may be a little harder to do. Using these teaching videos provides you with a way to better reflect the diversity of the global Church. - Engage various learning styles.
Gen Alpha, the generation born between 2010 and the present, has grown up in a fully digitized world and is known for being pretty technologically savvy. They’re used to learning through digital means. However, just because they’re comfortable with it doesn’t always mean it’s helpful. The difference these teaching videos make is in the ways learning differences and the latest child development strategies are taken into account. StoryLab uses STEAM to explore core biblical truths, while the So & So Show explores faith through humor with a YouTube-style, sketch comedy approach. Both, however, leave kids with engaging questions and takeaways that allow leaders and families to continue the conversation and learn from one another once they leave. - Incorporate multimedia.
The media package encompasses many forms of media, such as graphics, animations, infographics, and more. Multimedia gives kids an opportunity to engage with content through more than one of their senses. In addition, the various uses of media allow kids to gather and retain information in ways that meet each kid’s specific needs. The media package even includes closed-captioned videos to better serve the children and leaders who need them most. - Media is scalable.
Teaching videos give you the chance to reach families anytime and anywhere. The enhanced streaming license that coincides with this media package even allows you to send teaching videos to your families. You benefit from this, too! If you have two services, consider a replay of the same teaching video from the first service or use an entirely different teaching video if you prefer! Lastly, you can preview the videos ahead of service to know when you might want to add more interactive moments throughout the story. - Media allows for consistency.
If you utilize this resource, you are guaranteed a consistent source of content. Maybe you haven’t had time to do volunteer training. Yet want to be absolutely sure you know how content is being taught. By using the teaching videos, you’ll know exactly how different topics are presented and ways to lead the group in engaging discussion after. - Connect on a personal level.
Each teaching video features fun, relatable hosts who interact with kids in an inviting and informative way. StoryLab features two young and inquisitive hosts who lead kids through a problem to solve and a credible communicator who walks them through the Bible story. The hosts’ younger age allows kids to see themselves in the characters and provides a more lively and energetic experience. - Just plain good!
Last but not least, the media package is just PLAIN GOOD! Between the various tiers available, you are guaranteed to find just the right fit for you and your program. Between partnering with parents and elevating programming, this strategic and comprehensive package allows you to do what only you can do–build relationships. If you’re just starting out with curriculum and don’t know where to begin, this is a great place to start.
That’s it!
Ten reasons why you should drop everything you’re doing, and get the Media Package today! Our hope is that these videos make your job both a whole lot easier and a whole lot of fun as you create transformative environments for your kids. When you have extra time on your hands, you leave space for the things that really matter most. Connecting with your kids on a deeper level, and that’s a win for your ministry!
To learn more, download a free month of 252 Kids & Preteen curriculum today. There you’ll find the teaching videos and many more resources designed to help you make the most of your time with kids every week.
