I like to be welcomed when I go to a new place or see old friends. It just makes me happy. Children are much the same way. They feel at home and realize, “These are my people.” As Bible class teachers, we want children to feel they belong in the classroom and are a welcomed part. Here are a few ways to make each child feel welcomed right from the start.
Mirror Sharing
Many of us have probably sung the song below and showed each child their reflection in a handheld mirror.
“I See at Bible School”
Tune: Fere Jaques
I see __________________. I see ________________________.
I see __________________. I see ________________________.
I see __________________. I see _________________________.
They’re at Bible School. They’re at Bible School.
But we can vary that just a little. The teacher will look in the mirror and say “I see Ms. Zee in the mirror. (The teacher’s name) and I see ______________________.” (One of the children’s names.) “I see they came to Bible School.” Hand that child the mirror and then tell the child that you also see _____________ has come to Bible class. Can they find them and let them look in the special mirror? That child then looks at themselves and then they are told someone to find and give the mirror to for viewing. This continues until the whole class has had a turn. The teacher exclaims how happy so many have come to class. Note: This is a great activity for letting the class get to know each other and to learn sharing and cooperation.
Variations for Greetings
Another fun way to greet and welcome your children to class is to use a ball. You can use the “I see” song above but instead of using the mirror, the teacher uses a ball. I like using a spikey ball as it has texture and is interesting. The ball is passed to each child and they are personally welcomed to class.
You can also use bubbles to do the same activity as above. Children love having bubbles blown to them for their personal welcome and popping.
Church Building Hello
Another fun way of greeting is to play a peek a boo type game with the children. Print the church building file. Cut out the center portion or large door. Laminate the building to make it sturdy.
In class, pass the church building in front of each child’s face so that you can see them looking through the big door. Say the chant below.
“I Looked and Looked”
I looked and looked and who did I see?
I see _____________ looking at me. (Repeat verse for each child as put church building in front of their face.)
Last verse: I looked and looked and who did I see?
All my friends at church with me. Yay!!! (Clap hands)
Saying “Hello” to your class is so important. Why not make them feel special and use some of these fun ideas today?
