Peanut is old enough now to transition from children’s church to “big” church. While she has been bringing her bag of coloring books, crayons, and silly putty for some time, she really hasn’t made the transition to participating in the church service. Thus, what transpired into an early Easter present to help her make the transition, began with a Bagabook.
Week one was a success. In fact, she was very excited about all she had learned from her first week that even today she stopped me, and asked if she could do the same things again next week. Score!
That said, here are 3 things you may want to try to prepare your child for big church too. I pray they are as much of a help to you and your child(ren) as they have been for mine.
3 Ways to Prepare Your Child for BIG Church
- Find a Bible that THEY can read. Depending on your child’s reading level I highly recommend The Adventure Bible for Early Readers since it is the complete Bible written on a 3rd grade reading level or the Jesus Storybook Bible since every story points the way to Jesus as the Savior.
- Get a Bible cover for the Bible so they can store notes and can easily carry it on their own. For Easter we gave Peanut a Bagabook cover, and she loves it. First off, it’s pink (her favorite color)…
It has a trendy cover and personal note from author Jacqueline Wilson…
A bookmark (something rarely included on children’s bibles)…
A zipper pocket for notes…
And a long handle so Peanut can carry her Bible on her shoulder. Fabulous!
By the way, the Bagabook covers come in adult fashions too with matching scarves and tote bags to boot! Just FYI in case you are wondering if they have a cover for you too! - Finally, provide some way to help them focus on what is happening in the service. Since Peanut’s Bagabook has a small pocket in the back, I decided to make a small booklet using 3×5 cards that she could place in her Bagabook each week to help her focus on the service. In the booklet she writes down the songs sung, the sermon scripture reference, draws pictures summarizing the sermon, and more.
The big success? She can now tell me what the sermon is about! And THAT is a big success in my book.
Want a copy of our church focus cards to fit into your Bagabook cover?
Download Church Focus Cards Now
To print: Load your printer with 3×5 index cards. Select 5×3 for the paper size or check “choose paper source by PDF size” to have the printables printed on 3×5 index cards. That’s it! Enjoy!
Interested in getting your own Bagabook?
Visit their website, enter their April giveaway, and if you find a bag you just can’t wait to get, be sure to use the code CSC020 to receive 20% off your purchase of $25 or more. Or, connect with them on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. The choice is up to you!
God bless you as you make the transition to big church with your little one. Trust me–it’s worth it!
Helene says
April 20, 2015 at 7:35 AMI was just talking to my youngest one about taking notes in church last night! Her dad and I were so proud of her efforts but she could really use these little cards! Love ’em!
Kathy Gossen says
April 21, 2015 at 6:43 AMYeah! So glad to help. My daughter still likes them and is able to concentrate without any other “things to do” which is an EXCELLENT thing for her. Hope they help your daughter too!
Jody S. says
April 21, 2015 at 9:53 AMI think the best way to prepare your child for big church is to have them attend it from birth. I’ve always been opposed to children’s church because it takes children away from the “real deal.” If a child attends church from birth, it becomes ingrained. Is it easy? No. But it’s worth it.
Gwen says
April 21, 2015 at 11:06 AMThank you for providing the church focus cards- they are lovely 🙂
Kathy Gossen says
April 21, 2015 at 12:55 PMWay to go Jody. That is hard. I know some churches accommodate this too with a “quiet” room for parents with children so they can look through glass windows to see and hear the preacher, but everyone else doesn’t have to hear the kids. Ha! I think it depends on your church, your family, and your parenting style for sure. We did that some with our children, as our Children’s Church only goes for half the service, but not to the extent you mention. I can see the argument go both ways. Thanks or sharing.
Kathy Gossen says
April 21, 2015 at 12:55 PMYou are welcome!
JES says
April 22, 2015 at 8:31 PMWhat a great idea! I love the sermon cards too!! Thank you for sharing this on the Art of Home-Making Mondays. Pinning!
Pam@over50feeling40 says
April 23, 2015 at 1:09 PMWish I had this when my kids were younger! So cute…thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop!
Kathy Gossen says
April 24, 2015 at 7:33 AMThanks! So glad to visit the Art of Home-Making Mondays often. Thanks for sharing!
Kathy Gossen says
April 24, 2015 at 7:34 AMWell bummer. Yes, well maybe grandkids someday will give you another chance. 😉 Thanks for the linkup.
Terri Presser says
April 24, 2015 at 10:05 PMAnother lot of great ideas and your daughter looks like she really loves it. The sermon cards are a great idea too. Thanks for sharing at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings
Kathy Gossen says
April 27, 2015 at 12:03 AMThat is true. She really does. Today she couldn’t find her Bible for church and was devastated until this mom reminded her we use it every day in our homeschool, and that it was in our homeschool room. Ha! Kids.