Lessons for the Older Kids

[wenhei]

Anybody changing things up for those older kids in the classroom? (5 & 6th graders) Would love some ideas to help make VBS fun for these guys too.

[kidstime805]

I noticed in the Director's Guide that there is a section called Preteen Enrichment Ideas. Might have some help. I have heard of one church who plans a special event in the afternoons--just for preteens (swimming, beach day, etc.). Sounds fun!

[K-J]

I teach the 5th grade and up class at my church. They love when we go on a nature trail (or a clue quest, or whatever title I give it to fit the theme). I print out the scriptrue in sections and place enough copies for everybody in various envelopes. Then before VBS one night I place the envelopes in various places. The trees outside. At the little store across the road. etc. It depends on how much time I have and how creative I am feeling, but clues for where to look for the next envelope are fun. Or you can number the envelopes, and if they find #3 before #2, they just have to leave it there and remember where it is. I also find that the silliest games often work well. Anything in the form of a relay is great. I have a big age range, so I like to change up the teams each time so that it's not "we're better - you lose." My class is also used tome throwing review questions at them ALL the time. Even from previous night's lessons. I use many of the same questions again and again, so that they are always ready with the answer. It is also a great attention getter, because they all want to be the first to answer. Hope maybe some of these ideas help.

[Janis of California]

One thing we were thinking about doing was making the 5th and 6th grade classroom a cool night room. Using black paper and putting lights through it, adding a fake fire pit, and looping the night sounds from the reproducible cd.

[wenhei]

These are great suggestions, thanks!