So your Skippers or Scooters are going to sing for the congregation during Pioneer Clubs Sunday or a Closing Ceremony – or maybe recite a Bible verse or do a fingerplay. How do you prepare them?
Keep explanations low-key. We’ve found it’s best not to make a big to-do, such as telling children they will be “getting up in front of the whole church.” The more you say, the more children may feel anxious. I simply say we will be going into “big church” to sing a song for mommy and daddy.
Start practicing early – about two months ahead. Skippers and Scooters can’t “crash memorize” the way adults can.
Each week during Song time, sing the song that children will sing for the church. If they will say a Bible verse, simply say it each week along with the other verse they are learning for the unit. Have children stand while they practice, if they will be standing in church.
If children will be playing instruments, such as bells, be sure to practice with those, too. But again, do so inconspicuously: “Today we’re going to use the bells while we sing.”
Give little hands something to do. Have children play bells, for example, or do motions along with a song or Bible verse. This gives them something in their hands to think about. Otherwise, especially with Skippers, they may end up walking around the platform.
Most of all, remember the performance doesn’t need to be perfect. The little faces on the platform are what the congregation and parents are interested in.
