| To make anything work effectively you need the | | | | for this purpose and are easy to store. |
| right tools, and that is true even in the Sunday | | | | You might want to set up centers in your |
| School classroom. As any teacher will tell you, | | | | classroom. If this is the case, you will need toys |
| having a classroom full of energetic and lively kids | | | | to represent each center. For example, for a |
| is not the time to find out you do not have paper | | | | home center, you might want to include a couple |
| or scissors to complete a project. Take the time | | | | of dolls, kitchen supplies, and play food. Dress-up |
| now to make sure you have the essential | | | | clothes are also fun. Have a story time center, |
| materials needed. Here are some great ideas for | | | | too. You will need a few books. Paperback books |
| having the right supplies for your Sunday School | | | | are best because they are less expensive and |
| classroom. | | | | easy to replace. Of course younger children will do |
| Before you start collecting materials for your | | | | better with board books because of their |
| classroom, it is a good idea to think about | | | | durability. |
| storage. The amount of storage you have will | | | | Now think about crafts that you will want to |
| probably determine how much you can get. Many | | | | make with your kids. The very bare essentials will |
| churches will have a good supply closet that you | | | | include a good supply of manila and colored |
| can store your items in and find items that you | | | | construction paper. Markers, crayons, and scissors |
| may need. However, some churches simply do | | | | are also a must-have. Glue sticks are also very |
| not have the space, or you might have to share | | | | good to have. If you prefer traditional glue, then |
| your space with others. If this is the case, it | | | | try diluting a little glue with water and putting it in |
| might be wise to invest in a good rolling storage | | | | a bowl with paintbrushes for the children to use. |
| box that you can take with you each week. | | | | This makes it easy for little hands to handle. |
| Now consider supplies. What do you need to | | | | Watercolors and paintbrushes are also good to |
| make sure you are well stocked? The average | | | | have. If you are worried about messes, consider |
| classroom will need not only the basic supplies, | | | | a few art smocks for the kids. |
| such as glue, scissors, and crayons, but also | | | | It might also be an excellent idea to have a folder |
| materials for activities. If you have a younger | | | | with ideas for last minute activity ideas for fillers. |
| group, consider getting a few puzzles that are | | | | Do not forget a tape player or CD player and |
| age appropriate to set out for early arrivers. Clay, | | | | your favorite Bible school music as well. Music in |
| cookie cutters, and sewing cards are also great | | | | the class is very fun and useful. |