Workshops

Going Live in 3… 2… 1… With Creative Storytelling Techniques

This is a presentation of 15-20 different storytelling techniques. The attendees enjoy a very participatory experience and leave with new tools to make story presentation engaging and fun.

Beakers, Bubbles and the Bible – Teaching with Experiments

How did that work? Do that again! Cool! These are all comments your kids will have when they experience science experiments with a twist. Teach biblical truth using experiments that will fascinate your kids (and you, too).

Check out a sample of Tina teaching as Dr. Fran Bunsenburner:

Understanding Multiple Intelligences

God made each of us with at least eight different pathways or intelligences available for taking hold of information. Some intelligences may be stronger than others in each individual, but they are meant to work together so the most can be learned from every situation. The workshop shows how all eight intelligences can be incorporated into one lesson so that each student receives a well-rounded grasp of what you want them to remember.

Lasso the Energy

With an attention span of about four minutes and an endless supply of energy, preschoolers need to be taught in a way that addresses both of those characteristics. Let’s respect how God made these little ones. If we provide kids with experiences that connect in a way that meets their needs, then we’ll see preschoolers meet Jesus. Also available: “Lasso the Energy 2”

Big Events Open Doors

No matter what the size of your church, big events can have a huge impact. People who would otherwise never feel the desire to visit the church will come for a special event. From the conception of the idea to putting your feet up once the follow-up is complete, we’ll walk you through all the aspects of creating a fantabulous big event. And, you’ll go away with some great ideas for big events you can use to open the doors of your church.

Idea Smorgasbord

When you visit a smorgasbord everything looks so good and your plate is so full it almost groans. At this idea smorgasbord you will find lots of ideas and activities that you can use to spice up your children’s ministry and make your program pop with excitement and staying power as your kids learn God’s Word in fun and exciting ways. Tina will fill you up with her ideas and inspire you to come up with many more of your own.

Grandparents Passing On Their Faith

Grandparents have a huge opportunity, and responsibility, to pass on their story of faith. Stories are important!  Grandparents’ stories are important! We learn about people of faith so we can remember how God worked. Kids need to hear about God’s faithfulness in the lives of their grandparents, so they can remember in their own challenging and decision-making times. Learn lots of ways you can start faith conversations with your grandchildren and take advantage of those moments when you can pass on your stories of faith.

Understanding Multiple Intelligences

God made each of us with at least eight different pathways or intelligences available for taking hold of information. Some intelligences may be stronger than others in each individual, but they are meant to work together so the most can be learned from every situation. The workshop shows how all eight intelligences can be incorporated into one lesson so that each student receives a well-rounded grasp of what you want them to remember.

Gifted and Capable Kids

Outline of opportunities kids can be given to share in meaningful worship experiences with the entire congregation.

Lasso the Energy

With an attention span of about four minutes and an endless supply of energy, preschoolers need to be taught in a way that addresses both of those characteristics. Let’s respect how God made these little ones. If we provide kids with experiences that connect in a way that meets their needs, then we’ll see preschoolers meet Jesus. Also available: “Lasso the Energy 2”

Physical Development of Preschoolers

Preschoolers are constantly exploring in order to learn more about their bodies and the world they live in. All of these physical developments can be incorporated into teaching them about God, Jesus, the Bible and the church. Instead of pulling out a coloring page, think about the things they are learning to do physically and use one of them instead. Participants will receive ideas to go along with each new physical discovery.

Spiritual Development of Preschoolers

Babies enter this world ready to start learning about the God who created them. But, what exactly should we be teaching them? In this workshop, we’ll go through the spiritual truths that are the foundation—what you start with in the nursery—and how you build on those at each stage of the preschool years.

Teaching Compassion Early

Most of the time, adults reinforce the natural tendency for preschoolers to focus on themselves. By starting early, we can introduce little ones to the needs of people around them. Armed with a serving vocabulary and lots of activities, adults can show kids how they can make a difference in someone’s life. In addition to tools for helping kids look beyond themselves, participants will receive serving ideas that are appropriate for preschoolers.

Grey Matters

Mind-blowing … that describes the grey matter that we call the brain! The more you know about what’s going on in the preschooler brain, the better you’ll be able to teach them. Go ahead and practice saying, “Oh my goodness, I totally get that!” What’s actually happening in the grey matter of a preschooler? And how do you tweak your teaching now that you understand their brains better?

Building Children’s Ministry

Okay, you’re convinced that children’s ministry is a high priority … BUT, how do you start? Take home basic principles and practical steps for getting up and running.

The Importance of Children’s Ministries

Investing in our children is of paramount importance. Tina’s passion is worn openly as she shares her heart and her research.

Fun Training Sessions that They’ll Actually Attend

Learn how to use a theme to create a fun “meeting” where adult leaders of children will learn techniques and yet feel like they’ve been to a party.

Big Events Open Doors

No matter what the size of your church, big events can have a huge impact. People who would otherwise never feel the desire to visit the church will come for a special event. From the conception of the idea to putting your feet up once the follow-up is complete, we’ll walk you through all the aspects of creating a fantabulous big event. And, you’ll go away with some great ideas for big events you can use to open the doors of your church.

The “Why” and the “Who”

All programs and events are not created equal. Wouldn’t it be great to know what the WIN looks like for you and your team? Well, you can when everyone understands the objectives of what you’re doing. You can’t evaluate the success if you don’t know what the success looks like. We’ll talk about 6 different levels of objectives and also about determining the target group. Knowing both will give you an instrument to measure by. Once you wrap your mind around objectives and targets and then carry out the practices, you can give your children’s ministry a total overhaul!

Where Did the Time Go?

Time is a resource you can’t replenish or add to. We’d sure like to, though. What happens when you’re not in control of the minutes in your day? Frazzled and frustrated! So, let’s talk about how you can manage your time more wisely in order to get the highest return on your investment. (No, I’m not talking about money. Your time is an even more important investment.)

Lasso the Energy

With an attention span of about four minutes and an endless supply of energy, preschoolers need to be taught in a way that addresses both of those characteristics. Let’s respect how God made these little ones. If we provide kids with experiences that connect in a way that meets their needs, then we’ll see preschoolers meet Jesus. Also available: “Lasso the Energy 2”

Physical Development of Preschoolers

Preschoolers are constantly exploring in order to learn more about their bodies and the world they live in. All of these physical developments can be incorporated into teaching them about God, Jesus, the Bible and the church. Instead of pulling out a coloring page, think about the things they are learning to do physically and use one of them instead. Participants will receive ideas to go along with each new physical discovery.

Spiritual Development of Preschoolers

Babies enter this world ready to start learning about the God who created them. But, what exactly should we be teaching them? In this workshop, we’ll go through the spiritual truths that are the foundation—what you start with in the nursery—and how you build on those at each stage of the preschool years.

10 Ways to be a Better Preschool Teacher—INSTANTLY

We’re part of a society that wants it now … results … instantly—instant pudding, microwaves, texting, drive-thrus. On the other hand, we all get in ruts and year after year do things the same way. We’ll look at 10 tweaks you can make, additions you can incorporate, or scrap-this-completely habits that you can get rid of immediately. When you do, you’ll have more enthusiasm for teaching and see a change in parents, kids, and administration—instantly!

Make the Parent Connection

There’s nothing better for a child than having their parent intimately involved in their learning process. But, let’s put ourselves in the shoes of those parents who are working full-time, and whose hearts are torn because they feel disconnected from their child’s many hours at preschool. Participants will be given ideas that can be implemented to help parents feel more a part of their child’s life. Everyone benefits!

Teaching Compassion Early

Most of the time, adults reinforce the natural tendency for preschoolers to focus on themselves. By starting early, we can introduce little ones to the needs of people around them. Armed with a serving vocabulary and lots of activities, adults can show kids how they can make a difference in someone’s life. In addition to tools for helping kids look beyond themselves, participants will receive serving ideas that are appropriate for preschoolers.

Holiday Extravaganza

The way we celebrate most holidays has no connection to God or His Word. Let’s have some fun exploring how we can utilize the theme of a secular holiday to celebrate God in a new way. Fill up on ideas and inspiration to reclaim the time you spend on these holidays and use them to lead kids to Jesus.

Grey Matters

Mind-blowing … that describes the grey matter that we call the brain! The more you know about what’s going on in the preschooler brain, the better you’ll be able to teach them. Go ahead and practice saying, “Oh my goodness, I totally get that!” What’s actually happening in the grey matter of a preschooler? And how do you tweak your teaching now that you understand their brains better?

They’ve Got Skills

Well .. maybe not yet, but they’re getting them. And, you can help them develop the skills they need. It’s a teaching trampoline as we bounce all over the place to talk briefly about different skills preschoolers are developing. But we won’t leave you up in the air. You’re also going to get some simple things for each skill that you can incorporate into your routine to take your kids closer to mastering those skills.

Have I Got a Story for You!

You can’t stop preschoolers from dressing up like superheroes and princesses. Why? Because they want to enter a story. The idea of “story” is more than reading a book to kids. Come ready to restock your repertoire of storytelling techniques, as well as exercises for your kids that will develop their world of “story.” “Story” is at the top of the “Important Things to Use in Teaching” list.

From Stale to Fresh

For kids, it’s a fun way to learn. For teachers, it’s a fun way to teach. There’s never a dull moment when you’ve got fresh activities to share with your kids. Let’s face it, when you do the same things over and over, your enthusiasm wanes. Go from stale to fresh with oodles of ideas on a variety of subjects that you can start using right away.

Instant and Free

Those are our 2 favorite words! Your time and money are precious personal resources. Let’s respect that. When you love teaching, it’s easy to put in hours of preparation time and spend until your credit card yelps. But, what could you do that would bring a spark to your teaching yet be both instant and free? Come and find out!

Beaker, Bubbles, and the Bible (preschool edition)

Get ready for oohs and aaahs and plenty of laughter with Dr. Fran Bunsenburner. She’s cooked up more new experiments in her lab! Be part of kid-tested, adult-endorsed science experiments that preschoolers love. They can even be connected to Scripture! Getting the most out of discovery is an important tool to provide preschoolers. We’ll show you how to give kids permission to ask questions and train them to go from observing to exploring.

Where Did the Time Go?

Time is a resource you can’t replenish or add to. We’d sure like to, though. What happens when you’re not in control of the minutes in your day? Frazzled and frustrated! So, let’s talk about how you can manage your time more wisely in order to get the highest return on your investment. (No, I’m not talking about money. Your time is an even more important investment.)

Making Scripture Sticky

Kids need to have scripture stuck in their hearts and minds … not just the words, but the meaning and application to their own lives. This workshop provides lots of ways you can do just that, so the Word will be a lamp to their feet and a light for their path.

Family Devotions Made Fun

It’s important to live a lifestyle of devotion and take advantage of those teachable moments, but families also need something to experience together that will unite them spiritually. Parents are intimidated and overwhelmed at the thought of leading family devotions. This workshop will give children’s ministry leaders ideas to equip families to make family devotions a time where memories can be made. (Parents will benefit, also, from this workshop.)

Unwrapping the Servant Within

Studies show us that children have a strong foundation on their spiritual beliefs and the way they view society by the time they reach the age of 12. Unwrapped is a program that introduces 2nd and 3rd graders to serving as Jesus would serve. Learn how you can help your younger elementary children embrace servanthood.

Making Prayer Real

Memorizing prayers has its value, but if it’s the only way we teach children to pray, we’re missing the mark. We’ll introduce you to a variety of engaging ways for kids to pray—individually, with family and in a group setting. Help kids realize that prayer is a real conversation and not just something to recite in your nightly going-to-bed routine.

Holy Habits

Children learn lots of habits: some are good, and some are bad, some are destructive, and some are constructive. It is important for them to begin Holy Habits kid sized versions of spiritual disciplines. Christ following kids need to learn ways to pray, read and memorize scripture, serve others, and participate in worship. The Holy Habits Workshop challenges and equips children’s ministry leaders to develop these holy habits.

Grandparents Passing On Their Faith

Grandparents have a huge opportunity, and responsibility, to pass on their story of faith. Stories are important!  Grandparents’ stories are important! We learn about people of faith so we can remember how God worked. Kids need to hear about God’s faithfulness in the lives of their grandparents, so they can remember in their own challenging and decision-making times. Learn lots of ways you can start faith conversations with your grandchildren and take advantage of those moments when you can pass on your stories of faith.

Making Prayer Real

Memorizing prayers has its value, but if it’s the only way we teach children to pray, we’re missing the mark. We’ll introduce you to a variety of engaging ways for kids to pray—individually, with family and in a group setting. Help kids realize that prayer is a real conversation and not just something to recite in your nightly going-to-bed routine.

We’re Not in Big Church Anymore

Kids’ church is different than adult worship and it’s a staple in most children’s ministry programs, but how it’s approached varies greatly. The trends indicate that we’re moving back toward a leader-driven approach after depending on video teaching the past few years. What do kids need to find and experience in kids’ church?

Easter-iffic – Teaching Kids It’s More than One Day

We’ve counted it up, and there are more than 25 Bible stories that take place during Holy Week, between Palm Sunday and the Resurrection. How many weeks do you spend teaching about Holy Week? 2? 3? Shouldn’t we be focusing a little more on this week that is monstrously important to our faith? We’re going to give you loads of ideas for your Easter celebration and so you’ll have a running start. It won’t sneak up on you this year!

Learning to be Creative

Yes you can! Don’t give up on your creativity. God is the great Creator and you were made in His image … therefore you must be creative. Identify ways to release your creative juices.

Review is a Key to Learning

Tell them, then tell them again in another way, and then repeat yourself in yet a third way. But how do you do that?

Creating Exciting Learning Environments

Interesting, appropriate environments speak volumes. They say to parents that your child is important to us, while inviting children to enter and engage in the lesson.

Using Costumed Characters

This is a demonstration of how easy it is to have many differing personalities, but only one person, teaching a group of children. Learn how to  develop simple and inexpensive costumed characters, like Captain Kid, Frito Lay, Chef Bakesalot, Dr. Fran Bunsenburner, and more.

The “Why” and the “Who”

All programs and events are not created equal. Wouldn’t it be great to know what the WIN looks like for you and your team? Well, you can when everyone understands the objectives of what you’re doing. You can’t evaluate the success if you don’t know what the success looks like. We’ll talk about 6 different levels of objectives and also about determining the target group. Knowing both will give you an instrument to measure by. Once you wrap your mind around objectives and targets and then carry out the practices, you can give your children’s ministry a total overhaul!

Tips for Classroom Management

It’s the cry of most volunteers—”Help me with classroom management and discipline!” Participants will learn about the difference between discipline and punishment. But, let’s take a look at what causes misbehavior in the first place. Everyone will leave with all kinds of practical tips to put into practice immediately. Get into these new habits and watch classroom management become a much smaller issue.

Movin’ and Groovin’

Kids love to move while they sing. Here are loads of ideas that will excite the children and give them tools to better express themselves.

BIG Fun Cool Stuff

We’re going to show you lots of ideas that you can use with the big, fun, cool stuff we’ve found. These are all things we’ve come across outside of the Christian education market that can be used in children’s ministry … and we’re going to demonstrate how. Play with us and get some great ideas!

Teaching with Games

Kids play … that’s the way God made them, so let’s respect it. This workshop demonstrates how to take games that kids love and make them learning experiences. The kids love it … and that means you’ll enjoy teaching more.

100 Uses for Balloons

Who needs all the bells and whistles … we’ve got balloons! Cheap and readily available, balloons are always appealing and a staple in children’s ministry. There’ll be lots of hands-on as we discover how to use balloons in science experiments, scripture memorization, story reinforcement games, crafts, learning the books of the Bible, storytelling, and object lessons.

More Than Cookies and Punch – Using Refreshments to Teach

When polled on what kids wish they had more of at church, they overwhelmingly responded “snacks.” So, why not reinforce Bible lessons by letting the kids create their own snacks. Based on her book More Than Cookies and Punch, there’ll be lots of ideas on how to make snack time a meaningful experience.

Idea Smorgasbord

When you visit a smorgasbord everything looks so good and your plate is so full it almost groans. At this idea smorgasbord you will find lots of ideas and activities that you can use to spice up your children’s ministry and make your program pop with excitement and staying power as your kids learn God’s Word in fun and exciting ways. Tina will fill you up with her ideas and inspire you to come up with many more of your own.

Tips for Classroom Management

It’s the cry of most volunteers—”Help me with classroom management and discipline!” Participants will learn about the difference between discipline and punishment. But, let’s take a look at what causes misbehavior in the first place. Everyone will leave with all kinds of practical tips to put into practice immediately. Get into these new habits and watch classroom management become a much smaller issue.

Holiday Extravaganza

The way we celebrate most holidays has no connection to God or His Word. Let’s have some fun exploring how we can utilize the theme of a secular holiday to celebrate God in a new way. Fill up on ideas and inspiration to reclaim the time you spend on these holidays and use them to lead kids to Jesus

Instant and Free

Those are our 2 favorite words! Your time and money are precious personal resources. Let’s respect that. When you love teaching, it’s easy to put in hours of preparation time and spend until your credit card yelps. But, what could you do that would bring a spark to your teaching yet be both instant and free? Come and find out!

Tina Tells Her Story – Differently Abled

Tina was diagnosed with crippling rheumatoid arthritis on her 18th birthday. Her personal journey has taken her through 49 surgeries and learning how to walk twice. She shares her life story and how God has shown her that life with joy is a life worth living.