SNK Volunteer Update Email 9.16.26
Hello, SNK Preschool & Elementary Leaders!
Thank you to all who were able to attend the new curriculum training last Sunday. For those that were unable to attend, we missed you! And we look forward to journeying with you this next month as we explore Wonder Ink!
Here is a brief overview of what was covered in the training. 😊
1. Why This Curriculum?
We chose this curriculum because it was designed with children in mind spiritually, developmentally, and practically. It is…
o Biblically grounded
o Age-appropriate (both lessons and activities)
o Consistent with a structured order of worship
o Engaging and fun
o Easy to follow in order to lead
o Family Friendly – with a Spotify playlist of songs, family devotional videos
2. Various Testimonials from other churches were shared from the website: Feedback/Reviews from others on the curriculum
3. The Core Values of Wonder Ink are:
o God Knows Me.
o Jesus Loves Me.
o The Holy Spirit Leads Me.
o I am a Child of God.
Read more here: Values & Philosophy of Wonder Ink
4. Trudy and Tara each shared about what a typical Sunday morning would look like in preschool and elementary. We are keeping the same sequence/structure within both spaces with some changes in the intentionality and emphasis on connection (with God and the children).
5. Formatting of the lesson plans and a general run through of the schedule was provided. The group played one of the Bible Trivia Emoji Videos that can be used as a transition to whole group from arrival/kid connect time in elementary.
6. The following tips were provided to help Prepare to Teach Well:
o Review the lesson early in the week – Don’t wait until Saturday night!
o Gather your supplies ahead of time – (Host & Storytellers) – reach out early if there is something you need
o Practice key transitions or activities at home before trying that Sunday
o Most importantly, pray for each child in your group by name.
7. Teaching & Engagement Tips:
o Connection over curriculum – listen, smile, pray, lead in love like Jesus
o Curriculum strengths – engaging structure, age-appropriate lessons, support for teachers/small group leaders (what to say, questions to ask, pictures of activities)
8. Preschool and Elementary leaders divided into two breakout sessions to view videos describing and showing what it looks like. They discussed what stood out to them, what they were excited about exploring, and any apprehensions.
9. The groups returned as a whole group to summarize their thoughts. Overall, the group presented as interested and excited to try it out!
10. Discovered hiccups include greater “behind the scenes” prep work for Tara, Trudy, Patsy, and Beth M. as we navigate how to use the website and format the content to be prepared and delivered smoothly. Lessons will still be provided on Planning Center. Using the Planning Center app helps make viewing them easy. We encourage everyone to come with a mindset of curiosity and adventure as we navigate the curriculum together. We will return to our typical curriculum that we’ve been using for November. This will allow time to receive feedback from all of you before making purchasing decisions.
We can’t wait to hear what you think! Sign up to serve in October and join the adventure!!
With Joy & Appreciation,
Pastor Tara & the SNK Leadership Team