She Teaches Sunday

Episode 29 Today we're talking about different formats you can use when teaching Sunday school/kids’ church in a different format for special events. Also we’re talking a little bit about what kind of events call for different teaching. Sometimes we don’t need a special event to have a little fun…Send us Fan Mail

Today we're talking about one of the goals and struggles of a Sunday school teacher: teaching yourself out of a job. This isn’t a talk about leaving the Sunday School department to replaced by others, but rather teaching kids all they need to know for the season you have them.Resources Mentioned:Book: The Four Loves by C.S. LewisSend us Fan Mail

Does it feel like you’re always sowing seed on bad soil in Sunday school?You’re not the only one. Join me as I talk about the garden that is our Sunday school kids’ hearts.Send us Fan Mail

Today we're talking about motivation, the lack of motivation, and what to do about it. Sometimes we just need help.Send us Fan Mail

Today we're talking about the almost every Sunday occurrence of when things don’t go as planned. It happens to us all, but sometimes it can disrupt us more than other times. I’ve had this happen a lot, and I’ve learned a method for dealing with it. I ask myself three questions:1.      Is this actually a problem?2.    What matters most right now?3.    What’s the next step/How should I handle this?It seems simple, but it actually helps me to decide how to best move forward without sacrificing what we’re trying to accomplish in the Sunday school classroom.Send us Fan Mail

Decorating your Sunday school classroom... seems simple, right? It is!I’ll break it down and give you some tips and tricks, but it’s really not that hard. Time-consuming, yes, but not hard!Resources Mentioned:AsanaLow Poly Horse 1 & 2 Pinterest Extension ButtonAmazon BackdropCeiling HooksCeiling MagnetsSend us Fan Mail

As Sunday school teachers, we only get to work with kids an hour or two once a week, but we still have the ability to make a difference in their lives. In many cases, because of the small amount of time we have to work with them, we are limited to work with them in small ways, but don’t ever think that those small things don’t matter! Today we're talking about things that we think are small, but that actually make a HUGE difference over the course of a Sunday school child’s life and your ability to minister to them.Send us Fan Mail

The end goal of a Sunday School teacher isn’t just to teach kids the Word of God, it’s also to teach them to teach others. You’re already teaching them how to teach purely through example, but we can take it to the next level and make sure we’re showing the next generation how to spread God’s Word@ Resources Mentioned/Links:StorySticks Send us Fan Mail

Today we're talking about the challenges that come with having an unexpected Sunday school class size. When we’re blessed with an unexpected amount of guests, we’re scrambling to accommodate so many, and when it’s just a few, or even one, we suddenly have to fill time that despite our careful planning, are not quite prepared to fill. I’ve had to deal with both over the years, and while one or two students don’t really change how a Sunday morning goes, a dramatic increase or drop in attendance can really give you a challenge. I wanted to share some tips on how I recommend filling (or abbreviating) your time without sacrificing the actual reason why we’re in that classroom in the first place, to teach kids the Word of God.Send us Fan Mail

As the year comes to a close, most of us set out to set goals for the fresh new year… and most of us don’t accomplish them. Not because we aren’t able, we just overwhelmed ourselves.In this episode, I want to talk a little bit about setting some realistic goals for self-development for your Sunday school ministry (honestly, these will apply to any type of goal setting), and a few ideas for some simple, but achievable goals. Resources Mentioned:Asana (organization system)Goodreads (book app) BooksBirthing Your Burden in Children’s Ministry by Vickie OliverKids Do Come with Instructions by Kimberly ThorpTeaching to Transform Hearts by Lee Ann AlexanderSend us Fan Mail

Today we're talking about managing holiday overwhelm through organizing. There’s a ton of stuff to do, and when people tell us to slow down and just enjoy the season… yeah right! There’s stuff to do, and we’re going to get it done!Yes, I’m one of those people. Today I want to share some organization tips for making sure you get done what you need to through this extra-busy season through 4 simple steps:1.      Brainstorm (write down everything you know you need to do)2.    Identify your projects (what has multiple steps, and what are those steps?)3.    Schedule stuff (not everything!!)4.    Prioritize (yeah, I know, it doesn’t seem like this should be the last step, but I have a reason… trust me).This is what works for me, so I’m hoping it will help someone else out too. It may not help you to bite off more than you can chew (I can’t help it, I just keep saying “yes” to new projects), but it will help you to deal with what you already have to do!Resources Mentioned:Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen CoveyOrganization tool: Eisenhower MatrixSend us Fan Mail

Today we're talking about something that doesn’t get talked about much (either that, or I’m just not paying attention). Sunday school teacher burnout.It feels wrong that we could be overwhelmed, frustrated, or in any way tired from teaching or helping in a class an hour or two once a week, but it actually happens. All the time. We’re human; it’s normal. There’s no need to feel ashamed, and there’s no reason to quit. There are ways we can deal with feelings of burnout and even overcome them and reclaim that passion for teaching!Resources Mentioned:Kid Min Backstage PodcastApostolic Children's Network PodcastSend us Fan Mail

Today we're talking about Sunday School – the ministry that isn’t for the faint of heart. Everybody thinks Sunday school is a breeze, but it’s not! We deal with issues week after week that wear us down and discourage us. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that it will be worth at all, so I just want to encourage my fellow Sunday school teachers and let you know that you’re not alone in all of this. We all face discouragement, and we all face misbehaving children, misbehaving parents, and bad days that are nobody’s fault. Send us Fan Mail

Today we're talking about Vacation Bible School. I know it’s early, but I’m already thinking about it. Let’s be honest, I’ve never stopped thinking about it. It’s my favorite time of year, and I look forward to it every year!Whether you’re a seasoned VBS veteran or thinking about doing it for the first time, this episode is for you. I’m chatting about VBS and keeping in mind the main reasons VBS is worth doing.Resources Mentioned:Pentecostal Publishing House VBSSurvivor Island VBS… Coming SoonSend us Fan Mail

Even the best Sunday school teacher in the whole world has a worst lesson. I don’t claim to be the best teacher, but I definitely have a “worst” lesson: Stuff going wrong despite careful planning? CheckDemonstration going wrong for no apparent reason? CheckInjury to the teacher? CheckEmbarrassing story achieved? Check Fortunately, our failures can teach us something and give us great stories to tell after we’ve had time to recover! Join me today as I share about my worst Sunday School lesson and what I learned from it.Send us Fan Mail

Today we're talking about two teaching methods I love to use in the classroom: Props & Object lessons. We’ll discuss the difference between the two, the best times to use them, as well as some fun examples of how to introduce both methods to your classroom for maximum impact!Resources Mentioned:Slush powder (This isn’t the exact stuff I used, but it should be similar)Pinterest page – Object Lessonsapostolicsundayschool.comIodine, Bleach, and Water ExperimentAnother version of the experimentSend us Fan Mail

In this episode, we talk about why every Sunday School lesson should have one clear takeaway. We’ll take about:·      Teaching one truth at a time so kids aren’t overwhelmed·      Weaving that truth into every part of the lesson so it sticks·      Keeping perspective and remembering that the goal is spiritual impact, not just informationYou’ll walk away with a simple framework for helping kids remember and live out what you teach.Send us Fan Mail

What we see, hear, and experience has a way of shaping who we are—and what we pass on to others. Kids naturally imitate what they observe, but adults are just as affected by the influences around them. In this episode, we’ll talk about how exposure impacts both children and adults, why it matters in a Sunday School setting, and how to be intentional about the examples we set and the things we allow into our own lives. Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of She Teaches Sunday, I’m talking about that thing that all kids seem to love… games! We’ll talk about ·      Why games can be powerful·      When games can backfire·      Situations where games work best (and a few game suggestions)Whether you love them or hate them, kids clamor after them as if they’ve never had an opportunity to play a game in their entire lives, so, why not use them to make their day AND use them to further the kingdom?Send us Fan Mail

Every class seems to have that one kid — the one who knows all the answers, blurts them out without hesitation, and unintentionally takes over the room. This episode explores how to manage that.We’re talking about how to:Encourage quieter or less confident students to speak upKeep the eager student engaged without letting them run the showCreate a class culture where everyone gets to growWhether you're a seasoned teacher or just stepping into your first Sunday School role, this episode is full of real talk, small wins, and simple strategies you can try this week.Send us Fan Mail

No, I don’t actually believe that. That’s the whole point of today’s episode. The title is meant to reflect a very real undercurrent many of us have felt—like Sunday School is seen as a temporary, lesser role in the church. Most people would never say that out loud (and probably don’t even consciously believe it), but sometimes their actions say it for them.If you’ve been in kids’ ministry for a while, you’ve likely felt this tension. You’ve poured your heart into a calling that others may see as a placeholder. This episode is for you.In this episode, we’ll talk about:Why Sunday School is a ministry, not a stepping stoneThe frustration that comes when church leaders don’t truly get children’s ministryHow to stay grounded and effective when you’re facing things you can’t changeThis isn’t a rant. It’s a conversation—one that validates what you’re probably already feeling and reminds you of the value of what you do every week.Send us Fan Mail

Today we're diving into Sunday School themes—the decorative ones and the deeper structural ones. Do you need them? Not always. But can they help? Absolutely. From generating interest the moment a child walks in, to reinforcing memory, to making your quarter feel structured—using a theme can be a powerful tool to teach the Word of God.I’ll break down three big reasons themes are worth considering:·       Helping children engage with their environment·       Supporting memory and retention·       Creating consistency and structureWhether you're a DIY Sunday school decorating pro or you’ve got zero wall space to work with, this episode will explore the benefits of decorating with a theme and give you a few real ideas and practical ways to make themes work in your class.Resources Mentioned:Drop ceiling hooksNASA badge templatesSpace Shuttle CraftSend us Fan Mail

In this episode of She Teaches Sunday we’re talking about Vacation Bible School.VBS takes everything—your time, energy, budget, and sanity. And when it's over, the question creeps in: Was it worth it?In this episode, I’m talking through the real doubts that follow a big event like VBS:·       It took so much time!·       It cost so much!·       I’m not even sure we made a difference!Sometimes when we finish up, all we can see is the work we’ve done, but we don’t see any fruit —just exhaustion and a messy church. But even when we don’t see immediate fruit, God is still working. His Word doesn’t return void.Resources mentioned: (because whenever I hear something mentioned, I start combing the show notes and transcript trying to find out more!)Tutorial: Foam Armour (Lost Wax) Materials: Insulfoam Furring strips Treasure chests GobletsGrants: Walmart Costco PublixSend us Fan Mail

In this episode of She Teaches Sunday, we’re talking about prayer in the classroom—not the kind that happens once a quarter, but the kind that becomes a regular part of your Sunday School class.A lot of teachers already include prayer time, but many don’t—and not because they don’t believe in it. Usually, it’s because it feels intimidating, time-consuming, or chaotic. I’ve been there.Today we’re diving into:·       Why some of us avoid prayer in class·       Why prayer is worth the time and effort·       Real-world solutions to the awkward, silly, and chaotic moments that come with classroom prayerWe’ll also talk about what prayer teaches our students—especially those who may not be learning it anywhere else—and how even simple, consistent prayer can shape a child’s faith.Send us Fan Mail

The Bible is full of truth, power—and some seriously complicated stories. So what does that mean for us as Sunday School teachers? Should we teach everything just because it’s in there? Or are there times when it’s better to simplify, delay, or hand the reins over to parents?In this episode, we explore:·       The purpose of teaching Scripture to children·       How to evaluate what stories to tell and how to tell them·       The difference between abstract and concrete thinking in kids·       How to handle uncomfortable or complex biblical content with care·       Real-world examples of age-appropriate framing·       The wisdom in “layering” lessons over timeYou’re not alone in navigating this—and you’re not compromising Scripture by being thoughtful. Let’s talk about how to honor the Word and the developmental stage of the kids in front of us.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of She Teaches Sunday, we’re diving into why the first version of a Bible story or truth that kids hear often becomes the version they hold on to—accurate or not. From Sunday School to YouTube, from family traditions to animated series, kids absorb ideas fast—and assume they’re true. Let’s talk about how to teach well, gently correct when needed, and use this “first mention” principle to our advantage in the classroom.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of She Teaches Sunday, we’re diving into the great craft debate: Are Sunday School crafts really worth the time and mess? We’ll explore why they matter, how to choose the right ones for your class, and how to prep them without losing your mind (Hint: if your craft requires a hot-glue gun, three kinds of string, and a degree in engineering, you may be overreaching.) Whether you're a seasoned crafter or someone who'd rather skip it altogether, this episode will help you make crafts meaningful and manageable. We’ll talk about:·      Why crafts are more than just time-fillers—they help kids remember the lesson and build connection.·      How to pick crafts that make sense for your age group, budget, and prep time.·      Smart, doable tips to plan ahead and keep craft time running smoothly.Resources mentioned:Pinterest BoardDanielle's Place (no affiliation)Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of She Teaches Sunday, we're talking about lesson prep—why it matters, how to make time for it, and a simple 5-day plan to help you walk into your classroom ready and confident. Whether you use a curriculum or build your own lessons, this episode offers practical steps to make your preparation easier and more effective.You’ll also find a free Easter lesson linked below if you're still looking for something meaningful to teach this Sunday.Free Resource: Download your free Easter lesson here: Download the Free Easter Lesson5-Day Sunday School Prep Plan Summary: Day 1: Read – Read the full lesson and Bible text. Clarify the main takeaway. Day 2: Adapt & List – Adjust content for your class and list materials needed. Day 3: Prepare – Print, cut, or test any crafts or visuals. Day 4: Time It – Map out your class schedule (opening, lesson, activity, prayer). Day 5: Review & Pray – Review your plan and pray over your class and lesson.Send us Fan Mail

Teaching Sunday School is never boring. One minute, you’re delivering a heartfelt lesson on forgiveness—the next, you’re forced to practice it in real time as you try to break up a fight over a runaway marker! In this first episode of She Teaches Sunday, we’re diving headfirst into the messy, unpredictable, but rewarding reality of teaching kids about Jesus.We’ll talk about the biggest challenges Sunday School teachers face, like:Feeling unqualified—because most of us didn’t exactly major in Bible class management.Wondering if we’re making a difference—especially when the kids seem more focused on snack time than Scripture.Surviving the classroom chaos—because sometimes the lesson plan goes out the window, and you just hope everyone makes it out alive.If you’ve ever felt any of these things after a Sunday morning class, this episode is for you.Send us Fan Mail