Earlier I wrote the Introduction about the issue at hand in our Children’s Ministry about what to do with our Kindergarten age children as they transition between learning styles. I said that I thought there were 3 milestone questions to consider. Read about #1, “What does Kindergarten look like?”, #2 “When do Children Start Reading?”, and #3 “When are Parents Comfortable Making the Change?”
The Big Take-Away:
What we’ve decided is that we might need to allow an option for parents to move their Kindergartners into a new area at the time that they feel it’s time. I have to trust that parents know what their kids can handle, yet at the same time also seek the opinion of my Early Childhood leaders to determine which children may benefit from a different more mature environment of learning God’s truth.
Now that we’ve identified the milestones unique to each age child, and each family; it’s time to work on communicating it to our church family. Letting them know that they are a valuable part of this decision, and that their input is highly desired. It is all of our best intentions together that will make the most delicate of learners lovers of God’s truth!
OK, here is where I need our #kidmin community to spring into action. What are you doing to transition kids through these milestones?
If you’re not a Children’s Ministry leader, and find yourself to be a concerned parent then speak up. We’d all love to hear how you think these things are best done. Do you like the optional format, or do you prefer being told where to go and when to go there?
