Categories: Blog

Child of God

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]My favorite part of any conference is singing worship. I love being in a room with other children's ministry leaders, singing praise to the God we serve and introduce kids to. This time is so sweet because worship is often something that children's ministry leaders don't get to do very often. We're with the kids during Sunday morning worship, and even if it's a family service, we probably have responsibilities to think about. We may lead worship in the kids area, but we rarely have the opportunity to focus completely on the words and object of our worship. At the last conference I attended, the song below was an impactful one during one of our times of worship. We so often point children to God that we sometimes forget we are children of God ourselves. I'm praying you take time today to reflect and remember...
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Free Christmas Activity Printables

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Christmas is just a few weeks away, which means you're planning your parties, programs, plays, and more for the Christmas season. Here are a few free Christmas Activity Printables to add to your holiday cheer! This freebie includes a Christmas Word Search for older kids and an I Spy activity page for littles.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Christmas Activity Printables Here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F11%2FDKM-Free-Christmas-Activity-Printables-for-Kids.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Use these printables for: Early arriver activities Time Filler activities Activities for a Christmas party Make an activity kit to give out to kids to use over Christmas break Add to worship bags or Praise Packs for special Christmas...
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Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads

4 Ways to Help Kids Develop an Attitude of Gratitude (And Why it’s Important to Their Success)

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One of my favorite Christian authors, Dr. Caroline Leaf, is a communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist who studies how the brain and body work together. (Seriously, y'all, she's brilliant.) I stumbled upon one of her blog posts recently that talked about how having an attitude of gratitude leads to success. Here's what she said... Did you know that gratitude is essential to success? If you can’t appreciate what you have to be thankful for right now, it is harder to achieve what you desire in the future. In fact, gratitude changes the brain and body for the better! Research on the effects gratitude has on our biology shows how being thankful increases our longevity, our ability to use our imagination, and our ability to problem-solve. You can read even more of what Dr. Leaf has to say about...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

24 Days of Carols Advent Activity for Families

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Julia Ball, one of our amazing Vendors, created a free Advent resource you need to know about! The full Family Advent Guide from her blog here gives families more details on the Advent season, why we should celebrate Advent, links to activities for all ages, and even the free 24 Days of Carols Advent Devotional we're sharing below![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the 24 Days of Carols Advent Activity Here" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F11%2F24-Days-of-Carols-Advent-Activity-from-Julia-Ball.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Click the button above for the 24-day Advent devotional that focuses on different Christmas carols, and be sure to check out the full Family Advent Guide from Julia's blog here. Thanks Julia for creating such a valuable...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Free Weekly Downloads

Worship as a Way of Life

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When I say "worship," pictures of waving arms, jumping, and Yancy may pop into your head. And while those are very real aspects of worship, if we let kids believe that worship is ONLY singing songs of praise to God, we're missing the mark.  Worship is more than just singing songs; it’s a way of life! It's a whole-life response to God and His greatness. Sometimes that means singing praise songs, but it also means so much more. We can worship God through our actions, our words, and our songs. When we serve, we are worshiping. When talk about God to others, we are worshiping. When we spend time thinking about how awesome God is, we position ourselves into a posture of worship. Worship doesn't just happen on Sunday mornings. It's the moments walking in between when God stirs our hearts with His presence and...
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Filed Under Blog, Book Shelf, For Parents, Leadership

Generosity Challenge for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Earlier in the week, we talked about 5 ways to raise generous children. Now, as we move into a season focused on thankfulness and giving back, help kids explore and practice generosity by completing this generosity challenge! [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Generosity Challenge for Kids Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F10%2FDKM-Generosity-Challenge.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Invite children to define the word "generosity," then check to see how a dictionary defines "generosity." Ask: Have you experienced the happy feeling that comes from giving (sharing)? (Allow time for stories.) Show kids page 2 of the download above and explain that this challenge will help them bring generosity into their daily lives and experience...
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5 Ways to Raise Generous Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dema Kohen, author of the 9-week series The Great Money Adventure, includes these 5 tips for parents in his curriculum resource. Here are 5 simple ways to raise generous kids... VOLUNTEER. Volunteering teaches your kids that giving to others is an act rather than a concept. TELL STORIES. Explain how the generosity of others has helped you, or how someone's generous spirit has helped your child. Doing so will instill a desire to pay it forward. LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Our kids imitate our actions, so let them see you help their teacher in the classroom, ask your grocery checker how their day is going, collect cans for the food bank, visit senior citizens who may be lonely, etc.  There are so many ways to be generous with your spirit – and your kids will grow up wanting to do the same. BROADEN THEIR VIEW OF...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice Fall Volunteer Appreciation Gift

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this printable to wish your volunteers "pumpkin spice and everything nice" this fall! Print, cut, and attach page 2 to a small bag of homemade Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix (recipe below). Or print and cut page 3, then use Glue Dots to attach a Starbucks gift card to the back![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Gift Tags Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F10%2FDKM-Pumpkin-Spice-and-Everything-Nice-Thanks-a-Latte-Volunteer-Appreciation-Gift.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix Recipe INGREDIENTS: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted 1 cup packed brown sugar 3 tablespoons pumpkin spice 2 tablespoons vanilla extract 1 (12 oz) box cinnamon chex cereal 1 (12 oz) box honey nut chex cereal ...
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Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

Top Free Downloads from Year 2

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Deeper KidMin turns 2 years old this week, and we're celebrating with a day of free downloads, highlighting the top 10 freebies from year 2 (plus a 20% off sale in the DKM Marketplace). Just click on each picture below to access the post with the free download, and join our subscriber's list here to make sure you don't miss one of our weekly free downloads in year 3![/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title="#1 - 10 Commandments Hopscotch Printable" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#3ac1e1"][vc_single_image image="8877" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/10-commandments-hopscotch-printable/"][vc_text_separator title="#2 - The Empty Cup: Object Lesson on Fasting for Kids" color="custom" border_width="3"...
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Filed Under Blog, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

Host a “VIP” Volunteer Meeting

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kelli, a kidmin leader in Texas, shared on Facebook about her "VIP" volunteer meeting and how she used several free downloads from Deeper KidMin to do it! She let me pick her brain on what the morning looked like, and agreed to let me share her thoughts so others could replicate this simple but effective time of connecting with your volunteers. "VIP" stands for vision, information, and prayer, and she met with her volunteer team 15 minutes before they needed to be in their classrooms for Sunday morning. She plans to hold these VIP meetings on the first Sunday of each month and uses the time as a way to, you guessed it, cast vision, share information, and pray for the kids in the ministry. This time not only allows her volunteer team to connect with each other, but it provides an opportunity for them to share...
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Filed Under Blog, Leadership, Volunteers

7 Fall Fest Marshmallow Games

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use these marshmallow games at your fall fest event or just for fun! [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Version of the Marshmallow Games Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F10%2FDKM-7-Marshmallow-Games-For-Kids.pdf|||"][vc_column_text]1) Marshmallow Toss Supplies: 5 buckets (sand buckets work well), marshmallows, rope or pool noodle (to stand behind and toss) Details: Set up five buckets with point levels written on each bucket. Line the buckets up in a row with the lowest points in the front and the highest points in the back. Players will stand behind a line (rope or pool noodle) and toss marshmallows into each bucket.   2) Marshmallow Catch Supplies: Mini Marshmallows, cups, 2 pool noodles or ropes Details: This...
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Halloween Alternative: Glow Night Outreach Event

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Why Glow Night? Halloween is a holiday that has often been controversial for the church. Despite its origins and some of the unchristian activities connected with the day, it is a great opportunity to reach out into our communities! And rather than asking families to come to you for a Fall Fest or Trunk or Treat, what if you went to them? On Halloween night - regardless of the size of the town you live in - families, especially those with young children, are out and about. Some of them will be knocking on the doors of members of your church family. It is a great time to be intentional to show God’s love to these families and glow with His light. What is Glow Night? The main idea behind Glow Night is to have your church family outside its walls, loving your community intentionally on Halloween. This can...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

Starburst Candy Devotional Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use Starburst candy and this printable devotional to help kids learn about having the right attitude that comes from the Fruit of the Spirit![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Starburst Candy Devotion Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FDKM-Starburst-Candy-Devotion-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]Want even more candy devotionals? Check out the Sweet Thoughts Download: Quick devotions flavored by different candies that anyone can do! Click here to learn more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="12646" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...
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If KidMin Volunteers Were Candy

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]October means candy infiltrates the thoughts, minds, and dreams of kids as Halloween draws near. As candy fills the shelves and kids' stomachs, I started thinking... what if our volunteers were candy bars? Snickers - The volunteer who is sweet but firm (and a little bit nutty). Nerds - The volunteer who has their very own laminator at home and comes fully prepared (even with extra activities) every Sunday. Three Musketeers - This adventurous volunteer is up for anything! This is the one you contact when you need someone to drink a strange concoction or perform a random feat of courage on stage. Tootsie Pops (how many licks?) - Quiet and reserved at first, this patient volunteer sticks around for the long-haul. Skittles - This volunteer can do everything, and their skills span the rainbow. You can...
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Glow Stick Object Lesson: Light of the World

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this glow stick object lesson before or after your Glow Night Halloween Outreach Event, anytime you teach about missions or Matthew 5:14-16, or at any other glow event you host! Learn more about the Glow Night Halloween Outreach Event here.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Version of the Glow Stick Object Lesson Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FDKM-Glow-Stick-Missions-Object-Lesson-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies Needed: Glow Stick, Bible Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16 Object Lesson: Say: Have you ever been inside a dark room? (Have someone turn off lights in the area you’re in). It is nearly impossible to see anything! For the first few moments you’re in the dark, and your eyes aren’t adjusted,...
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Fall Outreach Idea: Reverse Trick or Treating

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Every kid is familiar with trick-or-treating. You dress up, walk to a neighbor's house, ring the doorbell, say "Trick or Treat!" and you get free candy! But what if you could REVERSE this fall activity and utilize it as a community outreach and family service project?  Lynne Howard, one of our amazing vendors (check out all of Lynne's resources here), had the brilliant idea to host a Reverse Trick or Treating event with her families. In this Fall outreach event, instead of going door-to-door asking for candy, families from her church went door-to-door to hand out candy and collect donations for a local charity! It helped her church people get outside the church walls together to have fun AND served their community at the same time. You could host a similar event as a Halloween-alternative that can be done...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

Free Fall Fest Social Media Graphics

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We know planning for your fall fest is well underway, so here are some simple, fall-themed graphics from the Fall Family Night Outreach Event to help you spread the word! Note: Because the download is a zipped folder with multiple graphics, it may not open on mobile devices.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Click Here to Download the Fall Graphics!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F09%2FDKM-Fall-Social-Media-Graphics-Freebie.zip||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Use some of the graphics as they are, or insert the blank versions into your favorite graphics editor to add your own text and details! Julia Ball, one of our DKM Marketplace vendors, created these graphics (and more) to promote their Fall Family...
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Fall Resources for your KidMin

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Next week (September 23) marks the first official day of fall, so we're getting in the autumnal spirit by sharing some of our favorite fall resources! Check 'em out![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="6019" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/not-so-spooky-a-fall-fest-lesson-on-fear/"][vc_column_text]Not So Spooky - A Fall Fest Style Lesson on Fear: Whether you host a fall festival or a trunk-or-treat carnival, Not So Spooky is the perfect lesson for you! It teaches on Isaiah 41:10 (NIrV) and reminds kids that we don’t have to be afraid because God is with us. It uses either a carnival, fall-fest style schedule or a normal large group/small group style schedule. This single lesson...
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Pin the Spider on the Web Game + Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Just like pin-the-tail on the donkey, but with a Not So Spooky twist! Children will be blindfolded, spun 3 times, and will try to place a spider on a web picture hanging on the wall. Use this printable to make this game, or create your own. Play at church or equip families with their own at-home Fall Fest resource! [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Prep: Print off the spider web (included in printable) using specific printer settings to blow it up to poster-size (instructions included in printable). Print off the page with the spiders using normal settings. Print more spiders as needed (one per child). Tape/glue your web together (by itself or on a poster board) and cut out the spiders. Hang your web on the wall at child-height, grab some blindfolds and tape, and get ready to...
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Gospel-focused Pumpkin Box for Fall

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Whether you're the church that embraces Halloween or ignores it, the holiday (and all its candy) still comes around every year. This year, you can use these gospel-focused pumpkin boxes from Let the Little Children Come to pass out candy AND share about the gospel! These cute little pumpkin boxes come as flat sheets that you punch out and fold into shape. They're super easy to assemble (you could even have the kids help you do it!), and there's just enough space inside the pumpkin box to hold a couple pieces of candy.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="16656" img_size="large" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]Most importantly, the box helps kids answer the question, "Is there anything better than candy?" by explaining the gospel message of God's love and Jesus' death and resurrection. It uses...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents

Preschool Playdate Planning Checklist

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this Preschool Playdate Planning Checklist to plan for your Preschool Playdate without missing a step![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Planning Checklist Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F08%2FDKM-Preschool-Playdate-Planning-Checklist-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]1-2 months before: Decide on your Preschool Playdate activity + calendar date. Contact any venues (if necessary) to schedule your group. Create a sign-up form* (if applicable). Share a “save the date” post, email, website event, etc. with the families in your ministry and link to the sign-up form (or provide hard-copies of the sign-up form in person). *One thing to remember about families with preschoolers is that life (and plans)...
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6 Low-Prep Preschool Playdates

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Preschool playdates are the perfect way to help preschool families connect with each other and make memories all at the same time! But life (and plans) with a preschooler can often change quickly and at the last-minute. So you don't want to spend a lot of time planning and preparing for an event that ends up with low attendance because Jordan's nap went long or because Ben had an accident while potty-training. Here are 6 low-prep Preschool Playdate Ideas that help preschool families connect and grow without using too much of your prep time (and here's a free printable to help you plan!). Visit a Local Theatre - Your local theatre probably has a children's series (especially in the summer) with plays, interactive shows, and more for littles, so check to see what a theatre near you offers for live performances...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership

Psalm 63 Hide & Seek Game

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earlier in the week, we shared about a website we LOVE for finding Bible games for kids, so we figured we'd share another Bible game this week as our free weekly download! Use the classic game of Hide and Seek to help teach kids about Psalm 63 and what it means to "earnestly" seek God.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download printable version of the game here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F08%2FDKM-Psalm-63-Hide-and-Seek-Game.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Psalm 63 Hide and Seek Game Time Estimate: 10-15 minutes Read Psalm 63:1: “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you…” Ask: What does the word ‘earnestly’ mean? (Honestly, sincerely, intensely, with all you've got) When you are playing the game ‘hide and seek’, how...
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Bible Games Central: An Online Hub for All Your Bible Game Needs

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I discovered this website over the summer and just HAD to make sure you knew about it! Bible Games Central is a website full of super fun FREE Bible games that help teach Christian truths! If you ever need an extra game for a lesson or for an arriver activity, check to see what Bible Games Central has to offer. They've got games for kids, youth, and adults, and you can search through their games based on age, topic, or Scripture reference. Some of the games even come with the free printables you need to play, and almost all of the games include discussion questions and lesson connections! Here are some of my favorites:[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="16619" img_size="large" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://biblegamescentral.com/can-you-see/"][vc_btn...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents

Nursery Care Checklist Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Since we've shared the news with family + made the announcement official, I've got baby on the brain! This week, I'm sharing the Nursery Care Checklist Printable we used to gather important information for the little ones in our nursery and to help parents feel at ease leaving their baby in our care. [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Nursery Care Checklist Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F08%2FDKM-Nursery-Care-Checklist-Printable.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] For your regulars: Print a copy for each child in your nursery and complete the top section. (Tip: Using a sharpie means the writing can be seen easier from a distance!) Then laminate each one, inviting parents to use expo or white board markers to add instructions each...
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