Heart Sort Game

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Use this heart sort cut-out game as an extra activity for your Valentine event! [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Heart Sort Cut-Out Game Now! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Heart-Sort-Cut-Out-Game.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Objective: Groups compete against each other to sort the hearts by size and color. Prep: Print and cut out one set of Heart Cut-Outs for each team (pages 2-8) or use page 9 to print on different colored paper. Play: Give each team/small group their own set of mixed up heart cut-outs. One at a time, call out the following categories, and the team who sorts their hearts in that order first wins! Sort by color (same colors together) Sort by size (same sizes together) Sort smallest to...

Lean In Book Review and Giveaway

[vc_row 0=""][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="8992" img_size="medium" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" link="https://amzn.to/2CSaJ99"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text 0=""] Lean In: Leverage Your Influence for Ministry Impact By KidMin Nation (Editor: Tina Houser) My rating: 5/5 stars - It was amazing!     Read: December 2018[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=""][vc_column 0=""][vc_column_text 0=""]This book is for you if... you are a leader, you want to grow as a leader, you don't feel like a leader but want to My thoughts: Third time's a charm! I'm so excited to have had another chance to be included for publication in a KidMin Nation book. While the first book was all about connecting with parents (see more details here) and the second book was all about connecting...

Corral the Sheep Bible Skills Game

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this fun game to help teach Bible skills to kids. Can be used with any set of Books of the Bible cards or check out the Bible Skills Sheep download for printable Books of the Bible Sheep (plus more game ideas!).[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download a Printable Version of the Bible Skills Game Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Corral-the-Sheep-Bible-Skills-Game-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Prep: Write a book of the Bible on different index cards or individual sheep shapes. Use a different color index card/sheep shape color per team. Play: Divide your kids into teams. Place all cards/sheep in a pile on stage, in a basket, or in a hula hoop. Have each team send one member at a time to retrieve a card/sheep of their...

10 Commandments Hopscotch Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this 10 Commandments hopscotch printable from the Love God, Love People lesson to give kids a kinesthetic way to learn the 10 Commandments! This activity is actually one of several prayer stations kids can visit after the main lesson. (Psst - read more about Prayer Stations here.)[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Printable Now!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-10-Commandments-Hopscotch.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: Colored paper & printer Laminator Packing tape Prep & Play: Choose either the numbers alone or the numbers with the 10 Commandments. Print the chosen pages on colored paper. Laminate the pages for durability. Use packing tape to connect the laminated papers in a hopscotch...

Roll A Snowman Dice Game

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this week's free download to play a fun, wintery dice game with kids![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Roll a Snowman Now!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Roll-A-Snowman-Printable-Let-It-Snow.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: Roll-A-Snowman Printable, dice, pencils Play: Print off at least one Roll-A-Snowman Printable per child (make sure to select "fit to page" in your printer settings!). Playing in pairs or small groups, children take turns rolling the die and adding the appropriate feature to their snowman (eyes, hat, arms, etc.). If you roll a number you already have, the turn moves on to the next player. The first person to complete their snowman wins![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="8821" img_size="full"...

The Empty Cup: Object Lesson on Fasting For Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we head into the new year with resolutions and Lent coming up, use this free object lesson to help kids understand that fasting is something people do that helps them give up so God can fill us up.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download printable version of the Empty Cup Object Lesson here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Empty-Cup-Object-Lesson.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Set out an empty cup, a bowl, some sand, and a pitcher of water. Each time you talk about something that fills our lives, pour a little sand in the cup. Say: This cup represents us. We fill our lives with things. We might fill our lives with friends or sports. (pour some sand into the cup) We might fill our lives with toys or clothes, music, our...

Happy Birthday Jesus Candle Activity

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this printable to give the families in your ministry an interactive prayer activity for Christmas Day![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Happy Birthday Jesus Candle Activity Cards Now" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Happy-Birthday-Jesus-Candle-Printable.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Supplies: This printable printed on cardstock Glue Dots Birthday candles (one per printable/family) Prep: Print and cut the printables so you have at least one per family. Use Glue Dots to attach a single birthday candle to each printable in the candle silhouette. Then pass out the printables the Sunday before Christmas or at your Christmas Eve service to give families an interactive way to celebrate Jesus' birthday...

Last Christmas 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Last Christmas, I gave you these printables, but some of you weren't here. This year, to save you some time, I'm bringing them back in cased you missed them. Ok, so maybe those aren't the lyrics, but it's true! (And you already have my heart anyway, kidmin leader.) Here are our top resources from Last Christmas and a sneak peek at what's coming this year![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="7269" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/candy-cane-poem-printable/"][vc_custom_heading text="Candy Cane Printable" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"...

2 Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Ideas

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earlier in the week, we talked about 3 tips for appreciating your volunteers this Christmas. Spread some Christmas cheer to your volunteers with these simple, easy, and affordable gifts! Download the printable below for two different gift tag options. Then print, sign your name, cut, and attach to the gifts! Both designs are available as Christmas-themed or general appreciation, so use one this Christmas and save the other one for the spring![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Printables Now!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Christmas-Volunteer-Appreciation-2018.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_single_image image="7172" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]Idea #1:...

Snowflake Scavenger Hunt

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this winter scavenger hunt to help remind kids that God made each snowflake special and unique - just like them![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Snowflake Scavenger Hunt Now!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Snowflake-Scavenger-Hunt-Final.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Prep: Print one Snowflake Scavenger Hunt List per child. Print one copy of each snowflake. Cut out the snowflakes and hide/tape them around the room. Play: Give each child a pen/pencil and a clipboard with the Snowflake Scavenger Hunt List. Invite them to look for the snowflakes hidden around the room. When they find a snowflake, they should cross it off their list and leave it behind for a friend. Remind kids that each snowflake is...

Thankfulness Log

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Help your kids express their thanks to God through written word by giving them this Thankfulness Log Printable! Print one Thankfulness Log per child, and encourage kids to use it throughout the week to write down the things, people, places, food, etc. they are thankful for. Use it as part of your Thanksgiving lesson or as a take-home activity this fall.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Thankfulness Log Printable" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Thankfulness-Log-SHTP-Freebie.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_single_image image="6938" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DKM-Thankfulness-Log-SHTP-Freebie.pdf"][vc_single_image image="6933"...

Top 10 Posts/Freebies From DKM’s First Year

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Deeper KidMin celebrated its first birthday last Friday with the announcement of the new DKM Marketplace and the opportunity YOU have to be part of it as a DKM Marketplace Vendor. I decided to keep the party going with this week's post and highlight the top posts/freebies from the last year, so here are the top 10 posts y'all enjoyed most. Just click on each picture to access the post/freebie.[/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title="#1 - Over 5,000 Downloads!" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#3ac1e1"][vc_single_image image="4748" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/thirsty-for-god-object-lesson/"][vc_text_separator title="#2 - SLLRP Behavior Management System" color="custom" border_width="3"...

Candy Memory Match Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]What kid doesn’t love candy? Use this candy-themed printable for a quick and easy memory match game. Kids will eat it up! Play at church, or share with families to play at home! [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Prep: 1) Print the candy pages on cardstock. Print in color or black and white. Pro Tip: Print one copy on white cardstock and another copy on another color to create multiple sets! 2) Cut out the 3.33 x 4 inch squares 3) Laminate the squares for longevity (we re-used these each fall), or leave as is for one-time use! Play: 1) Lay all of the cards face down. 2) Players take turns turning over 2 cards at a time. If the two cards they turn over are a match, they keep the cards and go again. If they aren't a match, turn the cards back over and it's the next player's turn. 3) The winner is the one...

Post-Conference Reflection Worksheet

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Attending conferences is great (I’m a conference junkie myself), but sometimes they can feel like trying to drink from a fire hose. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="6087" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]There are just so many new ideas, new people, new resources, new everything! And as an introvert, just being around that many people 3 days in a row is exhausting. So I use the process below after every conference I attend to help me reflect on the week and focus on what it means for me as I head home.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Printable Version Here" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fproduct%2Fpost-conference-reflection-worksheet%2F||target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Pray. Thank God for the...

Sweet Verses Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kids eat (and love) candy. So why not use candy to help them learn about God? Pack some sweet goody bags for the kids in your ministry this fall, then attach this easy printable to relate the treats with the Bible! Give them out at your Fall Event, as part of your fall fest take-home kit, or as part of the Not So Spooky Lesson![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Supplies: Fun size M&M’s Fun size Starbursts Fun size Laffy Taffy Fun size Almond Joy Blow Pops Fun Size Milky Way Ziploc bag or fall-themed goody bag This printable! [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="6054" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]Put one piece of each candy in the bag. Print the pages double-sided and cut the sheet into quarters so each quarter sheet has the sweet verses on one side and...

Pumpkin Patch Memory Verse Activity

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earlier in the week, I shared some musings about how we as adults can rest in the truth of God's eternal and yet intimate presence, so I figured why not help kids remember that God is always with them too? This week's free download is a festive, fall activity to help kids learn Isaiah 41:10 (NIrV) and remind them that they are never alone.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Pumpkin Patch Memory Verse Printable!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Pumpkin-Patch-Memory-Verse-Activity.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Prep: Print the following pages and cut out the pumpkins. Play: Scramble the pumpkins, then encourage children to set up the pumpkin patch by placing the words in the right order so they say Isaiah 41:10 (NIrV): So do not...

My Favorite Feedback Questions

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We've been talking about receiving feedback well and asking the right questions, so this week's download is a list of my favorite questions to ask families and volunteers! These questions help provide insight into my leadership and how I can improve the ministry. As we each work to receive feedback well, I pray these questions provide answers that encourage willing and humble hearts to grow. (Please note: the download is a Microsoft Word document so you can easily use and adapt the questions for your ministry.)[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download a Word Doc List of the Questions" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fproduct%2Fkidmin-planning-bundle%2F||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] My Favorite Children/Family Questions  Event-Specific: What questions did you have going into...

Proverbs 19:20 Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We're in the middle of a short series about receiving feedback well and asking the right questions in KidMin. Earlier in the week, we talked about how receiving feedback well is a more about our heart than our questions. One verse that always helps me check my heart when it comes to feedback is Proverbs 19:20, so I made this printable to help me remember that wisdom comes from listening to counsel and advice. It even comes with 2 options so you can choose which one matches your style best.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Proverbs 19:20 Printable " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Proverbs-19.20-printable.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_single_image image="5675" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...

Lunch at School Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Visiting kids for lunch at school is something I wish I had done more of as a children's pastor. So when I saw a friend (and former college suitemate - miss you!) post about this on her Facebook page, I knew I had to share it! Thanks Jill for the awesome idea! Earlier in the week we talked about helping local schools win, and one way was to follow their protocols. So when visiting the children in your ministry for lunch at school, use this week's printable to help make it easier on your families and your local schools.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Start Meeting Kids For Lunch at School!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fproduct%2Flunch-at-school-printable%2F||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]Here's how it works... 1. Print out one copy for every child in your ministry. 2....

Lectio Divina Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Lectio Divina is a spiritual discipline that combines prayers with the study of Scripture. As children's ministry leaders who are in God's Word for professional purposes (we have to know it if we're going to teach it, right?), the practice of Lectio Divina is an excellent way to make sure we're in God's Word for personal reasons too. Too often in ministry, I confused my teaching prep time with my personal quiet time, but when we approach the Bible only for the purpose of teaching it to others, we miss out on what it can teach us. Using Lectio Divina helped me shut off the part of my brain that focused on "how can I turn this into an object lesson for the 2nd graders" and sparked the side that quietly waits for that gentle whisper from a Heavenly King. I pray that this resource helps you connect with God's...

14 Ways to Pray for the Kids You Serve Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As KidMin leaders, we can plan, prep, cut, glue, and email all we want, but our efforts to change kids' hearts are futile unless we ask God to do the real work for us. We have the opportunity to reach kids' hearts when they are most vulnerable to the redeeming story of the gospel, and when we pray for the children in our care by name and with specific prayers, we increase that impact exponentially. Use the 14 ways below to pray for the children in your ministry (psst- that's enough for a specific prayer each day over the next two weeks). Share this download with your volunteers or hand it out at volunteer training so your whole team can join together in covering kids in prayer.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Start Praying" align="center"...

New Postcard Designs for Crew Cards!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We already know that kids are wired for relationships. One of the best ways to help kids connect with their leaders outside of Sunday mornings is through Crew Cards. (Not sure what I'm talking about? Learn more about Crew Cards here.) As you prepare for the fall, it's time to update the postcards you use for Crew Cards! Update the look of your Crew Card postcards using one (or all) of the 4 images below, then use a site like VistaPrint to print your postcards for the year![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="I want the designs! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F06%2FDKM-New-Designs-for-Crew-Cards.zip||target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="5104" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link"...

Bible Story Trivia Video for Kids

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We're in the middle of a blog post series that focuses on engaging kids according to how they are wired, and we talked earlier in the week about how kids are wired for technology. In addition to the links and sites I shared in the previous post, today, I'm sharing a simple Bible Story Trivia Video for Kids! It has 12 questions, covers both the Old Testament and the New, and lasts about 6 minutes - perfect for a countdown or parent-pick-up time![/vc_column_text][vc_video link="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQGdQ6TtQEs&t=21s" align="center"][vc_column_text] You can download this video to use in your ministry using a site like KeepVid or use it directly from the Deeper KidMin Youtube Channel. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="4658" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link"...

Wired for Learning: Developmental Stages KidMin Leaders Need to Know

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We learned earlier in the week how kids are wired uniquely and what we can do to engage them. Today is all about how kids are developmentally wired for learning. The speed at which their little brains absorb and process new information is unlike any other stage of life. This is great news for us! Their minds are already ready for the truths we want to teach them. But that doesn’t mean every child is developmentally ready for every truth. While children may progress through stages of learning at different rates, they tend to follow the same patterns of development from birth to the preteen years, and when we engage kids based on their developmental stage, we can take better aim at the dartboard. Use this week's download to gain a general overview of a child’s characteristics in each stage and what...

Volunteer Handbook

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Whether your volunteer team includes 5 volunteers or 500, it can be difficult to make sure everyone is on the same page. While you can (and should) host a volunteer training each year, that one hour every 52 weeks just isn't enough to communicate everything you want your volunteers to know. Creating a volunteer handbook is a great way to share expectations, communicate details, and provide a little extra training for your volunteers to have all year long. I'm sharing my full 34-page volunteer handbook this week, and I hope it helps spark some ideas for creating your own. Feel free to use the wording and details found within it, and if you want a customizable copy so you don't have to start from scratch, it's available here or as part of the Put Me In Coach Volunteer Training...