Warm Up the Room With an Icebreaker

Icebreaker?

Hmmmm, well, is it just me or is it a bit cold in here? Possibly even cold as ice?

Ah yes, the importance of the children’s church lessons icebreaker!

Picture this – The kids are seated; all eyes are on you – well, okay…maybe in an ideal world! Half of them are watching you

Here’s what you’re up against; your kids are probably a mixture of:

• excited to be here and ready to receive
• don’t want to be here and not into it
• indifferent, wait and see
• nervous, scared, new

The next few minutes are critical. You need to break the ice and warm things up a bit.

The icebreaker is just the tool needed to pull these kids in – an introduction of sorts.

So…okay, what am I talking about?

Let me tell you first what not to do.

Two Big No Nos

This is true for every Bible lessons for kids component!

• Don’t Introduce the Introduction! Just do it! Don’t talk about it…Do it! Don’t announce or tell the class what you are about to do. Without warning, seamlessly or even abruptly do it! When you go through a long introduction it’s a drag – boring!

  Check this out!

  “Okay boys and girls, it’s time to get started. I’m waiting for everyone to look at me before we begin. Okay, here is the introduction to our children’s church lesson today”.

  AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Can you hear the groans? You can almost hear their heart’s door close to your message.

• Lose the Boys and Girls What? This is something else that makes me cringe. (Yes I know I am going to offend someone here but I think it needs to be said).

  Don’t start each sentence with “boys and girls”. That was okay many years ago. I grew up hearing it but come on…let’s adjust things a little bit to reach our kids NOW!

  You might strongly disagree, and that’s okay! Do what works for you. Okay, I’ll compromise. You can still do it sometimes with toddlers, preschool and K.

Types Of Icebreakers

Let’s look at some effective icebreakers for your children’s church lessons. Keep in mind once again that this isn’t an all inclusive list. But, I use these methods and know they work.

Puppet Skits

This isn’t a traditional full blown skit with several puppets and scenes. This is a quick hit, one puppet skit that interacts with the teacher and/or class.

One of my favorite types (since I like puns) is to have the puppet enter and say the main point/word or some key phrase wrong. Or, maybe they misunderstand what a key word means. The teacher and class then try to correct the puppet.

It always amazes me what strong reactions and involvement these type of skits bring out in the kids. Kids that are unsure of their surroundings and won’t say a word to anyone are suddenly screaming at the puppet! “No, the word is not ______, it’s _______. You got it wrong!”

Here is the beauty of this. While they don’t know it, as they repeat the key word or phrase, it STICKS in their heart and mind! Now, guess what…their heart has now been warmed to receive your message! Isn’t that the coolest thing?!
Need an example? I would too!

So…here you go. This is a simple icebreaker puppet skit.

Character Skits

Character skits are another favorite Kids Bible lessons icebreaker for a number of reasons:

• quick hitting – in and out
• utilize and introduce teens and adults into kid’s ministry
• lots of fun and create interest for kids
• welcome diversion and break for teacher

Pick a character that fits your lesson. Maybe use a Bible character within your kids Bible story.

Put together a simple costume and write a short script. The character does not have to memorize the lines perfectly…just hit the main points.

Another possibility is to come up with a modern day character that doesn’t directly discuss the story, but rather the main point or concept of your lesson.

Please, for best results, make these quick hitters – abrupt – seamless. If you have dead space between components the kids will lose interest and worse, create discipline problems!

Here are examples of both types of character skit children’s church lessons icebreakers. The first example uses a character from Bible times to introduce the topic.

The second example is of a present day character that discusses the lesson main point.

Common Everyday Objects

The next effective kids Bible lessons icebreaker makes use of common everyday objects. These objects represent something in the kids Bible story. This icebreaker is simple to prepare. No other participants are needed.

Here are two examples of an icebreaker that uses simple everyday objects to introduce the lesson.

These examples were used by permission from Kidz Blitz – Big City Studio curriculum.

Media – Technology

We’ve covered three types of kids Bible lessons icebreakers. These methods are easy and cost effective. They will definitely grab your kid’s attention if done sharply and with enthusiasm.

Media such as music files and video clips become increasingly popular and accessible.

Use these to connect with your kids if the technology is available to you in the classroom.

Keep up with and incorporate the latest technology as you can into your class. This will keep your ministry relevant and attractive to kids.

For an icebreaker, show an appropriate You Tube video, movie clip or even a movie trailer to introduce your lesson. Use a music clip from You Tube to introduce your lesson or draw it to a close. This will draw in the older and tech savvy kids right from the get-go!

One suggestion here – Don’t then digress to a flannel board when you present your kids Bible story!

Give these methods a try. Experiment, be creative and ask the Holy Spirit to prepare your kid’s hearts to receive whatever children’s church lessons icebreaker you choose.