Tips for Teaching 2s and 3s

Routine is very important.

Visuals are VERY important, but toddlers can be easily overwhelmed visually. Find the right balance.

Larger pictures are better than smaller ones. Poster-size images make a great option for review.

Felts, stick figures, and pictures with less detail are some good visuals aids for this group.

Consider short attention spans. Break up time into variety of short activities: listening to the lesson, answering simple questions, singing songs, etc.

Repeat story at least two times in every class period and tell it several weeks in a row tying the lessons together as much as possible.

Use appropriate vocabulary.

Have children repeat names of people and places. Challenge them to say big words like "Testament” or "Jochebed.”

This age is able to memorize short verses ("Thy word is truth”) and phrases and begins to memorize the books of the Bible.

Don’t give in to misbehavior. Never cede control. You aren’t likely to get it back again.

A student who misbehaves for attention should be seated right next to the teacher. When he misbehaves, a discrete action can settle the matter without drawing other’s attention to the misbehavior.

Use positive reinforcement for good behavior; don’t reinforce bad behavior by giving constant attention to that child.

Don’t give him a choice when it matters which choice he makes.

Don’t allow them to keep toys, blankets, etc. at the table with them. Use a Teacher’s Treasure box for students to place their items in. Teacher protects them-- no one may take anything out that doesn’t belong to him--and returns them to the child as he leaves class.

Don’t move to the floor for "storytime.” Curling up on the floor gives excuse to get lazy mentally. It is much easier to keep control when students sit in chairs at the table.

Use simplest versions of maps. Only place(s) being discussed should be labeled.

Use WordArt to make important words recognizable so they can "read.”

Teach them how to sit still and participate properly. Use expectation and praise for proper behavior. Explain that they are practicing to be grown up.

Teach from an open Bible. Continually remind students that the lesson is real and from God’s Word.

Teach the boys how to lead the prayers and/or songs. As the authority in the class, the teacher may do so. However, little girls should not lead in a mixed class so they have the pattern God established engrained in their understanding.