First time leading under 3's group

[nannynick]

Hi all, I don't usually post in this topic but something suddenly inspired me to post.

Tomorrow morning I am leader of the under 3's group. The usual leader will be there as well to help if things go pear shaped. I think I am a bit anxious, hard to know how many children (and parents) there will be, I'm not totally sure even of the material we are doing. Ah well, I'm sure it will be fine... I'll just improvise if it starts going wrong.

If you are a leader at a group, how did you feel your first time? I expect first time nerves are normal - tell me it is.

The idea is that we will have a fairly fixed routine for most of the time, so that anyone could be leader - young children love repetition after all so they won't mind the same welcome songs, same get to know you routine. The story and craft will change each week.

Sounds like you have the right idea nannynick, from your childcare experience I'm sure you will be fine. We have a little structure which the children love-

We have a little rabbit who joins us which we all shout "wake up [nameofrabbit]!"
he then gives all children a kiss and we sing a welcome song to everyone.
Read a story from a children's bible, have a chat about it, then follow up with a craft connected to it.
Snack time
Songs (depending on length of sermon!)
Goodbye song

Important is to make all children welcome, comfortable and included. If they learn anything it's a bonus! Hope it goes well :)

Thank you. I feel unprepared so heading I'm going early so I can listen to the song CD to learn the words for the songs.

Well I'm back. There were two children, there were 4 adult helpers including myself. That's just the way it goes some sessions. I am assisting with a session next Sunday, so that should give me another chance to get used to the routine.

Ha, it sometimes happens like that, then the next week you have 10 to yourself! It's good watching other people do a group as you can observe the children and learn what works.

Yes that's what I worry about. Some of the regular helpers were saying that there have been times when they have been holding two screaming babies and had a toddler hanging on to their leg (sounds a bit like being at work ).

ooh hello. I started an under 3's group at my church last week. It went ok but I'd love to steal any good ideas!

Can you actually get them to join in the singing? I tried to do a song and they all looked at me like I was mad and just carried on playing! I have to say here that I'm not in the UK and I these kids aren't used to organised activities so I wasn't sure if that was the reason or just their age. I'm thinking of introducing a bear or something to help out next week but I'm not sure they'll get that either!

They sometimes join in singing. Most will sit happily on the carpet. Some will like to have a shaker.

Easier if they are not already playing, so if you restrict what toys are out at first then having less toys to distract them means they might be more inclined to sit and join in with song/story.

Attention span at this age can be very short for some children. Are their parents often with them? The more adults you have the more encouragement the children will have to join in song/game/story.