Problem: Families who leave after adult large group.

Solution: Adjust the schedule to accommodate them. (It’s OK).

• Freeplay:
  • We reduce the playtime to 5-8 minutes at the beginning of the night. Any children who attend for the whole 2 hours get more freeplay later in the night.
• Prayer:
  • We always open the night with prayer. If one of the kids want to pray, or add to the prayer, we encourage them.
• Worship:
  • 1-2 songs instead of 3. If the group is only 1-2 kids we might skip it. It is best to do at least 1 so they learn how to worship.
• Lesson:
  • We always do the lesson either as written or with change ups that keep the main idea and the Bible story. There are times when we talk through the lesson if we have 1-2 kids. We keep it as interactive as we can, using questions and giving the kids a chance to respond. We talk about the Main Verse every week, working to build their understanding of the principles the verse teaches. (Example: What does it look like to be “poor in spirit”). We also include an explanation of what the main topic for the week includes (example: What is an inventory?). This whole section is kept to no more than 10 minutes and leads right in to journal time.
• Journal time:
  • We call it our “check in” time. We always read the guidelines first. If we only have 1-2 kids they can talk a little longer, but it’s usually very short. Leaders share too.

The above are my main focus for the night. The main idea for the night will have been presented.

• Centers
  • I like to get through at least 1 center time. With my super small groups, we are often able to get through 2 and sometimes 3. If there are kids left after the 1 hour kids leave, we keep going with the centers (if they make sense) and try to get the serenity prayer in to close things out. Depending on the lesson, we might get through the closing too. There are times when I use the closing as my first center, because some of them are so effective (or the kids just plain like them)Sometimes the activities need to change when you have only 1 or 2 kids. It is tough to play some of the games that are suggested. It’s OK to change the activity when this happens. There are many change up activities located in the files section of our Facebook group. Search by lesson or topic.

With my smaller groups if there are any kids that stay for the second hour we have extra time to play or I might bring in an art activity. It depends on who is there. Some just want to beat me at air hockey one more time!

If you have a larger group ask parents who leave early to wait until you open the door for them at a set time. Then you won’t have multiple interruptions. The rest of the group can take a short break with one of the leaders. When kids leave early, they are often disappointed that they are missing something. Having a set early pick up time that corresponds to a break helps them to transition.

I have learned that it is just as important to keep the general schedule with 1 or 2 kids as it is with larger groups. That is who God has sent for that night so I have to honor Him. It gives an extra chance for me to pour in to the child in front of me. And I’m learning to be grateful for the opportunity. It can be difficult to stay motivated when groups are so small, but it is always worth the effort. God has needed to change my heart on that score. And I often go home with a smile on my face as a result.