Running a session

The four step cycle of learning
Your session structure will depend on the time, help and space that you have.

Along with all the age groups in the Children’s Ministry Teaching Programme, each TotZone session has four steps:

Step 1: Talk Time – this is an opportunity to engage the children with the session focus, linking it to their own experiences.

Step 2: Bible Time – tell the children the Bible story in simple language, involving them in actions and following up with a question or two to check their understanding of the story.

Step 3: Activity Time – opportunities to reinforce the session focus in free play or structured activities. Each session will include a story review activity, a simple craft, a song that has appropriate words sung to a familiar tune, and an idea for an activity that can be incorporated into the free play area.

Step 4: Goodbye Time – remind the children of the session focus or content as they leave the group.
You may also include simple prayers and additional, favourite songs after the activities and before the toddlers leave.

Remember that toddlers like routine and will be more settled if you always follow a similar pattern for your session time. Either gather all the children together at the beginning for the Talk / Bible Time or invite small groups of 4-6 toddlers to join you and repeat the Talk / Bible Time until they have all had a chance to participate. During the Talk Time allow all the children who want it the opportunity to share what they know. The combined Talk / Bible Time will only last three to seven minutes but some toddlers will not settle for even that length of time. Let them wander off, as long as they can be supervised, and spend longer with them when you do the Story Review activity.

With the exception of the Story Review, all of the activities may be available throughout the session or you may restrict some, such as the music and craft to certain times. The Story review could take place immediately after the Bible Time if your group will continue to sit with you. Alternatively, move around the play areas and review the story with small groups or individuals. The craft activity invites toddlers to explore - don’t always expect them to produce a neat, finished product.

Where learning happens
It is important to set up your area with a variety of fun and safe activities.

Talk / Bible time area
Have an identifiable area (possibly a washable rug) where you can gather the children together. You may also use this area for music activities.

Craft area
Have a low table and chairs for the Activity Time craft. The craft activity will require adult supervision and you may only set it up for part of the session. You could use the table for drinks at another time during the session.

Quiet area
Have a few pillows and some board or sturdy, wipe clean books and some simple puzzles. Toddlers may rest here, look at books alone or share a story with an adult. Include some Bible storybooks such as the Baby Bible.

Home area
Vary the layout of this area using items such as a play kitchen, pots and pans, dolls and dressing-up clothes. Sometimes an Activity Time idea will refer to specific items to be included here.

Toys area
Include building blocks, washable soft toys and other appropriate toys for the age group. You may include large play items such as a sand or water tray and ride-on toys on occasions if you have the space. Sometimes an Activity Time idea will refer to specific toys and games to be included in this area.

You will also need to care for the physical needs of your toddlers. Easy access to toilets, hand-washing and nappy changing facilities are important. You should also be aware of the following recommendations:

The Children Act recommends a ratio of one adult to every three children for under 2s and one adult for every four children for 2-year-olds.
Always have at least two adults present.
Use disposable gloves when changing nappies.
Disinfect toys at least once a month.