Checklist for An Effective Large Group Lesson ~ RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Over the past 22 years, I have taught thousands of large group lessons for kids. There have been times when I bombed and times when the kids were on the edge of their seats. Through lots of mistakes and trial and error, I began to see a pattern of what elements made up an effective large group lesson. Here's my checklist. When preparing a lesson, I make sure many, if not all, of these elements are incorporated into the lesson.

One main Bible verse and truth.
Repetition. I repeat and illustrate the one main truth multiple times throughout the lesson.
Audience participation. As a group, I have the kids shout out answers, make sound effects, do motions, etc.
Voice fluctuation. I whisper...I shout...I talk normal.
Visual props. If I'm talking about the wise and foolish builders, I will have sand and a rock on stage.
Visual imagery. A video clip or a picture.
Sounds effects. I let them hear the wind and rain.
A story that illustrates the truth.
Attention span monitoring. For preschoolers the lesson is going to be 4-5 minutes. 10-12 minutes max for early elementary kids. 13-15 minutes max for preteens.
Kids helping. I bring a few kids up front to help act out stories, hold props, emphasize the point, etc.
Application. I give them concrete ways they can live out the truth that week and challenge them to do so.
Kids talking. At the right time. I ask kids to repeat points or say key phrases to the person sitting next to them.
Humor. I bring in some funny elements and get the kids laughing. You learn when you laugh.
Prayer. I close the lesson in prayer, asking God to bring life change and spiritual growth from the truths that were shared from His Word.