A New Sunday School Teacher’s Guide: Tips for a Successful Morning

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9

Starting Your Journey

Have you volunteered to teach Sunday School? Maybe you were volun-told? Either way, I've got you covered if you feel apprehensive about it.

Starting as a new Sunday School teacher can feel overwhelming, but with the proper preparation and mindset, you can create a positive and impactful experience for your children.

Here are some practical tips to help you confidently navigate your first Sunday mornings.

1. Arrive Early and Be Prepared 🌅

When I taught Sunday school, I came unprepared and tired some mornings because I had stayed up too late the night before. Those mornings felt clunky, and I wish I had prepared better.

The earlier you arrive, the more time you’ll have to settle and prepare your materials. Familiarize yourself with the classroom, review your lesson plan, and ensure all supplies are ready. This extra time allows you to pray and center your thoughts before the children arrive. That being said, getting enough sleep the night before and preparing your lesson plan beforehand is essential.

2. Greet Each Child with a Warm Welcome 😇

First impressions matter, especially with young learners. A friendly greeting sets a positive tone and helps the children feel welcomed and valued. Learn their names quickly and use them often to build rapport and make each child feel special.  

I remember being a child and attending a new church. I cried and cried because I didn’t want to be left without my mom. Sometimes, as a Sunday school teacher, you will encounter this, so having a warm smile and a friendly face is best.

3. Set Clear Expectations ✔️

You should set clear expectations for behavior and participation at the start of the class. Children thrive in environments where they know what’s expected of them. Reinforce these guidelines with gentle reminders throughout the lesson.  

4. Engage with Interactive Lessons 📖

Keep your lesson dynamic and interactive to maintain the children’s interest. Incorporate hands-on activities, storytelling, and visuals to bring Bible stories and concepts to life. This not only makes learning fun but also helps with retention.  

Ask them questions along the way, and it’s okay if they get the answer wrong.  Please continue to encourage them to speak up.  

If you need help with lesson plans and activities, Simple Sunday Lessons is for you. We do all the work, so all you need to do is teach. Lesson plans include questions for understanding and answers.  Check out our store for engaging lessons and resources.

5. Be Flexible and Patient 😌

Not everything will go as planned, and that’s okay. Flexibility is key in a Sunday School setting. Be prepared to adjust your lesson on the fly if needed, and approach any disruptions with patience and understanding.  Sometimes, some crayons and paper are all they need, and maybe a snack. 😉  If you have a lesson plan, it’s ok to skip around and return to different parts as needed.

6. Foster a Safe and Loving Environment ❤️

Ensure your classroom is a safe space where every child feels loved and accepted. Encourage kindness, respect, and inclusivity among the children. This will help them feel secure and open to learning.  Many of our lesson plans highlight these characteristics.

7. End with a Positive Note 🙂

Wrap up your lesson with a summary of what was learned, followed by a prayer or song. A positive closing helps reinforce the day’s message and gives the children a sense of accomplishment.  Simple Sunday Lessons has take-home coloring pages with the week’s memory verse.

Final Thoughts

Being a new Sunday School teacher is a rewarding journey with opportunities to shape young hearts and minds. By following these tips, you can create a warm, engaging, and effective learning environment that you and your children will look forward to each week.