Kids Kingdom (Newborn–5th)
If you’ve parented long enough—and it doesn’t need to be for long—then you know your kids learn all kinds of things from you, whether you’re teaching or not! This kind of learning is often referred to as “what’s caught" versus “what’s taught".
At Prairie View, we don’t want to ignore the potential and power of “what’s caught," which is why we include our children in as much as we can during our Sunday morning services. It is good for them to witness grownups bowing their heads in prayer, lifting their voices in praise, giving their offerings with gladness, and partaking in communion every week. Though it’s not always easy to “parent in the pew", we think the pros outweigh the cons.
However, we also believe in the power of “what’s taught", which is why we offer classes near the midpoint of every service. Before the sermon, children are dismissed from the sanctuary to their respective classroom in our children’s hall for an age-appropriate lesson.
The goal of our children’s ministry is to teach children about God and incorporate that knowledge into a God-shaped life through simplicity, repetition, and joy.
OUR CLASSROOMS
Baby Burbs (0–24 months)
On Sunday mornings, this classroom is staffed and available for the entire service (approximately 85 minutes). Singing, praying, and reading are highly encouraged, however there are no formal lessons. Our nursery also has a small, private room for nursing mothers. A small group of volunteers rotates nursery duties on a weekly basis.
Toddler Town (2–4 years)
On Sunday mornings, this classroom is available immediately preceding the sermon and through the remainder of the service (approximately 40 minutes). Lessons are from a one-year curriculum based upon The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy. A small group of volunteers rotates teaching duties on a weekly basis.
Kid Village (4–6 years)
On Sunday mornings, this classroom is available immediately preceding the sermon and through the remainder of the service (approximately 40 minutes). Lessons are a two-year curriculum cycle based upon The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung. A small group of volunteers rotates teaching duties on a weekly basis.
Kid City (1st–5th)
On Sunday mornings, this classroom is available immediately preceding the sermon and through the remainder of the service (approximately 40 minutes). Lessons are from a two-year curriculum cycle based upon The New City Catechism Curriculum published by Crossway and the Gospel Coalition. A small group of volunteers rotates teaching duties on a weekly basis.
Changing Classes
For safety reasons, the nursery is strictly 0–24 months. Upon a child’s second birthday, they should be moved to Toddler Town. For promotions in the other three classrooms, we follow a school schedule:
Children graduate from Toddler Town into Kid Village when their fifth birthday falls during the school year.
Children graduate from Kid Village into Kid City when they begin 1st grade.
Children graduate from Kid City upon completion of 5th grade.
Kids Kingdom Sundays
At various points throughout the year, we have what we call “Kids Kingdom Sundays". In the summer, we have an extended break of 5 weeks that we call “Kids Kingdom Summer". These are announced in advance and can be found on our social media pages.
On these Sundays, we do not offer our Kid Village or Kid City classes; children in those classes are expected to stay in the service for its entirety. Kids Kingdom Sundays typically include a children’s sermon as part of the main service. The children are called forward to sit and hear a 5–7 minute, kid-directed lesson. Additionally, materials for sermon notes as well as a Bible verse worksheet and coloring page or activity relevant to the sermon are provided (along with clipboards, pens, pencils, and crayons).
You can contact Zach Ellsworth via our contact page with any further Children’s Ministry questions.