Ready, Set, Teach! 5 Tips for VBS Teachers

It’s already May, which means VBS season is right around the corner. If you’re reading this blog post, you’ve probably volunteered to be a VBS teacher, and maybe you’re feeling a little bit nervous about this important job. After all, you’re the one providing the bulk of the content to these kids—and it’s not just any content, it’s the most important content they’ll hear because you’re sharing about the truth of God’s Word and the gospel with them!

We should always remember we can’t do this with our own strength. We need to look to God’s help and strength.

Sounds a little intimidating? Well, we should always remember we can’t do this with our own strength. We need to look to God’s help and strength. We plant the seeds, he brings the harvest. So, pray, pray, and pray some more—and get some other people praying for you!

And here are five tips to help you feel ready to go on Day 1 of VBS week (you can find more tips in your Teacher’s Guide):

1. Read everything. Start at the beginning of the teacher’s guide and read right through to the end. Highlight or underline things you want to remember or what you think might require extra prep or follow-up. Determine how much time you have and which parts of the lesson you wish to include. Plan to focus on the main teaching portion (Teach It!) and then add on the extras (review game, Apply It! etc.) as your time allows.
2. Become familiar with the digital resources. The patterns mentioned through the curriculum are printable from there. If you have the resources, you may want to use the presentation images on the digital resources in place of (or in addition to) the teaching posters. Our digital offerings give you a host of resources, right at your fingertips. Become familiar with them, so you know what you will and won’t use in your unique situation.
3. Plan ahead. Don’t add stress to your VBS morning by rushing around trying to get everything you need for the lesson. Get everything together in advance and put them in boxes clearly marked Day 1, Day 2, etc. You may even want to assign this task to one person who is dedicated to gathering everything needed for the teachers.
4. Use your Bible. Don’t just read the verses from the script. Open up your Bible so students can see you going to God’s Word for the answers. Bookmark spots ahead of time to save time during teaching.
5. Connect with the kids. Kids will listen and absorb more if you genuinely engage with them. Use names (name tags should help with that), make eye contact, smile, notice the good (even in the students giving you a bit of trouble), be all there, and keep an orderly classroom by thinking ahead to distractions or trouble spots. Above all, show them love! Once VBS starts, pray for each one by name.

The best way to calm your nerves and make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible on the morning of VBS is to plan, plan, and plan. A good plan and a thorough knowledge of the resources and content will keep things running smoothly, even when one of the kids or a unique situation throws you a curveball. And have fun! You’ll be spending the week with some amazing kids as you make an impact for eternity.

Learn more about Answers VBS at AnswersVBS.com.