Signs have the potential to do more than simply guide individuals to a particular room. They can create a welcoming, engaging, and inspiring atmosphere in a space. For kids, bold colors, unique fonts, and eye-catching artwork are especially appealing.
When creating signage for children’s ministry classrooms, it’s important to consider how it can enhance the overall environment and attract kids’ attention. That is why churches are now more inclined to invest in companies like ShieldCo Art Church Signs that offers church-centered signs, including those that are intended for ministry classrooms. If you don’t know how to use signs in the kid’s ministry classroom, here are a few ways:
Indicate Age and Grade Range
Post signs outside each classroom that clearly indicate the age or grade range of the children who belong there. This helps parents with drop-off and pick-up and also ensures that children are in the appropriate classroom. Using colors, fonts, and artwork that are age-appropriate can also make the signs more appealing to kids.
Bible Verses
Even for young children who cannot yet read, displaying Bible verses on wall signs is always a good idea in children’s ministry classrooms.
Part of the children’s ministry is to support parents in helping their children learn Scripture and internalize the Word of God.
Teachers and nursery workers can read the verses aloud to the children, helping them memorize Scripture even before they can read the words themselves.
Choose signs that incorporate child-friendly artwork with the Bible verse. Here are some ideas for verses or Bible-related topics that are perfect for kid-friendly artwork:
- Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23
- Full Armor of God – Ephesians 6:10-18
- The Love Chapter – 1 Corinthians 13
- The Lord’s Prayer – Matthew 6:9-13
- Ten Commandments – Exodus 20:1-17
- Days of Creation – Genesis 1
- Books of the Bible
Establish Classroom Rules
It’s important to establish rules for children’s behavior in the classroom. These could include simple rules such as “Use please and thank you,” “Clean up after yourself,” “Respect your teachers,” or “Be kind to one another.” Keep the list of rules short and to the point, as too many rules can be overwhelming for young children.
Design the signs for these rules with child-friendly colors, fonts, and graphics to keep them visually appealing. Make sure to refer to the rules often to reinforce good behavior in the classroom.
Signage that Indicates Cleanup Time
Cleanup time can be made easier for children with the use of signs that show where toys, books, and supplies should be put away. Even non-readers can participate with the use of visual aids.
Each sign should feature a picture of the type of item that belongs in that area, accompanied by a descriptive word or two. This will help children easily identify where things should be put away, and encourage them to participate in keeping the classroom tidy.
Use Seasonal Signs
To generate interest from kids, rotate signs in each classroom based on the season, holiday, or current aspect of the liturgical year (if your church follows the liturgical year). This also shows parents that you’re dedicated to keeping each room up-to-date and decorated appropriately for their children to enjoy.
Here are a few signage ideas to rotate throughout the year:
- New Year
- Valentine’s Day
- Epiphany
- Palm Sunday
- First Day of Spring
- Mother’s Day
- Father’s Day
- Easter
- Independence Day
- Thanksgiving
- Back to School
- Advent
- Christmas
Themes for the Classroom
Display the monthly classroom theme using signage to complement the Sunday school curriculum. For instance, if the theme is “love,” use signs that feature quotes from 1 Corinthians 13 and other relevant passages.
Safety Procedures
While most signs will be intended for children to enjoy, some signage should assist the adults in protecting the kids in their care. These signs should be easy for the adult staff and volunteers to find, but not in the main area of interest for the children.
- Evacuation Procedures
- How to handle various types of injuries
- What to do in case of a fire, tornado, or other natural disasters
Vacation Bible School Signage
Ideally, Vacation Bible School will attract families from within the congregation and beyond. By adding special signs specifically for VBS, you can help those who are not as familiar with your church campus. These signs can reflect the VBS theme you’re using that year, help newer families feel welcome, and invite children to come back for weekly services:
- Signs reflecting the VBS theme for that year
- Signs welcoming newer families to the church
- Signs inviting children to come back for weekly services
Classroom Area Signs
If you have designated areas in your classrooms such as reading time, building blocks, puzzles, crafts, etc., it can be helpful to post signs to clearly mark each section. For instance, a blocks sign would work well for a building blocks classroom area.
Children’s ministry classroom signage can provide helpful instructions, assist families in finding their way around, inspire kids to learn Scripture, and much more.
By thoughtfully considering the signs for each classroom area, you’re contributing to the cultivation of the next generation of believers.
