Creative way get to know your kids

I was able to partner with Blue River Baptist Association in their training of VBS leaders. My breakout session was investing in the 5th and 6th grade leaders. In this, there was training over the VBS materials; but then also general leadership training, creative ideas, conversation on the target group and other helpful add ons. We started the breakout session with one of my favorite activities as I encouraged the leaders to first get to know the kids on night one. Here is what this activity looks like:

Buy a bag of original skittles. Then at the beginning of your class hand out small handfuls to your kids. Give them one rule as you talk and hand out the skittles; "you may eat all but one, put that one off to the side." (If a kid does not like skittles encourage them to pick one and keep it off to the side.) Then take them through the PowerPoint of the images below. Two questions to get to know names and something about each kid. You learn, but also the other kids get to learn about each other. For future years, switch it up, use m&ms or starburst. Remember the best way for you to invest is to get into their lives first, then let them get into your life and always encourage them that Jesus wants to be part theirs and your life.