Listening Pages for Church

Worksheet for non-readers.

 

Worksheet for readers.

It’s been about 6 months now since Morgan and I made the decision to take the girls with us to “Big Church'” (rather than put them in our church’s kids program).  For our family, we feel it’s important for us to worship and attend church together.  I have to admit, the first month or two, it took some WORK!  As we all know, it’s not easy for little kids to sit still and listen, especially without causing a distraction to others.  In the early days, having to parent during church service just didn’t seem fair or worth it.  But alas, it’s SO WORTH IT.  Yes, it took some coaching and practice but I can’t tell you how much our children’s presence has enhanced our family’s church going experience.  It warms my heart to see them openly worshipping our Lord, sharing sweet hugs and looks with them throughout the service, praying for others, dancing in the aisles, and discussing the sermon afterwards. 

The girls are doing marvelously and they truly enjoy it!  When we first started bringing them with us, we allowed them to bring a small notepad so they could doodle.  After a few times, we stopped that (often because I would forget to bring it) and guess what??  They ended up listening more and drawing less!  Although sometimes, the church bulletin would be covered in drawings.

But in the process, they also learned how to fill out an offering envelope, introduce themselves to others, and did quite well without any outside distractions. 

This week,  I stumbled across these listening pages and decided it was the perfect time to give the girls a new responsibility, as well as a fun listening activity… all during church!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took some time to make them their own Listening Folder and they proudly took it with them to church this morning. 

The folder included a non-reader worksheet,  a condensed version of the readers worksheet (I made my own with less words), and a 3 hole punch Princess pencil sleeve- in PINK, of course!

The girls did a GREAT job of listening intently today and wanted to make their tally marks right away during worship time.  In fact, they were focusing on listening so much that they didn’t even have time to draw a picture today. 

Thanks to Amy @ Raising Arrows and Lauren @ Mama’s Learning Corner.  Head on over to these links to find more examples of these brilliantly simple listening pages… or make your own!