tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post1909888755782769760..comments2024-03-28T18:58:47.880-07:00Comments on creative savv: Vacation Bible School for all childrenLilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-74291894797635276602012-07-11T21:11:05.825-07:002012-07-11T21:11:05.825-07:00HI Kris,
Good point about children with sensory is...HI Kris,<br />Good point about children with sensory issues, This is where some coordination between parents and the VBS staff can make all the difference for a child. If the VBS staff are fully aware of a child's particular needs, then arrangements can be made to have the child escorted to a place that feels "safe". And this is what I've found so wonderful about many church VBS programs, their willingness to make the experience a good one for every child.<br />Thanks for commenting!Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-16259521269692303562012-07-11T21:05:19.598-07:002012-07-11T21:05:19.598-07:00Beautifully said. What a wonderful tribute to your...Beautifully said. What a wonderful tribute to your mother, having people remember what she did for their lives. When we're planting seeds we don't always get to see them grow. I applaud your mother's dedication to serving the Lord.<br />Have fun next week in your VBS! <br />Thanks for leaving a comment!Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-66006044572389632742012-07-11T07:28:23.679-07:002012-07-11T07:28:23.679-07:00Hi Anonymous, my mom became a Christian because he...Hi Anonymous, my mom became a Christian because her neighbors took her to Sunday School. You never know ...<br /><br />Lili, our church is blessed to have a counselor-in-residence who is very skilled w/children of different abilities and who helps with VBS programming and supervision of the most challenging children to make it accessible. The occupational therapist in me wants to add that many children, including but not limited to kids with ADHD and autism, have sensory issues. Their brains don't interpret sensations (touch, movement, flashing lights, loud sounds) the way most of us do. Our VBS begins and ends the evening in the sanctuary with (loud!) music from our praise band. Often there are flashing lights ... of course the noise/activity of many children ... and this can be completely overwhelming and can scare some of the kids away from VBS or, because they can't modulate their reactions to the stimulation, they have behavioral issues as a result. A simple solution is to take them out of the room--maybe they can watch the proceedings from a tv monitor in a quieter area, or sit in the vestibule, etc., but this simple action can make VBS a much more pleasurable activity for them. <br /><br />Hope I didn't get too technical! Kids in a wheelchair or with Down's have more obvious needs but there is a high prevalence of kids with sensory issues and their needs are more "hidden". <br /><br />I would also add, it's a great experience for kids to become more sensitive to the needs of others and I'm all for inclusion when it can be reasonably managed! :)Krisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-45904189864477944592012-07-11T06:53:38.862-07:002012-07-11T06:53:38.862-07:00Above, I meant to says let's keep allowing God...Above, I meant to says let's keep allowing God to reach out 'through us'... :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-20091458567456784952012-07-11T06:38:28.446-07:002012-07-11T06:38:28.446-07:00Great reminder! And to Lili and everyone else who...Great reminder! And to Lili and everyone else who helps with VBS programs, God bless you. VBS is so important!<br /><br />As a child, I lived in a rural area and we attended a small, country church. The VBS program was near and dear to my mom's heart. I remember tagging along in the car as she drove from house to house inviting children to attend. <br /><br />There were a lot of families in our church's community that did not attend church. My mom would invite the children and then she, dad and other VBS volunteers would pick up and drop off children who were allowed to come. Mom taught a class, planned activites and arranged the snacks. I still remember how on Friday night of VBS week we would always have a wiener roast and watermelon. <br /><br />When I was a child, I could not fully grasp the importance of what my mom was doing. I had been taken to church three times a week since I was born. I went to VBS every year. It was the 'norm' to me. Now, it touches my heart whenever I think about it. My mom is in her 60's now and every once and a while someone will come up to her and say "Do you remember me? Thank you for picking me up and taking me to VBS or Sunday School when I was a child. You really made a difference in my life." <br /><br />I can't wait for my church's VBS program next week. To everyone involved in VBS, let's keep allowing God to reach out to communities and touch the lives of children!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com