Movin' On Up! A Transition Playlist for Your Advancement Practices

Navigating transitions can be both exciting and daunting (for us all!). I remember my own daughter transitioning from the kindergarten space in kidmin, with its toys for free play and colorful wall separators into a much more open space with more structure in the first grade. She was not intimidated by it, but it was certainly a marked difference. There was a true sense of 'oh, she’s really growing up' going on in that space.

As CMLs, we prepare the times of transitions and shifts with care, and we get used to them. But it can be helpful for us to remember that these are fresh and raw for many. As such, I thought I’d take a moment to solicit the wisdom of my circle of seasoned, (and not-quite-as seasoned!), CML friends to get some best practices and helpful reminders around transitions. Here are some of our best tips and tricks that will, hopefully, benefit your community whenever you advance your kids!

TRACK #1: Say What You Need To Say!

We know that adults and kids alike need to hear a message more than once (marketing experts say several times) before it really sinks in. Effective communication is key to easing any anxieties children (and their grown-ups!) may have about transitioning to a new grade level. Giving clear and concise info about what to expect in the next level is essential.

This may include verbally sharing with children in class, verbally sharing with their grown-ups in a meeting or announcement, communicating to your volunteers, providing a physical handout for newer families not used to the moving up scenario, an initial announcement via email newsletter, and follow up prompts/reminders in an email newsletter. With good communication, the reality is, you will feel like you are over-communicating; however, chances are that you’ll still have someone say, 'I never knew this was happening this week!'

Bless them, we see you!

TRACK #2: Will You Visit Me On Sunday?

As transitions loom near, it can be exceedingly helpful for all involved to have a test run. The Sunday, or two Sundays in a row, before the official transition, take the children from their classroom to visit their new one. Take a walk through what their new routine will be like, answer questions, and let them meet their new teachers (if this applies).

Test it out.

Do it again.

In doing so, you’ll shorten the step they are taking on the official moving on week.

TRACK #3: We Go Together...(rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong!)

Relationships are the meat (or protein-friendly alternative for my veg-friends!) of children’s ministry. There are two types of relationships I am thinking of in this scenario. First, you’ve got the child-to-child relationships. If children know they are moving to a new setting with a friend, it can be a comforting thought. As CMLs, we can help buddy kids up as well and encourage them to share together what they are excited about, nervous about, or unsure about. Second, there is the relationships we cultivate between leader and child. In some ministry settings I’ve participated in, as well as a handful of these settings I’ve engaged with through friends in kidmin, another helpful possibility to aid in transitions is having leaders who move along with kids.

In a previous ministry setting I aided in leading, we had a rockstar kidmin volunteer who began with his kids when they were in first or second grade. He proceeded to move up with them each year, even transitioning into the Jr. High ministry with them. This made transitions for these kids incredibly smooth, and it also deepened the relationship with the leader. Obviously, this isn’t possible in every ministry setting nor might it be helpful – kids can benefit greatly from having a variety of adults ministering to them – but every once in a while, with the right leader, this can be a massive win.

TRACK #4: Celebrate, Good Times, Come On!

Transitioning to a new grade level in children's ministry is an awesome milestone for kids (and their grown-ups!). Celebrate this transition with enthusiasm and positivity. Consider organizing a special ceremony or event to mark the occasion, such as a promotion Sunday, where children receive recognition for advancing to the next grade level.

Make it a party! Make it light! Make it fun! Thank Jesus, together, for this next step!

Creating a celebratory atmosphere will help children feel excited about the transition and the opportunities that lie ahead.

TRACK #5: Lean On Me

Transitioning to a new grade level can be challenging for some children. Change is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea – particularly for those moving into unfamiliar territory or facing new rhythms or social expectations. As a CML, be proactive in encouraging your leaders to be on the lookout for those children. Be prepared to offer support to those who may be struggling with the transition. Provide opportunities for them to express their feelings and concerns in a safe and supportive environment. If appropriate, include their grown-ups in that conversation.

TRACK #6: Come Together

As kids enter a new setting, some may instantly feel at home, while others will take some time. That said, one way to encourage that sense of belonging and ownership in the setting is to provide opportunities for them to contribute their ideas, talents, and interests to the class. For example, brainstorming a class agreement of behavior or goals for the year can help immediately facilitate a time for kids to contribute and connect.

TRACK #7: Livin' On A Prayer

If we aren’t praying about it, we shouldn’t be doing it. Take time as a community to pray for these transitions. Pray with your team, but also invite kids, their grown-ups, and other members of the community to join you in praying. Pray for each child by name, asking for God's guidance, protection, and blessings as they embark on this new chapter in their journey. Encourage children, parents, teachers, and volunteers to pray for one another and for the success of the children's ministry program. Perhaps a prayer and blessing can be added into the service that Sunday (especially if kids begin in the 'grown-up service' setting!).

TRACK #8: I Will Survive

Whether you love it or dread it, your volunteers love it or dread it, your kids love it or dread it, remember: you will survive. Transitions always have hiccups. Know that and don’t be discouraged when they happen. Breathe your deepest breaths and prayerfully problem solve with your team.

BONUS TRACK: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

I know I’ve mostly ‘rocked’ the tracks on this transition playlist, I want us to end a little more seriously, with a 100-year-old hymn. We do so many things in ministry, but it is always a good reminder for us (and our leaders and those we serve) to 'Turn our eyes upon Jesus…' And so, I leave you with this simple, yet beautiful lyric to minister to you as you consider transition:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

(Helen H. Lemmel in 1922)