Contests

1. Using special money, i.e., greenbacks, gold bucks, etc. makes giving out treats easier.

2. If one child is rewarded with a treat for some achievement - all should receive some sort of small treat.

3. Candy is the cheapest, universally liked reward.

4. Stars on a chart are by far the cheapest thing to do though probably not appreciated as much as candy.

5. Bible Verse book reminders and pencils and etc. work OK though are quite expensive.

6. Parties at your home or a trip to the zoo or a picnic every now and then make nice rewards.

7. If you desire children to expend effort for your class, you should offer some kind of reward.

8. Below - find several ways to conduct contests.

A. Five week contest - works well the first 5 weeks of the new year in the fall.

1. Offer a prize for the one who brings the most guests for the 5 weeks.

a. Be sure to determine in advance who qualifies as a guest for this contest.

b. The prize not to be known or decided upon until you see how many the winner brings. If they bring more, they get a bigger prize.

2. Offer a cross with stars affixed for those who learn the verses for the 5 weeks.

3. Reward those who come 2 weeks in a row without missing. (If they miss a week, they start again.)

B. Two teams contest - works best coming up on Christmas.

1. Divide the children carefully and evenly into 2 groups and give the teams names.

2. Assign points for the things you want them to do, i.e., learn verses, bring guests, be on time, bring their Bible, attend the other services of your church, or etc. (Points should be by 1000's since points are cheap)

3. Award the winning team (ice cream or special cookies) at the class party following the contest's end.

C. Individual 10 points contest - more expensive but works well right up to the end of the year in the spring.

1. Offer points for each thing you want them to do. Use points by 1's.

2. When the children reach the 10 points they receive a prize worth about $.50 and then start on the next 10.

D. As the year begins to come to an end, you might need a special contest to try to get some new guests.

1. Offer a McDonald's meal for the one who brings the most guests.

2. As with most contests have some minimum requirement's ie; three or more guests' required to win.