Kidzone

Wondering what happens at Kidzone?

When we arrive they go to the child friendly welcome table.

We collect our name tags and add a sticker to our personal chart.

We like to go into the Main Lounge before 9.30am, to say hi and play together. Everyone is welcome so come and join us.

Most Sunday’s we go into Church at 9.30am to be part of the St Mark’s family before going to our own child centred programme.

In Church we have a slot called ‘WOW – Weaving Our Wisdom,’ where adults and children learn alongside each other.

When we return to Kidzone we begin by celebrating:

Birthdays

Weekly “Highs and Lows”   ( the good things and the things that weren’t so easy during the week!)

Achievements at Kidzone by individuals and groups.

We are all important members of the St Mark’s family. We are learning that:

We are special to God

God loves us,

God knows our name

God never gives up on us

God is with us everywhere we go,

God loves to talk and listen to us.

At Kidzone we use a variety of ways of learning together:

stories,

movie clips,

prayer,

conversations,

games,

technology,

music,

photography,

challenges,

puzzles and problem solving,

art and craft,

food

inquiry and asking questions.

Sometimes we work in groups and other times by ourselves as we all learn differently.

We know we are an important part of St Mark’s

Our art work is displayed on the walls around the complex.

There is a Kidstuff page in the monthly newsletter.

We have family fun nights at various times during the year.

Our parents can also belong to the Kidzone Facebook Group.

After Kidzone

We have morning tea.

We love playing together, with toys and games in the North Lounge or outside. Older kids love playing sport and games in the gym.

Our Kidzone Groups

Rainbow Fish

Preschool programme.

The group is led by our Gold Level JD’s with the support of an adult leader.

Parents are welcome and are asked to encourage their children during activity/craft rather than completing the activity for the child.

We have a wide range of toys and a safe outdoor play area which includes water play and a sandpit for warmer days.

Noah’s Arkaders

For those in Years 1-3 at school.

Often a preschooler who is due to start will spend time with this group.

At Noah’s Arkaders we are active learners. We are encouraged to take risks so we can discover new things about ourselves, each other and God.

We are learning to be good role models to the Rainbow Fish, by acting appropriately in worship.

We often join in activities with the X-plorers.

X-Plorers

Our programme for Years 4-5 at school.

Opportunities are given for early leadership development and include taking part in the first part of worship, writing prayers for worship…

We are learning how to use the Bible more effectively.

The JD’S

For Year 6 and above at School.

As well as taking part in learning and discovering more about God, we are given opportunities to develop our gifts and leadership skills. There are three levels of leadership development:

Bronze Level: Year 6

We are given the responsibility of:

organising a parish event,

a community outreach programme,

fund raising for Christian World Service,

Silver Level: Year 7

We are given the responsibility of:

Organising a parish event.

Fundraising for a community project,  ( eg: Royal High Tea to raise money for Petersgate)

Preparing Kidzone Christmas worship service.

Being on the technology roster at Kidzone.

Gold Level: Years 8+

We are given the responsibility of:

Leadership of Rainbow Fish,

Preparing the first half of worship service, ( once a term)

Fundraisingfor CWS (overseeing Kidzone Café once a term)

Technology roster

Leading  a community project. (eg: toiletries for hospitals)

Preparing worship for Kidzone Christmas Service