When you choose a Sunday school, start by finding out which class your child would join, who looks after them and how drop-off and pick-up work. A 3-year-old and a 10-year-old need different activities, and every church arranges things differently, so learn the program and the care arrangements before you decide.
Some churches have children worship with their parents and then split into classes. In others the children’s program runs at the same time as the adult service. Ask before your first visit so the whole family knows how the day will go.
What happens in Sunday school?
Sunday school is the church’s faith education and group activity for children. Common elements are Bible stories, songs, prayer, games, crafts and small-group time.
Churches use names such as children’s church, children’s worship, toddler class or kids’ group. Similar names can mean different programs, so check the details when you ask.
Which class will my child be in?
Toddlers usually need pictures, stories, music and movement. Older primary-school children can discuss Bible stories, choices in daily life and how to get along with classmates and family.
Tell the church your child’s age and ask which class they will join and roughly how old the other children are. If different ages share a class, ask how the teachers plan activities to suit each of them.
Beyond “is it fun”, what should I look at?
Games and crafts help children take part. Parents can also look at how the activities connect to that day’s Bible story, whether the teacher explains in words the child understands and whether children can ask questions.
If the day’s theme was “love your neighbor,” you can talk at home about the ways your child thought of to care for others. A beautiful craft or remembering the right answers does not by itself show that a child understood.
How do teachers respond to children’s feelings?
When you visit, notice what teachers do when a child cries, does not want to join a game, or answers wrongly. With a shy child, are teachers willing to wait, listen or help them join in step by step?
The decor and materials show part of the environment, but how people actually treat children tells you more. Notice whether teachers respect the child, and avoid rushing, mocking or embarrassing them.
What should I ask about pick-up and safety?
Before you leave your child with a teacher, find out who is responsible for them, where the classroom is and who may collect the child. For toddlers and young primary children, also ask who helps with the toilet.
Then ask how teachers and volunteers are arranged, where to go if you need to find your child, and how the church will contact you if your child is hurt or there is an emergency.
Some churches use a check-in form, name tag or pick-up card. You need to know how these are actually used, so that it is clear who the child is handed to and when they are collected.
How do I talk with my child afterwards?
Besides asking about the lesson, ask, “What was the most fun today?” “Did you meet anyone new?” “Do you want to go again?” Let them say how they felt.
A shy child, or one leaving their parents for class for the first time, may need time to settle. If your child keeps resisting, find out why with the child and the teacher. Do not treat it as bad behavior, and do not force them to adapt.
Should I get to know the whole church too?
Yes. The faith education your child receives is tied to how the church teaches and treats people. Notice how the church views families, whether it respects people from different backgrounds, and how the pastor and staff deal with people.
Even if the children’s program is attractive, if you keep feeling uneasy about the church’s culture, find out why and consider other churches.
Can I stay with my child the first time?
Ask the church whether you can see the classroom, or stay with your child for a while. Before you go, tell your child where the classroom is, who the teacher is, where you will be and when you will collect them.
If your child is willing, try a few weeks and watch. You do not have to decide to stay long-term after one visit, and you do not need to treat every visit as a test of how well your child adapts.
What makes a Sunday school a good fit?
Your child is cared for safely and treated with respect, the lessons suit their age, and there is room to ask questions. These are things you can keep watching. Then see whether your child gradually understands how faith relates to everyday life.
If your child had fun, talk about what they learned. If your child remembers a lot of facts but is stressed every time, find out why. Looking at how your child feels together with what is taught helps more than a first impression.
Five things to ask the church before your first visit
- Which class would my child of this age join?
- What time does Sunday school start, and where do we check in?
- Can I go in with my child at first?
- What are the pick-up and safety arrangements?
- If my child does not settle in, how will the teacher contact me?
Find a church for the whole family on iChurch
Use Find a church to see locations and basic details for churches with English or bilingual services.
Before you go, confirm the Sunday school time, the age range and check-in with the church. Children’s programs can change over school holidays, seasons or church plans, so rely on the church’s latest announcement. For first-visit tips, see Visiting a church in Taiwan for the first time.
A prayer
Dear Father,
Thank you for trusting us with our children. Lead us to a safe place where they are respected, and give us wisdom to know what to ask.
Protect every child, and let them come to know your love slowly in your church.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.