We all want our lessons to be remembered. We always say things such as, “Take this with you this week.” We are always looking for ways to make the ideas and lesson topics stick with our students. Why not create Take Alongs—small, portable reminders connected to what you are teaching—for your lesson or series. They don’t have to be expensive.
You can use household objects, toys, cards or anything you can imagine that you want to infuse with meaning. Just make sure you have enough for every student in your group. You can use the classical things such as a small cross, religious item or bracelet; but I find my students respond better to more fun items.
You also can create something for them: a magnet, a card or a tag. I have found the more random the item the bigger the hit with students. Take Alongs are an easy, creative way to keep your lesson alive from week to week and maybe beyond. One senior high student not long ago pulled out a take along from a couple years ago that he had kept!
Here are a few examples of things we have used in our ministry:
– Domino: reminds students that a relationship with God dominoes into all of our other relationship. We added a small label printed with
– Toy ninjas: a reminder to battle temptation daily.
– Smiley face pin: reminds students to look for the ways God gives you joy throughout the week.
– Baby pin: reminds students they are a God-bearer as was Mary. They carry and give Christ to their world each day.
-Gold medal: reminds students to run the race and finish the course daily. Also good for a series on treasures in heaven.
– Compass: a reminder to have a daily devotion life and use God’s compass, the Bible.
– Toy road signs: reminders of finding God’s signs on the road of life.
There are just a few ideas, so go to your local party store, craft store or dollar store and let the inspiration flow.
