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The Large Group Program is an essential component of many children's ministry curriculum products. During Large Group time children receive effective and creative Bible teaching and learn about the God who loves and created us. When getting started with Large Group Programs, it is important that you concentrate your energy on doing the basics of the Large Group Programs well. The Large Group Teacher and Creative Teaching Helpers need to prepare and rehearse ahead of time, memorize their lines rather than read them, and present their best to the kids so they will understand the Key Concept of each lesson. Simple props, as listed for each program, can be used as you have them available, and music can be incorporated for worship and for transition times as you choose.

Once these basics are running fairly smoothly for you and your team, you may wish to enhance the program with additional production elements. Sometimes the addition of a scene-setting prop or simple sound effect can help focus the children's attention at an appropriate moment, as can using a set backdrop or lighting effect. When considering how to best enhance the program with production elements—sets, audio, and lighting and visual effects—the most important thing to remember is to keep it simple and to evaluate your wants versus your needs. One of the most frustrating things for you and your team can be developing a program that is beyond the capabilities of your time, resources, or room restrictions. Here are some questions to ask as you get started:

• What element do we want to add?
• Why do we want to do this?
• Will this work in our room?
• Do we have the resources to do this?
• Will this added element make or break the program?

Providing an appropriate backdrop for a Large Group Program can certainly enhance the look and feel of the teaching. Such backdrops do not need to be elaborate, however. The "keep it simple" principle still applies.

• Create sets by using existing materials and things that are easily accessible to you and your team.
• Bring materials from home or borrow them from your congregation or neighbors.
• Be creative and ask yourself, "What do we already have that we can work with?"
• Be sure to have adequate storage space for your set materials and props. You will be able to use some of the items in multiple lessons.

Sound is another great way to draw kids into the program and help them get into the story. Audio effects are best used to support what the kids are seeing and learning; they should not be so overpowering that they detract from the teaching. When using audio, it is best to have an assistant who can operate the equipment so the teacher can concentrate on teaching. If you are considering using or purchasing an audio system, here are some guidelines to keep in mind.

• Evaluate your needs first. The audio system you will need depends mostly on the size of your room and the number of kids you have. A boom box with CD/tape capabilities can be very effective in most settings. Additional speakers can be used in conjunction with a boom box to further amplify the sound, if necessary.

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