4 WAYS TO INTEGRATE THE ARTS INTO VBS

Music, music, music!

Introduce new hymns, spirituals, and gospel songs that challenge and encourage discussions regarding the theme(s) of the lesson. Have participants write a song based on the song you played or write a completely original piece.

Liturgical dance.

Invite the youth or adult liturgical dance team or solo liturgical dancer to share a dance that interprets the lesson or theme(s). Participants will see and feel the lesson theme in a more relaxed and engaging way.

Arts and crafts.

Create or find interesting arts and crafts activities that your class can do and share with someone else. Keep the activity short, with minimal steps and resources needed. Try activities from other cultures that can enlighten and enhance the lesson. (Practice the steps at home before teaching the class.) Origami, clay, dough, paint, or other art items can be used for art designs. Art provides opportunities for participants to share their feelings and thoughts that may open up the lesson and their experiences in a wonderful way.

Videos.

Find videos that relate to the Scripture lesson that you can use to open the class, or play the video and provide questions for small groups to discuss. Have students review 5 seconds of the video and ask what they think the video is about. Use the video and the background information to lead a discussion about the lesson.