How it works
Every child gets a buddy and a plan that fits.
The same caring person stays with each child through the Sunday school hour. Depending on the child and the day, the buddy might stay with them in class, teach the same lesson somewhere calmer, or take a break with them in the sensory room.
A Sunday with Special Friends
A short, predictable hour built around the child
Arrive
Some children settle in the sensory room first. Others go right to class with their buddy.
See the plan
A picture schedule shows what's coming, so changes feel safe.
- About 5 min
Move
A movement warm-up: a hallway obstacle course, Simon Says or simple yoga.
- 15 to 20 min
Bible time
The week's Bible lesson, adapted with pictures, music and hands-on activities.
Free time
The child picks a picture card to choose what to play for the rest of the hour.
Make picture cards for your own Sunday
Bible time
Six ways to adapt any lesson
From Libby, the occupational therapy student who built Stillwater's adapted curriculum. The full guide is here.
- Keep it fun. Nobody wants to go somewhere they don't feel welcome. That goes double for kids.
- Same concept, different level. Teach the same truth as the rest of the class, made a little easier or a little harder for each child.
- Have a buddy nearby. Someone the child knows who can step in when things get hard.
- Large group or small. Some kids thrive in a big, energetic room. Others do best with one or two friends and fewer distractions.
- Keep kids with kids. Time with same-age friends is good for everyone in the room.
- Ask the parents. They know what their child loves, what sets them off, and what to do if there's a meltdown.
Moving toward the classroom
Each child starts where they are and moves toward the classroom when ready.
The five steps below show how a child can move between the three settings above. Tap or click a step to see what it looks like.
Top: most support. Bottom: in the classroom.
Buddies
Buddies are ordinary people from the congregation.
A buddy is a steady friend who helps a child take part in church. Buddies have been retirees, teenagers, college students and a car mechanic who had never done anything like it. Most say they got as much out of it as the child did.
If you've wanted a way to serve and haven't found the right fit, this is a simple one. You come on Sunday like you already do, spend the hour with one child, and get to be the hands and feet of Jesus at your own church.
What a buddy provides
What makes a great buddy
- A growing relationship with Christ
- A willingness to learn
- A desire to serve
If that sounds like you, you can be a buddy. Ask your children's ministry leader, or reach out to Sue if your church doesn't have Special Friends yet.
Where to next