Craft Station Tips: 

Before kids arrive:  

* Please come early to set up. 

* Set up tables and chairs.  Cover tables if needed (covers are in file cabinet drawer in supply room). 

* Organize all supplies each table will need.   

- Things like paints, glue, colors, scissors (things that won’t change as new groups arrive) can already be on the table or you could have it in a bin to deliver to table depending upon the type of supplies needed.   

 - things like stickers, paper, and other supplies that will be used up by each group can be put into bins to be delivered to table after instructions are given to kids.

As kids arrive: 

* have them sit at the tables and get them ready to listen.  If need be, move kids to where you wish them to sit.  Don't be afraid to ask them to move to certain spots.

Once kids are ready: 

* explain what they’ll be doing – keep it brief. 

* get supplies to tables (either you deliver bins or have a child pick up). 

 * Give youth or other kids responsibility to help others put names on crafts if they need help  (they can use the name tags to help spell). 

 * If anyone needs help don’t just go and help them.  This is an equipping center.  Ask children at the table if anyone is able to help other child.  (If no one volunteers, you assign someone OR you get a youth to help OR you do it).   

*  If you have a child that needs lots of extra help, ask a youth to help them  OR if an older child doesn’t want to do craft themselves but wants to help that is fine too.  Older children do not HAVE to do the craft, they can always help younger ones instead if they like. 

As kids finish: 

* Direct them to put finished item on cart on their group color shelf. 

* Wash their hands if needed (If this is a type of craft that ALL kids will need to wash hands, then have a couple of containers with water and towels by them set out (under the bed storage containers are on top shelf in storage room). 

* If finished, get them to help others if you see them able to do so. 

* If finished and almost end of rotation, get them ready for next station. 

 * If finished, get them to help you clean up and set up for next group. 

At end of service: 

* take cart out into hallway at dismissal door. 

* clean up craft room putting supplies back into craft supply cupboard (feel free to grab couple kids to come help you as they are waiting for parents to pick them up.  Just remember, leave door open between rooms or have another adult with you if you do so)