In February, over 40 Sunday School teachers came together over two days for a planning retreat. The retreat was held across five different locations, some generously hosted at the homes of members.
From left to right: Kindy 1 Teachers using their Friday nights to improve the quality of Sunday School lessons for 4-year-olds, Senior Teachers discussing their upcoming series for the 10 to 12-year-olds over Wan Tan Mee.
Throughout the retreat, teachers took time to reflect on their teaching over the past year. These sessions allowed them to thoughtfully evaluate what has been effective and to identify areas for growth. Through open discussions, they exchanged ideas on how to better engage children with different learning needs, with the shared goal of making lessons more meaningful and accessible to every student.
From left to right: Tots Teachers reflecting on their lessons and how they can adjust it to minister to the 2 and 3-year-old Sunday School kids; Kindy 2 Teachers putting their heads together to come out with a quality lesson for the 5-year-olds.
A significant portion of the retreat was also devoted to studying scripture for the sake of producing quality lessons. Teachers spent time reading the Bible together and discussing how to faithfully communicate its truth to young minds. These conversations centred on how to present deep and foundational biblical truths in ways that are both understandable and impactful for children. “Evangelise the students,” Vanessa Ong, The Children’s pastor kept reminding us.
From left to right: Kindy 1 teachers reading Mark 1 – 3 and discussing how to teach the account of the paralysed man; Junior 3 teachers preparing for to teach their kids the gospel of Luke for the 9-year-olds.
The retreat was not only a time of planning, but also one of spiritual encouragement. Many of the veteran teachers were paired with the newer teachers for the sake of growth and edification. “I’ve learnt that the best way to ensure that the kids get the best lessons possible is to work on the teachers first. The best feeling I have is seeing the teachers grow in love and understanding of the word as they teach the kids,” said Clovey, superintendent of Kindy 1 (kids aged 4). As teachers learned from one another and reflected on God’s Word, they were reminded of the importance of their role in nurturing the faith of the next generation.
Special thanks to all superintendents who worked tirelessly to organise 2026’s first Sunday School Planning Retreat!
