9 Ways to Use Signage in Children's Ministry Classrooms

Signs can serve a purpose well beyond simply helping people find a particular room. Signs can make a room feel more welcoming, fun, and even inspirational. Children are drawn toward primary colors, interesting fonts, and pretty pictures or artwork. 

As you prepare children's ministry classroom signage, consider what signage you could use that would make each room feel inviting to kids.

Here are several ways to use children's ministry classroom signage:

#1 - Kids Ministry Age & Grade

Place signs on the outside of each classroom that indicate who that room is for. Whether you handle this by age range, school grade, or some other criteria, make sure it’s clear who belongs where. Parents will appreciate clear signage that makes check-in and pickup easier. 

Use colors, fonts, and artwork on each sign that is appropriate for the age group using that classroom.

#2 - Scripture

Even in classrooms for children who can’t yet read, placing Bible verses on wall signs is always a good idea.

Part of kids ministry involves supporting parents by helping their children learn Scripture and internalize the Word of God. 

Teachers and nursery workers can read the verses to children often, helping them memorize Scripture even before they can read the words on their own. 

Choose signs that include child-friendly artwork along with the Bible verse.

Here are some ideas for verses or Bible-related topics that lend themselves well to kid-friendly artwork:

• Full Armor of God - Ephesians 6:10-18
• Fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22-23
• The Love Chapter - 1 Corinthians 13
• Days of Creation - Genesis 1
• Ten Commandments - Exodus 20:1-17
• The Lord’s Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13
• Books of the Bible

#3 - Classroom Rules

Kids need to know the rules that apply to their time in their classroom. These could be rules like, “Say please and thank you,” “We clean up our messes,” “Respect our teachers,” or “Treat each other with kindness.” Keep the list of rules to a minimum (even God only gave 10 Commandments) and make the sentences short.

Place these classroom rules on signs that are still interesting and fun for children to look at. Refer to the rules often to help children remember how you expect them to behave in that classroom.

#4 - Signs for Cleanup Time

As you wrap up time in each classroom, you’ll want the children to help tidy up the room. Using signs that show what toys, books, and supplies go where will help even non-readers participate in cleanup time.

Each sign should include a picture of the type of item that belongs in that area along with a descriptive word or two.

#5 - Seasonal Signs

Rotate signs around each classroom based on the season, holiday, or current aspect of the liturgical year (if your church follows the liturgical year). 

By changing up the decor every few months, you’ll generate interest from the kids. Changing out signs also indicates to parents that you’re intent on keeping each room up-to-date and decorated appropriately for their children to enjoy.

Here are a few ideas for signs to rotate throughout the year:

• New Year
• Epiphany
• Valentine's Day
• First Day of Spring
• Palm Sunday
• Easter
• Mother's Day
• Father's Day
• Independence Day
• Back to School
• Thanksgiving
• Advent
• Christmas

#6 - Monthly Classroom Theme

If you have a particular theme of lessons you’re addressing in the Sunday school curriculum, display that theme using classroom signage. 

For example, if the theme is “love,” use signs that pull quotes from 1 Corinthians 13 and other applicable passages.

#7 - Safety Procedures

While most signs will be intended for children to enjoy, some signage should assist the adults in protecting the kids in their care. Include signs that list the applicable safety procedures for a variety of scenarios:

• Evacuation Procedures
• How to handle various types of injuries
• What to do in case of a fire, tornado, or other natural disasters

These signs should be easy for the adult staff and volunteers to find, but not in the main area of interest for the children.

#8 - Vacation Bible School Signage

Ideally, Vacation Bible School will attract families from within the congregation and beyond. To help those not as familiar with your church campus, add special signs specifically for VBS.

These signs could reflect the VBS theme you're using that year, help newer families feel welcome, and invite children to come back for weekly services.

#9 - Signs for classroom areas

If you have classrooms somewhat divided into sections (reading time, building blocks, puzzles, crafts, etc.), consider posting signs to clearly mark each area. This blocks sign would work well for a building blocks classroom area.

Children's ministry classroom signage is useful for providing instruction, helping families know where each child should go, inspiring kids to learn Scripture, and much more. 

When you invest the time to carefully consider the signs for each classroom, you're helping to cultivate the next generation of believers.