The small group difference

I need to do some work with my volunteers to help them see the difference between leading a small group and teaching a class. I know I've seen resources on this (maybe at a Promiseland conference?), but I'm having trouble finding it. Can you help me compile a list? What are some key differences between leading a small group and teaching a class?

To get things started...

In a classroom, students sit on folding chairs around tables.
In a small group, kids sit on rugs, beanbags, pillows, or comfy chairs.

In a classroom, the children are called "students."I
n a small group, the children are called "kids."

In a classroom, the adult is "the sage on the stage."
In a small group, the adult is "the guide on the side."

In a classroom, the teacher knows everything and passes that information to the students.
In a small group, the kids and leaders study and discuss the Bible, working together to discover the answers.

In a classroom, there is competition between students.
In a small group, there is cooperation, community and fellowship.

In a classroom, the teacher is concerned with controlling the behavior of the students.
In a small group, the leader is concerned about seeing the kids' lives transformed through their relationship with God and with others.

In a classroom, the teacher talks and the students listen.
In a small group, everyone has opportunity to speak, listen and be heard.

Sadness to Joy

At the end of tonight's club program, I noticed a first grade girl was crying. Her small group had held a gift exchange and she ended up with a giant candy cane. She sobbed, "There was something else that I wanted, and my mom doesn't let me eat candy so she'll just throw this away!" She was so sad!

Thanks to some quick thinking, I ran to our prize stash and pulled out a few Beanie Babies. I told her that I'd trade her candy cane for a stuffed animal of her choice. She picked a cute little kitty cat and then gave me the tightest squeeze of a hug I have ever gotten from a kid.

I wanted to say to the girl, "Oh honey, this was nothing! You should see the way that Jesus turns sadness to joy. Follow Him and He will!" This is one simple way we can be like Jesus - by bringing some joy to those who are sad. And if we turn to Jesus, He will give us joy too. Are you willing to let Him turn your sadness to joy?