procedures 2009 - crossroads church...

PARTNERING with families to SHAPE kids to love God and love others.

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Crossroads Kids

Vision, Mission and Values of Crossroads Kids………….……………………….…………. 2

Ministry Teams Roles and Procedures

Registration……………………………………………………………….…………………..…............. 3

Preschool (birth through 5 yrs.) Team……………………………………………….……….….. 4 Kinder through 5th Grade Team……………………………………………………………..………. 7 Worship Team………………………………………………………………………………………..…….. 8

Ministry Structure

Partnering and Shaping…..……………………………………………………………………..….… 11

Classroom Management ……………………………………………………..……………..….…... 12 Ministry Leaders.…………………………………………………………………….…………..….….. 14

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Crossroads Kids 12/08

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Vision

That every child in North Austin would have a chance to experience the life‐changing reality of Jesus Christ through the ministry of Crossroads Kids.

Mission

PARTNERING with families to SHAPE kids to love God and love others.

Kids who love God and love others are kids who:

Come to Christ—Romans 10:9

Attend and Serve with Joy—Hebrews 10:24‐25

Reflect Godly character—1 Peter 1:14‐15

Extend Christ to others—Matthew 28:19‐20

Values

Safe: We expect both families and kids to feel a sense of security during the Sunday morning environment of Crossroads Kids because it is physically (volunteers are screened appropriately), emotionally (volunteers treat kids as they would want to be treated), and spiritually (kids feel comfortable asking questions) safe.

Fun: Kids are naturally motivated to learn through fun. So, we want Sunday morning to be a place where kids can genuinely say, “I had fun today!”

Relational: We don’t expect kids to be shaped by lectures on the bible, but rather through relational small group leaders who care about the lives and happenings of kids.

Biblically Relevant: All people must see that God’s word has timeless application for their lives today, especially kids. So, we want Sunday morning to be a place where kids are taught from the Bible in a way that is relevant; in a way that they “get it.”

The following is a description of the invaluable roles and procedures required to accomplish the mission of Crossroads Kids: Partnering with parents to shape children to love God and love others. This is not an exhaustive description of the roles and procedures, but rather should be seen as necessary expectations for each role and/or procedure. Each of these roles and procedures should be carried out in a way that reflects the values of Crossroads Kids: safe, fun, relational, and biblically relevant.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TEAM ROLES AND PROCEDURES

THE VISION AND MISSION OF CROSSROADS KIDS


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Registration Team The Registration Team is the “front door” to Crossroads Kids every Sunday morning. The Registration Team communicates to parents/guardians that Crossroads Kids is a safe, fun, relational, and biblically relevant environment for their kids. It is the Registration Team that connects parents/guardians with the content their kids are learning each week and ways in which their kids can continue to practice what they’ve learned throughout the week. In that sense, the Registration Team is the “front door” that connects Crossroads Kids with parents to make partnering with parents a success.

A. Registration Team Leader 1. Expectations

a. Train and recruit appropriate number of team members once each semester (Fall, Spring, Summer).

b. Create team member schedule so that two team members are present at registration table during the entire Sunday morning service each week.

c. Commit to working registration table on consistent schedule. d. Maintain communication with Children’s Ministry Director on a weekly basis.

2. Procedure a. Create and distribute semester schedule 2 weeks prior to the start of each

semester to team members and CM Director. b. Hold one training meeting 2 weeks prior to the start of each semester. c. Get children’s birthday calendar and cards from Church Office Manager (Shelley

Kelso) and have appropriate teachers sign cards the 1st Sunday of each month. Return cards to church office (via Shelley’s black box).

d. Check‐in/out procedures (see below).

B. Registration Team Members 1. Expectations

a. Work with Registration Team leader in formulating schedule and commit to semester schedule.

b. Ensure that appropriate information is collected on each child upon check‐in (see visitor registration form: child’s name, DOB, gender, class, allergies/special needs, parent’s names, contact info).

c. Ensure safety of students and teachers (i.e., always accompany a teacher and child to restroom; do not let any child leave the gym without being accompanied by their parent).

2. Procedure a. Arrive at 9:45 am. b. Place signs at each class: Nursery (birth ‐ 12); 1 yr. olds (13 mos. – 23 mos.); 2

yrs. Old; Pre‐K (3yrs – 5); Kinder‐2nd grade; 3rd—5th grade c. Place on table: Registration form for new visitors; Nursery Info; Sign‐In/Out

sheet (use clip boards); “No Food or Drinks” sign.


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d. Check in Members/Regular attendees: Have parents sign in their child; give label for child and identification cards to parents (Registration begins at 10:10 and ends at 11:00 am).

e. Check‐in for visitors: Use visitors form and ensure all data is collected (unless parent is not comfortable giving all data), place form in “Office Manager” black box – top copy of form only.

f. 10:50 am – Worship leader goes to Storytelling time with K‐ 5th grade. g. 11:30 am – Worship leader with toddlers and Pre‐K (2‐3 songs). h. Get headcount of all children and adults present in the gym, post on attendance

sheet and give numbers to the ushers. i. End of service (12:00 pm) parents will pick up their children and check out at the door; name and identification number will be matched.

j. If children are running around; line the children against the wall by the door to wait for their parents.

k. Clean up area: Place all information papers in appropriate file (attendance sheet and new visitor information in the Office black box; Boo Boo reports, notes for Registration Leader can be placed in the first slot of file folder in the smaller Registration box).

Nursery—Pre‐K Team The Nursery through Pre‐K Team exists to create an atmosphere that is conducive to children from birth to five years for learning about God in a safe, fun, relational, and biblically relevant environment.

A. Team Leader 1. Expectations

a. Love kids. b. See yourself as a spiritual leader, NOT a babysitter. c. Fill out and submit background check form. d. Train and recruit team members. e. Schedule rotations of team members. f. Prepare lessons each month for Ones, Twos, and Pre‐K classes by reading

FirstLook curriculum, adapting the curriculum to the classes, obtaining a supply list for the lessons one month in advance, emailing the lessons to the teachers one month in advance, emailing a reminder to each teacher weekly with a copy of that week’s lesson attached as well as adapted outline of activities to be done that week.

g. Help teachers gather needed supplies each Sunday. h. Keep yourself spiritually healthy by reading Scripture, praying, and connected to

fellow Christ‐followers. i. Pray for teachers and children regularly.


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2. Procedure a. Ensure any new team members (anyone interested in becoming team member)

fills out a background check and submit form to CM Director or Church Office Manager.

b. Coordinate and finalize schedules with team members at least 2 weeks prior to each semester.

c. 15th of the month: Read each lesson for Ones, Twos, and Pre‐K for the following month and determine which activities we will do each week. Adapt the outline to include only the activities to be done each week.

d. 15th of the month: Compile a list of supplies needed for each weekly lesson for the following month. Email Shelley Kelso ([email protected]) the list of needed supplies.

e. Wednesday of each week: Email a copy of this week’s lesson to each teacher and assistant teaching this week in Ones, Twos, Pre‐K along with an adapted outline of the activities to focus on and general reminders to be on time, change diapers, greet, etc.

f. Arrive at 9:45 am Sunday morning of each week. g. Recruit year‐round via word of mouth and/or worship guide. h. Train once a semester on a Sunday after church for 2 hours.

B. Nursery Workers 1. Expectations

a. Love kids. b. See yourself as a spiritual leader, NOT a babysitter. c. Fill out background check form. d. Commit to your schedule for one full semester. e. Pray for babies by name at least once per week. f. Keep yourself spiritually healthy by reading Scripture, praying, and connected to

fellow Christ‐followers. 2. Procedure

a. Arrive at 9:45 am to complete nursery setup (put sheets on changing pad and pack‐n‐plays, set up any additional equipment, put trash bag in the trash can, set out toys). Nursery MUST be baby‐ready by 10:00 am for parents who are serving to drop off children.

b. Parents must fill out a Nursery Form indicating feeding time and style (nursed/bottle).

c. Nursery Form is to be completed by teacher with time fed and changed. d. All diapers are to be changed before children are picked up (and only by female

workers that have completed a Background Check). e. Teachers must sanitize their hands before and after every diaper change. f. Nursing Moms who are NOT leaving their child in CM but are utilizing the nursery

MUST sign in at the registration desk. g. All bottles, diaper bags, and diapers must be labeled with the child's name.


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h. DO NOT begin tearing down or sanitizing any equipment until every baby has been picked up.

C. Teachers and Assistants 1. Expectations

a. Love kids. b. See yourself as a spiritual leader, NOT a babysitter. c. Fill out background check form. d. Commit to your teaching schedule for one full semester. e. Prepare for the FirstLook lesson (expect to spend at least 30 minutes preparing

each week). f. Pray for your students by name at least once per week. g. Keep yourself spiritually healthy by reading Scripture, praying, and connected to


a. Fill out and submit background check prior to committing to schedule. b. Coordinate schedule with team leader no later than 2 weeks prior to each

semester. c. Prepare for the FirstLook lesson plan prior to Sunday morning by reading

through the entire lesson at least twice, including the related Scripture passages (expect to receive all lessons the Wed. prior to your scheduled lesson).

d. Bring your lesson plan and Bible to class. e. Pray for your students by name. f. Arrive at 9:45 am Sunday morning. g. Retrieve supplies for current week from Shelley’s supply bag and CM file box,

gather other needed supplies from supply boxes on carts, and complete any last minute activity preparation prior to parents arriving by 10:15 am.

h. Greet the child and parent as they arrive to your area. i. Begin “Make It Fun” activities by 10:40 am j. Begin “Make it True” activities by 10:55 am k. Begin “Make it Stick” activities by 11:20 am l. Lead children to the worship area at 11:35 am

m. Sit/stand among children during the worship time (be sure to have FUN during this time by participating in worship dances and songs).

n. Lead children back to their areas at 11:45 am and engage in general play and change all diapers.

o. Greet parents as they arrive to pick‐up their children and be sure to check their identification card.

p. DO NOT begin tearing down until the child has left your area. q. DO NOT leave your area until all items are returned to appropriate containers

and stacked on top of tables or next to carts.


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Kindergarten—5th Grade Team The Kinder through 5th Grade Team exists to create an atmosphere that is conducive to children from five to twelve years for learning about loving God and others in a safe, FUN, relational, and biblically relevant environment.


a. Love kids. b. See yourself as a spiritual leader, NOT a babysitter. c. Fill out and submit background check form. d. Maintain communication with CM Director on weekly basis. e. Train and recruit team members. f. Schedule rotations of team members. g. Prepare lessons each month for Kinder—2nd and 3rd—5th grades by reading

252Basics curriculum, adapting the curriculum to the classes, obtaining a supply list for the lessons one month in advance, emailing the lessons to the teachers one month in advance, emailing a reminder to each teacher weekly with a copy of that week’s lesson attached as well as adapted outline of activities to be done that week.

h. Set‐up classes with needed supplies weekly. i. Keep yourself spiritually healthy by reading Scripture, praying, and connected to fellow Christ‐followers.

j. Pray for teachers and children regularly. 2. Procedure

a. Ensure any new team members (anyone interested in becoming team member) fills out a background check and submit form to CM Director or Church Office Manager.


c. 15th of the month: Read each lesson for Kinder—2nd and 3rd—5th grades for the following month and determine which activities we will do each week. Adapt the outline to include only the activities to be done each week.

d. 15th of the month: Compile a list of supplies needed for each weekly lesson for the following month. Email Church Office Manager (Shelley Kelso at [email protected]) a list of needed supplies.

e. 15th of the month: Email each teacher and assistant the lessons for the following month along with the dates they will be teaching that month.

f. Wednesday of each week: Email a copy of the week’s lesson (second copy) to each teacher and assistant teaching this week in Kinder‐2nd and 3rd—5th grades along with an adapted outline of the activities to focus on and general reminders.

g. Arrive 9:45 am Sunday morning of each week: Retrieve supplies for current week Shelley’s supply bag and Office black box, gather other needed supplies from supply boxes on carts, and put all supplies on the teaching table in each class.


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h. Recruiting is done year‐round via word of mouth and/or worship guide. i. Train once a semester on a Sunday after church for 2 hours.

B. Teachers & Assistants

1. Expectations a. Love kids. b. See yourself as a spiritual leader, NOT a babysitter. c. Fill out background check form. d. Commit to your teaching schedule for one full semester. e. Prepare for the 252Basics lesson (expect to spend at least 30 minutes preparing

each week). f. Pray for your students by name at least once per week. g. Keep yourself spiritually healthy by reading Scripture, praying, and connected to



semester. c. Prepare for the 252Basics lesson plan prior to Sunday morning by reading

through the entire lesson at least twice, including the related Scripture passages. d. Bring your lesson plan and Bible to class. e. Pray for your students by name. f. Arrive at 9:45 am Sunday morning. g. Prepare necessary materials for the lesson so they are ready by 10:15 am. h. Greet the child and parent as they arrive to your area. i. Begin “Plug In” activities by 10:30 am. j. Lead children to the worship area at 10:50 am . k. Sit/stand among children during the worship and story telling time (be sure to

have FUN during this time by participating in worship dances and songs). l. Lead children back to their areas at 11:25 am.

m. Begin “Catch On” activities by 11:30 am. n. Wrap‐up lesson with prayer by 11:55 am. o. Greet parents as they arrive to pick‐up their children and be sure to check their

identification card. p. DO NOT leave your area until all items are returned to appropriate containers

and stacked on top of tables or next to carts.

C. Master Storytellers 1. Expectations

a. Love kids. b. See yourself as a spiritual leader, NOT a babysitter. c. Fill out background check form. d. Commit to your teaching schedule for one full semester.


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e. Prepare for the 252Basics lesson (expect to spend at least 30 minutes preparing each week).

f. Pray for your students by name at least once per week. g. Keep yourself spiritually healthy by reading Scripture, praying, and connected to



semester. c. Prepare for the 252Basics lesson plan prior to Sunday morning by reading

through the entire lesson at least twice, including the related Scripture passages. d. Bring your lesson plan and Bible to class. e. Pray for your students by name. f. Arrive at 9:45 am and coordinate with Worship team member about lesson/skit,

questions for students, and sharing testimonies. Recruit one teacher from Toddlers—Pre‐K and Kinder—5th grade group to operate slide transitions for songs.

g. After Toddlers through Pre‐K groups are through worshipping, begin packing up A/V equipment.

Worship Team The Worship Team exists to provide kids with an environment where they can celebrate God’s love for them and their love for God. This is done through song and prayer. We want kids to see that worship is safe (they feel comfortable being themselves), fun (they enjoy participating in worship), relational (they worship with others), and biblically relevant (they know worship involves thinking rightly about God in a relevant way. Clapping and dancing for God is OK!).


a. Love kids. b. Fill out and submit background check form. c. Train and recruit team members. d. Schedule rotations of team members. e. Choose 2‐3 songs per month that are biblically sound, easy to learn and sing,

adaptable for hand motions and/or dances. This should be done on a quarterly basis (choose songs for 3 months at a time). Distribute to all Teachers and Worship leaders on the 15th of the month before each quarter via e‐mail. Our goal is to have 10‐12 songs each year that the children will know well.

f. Ensure lyrics for songs are prepared for Sunday (currently using LiveWorship software on 1 volunteer computer and 1 church computer).

g. Ensure Worship Team knows monthly virtue and memory verse for K—5th graders and delivers them each week in a creative way.

h. Holds regular rehearsals with Worship Team to create and/or learn songs, hand motions, and/or dances.


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i. Keep yourself spiritually healthy by reading Scripture, praying, and connected to fellow Christ‐followers.

j. Prays for Worship Team members and students regularly. 2. Procedure

a. Ensure any new team members (anyone interested in becoming team member) fills out a background check and submit form to CM Director or Church Office Manager.


c. 1st of every 3rd quarter month (March 1st, June 1st, September 1st, December 1st): Choose 2‐3 songs per month for the next quarter months for K—5th grade group and e‐mail to CM Director, Worship Team, and Teachers.

d. 1st Sunday of each month: Meet with all Worship Leaders at 9:00 am to go over monthly songs, hand motions, and/or dances, and memory verse.

e. Recruiting is done year‐round via word of mouth and/or worship guide.

B. Worship Leaders 1. Expectations

a. Enjoy what you are doing, have fun, and be creative. b. See yourself as a spiritual leader, NOT a babysitter. c. Learn the songs and related hand motions/dances prior to scheduled time to

lead. d. Knows monthly virtue and memory verse for K—5th graders. e. Keep yourself spiritually healthy by reading Scripture, praying, and connected to

fellow Christ‐followers. f. Pray for the students by name at least once per week. g. Commit to semester schedule. h. Attend regular meetings to regroup and provide input.

2. Procedure a. Listen to the songs prior to your Sunday AM rotation and learn them‐you should

be able to sing them without looking at the words (expect to receive songs in advance from Worship Team Leader).

b. Arrive at 9:45 am to help Storyteller set‐up A/V equipment and do sound/video check.

c. At 10:00 am coordinate with Master Storyteller about lesson/skit, questions for students, and sharing testimonies. Recruit one teacher from Toddlers—Pre‐K and Kinder—5th grade group to operate slide transitions for songs.

d. At 11:00 am lead and/or teach songs to the Kinder—5th graders. e. At 11:10 am help with Storytelling by playing a part in the skit (unless storyteller

has arranged for someone else to help, i.e. Joshua Pope) f. At 11:35 am lead and/or teach songs to Toddlers—Pre‐K group. g. After Toddlers through Pre‐K groups are through worshipping, begin packing up

A/V equipment.


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Partnering and Shaping Partnering with Families ‐ Ongoing Parents are the primary influencers in the lives of their kids (Deut. 6:4‐9; Ps. 78:1‐8; Eph. 6:4), therefore it is paramount that we partner with parents in shaping kids to love God and love others. The main channels that we accomplish this through are:

1. Parent‐teacher communication is conducted through registration and child pick‐up, phone calls, letters, or e‐mails.

2. Refrigerator, God‐Time cards, and Small Talk devotions given each week to kids and/or parents that provide a means for going over Bible verses and engaging in spiritual conversations with kids.

3. Updates on parenting conferences via church bulletin, letters, or e‐mails. Shaping Kids ‐ Sunday Morning As a part of Crossroads Community Church, our Children’s Ministry is structured to facilitate life change in the context of community. Just as adults participate in large group worship and small groups throughout the week, we want kids to participate in a similar structure. This is seen on Sunday mornings from 10:30 am ‐ 12:00 pm in our Children’s Ministry through two parts: small group time and large group time. 1 year through Pre‐K This age group uses the small and large group time to engage in age appropriate activities (i.e., crafts, storytelling, song, and games) to introduce the concepts: God Made, God Loves Me, and Jesus Wants to be my Friend Forever. The following schedule applies to this age group: Small Group Fun Time 15 minutes Small Group Story Time 20 minutes Small Group Application Time 15 minutes Large Group Worship Time 10 minutes Small Group Play Time 10‐20 minutes

MINISTRY STRUCTURE


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Kinder through 5th Grade This age group uses the small group time to introduce the monthly virtue in an applicable and fun way through hands‐on activities and games. During the large group time, kids are led by adult leaders in singing, acting out bible stories, and reciting Scripture. The following schedule applies to this age group. Small Group Activity Time 20 minutes Large Group Time 35 minutes Small Group Application Time 35 minutes

Classroom Management The 3 R’s As a Children’s Ministry volunteer, you have been appointed by God to serve as the authority in the lives of the children in your classroom for the time you are with them. Your assignment is to help them grow in Christ‐likeness in their character, attitudes, and behavior. In order to provide

Time Activity Area

START 10:30

END 10:40 Check‐in Check‐in Table

START 10:30

END 10:50 Plug In activities Age‐appropriate area

START 10:50

END 11:25 Worship & Story time Worship stage

START 11:25

END 12:00

Catch On activities (End in Prayer)

Age‐appropriate area

Time Activity Area

START 10:30

END 10:40 Check‐in Check‐in Table

START 10:40

END 10:55 Make it Fun (activities) Age‐appropriate area

START 10:55

END 11:15 Make it True (Story & Prayer) Age‐appropriate area

START 11:15

END 11:35 Make it Stick (activities) Age‐appropriate area

START 11:35

END 11:45 Worship Worship stage

START 11:45

END 12:00 General play & diaper change Age‐appropriate area


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consistency and continuity, all Children’s Ministry volunteers use the same discipline system. It is very simple and helps to teach the child what God’s Word says is appropriate behavior. Every situation, both positive and negative, can and should be used as a teachable moment to reinforce these behaviors. The 3 R’s should be reviewed by volunteers in the classroom on a regular basis.

• Reverence for God and His Word (listen attentively) • Respect for God’s authority (Volunteers, that’s you!) • Regard for God’s people (other children)

Use these 3 words regularly in the classroom, as a means to both re‐direct inappropriate behavior (see Procedure below) and affirm appropriate behavior. For example, when giving instructions on an activity and you spot a child listening, be sure to affirm them by saying something like, “Thank you for respecting me by listening to the instructions.”

Procedure The procedure for disciplining any child should be carried out with loving intentions—discipline is about the heart first, then behavior. If you are ever uncomfortable with disciplining a child, ask for help from an assistant teacher or team leader. The process should be carried out in the order as follows:

1. Verbal warning and re‐direct a. Be positive ‐ Directives that inform what the child should do instead of telling

them what they cannot do. Example: “Use your inside voice” vs. “Don’t yell!” b. Cause and Effect ‐ Directives that inform the child what happens when they

act a certain way. Example: “You may have the toy when you sit on the blanket”.

c. Options/Choices ‐ Directives that inform the child of the choices available for them. Example: “Susie is playing with that toy now, you may play with it later. You can play with this toy now.”

2. Timeout (+ parent notification at pick‐up). 3. Loss of privilege (outside or inside play, etc.). 4. Notify parents to attend to child (if in service, inform registration team member to

request for parent). Tips for managing behavior:

1. Love and Acceptance ‐ Pray before each class that God will use you to love the kids in a way that reflects His heart. REMEMBER: Some kids may be new to church and/or first‐time guests, extend them extra grace.

2. Meaningful Activity ‐ Scheduled and Structured a. Kids love repetition and need it to learn. b. Get started with activities as soon as possible. Even if you have one or two kids

who show up early, start asking them what they did all week (big kids) or introduce them to a toy or game (little kids).


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c. Stick to the schedule. This is especially important since kids have a different teacher each week. If the schedule is the consistent, they will know which activity comes next (refer to the schedules in your area or on your lesson plans).

d. Set limits. Let them know what is expected. For example, “First we’re going to play a game and I need to show respect by listening to the rules of the game” or “This is story time and it’s my time to talk and your time to be very quiet and look at me.”

3. Be realistic about what you can expect. a. Teaching segments should be: 5‐10 minutes max for 2 year olds, 10 minutes for 3

year olds, 15 minutes for 4 year olds, 15‐20 minutes for Kinder—5th graders. b. Kids can learn songs but may not be able to read the words. c. Kids can participate in discussion but may not be able to answer abstract

questions. For example, a child may not understand what is meant by, “How do you feel when you look to the cross?” Instead, you could ask, “How did Jesus show us that he loves us?”

Keep in mind that discipline is really about the heart first, then the behavior. You have been entrusted by God and Crossroads Community Church to serve as the authority in the lives of the children in your classroom for the time you are with them.

Children’s Ministry Leaders Children’s ministry involves a host of volunteers who make Crossroads Kids a success. Below are the leaders entrusted with leading these volunteers in their appropriate areas. Please contact the appropriate leader with any questions or concerns.

Brad Peterson: Spiritual Formation Pastor/Children’s Ministry Director [email protected] Christy Traywick: Registration Team Leader [email protected] Melissa Zavala: Nursery ‐ Pre‐K Team Leader [email protected] David Pope: Kinder ‐ 5th Grade Team Leader [email protected] Marina Butts: Worship Team Leader [email protected]

Revised 12/11/2008 (sk)

Scripture quotations marked (NCV) are quoted from The Holy Bible, New Century Version, copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Word Publishing, Dallas, Texas 75234. Used by permission.

These resources are intended to be downloaded and printed for use by the subscribing entity only and may not be electronically transferred to or du-plicated by other non-subscribing entities. Any unauthorized reproduction of this material or incorporation into a new work is a direct violation of US copyright laws. © 2008 First Look. All rights reserved.

“STATEMENT OF FAITH” USER AGREEMENTThe ReThink Group, Inc. gladly grants permission to churches, schools, and other licensees to tailor First LookTM materials to fi t their unique leadership re-quirements, locale and format preferences, and physical environment needs. However, if you wish to edit the content substantively, including Bible stories, learning activities, scripts, and any other content in which biblical principles and concepts are presented, you are obligated to do so within the doctrinal guidelines we’ve expressed in our Statement of Faith.

Editor in Chief: Kathy HillCreative Director: Autumn WardCopy Editor: Wendi ZebellCurriculum Writers: Marcia Banks, Jodi Blackwell, and Donna TaylorIllustrators and Graphic Designers: Jodi Blackwell, Elloa Davis, and Joe GoodeChief Creative Offi cer: Reggie JoinerChief Executive Offi cer: Joel ManbyChief Operating Offi cer: Karen OdomExecutive Director: Sue MillerTechnical and Web Support: Hadley Brandt, Howard OdomPartner Support: Debbie Joiner

SEP WEEK 011 & 2 year olds

We want preschoolers to take a fi rst look at who God is and understand...

Curriculum for Preschoolers

SEPTEMBER

Key Question: Big or small, who loves you?

Bottom Line: God loves me!

Memory Verse: “Nothing can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:39, NIrV

Bible Story Focus: God is the biggest of all. David and Goliath • 1 Samuel 17:1-50

1 & 2 year olds September, week 1

Here’s an overview of what you’ll be teaching in 1s & 2s this week.

Curriculum materials for 1 and 2 year olds • © 2008 First Look. All Rights Reserved • www.myfi rstlook.org 2

Make It FunMake It Fun(Choose one or all of these activities)• Big Giant, Little Me• Stone Search• Basket Sort

Make It TrueMake It True• Introductory Activity: Sing the Story• Bible Story• Worship

Make It StickMake It Stick(Choose as many of these activities as you like)• Ring the Basket• Big Bite, Little Bite• Sing and Show (Bible story review)• Stone Painting

DismissDismiss• Send home Small Talk cards

If you are choosing to lead “Big Bite, Little Bite” during Make It Stick, post the “Allergy Alert Poster” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site). Be sure to list the foods you will be serving today. As parents bring their children to your room, call their attention to the sign.

Basic Truth:God loves me.

September


1. Big Giant, Little MeLead this activity in an open area of the room beside a wall.

What You Need: A 9-foot length of art paper, a marker, a cloth measuring tape, a copy of “Goliath’s Face” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site), and tape.

What You Do: Tape the copy of “Goliath’s Face” to the top of the 9-foot length of art paper. Then tape the art paper to the wall. Guide the children to stand beside the paper so you can measure and mark their height on the paper. Write each child’s name by their height and compare their height to the giant’s height. Measure the height of other items as well (such as the door, a table, an adult) and mark them on the paper. Keep this paper to use during the Bible story.

What You Say: “Today we’re going to hear a Bible story about a man who was this big (point to the height of the art paper). He was a giant. (Stand beside the paper.) Let’s see how big I am compared to the giant. (Mark your height on the paper.) Now let’s see how big you are compared to the giant. (Mark a child’s height on the paper.) Look, you’re this big (point to the mark made at the child’s height), and the giant was this big (point to the giant’s face). Let’s write your name here so we can remember that you are this big. (Continue like this with all the children.) What other things can we measure to see how big they are compared to the giant?”

2. Stone SearchLead this activity in small groups or individually as you’re seated on the fl oor.

What You Need: A large tub, sand, water, fi ve smooth stones that are not a choking hazard, and towels.

What You Do: Pour the sand and water in the tub. Bury the fi ve stones in the sand. Guide children to dig in the wet sand to fi nd the fi ve smooth stones. Count the stones as the children fi nd them.

What You Say: “Today we’re going to hear a Bible story about a boy who needed fi ve stones. He went to a river to get the stones. Let’s see if we can fi nd fi ve stones just like he did. Very good, you found one. Let’s count the stones we fi nd.”

Prepare to off er one or more of the following activities as your 1 and 2 year-olds arrive. Let one or

two teachers lead small groups of children in activities throughout the room while another teacher

greets parents and kids at the door. At this age not all children

will participate, but most will want to be part of the fun.

Make it Fun Key Question: Big or small, who loves you?



Bible Story Focus: God is the biggest of all.

David and Goliath • 1 Samuel 17:1-50

Septemberweek 1


3. Basket SortLead this activity with a small group sitting on the fl oor.

What You Need: Two baskets, one big truck, one little truck, one big doll, one small doll, one big ball, one small ball, one big stuff ed toy, and one small stuff ed toy.

What You Do for 1s: Place a basket on each side of you. Put all the other items on the fl oor in a pile. Guide children to help you put the big things in one basket and the small things in the other basket.

What You Do for 2s: Place a basket on each side of you with all the big things in one basket and all the small things in another basket. Guide children to choose a big item and then its matching small item.

What You Say for 1s: “Look at all these things on the fl oor. Let’s have some fun putting them away. Let’s put all the big things in one basket and all the little things in the other basket. I’m so glad you’re here to help me. (Pick up a big item.) Is this big or little? I think it’s big, so let’s put it in this basket. (Continue helping the children place items in the baskets.) Our Bible story today is about a little person and a big person.

What You Say for 2s: “Look at our two baskets. All these things are big, and all these things are small. (Pick up the big truck.) I just found a big truck in this basket. I wonder if there might be a little truck in that basket of little things. Can you fi nd a little truck? Wow, great job! Let’s put the big truck and the little truck right here together. (Set the trucks together on the fl oor, and then continue pairing all the big and small items.) Our Bible story today is about a little person and a big person.”

Make it Fun

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Introductory Activity: Sing the StoryWhat You Need: The 9-foot length of art paper with “Goliath’s Face” taped to it that was used in “Big Giant, Little Me” during Make It Fun.

Sing the following words to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” While you sing, remove the Goliath paper from the wall and motion for the children to follow you to the Bible story area.

LEADER: (To the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”)“Goliath was a big, big man.David was a little boy.When God helped David sling the stone, The giant tumbled to the ground.God is bigger than anything,And I’m so glad that God loves me.”(Continue singing the song until the Goliath paper is on the fl oor at the story area and the children have gathered around.)

LEADER: “In our story today, we’re going to hear how God helped a brave young boy do something amazing. Let’s all gather around the big, big giant.”

Bible Story for 1sWhat You Need: A Bible marked at 1 Samuel 17 and the 9-foot length of art paper with “Goliath’s Face” taped to it that was used in “Big Giant, Little Me” during Make It Fun.

STORYTELLER: (Open your Bible to 1 Samuel 17 and set it beside you.) “I’m going to tell you a true story from the Bible. What the Bible says is true. This story is about David.

“David was a little boy. Goliath was a big, big giant. But God is the biggest of all, and God loves me.

“Now I’ll say that again, but this time let’s add some motions. David was a little boy (lead kids to crouch down so they’re very small). Goliath was a big giant (guide kids to stretch toward the sky so they seem tall). But God is the biggest of all (guide kids to stand on their tiptoes and reach their arms high above their heads), and God loves me (point upward and then hug yourself ). Big or small, who loves you? God loves me.

STORYTELLER: “Big or small, who loves you?”KIDS and STORYTELLER: “God loves me” (point upward and then hug yourself ).

Make it True

After children have participated in Make It Fun, tell the Bible story

and lead kids to worship God. Encourage children to be active in

worship.

For 2-year-olds and mixed-age groups: Guide kids to gather around you on the fl oor. Tell

the Bible story. Some kids may wander. That’s OK. They’re still

listening and learning!

For 1-year-olds: Walk around to diff erent groups of kids and lead

the Bible story time in bits and pieces as their attention spans

allow.






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STORYTELLER: “I’m so glad God will never stop loving us.”

PrayerSTORYTELLER: “Let’s thank God for always loving us. Close your eyes and pray with me. (Wait for the children. It’s okay if some don’t close their eyes.) Thank You, God, for always loving us. We love You, too, God. Amen.”

Bible Story for 2sWhat You Need: A Bible marked at 1 Samuel 17 and the 9-foot length of art paper with “Goliath’s Face” taped to it that was used in “Big Giant, Little Me” during Make It Fun.

STORYTELLER: (Open your Bible to 1 Samuel 17 and set it beside you.) “I’m going to tell you a true story from the Bible. What the Bible says is true. This story is from 1 Samuel.

“There was a young boy named David who was small. There was also a big giant named Goliath who was very tall. Goliath was mean and did not love God. So God helped David be very brave. David took a stone and swung it around and around in his sling (add motions and get children to act it out as well). Then the stone hit the giant and he came tumbling down (guide kids to pretend like they’re tumbling down).

“You all did a good job acting out the story with me. (Lay the paper giant on the fl oor.) Now let’s march around this giant as I tell the story once more. (Guide the children to march around the paper giant.) David was a little boy. Goliath was big and mean. God helped David to be very brave. David took a stone and swung it around and around in his sling (guide kids to act this out as they keep marching). Then the stone hit the giant and he came tumbling down (guide kids to tumble down). God loved David, God loves you, and God loves me (point upward and then hug yourself ). Who does God love?”

KIDS and STORYTELLER: “God loves me” (guide children to point upward and then hug themselves).

STORYTELLER: “Big or small, who loves you?”

KIDS and STORYTELLER: “God loves me” (guide children to point upward and then hug themselves).

STORYTELLER: “I’m so glad that God is so big and that He loves me.”

PrayerSTORYTELLER: “Let’s thank God for always loving us. Close your eyes and pray

Make it True

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with me. (Wait for the children. It’s okay if some don’t close their eyes.) Thank You, God, for being the biggest of all. Thank You for helping David. We know that You loved David. We also know that You love us. We love You, too, God. Amen.”

WorshipWhat You Need: A CD player, the CD Shout Praises! Kids 3, a Bible marked at Romans 8:39, and a guitar (optional).

WORSHIP LEADER: “God is so much bigger than any giant. God is the biggest of all, and He loves us very much. Big or small, who loves you? God loves me. Can you say that with me? (Lead kids to repeat the Bottom Line.) God loves me. (Open Bible.) The Bible says, ‘Nothing can separate us from God’s love.’ Let’s sing and tell God how much we love Him back.”

Lead the kids to sing “Hallelujah,” track 5, from the CD Shout Praises! Kids 3. Guide kids to sing and dance to the music. While kids sing the chorus, lead them to raise their arms up high and sway back and forth. Hold 1-year-olds in your lap or on your hip as you sing to them.

Continue to play the music as kids move to activities.

Make it True

Septemberweek 1


1. Ring the BasketLead this activity in an open area of the room with two or three children.

What You Need: A large basket and some old newspaper.

What You Do: Guide children to crumple up pieces of newspaper and try to toss them into the basket. Extend the activity by asking older kids to take a step back each time they make a basket. This will increase the diffi culty of the activity.

What You Say: “In today’s Bible story we heard about a boy named David who did something very hard. He stood up against a big giant and slung a stone at him. Let’s see if you can do something hard today. Let’s see if you can toss a paper ball into this basket. (Let kids take turns doing so.) Very good! That reminds me of how God helped David beat the giant. God helped David because He loved him. God loves you, too. Who does God love? God loves me. Big or small, who loves you? God loves me.”

2. Big Bite, Little BiteLead this activity in small groups while seated around a table.

What You Need: Big Goldfi sh® crackers and small Goldfi sh® crackers. (Note: You may use any snack that has a large and miniature version. For example, chocolate chips, chocolate chip cookies, or graham crackers.)

What You Do: Help kids wash their hands. Give each child one of the big snack and then count out fi ve of the small matching snacks for them. Guide the children to count along with you.

What You Say: “In our Bible story, there was a big, big giant (show a big snack). There was also a little boy (show a little snack). The little boy only had fi ve stones and a sling to fi ght the giant with. Let’s count out fi ve small snacks for each of you. God loved the little boy named David. God helped David beat the giant that day. God loved David, and God loves you. Who does God love? God loves me. Big or small, who loves you? God loves me.”

Make it Stick

Choose two or more of the following activities to help make

the Bottom Line stick. Lead the activities with small groups of

children. Encourage children to play on their own if they do not

wish to take part in an activity.






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Be sure to list the foods you will be

using today on the “Allergy Alert Poster” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site) and

post it at the door to your room.


3. Sing and ShowLead this activity in small groups in an open area of the room.

What You Do: Lead kids to march around in a circle, sing the following song to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” and do the motions. Younger children probably won’t sing, but they will follow your lead and do the motions with you.

What You Say:During the activity:“Goliath was a big, big man (stretch tall with hands high in the air).David was a little boy (crouch down to look little).When God helped David sling the stone (sling one arm around and around), The giant tumbled to the ground (tumble to the ground).God is bigger than anything (sit up and point upward as if pointing to God),And I’m so glad that God loves me” (hug yourself ).

At the end of the activity: “Who does God love? God loves me. Big or small, who loves you? God loves me.”

4. Stone PaintingWhat YouNeed: A copy of “Stone Painting” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site) for each child, black tempera paint, white tempera paint, and cotton swabs.

What You Do: Give each child a copy of “Stone Painting.” Place one white dot and one black dot of paint in each outlined stone on the page. Guide children to use cotton swabs to slowly mix the black and white paint together to make gray paint. Then instruct them to use the gray paint to paint the stones.

What You Say: “In our Bible story today, we heard a true story about a little boy named David. David loved God. David used a stone and a sling to beat Goliath, the giant. Let’s have some fun painting some stones on your paper. Use your cotton swab to slowly swirl your paints together and paint your stones gray. David must have known that God loved him very much. I know someone else whom God loves, too. Who does God love? God loves me. Big or small, who loves you? God loves me.”

Make it Stick

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What You Need: Copy this week’s Small Talk onto cardstock and cut the cards apart. Prepare one copy of “September Magnet” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site) for each child. Print the symbol on a magnet or copy the item on cardstock and attach a magnet to the back.

What You Do: Set any take-home creations where you or parents can get them easily. Greet parents at the door and give them a copy of Small Talk and a “September Magnet.” Tell parents that this month preschoolers are learning that God loves me. Point out this month’s memory verse and symbol on the magnet. Encourage parents to put it on their refrigerator so they can see it often and reinforce their child’s learning at home during the month. Encourage parents to use Small Talk throughout the week as they continue helping their child understand that God loves me.

Dismiss Key Question: Big or small, who loves you?





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Scripture quotations marked (NCV) are quoted from The Holy Bible, New Century Version, copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Word Publishing, Dallas, Texas 75234. Used by permission.

These resources are intended to be downloaded and printed for use by the subscribing entity only and may not be electronically transferred to or du-plicated by other non-subscribing entities. Any unauthorized reproduction of this material or incorporation into a new work is a direct violation of US copyright laws. © 2008 First Look. All rights reserved.

“STATEMENT OF FAITH” USER AGREEMENTThe ReThink Group, Inc. gladly grants permission to churches, schools, and other licensees to tailor First LookTM materials to fi t their unique leadership re-quirements, locale and format preferences, and physical environment needs. However, if you wish to edit the content substantively, including Bible stories, learning activities, scripts, and any other content in which biblical principles and concepts are presented, you are obligated to do so within the doctrinal guidelines we’ve expressed in our Statement of Faith.

Editor in Chief: Kathy HillCreative Director: Autumn WardCopy Editor: Wendi ZebellCurriculum Writers: Marcia Banks, Jodi Blackwell, and Donna TaylorIllustrators and Graphic Designers: Jodi Blackwell, Elloa Davis, and Joe GoodeChief Creative Offi cer: Reggie JoinerChief Executive Offi cer: Joel ManbyChief Operating Offi cer: Karen OdomExecutive Director: Sue MillerTechnical and Web Support: Hadley Brandt, Howard OdomPartner Support: Debbie Joiner

SEP WEEK 013–5 year olds

We want preschoolers to take a fi rst look at who God is and understand...

Curriculum for Preschoolers

SEPTEMBER

3–5 year olds September, week 1

Here’s an overview of what you’ll be teaching in 3s–5s this week.

Curriculum materials for 3–5 year olds • © 2008 First Look. All Rights Reserved • www.myfi rstlook.org 2

Key Question: Who is with you all the time?

Bottom Line: God is always with me.


Bible Story Focus: God loves me when something is scary. David and Goliath • 1 Samuel 17:1-50

Make It FunMake It Fun(Choose one or all of these activities)• Measure Up• Rock Hunt • Throwing Rocks

Make It TrueMake It True• Introductory Sketch• Bible Story• Worship

Make It StickMake It Stick(Choose as many of these activities as you like)• Hard Work• Count to Five• David and Goliath (Bible story review)• Dressed for Battle• Hard to Face

Make It RealMake It Real• Small Group Time• Prayer• Dismiss–Small Talk cards

If you are choosing to lead “Count to Five” during Make It Stick, post the “Allergy Alert Poster” (from the Activity Pages on the Web Site). Be sure to list the foods you will be serving today. As parents bring their children to your room, call their attention to the sign.

Basic Truth:God loves me.

September


1. Measure UpWhat you Need: A 9-foot long sheet of light colored art paper, masking tape, a measuring tape, and a marker. What you Do:Before the activity: Tape the art paper to the wall from fl oor to ceiling.

During the activity: Take turns measuring each child’s height. As you measure each child, mark his height on the paper with a line and then write his name and height next to the line. After you’ve measured each child, measure yourself. When you’ve fi nished, you should have a line, name, and measurement on the art paper for each person participating. Keep the paper to use during the Bible story.

What you Say:At the start of the activity: (Direct children to sit on the fl oor at the base of the art paper.) “Have you ever looked around at diff erent people to see how some people are big and some people are little? Our daddies are really big, aren’t they? What about babies? Yes, they’re very small. People come in all kinds of sizes. Some are big and some are small. Today we’re going to see just how big you are. When I call your name, stand against this paper and I’ll measure you with my measuring tape.”

At the end of the activity: “Let’s look at our paper. (Call out each child’s name and how tall they are. Be sure to include your name and height too.) Who do you think is the biggest on our paper? That’s right, it’s me! I’m the biggest. In today’s Bible story, there was a guy who was even bigger than me. He was even bigger than your daddy. He was so big that all of God’s people hid from him.”

2. Rock HuntLead this activity with six children at a time.

What you Need: A water table or a large, deep plastic tub; sand; water; paper towels; 31 river rocks; and 31 lava rocks. Choose rocks that are not a choking hazard.

What you Do: Pour enough sand in the container to cover the bottom of it. Lay aside one river rock and one lava rock. Mix together all the other rocks and lay them on the sand. Fill the container ¾ full of water. (Bury the rocks if you have older kids.) After the activity, keep fi ve smooth rocks to use during the Bible story.

What you Say:At the start of the activity: “Look inside this big container and tell me what you think I have in here. (Pause for responses.) You’re right. There’s water, some sand,

Prepare to off er one or more of the following activities as your 3-,

4-, or 5-year-olds arrive. Let one or two teachers lead activities in diff erent areas of the room while

another teacher greets parents and kids at the door.

Make it Fun Key Question: Who is with you all the time?



Bible Story Focus: God loves me when something is scary.


Septemberweek 1


and a lot of rocks. As a matter of fact, there are two diff erent kinds of rocks in here. Some are smooth rocks, like this one (let children feel a river rock). There are also rough rocks in there, like this one (let children feel a lava rock). I want you to reach way down in the water and gather fi ve smooth rocks and fi ve rough rocks.”

At the end of the activity: “You all did a great job fi nding these smooth and rough rocks. Our Bible story is about a young boy named David. Do you know what David did? He reached his hand into some water and pulled out fi ve smooth rocks.”

3. Throwing RocksWhat you Need: Several half sheets of paper, a roll of masking tape, and two laundry baskets.

What you Do: Guide kids to make pretend rocks by crumpling pieces of paper and wrapping them with tape to make a rock shape. Then let kids toss the “rocks” into the laundry baskets. Keep fi ve of the rocks for use during “Dressed for Battle” in Make It Stick.

What you Say:At the start of the activity: “Raise your hand if you’ve ever made a rock. (Pause.) Okay, raise your hand if you’ve ever thrown a rock into a stream or a puddle. (Pause.) Me, too! Throwing rocks is a lot easier than making rocks. I mean, we all know that only God can make real rocks. Today we’re going to make pretend rocks, and then see if we can toss those ‘rocks’ into a basket.

At the end of the activity: “Let’s make a big pile of all the pretend rocks we made. Wow! Look at all the rocks you made. Great work! Did you know that there are fi ve rocks in our Bible story today? Help me count out fi ve rocks from our pile. One, two, three, four, fi ve rocks. A boy named David gathered fi ve smooth rocks to win a very hard battle against a very big man named Goliath.”

Make it Fun

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Introductory SketchWhat you Need: A small gym bag. HOST: “Hey, everyone. Look how many friends we have here today. I just love to come on Sundays and see all of you!

“Let me ask you question. How many of you have taken a dance class? Raise your hands. (Pause as kids raise their hands.) That’s awesome. How about this? How many of you started playing soccer this year? Raise your hands. (Pause as kids raise their hands.) Wow! We have a lot of soccer players in here.

“Do you want to know why I brought this gym bag today? See, this was my gym bag when I was about your age. But I didn’t play soccer or take dance class. Nope. I wanted to take gymnastics. Are any of you in gymnastics? (Pause as kids raise their hands.) Wow!

“Well, I have to tell you, I was really scared the fi rst time I went to my new gymnastics class. My mom kept telling me not to be scared. In the car on the way to the gym, she said, ‘Don’t worry (insert your name here). You’ll have fun. I’ll be sitting on the sidelines of the gym the whole time. There will be a lot of kids your age. I promise you’ll have a great time. And if you start to get scared, remember that I’m right there.’

“I was glad my mom was going to be there, but I was still pretty nervous. What if the teacher asked me to do something I couldn’t do? What if I couldn’t do it and the other kids laughed at me? I was pretty scared.

“When we got to the gym, Mom and I walked in. The place was huge. I’d never seen such a big room. And there were a lot of people in the gym. In fact, I didn’t see anyone else my age at fi rst. There were a bunch of big kids in there. They were jumping and fl ipping cartwheels. One girl was up high on a balance beam. That looked pretty scary to me.

“My mom could tell that I was nervous, so she bent down next to me and said, ‘Don’t worry. Look over there. There’s your class. And there’s your teacher. Doesn’t she look nice?’

“I looked over to where my mom was pointing and was so excited to see kids my age. Mom and I walked over to the group. The teacher said, ‘Well, hello. What’s your name?’

“‘My name is (insert your name here),’ I said.

Make it True

After children have participated in Make It Fun, gather them for a

large group time that includes an introductory sketch, a Bible story,

and interactive worship.

First Look now off ers you the Introductory Sketch on the new

Look DVD. If you choose to continue to do the Introductory

Sketch live, choose an adult who relates well to preschoolers to tell the Introductory Sketch. If

possible, use the same adult all year.

A Worship Leader and live instruments are recommended. Encourage children to be active

during worship by providing assorted percussion instruments

and/or incorporating appropriate hand motions as described in the teaching instructions that follow.






Septemberweek 1


“’Well, it’s very nice to meet you,’ the teacher said. ‘Why don’t you come over here and join the other kids. We’re about to walk across the balance beam.’

“Mom nodded at me and then headed over to have a seat on the bleachers. I was really nervous, but I walked over to the balance beam. When it was my turn, I looked over to see my mom waving at me. That made me a lot less nervous. And guess what. I walked all the way across the balance beam by myself on the fi rst try.

“I guess I didn’t need to be so scared after all. In fact, I had a lot of fun once I got over the being scared part. Now let’s hear a Bible story about a group of people who had a good reason to be scared. Listen to fi nd out what one boy did.”

Bible StoryWhat you Need: A Bible marked at 1 Samuel 17:1-50, the 9-foot long piece of art paper that was used in “Measure Up” during Make It Fun taped to the wall with “Goliath’s Head” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site) glued to the top of the art paper, masking tape, a marker, fi ve river rocks from “Rock Hunt” in Make It Fun, a slingshot, and a suit of armor (optional).

STORYTELLER: (Open the Bible to 1 Samuel 17. Hold up the Bible) “What special book is this? That’s right, it’s the Bible. The Bible tells us about God. We can always trust that the Bible is true. Today I have a great true story from the Bible for you.

“Today’s story is about a big guy and a pretty small guy. The big guy was named Goliath. The little guy was named David. Now Goliath was very big and very mean. The Bible tells us that Goliath was nine feet tall. To show you how big that is, take a look at this piece of paper. You guys marked how tall you are on the piece of paper. Wow! Look how much you guys are growing. Let’s see how tall I am. (Put your back against the paper and use a marker to draw a line to mark your height.) Wow. I guess I’m a little taller than you guys, huh?

“But you know what? I’m not bigger than Goliath. (Point to the face that’s glued to the art paper.) Goliath was this tall. Can you imagine? That’s big! Goliath fought for an army called the Philistines. That’s a funny name. Can you all say that name with me?”

KIDS and STORYTELLER: “Philistines.”

STORYTELLER: “Great job. So every day for 40 days, Goliath came out and yelled for someone to fi ght him. Well, David came to the battlefi eld one day to visit his brothers. Now, he wasn’t nearly as big as Goliath. In fact, he was only a few years older than you guys.

“When David got there, he heard the giant Goliath yelling for someone to fi ght him. David couldn’t believe it. Who would dare fi ght an army if God was on their side?

Make it True

Septemberweek 1


“David knew God was on his side, that God was always with him, and that God would protect him and help him, even with something hard. So David said, ‘I will fi ght Goliath for I know God is with me.’

“Do you think David wore a huge suit of armor like this one? (Hold up armor if you have it.) Well, it may have seemed like he should’ve worn a big suit of armor, but he didn’t. Do you think David chose a big sword and shield to carry out to the battlefi eld? (Pause for responses.) It would’ve made sense, but he didn’t use those either.

“Nope. Instead, David went down to the stream and chose fi ve smooth stones, like these. (Hold up the stones.) Why don’t you pass those around so you can feel how smooth they are? (Pass four of the stones to the kids and keep one to tell the story.) David put the stones in his pouch and headed out to meet the giant Goliath.

“Do you think David was scared to go against someone so big? (Pause as kids respond.) Remember, Goliath was nine feet tall! David knew that God loved him, and that God was always with him so he didn’t need to be afraid.

“David walked right out to fi ght Goliath. Goliath came toward him, and David pulled out his slingshot. (Pull out the slingshot from your pocket.) David picked one of the fi ve stones he had in his pouch (take the stone from your pocket and place it in the slingshot), swung the slingshot around and around, and let the stone go. The rock hit Goliath right in the middle of his forehead (point to your forehead) and he fell to the ground.

“David had won the battle against this huge guy. Not only that, knew that he didn’t need to be afraid because God was always with him. God is always with us, too.

“Let me ask you a question. Who was with David when he fought Goliath? (Pause for responses.) That’s right, God was with him. Who is with you all the time? (Pause for responses.) That’s right, God is always with me. Can you say that with me?”

KIDS and STORYTELLER: “God is always with me.”

STORYTELLER: “That’s right. God loves us so much, and He is always with us.”

PrayerSTORYTELLER: “Let’s talk to God now. Can you all close your eyes and bow your heads? (Pause as the kids follow your instructions.) God, thank You for showing us in our Bible story today that You are love us and are always with us. Help us to love others too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Make it True

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WorshipWhat you Need: A New International Reader’s Version of the Bible marked at Romans 8:39, a CD player, the CDs Shout to the Lord Kids! and UpStreet Kids: Hey God!, cymbals for the kids to play during the fi rst song, and a guitar (optional). Use this month’s original worship song, which you can download from the Web site, during this segment or whenever you like this month.

WORSHIP LEADER: (Open your Bible to Romans 8:39.) “Our memory verse this month says, ‘Nothing can separate us from God’s love,’ Romans 8:39. Let’s learn some motions to help us remember this verse. (Say the verse and do the motions to demonstrate for the kids.)

“’Nothing (place your palms down in front of you with your fi ngers spread apart and wave your hands back and forth) can separate us from God’s (point to the sky) love’ (draw a heart on your chest using your two index fi ngers).

“Now let’s all say the verse and do the motions together. (Lead the kids through the verse and motions.) Great job, everyone! You know, nothing is hard for God. He can do anything. Let’s sing to Him this morning.”

Lead kids to sing “All Things Are Possible,” track 3, from the CD Shout to the Lord Kids! Sing the fi rst verse and the chorus only. Provide cymbals for the kids to play during the song.

WORSHIP LEADER: “The Bible tells us that God is always with me. Who is with you all the time? God is always with me. I’m so glad that, even when things are scary or hard, God is always with me. He loves me so much! Let’s sing a song to thank God for loving us.”

Lead kids in singing “Love Is Deep,” track 5, from the CD UpStreet Kids: Hey God! If you have a guitarist, just sing with voices and the guitar. If you don’t have a guitarist available, sing along with the CD. Lead kids in the following motions:

“Deep”—Place both hands out in front of you, one high and one low, to show “deep.”

“High”—Point to the sky with both hands. “Long”—Put both hands together in front of you and then pull one hand

away to show “long.” “Wide”—Place both hands far apart out in front of you to show “wide.”

WORSHIP LEADER: “God’s love is bigger than anything we can imagine! It’s bigger than even a 9-foot giant. I’m so glad that God loves me. Can you say that with me before we go?”

KIDS and WORSHIP LEADER: “God loves me.”

Make it True

Septemberweek 1


1. Hard WorkWhat you Need: A large open area, several medium-size balls, and masking tape.

What you Do: Mark a 10-foot line on the fl oor using the masking tape. Lead the children in performing hard movements such as a forward roll, jumping jacks, hopping with the ball between their legs, and walking forward and backward on the line without stepping off . Demonstrate each movement to the children and then assign a movement for each child to begin with. Signal when they are to change to a diff erent movement. Or lead each movement one at a time and do them as a group. Be sure to ask the Key Question and repeat the Bottom Line as kids take part in the activity.

What you Say:At the start of the activity: “Have you ever had to do something that was kind of hard? (Give children time to respond.) I have, too. I remember when I was smaller and learning how to hit a ball. That was very hard. Do you think God still loves you when you are scared or doing something hard? Of course He does, and He is always with you! Who is with you all the time? God is always with me. We’re going to try to do some hard things today that are also a lot of fun.”

2. Count to FiveWhat you Need: Five plastic bowls, M&M’s®, small pretzel sticks, Goldfi sh® crackers, mini chocolate chips, plain croutons, paper cups, and a copy of the “Allergy Alert Poster” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site).

What you Do: Fill each bowl with one of the fi ve snack items. Help kids wash their hands. Give each child a cup and guide children to count out fi ve of each food item and place them in their paper cups to eat for a snack.

What you Say:At the start of the activity: “Who remembers how many smooth rocks David got out of the water in our Bible story? (Pause.) Yes! David got fi ve smooth rocks from the water. David had a very hard job to do, didn’t he? God allowed David to defeat big Goliath with just those fi ve smooth rocks. Actually, David only used one of the rocks! I want us to practice our counting today as we prepare a yummy snack. Each of you has a paper cup. I want you to count fi ve of each of these snacks and put them in your cup. When you have fi ve of each item, you can eat your snack.”

As the children are eating: “God was with David, even when he faced that scary giant. And God is always with you and me even when we are scared. Who is with you all the time? God is always with me.”

Make it Stick

These activities are designed to help preschoolers understand

and remember today’s Bible story and Bottom Line. Off er as many

of the following activities as your time, facilities, resources, and

leadership allow. You may want to lead one activity at a time. Or off er two activities at once and

allow half the kids to participate in each, then switch groups and

repeat the activities.






Septemberweek 1

Be sure to list the foods you will be

using today on the “Allergy Alert Poster” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site) and

post it at the door to your room.


3. David and GoliathWhat you Need: “Paper Dolls” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site) copied onto white cardstock for each child and for you, “Accordion Strips” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site) copied onto white paper for each child and for you, several pairs of snub-nosed scissors, white glue, tape, small pieces of burlap, and small pieces of aluminum foil.

What you Do:Before the activity: Cut and fold the copies of “Accordion Strips.” Make a sample of the David and the Goliath dolls.

During the activity: Give each child a copy of “Paper Dolls.” Instruct the children to cut out the David and Goliath dolls, and then set the David doll aside. Guide kids to cut along the dotted line in the middle of the Goliath doll. Next, give each child an accordion-folded piece of paper. Help them attach one end of the accordion to each of the two Goliath halves with tape. (Attach the ends of the strips to the back of the top of Goliath and the front of the bottom of Goliath.) When they’re fi nished, the two halves should be able to meet together to look like the original and also pull apart to become taller. The children can now clothe Goliath with armor by gluing aluminum foil pieces to his head for a helmet and to his chest for armor. Then direct kids to give David his bag of rocks by gluing a piece of burlap to his hand. When everyone has completed their David and Goliath dolls, use them to retell the Bible story.

What you Say:At the start of the activity: “Our Bible story today taught us that God is always with me because He love me so much. I want you to be able to share the story of David and Goliath with other people who need to know about God’s love. We’re going to make a David doll (hold up the completed sample) and a Goliath doll (hold up the completed sample) for you to use when you tell the story to someone else.”

At the end of the activity: “I want you to follow along as I retell the Bible story by doing the same thing with your David and Goliath dolls that I do with mine. (As you retell the story, use your paper dolls to act out the story.) David’s father told him to take some food to his brothers who were fi ghting in King Saul’s army. David walked to where King Saul and his army were preparing for battle. When he got there, everyone was hiding from big Goliath. They thought the job of fi ghting Goliath was just too scary. David asked why no one was fi ghting big Goliath. He went to King Saul and said that he would do the job. King Saul said okay. David went to a stream and picked out fi ve smooth rocks and put them in his bag. Goliath came out to meet David and laughed because David was so much smaller than big Goliath. David threw a rock at big Goliath with his sling, causing him to fall to the ground. David defeated big Goliath and won the battle for God’s people. David was able to do this because he knew that God loved him and was always with him. God is always with us. Who is with you all the time? God is always with me.”

Make it Stick

Septemberweek 1


4. Dressed for BattleWhat you Need: Costume or toy armor for one person that includes a breastplate, a helmet, and a sword; several robes or strips of cloth for the “Israelites,” a slingshot, and fi ve of the paper rocks kids made in “Throwing Rocks” during Make It Fun.

What you Do: Guide kids to act out the Bible story of David and Goliath. Assign the roles of David, Goliath, and the Israelites. Give kids the proper clothing and props to act out their role. Instruct Goliath to say, “Who will fi ght me?” Then direct David to say, “I will fi ght you.” Lead the Israelites to hide when Goliath comes out and say, “That’s too hard.” David can then place his fi ve rocks by his feet and pretend to use his sling to throw a paper rock at Goliath. (Note: Do not allow the child to actually throw a paper rock.) Goliath will fall to the ground, and the Israelites will cheer, “Yea, God!” Switch roles and play again.

What you Say:At the start of the activity: “What an exciting Bible story today! The story of David and Goliath is one that we just have to act out. I’m going to give each of you a costume and you will pretend to be that person from the Bible story.”

At the end of the activity: “David was able to do something very hard because he knew God loved him and that God was always with him. Who was with David? (Pause for responses.) That’s right God! The same is true for you. Who is with you all the time? God is always with me.”

5. Let’s PretendWhat you Do: Gather children in a group or a circle. Lead the children to pretend to do various activities from their lives: running, riding a bike, swimming. While pretending, ask the children who is with them when they are doing these things. Sprinkle some somewhat scary activities (in my bed by myself; roller skating for the fi rst time) throughout, but end with a fun one.

What you Say:At the start of the activity: “Who wants to play a game? Okay, let’s pretend we are ______ (fi ll in the blank with an activity: running, jumping, in bed by myself, etc). Who is with me when I _________? That’s right! God is always with me. Let’s pretend… (continue until out of time or interest wanes).

At the end of the activity: “In our story today, the Israelites forgot that God loved them and was with them all the time. Because of this, they believed that they could never win a battle against big Goliath. But David knew God loved him and was always with him. What about you and me? Who is with you all the time? God is always with me.”

Make it Stick

Septemberweek 1







Septemberweek 1

Make it RealWhat you Need: Use a bookmark or sticky note to mark Romans 8:39 in a New International Reader’s Version Bible. Highlight or underline the verse. Make a copy of the “Faces Card” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site) and cut out one faces strip for each group.

Ask kids to name things that are scary for them. As the children give you their answers, talk about them with the group and see if anyone has some scary things in common.

SMALL GROUP LEADER: “Wow, those are some scary things. There’s something in the Bible that will help us remember that God loves us an is with us even when things are scary.”

Ask a child to open the marked Bible to the memory verse. Read the verse aloud.

SMALL GROUP LEADER: “The Bible says, ‘Nothing can separate us from God’s love.’ Can you say that with me?”

Say the memory verse as a group. Use the motions from Make It True.

SMALL GROUP LEADER: (Pull out the faces strip.) “See these faces? What faces do you see? (Pause as kids respond.) That’s right. I see a happy face, a sad face, and a scared face. We often feel these diff erent ways don’t we. God is with you when you are happy, when you are sad and even when you are scared! These faces remind us that God is always with me.

PrayerClose in prayer. Ask God to help kids with the things they listed that are scary. Include some of the scary things kids named earlier when you pray.

Make It Real is designed to help preschoolers understand

how the Bottom Line applies to them. They’ll discuss real-life

experiences and share prayer requests.

Divide kids into small groups of about fi ve to eight children with

each leader. Ideally, assign the same small group leader to the same group of preschoolers for

the entire year.


What you Need: Copy this week’s Small Talk onto cardstock and cut the cards apart. Prepare one copy of “September Magnet” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site) for each child. Print the symbol on a magnet or copy the item on cardstock and attach a magnet to the back.

What you Do: Set any take-home creations where you or parents can get them easily. Greet parents at the door and give them a copy of Small Talk and a “September Magnet.” Tell parents that this month preschoolers are learning that God is always with me. Point out this month’s memory verse and symbol on the magnet. Encourage parents to put it on their refrigerator so they can see it often and reinforce their child’s learning at home during the month. Encourage parents to use Small Talk throughout the week as they continue helping their child understand that God is always with me.

Get Ready to Dismiss

Septemberweek 1

Bigger Barns Virtue: Generosity—making someone’s day by giving something away. Memory Verse: “Be rich in good deeds … be generous and willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:18, NIV Bible Story: Bigger Barns (The parable of the rich man) • Luke 12:13-21 Bottom Line: Don’t let things become more important than people.

10:30 – 10:50 am Plug In: Focus the Energy (Small Groups) K–2nd Grade FOR LEADERS ONLY Basically, a virtue is something God does in us to change the world around us. As you read the next paragraph, you’ll notice some numbers. Here’s what they refer to: (1) the virtue definition. (2) The fact that God created that virtue and exemplifies it. (3) God instills that virtue in us as He shapes us to become more like Him. (4) God uses that virtue in us to influence and impact our families, friends, and neighbors. As others notice the virtue being lived out in our lives, we have more opportunities to tell them about Jesus. As they come to trust Jesus, they’ll influence others as well. See the cycle? What a great time to talk about generosity. People all around you are wrapped up in the holiday season—the gifts, the tinsel, the lights, the mall traffic. This time of year kids may get the impression that it’s all about them. The challenge will be to convince them to think instead about being generous to others. So we’re talking about (1) generosity this month, which is making someone’s day by giving something away. (2) God is generous to us in so many ways. He loves us, provides for us, forgives us, gives us direction—the list goes on and on. No one can be more generous than God. (3) God wants each of us to show generosity as well. He wants us to be generous to others, both for their benefit and for ours. When we are generous with others, it benefits them. But it also benefits us by making us less self-reliant and more reliant on God. Generosity reminds us that people are always more important than things. So this week encourage kids to be generous, even if they start small. The first step is for them to become aware of the needs around them, to simply notice when there is a need. (4) The more they notice others’ needs, the less they will notice their own desires. Then giving will become a privilege, not a chore. GET READY For each small group, do the following:

Go Fish: Make two copies of “Go Fish Cards” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site) for every four kids. Cut the cards apart, keeping the set of 24 cards together.

Gather the leaders together to pray before the kids arrive. Pray that each child would listen and learn the Bible truths presented during today’s session. If any kids arrive before or during the prayer, invite them to participate with the leaders.

252 Basics Dec 7, 2008 – Week 1 Small Group, K-1

CURRICULUM MATERIALS FOR K-5TH GRADES • © 2008 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. • www.reThinkGroup.org

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Early Arriver Idea Ask the kids to think of all of the different places they can put their “stuff,” such as toy boxes, plastic tubs, closets, etc. Go Fish SUPPLIES: “Go Fish Cards” (Activity Pages) Group the kids into smaller groups of four. Give every group of four a set of cards. Let the kids play “Go Fish,” with each player pulling four cards to start the game. Stack the rest of the cards in a pile, face down. Encourage the kids to collect as much stuff (as many pairs of cards) as they can. Basic rules for Go Fish:

1. Choose someone to go first. The first player will ask another player for a specific card, like the bike. The first player must hold at least one bike card in his/her hand.

2. If the second player has any of those cards, s/he must give all of them to the first player. Then the first player gets another turn to ask any player for a card. It can be the same card just asked for, or it can be a different card, but it must be a card the first player is holding.

3. If the second player doesn’t have the card that was asked for, s/he says, “Go fish.” Then the first player draws a card from the top of the draw pile. If it matches the card s/he asked for, the first player shows it to the group, keeps the card, then gets another turn. If it doesn’t match the card that was asked for, the player keeps the card, and the next player gets a turn.

4. The next player is the one who said, “Go fish.” 5. When a player collects a pair of identical cards, s/he shows them to the group, then

places the set of cards face down in front of him/her. 6. The game continues until someone has no cards left or the draw pile runs out. 7. The winner is the one with the most pairs of matching cards.

WRAP UP SMALL GROUP LEADER: “That was fun, wasn’t it? All of the things on those cards were things you might like to have, weren’t they? [Transition] Let’s go to large group, where we’ll find out more about the things we have or want to have.” 10:50 – 11:25 Lead your group to the large group area.



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11:25 – 12:00 Catch On: Make the Connection (Small Groups) K–2nd Grade GET READY For each small group, do the following:

Barn Raising: You will need items to make a barn that is big enough for at least one child to sit inside, such as an appliance box; butcher paper wrapped around a table; a tent covered with paper; or newspapers to make newspaper “logs” out of. You will also need decorating items such as markers, tempera paint, streamers, etc.

Generous or Greedy?: Print “Generous or Greedy Scenario Cards” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site) and cut the cards apart.

Be Rich: Print “Memory Verse Page” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site) and make one copy for each child. Provide Bibles and crayons. Tip: For kindergartners, place a slip of paper in each Bible at 1 Timothy 6.

Bottom Line Prayers: You’ll need the barn from the “Barn Raising” activity. Project Generosity (Wrap Up): This month, you have the option of doing a month-long

ministry project called Project Generosity. Check out “Project Generosity” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site) or contact your ministry leader for details. You might also want to prepare a letter or email to send to parents.

Make copies on cardstock of this week’s GodTime and Fridge Door cards. Tip: Use a different color of cardstock for each week.

As always, you have a choice when it comes to the activities suggested here. For instance, you may want to do the memory verse activity, the prayer experience, and one of the application activities. Choose the activities you think will appeal most to your kids and that meet your time and budget needs.

* If you don’t have time to do all these activities, be sure to do activity #1. Activity #1 is also particularly good for children who need to move in order to stay engaged (not just for boys). * 1. Barn Raising (application activity / great for boys / review the Bible lesson) SUPPLIES: barn-making items, decorating items



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Help the kids make a barn out of the provided supplies. As they construct and decorate the barn, ask them questions about the Bible story, such as:

• Why did the rich man want to build bigger barns? • What did Jesus say about being greedy? • [Apply] What can you do to be generous this week?

SMALL GROUP LEADER: “God doesn’t want us to be greedy, but to be generous—to make someone’s day by giving something away. [Impress] Don’t let things become more important than people.” 2. Generous or Greedy? (application activity) SUPPLIES: “Generous or Greedy Scenario Cards” (Activity Pages) Read the scenarios aloud to the kids. [Apply] After each one, ask the kids to show whether the action is greedy (by holding their arms against their chests like they’re holding onto their stuff) or generous (by holding their arms out like they’re giving something away). If the action is greedy, let the kids discuss how to change the scenario to make it a generous action. SMALL GROUP LEADER: “Sometimes it’s hard to be generous. We’re all greedy sometimes—even me. [Personalize] (Tell the kids about a time recently when you were greedy. Maybe it was something as simple as taking the last cookie without asking someone else if they wanted one.) What is a better way I could have handled that situation? (Pause for answers.) It would have been much better if I had been generous and seen that people are more important than things. That’s what God wants us to learn today: [Impress] Don’t let things become more important than people.” 3. Be Rich (memory verse activity) SUPPLIES: Bibles, crayons, “Memory Verse Page” (Activity Pages) Help the kids look up the memory verse, 1 Timothy 6:18, in their Bibles. (If you have kindergartners, guide them to open the Bible to the marked page and guide them to use their fingers to point to the big number 6 on the page, then the little 18 under the big number 6. If you have first graders, you may want to guide them to find 1 Timothy by using the table of contents. Then guide them to find chapter 6, verse 18.) Read it aloud and lead the kids to repeat it several times. [Apply] Discuss what it means to “be rich in good deeds,” or “in doing good things.” Give each child an activity page. [Apply] Inside the coins, instruct the kids to draw pictures of them doing good deeds. You may need to give them examples, such as washing dishes, putting money in an offering plate, or helping a little brother ride his tricycle. SMALL GROUP LEADER: “There are all kinds of ways we can be ‘rich’ even if we don’t have much money. God says it’s better to be rich in doing good things for others. [Impress] Don’t let things become more important than people.”



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4. Bottom Line Prayers (pray) SUPPLIES: barn from “Barn Raising” activity Let the kids sit inside the barn and guide them to [Apply] say today’s bottom line as a prayer. Lead them to repeat it after you, pausing after every few words to give them time to repeat it. Depending on the size of your barn, kids may need to take turns doing this. SMALL GROUP LEADER: “Repeat this prayer after me. ‘Dear God, help me to not let things become more important than people. In Jesus’ name, amen.’ Try to remember to talk to God about that every day this week. [Impress] Don’t let things become more important than people.” WRAP UP Bring together all the groups in your classroom so the Classroom Facilitator can conclude the session with a review. Be prepared to distribute this week’s GodTime and Fridge Door cards, as well as the FamilyTimes Virtue Packs if your chosen has chosen to provide those. CLASSROOM FACILITATOR: “We learned today that God wants us to be generous and to not let things become more important than people. We’re going to give everybody a chance to live that out this month through a service project called Project Generosity.” Take time to explain what you have chosen to do as your project. If you have written a letter to parents explaining the project, give it to parents as they arrive to pick up their children. Give each child a GodTime card. Distribute Fridge Door cards


10:30 – 10:50 am Plug In: Focus the Energy (Small Groups)

3rd –5th Grade FOR LEADERS ONLY Basically, a virtue is something God does in us to change the world around us. As you read the next paragraph, you’ll notice some numbers. Here’s what they refer to: (1) the virtue definition. (2) The fact that God created that virtue and exemplifies it. (3) God instills that virtue in us as He shapes us to become more like Him. (4) God uses that virtue in us to influence and impact our families, friends, and neighbors. As others notice the virtue being lived out in our lives, we have more opportunities to tell them about Jesus. As they come to trust Jesus, they’ll influence others as well. See the cycle? What a great time to talk about generosity. People all around you are wrapped up in the holiday season—the gifts, the tinsel, the lights, the mall traffic. This time of year kids may get the impression that it’s all about them. The challenge will be to convince them to think instead about being generous to others. So we’re talking about (1) generosity this month, which is making someone’s day by giving something away. (2) God is generous to us in so many ways. He loves us, provides for us, forgives us, gives us direction—the list goes on and on. No one can be more generous than God. (3) God wants each of us to show generosity as well. He wants us to be generous to others, both for their benefit and for ours. When we are generous with others, it benefits them. But it also benefits us by making us less self-reliant and more reliant on God. Generosity reminds us that people are always more important than things. So this week encourage kids to be generous, even if they start small. The first step is for them to become aware of the needs around them, to simply notice when there is a need. (4) The more they notice others’ needs, the less they will notice their own desires. Then giving will become a privilege, not a chore. GET READY For each small group, do the following:

Early Arriver: Provide things kids can help prepare for today’s lesson, like GodTime cards that need to be folded or balloons that need to be blown up. (That is, if you’re using balloons in Catch On. See the first activity in Catch On.)

Stuff It: Provide one digital food scale for the classroom; paper grocery bags; and shredded paper in tubs, boxes, or garbage bags. Tip: Shred recycled paper from your

252 Basics Dec 7, 2008 – Week 1 Small Group, Grades 4-5


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church, from home, or from work. Or contact banks or large offices in your area and ask for some of their shredded paper. Another tip: If you’re going to use these bags in the first Catch On activity, let each small group stuff several bags (like 4–8 bags) in Plug In.

Gather the leaders together to pray before the kids arrive. Pray that each child would listen and learn the Bible truths presented during today’s session. If any kids arrive before or during the prayer, invite them to participate with the leaders.

Early Arriver Idea SUPPLIES: stuff to prepare for today’s lesson Ask kids to help you prepare some things for today’s lesson, like folding GodTime cards or blowing up balloons (if you’re using balloons in Catch On). As you work, ask kids about their families’ plans for Christmas and what they’ve enjoyed about Christmases in the past. Stuff It (a classroom-wide activity) SUPPLIES: paper grocery bags, shredded paper, a digital food scale Give each small group a paper grocery bag. Set out the shredded paper so everyone can reach it. Tell kids they have five minutes to stuff as much shredded paper as they can into their bag. Let kids work for five minutes. When time is up, ask everyone to stop. Then weigh each team’s bag on the scale to see which group stuffed the most shredded paper in their bag. WRAP UP CLASSROOM FACILITATOR: “You guys managed to stuff a lot into your bags. That reminds me of a story in the Bible. It’s a story Jesus told. [Transition] When you hear the Bible story in large group in a few minutes, listen to find out who stuffed his stuff and where he stuffed it.” 10:50 – 11:25 Lead your group to the large group environment.



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11:25 – 12:00 Catch On: Make the Connection (Small Groups) 3rd – 5th Grade GET READY For each small group, do the following:

Carry It All: Provide several large, bulky items, such as the paper bags the kids stuffed with shredded paper during Plug In. If you chose to substitute other supplies in the Plug In activity, use those items, or use eight balloons, empty boxes wrapped like presents, stuffed animals, or other bulky items of your choice. Use masking tape to mark start and finish lines a good distance apart on the floor.

Rank It All: Provide pens or pencils and 15 index cards. Arrange It All: Gather chocolate coins in gold wrappers, a Sharpie® marker, a gift bag,

and Bibles. Prepare the chocolate coins by writing one letter of the memory verse on each coin. For the NIV, you’ll need 44 chocolates. For the NIrV, you’ll need 49 chocolates. (Abbreviated NIrV version is: “Be rich in doing good things. Give freely. Be willing to share.”) Place the prepared chocolate coins in the gift bag.

Pray About It All: No supplies needed. Project Generosity (Wrap Up): This month, you have the option of doing a month-long

ministry project called Project Generosity. Check out “Project Generosity” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site) or contact your ministry leader for details. You might also want to prepare a letter or email to send to parents.

As always, you have a choice when it comes to the activities suggested here. For instance, you may want to do the memory verse activity, the prayer experience, and one of the application activities. Choose the activities you think will appeal most to your kids and that meet your time and budget needs.

* If you only have time for one activity, we suggest activity #2. Also, activity #1 is particularly good for children who need to move in order to stay engaged (not just for boys). 1. Carry It All (a classroom-wide application activity / great for boys / review the Bible lesson) SUPPLIES: bulky items, start and finish lines marked on the floor with tape



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Ask each small group to line up at the start line. Position the Small Group Leaders at the finish line and give them the bulky items you’ve provided. Explain the game to kids.

1. The first kid on each team will run to their Small Group Leader. 2. The Small Group Leader will give them one item. 3. They will run back to their small group’s line, hand the item to the next person in line,

then go to the end of the line. 4. The new runner will run to the Small Group Leader, who will give the child an additional

item. 5. The runner will run back to their small group’s line, hand both items to the next person in

line, then go to the end of the line. 6. Continue in this way, even when it gets difficult to carry so many items. Encourage kids

to be creative as they find ways to hold and carry all their “stuff.” 7. Play until each child on each team has been the runner carrying items.

CLASSROOM FACILITATOR: “When we started the game, you only had a little stuff—one or two bags. But as the game went on, you got more and more stuff. It became harder and harder to hold all of it and keep all of it. You certainly couldn’t enjoy all of it. That’s what the man in Jesus’ parable tried to do. He had all this stuff, but eventually it became a problem for him. He only thought of himself, so he only thought of one solution: to build bigger barns to hold all of his stuff. So not only was he just thinking of himself, but ironically, he couldn’t enjoy it. He could have given some away for others to enjoy or to help them, but he didn’t. He let his stuff become the most important thing. That’s why Jesus wants us to remember to do the opposite. [Impress] Don’t let things become more important than people. [Apply] Do you own or want an object that has become the most important thing to you? Should things ever be more important than people?” * 2. Rank It All (application activity) SUPPLIES: index cards, pens or pencils Ask kids to name eight things they own, want, or see. Write each of these on an index card. For the remaining seven cards, ask kids to name seven people they know or interact with. Use categories such as parent, teacher, or friend rather than names of individuals. Next, let the group work together to arrange the cards in order from most important to least important. Ask kids to put the card they decide is most important to the left, and move down the line until they get to the card they decide is least important, placing it to the far right. As much as possible, make sure the arrangement of cards is a group decision. When the group is finished, talk to them about the decisions they made. Did they rank any object as more important than any person? Why? Is that how it should be? Does God ever value things more than people? [Apply] Does this arrangement reflect kids’ lives, choices, and priorities? Are they ever tempted to put things over people? Remind kids of today’s Bottom Line: [Impress] don’t let things become more important than people. Optional 5th Grade Discussion Questions



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If you lead fifth graders, consider asking these discussion questions: Is it really fair of God to ask us to put all people—even the ones we don’t like—above

things and possessions? How does owning something you love change you? Does it cause you to become

possessive, jealous, anxious, or worried? Do you think those feelings please God? What can you do when you realize your possessions are becoming more important to

you than people? 3. Arrange It All (memory verse activity) SUPPLIES: prepared chocolate coins in a gift bag, Bibles Ask kids to open the Bibles to 1 Timothy 6:18. Help kids by telling them the book is near the end of the New Testament, but before Hebrews. Ask a volunteer to read the verse aloud to the group. Explain that we often think of being rich as having lots of money and owning lots of things, but God sees it differently. [Apply] How does God define rich? How does God want us to be rich? How does that differ from our usual understanding of the word? Does this mean God doesn’t want us to have lots of money or possessions? With Bibles still open, ask kids to take turns pulling chocolate coins out of the bag and arranging them to form the words of the verse. Work as a group to complete the project. When kids are finished, let them eat the chocolates (or take them home). While kids eat, [Personalize] tell them about a time you felt rich when you were generous or shared something you had. SMALL GROUP LEADER: [Impress] “Don’t let things become more important than people. That’s what this verse tells us. Having money and things isn’t as important as how you use them. [Apply] So this week, work on changing your focus. Stop thinking so much about your stuff. Instead, start looking at the people around you. Start thinking about how you can be generous instead of thinking about where to put all your stuff.” 4. Pray About It All (pray) SUPPLIES: none Ask each child to find a partner. Tell kids to take turns telling their partner what’s on their minds. [Apply] Then pray for each other, thanking God that He made people and their thoughts and concerns more important than stuff. WRAP UP Bring together all the groups in your classroom so the Classroom Facilitator can conclude the session with a review. Be prepared to distribute this week’s GodTime and Fridge Door cards. Tell kids about the month-long ministry project they can be part of this month. For ideas, consult the Activity Page “Project Generosity,” which suggests you encourage kids to donate money to Compassion International® or another ministry of your choice. Whatever you choose, take a few



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minutes this week to explain the program and how kids can participate. Send home a letter to parents explaining your Project Generosity and any procedures or deadlines. CLASSROOM FACILITATOR: “This week we learned that stuff isn’t nearly as important as people. And while, at Christmas, we often think of what we can get, God wants us to think about how we can be generous. So this week, look around you and see all the people who are more important than anything you could ever own.” Distribute the GodTime and Fridge Door cards.

First Look Unpacked

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Three Basic Truths

This curriculum gives preschoolers their _________ __________of their loving ___________________.

God ___________ me.God ____________ me.__________ __________wants to be my friend forever.

Make it Fun!Each lesson has at least ___________ options from which to choose. Make It Fun helps introduce children to aspects of the upcoming _______________.It __________ __________ and engages children.

Make it True!The ___________ ____________ sets the stage for what they are going to learn.The __________ ____________ teaches them a story from God’s Word in a way that they can understand and remember. ___________ is an opportunity for kids to tell God how much they love Him. It also reinforces the Bible Story and bottom line as well as reviews the memory verse.

Make it Stick!Reinforces the ______________ ____________.Reinforces the ______________ ____________.Has activities that are _____________, ____________, and sometimes ______________.

Make it Real!Make It Real is designed to help preschoolers understand how the bottom line ____________ to them. Kids discuss _______ _________ experiences.Children _________ prayer requests.

procedures 2009 - crossroads church...

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