FALL CURRICULUM GRADES 3 - 4 [ UNIT 1 - 2
Transcription
FALL CURRICULUM GRADES 3 - 4 [ UNIT 1 - 2
FALL CURRICULUM GRADES 3 - 4 [ UNIT 1 - 2 - 3 ] FALL CURRICULUM GRADES 3 - 4 UNIT 1 UNIT OVERVIEW THE BIBLE: SURVIVE & CONQUER UNITY SUMMARY: The first unit of the fall quarter teaches children about the reliability and usability of the Bible. Kids will learn that the Bible is God’s Word, it is true, it is for all people and all time. Through these lessons, they will understand how the Bible is like a light, a sword, and a seed. This unit uses the imagery of life as a jungle. Just as in the jungle, people need tools to survive and conquer, we need the Bible to survive and conquer in life. This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS UNIT 1 LESSON 1 - The Bible is God’s Word: It is For All the Time LESSON 2 - The Bibles Like a Light: It Shows the Way LESSON 3 - The Bible is Like a Sharp Sword: It Divides Right From Wrong LESSON 4 - The Bible is Like a Seed: It Gets Planted in My Heart UNIT 2 LESSON 5 - God is All Knowing LESSON 6 - God is Everywhere LESSON 7 - God is Sovereign LESSON 8 - God is Eternal UNIT 3 LESSON 9 - God is Holy & Perfect LESSON 10 - Joshua & Caleb LESSON 11 - Bezalel and Oholiab LESSON 12 - Elisha LESSON 13 - David and Mephibosheth RESOURCES Large Group: Interactive Teaching Techniques Tech Notes LESSON 1: LARGE GROUP Key Concept: The Bible is God’s Word and we can know that it is true and will last forever. Bible Verse: “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8 THEME: Explorers DON’T FORGET TO: Introduce yourself prior to teaching them the lesson. Give a special welcome to children that may be new and the friends that invited them. Have a Bible with you to show in the lesson. LARGE GROUP TIME 1) Invite small groups to large group time. 2) Introduce yourself & welcome new friends. 3) Last Week Recap: NEW SERIES 4) WORSHIP (1 song) 5) Introduce Key Concept: “Good morning explorers!... Today in Large Group, you will learn about an instruction book for life. Listen to hear what this book is, and what makes it so special. The Bible is God’s Word and we can know that it is true and will last forever.” 6) Interaction: Engage In Your Interactive Learning Technique Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time Large Group Structure: (2 Timothy 3:16, Psalm 119:160, Isaiah 40:8, Psalm 119:90) 7) How can we apply this to our lives? 8) Memory Verse: (read from Bible) “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8 9) WORSHIP (2 songs) 10) Recap Key Concept: The Bible is God’s Word and we can know that it is true and will last forever. 11) PRAY - Dear God, thank you for giving us your word that will last forever. Amen. 12) Dismiss to Small Group - Welcome - Worship - Lesson - Worship TECH: Countdown Video To Prepare for Lesson Microphone for Large Group speaker Series Graphic Video: Worship Music This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church 5 LESSON 1: SMALL GROUP Key Concept: The Bible is God’s Word and we can know that it is true and will last forever. Bible Verse: “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8 SMALL GROUP TIME Kid Connection 1. Welcome the kids to your group and introduce yourself. 2. Tell them something about yourself. 3. Ask them where they go to school. 4. Ask them, if they were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing they would bring. “Today in Large Group, you will learn about an instruction book for life. Listen to hear what this book is, and what makes it so special.” What book did you learn about in Large Group? The Bible What makes it so special? It’s God’s Word, it is true, for all people, for all time Today’s Activity is SURVIVAL SKILLS Supplies: Bible Exploration Sheet (1 per child) 1. Give each child a Bible Exploration Sheet. 2. Divide the group into pairs. 3. Explain – you are going to ask some questions, and they can use their sheet to find the answers. When you and your partner know the answer, put 2 hands up. The sheet has 2 sides. One is side is for Old Testament books and the other is for New Testament books. The books are not in order. 4. Read each question to the children and have them find the answers. Once they find the answer, read the information under the question on your paper. Then move on to the next question. Test Questions: 1. Is this book filled with stories of adventure, songs, animals or science, and fun? 2. Can you learn something from this book? 3. Is this book true? 4. Does this book have hundreds of stories in it? 5. Was this book written by God? Game Questions – see separate sheet Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time Learn the Books of the Bible Supplies: 1 Books of the Bible Card Place the books of the Bible card (listing Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) into the center of the circle and read the information about those books. Give a Bible verse card to each child. Show the children the back of the Bible verse card with the first four books of the Bible. Challenge them to learn the books of the Bible. The four books of the Bible they are learning today are called the Gospels. The word gospel means good news. The Gospels tell us about the life of Jesus, because Jesus is the best news we’ve ever heard. Practice saying the four books several times. Kids should stay at their SG table until their parents pick them up. Security Tags should be checked at the door. 6 Prayer Time 1. Ask kids for prayer requests & write them in your SG journal. 2. Pray for kids & requests. Ask kids to pray if they are comfortable. Extra Time Get the kids to work on the Bible Word search puzzle This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church GAME QUESTIONS 1. How many books are in the Old Testament? (39) 2. How many books are in the New Testament? (27) 3. Let’s take a look at the Old Testament side. How many books are history books? These books are marked with the picture of the scroll. (17) The Old Testament contains history books that tell us about the history of the creation of the world and the beginning of the nation God chose as his own people. He gave the people laws to live by, but the people disobeyed God time and again. These books tell the story of how God rescued the people. All through these books, God promises to guide, and protect them as well as provide a way to make things right. 4. How many books are poetry books? These books are marked with a picture of the music note. (5) These books tell us about the greatness of God and how much he loves us. They talk about the beauty of creation and give advice on how to live. 5. How many books are “News” books? These books are marked with the picture of the newspaper. (17) In these books, God sends his messages to his people through messengers called prophets. They often warn God’s people to obey God’s laws. These books predict the birth of a king that will save God’s people. That king was Jesus. 6. Now let’s take a look at the New Testament side. How many books are about the life of Jesus? These books are marked with the picture of the cross.(4) These books tell us about the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. They tell us about what Jesus did while he was here on earth. These books are called the Gospels, which means good news. 7. How many books are about the first church? These books are marked with a picture of the number one. (1) This book tells us about the first church after Jesus went back up to heaven. It tells us about how the first church began and grew. 8. How many books are letters to the church? These are marked with the picture of the letter. (21) These books are letters that are written to the early church in different world. They help us know how we can live the Christian life. They are filled with practical advice. These books help us know what to believe and how we should act. 9. How many books are about the future? These books are marked with a picture of the sun.(1) Revelation talks about when Jesus returns. It tells us that we will have victory as Christians. 10. What is the first book of the Bible? (marked with a star) 11. What is the last book of the Bible? (marked with a heart) PARENTS THE B I B L E Today your child learned about the books of the Bible. They learned about different books and what categories they are from. They learned that the Bible is God’s Word and we can know that it is true and will last forever. This week with your child: • Ask your child, “How many books are in the Bible?” (66) • Ask your child, “How many books are in the Old Testament?” (39) • Ask your child, “How many books are in the New Testament?” (27) • Spend some time this week helping your child learn the books of the Bible. • Watch this video to help you learn them together: Books of the Bible - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4KEWLNnmCQ Bible Verse: The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8 LESSON 2: LARGE GROUP Key Concept: The Bible is like a light and it can show us how to live our lives and avoid problems. Bible Verse: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 THEME: Explorers DON’T FORGET TO: Introduce yourself prior to teaching them the lesson. Give a special welcome to children that may be new and the friends that invited them. Have a Bible with you to show in the lesson. LARGE GROUP TIME 1) Invite small groups to large group time. 2) Introduce yourself & welcome new friends. 3) Last Week Recap: “The Bible is God’s Word and we can know that it is true” 4) WORSHIP (1 song) 5) Introduce Key Concept: “Good morning explorers!... Today in Large Group, we will be learning about how the Bible helps us to live our lives. The Bible is like a light and it can show us how to live our lives and avoid problems.” 6) Engage In Your Interactive Learning Technique Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time Large Group Structure: (Psalm 119:9, 11, 105) 7) How can we apply this to our lives? 8) Memory Verse: (read from Bible) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 9) WORSHIP (2 songs) 10) Recap Key Concept: “The Bible is like a light and it can show us how to live our lives and avoid problems.” 11) PRAY - Dear God, thank you for the Bible that helps us make good choices. Amen. 13) Dismiss to Small Group - Welcome - Worship - Lesson - Worship TECH: Countdown Video To Prepare for Lesson Microphone for Large Group speaker Series Graphic Video: Worship Music This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church 13 LESSON 2: SMALL GROUP Key Concept: The Bible is like a light and it can show us how to live our lives and avoid problems. Bible Verse: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 SMALL GROUP TIME Kid Connection 1. Welcome the kids to your group and ask the kids to share their names and what school they go to. 2. Ask if any of them can say some of the books of the Bible. 3. Start with the first 4 books, and help them learn them. Add a new book to the list and review again. Repeat. “Today in Large Group, we will be learning about how the Bible helps us to live our lives.” Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time In Large Group, what was the Bible compared to? A light/lamp What makes it so special? It’s God’s Word, it is true, for all people, for all time Activity: Bible Verse Look Up Supplies: Bible – one for each child Read the following questions. Get the kids to look up the verse in the Bible to find the answers. #1. Your brother comes into your room to tell you he broke your favourite computer game. What do you say? Look up Proverbs 15:1 #2. You have a friend over who thinks it would be fun to ruin a Lego city your brother is building for a project. What do you do? Look up Proverbs 16:29 #3. You are playing over at a friend’s house. Your friend wants to ride to a local fast food restaurant even though it means crossing a busy street. You don’t think your mom would approve, but your friend says his mom says it’s OK. What do you do? Look up Proverbs 13:1 #4. You get some extra money for dog-sitting a neighbour’s dog. What do you do with the money? Look up Proverbs 3:9 Learn the Books of the Bible Supplies: Books of the Bible Card Books of the Bible Bookmark Place the books of the Bible card into the center of the circle and read the information about those books. Give each child a ‘Books of the Bible’ Bookmark Read the books of the Bible with them. Help them learn the books of the New Testament. 15 min - Small Group Time Kids should stay at their SG table until their parents pick them up. Security Tags should be checked at the door. 14 Prayer Time 1. Ask kids for prayer requests & write them in your SG journal. 2. Pray for kids & requests. Ask kids to pray if they are comfortable. Bible Verse Review - Help your kids look up the Bible Verse in the Bible. - Review the Bible Verse together. - Make up actions to go with the verse to help them remember. - Say it together as a group. Extra Time? Get kids to start to colour their take-home colouring sheet. This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church Name ______________________________________ Books of the New Testament 1. HATETWM _______ 2. ARKM ____ 3. KEUL ____ 4. ONHJ ____ 5. TCAS ____ 6. ONMSAR ______ 7. ANSCHRNOTII ___________ 8. TAAIGNLSA _________ 9. NPAHSEEIS _________ 10. LSAIIPHNIPP ___________ 11. CSSLANOSIO __________ 12. HNSISALOTANSE _____________ 13. YHITTMO _______ 14. TSTIU _____ 15. IPMHELON ________ 16. EWSBRHE _______ 17. SEAMJ _____ 18. TEREP _____ 19. EDJU ____ 20. NETOEIRLVA __________ Created with the help of Wordsheets - www.Qualint.com PARENTS THE BIBLE IS LIKE A LIGHT Today your child learned that the Bible is like a light. It helps them to see the way God wants us to live. The Bible can give them advice on how to live their lives and avoid danger. It has the answers to the situations they face in their own lives. This week with your child: • Spend some time this week helping your child learn the books of the Bible. • Watch this video to help you learn them together: Books of the Bible https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4KEWLNnmCQ Bible Verse: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 LESSON 3: LARGE GROUP Key Concept: The Bible is like a sword, and it can help us to know what is right and what is wrong. Bible Verse: For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword. Hebrews 4:12 THEME: Explorers DON’T FORGET TO: Introduce yourself prior to teaching them the lesson. Give a special welcome to children that may be new and the friends that invited them. Have a Bible with you to show in the lesson. LARGE GROUP TIME 1) Invite small groups to large group time. 2) Introduce yourself & welcome new friends. 3) Last Week Recap: “The Bible is like a light and it can show us how to live our lives and avoid problems.” 4) WORSHIP (1 song) 5) Introduce Key Concept: “Good morning explorers! Today in Large Group, we will continue to learn about how the Bible can help us figure out what is right and what is wrong. The Bible is like a sword, and it can help us to know what is right and what is wrong.” 6) Interaction: Engage In Your Interactive Learning Technique Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time Large Group Structure: (Hebrews 4:12, Romans 3:20) 7) How can we apply this to our lives? 8) Memory Verse: (read from Bible) For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword. Hebrews 4:12 9) WORSHIP (2 songs) 10) Recap Key Concept: The Bible is like a sword, and it can help us to know what is right and what is wrong. 11) PRAY - Dear God, thank you that your words are alive and active. Amen. 12) Dismiss to Small Group - Welcome - Worship - Lesson - Worship TECH: Countdown Video To Prepare for Lesson Microphone for Large Group speaker Series Graphic Video: Worship Music 20 ThiscurriculumhasbeenadaptedfromthePromiselandCurriculumbyWillowCreekCommunity LESSON 3: SMALL GROUP Key Concept: The Bible is like a sword, and it can help us to know what is right and what is wrong. Bible Verse: For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword. Hebrews 4:12 SMALL GROUP TIME In Large Group, what did we learn the Bible is like? A sword Kid Connection 1. Welcome the kids to your group. 2. Ask if any of them can say some of the books of the Bible. 3. Start with the first 4 books, and help them learn them. Add a new book to the list and review again. Repeat. “Today in Large Group, we will continue to learn about how the Bible can help us figure out what is right and what is wrong.” How is it like a sword? It’s divides write and wrong Activity: Bible Verse Look Up Read the following questions. Get the kids to look up the verse in the Bible to find the answers. #1. Your brother told you to stay out of his room. You really wanted to play one of his computer games, so you went into his room while he was gone and played the game. He has come home now and asks if you were in his room. What do you do? Look up Colossians 3:9. #2. Your mom told you not to watch TV while she is gone. You know she won’t be home for another few hours, and you’re tempted to turn on the TV for just a few minutes. What do you do? Look up Colossians 3:20. #3. Your friend Ryan did a terrible job on his art project and now everyone is making fun of him. You think it’s awful, too, and thought and some really funny jokes about him. What do you do? Look up Romans 12:10. #4. Your class is collecting food and money for homeless people. You have quite a bit of money in your bank at home. You could keep it all for yourself, or you could give some of it to the collection. What do you do? Look up 1 John 4:11. #5. You are on the Internet. A friend tells you to look at an Internet site that has information you know you should read. What do you do? Look up Philippians 4:8-9. Learn the Books of the Bible Program Schedule Supplies: Books of the Bible Card Popsicle Sticks with Books of the Bible on them 10 min - Activity Centers Place the books of the Bible card into the center of the circle and read the information about those books. 5 min - Kid Connection Read Help the kids learn the books of the New Testament. 30 min - Large Group Time Prayer Time 15 min - Small Group Time Kids should stay at their SG table until their parents pick them up. Security Tags should be checked at the door. 1. Ask kids for prayer requests & write them in your SG journal. 2. Pray for kids & requests. Ask kids to pray if they are comfortable. Bible Verse Review - Help your kids look up the Bible Verse in the Bible. - Review the Bible Verse together. - Make up actions to go with the verse to help them remember. - Say it together as a group. Extra Time? Use a set of Popsicle sticks with the Books of the Bible on them. Help the kids put them in order. This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church 21 PARENTS THE BIBLE IS LIKE A SWORD Today your child learned that the Bible is like a sword; it helps us know the difference between right and wrong. The children heard some examples of how the Bible helps us know what is right and what is wrong. This week with your child: • Look up the following verses with your child: o Colossians 3:9 o Colossians 3:20 o Romans 12:10 o 1 John 4:11 o Philippians 4:8,9 • Ask them what they learned from these verses • Spend some time this week helping your child learn the books of the Bible. • Watch this video to help you learn them together: Books of the Bible https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4KEWLNnmCQ Bible Verse: For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any doubleedged sword. Hebrews 4:12 LESSON 4: LARGE GROUP Key Concept: The Bible is God’s Word and I need to learn it and understand it. Bible Verse: Give me understanding, and I will keep Your law and obey it with all my heart. Psalm 119:34 THEME: Explorers DON’T FORGET TO: Introduce yourself prior to teaching them the lesson. Give a special welcome to children that may be new and the friends that invited them. Have a Bible with you to show in the lesson. Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time LARGE GROUP TIME 1) Invite small groups to large group time. 2) Introduce yourself & welcome new friends. 3) Last Week Recap: “The Bible is like a sword, and it can help us to know what is right and what is wrong.” 4) WORSHIP (1 song) 5) Introduce Key Concept: “Good morning explorers!” Today in Large Group, we are going to hear about how the Bible can grow! Listen to find out how. The Bible is God’s Word and I need to learn it and understand it.” 6) Interaction: Engage In Your Interactive Learning Technique (Matthew 13:3-23) 7) How can we apply this to our lives? 8) Memory Verse: (read from Bible) Give me understanding, and I will keep Your law and obey it with all my heart. Psalm 119:34 9) WORSHIP (2 songs) 10) Recap Key Concept: The Bible is God’s Word and I need to learn it and understand it. 11) PRAY - Dear God, thank you for understanding so that I can obey your word. Amen. 12) Dismiss to Small Group Large Group Structure: - Welcome - Worship - Lesson - Worship TECH: Countdown Video To Prepare for Lesson Microphone for Large Group speaker Series Graphic Video: Worship Music This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church 25 LESSON 4: SMALL GROUP Key Concept: The Bible is God’s Word and I need to learn it and understand it. Bible Verse: Give me understanding, and I will keep Your law and obey it with all my heart. Psalm 119:34 SMALL GROUP TIME Kid Connection 1. Welcome the kids to your group. 2. Ask if any of them have ever grown anything. Have they helped in a garden? What was it like? Did the plant(s) grow? “Today in Large Group, we are going to hear about how the Bible can grow! Listen to find out how.” In Large Group, what did we learn the Bible is like? A seed How can you help it grow like a seed in your heart? Read the Bible, pray, worship God, ask questions. Activity: The Bible Helps Me Grow Supplies: The Bible is like a Seed This activity is on a separate sheet. Read the questions to the kids in your group. Help them write an answer for each question. If some children have a hard time printing, they could tell you their answer and draw a picture of it. Learn the Books of the Bible Supplies: Books of the Bible Card Popsicle Sticks with Books of the Bible on them Place the books of the Bible card into the center of the circle and read the information about those books. Read Help the kids learn the books of the New Testament. Program Schedule Prayer Time 10 min - Activity Centers 1. Ask kids for prayer requests & write them in your SG journal. 5 min - Kid Connection 2. Pray for kids & requests. Ask kids to pray if they are comfortable. 30 min - Large Group Time Extra Time? 15 min - Small Group Time Use a set of popsicle sticks with the Books of the Bible on them. Help the kids put them in order. Kids should stay at their SG table until their parents pick them up. Security Tags should be checked at the door. 26 This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church THE BIBLE IS LIKE A SEED Who do you hang out with? How are they a good influence on you? Do you have a Bible that you can understand? If you do, what do you like to read in the Bible? Have you ever read anything in the Bible? Why or why not? What kinds of things help you grow? How? What kind of things do you like to watch on TV or movies? Are they things that might help you learn and grow? What do you like most about church? What can you do in church to help you learn and grow? Draw a picture of one way you could help God’s word grow in your heart like a seed. PARENTS THE BIBLE IS LIKE A SEED Today your child learned that the Bible is like a sword; it helps us know the difference between right and wrong. The children heard some examples of how the Bible helps us know what is right and what is wrong. This week with your child: • Does your child have a Bible that is age appropriate for them? Here are some suggestions if you do not have one that they can understand. They are available on amazon.ca. Bible Verse: Give me understanding, and I will keep Your law and obey it with all my heart. Psalm 119:34 CONTACT FALL CURRICULUM GRADES 3 - 4 UNIT 2 UNIT OVERVIEW CONTACT UNITY SUMMARY: This second unit of the Fall quarter is entitled CONTACT. In this unit, children will hear about the attributes of God. They will learn that God is all knowing, God is everywhere, God is King and ruler over all, God is eternal, and God is holy and perfect. Children will learn these attributes through the stories of David in the Old Testament. By learning about these attributes, they will come to understand that in a big universe, God wants to have CONTACT with them. 32 This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church LESSON 5: LARGE GROUP Key Concept: God knows all about me and I can trust Him for what is best for me. Bible Verse: You are familiar with all my ways. Psalm 139:3 THEME: Emoji DON’T FORGET TO: Introduce yourself prior to teaching them the lesson. Give a special welcome to children that may be new and the friends that invited them. Have a Bible with you to show in the lesson. Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time LARGE GROUP TIME 1) Invite small groups to large group time. 2) Introduce yourself & welcome new friends. 3) Last Week Recap: “The Bible is God’s Word and I need to learn it and understand it.” 4) WORSHIP (1 song) 5) Introduce Key Concept: “Today in Large Group, we are going to learn that God knows everything about us. Listen to the story to find out what God knew about David that other people did not know. God knows all about me and I can trust Him for what is best for me.” 6) Interaction: Engage In Your Interactive Learning Technique (1 Samuel 16:1-13, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, Psalm 139:1-6) 7) Application 8) Memory Verse: (read from Bible) You are familiar with all my ways. Psalm 139:3 9) WORSHIP (2 songs) 10) Recap Key Concept: “God knows all about me and I can trust Him for what is best for me.” 11) PRAY - Dear God, thank you for knowing so much about me that you know what is best for me. Amen. 12) Dismiss to Small Group Large Group Structure: - Welcome - Worship - Lesson - Worship TECH: Countdown Video To Prepare for Lesson Microphone for Large Group speaker Series Graphic Video: Worship Music Video: About the Psalms This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church 33 LESSON 5: SMALL GROUP Key Concept: God knows all about me and I can trust Him for what is best for me. Bible Verse: You are familiar with all my ways. Psalm 139:3 SMALL GROUP TIME Kid Connection 1. Welcome the kids to your group. 2. Share something fun about yourself that not many people know. 3. Ask each child to share something fun about themselves that not many people know. “Today in Large Group, we are going to learn that God knows everything about us. Listen to the story to find out what God knew about David that other people did not know.” Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time What did God know about David that no one knew? God knew David would be king even though he was a young shepherd. Today we learned that: GOD KNOWS ALL ABOUT US AND WE CAN TRUST HIM FOR WHAT IS BEST FOR US. Activity: “WHO ARE YOU” Game Supplies: Who are you Game Board Question Cards Character Cards 1. Sit in a circle. 2. Put the game board in the middle of the circle. 3. Give each child a Character Card, and tell them not to let anyone see their card. 4. Tell kids to discretely find the corresponding character on the game board. Instructions: 1. The object of the game is to guess who each person is on the board by asking YES and NO questions. 2. When it is your turn, the rest of us will ask you questions to try to figure out who you are on the game board. 3. The questions must be answered with Yes or NO. Ask questions like “Are you close to the spaceship?” or “Are you wearing a hat?” 4. Once we figure out who you are on the game board, you pick up one of the Question Cards and read the question aloud. You will answer it first, and then we will all discuss our answers.” 5. Choose a child to go first. Continue playing until all the characters have been found and the questions are answered. Kids should stay at their SG Prayer Time table until their parents pick 1. Ask kids for prayer requests & write them in your SG journal. 2. Pray for kids & requests. Ask kids to pray if they are comfortable. them up. Security Tags should be checked at the door. 34 Extra Time? 1. Have the kids look up the Bible verse in a Bible. 2. Practice saying the Bible Verse together. 3. Have them write out the verse on a piece of paper. This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church PARENTS GOD IS ALL KNOWING Today your child learned that God knows everything about them because He made them. God knew David and planned for David to be king. We taught the kids that God knows what is best for them and that they can trust Him. This week with your child: • Look over some family photos to see the similarities and differences in each family member. • Talk about how God made each person in your family and He knows everything about them. • Look up Psalm 139:13. How does this verse apply to the lesson? Bible Verse: You are familiar with all my ways. Psalm 139:3 LESSON 6: LARGE GROUP Key Concept: God is everywhere and we are never alone. Bible Verse: I am always with You. Psalm 73:23 THEME: Emoji DON’T FORGET TO: Introduce yourself prior to teaching them the lesson. Give a special welcome to children that may be new and the friends that invited them. Have a Bible with you to show in the lesson. LARGE GROUP TIME 1) Invite small groups to large group time. 2) Introduce yourself & welcome new friends. 3) Last Week Recap: God knows all about me and I can trust Him for what is best for me. 4) WORSHIP (1 song) 5) Introduce Key Concept: “Today in Large Group we will talk about David, who God chose to be King of Israel. He went through some scary situations, but God was always with him. In Large Group, listen to find out why David was scared. God is everywhere and we are never alone.” 6) Interaction: Engage In Your Interactive Learning Technique Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time (Psalm 139:7-12, 1 Samuel 23:7-29) 7) Application 8) Memory Verse: (read from Bible) I am always with You. Psalm 73:23. 9) WORSHIP (2 songs) 10) Recap Key Concept: God is everywhere and we are never alone. 11) PRAY - Dear God, thank you for being with me all the time. Amen. 12) Dismiss to Small Group Large Group Structure: - Welcome - Worship - Lesson - Worship TECH: Countdown Video To Prepare for Lesson Microphone for Large Group speaker Series Graphic Video: Worship Music This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church 39 LESSON 6: SMALL GROUP Key Concept: God is everywhere and we are never alone. Bible Verse: I am always with You. Psalm 73:23 SMALL GROUP TIME Kid Connection Why do you think David was scared in the story? King Saul was trying to kill him. 1. Welcome the kids to your group. 2. Ask them to tell you about the highest place, the lowest place, the scariest place, and the happiest place to which they have been. “Today in Large Group we will talk about David, who God chose to be King of Israel. He went through some scary situations, but God was always with him. In Large Group, listen to find out why David was scared.” Who was always with David? God. We are never alone. Activity: Make a Cootie Catcher Supplies: Cootie Catcher Sheet – 1 per child Scissors & Markers 1. Give each child a cootie catcher page. 2. Help them cut it out & fold it according to the directions. 3. They will need to add the numbers and the coloured dots. 4. Have each child take a turn to play with a friend & answer the questions on their cootie catchers. 5. As they answer the questions, remind them that God is always with them. Prayer Time 1. Ask kids for prayer requests & write them in your SG journal. Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time 2. Pray for kids & requests. Ask kids to pray if they are comfortable. Extra Time? 1. Have the kids look up the Bible verse in a Bible. 2. Practice saying the Bible Verse together. 3. Have them write out the verse in the middle of their cootie catcher. 15 min - Small Group Time Kids should stay at their SG table until their parents pick them up. Security Tags should be checked at the door. 40 This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church PARENTS GOD IS EVERYWHERE Today your child learned that God is everywhere and cares for us. When David had to hide from King Saul, God was with him, cared about him, and comforted him. God is everywhere and they are never alone. This week with your child: • Ask your child to show you their ‘cootie catcher’ that they made • Play it with them and remind them as they answer each question, that God is always with them and He cares about them. • Talk about difficult situations that they have faced or are facing. How can you help remind them that God is always with them? Bible Verse: I am always with You. Psalm 73:23 LESSON 7: LARGE GROUP Key Concept: God is King and in charge over all things and we need to obey His laws. Bible Verse: I will always obey Your law, for ever and ever. Psalm 119:44 THEME: Emoji DON’T FORGET TO: Introduce yourself prior to teaching them the lesson. Give a special welcome to children that may be new and the friends that invited them. Have a Bible with you to show in the lesson. Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time LARGE GROUP TIME 1) Invite small groups to large group time. 2) Introduce yourself & welcome new friends. 3) Last Week Recap: “God is always with me and listens to me, no matter how I am feeling” 4) WORSHIP (1 song) 5) Introduce Key Concept: “Today in Large Group we are going to hear another story about David. David was in a difficult situation, but he realized he had to obey God even though it was going to be hard. Listen to hear what David was facing and how he obeyed God. God is King and in charge over all things and we need to obey His laws.” 6) Engage In Your Interactive Learning Technique (1 Samuel 24:1-22, Psalm 139) 7) Application: Revisit the key concept and review what it looks like in a child’s life. 8) Memory Verse: (read from Bible) I will always obey Your law, for ever and ever. Psalm 119:44 9) WORSHIP (2 songs) 10) Recap Key Concept: God is King and in charge over all things and we need to obey His laws. 11) PRAY - Dear God, thank you for being in charge of everything. It makes it easier to obey you. Amen. 13) Dismiss to Small Group Large Group Structure: - Welcome - Worship - Lesson - Worship TECH: Countdown Video To Prepare for Lesson Microphone for Large Group speaker Video: Worship Music This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church 43 LESSON 7: SMALL GROUP Key Concept: God is King and in charge over all things and we need to obey His laws. Bible Verse: I will always obey Your law, for ever and ever. Psalm 119:44 SMALL GROUP TIME Kid Connection 1. Welcome the kids to your group. 2. Ask them who are some people you need to obey? Do you find it easy or hard to obey those people? “Today in Large Group we are going to hear another story about David. David was in a difficult situation, but he realized he had to obey God even though it was going to be hard. Listen to hear what David was facing and how he obeyed God.” What do we need to do because God is King over all? Obey Him. What is the difference between ‘obey’ and ‘obey all the way’? Obey all the way means to obey God’s laws with the right motives and attitudes. Activity: Obey or Obey all the Way? Supplies: Obey or Obey all the Way Sheet (1 per child) & Pencils 1. Give each child an “Obey or Obey all the Way” page. 2. Ask someone to read each situation. Help them choose which answer is the best. 3. Ask someone to read the Bible verse that goes with each situation. Prayer Time 1. Ask kids for prayer requests & write them in your SG journal. 2. Pray for kids & requests. Ask kids to pray if they are comfortable. Program Schedule Extra Time? 10 min - Activity Centers 1. Have the kids look up the Bible verses from the situations in their Bible. 5 min - Kid Connection 2. Practice saying the Bible Verse together. 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time Kids should stay at their SG table until their parents pick them up. Security Tags should be checked at the door. 44 This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church OBEY OR OBEY ALL THE WAY? Situation #1 Your mom tells you to clean up your room. She is upset because she has already asked you several times, and you keep putting it off. What do you do? Obey – complain to your mom, then clean your room, moping around, moving slowly, and complaining the whole time. Obey all the way – respond nicely to your mom, and apologize for not obeying her before. Then, clean your room, moving quickly, humming or singing your favorite song. "Do everything without complaining or arguing." Philippians 2:14 Situation #2 You and your friend are looking at the baseball/softball team list. Your friend made the team, but you didn't. Your friend is excited! What do you do? Obey – don't say anything to your friend. Cross your arms and walk away. Obey all the way – say you are disappointed you didn't make it, tell your friend congratulations for making it. "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another about yourself." Romans 12:10 Situation #3 You are sleeping over at a friend’s house, and your friends start saying mean things about another friend of yours. What do you do? Okay – don't participate in the conversation. Stay quiet. Obey all the way – stand up for your friend. Think of something nice to say about your friend. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up." Ephesians 4:29 Situation #4 No one in the school wants to be friends with this one kid in your class. He is bigger than the other kids, wears funny clothes, and never smiles. Everyone talks about him behind his back. As you are going to the cafeteria, he asks if he can eat lunch with you. What do you do? Okay – tell him yes, but at lunch, ignore him and pretend he isn't there. Don't talk to him, and sit with your back to him. Obey all the way – tell him yes, and at lunch, ask him questions to try to get to know him. Ask him to come to your birthday party so other people can get to know him. "We should love one another." 1 John 3:11 Situation #5 Your friend is in a fight with someone. At recess, your friend decides to play a mean joke on that person and asks you to help. What do you do? Obey – tell your friend you don't want to get involved, but don't do anything to stop the mean joke. Obey all the way – stop your friend from playing the mean joke, and help the two become friends again. "Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and everyone else." 1 Thessalonians 5:15 Situation #6 You are at the library with your mom and brother. Your mom has asked you to watch your little brother while she looks around. You really wanted to read a cool magazine. What do you do? Okay – watch your brother, but complain, ignore him, and make fun of him. Obey all the way – watch your brother and help him find books and toys he likes. "Be kind and compassionate to one another." Ephesians 4:32 PARENTS GOD IS ALL KNOWING Today your child learned that God is the King and in charge over all. David recognized God as the final authority and obeyed God instead of following the advice of his warriors and killing Saul. We talked about the difference between ‘obeying’ and ‘obeying all the way’. Obeying all the way means to obey God’s laws with the right motives and attitudes. This week with your child: • Ask your child what the difference is between ‘obeying’ and ‘obeying all the way’. • Look up the Bible verses from each situation on their activity sheet. • Practice learning the Bible verse with them each night before bed. Bible Verse: I will always obey Your law, for ever and ever. Psalm 119:44 LESSON 8: LARGE GROUP Key Concept: God is the only one who has always existed and He is worthy of our worship. Bible Verse: Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:2 THEME: Emoji DON’T FORGET TO: Introduce yourself prior to teaching them the lesson. Give a special welcome to children that may be new and the friends that invited them. Have a Bible with you to show in the lesson. Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time Large Group Structure: LARGE GROUP TIME 1) Invite small groups to large group time. 2) Introduce yourself & welcome new friends. 3) Last Week Recap: “God is King and in charge over all things and we need to obey His laws.” 4) WORSHIP (1 song) 5) Introduce Key Concept: “Today in Large Group we are going to hear about how we can tell God how wonderful He is and express our love to Him. We call this worship. Listen to find out about different ways we can worship God. God is the only one who has always existed and He is worthy of our worship.” 6) Engage In Your Interactive Learning Technique (Psalm 90:2, 93:2, 100:3, 139) 7) Application: Revisit the key concept and review what it looks like in a child’s life. 8) Memory Verse: (read from Bible) Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:2 9) WORSHIP (2 songs) 10) Recap Key Concept: God is the only one who has always existed and He is worthy of our worship. 11) PRAY - Dear God, thank you for allowing us to worship you everyday, today and forever. Amen. 13) Dismiss to Small Group - Welcome - Worship - Lesson - Worship TECH: Countdown Video To Prepare for Lesson Microphone for Large Group speaker Video: Worship Music This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church 47 LESSON 8: SMALL GROUP Key Concept: God is the only one who has always existed and He is worthy of our worship. Bible Verse: Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:2 SMALL GROUP TIME Kid Connection 1. Welcome the kids to your group. 2. Ask them to think of a time when someone said something nice about them. What did they say? How did it make you feel? What are some of the different ways we can worship God? Sing, dance, pray, read the Bible One of the reasons we worship God is because He is eternal. What does eternal mean? Forever. No beginning and no end. Activity #1: “God Is” Cards Supplies: God Is Cards – 1 set God Is Bible Verses (see separate sheet below) 1. Sit in a circle with your group. “Today in Large Group we are going to hear about how we can tell God how wonderful He is and express our love to Him. We call this worship. Listen to find out about different ways we can worship God.” 2. Put the “God Is” cards face up in the middle of the circle. 3. Read the first verse from your “God Is” Bible Verses Sheet 4. Ask the kids to see if they can match the verse with one of the cards in the middle. 5. Continue reading the verses until all the cards are matched. Activity #2: Write Your Own Psalm Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time Supplies: My Psalm Sheets Pencils / Markers 1. Give each child a “My Psalm” Sheet. 2. Read the text in each box and have the write or draw something in that box 3. Fill out a sheet of your own as you go. 4. Take turns reading your Psalms out loud. 15 min - Small Group Time Prayer Time 1. Ask kids for prayer requests & write them in your SG journal. Kids should stay at their SG 2. Pray for kids & requests. Ask kids to pray if they are comfortable. table until their parents pick them up. Security Tags should be checked at the door. 48 Extra Time? 1. Have the kids look up the Bible verses from the situations in their Bible. 2. Practice saying the Bible Verse together. This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church GOD IS – BIBLE VERSES Read the following verses, and have the kids in your group match them to one of the “God Is” Cards in the middle of your circle. (Do not read the answers.) 1. Psalm 139:3 “You are familiar with all of my ways.” (Explain that “familiar” means that God knows you.) God is all-knowing 2. Psalm 73:23 “I am always with you.” God is everywhere 3. Psalm 47:7 “For God is the King over all the earth; sing to Him a song of praise.” God is king and in charge over all 4. Psalm 103:11 “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear him.” God is loving 5. Psalm 32:7 “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble.” God protects us 6. Psalm 103:12 “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our sins from us.” God forgives us 7. Psalm 147:59 “Great is the Lord and mighty in power.” God is powerful 8. Psalm 145:13 “The Lord is faithful to all His promises.” God keeps his promises PARENTS GOD IS ETERNAL Today your child learned that God has always existed. He made the world and He made us. David worshiped God through celebration. God is the only one who has always existed and is worthy of our worship. This week with your child: • Ask your child to show you the Psalm they wrote. • Together, look up verses in Psalms, and find verses that worship God. • Write a list of things that you can worship God about. Bible Verse: Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:2 FALL CURRICULUM GRADES 3 - 4 UNIT 3 UNIT OVERVIEW FRIENDS OF GOD UNITY SUMMARY: In this third unit of the Fall Quarter, kids will learn about various “Friends of God” from the Old Testament and look at how those people grew in their friendships with God. They will learn that friends of God grow through having the courage to do what is right, by serving God and others with their talents, by telling others about God, and by keeping their word to others. By learning about these Old Testament Friends of God, children will learn how to grow in their own friendship with God. 54 This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church LESSON 9: LARGE GROUP Key Concept: God is holy and perfect and has provided a way for us to be in a friendship with Him forever. Bible Verse: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 THEME: Friendship Fingers DON’T FORGET TO: Introduce yourself prior to teaching them the lesson. Give a special welcome to children that may be new and the friends that invited them. Have a Bible with you to show in the lesson. Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time Large Group Structure: LARGE GROUP TIME - SALVATION SUNDAY 1) Invite small groups to large group time. 2) Introduce yourself & welcome new friends. 3) Last Week Recap: “God is the only one who has always existed and He is worthy of our worship.” 4) WORSHIP (1 song) 5) Introduce Key Concept: “Today in Large Group we are going to learn about the only person who has ever lived who was actually perfect. We are also going to hear about the plan God made so He could be friends with us. God is holy and perfect and has provided a way for us to be in a friendship with Him forever.” 6) Engage In Your Interactive Learning Technique (Psalm 22:3, 30:4, 99:3,5, John 3:16, Romans 3:23, 5:8) 7) Application: Revisit the key concept and review what it looks like in a child’s life. 8) Memory Verse: (read from Bible) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 9) WORSHIP (2 songs) 10) Recap Key Concept: “God is holy and perfect and has provided a way for us to be in a friendship with Him forever.” 11) PRAY - Dear God, thank you for making a perfect way for us to be your friend. Amen. 13) Dismiss to Small Group - Welcome - Worship - Lesson - Worship TECH: Countdown Video To Prepare for Lesson Microphone for Large Group speaker Video: Worship Music This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church 55 LESSON 9: SMALL GROUP Key Concept: God is holy and perfect and has provided a way for us to be in a friendship with Him forever. Bible Verse: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 Kid Connection 1. Welcome the kids to your group. 2. Ask them if they know anyone who seems perfect. What would it be like to do everything right? How would your life be different? SMALL GROUP TIME - SALVATION SUNDAY Who is the only perfect person to ever walk on earth? Jesus What was God’s plan for us since we were going to be separated from Him? He sent Jesus to die for our sins. Activity #1: “God Is” Cards Supplies: God Made Contact Sheet (1 per child) Commitment Sheets Pencils 1. Sit in a circle with your group. “Today in Large Group we are going to learn about the only person who has ever lived who was actually perfect. We are also going to hear about the plan God made so He could be friends with us.” 2. Share briefly & appropriately how you came to ask Jesus to be your Forever Friend by using the following guide: A) Where you were spiritually before receiving Christ? What were you like? What caused you to consider following Jesus? B) What realization did you come to that finally motivated you to make Jesus your Forever Friend? Specifically, remind the kids how you Admitted, Believed, and Chose to become a Christian. C) How did your life begin to change after becoming a Christian? 3. Give each child a ‘God Made Contact’ Sheet & a pencil. 4. Ask, “What is the first word we learned in Large Group?” World Write the world “World” on the first blank on your paper. Review with them what they learned about the world. Program Schedule 5. Ask, “What is the second word we learned in Large Group?” Sin 10 min - Activity Centers 6. Ask, “What is the third word we learned in Large Group?” Gift Write the word “Sin” in the second blank. Review what they learned about sin. 5 min - Kid Connection Write the word “Gift” in the third blank. Review. 30 min - Large Group Time Write the letters ABC in the last blank. Review what A-B-C means. Admit, Believe, Choose. 15 min - Small Group Time 8. Hand out the “Commitment Sheets”. Read each statement to the kids. Ask them to listen carefully, and check off the box for the statement that is most appropriate for them. 7. Say, “Becoming Forever Friends with God is as easy as ____.” ABC Kids should stay at their SG Prayer Time table until their parents pick 1. Ask kids for prayer requests & write them in your SG journal. them up. 2. Pray for kids & requests. Ask kids to pray if they are comfortable. Security Tags should be checked at the door. Extra Time? 1. Have the kids look up the Bible verses from the situations in their Bible. 2. Practice saying the Bible Verse together. 56 This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church PARENTS GOD IS ETERNAL Over the past several weeks, the children in Grades 3-4 have been learning about the attributes of God. They have learned that in a big universe, God wants to make one-on-one contact with them. Today, the kids learned that God loves us so much, He sent Jesus to die, taking the punishment for our sins, so we can be Forever Friends with Him. The kids learned that becoming a Christian is as easy as A. B. C. “A” stands for admitting your sins – realizing and admitting you have done wrong. “B” stands for believe – believing Jesus is the son of God who died on the cross so our sins would be forgiven. “C” stands for choose – choosing to follow God, accepting his forgiveness, and obeying God’s word. During the program today, your child was given the opportunity to pray to receive this gift. This week with your child: • Talk with your child about the salvation message he/she heard. Encourage your child to ask questions and go to the Bible for answers. • Here are some Bible verses that you and your child can check out that explain how to become a member of God’s family. o John 3:16 o John 14:6 o Romans 3:23 o Romans 5:8 o Romans 6:23 • Pray for and with your child this week. Encourage him/her to talk honestly with God. Remind him/her of God’s desire and ability to see them through everything they face. • Affirm and encourage your child as you see him/her take steps to follow Jesus. Bible Verse: “I will obey Your Word.” Psalm 119:17 LESSON 10: LARGE GROUP Key Concept: God is our protector and we can have courage to do what He wants us to do. Bible Verse: Be strong and courageous...for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 THEME: Friendship Fingers DON’T FORGET TO: Introduce yourself prior to teaching them the lesson. Give a special welcome to children that may be new and the friends that invited them. Have a Bible with you to show in the lesson. LARGE GROUP TIME 1) Invite small groups to large group time. 2) Introduce yourself & welcome new friends. 3) Last Week Recap: “God is the only one who has always existed and He is worthy of our worship.” 4) WORSHIP (1 song) 5) Introduce Key Concept: “Today in Large Group we are going to learn about 2 men named Joshua & Caleb. They showed courage in a difficult situation. God is our protector and we can have courage to do what He wants us to do.” 6) Engage In Your Interactive Learning Technique JOSHUA & CALEB (Numbers 13:1 - 14:9) Program Schedule 7) Application: Revisit the key concept and review what it looks like in a child’s life. 10 min - Activity Centers 8) Memory Verse: (read from Bible) Be strong and courageous...for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time Large Group Structure: - Welcome - Worship - Lesson - Worship 9) WORSHIP (2 songs) 10) Recap Key Concept: “God is our protector and we can have courage to do what He wants us to do.” 11) PRAY - Dear God, thank you for giving us the courage to make good choices that make you happy. Amen. 13) Dismiss to Small Group TECH: Countdown Video To Prepare for Lesson Microphone for Large Group speaker Video: Worship Music This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church 60 LESSON 10: SMALL GROUP Key Concept: God is our protector and we can have courage to do what He wants us to do. Bible Verse: Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 Kid Connection 1. Welcome the kids to your group. Ask them if anything special or significant happened. 2. Share a time when you needed to display courage. Keep it brief & appropriate for kids. 3. Ask what is the most courageous thing they have ever done. “Today in Large Group we are going to learn about 2 men named Joshua & Caleb. They showed courage in a difficult situation.” Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection SMALL GROUP TIME Why were Joshua & Caleb so courageous? They believed God would be true to His promises. They trusted God. Activity #1: Bible Story Review Supplies: Story of Joshua & Caleb Read the story of Joshua & Caleb to the kids. (See separate sheet) It has a few blanks. Ask them to fill in the blanks with the correct words when you pause for each of them. Activity #2: Certificate of Courage Supplies: Courage Certificates (1 per child) Wiki Sticks – 2 per child Crayons or Pencils 1. Give each child a certificate & 2 Wiki Sticks. 2. Read the Certificate & verse aloud. 3. Have the children print their name on the first blank of the courage certificate. 4. Get them to ‘write’ the word COURAGE in the next blank using the Wiki Sticks to form the letters. 5. Have them press the letters firmly onto the paper so they will stick. 6. Remind them: “When we have courage to do what God wants us to do, we stand out from the crowd. See how the word COURAGE stands out from your paper?” 7. Ask them to think of a situation in their life where they will need courage. Allow for discussion. 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time Prayer Time 1. Ask kids for prayer requests & write them in your SG journal. 2. Pray for kids & requests. Ask kids to pray if they are comfortable. Kids should stay at their SG Extra Time? table until their parents pick On the back of their courage certificate ask them to write down the them up. following letters, and unscramble the words: Security Tags should be checked at the door. 61 Uhosja (Joshua) | Wvelet (twelve) | Cettrop (protect) | Yenoh (honey) Aref (fear) | Lecab (Caleb) This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church JOSHUA AND CALEB STORY Pause when you get to a blank and see if the kids in your group can guess the word (in brackets). The people of Israel were living out in the desert waiting to move into the new land God had promised to give them. Their leader was a man named ______________. (Moses) God told Moses to send some men out to explore the land of _________________. (Canaan), the place God told them would be their new home. Moses picked _________________ (twelve) men to be ____________ (spies) to find out about this new land. One of the spies was a man named _______________ (Joshua) and another _______________ (Caleb). The 12 men were to sneak into the land and check it out. They were to find out if the people living there were weak or ________________ (strong). Moses wanted to know if the land was good or ______ (bad). When they returned, they told the Israelites all about the land. They said it was flowing with ________ (milk) and ______________ (honey). But when the spies talked about the people in the land, they trembled with ___________ (fear). They said the people living there were very ___________ (strong). Then ________________ (Joshua) and _____________ (Caleb) spoke up. They told the people to be courageous, because God promised to give the land to them. But the scared spies try to make everyone else ________________ (scared) too. They told the Israelites that the people that lived in the land were big and scary. They said, “We seemed like _____________ (grasshoppers) compared to them”. All the people were scared and believe the 10 spies, instead of Joshua and Caleb. Finally Joshua and Caleb got their attention. They reminded the people that _____ (God) had promised to give them this wonderful land. They told everyone, “Don’t be ________ (afraid).” Joshua and Caleb knew God was on their side and he would _______________ (protect) them. They stood up for what was _____________ (right) and believed God. The people finally went to the Promised Land. They lived in the land flowing with milk and honey, just like God had promised. CERTIFICATE OF COURAGE This certificate is presented to you are qualified to display great Stand out from the crowd and stand up for what is right! “Be strong and courageous...for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 PARENTS BE COURAGEOUS Today your child learned about the twelve Israelite spies checking out the Promised Land. Ten spies were afraid to enter the land; two spies believed God was with them and wanted to enter the land. They learned that God is our protector and we need to have courage to obey God or do what is right. This week with your child: • Watch this video on YouTube about the story of Joshua & Caleb https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rX0ysJsro8 • Talk about a time when you were afraid & were courageous. • Talk about God being our protector, and He wants us to be courageous in tough situations. Bible Verse: Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 LESSON 11: LARGE GROUP Key Concept: God gave us talents and He wants us to serve Him and others. Bible Verse: Serve Him faithfully with all your heart. 1 Samuel 12:24 THEME: Friendship Fingers DON’T FORGET TO: Introduce yourself prior to teaching them the lesson. Give a special welcome to children that may be new and the friends that invited them. Have a Bible with you to show in the lesson. LARGE GROUP TIME 1) Invite small groups to large group time. 2) Introduce yourself & welcome new friends. 3) Last Week Recap: “God is our protector and we can have courage to do what He wants us to do.” 4) WORSHIP (1 song) 5) Introduce Key Concept: “Today in Large Group we are going to learn about two men named Belzalel and Oholiab. They loved to create things. Listen to how they used their talents to serve God. God gave us talents and He wants us to serve Him and others.” 6) Engage In Your Interactive Learning Technique Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 25:1-8, 31:1-11, 35:30-36:7) Program Schedule 7) Application: Revisit the key concept and review what it looks like in a child’s life. 10 min - Activity Centers 8) Memory Verse: (read from Bible) Serve Him faithfully with all your heart. 1 Samuel 12:24 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time Large Group Structure: 9) WORSHIP (2 songs) 10) Recap Key Concept: “God is our protector and we can have courage to do what He wants us to do.” 11) PRAY - Dear God, thank you for giving us talents to help us serve you better. Amen. 13) Dismiss to Small Group - Welcome - Worship - Lesson - Worship TECH: Countdown Video To Prepare for Lesson Microphone for Large Group speaker Video: Worship Music This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church 65 LESSON 11: SMALL GROUP Key Concept: God gave us talents and He wants us to serve Him and others. Bible Verse: Serve Him faithfully with all your heart. 1 Samuel 12:24 Kid Connection 1. Welcome the kids to your group. Ask them if anything special or significant happened. 2. Ask them what they like to do in their free time. What activity or hobby to they like? 3. Share one of your talents. “Today in Large Group we are going to learn about two men named Belzalel and Oholiab. They loved to create things. Listen to how they used their talents to serve God.” SMALL GROUP TIME How did Bezalel and Oholiab use their talents to serve God and others? They helped build God’s tabernacle, or tent. Activity: story of Bezalel and Oholiab Read the story of Bezalel and Oholiab to the kids. (See separate sheet) It has some mistakes. (mistakes are bolded) Ask them to raise their hand when they hear a mistake. (and see if they know the correct word) Activity: Play Doh Supplies: Play Doh (2 oz per child) Ziplock bags (sandwich size) 1. Give each child 2 oz of play doh. 2. Ask them to make 1 or 2 things out of play doh that symbolize the talents God has given them. 3. When everyone is done, ask each child to explain their sculpture & their talents to the group. Program Schedule 4. Place the finished art sculptures in a zip lock bag when they are finished to take home with them. 10 min - Activity Centers Prayer Time 5 min - Kid Connection 1. Ask kids for prayer requests & write them in your SG journal. 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time 2. Pray for kids & requests. Ask kids to pray if they are comfortable. Extra Time? Make a list of different talents they can think of, and someone who they know has that talent. Kids should stay at their SG table until their parents pick them up. Security Tags should be checked at the door. 66 This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church BEZALEL AND OHOLIAB STORY Incorrect words are bolded. See if the kids know what the correct words should be. There once was a group of people called the Benannaites. They moved around from place to place and didn’t have a restaurant where they could worship God. God told Moses, the leader of the Israelites, to make a special tent where people could go and learn about sewing and knitting. This was no ordinary tent. It was very special, so God told Jim to use the best materials to build a tent. In fact, this tent was so special that the Israelites gave the best of their own things, like jewelry, cloth, and iPads. Then, God told Moses about two men who could help make the best tent possible. Their names were Paul and David. These two men were very good at making beautiful furniture and curtains to make the tent look beautiful. So Bezalel and Oholiab went to work and made the tent a beautiful place where people could eat dinner. God gave Bezalel and Oholiab their wonderful talents, and they used those talents to serve God and others. Great job! God has given you some wonderful talents too, and He wants you to use them to serve Him and others. PARENTS GOD GIVES US TALENTS Today your child learned that God has given each of us talents so that we can serve Him and others. They heard the story of Bezalel and Oholiab and how they used their talents to help make the tabernacle beautiful. This week with your child: • Look up the Bible verse in the Bible together. • Talk about what talents you have and how you serve others and God with them. • Ask your child what talents they think they have, and how they can serve God and others with them. Bible Verse: Serve Him faithfully with all your heart. 1 Samuel 12:24 LESSON 12: LARGE GROUP Key Concept: Friends of God grow when they tell others about Him. Bible Verse: Make known among the nations what He has done. Psalm 105:1 THEME: Friendship Fingers DON’T FORGET TO: Introduce yourself prior to teaching them the lesson. Give a special welcome to children that may be new and the friends that invited them. Have a Bible with you to show in the lesson. LARGE GROUP TIME 1) Invite small groups to large group time. 2) Introduce yourself & welcome new friends. 3) Last Week Recap: “God gave us talents and He wants us to serve Him and others.” 4) WORSHIP (1 song) 5) Introduce Key Concept: “Today in Large Group we are going to hear a story about some exciting news. Listen to find out who told the exciting news, and what the news was. Friends of God grow when they tell others about Him.” 6) Engage In Your Interactive Learning Technique Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time Large Group Structure: Elisha (2 Kings 5:1-17) 7) Application: Revisit the key concept and review what it looks like in a child’s life. 8) Memory Verse: (read from Bible) Make known among the nations what He has done. Psalm 105:1 9) WORSHIP (2 songs) 10) Recap Key Concept: “God is our protector and we can have courage to do what He wants us to do.” 11) PRAY - Dear God, thank you for helping us grow when we share about you with our friends. Amen. 13) Dismiss to Small Group - Welcome - Worship - Lesson - Worship TECH: Countdown Video To Prepare for Lesson Microphone for Large Group speaker Video: Worship Music This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church 69 LESSON 12: SMALL GROUP Key Concept: Friends of God grow when they tell others about Him. Bible Verse: Make known among the nations what He has done. Psalm 105:1 Kid Connection 1. Welcome the kids to your group. Ask them what they did this past week. 2. Share a time when someone told you some exciting news. (e.g. when you won a prize, or something great happened) 3. Ask them if anyone has ever told them exciting news. How did it make them feel? “Today in Large Group we are going to hear a story about some exciting news. Listen to find out who told the exciting news, and what the news was.” Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time SMALL GROUP TIME In our Large Group story, who told the exciting news? The little servant girl What was the exciting news? Elisha could heal Namaan’s leprosy. Activity #1: Story of Elisha & Naaman Read the story of Elisha & Naaman to the kids. (See separate sheet) It has some mistakes. (mistakes are bolded) Ask them to raise their hand when they hear a mistake. (and see if they know the correct word) Activity #2: Story of Elisha & Naaman Supplies: Strips of Paper Markers Tape 1. Put the paper, markers & tape in the middle of the circle. 2. Write the name of the person who told you about God, on one strip of paper. Tape it into a circle to start the paper chain. 3. Make another link with your name on it and add it to the chain. 4. Write down the names of people you want to tell about God. Add their links to the chain. 5. As each child to write down the name of the person who told them about God. 6. Then ask them to write their name and make their own chain by adding names of people they can tell about God. 7. Talk about some ways they could tell their friends about God: a. Bring them to church b. Tell them the true meaning about Christmas c. Show them a YouTube video of a Bible story d. Talk to them Prayer Time Kids should stay at their SG 1. Ask kids for prayer requests & write them in your SG journal. table until their parents pick 2. Pray for the names of the friends in their paper chain. them up. Security Tags should be checked at the door. 3. Pray for kids & requests. Ask kids to pray if they are comfortable. Extra Time? Work on the Naaman word search. 70 This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church ELISHA & NAAMAN STORY Incorrect words are bolded. See if the kids know what the correct words should be. There once was a man named Naaman who was a baker. Naaman had a problem. He had a disease called chickenpox. Naaman’s wife had a servant girl who felt bad about his disease. She knew of a prophet named Bezalel who had the power through God to heal people. The servant girl told Naaman’s wife about Elisha. Naaman’s wife talked to Naaman, and he decided to leave right away. He asked permission from his boss, the King, and went off to find Elisha. When he got to Elisha’s house, Elisha didn’t come out. Instead, he sent an email to Naaman. He told Naaman to eat 10 grapes while standing on his head and then he would be healed. Naaman was mad, so he left. After talking to his servants, he decided to follow Elisha’s directions, and he was healed. Naaman felt so scared! Naaman went back to Elisha to thank him. Elisha told Naaman about God, and Naaman became a friend of God. The little servant girl knew about God’s prophet, and then Elisha, God’s prophet helped Naaman. Through this chain reaction, Naaman became a friend of God. God wants us to tell others about him, just like Elisha did. Friends of God grow when they tell others about him. Naaman Healed of Leprosy So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child’s, and he was healed! 2 Kings 5:14 Based on 2 Kings 5:1-14 R I V E R F O A W A S H M B A B N S F L Q H P L T C V T E K H L W L E S V L T E D M S D S A U J K I K R T E W P U W Q B R R R L U I M P C T O R D S G Q K E T D N G V Q H T Z O L J W V D R Z G L A R M Y E K S Z T S I F D C N C C Y K I R L Y L P O C O G H A L C U H N H E W J R L T I R A A E U T L O H B B O O D O S Q R M A R U R M E A F R P I R R R I A N E S K B R C O D H E Y A H O N C E Y F A A V D A E R X E G T M S N U M S E V E N T U L ELISHA ARMY SOLDIER SEVEN VICTORY ARAM KING HOUSE LETTER CHARIOTS LEPROSY RIVER L A S O X PROPHET CURE CLEAN WASH NAAMAN ISRAEL HORSES JORDAN Copyright © Sermons 4 Kids, Inc. • All Rights Reserved • www.sermons4kids.com PARENTS ELISHA AND NAAMAN Today your child heard the story about Naaman, an army commander, was healed after a little servant girl told Naaman’s wife about the prophet Elisha. Namaan was healed and became a friend of God. They also learned that God wants us to tell others about Him. This week with your child: • Look up the Bible verse in the Bible together. • Talk about ways that you can tell others about God. • Make a list of people who need to hear about God and pray for them together. Bible Verse: Make known among the nations what He has done. Psalm 105:1 LESSON 13: LARGE GROUP Key Concept: God is a promise keeper and He wants us to do what we say we will do. Bible Verse: You must do whatever you say you will do. Deuteronomy 23:23 THEME: Friendship Fingers DON’T FORGET TO: Introduce yourself prior to teaching them the lesson. Give a special welcome to children that may be new and the friends that invited them. Have a Bible with you to show in the lesson. LARGE GROUP TIME 1) Invite small groups to large group time. 2) Introduce yourself & welcome new friends. 3) Last Week Recap: “Friends of God grow when they tell others about Him.” 4) WORSHIP (1 song) 5) Introduce Key Concept: “Today in Large Group we are going to hear a story about a man named David. He kept a very important promise to his friend, Jonathan. Listen to find out what promise David kept to Jonathan. God is a promise keeper and He wants us to do what we say we will do.” 6) Engage In Your Interactive Learning Technique Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time Large Group Structure: (David and Mephibosheth, 1 Samuel 20:14-17, 2 Samuel 4:4, 9:1-13) 7) Application: Revisit the key concept and review what it looks like in a child’s life. 8) Memory Verse: (read from Bible) You must do whatever you say you will do. Deuteronomy 23:23 9) WORSHIP (2 songs) 10) Recap Key Concept: God is a promise keeper and He wants us to do what we say we will do. 11) PRAY - Dear God, thank you for helping us do what we say we are going to do, even when we don’t want to. Amen. 13) Dismiss to Small Group - Welcome - Worship - Lesson - Worship TECH: Countdown Video To Prepare for Lesson Microphone for Large Group speaker Video: Worship Music This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church 75 LESSON 13: SMALL GROUP Key Concept: The Bible is God’s book; we can believe it and do all that it says. Bible Verse: “I will obey your word.” Psalm 119:17 Kid Connection 1. Welcome the kids to your group. Ask them what they did this past week. 2. Ask them if anyone has ever made a promise that they didn’t keep. How did that make them feel? “Today in Large Group we are going to hear a story about a man named David. He kept a very important promise to his friend, Jonathan. Listen to find out what promise David kept to Jonathan.” SMALL GROUP TIME What promise did David keep? He promised Jonathan that he would take care of his family after Jonathan died. Activity: Story of David & Mephibosheth Read the story of David & Mephibosheth to the kids. (See separate sheet) It has some mistakes. (mistakes are bolded) Ask them to raise their hand when they hear a mistake (and see if they know the correct word) Activity: Crossword Puzzle Supplies: Crossword Puzzle Answer Sheet Pencils 1. Give each child a Crossword Puzzle to complete. 2. Use the answer sheet to help you if needed. Prayer Time Program Schedule 10 min - Activity Centers 5 min - Kid Connection 30 min - Large Group Time 15 min - Small Group Time 1. Ask kids for prayer requests & write them in your SG journal. 2. Pray for kids & requests. Ask kids to pray if they are comfortable. Extra Time Look up the Bible verse in the Bible. Practice saying the Bible verse together. Kids should stay at their SG table until their parents pick them up. Security Tags should be checked at the door. 76 This curriculum has been adapted from the Promiseland Curriculum by Willow Creek Community Church DAVID & MEPHIBOSHETH STORY Incorrect words are bolded. See if the kids know what the correct words should be. There was a war between the Israelites and the Philistines. King Saul and his two sons went to fight in the war and they were killed. David’s dear friend Jonathan was one of the sons. Jonathan had a son named Mark. Mephibosheth was twenty years old when his father died. There was a nurse caring for him, and when she heard that Saul and Jonathan had been killed, she ran away with Mephibosheth. When she was running, she dropped Mephibosheth and broke both of his arms. David had promised Jonathan that he would give anyone in his family fuzzy slippers if anything ever happened to Jonathan. David became king and called for Mephibosheth to appear before him. When Mephibosheth came to the palace, David was happy to see him. David told Mephibosheth he would buy him a new car. He invited Mephibosheth to come and live in the palace and eat at his table. David and Mephibosheth were both very happy. Name: David Keeps His Promise Complete the crossword below 1 3 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Created on TheTeachersCorner.net Crossword Maker Across 4. Jonathan's father's job. 5. The name of Jonathan's father. 8. The name of Jonathan's son. 9. Something you tell someone you will do is called this. 11. The name of David's friend. 12. The one who always keeps His promises. Down 1. The name of the group of people that the king was fighting. 2. The two things that got broken when Mephibosheth was dropped. 3. The place where Mephibosheth and David lived at the end of the story. 6. The person who looked after Mephibosheth. 7. The book in the Bible where today's verse is found. 10. The name of the new king after Saul died. Name: David Keeps His Promise Complete the crossword below 1 3 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Created on TheTeachersCorner.net Crossword Maker Across 4. Jonathan's father's job. 5. The name of Jonathan's father. 8. The name of Jonathan's son. 9. Something you tell someone you will do is called this. 11. The name of David's friend. 12. The one who always keeps His promises. Down 1. The name of the group of people that the king was fighting. 2. The two things that got broken when Mephibosheth was dropped. 3. The place where Mephibosheth and David lived at the end of the story. 6. The person who looked after Mephibosheth. 7. The book in the Bible where today's verse is found. 10. The name of the new king after Saul died. PARENTS KEEPING PROMISES Today your child heard the story about David’s promise to Jonathan and kindness to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. They learned that God always keeps His promises. This week with your child: • Look up the Bible verse in the Bible together. • Talk about what it means to keep a promise. • Talk with your child about how they would feel if someone broke a promise that was made to them. Bible Verse: You must do whatever you say you will do. Deuteronomy 23:23 LARGE GROUP: INTERACTIVE TEACHING TECHNIQUES Interactive teaching is when children are taking part in their own learning in a variety of ways. It’s allowing children to do and process the lesson for themselves rather than being spoon-fed our lesson objectives. This type of teaching is dynamic, hands-on and engaging. Below is a list of interactive techniques. Consider using the rule of 3 and don’t be hesitant to engage multiple techniques into one lesson. It’s also encouraged that as you teaching from God’s word you show the kids where the lesson is coming from. While you demonstrate Biblical truths we want to communicate the lesson’s accessibility with relation to the Bible. Remember, there are many more ways to create an interactive lesson and this is only the beginning. Be creative and have fun teaching to your strengths! 1. Step Into The Story – With this approach the instructor illustrates a concept, idea, or principle with a real-life application story or by making the characters in the Bible relatable. This will involve an emphasis on drama, for example, potentially teaching the lesson as a “character” from your lesson. Considering dressing yourself or adapting the environment to help the children identify your unique character. Go a step further and keep the kids engaged with a contrast of tone/pacing (funny, serious) and volume level throughout the level. Don’t be afraid of the power of silence. 2. Word of the Day – Select an important word and highlight it throughout the large group teaching, working it into the lesson as much possible with clear and notable emphasis to the audience. Make sure the word is clearly explained. This teaching strategy is based on the benefits of repetition. 3. Make A Move – This strategy is easiest for a smaller spectrum of large groups. Consider this strategy if your lesson involves destinations or conflicting emotions, characters, reactions etc. For this, you will identify walls or corners of the room that, when indicated, the children will approach based on the relevant teaching point. Make sure your space is accommodating of traffic and will not lose children to activity centres around the room or infringe on safety protocol. Also be sure to place signs or pictures on the wall for the visual learners and to assist your efforts. 4. Quiz Recap – Keep the lesson concise and challenge the children to their understanding by using an interactive quiz and create a competition within the class to engage the group. This tool is best used with the support of technology. Give them hand gestures to indicate their vote and keep track for a competitive interest within the class. Be sure not to drag out this tool by asking too many questions. 5. Live Tableau – While teaching a narrative, ask children to come up on stage and make a tableau of the event. One at a time throughout the lesson you are positioning this tableau, with one child per event, chronologically. This allows for participatory learning and engages both visual and kinesthetic learners. 6. Unravel the Letters – While teaching your lesson unveil the letters within your story to highlight a word within your key concept. These letters can be held by kids throughout the lesson or posted to a board. Make sure the children are working at unveiling these letters as a group and are rewarded by discovering the mystery. Consider jumbling the letters with older ages. 7. Reactive Response – For this strategy, you will give the children a response (noise, word, action, etc.) to engage in when you say a word you have identified is special to your lesson. Make sure the task is clearly explained and the instructions are easy to follow. You will want to be cautious about the ‘reaction’s’ potential to disturb your lesson rather than highlight a key point. Making sure the ‘reaction’ can be completed quickly so you can carry on with your teaching. This teaching strategy is based on the benefits of repetition and it encourages kids to stay focused while listening for their cue! 8. Backward & Upside Down – We’re all use to navigating through the lesson chronologically or through a set order because that makes sense. But do you have the perfect lesson to give a backwards spin? With older age groups you can tease their minds by following the story backwards – think Momento! If the concept confuses you then don’t sweat it, but if you’re up for a challenge and want to step outside the box, try this strategy and be sure to use the rewind/play/fast-forward feature with your kids! 9. Intentional Posture/Levels – Don’t get stuck in the mud. Articulate yourself through your body language. Show the points of emphasis through leaning in, sitting down when things get serious, and jumping around when things are funny! Use locations in your story in different corners of the stage but remain within clear sight of the group at all times. Be sure not to overuse a variance of postures but be repetitive within the narrative. TECH NOTES What you do matters! We know that in today’s day and age both children and adults are cultivated by digital media – and that’s where you come in! In order for you to allow you to do the best job you can do, check out these pointers: SET THE TONE FROM THE START o When kids are coming into the room we want them to be excited and to be with their friends and interact with their leaders. o Make sure you arrive on time to play some of the generic worship videos prior to the countdown video to lesson. COMMUNICATE WITH LARGE GROUP TEACHER o Prior to starting the lesson, make sure you connect with the large group teacher to make sure they are planning to execute the standard Sunday morning structure. o From there, ensure that you are on the same page about starting the countdown to lesson. STAY FOCUSED o Make sure you’re focused on your role so the large group teacher doesn’t need to prompt you when they don’t wish to. o You’re attention is crucial for a smooth morning and the best part is you can catch a break at the final small group sessions! DON’T BE A STRANGER o You have a special role in the room but make an effort to meet other leaders and get to know some of the kids in your class. Chances are they think you’re pretty cool and would love to have your attention!