It's January-Lesson 1 of 4, Sunday 1/6
Announcements:

•  Welcome to our new winter/spring leaders!  If you are not leading this week take 10 min. to see the overview video for the month and reveiw this week's story. No music this Sunday.  It will be a normal hour of classtime.  There are lots of fun actvities for this week's lesson!

• New leaders:  the link to the curriculum is

              www.whatisorange.org
              login name is:  fishleader   password:  Jesus
              Select the January-go team tab and scroll down.  

• Please make time to pray with your children!  This is as important as the Bible story.  

•  Please text me with any questions or needs:  502-553-9347 or amy@ccum.net 

  
 This week:  Lesson 1 of 4:Jesus Heals the Centurion-I can ask for help.

• Click here and watch January's 3 min.overview video.

January Scripture: "Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God." Colossians 4:2  Remember to review the scripture with the children each week (motions are in the curriculum under make it true section.)

Bible Story: This week's Bible story will be easy to tell.  With your Bible open tell the story listed in the "Make it True: Bible Story" section of the curriculum.  You might choose two or three actors to play the roles.  You could also use any of the props from the games/crafts.  

Activities: Thoughts on the activities I liked. 
Be silly like me-no props needed.
Soldier Buddies-matching worksheet activity.
We are Soldiers-kids might love this.  You could make pretend swords out of newspaper, just by rolling it up and taping it.   
Shields-We have cardstock paper you could copy and cut out on Sunday morning.
Let's Talk-make a cell phone and discuss how we need phones for people, but not for God.   

Prayer time: Gather in prayer sometime throughout the morning! Ask the kids what you can pray about and lift up their prayer requests to God.  This whole lesson is on talking to God. 

Plan for Sunday Dec. 30th-Lesson 5 of 5
 
Announcements:

• There will be music with Ms. Judy this Sunday-10:20am in rm. 107.
   

• We will still watch the last video for your "Bible Story" this Sunday.  We will do this after music around 10:35.

 

• The main theme of this week's lesson is that Christmas doesn't end on Christmas day.  It took the wise men many days, weeks, months, to find baby Jesus and so the story continued.  Explain to the children that we can celebrate the gift of Jesus everyday of our lives! His birth is the beginning of our celebration.

This week:  Lesson 5 of 5:The Wise Men prepare to find baby Jesus!

• Click here and watch December's 3 min.overview video.

• Click here to see all the stories for the month of December.

Monthly Scripture:  "God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son." John 3:16.  (see motions in the curriculum)  Remember to review the scripture with the children

Story:  (Make it True) This month you will you will not need to prepare anything for the story.  Please go  to room 117 (the preschool worship room) after music.  I will show the video/story and then you can return to your room for activities and prayer.

Activities: 
With music and the video we will have limited activity time. See my comments below:
 Star Search-This would be an easy prep and interactive game.  You could make a few stars and hide them around the room.  Travel as a group to find them.  Discuss how the wise men  had to travel.  
Best Gift story pictures-This is also an easy activity that allows the children to put together the order of the Christmas story.  I can make copies of this for you even on Sunday morning. Text me. You could even skip the gift bag and let the children just take home their own story book.  
Gift Go Round- You could modify this game in many ways.  Bring some cinnamon, good smelling perfume, lotion, and some coins.  These could each go in a bag and you could pass around and stop the music.  Children could look inside and see if they got Gold,  Frankincense, or Myrrh. You could pass again.  

Prayer time: Gather in prayer sometime throughout the morning! Ask the kids what you can pray about!

Plan for Sunday Dec. 23rd
 
Announcements:

• Consider taking your field trip before you come to the worship room for story time.   Field trip idea:  Take your children on a field trip down to Memorial Hall (outside the sanctuary on the carpeted hallway). There is an amazing display of nativity sets from around the world in the built in glass cases.   You can talk to your children about how nativity sets look all over the world. 

• PLEASE SEE LESSON INFORMATION BELOW.  NO NEED TO PREPARE ANY CRAFTS OR GAMES THIS SUNDAY!

This week:  Lesson 4 of 5:Happy Birthday to Jesus!

• Click here and watch December's 3 min.overview video.

• Click here to see all the stories for the month of December.

Monthly Scripture:  "God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son." John 3:16.  (see motions in the curriculum)  Remember to review the scripture with the children

 Story:  (Make it True) This month you will you will not need to prepare anything for the story.  Please arrive  to room 117 (the preschool worship room) by 10:20am. I will show the video/story and then you can return to your room for activities and prayer.

Activities: 
This Sunday the activities were not my favoritee, so I found some other ideas.  In your room there will be one craft activity and one game activity.  There will also be a special treat to have to "celebrate Jesus' birth." All materials and instructions will be attached.  The craft will be assembling a paper birthday cake and the game is a "mystery bag" game.  Please take time to read through the "Make it stick" section and the Bible story so you will be familiar with the focus of the lesson.  

Prayer time: Gather in prayer sometime throughout the morning! Ask the kids what you can pray about!

Plan for Sunday Dec. 16th-The Angels tell about Jesus.
 
Announcements: 

• Read the blog closely as I am changing up how you will share the story this month. 
• During Christmas there are many great crafts to do,  so please communicate with me whatever your needs may be!
• Field trip idea for December:  Take your children on a field trip down to Memorial Hall (outside the sanctuary on the carpeted hallway). There is an amazing display of nativity sets from around the world in the built in glass cases.   You can talk to your children about how nativity sets look all over the world.

This week:  Lesson 3 of 4:The Angels tell about Jesus.

• Click here and watch December's 3 min.overview video.

• Click here to see all the stories for the month of December.

Monthly Scripture:  "God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son." John 3:16.  (see motions in the curriculum)  Remember to review the scripture with the children

 Story:  (Make it True) This month you will you will not need to prepare anything for the story.  Please arrive  to room 117 (the preschool worship room) by 10:20am. I will show the video/story and then you can return to your room for activities and prayer.

Activities: (Make it Stick, Make it Fun) Feel free to modify any crafts to make it suit you!

These are the activities I like this week, but check them all out!

1. Herding Sheep game- simple props (we have all of this) that show what the job of a shepherd is.  Could make a few smaller circles if needed. 

2. Greatest Gift-this could be a class project.  If you do this I will hang it in the worship room.  We have large butcher block paper.  You would need to bring some bows.

3. Shout it out-Kids love to make megaphones.  We have all the supplies for this activity.  See the supply list below.

4. Pins for Jesus-cute idea to practice sharing the good news.  Kids could choose from different ribbons and assemble their own necklace.  They could practice giving pins to each other and saying "Jesus is born."

 

***Supplies we have at church already:  cardstock, star stickers, good news sticker labels, wooden clothes pins, straws, ribbon, cotton balls, straws.   

Prayer time: Gather in prayer sometime throughout the morning! Ask the kids what you can pray about!

Plan for Sunday Dec. 9th-Jesus Born in a stable.
 
Announcements: 

• Read the blog closely as I am changing up how we do the story time this month. 
• During Christmas there are many great crafts to do,  so please communicate with me whatever your needs may be!
• Field trip idea for December:  Take your children on a field trip down to Memorial Hall (outside the sanctuary on the carpeted hallway). There is an amazing display of nativity sets from around the world in the built in glass cases.   You can talk to your children about how nativity sets look all over the world.

This week:  Lesson 2 of 4:Jesus is born in a stable.

• Click here and watch December's 3 min.overview video.

• Click here to see all the stories for the month of December.

Monthly Scripture:  "God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son." John 3:16.  (see motions in the curriculum or Dec. 2nd activity pages.)  Remember to review the scripture with the children

 Story:  (Make it True) This month you will you will not need to prepare anything for the story.  PLease arrive  to room 117 (the preschool worship room) by 10:20am. I will show the video/story and then you can return to your room for activities and prayer.

Activities: (Make it Stick, Make it Fun) Feel free to modify any crafts to make it suit you!

1.Table arrival activities: These would be easy to have on the table as children arrive.

Journey to Bethlehem Maze sheet

God gave-Bible verse cut out sheet

2.Easy games to play:

Pin the tail on the Donkey-Easy prep.  I can blow up the donkey for you.

Take a journey-Maybe save this idea for last if you have time.  Instead of traveling around your room travel down to see the nativity sets. (See my comments in the announcements section.)

3.Crafts: 

Manger necklace-We will have all the supplies for this...just let me know.

Baby Jesus-Kids love all the material you could use for this...Cotton for sheep, hay, fabric, etc. Again, we have supplies. Just let me know.

Prayer time: Gather in prayer sometime throughout the morning! Ask the kids what you can pray about!

Plan for Sunday Dec. 2nd-The Angel and Mary
 
Announcements: 

It's the Advent season and we will have a wonderful month ahead with songs and stories.  

Read the blog closely as I am changing up how we do the story time this month.  

There are probably a few more crafts, so please communicate with me whatever your needs may be!

Field trip idea for December:  If you have some extra time this  month take your children on a field trip down to Memorial Hall (outside the sanctuary). There is an amazing display of nativity sets from around the world in the built in glass cases.   You can talk to your children about how Christmas is celebrated around the world.


This week:  Lesson 1 of 4: Mary and the Angel

Click here and watch December's 3 min.overview video. 

Click here to see all the stories for the month of December. 

 Scripture:  "God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son." John 3:16.  (see motions in the curriculum or Dec. 2nd activity pages.)  Remember to review the scripture with the children

 Story:  (Make it True) This month you will have the chance to preview the 7 minute story video that we watch during worship.  You will not need to prepare anything for the story.  PLease arrive  to room 117 (the preschool worship room) by 10:20am.  

 Activities: (Make it Stick, Make it Fun)

Count and Listen would be a good stretching activity before the video. 

Speedy delivery is also a cute game.  We have baskets/bins in the resource room.

Shaped like an angel:  Click here to see this craft.  We have white cardstock, glitter, and glue.  It would be just as cute!

Handprint Angel:  I will have cardstock Angels cut out for you to use in this craft.  Let me know.  

Lollipop Angel:  This is really cute.  We have most of the supplies except the lollipops and the yellow tissue paper.  You could use some gold ribbon possibly for the wings or some doilies.  

Supplies we have:  white card stock, yellow paint, paint brushes, yellow pipe cleaners, white tissue paper, doilies, glitter, glue.  We don't have yellow tissue paper or yellow card stock.   Please modify any of the craft activities to suit your liking!

Prayer time: Gather in prayer sometime throughout the morning! Ask the kids what you can pray about!

Plan for Sunday November 25th

SEE LESSON BELOW..WE WILL NOT USE OUR REGULAR CURRICULUM.
 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

"Give thanks to God for everything.." Ephesians 5:20

I am very thankful that you choose to share the love of Jesus and his Word with children every Sunday at Christ Church!  

This week the regular curriculum story was mostly a review, so I planned a different lesson for you.  There will be nothing for you to prepare.  Please  print out the lesson and review it for Sunday, and  you will be ready to lead.  All materials will be in the room for you! 

In the midst of preparing, or traveling, or cooking I hope you will fill your mind with a prayer of thanks for all that God gives you.  Prayers of praise and thanksgiving are refreshing to the heart in the midst ofboth  happy and difficult times. 

  Click here for "Taking time to say Thanks lesson."
(Remember any supplies for the  crafts/games in the lesson will be provided.)

***Beginning this Sunday there will be family Advent kits for preschool children to take home.  Please send these home.  One for EACH child.   

 

Plan for Sunday November 18th-God gives me good friends!
 
MUSIC AGAIN THIS  SUNDAY....

We are scheduled to have music AGAIN  this week.  10:15-10:30.  Bring your black binder for a roster of your class!

Thank you for your commitment to leading our children.  With a  smaller number of children in our rooms I know it has allowed you to really make a difference in sharing God's love and helping children know Jesus.

This week:  Lesson 3 of 4, God gives me good friends.

Click here and watch this month's November  3 min.overview video. 

Click here to see an overview of all the stories for November 

 

Scripture:  ""Two people are better than one.  They can help each other in everything they do." Ecclesiastes 4:9. (see motions in the curriculum.)  Remember to review the scripture with the children.

 

 Story: The basis of all the stories this month is the friendship between Jonathan and David.  They comfort each other, they have fun together, they help each other. This week the focus is on David's promise to always "help" Jonathan's family.  The Bible story is short and sweet and then allows you to  focus on examples and real life situations where children have the choice to be a friend.  See  the "Make it True section - Bible Story  in our curriculum and bring in some props for an interactive session.

 Activities: With music occurring this week time will be limited.  The Food Basket activity would be fun and appropriate during this Thanksgiving time.  Bring in some props and Help Please would be a way to let kids act out scenes.  Finally the Let Me Help My Friends could be part of snack time. I have some great "helping friends" coloring sheets that I will provide.  

Prayer time: Don't forget to spend time praying with your children every week.  Ask them what you can pray about.

November 11th-God gives me good friends!
 
MUSIC THIS  SUNDAY....
We are scheduled to have music this week and next week! Please be ready to head over to music at 10:15.  Bring your black binder for a roster of your class!

 

This week's lesson:  Lesson 2 of 4, God gives me good friends.

Click here and watch this month's November  3 min.overview video. 

Click here to see an overview of all the stories for November 

Scripture:  ""Two people are better than one.  They can help each other in everything they do." Ecclesiastes 4:9. (see motions in the curriculum.)  Remember to review the scripture with the children.

 

 Story: Our David stories continue in November.  Last week we talked about David and Jonathan's friendship and how they shared with each other.  This week we will focus on how they comfort each other.  I will have a copied Bible story in your room for you to read with the children.  See the "Make it True Bible Story " in our curriculum and use this story alongside.  

 Activities: There are not as many great activities this week, but with music time will be limited.  Most classes made friendship bracelets last week, so you might not choose that.  The Ball game or 5 sec. celebration are quick games with little props.  The Two are Better Than One worksheet activity is a good one for discussion with the kids.  

Prayer time: Don't forget to spend time praying with your children every week.  Ask them what you can pray about.

November 4th-God gives me good friends!

Next Semester?
This fall has been a fabulous experience for many of you and for the children. Please start to consider whether you will want to continue with your group (or with another age group) in Spring 2013. I will contact you all at the start of November to confirm plans. And just in case you are wondering, yes, we want you!

Need a Sub?
Just a reminder that if you need a substitute teacher to fill in for your partner, please click on the "substitute list" tab on the blog.  There is a list of people and phone numbers.  If you get a sub I am happy to help them with curriculum, etc.

Pray for your children..
As you prepare this week take a moment to pray ahead of time for the children that will be coming to your room.  Ask for God's help in preparing your lesson and how it will help each child to know him better.

This week's lesson:  Lesson 1 of 4, God gives me good friends.

  Click here and watch this month's 3 min. overview for November.

 Let me know how I can help you prepare this week. Please text me.  553-9347.

 

Scripture:  ""Two people are better than one.  They can help each other in everything they do." Ecclesiastes 4:9. (see motions in the curriculum.)  Remember to review the scripture with the children.

 Story: Our David stories continue in November.  I will have a copied Bible story in your room of David and Jonathan being friends.  It focuses on sharing with each other.  You can incorporate this into the talking points of the "Bible Story" in the curriculum.  There are some great props to use in this "friendship" message.

 Activities: Good Friend Game or Basketball game sounds easy and fun!  TheMatching Sock game is creative and different as well.  For those in the craft mindset the "Friendship Bracelet" activity would be appealing.  I have toilet paper rolls (for some cute cuff bracelets), stickers, pipe cleaners, and/or beads to string on the pipe cleaners.  All supplies you would need are here at church.  Just let me know!

Prayer time: Don't forget to spend time praying with your children every week.  Ask them what you can pray about.

Plan for October 28th 

Music this Sunday....

We WILL have music this Sunday with Ms. Judy.  Bring your class and security tag book to room 108 by 10:15.  Music will last until 10:30am.  

Next Semester?

This fall has been a fabulous experience for many of you and for the children. Please start to consider whether you will want to continue with your group (or with another age group) in Spring 2013. I will contact you all at the start of November to confirm plans.

And just in case you are wondering, yes, we want you!

Need a Sub? 

Just a reminder that if you need a substitute teacher to fill in for your partner, please click on the "substitute list" tab on the blog.  There is a list of people and phone numbers.  If you get a sub I am happy to help them with curriculum, etc.

Pray for your children...

As you prepare this week take a moment to pray ahead of time for the children that will be coming to your room.  Ask for God's help in preparing your lesson and how it will help each child to know him better.

 

This week's lesson: Oct. 28th, lesson 4 of 4

  Click here and watch this month's 3 min overview for October.

October  Monthly Theme:  God loves me and helps me do BIG things.  These are all stories of how God helped David do Big things. 

Bible Story Focus this week: David is  chosen to lead the Army.

Scripture:  "We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us." 2nd Chronicles 32:8 (see motions in the curriculum.)  Remember to review the scripture with the children.

 Story:  There is not a big "new" story this week. The focus is on the review of David's stories and it does add one small section on how he is appointed the "leader of the army."  He is not scared, because he knows God will be with him!

 Activities: Lots of great options for activities.  Remember there will be music this week, so  lesson time will be shorter. The  Story Wall and Ready for Battle activities will require some copying.  I am happy to do this for you, even Sunday morning.  I  have white card stock only.   

Prayer time: Don't forget to spend time asking children about how you could pray for them and then pray with them in class.  

Let me know how I can help you prepare this week. Please text me.  553-9347.

Preparing for Sunday, October 21

Preparing for Sunday October 21st

Announcements:

We will not have music this Sunday as planned.  Judy will be out of town.  I'll keep you informed when she will be leading again!

Just a reminder that if you need a substitute teacher to fill in for your partner, please click on the "substitute list" tab on the blog.  There is a list of people and phone numbers.  If you get a sub I am happy to help them with curriculum, etc.

Remember:  Monthly Parent Home take out sheets will be displayed outside your room.

This week's lesson tips:Oct. 21st, lesson 3 of 4

  Click here and watch this month's 3 min overview for October.

October  Monthly Theme:  God loves me and helps me do BIG things.  These are all stories of how God helped David do Big things. 

Bible Story Focus this week: With God's help David fights Goliath and wins the battle.

Scripture:  "We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us." 2nd Chronicles 32:8 (see motions in the curriculum.)  Remember to review the scripture with the children.

1. Story:   This week's story is a well-known and favorite  story of the Bible. I have two large  David and Goliath storybooks available.  The book incorporates the two other stories of David we have learned this month as well.  This might be fun to use in lieu of the "Bible Story" part of the curriculum.

2. Activities:Here are the ones I liked:

                  a. Beanbag game-we can use Dixie cups from the nursery and I have many bean bags.  I think kids would like this game!

                   b.  How tall are you? We have butcher block paper available to cut.  It is in the supply room on the back wall. Because we probably don't have enough paper to cut for 30 kids I would suggest cutting a 9 foot piece and then measuring maybe the tallest and shortest child in the group and cutting pieces for each of them.  This would give a good perspective.  Feel free to mount these outside the room in the hallway.  Always fun for parents to see what we are learning about!

                   C. Play-doh stones-I love this activity!  I have two large bags of homemade play-doh that you can have, as well as snack size baggies.  Children can make a set of five smooth stones.  Consider putting a label on the baggie that says"  I can do BIG things with God's help."  I have labels in my office as well if you need some.

3.Prayer time: Don't forget to spend time asking children about how you could pray for them and then lead them in prayer.  

Let me know how I can help you prepare this week. Please text me.  553-9347.

Posted by Amy Ashton at 11:08 AM No comments:

Sunday October 14th

Announcements: 

No music this week-Music returns to 3's,4's, and 5's on Sunday Oct. 21st and 28th.

New Sunday morning ministry for our children's leaders! Click here-coffee in the morning.

Remember:  Monthly Parent Home take out sheets will be displayed outside your room. They will be available every Sunday of the month.   I handed them out personally to many parents last Sunday.

This week's lesson tips:Oct. 14th, lesson 2 of 4

  Click here and watch this month's 3 min overview for October.

October  Monthly Theme:  God loves me and helps me do BIG things.  These are all stories of how God helped David do Big things. 

Bible Story Focus this week: David is selected to be the king.  God will help prepare him.

Scripture:  "We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us." 2nd Chronicles 32:8 (see motions in the curriculum.)

Remember to review the scripture with children.

1. Story:   This week's story will not be found in many children's Bibles.  Please use the "Storyteller" part of the "Make it True" section of your curriculum.  If you bring a crown (even hand made) and a paper heart you can read the story right from the curriculum.  Also,  kids can be a part of the story as 7 of them can be Jesses' sons.

2. Activities:Easy no prop games this week-Seven times and Guess Who. 
           a. Find it game-We have a large rice table I could wheel to your room.  You can hide items in there and children can find them.  Table is here every Sunday.
           b. God Helps me-Interactive craft activity.  Kids could cut themselves.  They love to do that.     
           c. Crown me-We do have bulletin board edging you could use.  Let me know if you would need this.

 
3.Prayer time: Don't forget to spend time asking children about how you could pray for them and then lead them in prayer.  

Let me know how I can help you prepare this week. Please text me.  553-9347.

Sunday October 7th

Announcements: 

New Sunday morning ministry for our children's leaders! Click here-coffee in the morning.

This Sunday, Oct.7th,  the Monthly Parent Home take out sheets will be displayed outside your room. They will be available every Sunday of the month.  Please encourage parents to take one and take one yourself!    
  
No music this week.

This week's lesson tips:Oct. 7th, lesson 1 of 4

  Click here and watch this month's 3 min overview for October.

October  Monthly Theme:  God loves me and helps me do BIG things.  These are all stories of how God helped David do Big things. 

Bible Story Focus this week: David protects his sheep.  He is not afraid.

Scripture:  "We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our batles for us." 2nd Chronicles 32:8 (see motions in the curriculum.)

Remember to review the scripture with children.

1. Story:   I have three stuffed sheep and a stuffed lion, along with a bear puppet, you can use. We may have to rotate them between the rooms.  You could also print off pictures and tape them to popsicle sticks, which we have in the resource room. Let me know if you want to use the stuffed sheep.

2. Activities: Lots of great options with just a bit of preparation this week.

Before the story you could do:

   --Lions and Bears-print out pictures to discuss

   --Help please- a fun game with a box of kleenex.

After the story you could:

   --Save the sheep-cotton balls are in supply room. (see the commentary about how kids will never have to save a sheep, but God will be with them when they have to do Big things.)

   --Memory chant-go over the memory verse and the motions.

   --Obstacle Course-make your own if you are up to it.  Kids would love it. We have bean bags and hula hoops. 
 
3.Prayer time: Don't forget to spend time asking children about how you could pray for them and then lead them in prayer.  

Let me know how I can help you prepare this week. Please text me.  553-9347.