Sunday, January 31, 2010

Lesson Plan- (Pre K - K): Ash Wednesday & Lent





Ash Wednesday & Lent


Objectives: The children will be able to:
- discuss what happens on Ash Wednesday and where the ashes come from
- discuss what abstinence and fasting is
- discuss what we are supposed to do during Lent and why



Review:
Prayer and questions from last week’s lesson.



Vocabulary Words:

The activity below is free, however it can only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on these activities are not my own and are from various internet sources.

Lent Word Wall- Word wall templates are large flash card printables that you can hang on the wall to aid children when they are learning or using new vocabulary words. (Explain each card to the children. Example: Ash Wednesday- What is happening in this picture? The priest is putting blessed ashes in the shape of a cross on the boy’s forehead. This happens on Ash Wednesday. Pray- What is happening in this picture? We pray more during Lent. Fast- What is this a picture of? Would you normally have more than a hotdog for lunch or dinner? What would you have? To fast means to eat less or to go without certain foods. Give- What is happening in this picture? The boy wants to give his teacher an apple. During Lent we should try and do more good things for others.)



Plan:


Circle Time:

1. Ash Wednesday (write it on the board or hold up Word Wall card)

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, blessed ashes are put on your forehead in the shape of a cross. These ashes are made by burning palm leaves which have been saved from last year’s Palm Sunday.

Ash Wednesday is also when we begin to do penance for Lent. Penance is something that you do or are given to do in order to show that you are sad or sorry about doing something wrong. We do this to improve our relationship with God and others. The Church suggests three special practices of penance for Lent:

(Write the bold words on the board or hold up Word Wall card).

Pray- go to Mass more often, pray more often.

During Lent the Stations of the Cross are said at our church every Friday. My family goes to this every Friday during Lent.

Can you think of other ideas?


Fast- going without food or eating less. It can also mean giving up a certain food or treat.

My husband is giving up Diet Coke during Lent. My son is eating less sweets during Lent.

Can you think of other ideas?

During Lent people older than you must do abstinence which means not to eat meat. They do not to eat meat on Fridays during Lent and on Ash Wednesday. What can they eat? They can eat fish and other seafood, vegetables, eggs, milk and other dairy products.


Almsgiving- means doing good for others. That can be giving gifts of money or help to others.

The money my husband does not spend for Diet Cokes he will collect. At the end of Lent he will give the money to the poor.

Can you think of other ideas?



Activities:

kindercraze.com- Sharing Lenten Love with Good Deeds (a printable good deeds chart for children)


Introduce activities: What are we supposed to do during Lent? (We are to change and become more like Jesus.)

Read the story “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle and ask questions from below.

What happened to the caterpillar? He changed into a butterfly.

Which life do you think is better, the caterpillar of the butterfly life? Why?

During Lent we are to try to “change”. We need to be kind to others and improve our relationship with God.

jennifischer.blogspot.com- TONS of The Very Hungry Caterpillar activities posted with links



Songs and/or Finger Plays:

catholicicing.com- Lent Song for Kids (with actions and youtube.com video)



Introduce songs and/or finger plays: What happened to the caterpillar?

preschooleducation.com- Roly-Poly Caterpillar (finger play)
Scroll down to this.

Into a corner crept, (place right pointer finger in left cupped hand)
Spun around himself a blanket (spin around)
Then for a long time slept. (place head on folded hands)
Roly-poly caterpillar (wiggle right pointer finger)
Wakening by and by, ("stretch" right pointer finger)
Found himself with beautiful wings
Changed to a butterfly. (flutter arms like wings)


thevirtualvine.com- The Fuzzy Caterpillar (song and can be made into a finger play) tune to Itsy Bitsy Spider
Scroll down about halfway.

The little fuzzy caterpillar,
Curled up on a leaf.
Spun her little chrysalis,
and then fell fast asleep.
While she was sleeping,
She dreamed that she could fly,
And later when she woke up,
she was a butterfly.



Skits or Puppet Shows:

youthsource.com- Six Skits for Lent

christiancrafters.com- Observing Lint? (skit or puppet show)

catholicmom.com- Preach the Gospel Show [Re: tithing cans during Lent] Skit or puppet show

youtube.com- Lent Puppet Show

*You can always record the puppet show on a audio tape and play it during the puppet show to make it easier for the children to do by themselves.



Crafts:

Introduce craft: We as Catholics focus on what 3 things during Lent? Praying, Fasting, and Giving Alms.
Use a paper plate, plastic silverware, and real pennies for that extra special touch.


catholicicing.com- Pray, Fast, Give Alms– a Lenten Craft for Kids


Introduce craft: What happens during Ash Wednesday?

faithfilledfreebies.blogspot.com- Ash Wednesday Craft
Click on the craft image on the left to download the Google Doc

catholicinspired.com- Ash Wednesday Craft
This printable activity allows the kids to draw a picture of themselves and then add an ash cross to their forehead.



Introduce craft: What happens to a caterpillar? He changes into a butterfly. What are we supposed to do during Lent? We are to change. We are going to make something to show us how the caterpillar changed into a butterfly to remind us that we are to change during Lent and become more like Jesus.





Caterpillar to Butterfly Craft







enchantedlearning.com- Egg Carton Caterpillar
This is an easy way to make caterpillars using egg cartons, crayons or markers, scissors, and pipe cleaners. You could also have the students decorate the caterpillar by gluing small objects like beads, craft foam, cut out paper shapes, etc. Googly eyes are a nice touch also. I use this craft to emphasize that they are to change during Lent. I then at Easter use a butterfly craft to show how the caterpillar changed and became a butterfly.


Introduce craft/activity: What are alms? Long ago money given to the poor was called alms. We are going to make an Alms Jar to take home to remind us the importance of almsgiving and giving to the poor.

Alms Jar

Need: Jar with lid, sticker with “Alms Jar” printed on it, various things to glue on jar, glue

Directions: Have students decorate alms jar. Have them put sticker “Alms Jar” on the jar when they are finish decorating the jar.

The whole family can enter into the spirit of saving for alms. A glass jar is placed at the center of the table on Ash Wednesday, and all the money each family member saves as a result of self-denial from smoking, eating candy, going to movies or similar activities is put into it. Whatever you are sacrificing during Lent, that money you would of spent goes into the jar. The mother, buying simpler and cheaper foods for Lenten meals, puts the difference into the jar at meal time — so all can see where the cost of the dessert went! The children spend the first weeks of Lent investigating needy causes and charitable organizations and missions. They will have the responsibility of determining who gets the alms-fund. (Print this out and glue on an index card. Attach it or put inside the Alms Jar for the students to bring home for family to read).

catholicculture.org- Lenten Sacrifice Beans
A wonderful way to help younger children remind them to do penance during Lent, lima beans in a jar record each Lenten sacrifice.

Prayer Jar by paperdali.blogspot.com- Instead of just writing down a petition for our Lenten prayer jar, paperdali decided to draw the little petitions. Each strip has a picture and the beginning of a prayer for a child (or adult, actually) to finish. To enjoy, just download the page, cut along the dotted line, put them in a jar, and then put it in an accessible spot. During Lent, a child (or adult) can take out a strip during breakfast and begin the day with a prayer.



Games:

Introduce game: Who needs lots of food so they can build a cocoon and become a butterfly?

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

The caterpillar is very hungry and must have lots of food so he can build his cocoon. Let’s play a relay race to see which team can collect the most food for the caterpillar.

Divide the class into teams and line each team behind a chair. Place a basket of plastic fruit for each team on the other side of the room. Place an empty basket on the chair in front of each team. When the teacher says “GO!” the first person from each team runs up and gets one piece of fruit and puts it in their team’s basket. They then go to the end of their team’s line and the next team member goes and gets a piece of fruit. When the teacher says, “STOP!” all players must stop what they are doing. Each team then counts how many pieces of fruit they have. The team with the most fruits wins.



The Very Hungry Caterpillar Game (board game): A Game of Counting, Colors and Contrasts- Emerge from a rainy day cocoon, gather up some friends, and enjoy this wonderful game based on Eric Carle's delightful children's book. In The Very Hungry Caterpillar Game, children go on a journey of learning and transformation as their caterpillar develops from egg to beautiful butterfly. Includes game board, four feedable caterpillar pieces, 40 food pieces, spinner, and instructions. For 2 to 4 players ages 3 and up.


dltk-teach.com- Story Sequencing Cards
Have children color and cut out cards. Then have the children put the cards in the same order as the story "The Very Hungry Caterpillar”. *You can also make 2 copies of the cards and have the children play Memory.


Chutes and Ladders- This would be great game for teaching about rewards and consequences for your actions. As kids travel along the game path, they encounter situations that reward them for good deeds by letting them climb the ladders or punish them for misbehaving by sending them down chutes.



These games are free, however they are only to be used for classroom and personal use. They may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted.

Introduce games: During Lent we are to try to “change”. We need to be kind to others and improve our relationship with God.


Random Acts of Kindness: Children identify Random Acts of Kindness as they move around the board.




Place your marker any where on the game board. Roll the die and move clockwise that many spaces. Read out loud whatever is on your space and say whether it is a Random Act of Kindness or not. If it is a Random Act of Kindness, receive 1 Random Acts of Kindness token (or milk cap, poker chip, etc.). If it is not a Random Act of Kindness, lose a token. When the player receives 10 Random Acts of Kindness tokens, they work their way around the board to “Spread Kindness”. Players must roll the exact number to “Spread Kindness”. Continue playing to find out who comes in second, third, fourth, etc.
place.










The Golden Rule File Folder Game: This game helps promote why someone would use proper manners and etiquette in our daily lives.



Introduction: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. What does this mean? It means we should treat others the same way you want them to treat you. That is easier said than done. Do you respect everyone and treat them kindly at all times? During our daily contact with others we can show compassion and generosity by treating them with respect and courtesy. This dignified and respectable behavior that we give to others is part of what Jesus was talking about. Try your best to treat others as you would like to be treated and you will find that it will help you so much in everyday life with getting a long with others.

Directions: Put the colored Game Cards in two different small baskets and set near the game board. Place your markers at START. Roll the die and move that many spaces. Follow the directions on the space you land on. If the space has a Roll Play activity on it, perform it to the best of your ability. If needed, the teacher will help you understand what to do and coach you how to do it correctly. If the space has True or False or P’s & Q’s on it, draw the corresponding card and read it out loud. Answer the question to the best of your ability (the teacher can coach the student if necessary).






Snacks:

Introduce snack: What is supposed to happen to us during Lent? We are to try and be more like Jesus.

dltk-kids.com- Popcorn Praises

Lenten Hot Cross Buns- Story with song and directions to make Lenten Hot Cross Buns. (Kids Explore American's Catholic Heritage, page 165).


Introduce snack: What used to be the Lenten bread in the early centuries of the Christian era? (The pretzel.)

catholicculture.org- Introduction: We are going to make pretzels too (recipe included).

catholicculture.org- Pretzel Recipe

pillsbury.com- Mini Soft Pretzels with Dip
Make these easy pretzels with or without dip. A great reference for Lent.

pillsbury.com- Soft Pesto Pretzels
Make this easy pretzel recipe without pesto and cheese using refrigerated breadsticks. Sprinkle with caraway seed and coarse salt before baking.



Coloring/Puzzles/Worksheets:

Prayers while students are doing coloring and/or puzzles.

coloringpages101.com- Ash Wednesday (coloring)

theholidayspot.com- Color the Spirit of Ash

All About Lent- mini coloring booklet
Have students read the mini book out loud in class by taking turns (each read a page) and take home to read to their parents. Students can also color mini book.

catholicicing.com- Printable Lenten Calendar for Kids
This is my Printable Lenten Calendar for Kids. It’s free for everyone to print! This year, I’m offering it in black and white, in color, and also as a blank page so you can fill in any language! I have also updated the file to include Lenten calendars that readers have submitted in different languages.

celebratingholidays.com- 40 Day Cross Countdown

Lenten Calendar by waltzing.com- A lenten calendar to count down the 40 days of Lent based on a 40 days in the desert theme with an oasis on each Sunday (scroll down to this).

thecatholickid.com- Kids Lent Calendar Coloring Page

kellygillanjohnston.blogspot.com- Lenten Journey

pflaum.com- Four times during the school year, Pflaum Gospel Weeklies provides three ready-to-print activities for each level; Seeds (Preschool), Promise (Grades K-1), Good News (Grades 2-3), Venture (Grades 4-6) and Visions (Grades 7-8). Plus each season special features for the entire family.

sacredhearthouston.org- Our Path During Lent
Each day you say a prayer, draw a † in a stone. Color a stone each day you help someone. Each day you accept help from someone, draw a smiley face. (Grade 1)

livingmontessorinow.com- Free Counting Book Printable for Any Theme (directions included)

hubbardscupboard.org- Printable Very Hungry Caterpillar Booklet (scroll down to this)
Students will need to write the numerals, use a hole puncher to make a hole in each fruit, and draw the caterpillar, cocoon, and butterfly.

makinglearningfun.com- Hungry Caterpillar True or False Counting Cards
Print, cut and laminate the cards. Have the children identify the number at the top of the card. Then have them count the items of food that the caterpillar is going to eat. If the number of items of food and the number on the card match, have the children clip a clothespin on the smiley face. If not, have them clip the clothespin on the sad face.

makinglearningfun.com- Math Ideas for The Hungry Caterpillar (worksheets)

enchantedlearning.com- Butterfly Books

bry-backmanor.org- Help the Caterpillar (maze)

bry-backmanor.org- Which butterfly is different? (find the difference)



Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Lesson Plan- Through the Roof (1st grade on up)



Through the Roof (Mark 2:1-12)


Objectives: The students will be able to
- retell the story “Through the Roof”
- discuss how you could get from place to place if you couldn’t walk
- identify how God helps and cares for our needs
- discuss ways that God might use you to meet another’s need



Review:
Prayer, questions and vocabulary words from last week’s lesson



Vocabulary Words: (Write the bold words on the board and discuss with class)

paralyzed- unable to move
faith- belief in, devotion to, or trust in somebody or something, especially without logical proof
heal- cure somebody from an ailment
forgive- to excuse somebody for a mistake, wrong doing, or inappropriate behavior



Plan:

Read: "Through the Roof" then ask questions



Activities:

Introduce activities: What did the friends do when they couldn’t get into the house? (They made a hole in the roof and lowered the paralyzed man into the room).

calvarycurriculum.com- Through the Roof lesson #180 with memory verses, circle the correct words, true or false, fill in the blanks, puzzles, and color sheets.

childrensministry.com- Sunday School Lesson: Jesus Heals and Forgives

clclutheran.org- Healing the Paralytic lessons. Click on Lessons on the left side bar. Then under New Testament click on View individual lessons and levels. Click on the level you want to use.

sermons4kids.com- Grab a Corner of the Blanket object lesson with coloring page, group activities, puzzles, quiz

gardenofpraise.com- Down Through the Roof lesson with puzzles and work sheets

sundayschoollessons.com- Jesus Heals a Man Who Can’t Walk lesson

childrensermons.com-Fixing a Hole object lesson

dltk-bible.com- Jesus Heals the Paralyzed Man

bible.org- Lesson 3: Forgiving, Calling, Claiming, and Anointing (Mark 2:1 - 3:19)



Crafts:

sermons4kids.com- Grab A Corner of the Blanket group activities (crafts)

dltk-bible.com- Jesus Heals the Paralyzed Man (crafts)

daniellesplace.com- Jesus Heals The Paralytic Craft Stick Bible Craft
Stand Up and Walk- To show what happened when the crippled man trusted in Jesus, stand the man up by swinging the figure on the brass fastener. Then swing the bed up and tuck it under his arm. (Crafts from your Favorite Bible Stories by Kathy Ross, page 44 & 45.)

lambsongs.co.nz- Down Through the Roof
Scroll down to this book. Click on Activity 1, 2, 3, 4 (black and white), and Instructions to make a 3D craft

craftingthewordofgod.com- Jesus Heals A Paralytic Man (craft)

auntiesbiblelessons.wordpress.com- Jesus Heals the Paralyzed Man craft



Introduce craft: How does God help and care for our needs? In what way might God use you to meet another’s need? Discuss.

web.archive.org- Sharing/Helping Hands
This craft involves making a small booklet which will illustrate how we can share or help others. It can be adapted for both preschool or primary (elementary) aged children by changing expectations for the inside content.



Games:

sermons4kids.com- Grab A Corner of the Blanket group activities (games)

Kneezies (Jesus Heals a Paralytic)- A fun medium energy level game with complete directions, supply list, what to say, and post game discussion questions. This game will help children know how it feels to have restricted mobility and that Jesus cares for everyone's needs. (The Encyclopedia of Bible Games for Children's Ministry by Group Publishing, page 77).

Towel Relay- Divide the class into 2 teams of 4 students and line them up. Give each team a towel and an object to place in the middle of the towel. Each student must grasp a corner of the towel and walk together carrying the object to the goal across the room and back. If the object falls off, the team must return back to the starting point and try again. When the first group of students completes the relay, the next four students go. After everyone has a turn, repeat the relay using a balloon to carry on the towel.

games4youthgroups.com- The Blanket Race
Introduce game: You and I have friends who need to come to Jesus. It may not be easy, but if each of us will do our part, together we can succeed. We may meet obstacles, but we must never give up. We must hold on to our corner of the blanket and carry on until we bring them to Jesus. (Play the game as posted, but for added fun you can also have obstacles that the team has to carry the person through to get to their goal.)

cloversites.com- Man On The Mat Race (page 3)


Introduce game: How is something you need different from something you want? Discuss. How does God help and care for our needs? In what way might God use you to meet another’s need? Discuss.

ldssplash.com- Steal the Bacon
In this game the object in the middle of the playing area is something we need. Discuss different things that people need (water, food, air, warm clothes, shelter, etc.). Use a water bottle, jacket, piece of fruit, etc. for the object. Play the game according to the directions.



Snacks:


Fruity Bandage

Introduce snack: What do you do when someone gets hurt? (You take care of them. Clean their wounds and put a bandage on them.)

Ingredients: Fruit Roll-Ups fruit rolls, scissors appropriate for food, and forks.

Have kids create fruity bandages by cutting one large rectangle with rounded corners from a Fruit Roll-Up snack. Have kids cut a smaller rectangle for the bandage pad. Have kids center the small rectangle on top of the larger one to make a "bandage." Finally, poke air holes into the bandage with a fork.


Introduce snack: What was the paralyzed man carried on? (A mat)

Graham Cracker Mats

Have students spread peanut butter on their Graham Cracker Mats


Fruit Roll Up Mats

Give each student one Fruit Roll-Up and 2 pretzel sticks. Show the children how to poke the pretzel stick through the fruit roll-up from the top, underneath it, and back up to form a stretcher.


Introduce snack: When you are sick, what do you usually eat? (Soup)

Have students fix an easy soup.



Puzzles, Mazes, Worksheets:

church-of-god-online.com- Maze (page 3)

biblewise.com- maze

biblewise.com- Find the Difference

Through the Roof, Out the Door! (hidden pictures)- Hidden Pictures Explore Hidden Treasures in God’s Word: Grades 1 - 3 by Linda Standke, page 20.

gardenofpraise.com- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

web.archive.org- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- Decoder

freesundayschoolcurriculum.weebly.com- Jesus Heals A Paralytic (decoder) page 7

gardenofpraise.com- Word Scramble

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

gardenofpraise.com- Crossword

4catholiceducators.com- Crossword

web.archive.org- Crossword

sermons4kids.com- Multiple Choice

gardenofpraise.com- Down Through the Roof ( fill in the blanks worksheet with word bank)

gardenofpraise.com- Mark 2:11-12 (fill in the blanks worksheet)

gardenofpraise.com- Down Through the Roof (test)

sundayschoolzone.com- Jesus Healed a Paralytic Puzzles & Worksheets (scroll down for these)

dltk-bible.com- Jesus Heals the Paralyzed Man Puzzles and Worksheets

calvarycurriculum.com- Through the Roof lesson #180 with circle the correct words, true or false, fill in the blanks, puzzles, etc.

bible.org- Lesson 3: Forgiving, Calling, Claiming, and Anointing (Mark 2:1 - 3:19) with questions in lesson that can easily be made into a worksheet

godswordforyou.com- Mark 2:1-12 (questions that can easily be made into a worksheet)

Have the students compare and contrast Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:1-8, and Luke 5:17-26



Sunday, January 24, 2010

Lesson Plan- (Pre K - K): Jesus Calms the Storm





Jesus Calms the Storm


Objectives: The children will
- retell the story of Jesus Calms the Storm
- discuss being scared and what you can do when you are scared
- identify who will take care of them
- discuss why they do not have to be afraid
- identify the miracle that Jesus did in the story Jesus Calms the Storm



Review:
Prayer and questions from last week’s lesson



Vocabulary Words:

The activity below is free, however it can only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on these activities are not my own and are from various internet sources.

Jesus Calms the Storm Word Wall- Word wall templates are large flash card printables that you can hang on the wall to aid children when they are learning or using new vocabulary words.



Plan:


Circle Time:

Before the children arrive, select several pictures from magazines of things children may be afraid of; for example, a big dog, bugs, a dark room or an angry-faced person. Gather the children in a circle. As you show them each picture, ask:

Is this something that might scare you?

Why does it seem scary?

After looking at the pictures, ask the children to share other things they're afraid of. Some children may be embarrassed to share their fears. Empathize with the children and agree their fears are valid. Share things that scare you.

Say: It sounds like all of us have times when we are scared, even adults. God cares about how we feel. Let’s learn how God can help us when we’re scared.



Introduction to story: What do you do when you’re afraid? Discuss. Let’s see what the disciples did when they were afraid.


Read story "Jesus Calmed the Storm" from your own story book or while reading the story do cut outs from “Wind and Waves” from Snip-And-Tell Bible Stories by Karyn Henley, page 82) as the story unfolds.


Or do this activity below with your children.

childrensministry.com- Jesus Calms the Sea



Then ask questions from below.

Where were the disciples and Jesus when a great storm came? (They were in a boat.)

What was Jesus doing when a great storm came? (He was sleeping.)

Who was scared? (The disciples.)

Why were they scared? (They thought they were all going to drown.)

Who calmed the storm? (Jesus)

Jesus said we do not have to be afraid. Why? (Because He will take care of us.)

What miracle did Jesus do? (He calmed the storm.)



Songs and/or Finger Plays:

Jesus Loves Me: 13 Lessons Introducing Preschoolers to God by Group Publishing, page 17- Bible Story Fun: children make sounds and do motions as you read the story


Sung to Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Row, row, row your boat, even in a storm!
Jesus will protect us all and keep us safe and warm!


Jesus Calms A Mighty Storm (song)- More Toddlerific! by David C Cook Publishing Company, page 44.


God Is With Me

God is with me day and night. When it is dark (cover eyes with hands). When it is light (remove hands from eyes). He is always watching me (cup hands around eyes like a pair of binoculars). Wherever I am (turn around in a circle with arms stretched out), He can see (point to eyes) and God will take care of me (hug self).



Activities:

Introduce activities: What can we do when we are afraid?

sermons4kids.com- Peace, Be Still object lesson

sermons4kids.com- Peace Be Still (group activities)

childrensermons.com- The Tempest object lesson

baptist-church.suite101.com- Jesus Calms the Storm lesson with activities



Movie:

Introduce movie:

Where's God When I'm S-Scared? Tales From the Crisper (Veggie Tales)) and ask questions:

What was Junior watching on TV that made him scared? (A monster movie.)

Who will always watch over you? (God)

Why does God take care of us? (Because he loves us.)



Crafts:

Introduce craft: Where were the disciples and Jesus when a great storm came? (They were in a boat.)

dltk-kids.com- Halves Boat Shape Craft

enchantedlearning.com- Simple Sailboat Craft

sundayschoolkids.com- Bible Story Boat

ehow.com- How to Make a Jesus Calms the Storm Craft (directions and templates provided)

gospelhall.org- 3D Printable Paper Project (Jesus and his disciples in a storm)

activitiesforkids.com- Ocean in a Bottle

squidoo.com- Sea of Galilee Bottle (scroll down to this craft)

bibleschoolteachers.blogspot.com- Jesus Calms the Storm Crafts

Jesus Stills the Storm- Bible Story Wheel (Bible Wheels to Make and Enjoy by Carmen Sorvillo, page 41 & 42.)

craftingthewordofgod.com- Jesus Calms the Storm Craft



Games:

Introduce game: Each time we are afraid we can remember who is with us. Who is this? (God)

sermons4kids.com- Peace! Be Still! group activities (games are posted)

dltk-bible.com- Scroll down to: Jesus Calms The Storm (near the bottom) - use a parachute or a large sheet and let the children wave it really fast, if you can use a blue sheet, all the better. Have one person yell stop and have all the children stop waving the sheet or parachute and explain how Jesus calmed the storm. For older children, you can put a ball or other soft object on the sheet or parachute and make the object of the game to keep the ball from falling off the edges.

Sinking Sails (Jesus Calms a Storm)- This game will help children know God is in control and help children know how the disciples felt while at sea in a storm. (The Encyclopedia of Bible Games for Children’s Ministry by Group Publishing, page 78.)



Snacks:

Introduce snack: Who will always help and protect you? (God)

You'll need peanut butter, round crackers, banana slices, raisins, plastic knives and napkins.

Have kids spread peanut butter onto round crackers. Cover with banana slices and top with raisins.

Say: These crackers look like eyes. If you put two next to each other, you could pretend these eyes are God's eyes watching you to know when to help and protect you.


web.archive.org- Stormy Seas Jelly



Coloring/Puzzles:

Prayers while students are doing coloring and/or puzzles.

sermons4kids.com- Jesus Calms the Storm (coloring)

coloringbookfun.com- Calms Storm (coloring)

calvarycurriculum.com- Jesus Calms the Storm (coloring)

lambsongs.co.nz- “Safe In the Boat with Jesus” by Jill Kemp booklet or one page Bible story you can color (scroll down for this)

Letter W for Wind and Water. Children can practice writing letters, filling in the blank and learning sight words. (Scroll down to this.)

first-school.ws- W for Water handwriting sheets

first-school.ws- B for Boat handwriting sheets

dottodots.net- Boat (dot-to-dot)

Jesus Stops a Storm- These pictures tell the story of Jesus calming the storm. They are all mixed up. Number them in the correct order. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus’ Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 51)



Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Ten Commandments Lapbooks





Make these lapbooks to help your children remember the Ten Commandments. You can adjust each of them to fit your faith teachings.

sheilasjourney-sheila.blogspot.com- 10 Commandments lapbook that her daughter made.

homeschoolshare.com- Scroll down to Ten Commandments Tablet

showerofroses.blogspot.com- Catholic version

lapbooklessons.com- This page is full of resources you can use to make your Ten Commandments Lapbook. (Protestant)

homeschoolblogger.com- 10 Commandments Lapbook (Protestant)

familiacatolica-org.blogspot.com- Of the Ten Commandments Lapbook
Use http://translate.google.com/ to translate to English

lapbooksforcatholics.com- This is a Catholic lapbook you can buy, but it can give you lots of ideas for your own.



Activities you can put inside your lapbook:

Moses- (Pre K – K) lesson plan with: Objectives, Word Wall, Bible Story with questions, Songs and/or Finger Plays, Activities, Crafts, Games, Snacks, Coloring/Puzzles, etc.

Moses and the Laws of God- lesson plan for 1st grade on up with: Objectives, Review, Vocabulary Words, Bible Story with questions, Activities, Crafts, Games, Snacks, Puzzles/Mazes/Worksheets, etc.

Ten Commandments Activities- activities, games, puzzles, worksheets, etc.

Ten Commandments (file folder game)- The object of the game is to identify which commandment the sin broke.

I Love God Above All Things (1st Commandment)- is played with a deck of cards with pictures of various objects on them. The purpose of this game is see if you can "lose" all of your objects (cards) that you have valued over God.

Potty Mouth (2nd Commandment)- Using the Lord’s name in vain is like fingernails scrapping down a chalkboard. God hears us when we take his name in vain and it must break his heart when his name is used in such a manner. This game focuses on how we sometimes do not have respect for God and God’s name.

What ever happened to good manners at church? (3rd Commandment)- Find out if you know how to behave in church. Roll the die and move that many spaces. Follow the directions on the space you land on. If the space has a Roll Play activity on it, perform it to the best of your ability. If needed, the teacher will help you understand what to do and coach you how to do it correctly. If the space has a picture of person reacting to bad behavior that they had just seen in church, draw a Game Card and read it out loud (if the student cannot read, the teacher or someone can read it for them). Answer the question to the best of your ability (the teacher can coach the student if necessary).

Back Talk (4th Commandment)- The object of this game is for the children to honor their parent’s requests in the proper way.

Honor Your Father and Mother (4th Commandment)- Your parents are important and do many things for you. In this game, players give reasons why their parents are important as they make their way through the game board. The first player to “FINISH” wins.

Look Who's Growing (5th Commandment)- This game provides an entertaining way to educate students about pregnancy and fetal development to help promote Pro Life.

Are You Ready To Clean Up Your Act? (6th Commandment)- We're kidding ourselves, and we know it. And yet we carry on – thinking we are following all the commandments and meanwhile making up our own rules. Why is it so hard for people to follow the 6th commandment: Thou shall not commit adultery? It is harder than you think or is it? In this game players must answer correctly questions about the 6th commandment or they are sent to the bathtub to clean up their act.

Thief! (7th Commandment)- Players are given situations and they must identify whether or not they are breaking the 7th Commandment. They also must state what they are obliged to do for their sin.

Liar, liar pants on fire! (8th Commandment)- Here is a fun game that helps children to recognize what lying is and how to resist it.

Green With Envy (10th Commandment)- A game that helps children to recognize what coveting is and identify ways of how to keep the 10th commandment.





Monday, January 18, 2010

Religious Activity Pages





I was surfing the net and I came across 2 marvelous sites:


tiredtwang.blogspot.com- Charlotte (Matilda), makes her own religious coloring sheets. All coloring pages are her own artwork and are free for any fair, not-for-profit use by individuals, families, home schooling groups, or other educational cooperatives. Copies may not be sold or reproduced for profit.

You can find all of her coloring pages listed up at the top of her blog by clicking on the tab called Catholic Coloring Pages. You will be amazed at what she has done.


paperdali.blogspot.com- Vee has posted adorable saint paper dolls she has made that you can download for free. Scroll down the left sidebar to MY FREE PAPER DOLLS and click on the saint you want. The link will take you directly where you can download a black and white PDF file of the saint. You may only use her works for your personal use, not commercial use.





Sunday, January 17, 2010

A to Z Bible Story Lesson- Letter F







F- Fishers of Men


Objectives: The students will be able to
- retell the story of The Fishers of Men
- explain that Jesus had helpers and that we are all called to be Jesus’ helpers



Review:
Prayer and questions from last week’s lesson



Vocabulary Words:

The activity below is free, however it can only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on these activities are not my own and are from various internet sources.

Fishers of Men Word Wall- Word wall templates are large flash card printables that you can hang on the wall to aid children when they are learning or using new vocabulary words.



Plan:


Circle Time:

Introduce story: Do you have friends? We can be friends with each other. Jesus had very “special” friends that he called Disciples or Apostles. This is a story when Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fisher’s of men.”

Read story "Fishers of Men" from your own story book or “Jesus’ Friends" from the book Snip-And-Tell Bible Stories by Karyn Henley, page 74 & 89 and do cut out while the story unfolds.

Then ask questions from below.

1. What did Peter, Andrew, James, and John do for a living? (They were fishermen.)

2. They had fished all night, but had not caught anything. Jesus told them to put out their fishing nets again. Did they catch any fish? (Yes)

3. How did they feel when they saw how many fish they had caught? (They were frightened).

4. Jesus told them to not be what? (Afraid)

5. Jesus asked them to come with him and He will make them fishermen of what? Of people or Men.

6. What did they fishermen do? (They left their boats and went with Jesus on his journeys.)

7. What did Matthew do for a living? (He was a tax collector.)

8. Did the Jewish people like tax collectors? (No)

9. How many disciples did Jesus have? (Twelve)

10. Was John the Baptist one of Jesus’ disciples? (No)



Songs and/or Finger Plays:

sundayschoolsources.com- Apostles Song

Bible Stories for All Ages: With Activities for the Very Young, Lectionary Year A by Margaret Kyle- Jesus Calls the Fishers (finger play), page 48

missionarlington.org- Jesus Chooses Four Friends (scroll down to Finger Play on page 3)



Activities:

Introduce activities: How many disciples did Jesus have?

daniellesplace.com- Fishers of Men lesson with crafts, games, activities, etc.

dltk-bible.com- The Twelve Disciples lesson with memory verse, teacher's guide, puzzles, take home sheet, coloring pages, crafts, etc.

clclutheran.org- Peter’s Catch of Fish/Jesus’ Call of the Disciples lesson with activities

missionarlington.org- Jesus Chooses Four Friends (scroll down to Preschool Lesson)
Matthew 4:17-22

missionarlington.org- Jesus Chooses Followers (scroll down to Preschool Lesson)
Mark 1:14-20

missionarlington.org- Jesus Chooses Followers (scroll down to Preschool Lesson)
Luke 5:1-11; 27-32; 6:12-16

sermons4kids.com- Fishing for People object lesson with group activities, coloring, puzzles, worship bulletin

sermons4kids.com- You Have a Message object lesson with group activities, coloring, quiz, puzzles, worship bulletin



Crafts:

sermons4kids.com- Fishing for People group activities (crafts)

sermons4kids.com- You Have a Message group activities (crafts)


Introduce craft- Who said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men?”


Fishers of Men Story Wheel:

This craft is free, however it can only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on this craft are not my own and are from various internet sources.

Directions: Print the top and bottom wheels out on cardstock. Cut out wheels. Cut out circle shapes on the inside line edge of the top wheel. Have children color wheels. Attach a brass fastener through the center of both wheels. On the back of the bottom wheel attach a strip of cardstock (at least 1 inch wide and 6 inches long) leaving half extended over the side (so you can turn the wheel). You can also draw an arrow on the top side of the strip on the end to indicate which way to turn the bottom wheel.

Fishers of Men Story Wheel- Printable template



daniellesplace.com- Fishers of Men
Scroll down to: Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19 (This craft is a cute bucket of worms with the scripture on it.)

aokcorral.com- Easy Fishing Toy Set (craft to make)
Children make a fish then play like they are going fishing.


Fish Crafts:

Japanese Wind Sock- Create a unique "kite"- the traditional Japanese carp wind sock. (The Picture Book of Kids' Crafts and Activities by Roxanne Henderson, page 178 & 179).

Magic Fish-in-the-Ocean Puppet- A cute craft that the fish actually swims and comes to the surface. (Crafts From Your Favorite Fairy Tales by Kathy Ross, page 38 & 39).

daniellesplace.com- Fish Crafts



Games:

sermons4kids.com- Fishing for People group activities (games)

sermons4kids.com- You Have a Message group activities (crafts)


Introduce game: Jesus knew his disciples very well. They were his friends. How well do you know your friends?

Who is knocking at my door?

Need: one chair

Directions: The students sit in their own seats while the one who is “It” sits in a chair in front of the room, with his back toward the other students. Someone is chosen by the teacher to go up and knock on the back of the chair or floor. When “It” hears the knocking he asks, "Who is knocking at my door?" The knocker answers in a disguised voice "It is I.” “It” has to guess who the knocker was. The knocker then becomes “It”.



daniellesplace.com- Fishers of Men Games (scroll down for these)

dreamenglish.com- Counting Fish Flashcards

education.com- Fish Matching Game
Use these printable Fish Matching Game cards to play all sorts of games.



Introduce game: Who are the apostles? What are their names?

Simon Says Meets the Apostles
The idea of this game is just to teach the names of the Apostles. Assign the name of an Apostle to each kid. Then play Simon says, but only use the Apostle's name when talking to each student. And tell each student what Simon says individually. Example: Simon says the Apostle Simon Peter can take one step forward. Only the kid that is Simon Peter can move. The rest of the kids must wait for their turn.

The Encyclopedia of Bible Games for Children’s Ministry by Group Publishing- Following Jesus (Disciples Follow Jesus)
This game will help children understand that their actions can let others know they are followers of Jesus. (page 75)



The following games are free, however they are only to be used for classroom and personal use. They may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted.

Disciples Memory Game or Go Fish Game- A fun way to review the names of the disciples.



Snacks:

Introduce snack: What did Peter and Andrew do for a living? They were fishermen.

enchantedlearning.com- Cup ‘o Fish
Make edible fish in the Sea of Galilee in a plastic clear cup.


Introduce snack: What did Matthew do for a living? He was a tax collector.

deborahotoole.com- Cheese Gelt Coin

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1989-12-21-8912192592-story.html orlandosentinel.com- Cheese Coins (Edible Hanukkah Gelt)


Get a round cracker and spread peanut butter on it. Cover with another cracker and you have edible money.


Letter F Snacks-

Fig Newton’s, Fruit Roll-Ups, Figs, Fruit, Fruit Cups, Fish Sticks, Fudge, etc.



Coloring/Puzzles:

Prayers while students are doing coloring and/or puzzles.

sermons4kids.com- Fishing for People (coloring)

coloring.ws- Fishers of Men (coloring pages)

calvarycurriculum.com- The Fishers of Men lesson #179, page 1 (scroll down to this)

christianpreschoolprintables.com- Fishers of Men Coloring Page
Scroll down for this.

lambsongs.co.nz- “Come Follow Me!” by Jill Kemp (booklet or one page Bible story you can color (scroll down for this)

dltk-teach.com- What begins with F? (mini book)

dltk-bible.com- Twelve Disciples Tracer Pages
Free printable templates that children can colour in while learning to print and spell simple words. Reinforce the story about Jesus' twelve disciples and learn to print and spell some simple vocabulary words.

first-school.ws- Letter F fisherman (handwriting)

The activity below is free, however it can only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on these activities are not my own and are from various internet sources.

Fishers of Men- handwriting & coloring sheet

kidzone.ws.- Hidden Letter Worksheet Letter F

More 365 Activities for Kids (do any of the Fisher of Men puzzles, mazes, dot-to-dot, spot the difference, etc. from August 19 - 23).

sermons4kids.com- Fishing for People (fish maze)

dltk-bible.com- 12 Disciples (maze)

biblewise.com- The Fishermen (what’s wrong)

sermons4kids.com- Connect the dots in alphabetical order (dot-to-dot)
Matthew 4:19

lessonsense.com- Fish Themed Worksheets

enchantedlearning.com- Drawing and Coloring Activity Worksheets (Fish themed)
Scroll down to this.

makinglearningfun.com- Fish Shape Count Worksheet

printactivities.com- Fish Maze
The goldfish needs to go into it's bowl. Draw the path through the maze to the fish bowl starting at 1 and counting by 1s up to 100.

education.com- Fishy Counting Worksheet

dreamenglish.com- How many fish? (worksheet)

Fishers of Men- (Bible Story Puzzle’n’Learn! PK – K, page 95.)

Fisherman of Men- Look at the pictures in each row. Color the pictures in each row that look the same as the first picture in that row. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus’ Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 25.)

Matthew Helps Jesus- Matthew made lots of money collecting taxes. But he left it to follow Jesus. Each row has a number written in the front. Count and circle that number of coins. If there are not enough coins, draw the correct number. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus’ Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 26.)

Twelve Helpers for Jesus- Look at this picture of the 12 apostles. Can you guess which one is Simon Peter? Remember, he was a fisherman. Who is Matthew? Hint: He was a tax collector. Pick out James and John. They were brothers and looked alike. Color the picture. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus’ Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 27.)



Thursday, January 14, 2010

Staff Training for Special Needs Students





Today most churches are slowly learning to integrate special needs children into their religious education program. While some churches are lacking in this area, hopefully they will become aware of the need of ministering to special needs children. Granted, it takes a great deal of effort and planning, but it is well worth it when you can effectively connect and minister to a special needs child. Many families who do not attend church have said that they feel they cannot take their special needs child because they fear they will disturb the congregation or they don’t feel they can entrust their child to others. Some parents find that their special needs child is not welcomed or that there are no classes available for their child.

Even if the church does provide religious education to special needs children, many parents feel that their child’s needs are not being met. Parents have to understand that this is not because of negligence, but mostly due to the religious education teachers not being trained on how to teach special needs children. Parents need to remember that the teachers are volunteers and try to do their best, but without the proper training on how to teach their child, it can be hit or miss.

Training and communication between parents and teachers will help tremendously with this problem. Seeking the advice and assistance of the child's family is the most important factor in learning how to teach a child with special needs. Family members and other resourceful people in your church family can also help you meet the child's needs with sensitivity. Find out if you have a special education teacher in your congregation that could help or someone from a local school or agency that could train the religious education teachers and the “buddy” that may be assigned to the child. Parents also need to become more involved with the religious education in their church and let the teachers know specifically what their child’s needs are and how to best teach their child.

Before any special needs child comes to CCD, have the parents answer a questionnaire about their child before they come to class to help with the transition of their child into the classroom.

A training session should be conducted before the student starts CCD to focus on identifying supports the student needs and how to implement them. The meeting should include all teachers, helpers, “buddy”, bus driver, DRE, etc. who will have contact with the special needs child. Having all personnel at the training session is critical so the staff will understand the student’s strengths and concerns. It also allows for all their questions to be answered and they will know what they are supposed to do and how to do it. Remember, the key to successful inclusion is support and understanding.

When conducting a training session for all personnel, be sure to make it brief and informative. Do not waste their time with repetitive explanations that seem to go on and on. Teachers and staff want just the facts with interventions and strategies on how to best teach the child with special needs.

*Give each person a file (one of those folders with brass fasteners that hold papers inside) and go over it during the meeting.


What should be included in the staff training:

• info on the child with color picture
• description of disability
• educational impact of the disability
• accommodations and modifications present to assist the child in school
• behavioral interventions used
• assistive technology
• related services provided to the child
• important tips from past teachers
• parent contact info (cell/phone number, e-mail address, etc.)



Short 1 page info on:

• 10 traits ______ struggles with
• _____ strengths
• _____‘s special interests
• What school is like for _____
• When behavior difficulties do occur, they typically appear to be a function of:


Try to conduct the meeting with the parents present so they can add any other helpful information that will help identify what changes need to be made in the religious education environment and how you, as the teacher, can best teach their child.

Having a special needs child in your classroom is a rewarding experience. You might be apprehensive at first, but after you get to know the child and what their needs are, it can open your eyes to a whole new and wonderful world.





Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Pro Life Activities




Stumped for activities concerning Pro Life ? Here are a few that your students might enjoy:

paperdali.blogspot.com- Free Pro-Life Coloring Page and Prayer Log

priestsforlife.org- Pro-life Resources and Activities for Students

archstl.org- The Right START program is a respect life curriculum taught by trained, volunteer teachers to 8th graders at Catholic elementary schools and parish schools of religion.

rtl.org- Teacher Resources

buffalodiocese.org- A Guide to Planning Pro-Life Activities For Parish or School Pro-Life Youth Groups

usccb.org- Pro Life Activities

crusadeforlife.org- Pro Life Supplemental Curriculum

avemariapress.com- Respect Life Month Teaching Resources

cpforlife.org- Respect Life Curriculums (1- High School College and Adult Studies, 2- Pre Kindergarten through 12th Grade)

looktohimandberadiant.blogspot.com- Project for our CCD kids. They are each spiritually adopting an unborn baby for the next nine months. They all got a magnet with Fulton Sheen's Spiritual Adoption Prayer on it and we talked about the connection between the Annunciation and being pro-life. The kids will be doing activities, learning how the babies develop, etc. Here are a few of the resources that we have/will be using if you wanted to do your own Spiritual Adoption.

triciagoyer.com- Pro-life for Kids: Ideas for Teaching the Sanctity of Life

catholicicing.com- Pro Life Craft for Kids

Look Who’s Growing Dominos- A fun way to educate young students that babies grow into adults to help promote Pro Life.

Look Who’s Growing- This game provides an entertaining way to educate students about pregnancy and fetal development to help promote Pro Life.


*If you know of any other Pro Life activities for kids, give me a holler.



Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Look Who’s Growing






Lacy at catholicicing.com wanted an activity about Pro Life and this is what I came up with.



This game is based on: freepatentsonline.com

Weekly fetal development info from: babiesonline.com


This game is free, however it is only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on all activities are not my own and are from various internet sources.



Look Who's Growing: This game provides an entertaining way to educate students about pregnancy and fetal development to help promote Pro Life.









Preparation:

Print out Directions and put inside file folder.
Print out First Trimester cards on light yellow card stock.
Print out Second Trimester cards on light green card stock.
Print out Third Trimester cards on light purple card stock.
Cut out cards. Laminate or cover with clear contact paper to make them last. Put cards in 3 small baskets and place near game board.

*Use only the cards that are age appropriate for your students.


Directions:

The game is started by placing the game pieces on CONCEPTION. Determine which player goes first. The order of the remaining players goes according to a clockwise rotation. Each player will draw a first trimester playing card (yellow) to determine the movement of their game piece and will read the information concerning the first trimester of pregnancy that is on their card out loud. The game card will instruct the player to move ahead or back. If a first trimester playing card instructs the player to go back to bed, the player places their game piece on CONCEPTION. The player must also read the physical fact about a baby’s development that is printed in the playing space corresponding to that particular week.

When a player's game piece moves into a second trimester playing space, the player draws from the set of second trimester playing cards (green). The second trimester playing card instructs the player to move their game piece a set number of space(s) and to read out loud information concerning the second trimester of pregnancy. If a second trimester playing card instructs the player to go back to bed, the player places their game piece on the first green second trimester space. The player must also read the physical fact about a baby’s development that is printed in the playing space corresponding to that particular week.

When a player's game piece moves into a third trimester playing space, the player draws from the set of third trimester playing cards (purple). The third trimester playing card instructs the player to move their game piece a set number of space(s) and to read out loud information concerning the third trimester of pregnancy. If a third trimester playing card instructs the player to go back to bed, the player places their game piece on the first purple third trimester space. The player must also read the physical fact about a baby’s development that is printed in the playing space corresponding to that particular week.

The first person to make it to the “Deliver Baby” picture playing space wins the game.


Look Who’s Growing Game- Directions, Game Board, Game Cards, etc.



Sunday, January 10, 2010

Lesson Plan- (Pre K - K): Woman at the Well




The Woman at the Well

Objectives: The children will
- retell the story of “The Woman at the Well”
- discuss how others can be mean to someone because they are different
- name ways of how they can be kind to people who are different
- identify who promised to send a savior one day
- identify who the savior is



Review:
Prayer and questions from last week’s lesson


Vocabulary Words:

The activity below is free, however it can only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on these activities are not my own and are from various internet sources.

Woman at the Well Word Wall- Word wall templates are large flash card printables that you can hang on the wall to aid children when they are learning or using new vocabulary words.



Plan:


Circle Time:

Introduce story: Is it hard to be kind to someone that is different from you? (Discuss) Has anyone ever been mean to you because you were in some way different? (Discuss) How did it feel when they were mean to you? (Discuss) What kind of things can you do to make people who are different feel good? (Discuss)

Say: You have some great ideas on how to be kind. We can be kind to everyone, even people who are different because God is kind.


Read story: “The Woman at the Well” from your own story book.


Then ask questions from below.

1. Jesus was tired and thirsty. Where did Jesus rest while his helpers went to buy food? (At a well.)

2. Who came from the town of Samaria to get water from the well? (A woman.)

3. What did Jesus want the woman to do for him? (Get him a drink of water.)

4. Why was she surprised when he asked her for a drink of water? (People were not friendly to anyone from Samaria.)

5. What did Jesus say to the woman if anyone drank that water at the well? (That they will be thirsty again.)

6. What would happen if someone drank the water that Jesus gave them? (They will never thirst and they would be new inside.)

7. Did Jesus know everything that she had ever done in her life? (Yes)

8. Who promised to send a savior one day? (God)

9. Who is this savior? (Jesus)

10. The woman left her water jar and what did she do? (She went into town and told the people what happened.)

11. Did the people from Samaria come to see Jesus at the well? (Yes)



Songs and/or Finger Plays:

Jesus Satisfies (song) & Living Water (finger play)- Playful Songs and Bible Stories for Preschoolers by Group Publishing, page 136.

missionarlington.org- “I Can Be a Friend to You” tune: “London Bridge is Falling Down” page 4

I can be a friend to you, friend to you, friend to you.
I can be a friend to you, just like Jesus.


Sing “Jesus Loves Me”



Activities:

Introduce activity: What would it be like if we were all the same?

Same and Different

Say: We are all alike in some ways and different in some ways. Let’s find some ways that we are alike. (When you ask these questions be sure that they do not exclude one child so they will feel like the odd one out. Ask questions so that a group of children can participate in each question.

Example: Who is wearing a dress? Who has brown eyes? Who is wearing tennis shoes? Etc.

Say: There are some things about us that are different and some things that are the same. If we were all exactly the same there would be no way to tell us apart.


missionarlington.org- The Woman at the Well Meets Jesus (John 4:1-30, 39-42) Scroll down to preschool lesson

sermons4kids.com- Dying for a Drink object lesson

sermons4kids.com- Thirst Quencher object lesson

sermons4kids.com- Living Water object lesson

childrensermons.com- Jesus by the Well object lesson



Movie:

Introduce movie: How should we treat others?

Movie- Veggie Tales: Are You My Neighbor? The Gourds Must Be Crazy (14 min.) and ask questions:

1. Why wouldn’t Jr. invite Fernando to his party? (Because he was different.)

2. What did Jr. learn about people that are different? (Being different can be good. It’s the inside that counts.)

3. Should we make fun of people who are different? (No)

4. How should we treat others? We should treat everyone how you would like to be treated.



Crafts:

sermons4kids.com- The Thirst Quencher (group activities) crafts

sermons4kids.com- Living Water (group activities) crafts


Introduce craft: Jesus was tired and thirsty. Where did Jesus rest while his helpers went to buy food?

daniellesplace.com- Woman at the Well Crafts (scroll down to these)

dreamlandmagic.soniacjensen..com- Wishing Well Children’s Craft (make with or without flowers)

orientaltrading.com- Samaritan Woman Well Craft Kit

craftingthewordofgod.com- Samaritan Woman at the Well (craft)



Games

sermons4kids.com- The Thirst Quencher (group activities) games

sermons4kids.com- Living Water (group activities) games


Introduce game: What did Jesus say to the woman if anyone drank that water at the well?
Bucket Brigade- As kids work together to move water, they’ll discover God wants to share his living water with everyone. (The Encyclopedia of Bible Games for Children’s Ministry, page 92 & 93.)

missionarlington.org- Water Relay (page 5)
Divide your students into two equal groups. Provide the first student in each group with a small drinking cup. Position a bucket of water per group at the start line and an empty bucket at the finish line. The group that transfers the most water from the first bucket to the second, after giving each group member a chance, is the winner.

Introduce games: How did Jesus treat others that he met? Jesus was always kind and helpful to the people he met. Jesus showed his love by caring for those who needed his healing touch. The next time you want to let someone know how much you care for them, remember that we show others we care, not just by sending flowers and gifts, but by showing acts of kindness each and every day -- just like Jesus did.

Random Acts of Kindness- Children identify Random Acts of Kindness as they move around the board.

The Golden Rule- This game helps promote why someone would use proper manners and etiquette in our daily lives.

Jesus is Our Savior- Jesus is our rescuer and offers us a lifeline when we’re trapped in sin. How can we solve the problems in our life? Jesus is our savior and if we follow him, he will show us the way.



Snacks:

Introduce snack: How can we be kind to others?

Have students wash their hands and make an easy snack for another class. (Make arrangements with the other classroom prior to the lesson so you have permission from that teacher and they know that a snack is being brought to them).

(Example: popcorn, trail mix, cheese whiz on a cracker, etc.)

After they have delivered their treat, they may have some as well.



Coloring/Puzzles:

Prayers while students are doing worksheets and/or coloring.

sermons4kids.com- The Woman at the Well

sermons4kids.com- Samaritan Woman

azcoloring.com- Woman At The Well Coloring Pages

sundayschoolsources.com- Woman at the Well (coloring)

lambsongs.co.nz- “The Woman by the Well” by Jill Kemp booklet or one page Bible story you can color (scroll down for this)

first-school.ws- Water (handwriting)

sermons4kids.com- The Samaritan Woman (maze)

Big Puzzles for Little Hands by Carla Williams- The Woman at the Well (dot-to-dot) page 57

azcoloring.com- Find the hidden pictures (you can do this together as a class)

Numbers in a Jar (worksheets)- Numbers-in-a-Jar worksheets designed to use with manipulatives to count and learn to write numerals, and number words.