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Activity Centers (10 minutes)
Young children this age need a time to get acquainted with the new
surroundings as they enter the classroom. A variety of calm activities
and toys, such as blocks, play centers and simple puzzles create
an environment that helps young children let go of mom and dad.
If necessary, mom and dad may play with them for a few minutes and
then leave. |
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Large Group Opening (5-10 minutes)
The opening puppet presentation is an attention grabber that helps gather the children. This is not an extensive presentation but a quick overview introducing the Bible Event and the Take Home Point. Early childhood humor is often used. After the reading of the story, the Take Home Point is practiced and the children pray and sing a song. Each lesson has its own lesson prayer and lesson song that is repeated throughout. |
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Small Group Application (30-40 minutes)
Young children learn best by repetition. The Bible Event and the
Take Home Point is practiced as children rotate through the activities
that include acting out the Bible Event, reading a story, snack,
game, and/or craft. Each session is concluded with the lesson's
prayer, song, and Take Home Point.
In this lesson, the children learn about the lame man who was
lowered through a roof by his friends to Jesus. He was healed
by Jesus and was able to walk! |
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Acting Out the Bible Event
The children act out the Bible story as they hear about Jesus coming
to town, carry their friend up to the roof and then lower him down
to Jesus. They are reminded that Jesus helps us, too, and we can
pray to him. |
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Game Example
The game of the day is "Alone or Bring a Friend." The
children say whether an activity is done alone or with a friend,
and they act out the activities. |
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Snack Example
Teddy Grahams represent bears who have legs to walk, run, climb,
and swim. This reminds the kids of the man who was lowered through
the roof to Jesus who healed the man so he could walk.
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Craft Example
The children color a picture of the men lowering their friend through
the roof on a mat to Jesus. They glue the mat and the blanket, a
foam peanut, onto the completed picture. |
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Large Group Wrap-up (5-10 minutes)
The day’s events are then reviewed, along with the lesson
prayer and lesson song. They can be lead in three songs on a tape
or CD until parents begin arriving. Parents should know that they
are welcome to join in.
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"God Talk at Home" Handout
Parents leave with a handout called “God Talk at Home.”
This handout reviews the activities of the day and gives the take-home
point. A family devotion is provided with scripture readings, questions for the parents to
ask, and family activity recommendations. |
FAQs
