IDEAS UNLIMITED: 2014

Thanksgiving Project

From Theresa Magnum's Sunday School class.

Zacchaeus In the Tree Art Project

Materials Needed: White construction paper, crayons, scissors.

Instructions: Fold a white sheet of construction in half long ways. Draw the outline for half of a tree and cut out. Color. Draw a picture of Zacchaeus and cut out. The tree will stand because it is slightly folded in the middle. Zacchaeus can be placed in the tree.

Grandparent's Day Gift Idea: Flower Pots

Have children bring 8-10 pictures of themselves (printed on paper) with their grandparents. Cut and glue to a flower pot. Cover with Modge Podge. Add a decorative ribbon.

BIBLE VERSE MAGIC: Memorization Review Activity

Materials Needed: Post-It Notes, colored construction paper, colored pencils.

Activity: Children write the Bible verse on Post It notes, putting one word on each note. Two or three sheets of construction paper are then taped together the long way, depending on the length of the verse. The children put the notes in the correct order on the paper. Then they choose to remove any word they want and say the verse. They continue until the verse has totally disappeared -- like magic! Encourage the children to take the activity home and use with their parents and siblings.

PRESCHOOL BIBLE VERSE MEMORIZATION: Less Is Better

Every Sunday School teacher knows the value of helping children memorize scripture. The question is not should children memorize, but how can we help them memorize. In the case of younger children, less is better. Concentrate on learning only a few verses well.

Use a variety of teaching and learning methods such as singing, saying in different voices, emphasizing a specific word, saying in rhythm, using picture cards, making up motions and using simple rhythm patterns of claps, taps or stomps.

Free Bible Story Lesson: "Put 'Em In A Basket: Baby Moses Rescued from Danger"

Click HERE for free lesson.

7 LIFTING WAYS TO START THE SCHOOL YEAR!

Attached to bottle of 7-Up and given to students the week prior to school starting:

#1 Wake UP - Decide to have a good day. "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)
#2 Dress UP - The best way to dress is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
#3 Shush UP - Say nice things and learn to listen. "Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days." (Proverbs 19:20)
#4 Stand UP - For what you believe in! Stand for SOMETHING or you will fall for ANYTHING.
# 5 Look UP - To the Lord. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
#6 Reach UP - For something higher. Always try to better yourself.
#7 Lift UP - Your prayers. "Do not worry about anything. Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." (Philippians 4:6-7)

Canciones para Toda la Familia DVD

A Spanish hand motion DVD with Spanish lyrics translated into English.

Video de movimiento de manos en Espanol con sus letras traducidas al Ingles.

Order HERE.

Woman at the Well Bible Story Prop

This prop for the "Woman at the Well" Bible story was created by Jamie Esser.

Moms Are Made That Way - Devotion-in-Motion - Mother's Day

Click HERE for Devotion-in-Motion.

SONG TO ACCOMPANY BIBLE STORY OF JESUS HEALING LAME MAN AT POOL OF BETHSEDA

After hearing the story about Jesus healing the man at the pool of Bethesda found in John 5:1-18, children enjoy singing “Bethesda” from Miracle Mud album by Mary Rice Hopkins.

The song begins:

Way down in Jerusalem there’s a place where people would go

A wading pool called Bethesda where the healing waters flowed

People were healed as the waters started turning

So the sick hurried to get in except one man who lie there hurting

Until he heard from a friend . . .

12 STEPS FOR WALKING KIDS THROUGH GRIEF

Click HERE for "12 Steps for Walking Kids Through Grief."

BABY MOSES BORN INTO DANGER BIBLE STORY

Preparation: Create a tabletop scene to use when telling the story: large sheet of blue construction paper for the water; 4 ½” x 12” sheet of green construction paper attached to a small box with snips across the top to look like tall grass; a small baby wrapped ina blanket in a basket; 3- 5 ½” Styrofoam cups with faces to represent Miriam, Moses’ mother and the princess.

Story: “Mother,” Miriam said with a frightened look on her face. “Have you heard that the king signed a law to kill all the Hebrew baby boys?”

“Yes,” Jocabed replied. The king is afraid that if we Hebrews have too many children, we will try to fight him. I have come up with a idea to protect baby Moses. Miriam, I will need your help as Moses’ big sister.

“I will do anything to help,” Miriam responded. I love my little brother SO much. What is your plan?”

Jocabed put baby Moses in a little basket which she had fixed so no water would seep inside. She said to Miriam, “Come with me. I‘ll show you what we‘re going to do.”

They walked to the Nile river. Moses’ mother hid the basket in the tall grass by the river’s edge. Miriam found a hiding place and watched to see what would happen to baby Moses.

Soon a princess and her maids came walking by. Miriam thought, “Oh, no! This princess is Pharaoh’s daughter — the daughter of the mean king.”

The princess saw the basket and said to a maid: “Go get that basket.”

Inside, the princess found baby Moses. She felt sad. The princess said: “This must be one of the Hebrew babies that a mother is trying to protect. I would like to keep him. But I will need someone to help take care of him for me.”

Miriam left her hiding place and went to the princess: “I know someone who can help you take care of this baby. Do you want me to go and get a Hebrew mother for you?”

The princes said to Miriam: “Yes, go.”

Miriam found her mother. The princes said to Jocabed, “Please take care of this baby for me. I will pay you.”

So the princess gave baby Moses back to his OWN mother to take care of him while he was little! Now baby Moses was safe. God had protected him.

From Dancing in the Desert digital curriculum. Order HERE.

THE POWER OF MUSIC IN LEARNING THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

Educational experts use music to teach everything from the ABC’s to the bones in our bodies because melodies are memory boosters! What is set to music will be remembered for a lifetime.

Songs can solve the problem which children have of committing long scripture passages, such as the Ten Commandments, to memory.

Mary Rice Hopkins has provided on one CD both the “Ten Commandments” song and the “Ten Commandments Rap.” The sale price of $13.00 will be money well-spent to make an eternal difference for the children in your world! Order Mary Rice Hopkins Soundtrack from 3 Episode DVD HERE.

There are a total of 17 songs on the CD including: “Love the Lord Your God”, “I Can Obey”, “I Am Not Ashamed”, “Love with the Love” and others.

THE BIG 3

Big 3:

I need to make the wise choice.
I can trust God no matter what.
I should treat others the way I want to be treated.

It certainly could make a difference in children's lives if they memorized The Big 3 and put the points into practice in their lives!

(From Southeast Christian Church)

THE WALLS CAME TUMBLING DOWN - Joshua Bible Story

Preparation: Have the boys and girls form a large circle. Choose half of the children to be priests who will make trumpet sounds. The other children will be the Israelites who shout at the end of the story. Have the priests practice blowing their pretend rams horn trumpets and the Israelites practice shouting. Explain to the boys and girls that at the appropriate time in the story they are to march, going to their right. Stand in the middle of the circle as you tell the story.

Story: How would Joshua and his soldiers capture Jericho? The city was surrounded with thick stone walls. They had no equipment strong enough to break down the walls.

Then God said He had a plan for getting Joshua and his men into the city. God said they were to march silently around the city one time every day for six days. The priests were to blow their trumpets. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city six times silently. Then on the seventh time around, they were to shout.

Day one they marched around the city. (March) Stop. Day two they marched around the city. (March) Everyone stop. Day three they marched around the city. (March) Everyone stop. Day four they marched around the city. (March) Everyone stop. Day five they marched around the city. (March) Everyone stop. Day six they marched around the city. (March). Everyone stop.
Now it’s day seven. They marched around the city one time. (March) Stop. They marched a second time. (March) Stop. They marched a third time. (March) Stop. They marched a fourth time. (March) Stop. They marched a fifth time. (March) Stop. They marched a sixth time (March) Stop. As they marched around the city the seventh time on the seventh day, the trumpets blew a long blast and the Israelites gave a loud shout. (March with priests blowing horns and others shouting.) Stop.

SUDDENLY, there was a deep, long rumbling sound and the walls of Jericho came tumbling down!

God performed a miracle and the walls fell down flat. Then the soldiers rushed up the hill, went straight into the town, and captured it.

Sing: “Joshua” from Dancing in the Desert album. (Click on song title to hear a clip.)

To order 18 Dancing in the Desert lessons on the life of Moses AND the accompanying music CD, please click HERE.

TEN PLAGUES ART PROJECT

Needed for Each Child: One sheet white construction paper divided into ten frames; crayons; Bible verse strip; glue.

Activity: Remind the boys and girls that God’s actions in these plagues were miracles to show His power. Have the children number the frames 1-10 and glue the verse strip in the middle of the paper. Read the scripture together several times. Review the plagues one at a time, allowing boys and girls to illustrate each: #1 – river red; #2 – frogs; #3 – gnats; #4 – flies; #5 – cows died; #6 – boils; #7 – hail; #8 – locusts; #9 – darkness; #10 – firstborn Egyptian sons died.

TAMBORINE ART PROJECT -- Use When Singing Praises to God

Materials Needed: Foam paper plate, crayons, bells, craft wire.

MOSES AND BURNING BUSH 3-D ART PROJECT

Needed for Each Child: 2 sheets heavy white construction paper or cover paper, crayons, glue, transparent tape, Bible verse word strip.

Activity: Fold the construction paper in half and cut into two 4” x 12” pieces. One serves as the bottom of the 3-D picture and the other is folded in thirds for the backdrop. Children draw scenery on both pieces and then attach the backdrop to the bottom piece with tape. Show the boys and girls how to fold under a small tab before they draw
Moses and a burning bush. These are then glued to the scene. The Bible verse strip is added last.

From: Dancing in the Desert curriculum on the life of Moses.

MOSES AT MOUNT SINAI FINGER PAINTING PROJECT

Scripture: Exodus 19:1-25

Needed for Each Child: One sheet white construction paper, washable finger paints, Bible verse word strip, glue.

Activity: Have the children paste the Bible verse strip in an upper corner on the paper. Then the boys and girls can paint a picture of the Israelites standing behind the barrier looking at the mountain with the cloud on top.

From: Dancing in the Desert downloadable curriculum.

MOUNT SINAI CRAFT PROJECT - Exodus 19:1-25

Needed for Each Child: One-half Styrofoam salad bar container, clump of play-dough, one cotton ball, 12 toothpicks.

Activity: The children form a mountain from play-dough and press it gently onto the salad bar container. A cotton ball cloud is placed on the mountain top and then toothpicks inserted into the lid around the mountain for the boundaries.

From: Dancing in the Desert downloadable curriculum.

MOTHER'S DAY CARD IDEA

Materials: Give each child a package of Life Savers, one sheet colored construction paper, colored pencils, and scotch tape.

Preparation: Have each child fold the construction paper in half and on the inside write “Mom, you are always a life saver because” . . . (help them think about ways to finish the sentence such as: you help me with my homework, you wake me up in time to get the school bus, you wash my clothes, etc.) . The package of Life Savers can then be taped to the front of the card.

GOD CAN MAKE CREATIVE USE OF LEARNING DISABILITIES

Click HERE to view a testimony of how God made creative use of learning disabilities for these two television personalities!

EASY-TO-MAKE HAND PUPPETS FOR USE WITH CREATION STORY OR NOAH & THE ARK

Materials Needed: Colored construction paper, wiggle eyes, crayons, scissors, tape.

Activity: Children make an animal of their choice. It becomes a puppet by folding a piece of construction paper lengthwise.

DISCIPLESHIP PRINCIPLES FOR KIDS

Two-in-One

15 songs and 15 lessons!

Would you like your preschool and early elementary children to know that they can walk and live like Jesus; that God is creator of the universe; that God made everyone special; that daily prayer brings a closer relationship with God; that obedience to God is imperative; that God blesses sharing; that God will help them find their way in life; the Christian life gets deeper and better; that God will help them grow in their faith?

All of these imperative discipleship principles and more can be found in the interactive 15 Singable Songs curriculum. Lessons include Bible stories, Bible life and customs, crafts, games, snack ideas, object talks, devotions, skits, and music.

A split-track CD is included so you are not only getting 15 outstanding lessons but also 15 unforgettable songs including: Walk like Jesus, God Did, Sharing Comes Round Again, Little is Much, Big Steps for Little Feet, Running for the Prize, It is Good, No One Else I Know, Hip Hip Hooray, Superman, Matilda the Gorilla and others.

Click HERE to order.

"GRAMMA'S HOUSE" - GRANDPARENT'S DAY SONG

"Gramma's House" (Sing Through the Year album by Mary Rice Hopkins) is the perfect song for Grandparents Day: "There's one place I can kick off my shoes -- at Gramma's house! She never gets mad though there's mud on my feet -- she laughs at my jokes, I sure like my grandfolks!"

Click HERE to listen to a song clip.

Click HERE to order.

SONG TO ACCOMPANY BIBLE STORY OF JESUS HEALING MAN AT POOL OF BETHESDA (John 5:1-18)

After hearing the story about Jesus healing the man at the pool of Bethesda found in John 5:1-18, children enjoy singing "Bethesda" from Miracle Mud album by Mary Rice Hopkins.

The song begins:

Way down in Jerusalem there's a place where people would go

A wading pool called Bethesda where the healing waters flowed

People were healed as the waters started turning

So the sick hurried to get in except one man who lie there hurting

Until he heard from a friend . . .

MOTHER'S DAY ART PROJECT

Materials Needed: Large colored construction paper, coffee filters, colored markers, glue, photographs of the children.

SERVING MOM -- MOTHER'S DAY CRAFT

Materials Needed: Small plastic cups (3″ tall), colored construction paper confetti, glue, “Happy Mother’s Day” label, seven strips of paper for each child, and colored pencils.

Activity: The children put glue on the cup and sprinkle on the paper confetti. The “Happy Mother’s Day” label is glued on the front. Children write various things they will do for their mothers. Brainstorm and share ideas such as: dust, sweep the front sidewalk, wash four inside windows, clean my room, empty wastebaskets, clean out the car, go to bed without complaining, do homework promptly, etc. These are placed inside the cup. Have children explain to their moms they can pull out one slip each day for a week.

MOTHER'S DAY MONEY BOUQUET CRAFT

Materials Needed: Foam sheets in various colors, wiggle eyes, glue, clear Scotch tape, construction paper, empty toilet paper rolls, tissue paper in various colors, craft wire, scissors, Sharpies, and heart patterns.

Preparation: For younger children, pre-cut the hearts and pre-make the tissue paper flowers. (Click here for instructions.) Older boys and girls can create their bouquets.

Activity: Wrap construction paper around the empty toilet paper tube and glue or secure with clear tape. Glue on the eyes and make the face on the larger heart which is approx. 4" x 4" in size. Attach to the tube with clear Scotch tape. Insert the flowers. Children may take the bouquet home and add money for the project to be a Mother's Day Money Bouquet.

ROLLED 'EM AWAY - Easter Song

ROLLED 'EM AWAY from "Come Meet Jesus" album

Words and Music by Mary Rice Hopkins

(Click on song title to hear music clip.)

Jesus rose up through the clouds
He lives today without a doubt
Satan's got no power now
In Jesus' name I'll sing it out

Chorus 1:

Now He rolled, rolled, rolled the stone away
He has risen from the grave
Life in Him has come today
Now He rolled, rolled, rolled the stone away
Rolled, rolled it away

The angel said, "Have no fear"
He brought good news of good cheer
He made His message very clear
Jesus' light is everywhere

(Repeat Chorus)

Jesus was God's only Son
On a cross He said, "It is done"
He took my sins one by one
Now life in Him has begun

Chorus 2:

Now You rolled, rolled, rolled my sins away
Because you live
I can say you live inside my heart today
Now you rolled, rolled, rolled my sins away
Rolled, rolled them away

Copyrighted by Big Steps 4 U Music. ASCAP. All rights reserved. Inernational copyright secured.

BABY DEDICATION SONG - "HOLD HER IN YOUR LOVING HANDS"

“Hold Her in Your Loving Hands” was written specifically for baby dedications.

The song begins:

Lord, You've given this child to us
You've put her in our care
Help us guide her, in You we'll trust
As You know the joy we share

Click on song title to hear a clip.

The song can be found on Sleep Little One album.

Click HERE to order.

The album contains 14 lullabies

which are perfect to play in your church nursery and at home.

TEACH CHILDREN TO CARE BY PRAYING FOR OTHERS

Make a list of people in your church who are home bound, ill, or bereaved. After praying for these individuals in your class, let the children make cards that might say: “We prayed for you in our class today.”

"UP & DOWN" - BIBLE VERSE MEMORIZATION ACTIVITY

The entire class says the Bible verse in unison with this twist — on the first word everyone stands; second word everyone sits; third word, stand; fourth word, sit; and so on. This can be played a number of times in a row before the children will tire.

YOUR CHALLENGE AS A CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER

Accept the challenge to be an adventurous, daring, dedicated, zestful children's teacher - teaching from the natural outflow of what God has done in your life and making a significant difference in lives tomorrow. Stretch your mind to think and learn in fresh, new ways.

THE IMPORTANCE OF REVIEW

The primary purpose of Bible games is to review Bible facts, verses and concepts.

Educational experts tell us that one-third of our teaching time should be spent in review!

Application of knowledge is important for utilization.

Reviewing helps learning become a meaningful part of a child's life.

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON REVIEW QUESTIONS

Review questions fall into two basic categories:

1. Bible truth: facts, truths and verses

2. Bible application: applying truths and concepts to life. Encourages children to use the facts he knows and apply to life in problem solving. Examples: Is it all right to cheat on a test if you have been sick and could not study? What would you do if your best friend told a lie about you.

CHILDREN LEARN BY DOING

After 30 days, students remember:

10% of what hear

15% of what see

20% what hear and see

40% of what they discuss

80% of what they do

DAYS OF CREATION ART PROJECT

Let children illustrate each day of creation.

7 TIPS FOR EFFECTIVELY TELLING BIBLE STORIES

1. Let your nervousness be a plus.

Breath deeply before starting. A certain amount of tension will help make your story telling come alive.

2. Have everyone's attention before starting.

Wait quietly. Never raise your voice to speak above the noise.

3. Be natural.

Stand or sit in a natural position. Do not force or overdo gestures. Meaningless gestures only distract.

4. Look directly at the children, including all members of the group.

Don't look over the heads or out the window! Take in the whole group.

5. Hold your Bible when telling a Bible story.

6. Banish backtracking.

If you leave out a vital point, find a way to work it in. Saying, "Oh, I forgot" and backtracking interrupts the flow. You don't want to interrupt the flow of the story in any way.

If you loose someone's attention, pause and wait.

Eyeball the pupil distracting. Communicate non-verbally.

7. When you come to the end of the story, STOP!

PRACTICE TELLING YOUR BIBLE STORIES!

If you want the boys and girls in your class to sit on the edges of their seats and be engaged in the Bible stories you tell, PRACTICE!

a. Read the story over and over. spend TIME with it!

The purpose is to absorb the story until it become second nature to you - so you can tell it from your HEART, not just by rote. Read the story as a whole. Read it from different Bible translations. Lose yourself in it. Think as you read - picture the story; set the scenes clearly in your mind.

b. Think about the characters

(1) What do they look like?

(2) What are their respective traits?

(3) Why do they say what they do?

c. Tell the story aloud to yourself over and over IN FRONT OF A MIRROR!

Do not concentrate on memorizing word for word -- although you should always know your first and last lines by heart for a comfortable start and finish. Become familiar with it so you can tell the story the story from your HEART, rather than read it.

6 TIPS FOR CHOOSING BIBLE STORIES TO TELL

(1) Does the story have a strong point, idea or theme?

(2) Do the characters appeal to the age group?

(3) Is the vocabulary appropriate for your age level?

(4) Is the length suited to the age? (Rule of thumb: attention span is about one minute more than the age)

(5) Is the story sprinkled with quotation marks, indicating back and forth dialogue?

(6) Does it hold your interest? If so, it will probably hold the pupils attention!

Constantly be on the lookout for stories which you enjoy. If you enjoy them, the boys and girls in your class will enjoy them! Collect them. Categorize them.

NUMBER HOP - BIBLE VERSE REVIEW GAME

Scatters number sheets on the floor. Play music (or simply say "walk, walk, walk") as children step from one number to another, trying not to touch the floor. When music stops, each child freezes on a number. Teacher draws a number from a bag and reads it. The child standing on that number, and the children standing on the preceding two numbers say the verse together.