The Beatitudes

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) can be difficult to explain to very young children. And while we might read all of them to our littles, I think it's OK for preschool-aged children to focus on learning one or two. I have a printable to share with you today, that might help: 

I thought these two would be simple enough to focus some energy on teaching. Even young children understand the difference between happy and sad, and can recall times when they have felt these emotions. And I don't know about you, but in my house we are often working on more peace and less arguing (use your words!). While I believe this scripture is more "global" than siblings arguing over a toy or whose turn it is, we have to start small and work our way outward. 
After you print this page for each of your littles, just fold on the dotted line to create a "table tent" for the nightstand or coffee table. Then you will have an easy way to practice these scriptures together.

a "get well" gift

One of our Sunday School lessons this month taught the story of Jesus healing Peter's mother-in-law. Since we all know someone who is sick this time of year, I thought it would be nice to share a simple activity that would cheer anyone up. 

Just print, cut, punch a hole, and tie the tag around a can of chicken noodle soup (or a jar of homemade soup for all you Super Moms!). While you're at it, print and cut a few extras, and keep them in an envelope so you are ready the next time one of your neighbors is under the weather. Then, you and your littles can make a special delivery of not just soup, but heartfelt love. That's sure to make anyone feel better!!

Happy Valentine's Day

While explaining romantic love to children is difficult, teaching them how much God loves us is much easier. 

May you and your family feel God's presence and love every day of the year!

**Click here for a song I previously posted that would be perfect for Valentine's Day.

going fishing - part 2

In my previous post, I promised you a fun snack idea to go with the "fishers of men" lesson... and here it is! 

You wouldn't think these flavors go well together, but I found the snack to be surprisingly tasty! It was such an enjoyable snack to share in class... we will be having this one again soon!

going fishing - Part 1

More than once in the Bible, the metaphor of "fishing for men" is written. This past Sunday our pre-schoolers listened to Luke 5:1-11. We talked about living the way Jesus wants us to live, and then about praying for our friends, and inviting our friends to church. Then we played a fishing game! 

These cute fish came with our Sunday School curriculum, but you can easily make your own at home. You can print fish images onto card stock, or simply cut fish-shapes out of construction paper. If you are using construction paper, you could also add an extra activity (great for these really cold days) of decorating the fish with markers, stickers, and even sequins! 
On each fish, write a name - your pre-schooler, friends, family, etc. Attach a small piece of magnetic tape to the back of each fish. Create a fishing pole by taping yarn to the end of a straw, and tie a paperclip to the end. Spread the fish out on a table, the floor, or even in a bowl, and "fish for men."
***Variation for older children: Sandwich each fish between two layers of clear Contact Paper. Leave a border around the edge when you cut the fish out, and be sure to seal the edges firmly. Then add the magnetic tape. Your child can now go fishing in a bowl of water, a water table, or even a baby-sized swimming pool (you might need a longer fishing pole for this). 

I also have a free printable for you today:

Print the fish onto card stock, write your little one's name in pencil, and help "write" the name again using glitter-glue. FUN!!

Be sure to come back on Monday... I have a really fun snack to share with you that fits perfectly with this Bible story (Luke 5:1-11)!

John 3:2

Well, it's February... and with a new month, comes a new Bible verse! Here's the scripture we will be learning this month: