a wee little man

The story of Zacchaeus is a classic Sunday School lesson. Our littles enjoyed pretending to climb up and down a tree yesterday, and took turns telling Zacchaeus to climb down from the tree.

This "tree" was fairly simple to create, and could be used in a variety of lessons. I started with a paper towel tube, and drew lines and knots to create a woodgrain look. Four "squares" of green tissue paper are twisted and glued inside the top of the tube. Two layers of magnetic tape (long strips) are adhered inside the tube and a piece is on the back of the Zacchaeus figure. 
  ***Craft Tips:
1) Be sure to flatten out the magnetic tape before adhering it into the tube.
2) Place a dowel inside the tube on top of the magnetic tape, and rest a phone book on top for a few days to be sure the magnetic tape sticks.
I also placed a bit of magnetic tape on the back of the Jesus figure, and I used a bookend to support the scene. (The tree can be attached to the bookend with yarn or more magnetic tape.) The children took turns retelling the story and making Zacchaeus slide down the tree. 

Jesus loves me!

Here's something fun and quick to do with your littles: 

Grab a kid or two or seven, stand in front of a mirror... and SING! Simple, but effective.

the guiding star

On Sunday, our little ones will continue to talk about the star that guided the wise men to Jesus. And we will discuss how Jesus grew from a baby, to a toddler, to a young child. Our lesson will focus on how Jesus changed, and grew, and learned... just like us! 
Here's a simple song you can sing at home with your little ones (to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star) -

My Bible

On Sunday, our little bitties will be working on the "vocabulary words" scroll and Bible.  Just like people long ago reading from a scroll to know how God wanted them to live, today we read our Bible so we know how God wants us to live.
We will also introduce a new song:

God loves me

Here's a simple song we are learning in our Nursery room... you remember the tune to The Farmer in the Dell, don't you? 

To keep your child's interest as you repeat the verse, clap your hands to the beat as you sing it the first time, then dance in a circle the second time through, sing very softly the third time, etc. Have fun!!

Sweet Hour of Prayer

This Sunday's sermon and music all really helped me. I've often wondered if I'm praying the right way... using the right words... do I pray enough? ... why do I struggle to pray out loud?
And then there's that nagging question in the back of my mind...  "am I doing an ok job teaching my children how to pray." Well, now I feel better... more open, less worried, ready to "cast on Him my every care." There's always room for improvement, but after some quality family time this weekend and the message from Sunday, I think it's all ok.
During my boys' Cub Scout camping trip this weekend, I sat with my youngest son for lunch at a picnic table. He asked if we could pray together before our meal... wow. He pressed his hands together and squeezed his little eyes shut so tight. I think it's the most I've ever seen him concentrate! I have no idea what his prayer was about, but my short prayer was one of thanks for this amazing little boy. 
Because I would like to offer my boys some guidance during their prayer time, I thought we would make Prayer Calendars. 

Each child worked on their own calendar (I wrote the names for my youngest as he told them to me). I asked them to choose someone that they could pray for by name each day... yes, there are a few dogs on their lists.  :}  It was a good activity to work on together, and I know this will help them begin to understand how important prayer is.

One of our hymns on Sunday was Sweet Hour of Prayer. It's such a beautiful hymn, with powerful words. If you are not familiar with this hymn, a search online will give you oodles of choices. I found several options in iTunes and on YouTube. If you would like to see just one recording I found lovely to the ears, this link will take you to it.  Enjoy  :}

brother Noah

Now that it's getting cooler outside (it was pretty chilly at the bus stop this morning!), I see that the park near my house is pretty empty in the morning, with the pre-school crowd showing up on sunny afternoons. So I thought I'd share a song / activity that would be fun for morning playtime inside. 

First, find some animals - you will need two of each. Animals that make noises are easier to use for this activity. You can use stuffed animals, little plastic toy animals, and images cut from magazines and coloring books. Then, find a container or tub to use as an "ark."

Before you are ready to sing and play, hide one of each animal in your play area. As you sing each verse, hold up an animal. Challenge your pre-schooler to find the matching animal before you finish the verse. After the pair of animals has been found, place them into the "ark" together. 

If you would like to extend this activity to a real-life experience, visit the zoo one afternoon, and photograph each animal you see. If there's a male and female in the enclosure, photograph them separately. When you get home, print the pics of the animals. Print two copies of the animals that were bachelor(ette)s or find another image, from a magazine or online, so that you have two images of each animal. Then play the game the next day - E I E I O! 

Jesus is My Best Friend

Hello friends! Today I felt inspired to share a song with you. I think your little ones will enjoy it... 

Jesus Is My Best Friend  --  sung to the tune of Are You Sleeping?

Our new Sunday School year starts this Sunday. There are classes for all ages, where everyone can learn more about their best friend, Jesus. If you have questions about our Sunday School classes, please call us at 423-9711. Hope to see you there!

Psalm 30:4

Sing praise to the LORD, all his faithful people! Remember what the Holy One has done, and give Him thanks!   --- Psalm 30:4

What great words to share with your "littles!"
Warm up your vocal cords, because I'm sharing a song today... (you know the tune for Here We Go 'round the Mulberry Bush, right???)  Feel free to edit/ add your own verses.   :} 

Psalms 18:49

You know the tune for Mary Had a Little Lamb, don't you? Great!! You're ready to praise God today with your pre-schooler!

the "family" song

Since our Toddlers & Twos who stay for Sunday School will be learning about families this month, I thought it would be nice to share an activity for some family fun at home. 
Singing is already fun for toddlers, and it gets even better when you add clapping or dancing. The next time you need a wiggle-break, try this song (sung to the tune of Skip to My Lou):

I love my Mommy,

Yes, I do!

I love my Mommy,

Yes, I do!

I love my Mommy,

Yes, I do!

Thank You, dear God, for my Mommy.

**repeat verses, substituting Daddy, Abuela, Opa, Sissy, etc.

When you're finished singing, you can snuggle together for a simple prayer:

Dear God, thank you for the wonderful, loving family you created for me. Amen.