First Look
3- through 5-year-olds, May, Week 4
May 25, 2014 Basic Truth: God made me. Key Question: Who will take care of you? Bottom Line: God will take care of me. Memory Verse: “My God will meet all your needs.” Philippians 4:19 NIrV Bible Story: God has a plan for me. Abraham • Genesis 12:1-7
Make It Fun (Introductory Activities, 10 minutes) 1. The Plan What You Need: 2 adult-sized chairs, a broomstick, masking tape, and 3 small boxes. What You Do: Before the activity: Place the boxes on the floor in a vertical line about two feet apart. Behind the boxes place the two chairs in a horizontal line about four feet apart and lay the broomstick across them. Behind the chairs make an “X” on the floor with the masking tape. During the activity: Have the children jump over each box and crawl under the stick on the chairs. Then encourage them to do five jumping jacks on the “X”. Repeat as many times as desired. What You Say: Before the activity: “I have a plan for you! Do you see all of this fun stuff? (Pause.) We are going to have so much fun playing with this today, but we have to follow the plan! Are you ready to hear my plan?” During the activity: “Listen very carefully to the plan so that everyone will know what to do. First, you will jump over the boxes. (Demonstrate.) Then you will crawl under the stick. (Demonstrate.) After you crawl under the stick, march to the X and do five jumping jacks. (Demonstrate.) Then to finish off the plan, grab the hula-hoop and try to hulahoop three times. (Demonstrate.) Okay does everyone understand the plan? (Pause.) Great! Let’s get started!” (Repeat as many times as desired.) At the end of the activity: “Awesome job! You followed the plan perfectly! It is important to listen when someone has a plan for you. Today we are going to hear about a plan that God had for a man named Abraham. It was a BIG plan and I can’t wait for you to hear all about it.”
First Look
3- through 5-year-olds, May, Week 4
3. I Care What You Need: Several stuffed animals, blankets, plastic dishes, plastic food, and play baby supplies. What You Do: Before the activity: Arrange all of the supplies in the play area. During the activity: Allow the children to play freely and take care of the stuffed animals. At the end of the activity: Praise the children on the great care that was shown. What You Say: During the activity: “There are a lot of stuffed animals that need to be cared for (point to animals). They are hungry and need to take a nap. Can you help me take care of my animals? (Pause.) Great! You can fix them lunch or make them a bed out of the blankets. I know they are so happy to have such sweet helpers taking care of them.” At the end of the activity: “Thank you so much! You are such wonderful helpers! Everyone needs someone to take care of them sometimes. I am so thankful that God takes such good care of us! Let’s get ready to hear our Bible story and see who He is taking care of today!”
Make It True (Large Group, 15 minutes) Worship WORSHIP LEADER: “Hi, friends! How are you all today? (Pause.) I’ve so enjoyed learning all month long about how [Bottom Line] God will take care of me. Tell me: Who will take care of you?” CHILDREN and WORSHIP LEADER: [Bottom Line] “God will take care of me.” WORSHIP LEADER: “You got it! No matter what, God will take care of you each and every day! Let’s sing about that right now!” Lead children in singing “God Will.” WORSHIP LEADER: “Great job! [Bottom Line] God will take care of me! The Bible tells us that one of the ways He takes care of us is by meeting our needs each day. Does anyone remember what our Memory Verse says this month? (Allow those children that know the verse to say it on their own if they wish.) WOW! Great job! You guys were some super listeners this month! Now let’s all say our Memory Verse together with the motions. Ready? (Pause.) Here we go!”
First Look
3- through 5-year-olds, May, Week 4
CHILDREN and WORSHIP LEADER: “‘My God (push both palms up into the air) will meet (bring both hands together in front of you in a clap/clasp on the word ‘meet’) all (do jazz hands from above your head and down to each side) your needs’ (jump and land with your hands on your hips and your feet planted like a cheerleader), Philippians 4:19.” (Open hands like a book.) WORSHIP LEADER: “Awesome job! Meeting our needs, taking care of us and loving us are all apart of God’s big plan for us. Isn’t that AMAZING? (Pause.) I think so, too! I’m so glad that [Bottom Line] God will take care of me and that He has a plan for me. Speaking of plans, we’re going to hear about a plan that God had for a man in our Bible story today. It’s such a GREAT story and I can’t wait for you to hear it!”
Introductory Sketch What you Need: Tan short sleeve shirt, tan shorts, construction boots, “Stan” nametag, big bucket with the word “food” written on the side and filled with bananas and sticks, a pile of blankets, a clipboard, an oversized scrub brush, an empty bucket with an oversized sponge, and rubber dishwashing gloves. HOST: (Enter dressed as a zoo keeper, holding bucket with scrub brushes inside. and wearing the big rubber gloves. Notice kids while reading off checklist on clipboard.) “Oh, hey there! (Point to nametag.) I’m Jan the zookeeper. It’s been an exciting couple of weeks here at the zoo. Do you remember who our newest animal friend here at the zoo is? (Listen and use arm as an elephant trunk.) That’s right! A new baby elephant! We’ve been working on getting all the things ready for the little guy. We’ve been working on getting his cage all ready for him by making a comfy bed of hay and (point to pile of blankets) blankets. We’ve gotten all the food ready for him too. (point to bucket). We have tons of sticks and twigs and grass and bananas! Then we worked on getting all the things ready to keep him clean and happy—things like scrub brushes and soap. Man, he’s going to love it here! This week, my job is to complete this checklist (point to clipboard). It’s going to help all of us that work here at the zoo to be sure that the baby elephant is well taken care of and happy each and every day. I bet he’ll want to tell all of his family just how awesome we treat him here. He’s going to be one BIG happy elephant someday! “Hey! Speaking of big, you guys are about to hear all about a guy whose family was super BIG in our Bible story today! I can’t wait for you to hear all about him and his family.”
Bible Story What You Need: Bible. STORYTELLER: “Hi, friends! It is so great to see you again today. I want to share a true story from the Bible with you. It’s about how God takes care of us! Ready to hear it? (Pause.) Great! Today’s story is about a man named Abraham. Abraham had always
First Look
3- through 5-year-olds, May, Week 4
lived in the same place and he loved it! Everyone knew him, and Abraham probably thought he’d live there forever! But one day, God spoke to him and said (deep voice), ‘I want you to leave everything behind and go to a new land.’ “Whoa. God wanted Abraham to pack up and MOVE all of his things to a whole new place! But God wasn’t done yet. He said (deep voice), ‘I will bless you and give you SO many kids they’ll turn into a whole nation!’ “That means that Abraham was going to have a huge family—lots and lots of people. They would be a big, big group that was called a nation. (Lean into kids.) Okay, that’s pretty cool. A BIG family! (Hold finger up in the air.) But Abraham and his wife, Sarah, didn’t have ANY kids yet. None! Not even one! Before that happened, they were going to have to pack up and leave everything behind just like God said. “Abraham probably had lots of questions like (worried voice), ‘How do I get there? What will I find to eat? What will the land be like?’ Abraham didn’t know what would happen if he listened to God and went to the new land. Do you think he did it anyway? (Nod head yes.) Yes! Abraham listened to God, packed everything up, and went to the new land. It wasn’t always easy, but the new land was beautiful! And after many years, God gave Abraham and Sarah a baby, just like He had promised. God sure took care of Abraham, and God will take care of us, too! Who will take care of you? (Pause.) [Bottom Line] God will take care of me! Ready to say it with me?! Who will take care of you?” CHILDREN and STORYTELLER: [Bottom Line] “God will take care of me!” STORYTELLER: “Great job! One more time! Who will take care of you?” CHILDREN and STORYTELLER: [Bottom Line] “God will take care of me!” STORYTELLER: “It’s true, friends! God will take care of us! Great job! Let’s pray. “Dear God, thank You for this incredible true story. Jesus, help us to always remember that You will take care of us. We love You, God! Amen.”
Make It Stick (Application Activities, 35 minutes) 2. Putting the Pieces Together “Putting the Pieces Together” is an activity that retells the Bible story with visual aids. What You Need: “Puzzle” from the Activity Pages on the Website, white cardstock, wall tape, scissors, and a wall or storyboard. (Option: Laminate) What You Do: Before the activity: Copy “Puzzle” from the Activity Pages onto white cardstock and cut the pieces apart. Then hang the puzzle pieces on the wall in the wrong order.
First Look
3- through 5-year-olds, May, Week 4
(Option: Laminate the pieces for added durability.) During the activity: Retell the story using the puzzle pieces and moving them in the correct order. Allow the children to tell you which piece is next, making sure to connect the pieces like a puzzle. At the end of the activity: Go over the story with all the pieces in the correct order. What You Say: Before the activity: “I have a puzzle that we need to put together. It is about our story today. Can you remember what happened in our story so that we can put our puzzle together? (Pause.) Great! Let’s get started!” During the activity: “Here are our puzzle pieces. I know this is not the right order so I will need your help. (Point to each piece as you speak.) The first piece is Abraham and his wife Sarah moving to a new land. The second piece we have is Abraham and Sarah living a happy life in the old land. The third piece looks like Abraham and Sarah with a child, and the last one is God telling Abraham and Sarah to move to a new land. This is not right at all! Which puzzle piece do you think comes first? (Pause.) Yes! You are right! It is this one (remove the piece and hang it in the first position). The first piece is Abraham and Sarah living a happy life in the old land. Okay, now we need the second piece to fit right here (point to the link of the first puzzle piece). Do you remember what happened next? (Pause.) Yes, God told Abraham and Sarah to move to a new land. (Put pieces together.) It fits! Great job! Then what happened? (Pause.) You got it! Abraham and Sarah made the long journey and moved to a new land. (Put pieces together.) Perfect fit! The last one is Abraham and Sarah living in the new land and having a child. Our puzzle fits together! Great job, everyone!” At the end of the activity: (Point to the appropriate piece while talking.) “Our story today told us that Abraham was happy living in a land where he knew everyone, and then one day God told him to move to a new land. Abraham and his wife Sarah made the long journey and moved to a new land. Just as God had promised, Abraham and Sarah had a child in the new land. God always has a plan for us we just have to listen. He knows what is best for everyone because He always takes care of us! Who will take care of you? (Pause.) Yes! [Bottom Line] God will take care of me!” 3. The Way Home What You Need: “Abraham’s Maze” from the Activity Pages on the Website, white paper, and markers. What You Do: Before the activity: Make a copy of “Abraham’s Maze” from the Activity Pages on white paper for each child.
First Look
3- through 5-year-olds, May, Week 4
During the activity: Give the children a copy of “Abraham’s Maze” and encourage them to follow the different path choices with their finger. When they think they’ve found the correct path, tell them to use a marker to help Abraham find the way home! What You Say: Before the activity: “Look closely at the different paths on your paper. Only one is the right way for Abraham to find his way home. I want you to take your finger and trace each path. When you find the right one, use a marker to trace the way for Abraham to take all the way to his new home.” During the activity: “God had a plan for Abraham in our story today. His plan was for Abraham to move to a new home. Even though moving was hard for Abraham, he trusted that God’s plan was best.” At the end of the activity: “You did a great job helping Abraham find the way home! God had a plan for Abraham and He has one for you, too! You can always trust God’s plan is best because He wants to take care of you. Who will take care of you? (Pause.) [Bottom Line] God will take care of me!” 4. Dance to the Plan “Dance to the Plan” is a movement activity that allows the children to have fun while practicing the Bottom Line for the month. What You Need: This month’s worship song downloaded from the “Music Resources” tab on the Website and a music player. What You Do: Play the music and stop it in 30-second intervals. When the music stops have the children shout, [Bottom Line] “God will take care of me.” Repeat as many times as desired. What You Say: Before the activity: “I am so excited that [Bottom Line] God will take care of me and of you, too! It makes me want to dance! Let’s all dance!” During the activity: “Everyone show me your best dance moves. When you hear the music stop, everyone shout, [Bottom Line] ‘God will take care of me.’ Are you ready? (Start music and dance. After 30 seconds, stop music.) [Bottom Line] God will take care of me. Awesome job! Keep dancing!” (Repeat as many times as desired.) At the end of the activity: “You are amazing dancers! God has a plan for everyone and He takes care of all of us! Who will take care of you? (Pause.) You got it! [Bottom Line] God will take care of me!”
First Look
3- through 5-year-olds, May, Week 4
Make It Real (Small Groups, 5 minutes) Small Group Time SMALL GROUP LEADER (SGL): “God had a plan for Abraham in our Bible story today. His plan gave Abraham a new home, a new baby boy, and a large family! But first, Abraham had to trust God and follow His plan. It wasn’t always easy. Moving your whole family somewhere you’ve never been before can be hard! Abraham did it, though, and God’s plan was awesome! “Do you know that God has a plan for you, too? (Pause.) He sure does! It may not always be easy, but the Bible promises that God’s plan is always good. You can trust God’s plan for you because He wants to take care of you. Who will take care of you?” CHILDREN and SGL: [Bottom Line] “God will take care of me.” SGL: “And our Memory Verse is a great reminder of that! It says, ‘My God will meet all your needs,’ Philippians 4:19. Let’s say that one time together!” CHILDREN and SGL: “‘My God (push both palms up into the air) will meet (bring both hands together in front of you in a clap/clasp on the word ‘meet’) all (do jazz hands from above your head and down to each side) your needs’ (jump and land with your hands on your hips and your feet planted like a cheerleader), Philippians 4:19.” (Open hands like a book.) SGL: “I am so proud of you for learning our Memory Verse. Way to go! Now today when we write in our prayer journal, I want to make a list of what you think you want to be when you grow up. Everyone dreams of being something—maybe a cowboy or a dancer or a doctor or a football player! Think about it, and when I call your name, we’ll write it in our journal.” Write down the children’s names and what they say in your journal. Remember to print the words so they can recognize their names and letters.
Prayer SGL: “Dear God, there are so many different things we can do! (Name of child) wants to be a (occupation). (Repeat for each child.) All of these things are amazing, but we know that You have a special plan for each of us. You have a plan for (read each child’s name). Help us to dream big but always trust that whatever Your plan is, it’s the BEST plan. Help us to always follow You wherever You lead us. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Get Ready to Dismiss Set any take-home creations where you or parents can get them easily. Greet parents at the door and tell them that this month preschoolers are learning that [Bottom Line]
First Look
3- through 5-year-olds, May, Week 4
God will take care of me. Encourage parents to repeat the Bottom Line at home and help their child understand that [Bottom Line] God will take care of me. Have this month’s Parent CUE available for parents to pick up or send it in a monthly email. Encourage parents to use the activities found in Parent CUE to reinforce this month’s Bottom Line: [Bottom Line] God will take care of me.