Thursday, April 9, 2015

BIBLE TABS & LEARNING THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE SONGS





Our 2 & 6 year olds are learning the books of the Bible. I just put these tabs into our oldest's Bible and taught him how they work. "It's so easy!" He said. Yep! And learning songs is an excellent way to memorize scripture and more!

Here are some of my favorite songs to memorize the books of the Bible:

Books of the Bible song

Bible Books Bop - my kid's favorite

Play along learning the books of the Bible

FUNNY version - Out in the Wild - Books of the Bible - my favorite


Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Resurrection Garden - Easter activity

You'll need:
rocks/pebbles
soil
seeds or Spanish moss (optional)
pot
paint
qtips
disposable plate for paint
6 twigs
twine or yarn
rock or piece of pottery - about the size of the opening of the pot

Have the child(ren) paint or decorate the pot. Terracotta is very easy to paint with qtips. Taking 2 twigs at a time, cross them and wrap X or the connecting part with twine or yarn. Secure with a double knot and trim extra pieces. Continue until you have 3 crosses. Have the child(ren) paint those as well. Dig a small opening in the ground for the pot. The dirt you unearthed, pack around pot. Pour soil over and around pot. Place rocks/pebbles around the front of the pot. Plant grass seeds, flower seeds or place Spanish moss if desired around the top soil. Stick the crosses into the soil. Place the rock or piece of pottery slightly in front of the pot opening.

Talk about why Jesus came to Earth, why He died on the cross, how He was the ultimate sacrifice, how many days did it take for Him to rise and go to Heaven, etc. It's amazing how torn children can feel, sometimes confused. They're precious hearts... No wonder God loves those that come to Him like little children.



Friday, March 27, 2015

EASTER LESSON - RESURRECTION ROLLS

This is also on my GREAT SCOTT blog.

This would be a GREAT thing to make with your kids on Easter morning before worship. If you have access to a kitchen it would also be GREAT to make these with a children's Bible class Easter morning.
What a fantastic, non traditional way to illustrate our Christ's resurrection. 

The marshmallow represents Jesus.

When Jesus died, they prepared him  for burial by putting oils (butter), incense & spices (cinnamon & sugar) on Him. 

Then they wrapped him in a shroud (crescent rolls). 

When Mary came to the tomb, it was empty. (When you break them open they are empty inside!!!)


RESURRECTION ROLLS
makes 4

1 (10oz) can Pillsbury refrigerated crescent rolls
4 Large marshmallows
1/4 C melted butter
2 T ground cinnamon
2 T sugar

Preheat oven to 375°. 

Separate crescent rolls into individual triangles. 

In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon & sugar.

Dip marshmallow into butter and roll in cinnamon/sugar. 



Place marshmallow into the center of the dough triangle. Carefully wrap the dough around the marshmallow. Then roll another triangle of dough in the opposite direction. 





Crimp the edges tightly to seal in the marshmallow! 

Roll in butter then in cinnamon/sugar. 

Place each in a greased muffin tin.

Bake for 20 minutes. 





Wise Men Worship Jesus - GREAT LESSON FOR CHRISTMAS

by Kimber Bailey Scott
Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11


SING:
His Name was Jesus
Tune: The Farmer in the Dell

His name was Jesus
His name was Jesus
Thank You, God, for Jesus
His name was Jesus

RHYME:
The Baby Jesus
By Dana Eynon

A stable (make house with hands)
A manger (make box with hands)
A baby (cradle baby)
With animals all around (arms outstretched)
The baby is sleeping (folded hands against cheek)
Let’s tiptoe (walk on tiptoe)
And not make even a sound (Shhh!)

LESSON:
Hold up a wrapped gift. I wonder what is in this package. I like to get gifts, don’t you? And I like to give gifts to other people too! Whom do you like to give gifts to? What gifts do you like to give to other people? Our Bible story is about some men who wanted to give gifts to Jesus.

Some wise men who lived far away saw a big bright star in the sky one night. Hold up your star. They said, “This star means that a special baby has been born. He is a king. If we follow the star, we will find Him.” So they packed some clothes, some food and some very special gifts. Perhaps they climbed up on their camels. Then they began their long journey. Let’s go on the journey with them. Have children stand and follow you as you hold the star up high and walk around your room.

The wise men followed the big bright star. The camels walked and walked. Clip-clop, clip-clop. Have children make “heavier” footsteps with their feet. Sometimes the wise men stopped to eat or to sleep or to get drinks of water. Stop and pretend to drink some water and then pretend to sleep. And then they would start on their trip again. Keep walking around the room.

Finally, the star stopped over a house. Stop walking. The wise men climbed down off their camels. In that house were Jesus and his mother and father! The wise men were so happy that they had found Jesus. They bowed down to Him and gave their special gifts to Jesus. Have children bow and pretend to give gifts. They were happy that Jesus was born. And they were happy to give thir gifts to Him. They knew He was special!

APPLY:
Gather in a circle. Why did the wise men want to see Jesus? We can show Jesus we know He’s special too. And we can give gifts to Jesus and to others. What gifts can you give to Jesus and to other people? Help guide the children’s answers as needed. They can give money to Jesus; make cards for sick peole; sing a song to praise Jesus; tell someone about Jesus, etc.

MEMORY VERSE:
The Bible says, “His name was…Jesus“ Can you say those words with me? Say them louder. Say them softer. Give each one a Bible (or share) & ask each to say, “His name was…Jesus“ Luke 2:21

SNACK OR ART/CRAFT:
Use star cookie cutters with playdoh or cookie dough to make cookies or bread to make sandwiches.

PRETEND:
As the children feed their babies, ask: What is your baby eating and drinking? Can a baby eat fried chicken? No! That’s big people food. What things do mommies and daddies do for babies? That’s right, they take care of babies. Who took care of the baby Jesus? Yes, His mommy and daddy, Mary and Joseph. Jesus was a special baby. I’m glad baby Jesus was born.

GAME:
Have children sit on the floor in a circle. Explain that the beanbag will be passed from one child to the next while the music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the beanbag will say the Bible words, “His name was Jesus.” You will need one adult to start and stop the music and one or more adults to sit in the circle with the children. You will need to say the words with the children several times. After that most will be able to say them on their own. However always say the words with a child who is new or needs help.

NEED:
Wrapped gift
star
star cookie cutters
playdoh OR cookie dough & oven OR bread & cheese
baby dolls
bottles
play food
plastic spoons
Christmas music

Bean bag or Ziploc of beans or rice

The Shepherds go to see Jesus - GREAT LESSON FOR CHRISTMAS

by Kimber Bailey Scott
Luke 2:8-20

SING:
His Name was Jesus
Tune: The Farmer in the Dell

His name was Jesus
His name was Jesus
Thank You, God, for Jesus
His name was Jesus

RHYME:
The Baby Jesus
By Dana Eynon

A stable (make house with hands)
A manger (make box with hands)
A baby (cradle baby)
With animals all around (arms outstretched)
The baby is sleeping (folded hands against cheek)
Let’s tiptoe (walk on tiptoe)
And not make even a sound (Shhh!)

LESSON:
What does a shepherd do? Who would like to dress up like a shepherd? Help several children put on headgear. A shepherd also uses a staff like this. Hold the staff. It is used to help guide the sheep and protect them from danger. You are going to be the shepherds in our Bible story.

Choose one or more children to be angels. Drape white cloth around their shoulders or let them wear angel costumes. Explain to one angel that he will say some words with you. Have angels sit next to you. The rest of you are going to be sheep. Point to these children with the staff. What do sheep say? Explain that they will say “baa” whenever you say “sheep.” I can see that all of you are ready for the story. Put your Bible on your lap.

Some shepherds were quietly watching their SHEEP at night. Most of the SHEEP were asleep. Suddenly an angel appeared! (one angel stands) He was bright and shining. The shepherds were surprised and scared. Maybe they put up their hands and their arms to keep the bright light from shining in their eyes. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. Jesus is born!”

Then many angels came and praised God. When the angels left, the shepherds left their SHEEP and went to see the special baby. They found baby Jesus lying in a manger. “Shhhhh” the shepherds said to each other. “We don’t want to wake the baby.” The shepherds were so excited about the special baby Jesus, they told everybody they saw about Him.

APPLY:
How did the shepherds feel after they saw Jesus? Why are we happy at Christmas? What do you think the shepherds told other people? What can you tell someone about the birth of Jesus? The Bible says, “His name was Jesus.” Show the children the words in the Bible. Say the verse together. Let each child who is willing hold the Bile and point to the words and “read” them to the class. Luke 2:21 “His name was…Jesus”

MEMORY VERSE:
The Bible says, “His name was…Jesus“ Can you say those words with me? Say them louder. Say them softer. Give each one a Bible (or share) & ask each to say, “His name was…Jesus“ Luke 2:21

TOUCH & FEEL:
Have things that pertain to the story for them to feel and touch. Cotton balls for sheep wool, baby doll, hay, wood for manger, cloth for shepherds clothing, etc.

ART/CRAFT:
Make-A-Nativity Scene with stickers on construction paper.

PLAY:
Play with toy animals and baby dolls with hay in a box.

NEED:
Shepherd headgear for each child (piece of fabric tied around their head with a piece of ribbon or yarn)
Staff
White fabric or angel costume
Bible
Make-A-Nativity Scene with stickers
construction paper
toy animals
baby dolls
hay
box
cotton balls
baby doll
hay
wood
cloth
etc. for touch and feel

God’s Son, Jesus, is born - GREAT LESSON FOR CHRISTMAS

by Kimber Bailey Scott
Luke 2:1-7

SING:
His Name was Jesus
Tune: The Farmer in the Dell

His name was Jesus
His name was Jesus
Thank You, God, for Jesus
His name was Jesus

RHYME:
The Baby Jesus
By Dana Eynon

A stable (make house with hands)
A manger (make box with hands)
A baby (cradle baby)
With animals all around (arms outstretched)
The baby is sleeping (folded hands against cheek)
Let’s tiptoe (walk on tiptoe)
And not make even a sound (Shhh!)

LESSON:
Push or pull a box of straw or the manger from a nativity set and put it where everyone can see it. Did you know cows and sheep eat out of a box something like this? It is called a manger. Where do big animals such as horses and cows sleep? A stable is like a barn. Animals sleep there. Something very exciting happened in a stable in our Bible story. Let’s find out what was so exciting.

And angel told Mary some happy news. Do you remember what that happy news was? And now it was almost time for the baby to be born. Mary had to take a trip with her husband Joseph to Bethlehem. Perhaps Mary rode on a donkey. Can you pat the floor with your hands to sound like the donkey’s feet?

When Mary and Joseph got to Bethlehem they were very tired. They wanted to go to bed. Joseph knocked at the door of a place that was like a hotel. It was called an inn. Let’s all knock. A tired man answered the door and said, “There is no room here.”

Joseph knocked at another door. Knock knock. “No room” said the tired woman. Finally someone let Joseph and Mary stay in their stable. It was peaceful and quiet and had clean straw to sleep on. Joseph and Mary went into the stable with the animals. They were glad to rest. While they were staying in the stable, something wonderful happened. Do you know what happened? Yes! Jesus was born!

Mary smiled as she wrapped Jesus in soft cloths and laid Him in a manger. Maybe the animals quietly watched the tiny baby sleep. Mary and joseph were happy that baby Jesus was born.

APPLY:
Who was the special baby born in the stable? Mary and Joseph were happy Jesus was born. They were especially happy because Jesus is God’s Son. Why are you happy at Christmas?
MEMORY VERSE:
The Bible says, “His name was…Jesus“ Can you say those words with me? Say them louder. Say them softer. Give each one a Bible (or share) & ask each to say, “His name was…Jesus“ Luke 2:21

SNACK:
Bake a birthday cake for Jesus & have a birthday party for Him. Sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus.

ART/CRAFT:
Make stars. Cut lots of stars out of heavy white paper before class. Let children decorate with foil, colorful paper, sequins, markers, glitter, etc. String with ribbon or yarn.

GAME:
Have children sit on the floor in a circle. Explain that the beanbag will be passed from one child to the next while the music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the beanbag will say the Bible words, “His name was Jesus.” You will need one adult to start and stop the music and one or more adults to sit in the circle with the children. You will need to say the words with the children several times. After that most will be able to say them on their own. However always say the words with a child who is new or needs help.

NEED:
Bible
Birthday cake for Jesus
napkins
knife
forks
plates
balloons
stars cut from cardstock
foil
colorful paper
glue
sequins
markers
glitter
ribbon or yarn
Christmas music

Bean bag or Ziploc of beans or rice

An Angel tells about God’s Son - GREAT LESSON FOR CHRISTMAS

by Kimber Bailey Scott
Luke 1:26-38

SING:
His Name was Jesus
Tune: The Farmer in the Dell

His name was Jesus
His name was Jesus
Thank You, God, for Jesus
His name was Jesus

RHYME:
The Baby Jesus
By Dana Eynon

A stable (make house with hands)
A manger (make box with hands)
A baby (cradle baby)
With animals all around (arms outstretched)
The baby is sleeping (folded hands against cheek)
Let’s tiptoe (walk on tiptoe)
And not make even a sound (Shhh!)

LESSON:
Pretend to talk on a toy phone or your cell phone. I’m happy! Do you know what I was talking about? I heard some happy news. My friend is going to have a new baby brother! Wow, that is such good news! Boys and girls, when you have some happy news, how can you tell your friends your happy news? There are lots of ways to tell people happy news. In our Bible story, someone hears some happy news. Let’s listen to find out that happy news.

The Bible tells about a young woman named Mary. Mary loved God very much, and He loved her. God chose Mary for a special job. He had some happy news for her. God didn’t write Mary a letter or call her on the phone. He found a special way to tell her.

One day God sent an angel to tell Mary some happy news. Maybe the angel knocked on the door. Let’s knock. When the angel saw Mary, he said, “Hello, Mary. God loves you very much. He is with you.” Mary was surprised. She had never met an angel before. Can you look surprised? Mary wondered why the angel was there. Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. You are going to have a baby. You will call Him Jesus. He will be God’s Son.”

APPLY:
What happy news did the angel tell Mary? What was Mary to name her baby? In the Bible we can find the answer. His name was Jesus.” Jesus is the special baby.

MEMORY VERSE:
The Bible says, “His name was…Jesus“ Can you say those words with me? Say them louder. Say them softer. Give each one a Bible (or share) & ask each to say, “His name was…Jesus“ Luke 2:21

SNACK: Christmas Blessing Snack Mix
In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together. You can make this mix as a family and eat
while discussing each ingredient and how it relates to Christmas. Each ingredient in this snack mix
symbolizes something associated with the Birth of Christ.
· Gummy Fruit – To symbolize the fruit we are to produce as Christians. Luke 1:41-42 - King
James Version (KJV) 41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary,
the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 42 And she spoke out
with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
· Bugles Corn Snacks - Shaped like a trumpet to remind us of the angels we have heard on
high. Luke 2:13-14 - New International Reader's Version (NIRV) 13 Suddenly a large group of
angels from heaven also appeared. They were praising God. They said, 14 "May glory be given to
God in the highest heaven! And may peace be given to those he is pleased with on earth!"
· Peanuts - Plant the seeds for peace on Earth. Luke 2:15-18 – (NIRV) 15 The angels left and went
into heaven. Then the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem. Let's see this thing
that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and
Joseph and the baby. The baby was lying in the manger. 17 After the shepherds had seen him, they
told everyone. They reported what the angel had said about this child. 18 All who heard it were
amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
· Stars - Memories of those who came before us to lead us into a blessed future. Matthew 2:1-2 -
(NIRV) 1 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. This happened while Herod was king of Judea.
After Jesus' birth, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. 2 They asked, "Where is the child who
has been born to be king of the Jews? When we were in the east, we saw his star. Now we have
come to worship him."
· Hershey's Kisses - The love of family and friends that sweetens our lives. Matthew 2:10-11 -
(NIRV) 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. 11 The Wise Men went to the house.
There they saw the child with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they
opened their treasures. They gave him gold, incense and myrrh.
· Red Hots - The blood that Jesus was born to shed for our salvation. Luke 2:26-32 - (NIRV) 26
The Spirit had told Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 The Spirit
led him into the temple courtyard. Then Jesus' parents brought the child in. They came to do for
him what the Law required. 28 Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said, 29 "Lord,
you are the King over all. Now let me, your servant, go in peace. That is what you promised. 30 My
eyes have seen your salvation. 31 You have prepared it in the sight of all people. 32 It is a light to be
given to those who aren't Jews. It will bring glory to your people Israel."
· Pretzels - Arms folded in prayer in thanksgiving and worship. Luke 2:36-38 - (NIRV) 36 There
was also a prophet named Anna. She was the daughter of Penuel from the tribe of Asher. Anna
was very old. After getting married, she lived with her husband seven years. 37 Then she was a
widow until she was 84. She never left the temple. She worshiped night and day, praying and going
without eating. 38 Anna came up to Jesus' family at that very moment. She gave thanks to God.
And she spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the time when Jerusalem would
be set free.

ART/CRAFT:
Use Magic Color Scratch White Angels. You make this angel's gown colorful! Just scratch designs onto its dress with a wooden scratching tool.

GAME:
Have children sit on the floor in a circle. Explain that the beanbag will be passed from one child to the next while the music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the beanbag will say the Bible words, “His name was Jesus.” You will need one adult to start and stop the music and one or more adults to sit in the circle with the children. You will need to say the words with the children several times. After that most will be able to say them on their own. However always say the words with a child who is new or needs help.

NEED:
Bible
Toy or cell phone
Scratch angels
Wooden scratching tools or toothpicks
Christmas music
Bean bag or Ziploc of beans or rice
Gummy fruit
Bugels corn snacks
peanuts
stars
Hershey kisses
Red hots
pretzels
large mixing bowl
mixing spoon
Ziploc bags