jesus is born - sonseekers · jesus is born visionone 10 old goombungee road, ... the photocopy...

Name:

JESUS CALLS FOR HELPERS

Jesusis Born

visionone10 Old Goombungee Road,

Toowoomba, Qld 4350 AustraliaPhone: 1300 885 048 - Fax: 1300 728 293

Email: [email protected] - Website: www.visionone.org.au

.com.au

See more at www.sonseekers.com.au Teacher Resource - Unit 6 Level One

TEACHERRESOURCE

LEVEL ONE

AGES 4-5

UNIT 6Jesus‛ Birth and His Ministry

.com.au

TRU6L1.indd 1 4/09/2009 10:43:07 AM

SHU1.indd 1 24/09/2009 10:55:20 AM

Introduction Teacher Resource - Level One Page 1

ContentsTeaching Sonseekers ..........1

A teacher’s guide ................2

Publisher’s note ..................3

Unit 6 (Lessons 81-96):

81. Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary and John ........... 482. The birth of Jesus ............. 883. Jesus in the temple ......... 1284. John the Baptist .............. 1685. Jesus baptised ................ 2286. The call of the disciples .. 2687. Water turned to wine ...... 3088. The temple cleansed, Nicodemus ..................... 3489. The woman at the well ... 3890. The paralysed man ......... 4291. House built on the rock .. 4692. Jesus stills the storm ...... 5093. The feeding of the 5000 .. 5494. The centurion’s servant .. 5895. Forgiveness in Simon’s house .............................. 6296. The sower and the seed .. 66

Curriculum Outline .........72

Published byvisionone incABN 37 430 685 89010 Old Goombungee RdToowoomba Qld 4350AustraliaPhone: 1300 885 048Fax: 1300 728 293Email: [email protected]: www.visionone.org.au

©All rights reservedJuly 2009

Teaching Sonseekers …

Dear Teacher

Teaching young people about God’s Word is a great honour and privilege. We note God chose Abraham, a man of faith because he “would teach his children and his household after him, to know the Way of The Lord” (Gen 18:19)

One who undertakes such a task will understand they have accepted a responsibility to become a witness of God’s great love and faithfulness. As an example of Christian faith and integrity they have a wonderful opportunity to share their love for God’s Word. The tremendous blessing for those who commit themselves to this task is that the Holy Spirit will strengthen and equip you to shine as a light to your class.

Recent trends away from Sunday School structures towards child minding activities have, we believe, been unfortunate as they fail to recognise the impact and effect the message of God’s love through Christ has on young people.

Children are the Church’s future. As such they are precious and well worth any investment in quality resources and dedicated teachers.

The ‘Sonseekers’ curriculum offers children Sunday School material that gives them a sound background in Biblical events, people and places. Secondly it offers a pastoral approach for the children to know God is able to help them and change their lives.

Structurally, any program will operate effectively if those teaching are faithful, zealous and committed to a team approach that might include:

regular prayer and discussion in relation to curriculum issues, ●student needs and upcoming events and presentations;organisation and management of resources; ●training and development needs of teaching staff. ●

Teaching Sunday School is a rich and rewarding task. May God bless and guide you as you serve in this way.

Yours in Christ

The Sonseekers Team

Teacher Resource

Teacher Resource - Level One Introduction

Timeline Creation4000BC Adam and Eve The Fall2500BC Noah The Flood Tower of Babel2000BC Abraham1900BC Isaac1800BC Esau and Jacob1750BC Joseph1360BC Moses1280BC Exodus from Egypt and Journeys Joshua1240BC Entry into and Conquest of Land1220BC Judges1100BC Gideon1070BC Samson1063BC Samuel1020BC Saul as King980BC David as King940BC Solomon as King900BC Kingdom Divided839BC Elijah Emerges; Mt Carmel Jehoshaphat814BC Elisha’s Ministry749BC Jonah662BC Hezekiah; Isaiah576BC Josiah540BC Daniel taken to Babylon527BC Exile into Babylon457BC Restoration from Babylon4BC Birth of Jesus26AD Baptism of Jesus Call of Disciples28AD Feeding of 5000 Parables29AD Miracles; Transfiguration30AD Raising of Lazarus Parables Palm Sunday Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection Day of Pentecost Peter’s Ministry33AD Conversion of Paul45AD Paul’s Missionary Journeys60AD Paul as Prisoner to Rome

What are the Sonseekers materials?The Sonseekers Sunday School materials are a four year course of 128 Bible lessons. The lessons are written with the twin aims of teaching the students an accurate chronology of Biblical events and also drawing from each lesson pastoral points relevant to the age and stage of each child. They are written at four levels to cover from Prep to 12+ age groups. The 128 lessons are organised into 8 units, each of sixteen lessons. The table below indicates the suitable age group for each level:

Sonseekers Student School Level Age Level Level One 4 - 5 Kindergarten, Prep Level Two 6 - 7 Lower Primary Level Three 8 - 10 Middle Primary Level Four 11 – 12+ Upper Primary

The Sonseekers materials comprise two related elements:

Teacher Resource• – including lesson plans & activity masters which can be photocopied;Student Handbooks• – including homework activities.

There is also a Bible timeline showing chronology of major events, with the dates of the current unit’s lessons highlighted, included in each Teacher Resource.

What’s in my SonseekersLevel One Teacher Resource?Each Level One Teacher Resource contains sixteen lesson plans for the relevant age of your students. Each lesson plan comprises:

the key thought or focus for the lesson; ●a suggested way to introduce the lesson; ●a summary of the relevant bible story; ●a memory verse for the lesson, together with a suggested way ●of teaching that verse;an activity which can be used in the lesson; ●a number of extra ideas involving fun, practical activities. ●

Note: The photocopy masters for each activity are included with the lessons in this Teacher Resource book.

…/cont’d

A teacher’s guide to using the Sonseekers materials . . .

Introduction Teacher Resource - Level One Page 3

. . . teacher’s guide . . .How do I best use my Teacher Resource?The art of serving as an effective Sunday School teacher is linked to the degree of diligence in preparing for each lesson. The Sonseekers materials are only designed to assist the teacher in this process. They do not take away from the teacher his or her responsibility to prayerfully consider the needs of the children in the class and to seek God’s revelation and wisdom in presenting each Bible lesson. The following suggestions are then made with regard to using this resource.

Prior to the lesson

Prayerfully read the Bible passage for the lesson. The reference is provided in the header on the first ♦page of the lesson plan. All Scripture references are taken from the New King James Version (1983 edition).Read through the lesson plan and decide which activities will be most appropriate for the students in ♦your class. Generally, aim for a variety of activities over a unit.Think about how you will combine the various elements of your lesson. Refer to the suggested teaching ♦approach for ideas if necessary. Link the activity to the story so that the significance of the activity is clear to the students.Prepare all activities thoroughly prior to the lesson. Rehearse any planned activity at home to make ♦sure:

that you know how to do it yourself; ●that you have all the relevant materials in the quantities you will need; ●that you know the length of time that the children will need for the activity. ●

During the lesson

Review the memory verse from the previous lesson with the children. Also check on the completion of ♦the homework activity page.Revise the previous lesson before going on to a new story. You may like to use the timeline to help you ♦do this.

Publisher’s note:The publisher wishes to acknowledge the use of clip art from Coreldraw, Clickart, Bible View Clip Art by Pastoral Computer Services and Logos Bible Clips.

The publisher gives permission for artwork masters to be photocopied for the use of the students in the Sonseekers classes. However, no other part of this publication may be produced or transmitted in any form without permission in writing from the publisher.

Teacher Resource - Level One Lesson 81

Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary and John

FocusFor the children to understand that God can do anything.Memory Verse“The Lord … can do everything.”(Job 42:1-2).

Lesson IntroductionUsing pictures, if possible, talk with 1. the children about things which are impossible for us to do, such as making a seed grow into a tall tree, making it rain, the sun, moon and stars to shine; a baby growing into an adult.God can do anything and He made it 2. possible for Elizabeth and Zacharias to have a baby, even though they were too old, and for Mary to have a baby even though she was not yet Joseph’s wife.Tell the story using a sand tray (a large 3. baking tray), make hills in the sand around Zacharias and Elizabeth’s home. Make a temple and two small houses from small boxes or half milk cartons, with doors cut out. Make figures of Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary, John from the Teaching Aid Sheet, coloured, cut out and attached to paddlepop sticks.

Story SummaryZacharias and Elizabeth were very old and 1. had no children.While Zacharias was doing God’s work in 2. the temple (explain what a temple is) an angel from God came to see him and told him Elizabeth would have a baby.His name would be John, and God had a 3. special job for John when he grew up.Zacharias could not believe the angel 4. because Elizabeth was too old to have a baby. Because he had not believed the angel, he was not able to speak until after the baby was born.An angel went to see Mary and told her 5. she was going to have a baby. He would be God’s promised baby. His name would be Jesus.Mary believed the angel, but wondered 6. how this would happen, as she was not yet Joseph’s wife.The angel told Mary that nothing is 7. impossible for God.

Teaching SuggestionHave the children curl up very small and pretend they are a tiny seed in the ground. The teacher pretends to water the seeds and the children slowly uncurl and grow taller and taller. As they do so, they slowly say “The Lord can do everything” until they are a tall apple tree with big red apples on the ends of the branches. Do the same pretending to be a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, or a tadpole into a frog.

Extra IdeasMiming Game. 1. How could Zacharias tell Elizabeth she was going to have a baby without speaking? The teacher uses facial expressions and action to try to say this. The children then take turns to mime something while the others try to guess what it is, e.g. reading a book, colouring, walking the dog, shopping, cooking.Free Play with Sand Tray. 2. Put a large sheet of newspaper or plastic under the tray. Choose two children at a time to play with the figures. Encourage them to try to act out the story again with the figures.Sing with Actions. “My God is so BIG ... there’s nothing my 3. God cannot do ...”, or “If I were a butterfly”, or similar song known to you, about God being able to do everything.Grow Some Seeds. 4. Have small plastic pots or the bottom of milk cartons with holes punched for drainage. Allow the children to put some potting mix into the pots. Give each child a few fast growing flower seeds to put in the soil. They can give them a little water. Have the memory verse written on labels to stick on the pots. Ask the children to bring their pots back to show the class when the seeds have grown.ButterflyPrints.5. Fold a sheet of paper in half. Put three small blobs of different coloured paint on one side of the paper, near the fold. Children fold the paper over and spread paint between the sheets with their hands - open up - a butterfly painting, add feelers with felt pens. Write the memory verse on the painting and discuss how God created the process for a caterpillar to change into a beautiful butterfly demonstrating He can do everything.Morning Tea. 6. Iced face biscuits. Use arrowroot biscuits and have icing prepared - mix sifted icing sugar with a little water with colouring added. Put the biscuits on paper plates and the children spread the icing on the biscuits with a blunt knife. Use lollies or dried fruit to make Elizabeth’s or Mary’s happy face.

Numbers 6:1-8; Luke 1:5-80

Lesson 81 Teacher Resource - Level One Page 5

Activity - Cut and Paste Matching Shapes

Materials1 Activity Sheet per child.• Safety scissors.• Glue.• Crayons.•

Steps

Before ClassCut along the solid line on the Activity Sheets.•

In ClassChildren colour the pictures.• Children cut out the happy face and the rectangle with the cradle and baby in it out of the bottom section of the • Activity Sheet.Children paste the happy face over the sad face and the cradle with the baby over the empty cradle.• Discuss that although these women were unable to have babies the Lord performed a miracle and they did.•


Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary and JohnTeaching Aid Sheet


Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary and JohnActivity – Cut and Paste Matching Shapes


The birth of Jesus

FocusFor the children to know something of the wonder and joy of this great gift of God.Memory Verse“Let the heavens rejoice.” (Psalm 96:11).

Lesson IntroductionYou could talk to the children about new babies and 1. the excitement for the family of a new baby coming into the house. Mention its new cot, bath, toys, etc. Either use a nativity scene or re-use Lesson 1’s 2. figures of the angel, Mary and Zacharias (re-colour Zacharias as Joseph).The emphasis could be on joy and praise to God. 3. Each time in the story that people or angels praised God, you could ask the children to also praise God.

Story SummaryMary was told by God’s angel that she would be the 1. mother of a very special baby - Jesus, God’s own Son.God reassured Joseph about the baby.2. While Mary was pregnant, she and Joseph had to 3. go to Bethlehem to be counted. It was very busy and crowded there. There was no room in the inn and they had to stay in a stable with the animals. This is where Jesus was born.Some shepherds who were watching over their 4. sheep, were visited by an angel who told them about the baby Jesus.Lots of angels came and sang praises to God.5. The shepherds went and found the baby Jesus in the 6. stable and they were very happy and praised God too.Later, some wise men from far away, followed a 7. very bright star. They stopped in Jerusalem and asked King Herod where the new baby was. Herod was troubled when he heard this and asked the three men to come back and tell him where the baby was.The three men followed the star to where Jesus 8. was. They joyfully gave Him presents and worshipped Him.The wise men didn’t tell Herod where Jesus was 9. because God showed them in a dream that Herod would harm Jesus.God looked after Mary, Joseph and Jesus and told 10. them to go to Egypt where they would be safe from King Herod.

Teaching SuggestionHave the children sing a well known song of praise then play a “first to respond” game as follows: With the children sitting on the floor, the teacher says “And Mary said”. The children jump up quickly and call out “Let the heavens rejoice”. The teacher could also say “And the angels said”, “And the shepherds said”, “And the wise men said” and have the same response from the children.

Extra IdeasCelebration Party. 1. Focus the children’s attention to the purpose of this party with discussion on why people celebrate and visit a new baby. It is a celebration of Jesus’ birth so focus on this with plenty of singing and praising the Lord, as well as special food. As a reminder of the love of Jesus have the children wrap a star and heart biscuit to give to their parents/family to share in the celebration. Suggestions for party food include cake, biscuits (star and heart shapes), sultanas, fruit, chips, juice. Nativity Scene. 2. The children would enjoy making their own nativity scene. Provide each child with a small box (e.g. a packet cake box with one large side cut away), a tiny doll such as can be bought at toy shops, one match box inner for a crib, straw or dry stalks of grass, pipe cleaners for figures of animals and people, small pieces of fabric and wool for clothes, cotton wool balls for the sheep, and a star to stick on the end of a pipe cleaner.Drama. 3. Provide dressing-up clothes and props to enact the story - old sheets and tea-towels, a walking stick for the shepherd’s crook, a lamb’s wool rug, fabric that might resemble an animal, crowns or turbans for the wise men, a large star. As an extra activity, the children could work together to set up the props (crib with doll, shredded paper for straw, paint and glitter for a large star etc.).

Matthew 1:18-25;2:1-23;

Isaiah 7:14;Luke 2:1-40


Activity - Gift Card

MaterialsCardboard.• 1 copy of Activity Sheet per child.• Paint in small containers • (e.g. margarine containers).Sponges for painting.• Safety scissors.• Colouring pencils and crayons.• Glitter.• Glue.•

Steps

At HomeCut a star stencil for each child from cardboard, • using the star shape from Activity Sheet 2.Photocopy enough pictures of the baby Jesus for • your class.From Activity Sheet 1, cut out the card and fold • along the dotted line.

In ClassThe children could colour and glitter the picture of • the ribbon which is the outside of the card.Have the children colour then cut out the pictures of • Baby Jesus.Glue this to the inside of the card on the lower half.• Place a star stencil over the glued on picture of baby Jesus and allow the children to sponge paint all around the star.• You could outline the star shape with a coloured or gold pen.• Sprinkle with a small amount of gold or silver glitter.• Throughout the activity talk about how special this baby Jesus is and the joy and wonder of this whole event.•

“Let theheavensrejoice.”

Colourandglitter

Cut, colourand paste

Sponge printand glitteraround edgeof star


The birth of JesusActivity – Gift Card - Sheet 1

“Let theheavensrejoice.”


The birth of JesusActivity – Gift Card - Sheet 2


Jesus in the temple

FocusFor the children to know that they can hear God’s voice and do His will.

Memory Verse“Teach me Your way.” (Psalm 27:11).

Lesson IntroductionTalk to the children about crowds. Ask 1. whether they have ever been lost in a supermarket. Were their Mummy and Daddy worried about them?

Story SummaryJesus went to Jerusalem every year with 1. Mary and Joseph (His Mum and Dad).They went to Jerusalem to keep the Feast 2. of Passover.After the feast, Mary and Joseph and lots 3. of other people started travelling home.They couldn’t find Jesus among their 4. friends and relatives, so went back to find Him.They found Him in the temple talking 5. with the religious leaders.Mary and Joseph were upset with Jesus 6. because He did not stay with them.Jesus told them He was doing “His 7. Father’s work”.

Teaching SuggestionSing the memory verse “Teach me Your way ...” to the melody of “Everybody do this” or another suitable tune e.g. “Teach me Your way, Your way, Your way (repeat)” and add for the last line “so I can do it too”. Select a child to choose an action to do whilst singing and have the other children copy the action.

Extra Ideasa) Hide and Seek. 1. Hide an object or a child and have the children find the object or child. Explain and relate this to how Mary and Joseph felt looking for Jesus.b) The Blanket Game. Have the children sit on the floor at random. Cover one child with a blanket while all eyes are closed. The children then try to guess which child is under the blanket.c) Find the Envelope. Place a picture of Jesus in an envelope. One child closes his/her eyes while the envelope is hidden. The children say whether the child is getting “hotter” as they are closer to the envelope, or “colder” for further away.Cubby. 2. Make a cubby house to represent the temple. Have the children act out the story. Include pretending to be Mary and Joseph walking for a whole day then asking if anyone had seen Jesus. Retrace the return journey. Make it interesting by using furniture to make an obstacle course to go over and around.Foot Prints. 3. Use long lengths of paper, e.g. continuous computer paper, plus thick yellow and red paint on ice-cream carton lids at opposite ends of the paper. The children stand in the yellow paint and walk to the end of the paper, then stand in the red and walk the return journey. Relate this to the day’s journey Mary and Joseph had to do.Morning Tea. 4. The children can sit inside the cubby house for morning tea and pretend to be meeting together.Discussion. 5. Talk with children about how we can hear God’s voice and do His will. Write ideas and suggestions on large piece with words and pictures eg. Parents, Teachers, Grandparents etc.

Luke 2:41-52


Activity - Colour, Cut and Paste Jesus in the Temple

Materials1 photocopied picture of Jesus and the temple per child.• Glue.• Colouring pencils or crayons.• Safety scissors.•

StepsHave the children colour in the temple worksheet and the picture of Jesus. • They can then cut around the dotted line of the Jesus’ picture and glue it onto the dotted space of the temple • worksheet.Talk about how Jesus knew and was doing His Father’s work.•


Jesus in the templeActivity – Colour, Cut and Paste Jesus in the Temple – Sheet 1


Jesus in the templeJesus in the temple Activity – Colour, Cut and Paste Jesus in themple – Sheet 2


John the Baptist

FocusFor the children to know that they need to be sorry for the wrong things they do, say or think and that if they ask God to forgive them He will.Memory Verse“Prepare the way.” (Mark 1:3).

Lesson IntroductionThe children sit in a circle. The teacher 1. whispers a message to the child on his/her left - “The story today is about John the Baptist”. The message is passed on around the circle in a whisper until it reaches the last child on the teacher’s right. The last child repeats the message out aloud. Is the message the same as when it started?John the Baptist had a very important 2. message to tell the people. (Remind the children of John’s birth using the stick puppets from Lesson 1’s Teaching Aid Sheet.) Ask the children to listen very carefully to the story to see if they can hear John’s message. Tell the story using the Paper Bag Hand 3. Puppet from the Activity. Allow the puppet to ‘speak’ John’s words, or use the Extra Ideas Activity Sheets and create stick puppets.

Story SummaryJohn had gone to live in the desert so he 1. could learn from God what he had to do.John wore clothes of camel hair, with a 2. leather belt. He ate locusts and wild honey.John told the people to be sorry for the 3. wrong things they had done. He told them they had to want to change their lives and to ask God to forgive them.John told them to share, to tell the truth, 4. not to steal and to be happy with what they had.John baptised the people who wanted to 5. change their lives (explain simply what baptism is).John baptised the people in the river.6. John told King Herod that he was living 7. badly, so Herod put John in prison.(Later John was beheaded).8.

Teaching SuggestionMake a simple obstacle course with three objects - boxes or tables and chairs. The children one at a time go over the box and say “Prepare”, under the table and say “the”, around the chair and say “way”. Now have the children walk a straight path along a piece of rope or masking tape and say the verse again. (“Which is easier?”) John told the people to get rid of all the “obstacles” - things that stop them hearing and obeying God’s word - in their lives.

Extra IdeasStick Puppet. 1. Photocopy the two Extra Ideas Activity Sheets and then paste the figures onto cardboard. Add a paddlepop stick to the back of the figures to create stick puppets. In class, have the children colour the figures and water scene. Use a Stanley knife (to be used by adult only) to slit the scene, then reinforce the ends of the slit with sticky tape. Use the puppets to re-tell the story.Sewing. 2. Photocopy the Activity Sheet onto thin cardboard and make holes every 1½ to 2 cms apart around the outer edge of the face. Thread bodkins or large blunt needles with coloured wool and actually tie the end of the wool at the first stitch. Alternatively attach a coloured match stick to end of wool or simply use sticky tape wrapped around the end of wool. Allow the children to sew in and out through the holes.Bathing Dolls. 3. Use washable dolls, tub, soap, face washers and towels. Talk about baptism while the children wash the dolls.“John says.” 4. Play “Simon says”, but using “John says” instead. John says - clap, jump, pat your head, run around etc. If John says “be baptised” the children bob down as if going under the water.Play. 5. “I wrote a letter to my friend and on the way I dropped it. Someone must have picked it up and put it in their pocket.” Children sit in a circle with their hands behind their backs. Write “Prepare the way” on a piece of paper and fold it in half - this is the letter. It doesn’t matter that the children can’t read it. Tell the children what the note says. Choose one child to skip or walk around the outside of the circle as the rest of the class say the rhyme. He drops the letter into someone’s hands. That child stands up and reads the letter. Then both children run around the outside of the circle in opposite directions back to the space and the first one back sits down. The other child is the new messenger.Prayer Hands. 6. Children trace around their hands with fingers together, then cut out. Discuss together about things they can ask God to forgive them for and write this on their hands. Reinforce the importance of talking about these things with their parents and the need to be sorry. Follow this with a time of simple prayer.Morning Tea. 7. The children can spread honey on biscuits or bread.

Matthew 3:1-12;14:1-12;

Mark 1:1-8;Luke 3:1-20;John 1:19-28


Activity - Paper Bag Hand Puppet

Materials1 Activity Sheet per child.• 1 paper lunch bag for each child plus a few • spares. You need to use the bags which have a base and tucked in sides. These are available from supermarkets. Other bags can be folded into this form.Colouring pencils or crayons.• Safety scissors.•

Steps

At HomeCut out the Activity Sheet face of John the • Baptist.Make 1 completed puppet to use as an • example.

In ClassChildren colour in John’s head.• Cut across the line through John’s mouth.• Fold the bottom of the paper bag over • (if using a bag with a base this is already done).Paste the top half of the head to the base of • the bag and the lower half underneath so that the two halves join.When a hand is placed in the bag - curl the fingers into the bottom and make the mouth move.• Write the memory verse inside the mouth.•


John the BaptistActivity – Paper Bag Hand Puppet


John the BaptistExtra Ideas Activity Sheet 1


John the BaptistExtra Ideas Activity Sheet 2


This page is intentionally blank


Jesus baptisedand tempted

FocusFor the children to know that they too can trust in the Lord and be baptised in water and by the Holy Spirit and know Him as their helper and friend.

Memory Verse“He is our help.” (Psalm 33:20).

Lesson IntroductionAsk the children if they have ever watched people 1. being baptised and explain that this is what Jesus told us to do when we know in our hearts that we want to trust God always. Use a sand tray, set up with the river (either real 2. water in a container, blue fabric, or a picture of water) cardboard or pipe cleaner figures, or action dolls dressed appropriately, picture of a dove. As the story progresses, you could then change the 3. scene to add rocks, plastic wild animals, etc. If you are having the morning tea as suggested in Extra Ideas, it could be quite good to have a jar of lollies or biscuits etc. very visible, as a practical example of temptation.

Story SummaryJesus came to the River Jordan. John knew straight 1. away that He was the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.Jesus asked John to baptise Him. John was very 2. surprised at first, but did baptize JesusAs soon as Jesus was baptised, the heavens opened 3. and He was filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit came like a dove, and rested on Jesus.God the Father spoke saying, “This is My beloved 4. Son, in whom I am well pleased.”The Holy Spirit took Jesus into the wilderness for 5. forty days.Jesus had no food during this time, and Satan tried 6. to tempt Him.There are many wild beasts and dangers in the 7. wilderness but the angels looked after Jesus all the time.

Teaching SuggestionBuild an obstacle of chairs, tables etc. Have a blindfolded child make his/her way over and around the obstacles. Two children could be ‘helpers’ to guide him/her through the obstacles. Continue until all the children have had a turn both at being blindfolded and being helpers. Relate this activity to the Holy Spirit being our helper in all life’s difficulties. At the completion of the obstacle course, the child could recite the memory verse.

Extra IdeasDove Mobile. 1. Photocopy onto light cardboard the Extra Ideas Activity Sheet. Have 1 dove per child. At home cut out and cut the slit with a Stanley knife. Draw lines across sheets of A4 paper approx 3 cm apart for the children to fold in a fan fashion in class. Once folded, the children cut nicks into the edges of the folds for a feathering effect. This can then be opened out carefully and glue and glitter can be applied here and there. Refold and slide into the slit in the dove. Fan out the wings a little. Attach a string where marked and hang the dove from a coat hanger to make a mobile.Finger Painting. 2. Use thick blue paint for finger painting Jesus being baptised. Take prints of the work by laying a clean sheet of paper over the drawing and patting it lightly all over. Remove and dry. The children can continue to paint.Photos. 3. Display photos of ones being baptised and talk about what is happening in the photos.Stick Puppet and Bathing Dolls. If these Extra Ideas 4. from the previous lesson were not used, try them.Water only Morning Tea. 5. Start the children with a very meagre morning tea of water only. Ask if they are hungry. Show them the temptation of the lollies, and other food on the table, but do not allow them to have it immediately. Talk about the temptation that Jesus suffered and how He overcame Satan, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Also how the Holy Spirit can be our help.

Matthew 3:13-17;4:1-11;

Mark 1:9-13;Luke 3:21-22;

4:1-13; John 1:29-34


Activity - Dove Headband

Materials1 Activity Sheet per child.• 1 strip of cardboard per child.• Stapler.• Colouring pencils or crayons.• Glue.• Glitter.• Sticky tape.• Feathers from 1 coloured feather duster (found in the supermarket for under $1).•

Steps

At HomeCut strips of cardboard approx 3 cm wide and 60 cm long for the headband.• Cut out the dove and tail.•

In ClassHave the children colour in the dove and decorate their headband. Staple the dove to the headband (don’t forget the • tail feathers) and adjust the size of the band to fit. Remind the children of the significance of the dove for us.Tape over the staple ends. • Allow the children to add feathers, attaching them with sticky tape.•


Jesus baptised and temptedActivity – Dove Headband


Jesus baptised and temptedExtra Ideas Activity Sheet


The call of the disciples

FocusFor the children to realise that they need to follow Jesus.

Memory Verse

“Come ... follow Me.” (Mark 10:21).

Lesson IntroductionChildren sit in a circle with one child 1. blindfolded. Teacher points to a child and he/she says to the blindfolded child “Come, follow me.” The blindfolded child tries to guess who is speaking.Talk to the children about knowing voices 2. and how the disciples knew Jesus’ voice just as they know their Mum or Dad’s voices.Use figures enlarged from the Activity to 3. tell the story.

Story SummaryJohn the Baptist and two of his disciples 1. saw Jesus. John called Jesus “the Lamb of God” (God’s Son), so the two disciples followed and stayed with Jesus.One of the disciples, Andrew, found his 2. brother Simon. Andrew told Simon he had found the Messiah.When Simon met Jesus, he was amazed 3. that Jesus already knew him. Jesus told Simon that he shall be called “Cephas”, which means a stone.Jesus found more disciples who loved 4. Him and wanted to follow Him.Nathaneal was another man that Jesus 5. knew. Nathaneal knew and believed that Jesus was the Son of God.Jesus told Nathaneal that he would see 6. great things.The disciples were sent out by Jesus to 7. all the towns near and far. He gave them power so that they could heal the sick and cast out demons and speak to the people.

Teaching SuggestionThe children stand in a line about an arm’s length apart. The teacher takes the first child’s hand and says the memory verse. Then they walk, hand in hand, weaving in and out of the line of children and back to the beginning of the line where they drop hands. The child takes the next child’s hand and says the memory verse and they walk together in and out of the line of children and back to the beginning of the line. In the meantime, the teacher has gone to the end of the line. This continues until all have had a turn and the teacher is at the head of the line again.

Extra IdeasFollow the Leader. 1. Go for a short walk outside. Use obstacles in the environment to reinforce the need to follow the leader eg. puddles, rocks roots etc.Follow the Footprints. 2. Before class set out a trail of footprints leading to a hand held mirror wrapped up eg. paper footprints or chalk outline. During class take the children on an aimless walk finding nothing. Then problem solve with the children to see the need for following the footprint trail to find the goal. Once the mirror is found discuss how important it is to follow Jesus because He calls us.Follow Me Game. 3. Sit the children in a circle. The teacher calls to a child, “………., come follow me.” That child then follows the teacher around the outside of the circle, then calls to another child, “………., come follow me.” Continue until all the children and the teacher are walking around in a circle.Listening Game. 4. Have the children guess different familiar voices, guess instrument sounds or animal sounds from a tape. Talk about this game in the context of point two from the Lesson Introduction.Morning Tea. 5. As the children have a turn at being the leader, or listening and guessing a voice or musical instrument, they then go and get their morning tea.Discussion. 6. Talk about how we follow Jesus and link with prior lesson about hearing God’s voice, doing His will and being taught His way. Expand on this with how we follow God’s way by listening and obeying our parents and loving each other.

John 1:35-51;Matthew 10:1-4;

Luke 10:1-12


Activity - Cut and Colour the Disciples to Follow Jesus

Materials1 copy of Activity Sheet per child, photocopied or mounted on cardboard.• 1 copy of the disciples from Activity Sheet 2 per child.• Colouring pencils or crayons.• Glue or sticky tape.• Safety scissors.• Paddlepop sticks (1 per child).•

StepsThe children colour in the landscape and the group of disciples.• They then cut out around the disciples and the teacher helps them fix a paddlepop stick to the back.• The teacher cuts along the dotted line on the landscape scene, and the children slide their disciples across the page.• Discuss Jesus calling the disciples and their response to follow Him.•


The call of the disciplesActivity - Cut and Colour the Disciples to Follow Jesus – Sheet 1


The call of the disciplesActivity - Cut and Colour the Disciples to Follow Jesus – Sheet 2


Water turned to wine

FocusFor the children to know that Jesus is interested in their problems and wants to help them.Memory Verse“The Lord is my helper.” (Hebrews 13:6).

Lesson IntroductionAs the children arrive, hand each one a 1. party invitation. These can be simply a piece of card with some balloons drawn on. Write “Come to a Party” at the top and the child’s name at the bottom.Tell the children that this is a wedding 2. party and choose two children to dress as the bride and groom.A veil for the bride and a jacket and tie 3. for the groom would suffice. The other children can wear party hats.Have some party food prepared and a 4. cloth for the floor or table. The children can help set up the food. Have a small amount of grape juice (the wine) in a jug.Tell the story as you go along. Have two 5. other jugs put aside - one clear plastic full of water and the other of coloured plastic which can’t be seen through which has some undiluted raspberry or blackcurrant cordial in the bottom. When you reach the part of the story where the wine runs out, ask 1 child (the servant) to fill the jug (with the cordial in it) with the water and then pour some out for the other children.

Story SummaryThere was a wedding in Cana of Galilee.1. Jesus, His mother Mary, and His disciples 2. were invited.When they ran out of wine, Jesus 3. instructed the servants what to do. They filled the six water pots with water.4. When they drew it out, it had changed into 5. wine.The master of the feast, was very 6. impressed that the best wine had been kept until last!This was the first of Jesus’ miracles and 7. His disciples believed in Him.

Teaching SuggestionA Party Game. The children touch their heads and say “the”; touch their shoulders and say “Lord”; touch their knees and say “is”; touch their toes and say “my”; clap their hands and say “helper”.Repeat this a few times getting faster each time.

Extra IdeasAct out story. 1. Provide appropriate dress up clothes for the children to reenact the story. Remind the children of the focus of the lesson.Draw a Picture. 2. Provide each child with a black piece of paper. Ask them to think about how Jesus can/has helped them with a problem and talk about these together as a group. Then they each draw the positive outcome of His help eg. sharing a toy with sibling. Teacher then writes on the bottom of their picture how Jesus is helping.Clay or Playdough Modelling. 3. The children can make a pot like the water jugs out of clay. You will need protective aprons if using clay and a paper plate for the children’s work if they are going to take it home. A pinch pot can be made by pushing your two thumbs into the middle of a ball of clay but not right to the bottom and then squeezing the sides around the pot between your thumbs and first two fingers (not too thin). Praying Hands. 4. Children trace around their hands with fingers together, then cut out. Discuss together how Jesus can help them and write this on their ‘hands’ before gluing together. Then talk about how we ask Jesus for help. Follow with spending time praying and asking Jesus for His help.Morning Tea. 5. Share some party food if this was not part of the lesson.

John 2:1-11


Activity - Change the Water to Wine

MaterialsOne Activity Sheet per child.• Blue and red crayons.• Orange/Terracotta colour water based paint• Scissors.• Glue or stapler.•

Steps

Before ClassCut around the Activity Sheet.•

In ClassThe children colour the water section blue and the wine section red with crayons.• Children paint over the picture with the water colour.• Cut along the centre lines of the sheet.• Paste or staple tab A to top of tab B like a book.• Emphasise what is written on the activity sheet and why He did it•

water

into

wine

Jesus changed


Water turned to wineActivity – Change the Water to Wine

water

into

wine

Jesus changed


The temple cleansed, Nicodemus

FocusFFor the children to understand that our hearts are God’s temple where Jesus lives.

Memory Verse“Walk in the light.” (Isaiah 2:5).

Lesson IntroductionDiscuss how the temple can be likened to our hearts. We have to recognise that our hearts are sinful and that we need Jesus to live in our hearts to help us live His way.

Story SummaryJesus was angry when He found that the 1. Jews were using God’s temple to change money and sell animals.Jesus went into the temple, turned the 2. tables over and sent the animals out.The Jews asked Jesus for a sign and He 3. told them “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up”.Jesus meant that when He died, His body 4. would be buried and in three days He would rise again.Jesus told Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, 5. that if a person was to see and enter the kingdom of God, he had to be born again.He must be baptised, born of water and 6. the Holy Spirit and that if he believed in God’s Son, he would live forever.Jesus said that people who loved evil 7. hated the light, but those who love truth come to the light for their deeds to be seen.We need to ask Jesus to change us to be 8. more like Him. Jesus is the light.

Teaching SuggestionThe teacher holds a torch and moves the beam of light on the ground. The children try to follow and say “Walk in the light”, as they step on the light.

Extra IdeasPlaydough. 1. Have the children make a figure of themselves. While doing this talk about Jesus living in us as we walk in the light.Paths. 2. Have paints, crayons, chalk and colouring pencils for the children to draw interesting paths on large sheets of paper. Draw some yourself and allow the children to run their index fingers along the paths. Make them more and more interesting with lots of bends. Talk about how we walk along the pathway of light.Darkness Game. 3. Blindfold the children and discuss how difficult it is to walk and find their way around.My Heart. 4. Give each child a piece of paper with ‘My heart is a temple where Jesus lives’ written on. Instruct children to draw a picture of themselves. Provide a heart shape sticker with ‘Jesus’ written on to place on the picture of themselves. Walking in the Light. 5. Before class tape down a pathway of string wool that bends and branches off. Teacher demonstrates walking along the pathaway holding a torch making the point that they are following the pathway where the light shines. As each child has a turn continue to talk about Jesus living in us and walking in the light, or singing songs that reinforce this.Songs. 6. “Come into my heart”, “Jesus is the way”, “Heavenly sunshine”, “I will walk in the light”, or some other song known to you about walking in the light or Jesus living in my heart.Morning Tea. 7. Make a cubby house to represent the temple and have morning tea inside it.

John 2:13-22; 3:1-21


Activity - Walking in the Light

Materials1 piece of A4 black cardboard per child.• 1 piece of A4 white cardboard per child.• Safety scissors.• Glue or sticky tape.• Colouring pencils or crayons.• Paddlepop sticks.• Stapler.• 1 person from the Activity Sheet per child.•

Steps

Before ClassCut a path on black card (use the page horizontally and leave a border at either end of the path)• Write the memory verse at the bottom of each white page, and cut a corresponding space in the black card so that • the memory verse can be seen.On each sheet of white paper trace the path from the black card as a template.•

In ClassChildren colour and cut around their person, then the teacher helps attach this to a paddlepop stick.• Children colour the path yellow (that is on their white sheet).• The teacher then staples the black and white sheets together, on three sides leaving the bottom unstapled.• Children then move their person along the path, using the paddlepop stick.• As children move their person along the path talk about how Jesus lives in us and walking in the light. Refer back • to points 7 and 8 in story summary.

VariationInstead of the person provided on the Activity Sheet, have the children draw themselves on an appropriate size • piece of paper and attach this to the paddlepop stick.


The temple cleansed NicodemusActivity – Walking in the Light


The woman at the wellFocusFor the children to understand that Jesus knows all about them.Memory Verse“God ... knows ... the heart.” (Psalm 44:21).

Lesson IntroductionAsk the children who knows them best of all 1. - Mum, Dad, etc? Once this is established, tell them that Jesus knows them even better than anyone else.Ask a child to come out to the front of the 2. group. Have the others take a good look at the child to try to remember his/her appearance. The teacher holds a sheet or large beach towel in front of the child to hide him/her from the class. The children are then asked to remember what the hidden child looks like, e.g. colour of dress, colour of eyes, hair, etc. Lower the sheet and ask the children some questions about the child that they will not know the answer to, e.g. favourite food, toy or game.Jesus knows the answers to all these 3. questions, and He knew all about the woman in our story today even though He had never met her before.

Story SummaryJesus was travelling from Judea to Galilee.1. He stopped for a rest at Jacob’s Well in 2. Samaria, and asked a lady who lived there for a drink.She was surprised because the Jews and 3. Samaritans never talked to each other.Jesus told her about “living water”. (This 4. is Jesus living in us and helping us day by day.)Jesus told the Samaritan woman things about 5. her life. She was amazed.When Jesus told her that He was the 6. Messiah (Christ) the one they had been waiting for, she rushed back to the city and told the men of the town.Jesus spent two days in the city and many 7. Samaritans came to hear and see Him.Many people believed that He was Christ, 8. the Saviour of the world, because of the words that He spoke.

Teaching SuggestionChildren point upwards and say “God”.Children point to their noses and say “knows”.Children point to their heart and say “the heart”.Have children repeat this two or three times, standing, sitting, on one leg, etc.

Extra IdeasPlaydough. 1. Using heart-shaped cutters, cut heart shapes from playdough or clay.Painting. 2. Trace around quite large dotted outlines of hearts drawn on paper, and have the children paint inside the heart something that is special to them.Discussion. 3. With the children in a group, help each one to share with the other, something they know about Jesus and something Jesus knows about them.How Many Buckets? 4. Use cups or jugs to fill with water to see how many it takes to fill a large container. Vary the large containers. Children of this age can generally only count up to 10 or 12. Extension of this activity is to simulate a well by using a bucket and cups on string over a drop. This can be used in conjunction with role playing or acti“Jesus knows Me” Book. 5. Have three A4 sheets of paper per child. Cut each page in half to make 6 pages. On the top of the first page write “Jesus knows me”. On the top of the second write “Jesus knows when I am happy”, on the third write “Jesus knows when I am sad”, fourth “Jesus knows the things I like”, fifth leave blank after “Jesus knows” for the children to tell you later, and sixth, “Jesus knows that I love Him”. In class, the children may then do appropriate drawings for the words of each page. Finally, make into a book using staples.Fold Painting. 6. Before class, cut a large heart shape from A4 paper for each child. In class, the children use thick paint to dab a few blobs on one side of the open heart. Fold over and rub gently, then open.Morning Tea. 7. Use heart-shaped cutters on bread with hundreds and thousands or share some heart-shaped biscuits or cake for morning tea. Maybe a chocolate drop, sultana or jam could be cooked into each heart to represent the things in our hearts that God knows all about.

John 4:3-42


Activity - Paper Hearts

MaterialsOne Activity Sheet per child, mounted or photocopied on light cardboard.• Safety scissors.• Glue.• Colouring pencils, crayons or felt pens.•

Steps

At HomePhotocopy and mount activity sheet onto light cardboard.• Make up one completed activity as an example.• Pre-cut some of the activities.•

In ClassShow the children a completed activity and discuss with them how God knows all about them, even the special • things that they might keep a secret in their hearts. Relate this back to the story.Cut around the heart and person shapes (this will be too difficult for some children so have some sheets pre-cut in • case of mistakes).Fold the heart and have the children draw a picture inside the heart of something that is special to them.• The children colour the front of the heart and the child figure, adding features to match their own.• Glue the back of the heart to the chest of the figure.•

“God...knows...the heart.”

(Psalm 44:21)


The woman at the wellActivity – Paper Hearts

“God...knows...the heart.”

(Psalm 44:21)


FocusFor the children to know that God can forgive us and heal when we ask Him.

Memory Verse“Jesus … heals you.” (Acts 9:34).

Lesson IntroductionHave races (jumping, hopping, crawling, 1. backwards, etc.) Talk about the parts of the body they use in their races. Introduce the story as one about a man who couldn’t walk or use his arms. Use Lego or Duplo models of a house and 2. men. Remove a few Lego bricks from the roof and have the children lower a Lego man through the hole. Lay the Lego man on a piece of material with cotton thread sewn to each corner. Tell the story as they do this. If you cannot obtain the Lego or Duplo, the house could be made from an upturned fruit carton and the people could be made from cardboard cylinders with faces drawn on them.

Story SummaryJesus was in Capernaum. When it was known 1. that He was in the town, lots of people came to the house where He was.They all wanted to hear Him teach about God.2. Four men brought their paralysed friend to the 3. house where Jesus was staying.There were so many people inside the house, 4. listening to Jesus, that they had to take their friend onto the roof and lower him through a hole they made.Jesus told the man that his sins were forgiven.5. The religious men were upset with Jesus for 6. forgiving the man’s sins, because they did not believe that He was the Son of God. They said that only God could forgive sins.Jesus told the man “Arise, take up your bed, 7. and go to your house”, and immediately the man was healed. Jesus did this to show the religious men that He was indeed the Son of God.All the people in the town were amazed and 8. praised God for the man’s healing.

Teaching SuggestionHave some toy or real doctor’s instruments available: stethoscope, bandages, and band aids. The children sit in a circle, with the doctor’s instruments in the middle. One child at a time chooses something from the centre of the circle and then pretends to be a doctor to one of the other children sitting in the circle, eg. he/she might choose the stethoscope and listen to someone’s heart. After the child has completed the task, he/she repeats the memory verse “Jesus … heals you”, and chooses someone else to have a turn. Write the memory verse on large band aids with permanent marker pen. The children can put these on their clothing (don’t stick them on bare arms).

Extra IdeasListening Game. 1. Retell the story making obvious mistakes. “There was a man who had the measles. Six friends wanted to take him to see his mother.” etc. Have the children clap whenever they hear a mistake and have them supply the right word. “Where did I touch you?” 2. For this game you will need a blindfold for one child at a time. The teacher touches the child on the head, cheek, arm, leg, for example, then asks the child, “Where did I touch you?” Relate this to the paralytic who could not feel.Cut and Colour. 3. Photocopy one Extra Ideas Activity Sheet for each child. Before class, cut along the solid line. In class, the children colour Jesus and the crowd and the paralytic. The children then cut out the man. The teacher uses a split-pin to secure the man in place, making sure the two large dots are on top of each other. The man can now be healed and stand up.Dice Game. 4. You will need paper, pencils and a dice. A 6 must be thrown first for a body to be drawn. Then other parts can be added when the corresponding numbers are thrown. 5 for a head, 4 for a leg, 3 an arm, 2 a hand, 1 a foot (of course, a leg or arm must be in place before a hand or foot can be drawn).Story Retell. 5. Encourage the children to use their faces to express certain words as you come to them, e.g. the friends carrying the man to Jesus (tired/exhausted), the size of the crowd (disappointment) and the idea to go through the roof (excitement), lowering the man to Jesus (worried), Jesus forgives his sin (surprise), when the man is healed (happiness/praising God).Morning Tea. 6. Make a celebration cake to share. The healed man would have enjoyed his next meal now that he could sit up and feed himself. Share the cake and talk with the children about how the man might have felt.

Mark 2:1-12;Matthew 9:1-8;

Luke 5:17-26

Healing of the paralysed man


Activity - Body Outline Painting

MaterialsContinuous newsprint roll ends or paper large enough to trace the children’s outline.• Glue.• Thick felt pens.• Safety scissors.• Thick paint and brushes.• Blu-tack.• Drop sheets and cover-ups.• Clean-up gear – soap and towels, rags.•

Steps

At HomeWrite the memory verse on a separate page and cut out in a heart shape, one per child.•

In Class1 child at a time lies on the paper with arms slightly away from the body.• The teachers uses a thick felt pen to draw around the outline of the child on the paper.• Lay drop sheets and help the children into cover-ups.• The children paint or draw facial features, then paint clothes on the cut-out body.• Once children have finished painting their outlines they can glue their heart shaped memory verse in position.• Take time to view all the outlines together and discuss how God can forgive and heal each one.•


Healing of the paralysed manExtra Ideas Activity Sheet


The house built on the rock

FocusFor the children to realise the importance of hearing God’s word and doing it.

Memory Verse“That Rock was Christ.” (I Corinthians 10:4).

Lesson IntroductionUsing a sand tray, tell the story using a paper house and a cardboard house. Have some small rocks available to hold the cardboard house firm. Keep in mind that the main message is not about the houses but about their foundations.

Story SummaryJesus taught about a wise man and a 1. foolish man.The wise man is one who builds on rock 2. with good foundations, who hears and does God’s word.The foolish man is one who doesn’t worry 3. about foundations, who hears but does not do God’s word.When storms come against the houses, the 4. one founded on rock stood firm.But the house on sand collapsed.5.

Teaching SuggestionHave the children clench their fists to make rocks and build them on top of one another as they say the memory verse.

Extra IdeasSand and Rock Trays. 1. Each child will need two margarine/butter containers or shallow aluminium foil. Put sand in one container, small rocks in the other and make a small house for each tray from small boxes or paper. Encourage children to reenact the story.Paper Weight. 2. One smooth flat rock per child - about the size of a fist. On strips of paper write “That Rock is Christ” - one per child and on another strip of paper write “[child’s name] is building on the Rock”. Using a craft glue, paste one strip on one side of the rock and the other on the other side. The children draw a picture of themselves to paste on top (standing on the rock). Varnish may be applied over the rock to make it last longer (the teacher would have to do this for the children and return the rocks to them the following week).Sing a Song. 3. “The Wise Man Built his House Upon the Rock”, “Build on the Rock, the Rock that ever Stands”, or other appropriate song known to you.Build Houses. 4. Provide each child with a base that represents a rock on which to build a house. Each child can then build a house using blocks of wood, milk cartons or boxes and glue them together using craft glue. What’s This For? 5. Seat children in a circle and have various items that relate to building a house. Discuss with the children what the items are and what they might be used for. Items could include pictures or representations of cement truck, house plans, carpentry tool etc. Make links to foundations (Christ), hearing God’s word (parents) and building a house (obedience).Treasure Hunt. 6. Before class write and set up clue that include a snippet from the story with instructions that lead to the next clue. In class, before starting out reinforce with children the importance of listening carefully to and following each clue to find the next one.Morning Tea. 7. Small rock cakes or chocolate crackles.

Matthew 7:24-29;Luke 6:46-49


Activity - Colour and Collage

Materials1 Activity Sheet per child, photocopied or mounted on cardboard.• Colouring pencils, crayons, felt pens.• Craft glue (from craft shop or haberdashery), paintbrushes.• Sand and small pebbles or gravel (from pet shops or nurseries).• Ice-cream container.•

Steps

At HomeHave one Activity Sheet completed to show the class.•

In ClassColour the pictures, or collage with scraps of paper.• After the teacher has applied the craft glue to the bottom of the page, the children can spread it with a paintbrush.• Sprinkle sand on the glue on the left side of the page, and gravel on the right side of the page. A container with a • few holes in the top will facilitate the sprinkling of sand and gravel. Shake any excess off the page into an ice-cream container.The craft glue will take a short while to dry so the pictures should be carried flat until the sand and gravel is secure.• To reinforce the focus question the children making link between the foundations and hearing and doing God’s • word.


The house built on the rockActivity – Colour and Collage


Jesus stills the storm

FocusFor the children to understand that they can have faith in Jesus for His help.

Memory Verse“Peace, be still.” (Mark 4:39).

Lesson IntroductionFor some visual assistance, have a toy 1. boat and a basin or tub for the boat, with a cut-out picture of Jesus to tell the story. Introduce the story by telling the children that it is about a storm at sea, and continue using the props.

Story SummaryLate one day Jesus and His disciples set 1. sail on the Sea of Galilee.Jesus went to sleep.2. A storm began to blow and the boat began 3. to fill with water.The disciples were very frightened.4. They found Jesus asleep and begged him 5. to save them from the storm.Jesus rebuked the wind and sea, and there 6. was a great calm.Jesus asked the disciples why they were so 7. fearful and had no faith.The disciples marveled at Jesus’ authority.8.

Teaching SuggestionChoose a chorus tape for the children to walk around the room. When you stop the tape, say the memory verse using a whisper voice. The children must stop completely still with their arms by their side. Begin the tape again. After a few times encourage the children to say the verse with you.

Extra IdeasFree Play. 1. Allow the children to play with the boat in the tub. This can also be done outside where the children can create a storm.Window Boat. 2. Draw a simple boat on a piece of cardboard with a thick mast and two sails. Make sure that the parts have a centimetre of cardboard between them. Cut out the hull, sails and mast. On the back, glue pieces of coloured cellophane over the spaces. Tape to a window and see the colours more clearly.Blow Painting. 3. On A4 paper draw a simple style house in crayon, on for each child. In class children draw themselves in the house. Drop half a teaspoon of thin blue paint at a time on the paper for the children to blow using a drinking straw. The children can blow in all different directions to create a storm. Add a boat from the Activity Sheet to the painting if you like.Group Discussion and Prayer Time. 4. Ask the children about times when they need God’s help or are afraid. Record these on a large sheet of paper with words and pictures. Spend time praying together and asking God for His help.Boat Cubby. 5. Create a boat from pieces of furniture, a broom, a sheet and a few pegs. Encourage the children to help as much as possible. Retell the story and have the children act out some of the parts.Songs. 6. “With Christ in my vessel”, “Wide, wide as the ocean”, or other similar songs known to you that links to the focus.Wooden Boats. 7. Have either craft glue or hammer and nails for the children to put together small pieces of wood to create boats. Accessory items (circles for port holes, short pieces of stick, material, etc) will make the activity more creative.Morning Tea. 8. Have morning tea in the boat cubby. Eat sail triangles made from cheese slices or ham, or cut sandwiches in triangular sail shapes.

Mark 4:35-41;Matthew 8:18,23-27;

Luke 8:22-25


Activity - Create a Storm

MaterialsLarge sheets of paper.• 1 photocopy of the boat from the Activity Sheet for each child.• Safety scissors.• Crayons.• Thick blue paint.• Protection cover-ups for the children and area.• Clean-up equipment – soap and towels.•

Steps

At HomeCut out the boats.•

In ClassThe children colour their boats with crayons.• Move to the painting area and allow the children free painting time, finishing with painting the storm.• The children attach their boat to the painting. If the paint is glue-based there is no need for extra glue.• Discuss the disciples needing to have faith and know Jesus would take care of them.•


Jesus stills the stormActivity – Create a Storm


The feeding of the 5000

FocusFor the children to know that Jesus provides for them.

Memory Verse“He cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7).

Lesson IntroductionHave one small bread roll in a large basket 1. for the children to share. Ask them if that is enough for all of them. Talk about how much food they will have for dinner tonight and ask them who gives them their food.Talk about how their parents love them 2. and always provide plenty of good food so that they can grow strong.The people in this story were hungry for 3. the word of God. (Remind the children of the house with strong foundations - those who listened to the word of God and did it).

Story SummaryJesus and His disciples went to a quiet 1. place to rest.Many people followed Him.2. Jesus talked to them about the kingdom of 3. God and healed many.Late in the day the disciples wanted to 4. send the people away to get food.But Jesus asked the disciples to find food 5. for the people.One boy in the crowd had five loaves 6. of bread and two small fish that he was willing to share.Jesus sat the people in groups and gave 7. thanks for the food. He gave it to His disciples to share amongst the people.There was enough for 5000 people with 8. 12 baskets of food left.

Teaching SuggestionDo actions to correspond with the words: “He” - point heavenward, “cares” - cradling arms, “for you” - point to another child. Have the children repeat the words and actions several times.

Extra IdeasCrayon Resist. 1. How many baskets were filled with leftovers? Before class, using a white candle the teacher would draw twelve baskets on sheets of paper - one sheet of paper per child. In class, using strongly coloured, thin water paint, brush over the sheet to reveal the twelve baskets.Playdough. 2. Using playdough and plastic knives, the children can make five loaves and two fish. Have the children cut them up on a paper plate to see how far they can divide them. Talk about the miracle Jesus performed as you do this.Picnic. 3. Have the lesson outside and share some picnic food as you tell the story.Songs. 4. “Jehovah Jireh” and other songs about Jesus provided for us. Bunches. 5. Play this game by having taped music to dance or walk to. When the music stops, the teacher calls out a number (1 to 6 for this age group). The children then cluster themselves into groups of this size. Continue on calling different numbers.Fish Fingers. 6. Make sure there are not seafood allergies and cook fish fingers in an electric fry pan. Make sure safety precautions are in place.Morning Tea. 7. Edible loaves and fish can be from thick slices of bread cut into rectangles, and fish cut from any of the following – cheese slices, ham, slices of vegetables, (e.g. carrots).

John 6:1-14; Matthew 14:13-21;

Mark 6:34-44; Luke 9:10-17


Activity - Picnic Basket with Fish and Bread

Materials1 Activity Sheet per child, photocopied or mounted on light cardboard.• Stapler, sticky tape, scissors.• Colouring pencils, crayons.• Cheese slices, currants, dried apricots or small lollies.• Bread stick or rolls.• Coloured serviettes cut to the size of the base of the basket.• Paper or plastic plates.•

Steps

At HomeCut breadstick or rolls into thin slices so that there are five slices per child. (Keep in an airtight container). • Using a sharp knife, cut simple fish shapes out of the cheese slices, two per slice so that there are sufficient for two • per child.Cut lollies or dried fruit into small pieces.• Make a completed basket to show the children.•

In ClassChildren colour then cut out along the unbroken lines, the basket and handle from the Activity Sheet. (The teacher • may need to help with cutting or pre-cut the baskets depending on the ability of the children.)Fold the basket along the dotted lines and make up using a stapler or sticky tape. Attach the handle.• Give each child a plate and two cheese fish each. The children can decorate these, adding eyes and scales using • dried fruit or lollies.The children then put five pieces of bread and the two decorated fish into their baskets.• Make a clear link back that Jesus provided food for the people because He cared for them.•


The feeding of the 5000Activity – Picnic Basket with Fish and Bread


servant

FocusFor the children to know that they can believe that Jesus can heal.

Memory Verse“He healed many.” (Mark 3:10).

Lesson IntroductionDiscuss people in the family and fellowship 1. whom Jesus has healed in the past. Mention the individual’s faith for this.Talk to the children about faith. What is faith? 2. How do we show that we have faith in someone or something?Use an analogy of aeroplanes and air traffic 3. controllers. The air traffic controllers are in charge of when each plane will land and where, and the pilots must obey their instructions or accidents might happen. The pilots must believe that the air traffic controller knows best. The man in this story knew that Jesus is in control of everything and can even heal the sick.Talk about giving and obeying orders. Which is 4. easier?Do some practical activities. Have the children 5. take turns giving and taking orders, e.g. walk to the door and sit down.The story could be told using the two finger 6. puppets from the Activity Sheet.

Story SummaryJesus was in the town of Capernaum.1. There was a Roman centurion who lived there. 2. (A centurion was a Roman soldier who had 100 men under his command). He had a servant who was very sick and nearly dying.The centurion loved this servant very much and 3. he knew that Jesus could heal him. He asked Jesus to heal his servant.As Jesus came towards the house, the centurion 4. told Him that He need only “say the word and my servant will be healed.”The centurion trusted in the authority and power 5. of Jesus.Jesus was amazed at the man’s faith and told him 6. because he believed his servant would be healed.The centurion and his friends returned to the 7. house and found the servant well.

Teaching SuggestionIn turn, sit in front of a child and slap your knees for “He”, clap for “healed” and clap hands against child’s hands for “many”. Do this until the children are familiar with it and then have the children do the memory verse with each other.

Extra IdeasBand aids. 1. Have a band aid with the memory verse written on it (or 1 word on each of 3 band aids) and stick these on the children’s sleeves like horizontal army stripes. (Don’t stick them on bare arms.)Role Play. 2. Use simple props for the centurion – a cardboard helmet, sword, or cloak. Retell the story by the children taking turns at being the sick servant (lying in bed), the centurion who will say to Jesus, “Please heal my servant”, or the servant who will say, “He healed many”.Simon Says. 3. Change this to “The Centurion Says”. Have a toy sword for the centurion, if possible. Relate this to the centurion giving and obeying orders, and explain that the centurion knew that Jesus had greater authority (power) than himself.Treasure Box. 4. This is for the memory verse (and previous verses for this term). The children decorate their boxes with foil, sequins, glitter or stickers. Then put a copy of the memory verse into the box.Prayer. 5. Have a time for family and friends who are sick.Morning Tea. 6. Go for a walk together, like Jesus and the centurion, and have a picnic morning tea.

Luke 7:1-10; Matthew 8:1-13

The centurion’s


Activity - Finger Puppets of Jesus and Centurion

MaterialsOne Activity Sheet of puppets per child, photocopied or mounted on light cardboard.• Glue.• Scissors.• Colouring pencils.• Scraps of material, foil.•

Steps

At HomeCut out the finger holes in the puppets and pre-cut the puppets if necessary for your class.• Cut material and foil into suitable sizes to paste onto the puppets (coloured paper may be used if material is not • available).

In ClassThe children cut out the figures if not pre-cut.• The children decorate their puppets with materials, using foil on the centurion, for his tunic.• The children can use their puppets to retell the story.•

Jesus Centurion


The centurion’s servantActivity – Finger Puppets of Jesus and Centurion

Jesus Centurion


Simon’s house

FocusFor the children to understand that Jesus can forgive their sins, when they ask Him.

Memory Verse“Your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:48).

Lesson IntroductionHave a small bottle or jar of perfume for 1. the children to pass around, look at and smell, plus a picture of a lady with long hair.Tell the children that the story is about a 2. lady who had been sinful and was very, very sad.You could even wash the children’s feet 3. as you tell the story. Have them sit on a low chair, one at a time. Use the perfume, water in a bowl and a towel.We can ask Jesus to forgive our sins.4.

Story SummaryOne day, a Pharisee called Simon invited 1. Jesus to his house for a meal.A woman who was a sinner came to 2. Simon’s house to see Jesus.She was sad, and as she cried she washed 3. Jesus’ feet with her tears. She dried His feet with her hair, kissed them and poured perfumed oil over them.Simon was annoyed/upset because he 4. knew how sinful she was.Jesus told Simon a story about two 5. men who owed money. One owed a lot of money and the other owed a small amount. Then Jesus asked Simon which of them will love the creator more. Simon said it would be the man who was forgiven most (owed the most money). Jesus said that the woman, was forgiven for she loved much.He explained that it is better to be humble 6. and admit that we are sinful and know the love of Jesus, than to be proud and not able to know the blessing of forgiveness.

Teaching SuggestionHave the children face a partner. Demonstrate, with a child for your partner, clapping hands together as you say the first two words and then clap your partners hands as you say the last two words. Have children join in with you until they are confident with the verse.

Extra IdeasRole Play. 1. Washing Jesus’ feet. Have some water in a shallow bowl, add a few drops of lavender oil, and have a towel ready. The children take turns washing and drying each other’s feet.Simon Says. 2. Change this to “Jesus Says”. Play Jesus Says and intersperse frequently into the game: Jesus Says, ‘Wash another’s feet!’ - the children would pretend to wash someone else’s feet.Action Songs. 3. “Rolled away”, “God forgave my sins, in Jesus name” or other similar songs known to you that link to the focus.Foot Collage. 4. Using white paper and a thick felt pen, draw around each child’s feet. The children can then cut out the feet and paint them. Attach the memory verse to the painted feet. Paste as individual or as a group collage onto a larger sheet of paper. The feet can also be made into a ‘feet tree’ by pasting them on a stick planted into a terracotta pot.Discussion. 5. Talk with the children about who they can talk to about sin (eg. their parents) and what is sin (being disobedient, rude, telling lies, hurting others, breaking toys, etc. Sin is things we do that are against relationship.)

Luke 7:36-50

Forgiveness in


Activity - Collage

MaterialsOne Activity Sheet per child.• Scissors, glue, colouring pencils, crayons.• Lavender oil (available from supermarkets, health shops or markets).• Wool (brown, black or yellow).• Purple tissue paper.• Silver glitter.•

Steps

At HomeCut the wool into appropriate lengths for woman’s hair.• Cut the tissue paper into small squares to fit into the shape of the oil jar (as per the Activity Sheet).• Complete an Activity Sheet to demonstrate to the class.•

In ClassColour the Activity Sheet in areas which are • not dotted.The children can glue wool to the woman’s head.• Put a small amount of glue onto the teardrops and sprinkle with glitter.• Glue tissue paper to the jar.• Teacher puts one or two drops of lavender oil onto the completed oil jar, as this is done reinforce to the children that • Jesus forgave her sins.


Forgiveness in Simon’s houseActivity - Collage


The sower and the seed

FocusJesus wants His children to have good listening ears and soft hearts in which God’s word can grow strongly.

Memory Verse“Hear the word.” (Mark 4:18).

Lesson IntroductionTeacher covers his/her ears with socks or gloves. 1. Ask the children if they can guess which part of the body the story will be about. Stress that it will be difficult for them to guess, because they are covered up. When the children guess correctly, replace the socks with the cardboard ears (see Extra Ideas Activity Sheet) and keep them on while you tell the story.Have four small plastic pots, quick growing seeds 2. (birdseed or bean seeds), potting mix, clay, small stones, weeds, and water all prepared on a tray or desk. Ask the children one at a time to come and help plant the seeds. Pot 1 should be hard clay, pot 2 - a little potting mix and stones, pot 3 - potting mix and healthy weeds, pot 4 - potting mix. Sprinkle seeds into each pot and water. Discuss with the children what they think will happen in each pot.Mention that Jesus told this story to a large crowd 3. of people who did not have good listening ears.

Story SummaryJesus told the story of a man sowing seed.1. Some of his seed fell where the soil was very hard. 2. The birds ate it.Some seed fell onto stony ground. This seed 3. couldn’t grow big roots and the sun quickly burnt the plants.Other seed fell among the weeds and thorns and 4. the young plants were choked.There was some seed which fell onto good ground. 5. The soil was soft and the plants grew strong and bore lots of fruit.Jesus told His disciples that many people are 6. like that seed. God’s word cannot grow in them because their hearts are too hard, or stony, or have many other things in them which choke out God’s word.He wants our hearts to be like the good soil where 7. His word will grow strong.

Teaching SuggestionHave the children sit in a circle. The teacher whispers the memory verse into the ear of the first child, who then passes it on to the next child in the same way. When it is passed right around the circle, see how good their listening ears were, and then have all the children say the memory verse again, together.

Extra IdeasEars to Hear. 1. Cut out a pair of ears from the Extra Ideas Activity Sheet for each child. The children can colour the ears in class and wear them home.Soft/Hard Hearts. 2. You will need playdough, clay (from toy shops or craft shops), rolling pins, heart-shaped cutters, and paper plates on which to take the hearts home. The children can cut heart shapes from the playdough (which will remain soft in the fridge) and from the clay (which will harden in the sun). Explain that having a ‘soft heart’ means to have a willing attitude to God. A heart that wants to understand His word and to do His will.Paper Hearts. 3. Cut four paper hearts from coloured paper for each child. The children paste these onto an A4 sheet. The children then collage each of these to represent the four different kinds of soil. Rocky ground - use crumpled brown or grey crepe paper; hard ground - use small squares of brown paper; weeds/thorns - use small strips of green crepe paper, twisted to look like weeds; good soil - cut some small flowers from coloured paper or from wrapping paper, or use dried or live flowers. Put a small amount of glue on each one and sprinkle with a few seeds.Eyes and Ears. 4. Draw a round face shape on a sheet of paper - one for each child. The children can add features using glue and coloured paper, wool, pasta, etc. and crayons. Emphasise the eyes and ears that we need to have open to see and hear God’s word.Listening Game. 5. Have ready a variety of musical instruments – homemade will do (bottles filled with pasta, wooden spoon on cake tin, egg beater, etc). The children need to listen to the sound the instrument makes and change their action accordingly. Start with only two instruments. When the percussion stops the children must stop and listen for the next sound, e.g. drums mean walk, shaker means run, egg beater means jump. Morning Tea. 6. Fairy bread or cheese cut into heart shapes.

Matthew 13:1-23;Mark 4:1-20;Luke 8:4-15


Activity - Make a Garden

MaterialsOne sheet of coloured A4 cardboard per child.• One snap-close plastic sandwich bag per child.• Seeds eg. bean sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, climber beans.• Cotton balls, water.• Coloured paper hearts and leaves (Fig. 2 on the Activity Sheet), or colouring pencils or paint.• Glue, stapler, sticky tape.• One set of the memory verse and instructions per child (Fig. 3 and Fig. 4).•

Steps

At HomeFold each sheet of A4 in half and place the dotted line of the rectangle (Fig. 1 on the Activity Sheet) centred on the • fold. Cut the cardboard around the solid lines of the rectangle. When finished and unfolded, you will have a frame.Cut out sufficient hearts and leaves for each child to decorate their frames.• Cut out the memory verse and instructions for each child.•

In ClassThe children decorate the paper frame.• Glue the memory verse onto the bottom of the frame.• Glue instructions for keeping the garden, onto the back of the frame.• Give each child some seeds to put into their sandwich bag.• Add several moist cotton wool balls and shake them around the seeds.• Teacher closes the bag and staples it to the frame. Tape over the staples to prevent scratching.• Discuss and link the seeds growing with the seed of God’s word growing in our soft hearts.•


The sower and the seedActivity – Make a Garden


The sower and the seedExtra Ideas Activity Sheet

Curriculum Teacher Resource - Level One Page 72

Sonseekers CurriculumUnit One Unit Two Unit Three Unit Four

Creation 11. Creation 22. Adam and Eve3. The fall4. Cain and Abel5. Noah builds an ark6. The flood, Noah and his 7. sonsThe tower of Babel8. Abram called, Abram 9. and LotThe covenant with 10. AbrahamIshmael and Isaac11. Sodom and Gomorrah12. The sacrifice of Isaac13. Rebekah, Isaac’s bride14. Jacob and Esau15. Jacob’s ladder, Leah and 16. Rachel

Jacob becomes Israel17. Joseph, the favourite son18. Joseph goes to Egypt19. Joseph interprets the 20. dreamsJoseph’s brothers21. Israel in Egypt22. Israelite slaves, Moses 23. bornMoses flees and returns 24. to Egypt“Let My people go” 25. The first passover, Israel 26. deliveredCrossing the Red Sea27. Manna, water from the 28. rockSinai and the ten 29. commandmentsMoses and the tabernacle30. The golden calf31. Twelve spies, 40 years of 32. wandering

Aaron’s rod33. Moses hits the rock34. The bronze serpent35. Balaam and his ass36. Joshua and Rahab37. Crossing the Jordan, 38. JerichoThe sin of Achan39. The sun stands still40. Gideon’s fleece41. Gideon and his army42. Samson43. Samson and Delilah44. Ruth, Naomi and Boaz45. Hannah46. Samuel hears God speak47. Eli, Hophni and Phinehas48.

Saul chosen49. Saul and the Amalekites50. David chosen51. David and Goliath52. David and Jonathan53. David and Saul54. David crowned55. David and the ark56. Absalom57. Solomon becomes king58. Solomon’s temple59. Israel divided, Rehoboam 60. and JeroboamElijah and the widow61. Elijah on Mount Carmel62. Good King Jehoshaphat63. Elisha and the double 64. portion

Unit Five Unit Six Unit Seven Unit EightThe widow’s oil, a boy 65. raisedNaaman66. Famine in Samaria67. Jonah68. The captivity of Israel 69. (the northern kingdom)Hezekiah and 70. SennacheribIsaiah71. Josiah72. Jeremiah73. The captivity of Judah 74. (the southern kingdom)Daniel interprets the 75. king’s dreamThe fiery furnace76. The writing on the wall77. Daniel in the lions’ den78. Esther79. Restoration80.

Zacharias, Elizabeth, 81. Mary and JohnThe birth of Jesus82. Jesus in the temple83. John the Baptist 84. Jesus baptised and 85. temptedThe call of the disciples86. Water turned to wine87. The temple cleansed, 88. NicodemusThe woman at the well89. Healing of the paralysed 90. manThe house built on the 91. rockJesus stills the storm92. The feeding of the 500093. The centurion’s servant94. Forgiveness in Simon’s 95. houseThe sower and the seed96.

Jairus’ daughter, a 97. woman touches JesusJesus walks on the water98. Miracles of healing99. The transfiguration100. A boy is healed101. The unmerciful servant102. A man born blind103. The good Samaritan104. Prayer105. The raising of Lazarus106. The lost sheep, coin and 107. sonAttitudes of a servant108. The marriage of the 109. king’s sonThe ten lepers110. The ten virgins111. The talents112.

Palm Sunday113. The last supper and 114. GethsemaneThe crucifixion115. The resurrection116. Peter restored117. The risen Christ and His 118. ascensionThe day of Pentecost119. Peter and John120. Peter and the Gentiles121. Stephen122. Philip123. Paul’s conversion124. Paul’s first missionary 125. journeyPaul’s second and third 126. missionary journeysPaul’s capture and 127. imprisonmentPaul’s final journey128.

jesus is born - sonseekers · jesus is born visionone 10 old goombungee road, ... the photocopy...

Documents