Personal White Boards Make GREAT Teaching Aides.

As you know, I ALWAYS have some sort of EAA (Early Arrivers Activity) for my KIDDOS.  I usually have the same EAA for 2 weeks.  I try to CHANGE out the EAA'S often...yet keep a bit of consistency during a particular lesson.

If this is your first time coming to the HANDS ON BIBLE TEACHER website, let me explain what EAA'S are....If you have been here before, just SKIP ahead!  :)  

I believe it is very important to use EVERY minute of Bible Class time as TEACHABLE Moments.  From the second a KIDDO comes into the room....it is time to be teaching.   And,  do to the fact that I have several "EARLY ARRIVERS" I want to make sure to have something that is relevant to BIBLE LEARNING for the KIDDOS to do....Thus became the need for EAAS.  

By the way, these PERSONAL size whiteboards came from LOWES.  I purchased a LARGE sheet of WALL BOARD and then had the very sweet and helpful guy, that ran the saw at the store, cut them down to size for me.  There were several cuts that had to be made....but, when I explained that they were for teaching Bible Class...they did not even charge me for all that cutting!!!  (We now have these personal whiteboards in every classroom!!!!!)  

This past Sunday I wanted the KIDDOS to draw me a picture of their Favorite story about David.  So, before Bible Class I coded each board with "Favorite Story About David."    When the KIDDOS arrived they were instructed to draw their FAVORITE STORY about the life of David.   

He really enjoyed DRAWING me a picture of his Favorite Story About David.  This KIDDO decided to draw a picture of KING David singing Psalms to The LORD.   I LOVE David's ROBE and CROWN!!!...and the "LO, LO, LO, LO, LO, LO" is David Singing.  (I LOVE KID DRAWINGS!!!)

This KIDDO decided to draw me a picture of David and Jonathan.  She says she LOVES that they were BFF'S.  I LOVE her drawing!!!!   She said Jonathan needed curly hair!!!!  :)

I was impressed at how much the KIDDOS remembered about the life of David.    Even though the KIDDOS were having FUN drawing....this gave me an opportunity to SEE what the had learned about the life of King David.  This was a way of TESTING my past teaching....gives me a way to know if they are really "GETTING" the lessons I am teaching.   These "TESTS" are fun...and the KIDDOS do not even realize I am "TESTING" their memory!!!  :)

I always try to find FUN and EXCITING ways to make sure the KIDDOS remember their past lessons.  This just happens to be one of my FAVORITES!!  

Blessings,

Ronda

Solomon Builds The Temple

What a wonderful SUNDAY!!!  The KIDDOS were in a GREAT mood.  I love it when they all arrive early/on time and have seemed to have had a good nights rest.    

Our lesson this week was about King Solomon building the Temple.  This was a interesting lesson to teach 4-7 year olds.  They really seemed to GET the fact that GOD needed a PERMANENT place for the Hebrews to come and offer sacrifices and worship HIM.  

To set up the story, I reviewed the Tabernacle....talking about the fact that it was a PORTABLE TENT.  We reminded ourselves of all the vessels that were in the Tabernacle and the purpose for those vessels.  I was THRILLED at how much the remembered.  I was really excited when I asked if any of the KIDDOS remembered what was in the Ark of The Covenant.  And all of the KIDDOS were ready to tell me.   We listed them quickly:  10 Commandments, Aaron's Rod that had budded and a Pot of Manna.  I really am happy when the KIDDOS remember the "facts" from past lessons.  

We filled in our Who? What? When? Where? and Why? Chart.    The KIDDOS really used their listening skills today.  They were able to answer all of the Interrogative Questions.  I was thrilled!!!!  Makes me a happy teacher when the KIDDOS can answer all of these IMPORTANT questions!

I used 3D Visuals for this lesson.  I had the KIDDOS gather around this table and inspect the models of the Tabernacle and The Temple.   I asked them if there were any similarities and any differences.  I love using 3D Visuals when possible.  The KIDDOS loved them too.  (I explained that these are "paper" models and they had to be VERY careful when touching, looking, and examining them.)  The KIDDOS did GREAT!!!!!!

 

Because I am a firm believer in using LOTS of VISUALS, I placed these posters up on the white board....I LOVE these posters.  My wonderful mother gave them to me as a gift a loooong time ago.  (My family knows what type of gifts I love to get.)   I did jot down a few FACTS about the Tabernacle and Temple above the posters.  

Our Memory Verse is Habakkuk 2:20.  I feel this to be a PERFECT verse for this lesson.  We have a little tune that we sing this verse to...however, I do not believe it is a KNOWN tune.  I think it is a "RONDA Original" tune.  :)

The KIDDOS "Take Home" activity is a POP UP Temple.  They colored their Temple any color they wanted...All of my "older" KIDDOS chose gold....my "younger" KIDDOS chose Pink, Blue, and Green.  (I LOVE seeing the KIDDOS at different stages of development.)  We glued on the DIAMOND cut Roof Top, the Columns, and the inside of the door.  The KIDDOS were impressed that the doors opened and closed.  

Our "Review Game" was called "Build A Temple." It was played like this:  The KIDDOS had to answer a question from the lesson for an opportunity to add a block to the "Temple."  They did GREAT!!!  I am including a few pics. taken during class time so you can see how good they were.  

The Song on the "Song Board" is a "Ronda Original" and is sung to the tune: Row, Row, Row Your Boat. 

Kiddos Listening Well

What They Built.

 Add A Block To The Temple

Next Sunday, when we review this lesson, the Kiddos will be making a "Puzzle Temple" for their Explorer Journal Activity. 

I have the Temple Pieces cut and in a baggie for each KIDDO.   

After they complete their Temple...they will have time to color in the details.  

(I am thinking I will let them color with my special GOLD markers.)

 

Teaching lessons, from the books of Kings, to this age group can sometimes be a bit mind boggling....But, I am truly enjoying this challenge.  I LOVE seeing the KIDDOS learning from ALL of GOD'S WORD.   I believe KIDDOS are greatly benefited when we "expand" their BIBLE learning into MORE areas of the BIBLE.  

Hope your Bible Classes went well this past Sunday.

Blessings,

Ronda

Using Toys to Teach Bible Stories.

I have to tell you all a story.  My hubby and I went shopping at Toys-R-Us the other day.  You see, my 7 year old son had been saving his "commission" (that is what my kiddos "earn" by doing their chores) to buy a new LEGO set.  Well, we found the LEGO set and I decided to look around.  When I went around the corner I saw something that literally made me squeal with excitement.    Well, my curious hubby came around the corner to see what I was so excited about...And, there I was standing with an "Animal Planet" Playset in my hand.    I looked at my hubby (I am sure I had my sad "puppy" eyes going on...) and said, "I would really, really like to have 3 of  these... and MOTHER'S Day is coming up."    He lovingly looked into my eyes and asked, "Why?"    I quickly responded....."I LOOOOOOOOVE the Tents!!!!  I would use them for my Patriarchs."  That was the MAIN reason behind my desire....but, then I went on and explained that the animals could be used for the Creation Story, Noah's Ark, Daniel and the Lions, and the Trees could be used for SOOO many stories...One as the "Tree of Life" one could be the "BROOM Tree" that Elijah sat under....etc.  And, look there is an "EXPLORER!"   I can use those for my "Exploring Bible History" theme.    So, my loving hubby---laughing as I "JUSTIFIED" my desire for these....said, "YES!!!!"

I LOVE these tents!!!!  They are NOT hard plastic....they are soft!!!  Perfect for little hands.  

When I see the three tents sitting together I get so excited and  immediately think. "ABRAHAM," "ISAAC,"  and "JACOB."  Don't You? 

This is how I will be using these TENTS.  I have had these BIBLE TIME finger puppets for more than 20 years....my daughters that are 24 and 23 years old PLAYED with these when they were toddlers.    I LOVE how the men and tents GO together.   After all, the Patriarchs NEED their TENTS!  I hope these makes you SMILE too!!

So, for the rest of the PLAYSET.....These Trees are GREAT!!!!  Because, my sweet hubby bought me 3 sets, I have three of these trees to use!!!!!  YAY!!!

All those Animals, Boats and Explorers are currently "resting" in one of my storage tubs....We will put them to use in the future.  

So, my point to this POST is....THINK ABOUT BIBLE CLASS all the time!!!!  If you have Bible Stories running through your head...you will be AMAZED at what you find that will help you TEACH the story more effectively.   If you are a Thrift Store shopper or a Garage Sale shopper....take time to look in those "CHEAP" toy boxes.  Before, you throw out your Kiddo's toys, that they no longer play with, ask yourself, "Can I use this to teach a Bible Story?"   And, If you find yourself at Toys-R-Us,  wanting to buy these sets...FYI I found them near the LEGOS.  :)

Blessings,

Ronda

 

Paper Rocks Become Altar, Well and Memorial

A "BLAST from the PAST!!!" 

I made these "ROCKS" a LONG time ago.  And, they have been used for so many Bible Lessons.   They may not look impressive here...but, they do get TRANSFORMED...  just keep on reading.  :)

 

  

As you can see they started off as simple paper sacks stuffed with news paper.  Due to the weather the week I made these I was unable to complete them.  I had wanted to Paper Mache them....but, since the weather was rainy and moist it was NOT a good thing to do.  So we just built our "Altar" out of the stuffed paper bags.  The kiddos liked these...but, I still wanted them to be a bit more realistic...sooooooo....

Here they are being used as an ALTAR

As soon as the weather was conducive to Paper Maching, I got after it.  It took several days to complete these "ROCKS," but they are soooo worth the time and effort.   (BTW, I use the starch and newspaper way of paper mache.)    Once they were dry from the maching process....I spray painted them with a textured (rock like) spray paint.  I LOVE the way they turned out!!!  They are light enough for the kiddos to pick up and yet sturdy enough to be used over and over again.  As I have said, I have used these for SEVERAL Bible Stories. 

We have used these "ROCKS" as the WELL where Abraham's servant met Rebekah.    I places blue wrapping paper on the inside of the rocks...to mimic a well. I have some "buckets of water" with questions from the lesson on them inside the well.

We used them for the WELL Where Jacob met Rachel.  We let one of the boy  remove the stone from the top to "help" Rachel.   Inside of the "well" I had placed buckets with questions from the Bible Story written on the back of each of them. (Just like the the time we used it as the "well" for the story of Rebekah.)

I have even used these as the "MEMORIAL STONES" picked up out of the Jordan...which we then made into the "memorial" at GILGAL.    This was so much fun...I loved the way the KIDDOS pretended that these were soooo heavy.  They would "HEAVE" them up on their shoulders and carry them to GILGAL.  (I had set up a corner in our room...and called it Gilgal.)













We will be using these "ROCKS" again soon.  I will be getting them out and using them  when we learn about Elijah on Mount Carmel. 

I LOVE making something that I can use in many different ways....I recommend making a set of these "ROCKS."  They are so useful and so effective.  

Blessings,

Ronda

Encouraging Kiddos To Memorize The Books of The Bible

This is from a long time ago.  But, since I did not have a website to share ideas when I did this, I thought I would share it with you now.    

I was working with the KIDDOS on memorizing the BOOKS OF THE BIBLE!!!  I feel that memorizing the BOOKS of THE BIBLE is an important venture to embark upon with KIDDOS.   However, I like to try various methods to encourage the memorization of the books.  

When trying to come up with a way to encourage, motivate and excite the KIDDOS, I decided to do a BIBLE BOOKS CHAIN.  I thought about doing one chain for the entire class...BUT, decided it would be sooooo much more fun for each child to have their OWN chain...That way they could track their success!!!!  By the way, this was one of my KIDDOS FAVORITE activities!!!! 

I began the chain by making a "BACK BOARD" that has "BIBLE" with a "buckle" cut out of the middle...I then attached one loop to the "buckle" that had the word "LAW" on it.  This would be the beginning loop that the KIDDOS would attach all their other loops too.  BTW, for the loops, I just copied the names of the books of the bible onto construction paper of various colors.  

 I  also made loops for the various sections of the Bible... "LAW," "HISTORY,"   "POETRY,"  "MAJOR PROPHETS," "MINOR PROPHETS,"  "GOSPELS,"  "HISTORY," "EPISTLES," AND "PROPHECY." 

The KIDDOS were motivated by seeing their CHAIN grow.  It amazed me...when I had a KIDDO that had been absent they would come to me and ask to say the BOOKS of THE BIBLE to "catch up" their chain!!   I LOVED that!!!!  It was so "fun" to watch these chains get longer and longer as the KIDDOS worked so hard at MEMORIZING the BOOKS of THE BIBLE.

As you can see, as their chains grew in length I moved them up higher on the wall.  Then we allowed the chains to "puddle" on the floor.

On the day that the KIDDOS completed their BOOKS of THE BIBLE Chain....I made sure to take a picture of them stretching their chain across the classroom.  They were excited about their ability to say the Books of The Bible....And, the fact that they got to take their Books of The Bible Chain home with them!! 

This was such a FUN and inexpensive way to encourage the KIDDOS to memorize the Books of The Bible!!!  I will be repeating this one for sure!!!  

Blessings,

Ronda

Solomon Asks For Wisdom

Our next lesson is about Solomon being crowned KING.  Our focus during this lesson will be focused upon Solomon's request for WISDOM.    We will be looking at the IMPORTANCE of WISDOM and how we get WISDOM today.    

As you can tell from the picture on the left...we have added a few facts about Solomon to his crown....At the end of this quarter we are going to have a MAJOR review of the first 3 KINGS of Israel....We will scramble all those fact cards that are currently in those "re-purposed tissue boxes" on the floor and see if the kiddos can remember which KING is which. 

Because I believe this is the BEST way to make sure the KIDDOS understand what they learn.....We always have our Who? What? When? Where? Where? Why? and How does this effect me? cards.  We review them as we go through the story...and then again at the end of the story. 

Since the focus of the lesson is on Solomon's request for WISDOM...I decided that the KIDDOS would make a BIBLE bookmark as their "Take Home" project.    They can color it anyway they would like....I have made 2 different colors of tassels...Yellow or Blue.  I will have my helper laminate and trim the bookmarks for the KIDDOS while we do our REVIEW GAME.

We will be adding two new words to our WORD WALL...  I felt these were IMPORTANT words for the KIDDOS to understand....So, we will introduce the words, explain the definition, then add them to our WORD WALL. 

Our Memory Verse comes from Proverbs 3:13....We will sing the memory verse to the tune:  "Rockin My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham".   The KIDDOS impress me with their ability to MEMORIZE these verses....we have had 100% participation and memorization this quarter!!!!

Our Review Game this week...does not come with a picture....because, we are going to be playing "SOLOMON SAYS."  My plan is to play it like Simeon Says...EXCEPT....the KIDDOS will have to answer a question from the lesson before they get to be "SOLOMON" for a turn.   I will start as "SOLOMON"  saying, "Solomon says, hop on your right foot....etc."  Then once we have one KIDDO that gets "OUT" then I will ask a question from the story...the KIDDO that answers it will get to then be "SOLOMON."  

This is a picture of our PEOPLE, PLACE and EVENT Chart....These questions are usually not they type of questions that you can give a one word answer too.  These questions normally ask the KIDDOS, "WHAT DO YOU KNOW?  OR "WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME?"  OR "WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER?"  ETC.  I like knowing WHAT the KIDDOS really think about these REAL EVENTS that took place in the BIBLE. 

Next Sunday, when we REVIEW this lesson we will be doing our EXPLORER JOURNAL activity....I struggled coming up with an activity for the KIDDOS this time...SO, I decided we would FOCUS on the WORD WISDOM!!!  The KIDDOS will COLOR the LETTERS of the WORD WISDOM and then stick them on the WORD "WISDOM" on the Explorer Journal Page.  They will be sticking them to some FOAM stickers that will elevate the letters from the page...giving the word a 3D effect.  The KIDDOS will really enjoy the fact that they are going to get to color these with MARKERS....Markers are a "SPECIAL OCCASION" event in our classroom....or, at least the KIDDOS think so.  LOL!!!

We are quickly coming to the end of this quarter's material....We only have 4 weeks left.  I cannot believe how quickly time goes by....My plan is to continue writing material on the Divided Kingdom....That is going to be very exciting and yet challenging all at once....I will keep you updated on the progress.  

Blessings,

Ronda

Trash Into Treasure....Solomon's Temple

OK, as you know we have been under some strange weather here in Oklahoma.  Matter-of-fact, we spent some time in our Tornado shelter this morning at 2:30.  I am thankful we have a shelter.    But, on with the story...  My darling hubby will be preaching a Gospel Meeting in another Oklahoma town this week.  So, I  wanted him to buy a weather radio to carry to the hotel with him.  Better to be prepared...IS MY MOTTO!!! 

 

So, to put his nervous wife at ease...he went to Walmart and bought himself a portable weather radio.  :)    When he unpacked the radio, this packaging was around the ends of the radio... I literally squealed..."LOOK SOLOMON'S TEMPLE."  My very loving and patient hubby....responded.  "You can have the packing material from the box."  I love the gifts he gives me.  :)    

I was busy most of the day, prepping my classroom for Sunday....prepping our Tornado shelter....and prepping my hubby's Suits, Ties, Shirts, etc.  But, I took a few minutes to paint one of these "Temples" to share with you.  

I have not done any DETAIL painting...but, just painting it GOLD makes it look MORE like Solomon's Temple.  :)

I am looking forward to using this during my lessons on Solomon.  I have another "Temple" Model that I will be using...but, this one can sit on the 3D visual  table...and the KIDDOS can have the Hebrews come to the Temple.  Believe me....If I could find 8 of these cardboard Temples....I would have each of my KIDDOS make a Temple as a Take Home Project....Just can't justify buying 4 Weather Alert Radios.  LOL

My encouragement to you is this....BEFORE YOU THROW IT AWAY....THINK!  Ask yourself, "Can I reuse, re-purpose, or remake this TRASH into something that will help me teach a BIBLE LESSON, STORY or VIRTUE? 

 

Blessings,

Ronda