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

Trash Into Treasure!!!!

I was out doing some Thrift Store Shopping recently and I found this "TREASURE."  I was so excited and immediately knew what I was going to do with it.  I knew I wanted to recode the game and turn it into a BIBLE Matching Game. 

I knew one of my favorite clip art programs would be perfect for this project.  I used my computer program to size them to fit and then printed them on sticker paper.  Since I can not seem to cut a STRAIGHT line, My DH  cut them for me on the cutting machine.  :)  He is always so helpful.   

Then the REAL work began.  I peel and stuck two of every picture to those tiny squares.  It was a labor of love....Because, I LOVED the reaction of the kiddos when they got to play it on Sunday.  (More about that later.)

I LOVE the clip art...and the kiddos really seem to enjoy this game.  You see, this is how we play the game.  In order to get to turn over pieces the kiddos have to answer a Bible Question.  It has been a great way to review Bible Facts.  The great thing is that we do NOT have to restart the game each Sunday.  I have just left the matches turned up right and we keep attempting to get them all turned over by the kiddos answering Bible questions and turning over the tiles. 

Here is the completed board.  As you can see I have a few missing tiles....However, it does not stop us from using it as a way to review our Bible Facts.  

I would like to encourage you to think about things you find at yard sales, thrift stores or even your child's toy box.  If you always keep in mind the question, "Could I turn this into something for Bible Class?"  you will be amazed at how many everyday objects become great TREASURES for teaching Bible Stories and Lessons.  

Blessings,

Ronda

Milk Cap Mania!!!!! Bible Games and Reviews Made from Bottle Caps!!!!

I have a place in the classroom for the parents to deposit the Milk Caps. 

As you can see, I have be collecting milk caps for a while now.  

I knew I wanted to do something FUN with them!!!!!  

So, today was the day!!!!

 

Milk Cap Creation Review

Milk Cap Creation in ORDER!!!

I decided to make a few REVIEW games for the kiddos.   I have plans to make a WHOLE lot more.   The possibilities are ENDLESS!!!!!!  

Milk Cap10 Plagues Review

Milk Cap 10 Plagues in ORDER!!!

I am excited because the kiddos LOVE anything that they can pick up and touch!!!  

Milk Cap Plan of Salvation

Milk Cap Plan of Salvation in ORDER!

I used my clipart program & Avery's  circle stickers.  This was such a simple thing to do.  In about an hour I made all of these!!!!!  The kiddos will get to do them in the morning as our EAA!!!  EAA stands for Early Arrival Activity.  

Milk Cap God's Plan for Man.

God's Plan for man in ORDER!!!!

This is a CHEAP REVIEW Game!!!  Just asks your parents to bring in the caps.    

I have so many more REVIEW GAMES running through my head.  I can't wait to make them for the kiddos.  Examples:  BOOKS OF THE BIBLE, DIVISIONS OF THE BIBLE (LAW, HISTORY, POETRY, MAJOR PROPHETS, MINOR PROPHETS, GOSPELS, HISTORY, EPISTLES, PROPHECY.), THE 15 JUDGES, 10 COMMANDMENTS, FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, APOSTLES, 3 PROMISES TO ABRAHAM, 12 SONS OF JACOB, ETC.    Sooooo many possibilities!!!!!!!!!   I LOVE inexpensive, FUN, and informative REVIEW GAMES!!!!!!!!

My encouragement this week is to "THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX."  Before you throw something away, ask yourself...."Could I make something for teaching Bible Class with this?"    It works for me....I save some pretty STRANGE things....and I LOVE it when and IDEA WORKS!!!!!

Blessings,

Ronda

Eli, Hannah and Samuel.....Exploring Bible History

We have JUST begun our NEW UNIT!!!!!!  We are going to be EXPLORING  and  learning about Eli, Samuel, Saul, David and Solomon.  We are going to be VERY BUSY over the next quarter.

This is the way I "CONTAIN" my teaching materials....I use a BIG BINDER and plastic sleeves----LOTS OF PLASTIC SLEEVES!!!!!!  

I am PRAYING fervently about this undertaking.  It is a little more challenging to come up with activities, review games, etc. for the material we are about to EXPLORE......so, I am STRETCHING my brain as I work on these lessons.  :-)

This is what my classroom looks like!!!  I am blessed to have a LARGE ROOM....with plenty of room for the kiddos activities!!!

We have

'TABLE TIME" 

&  

"CIRCLE TIME." 

Our EAA, which stands for EARLY ARRIVAL ACTIVITY is a PUZZLE and then a DRAWING activity. 

I made this puzzle using frames from the Dollar Tree!!!  I call the puzzle "GOD'S AMAZING PLAN!" It is truly a puzzle with each TIME PERIOD OF THE BIBLE in each puzzle piece.  The kiddos worked together to get the puzzle in the correct chronological order!!!

After they completed the puzzle I allowed them to draw in "white boards."  These boards are cut from wall board that I purchased at LOWES..  $11.96 gave me 32 white boards!!!!  I have shared them with ALL the other Bible Classes!!!!   I had coded the white boards with various BIBLE characters and events.  The kiddos had to draw me a picture of what they could remember about the character of event.  THEY LOVED IT!!!!!  All kiddos love to draw on the white/chalk board so, I decided to use this to MY ADVANTAGE!!!!  I will post some pics of what they drew----They amazed me!!!!!

We have NEW cards to add to our WHO? WHAT? WHEN? WHERE? WHY? and HOW? WALL!!!!  

We have a  "NEW" map up on the wall.  

 

We have already added two locations!!!!  

 

The kiddos LOVE to add new locations to the map.

This is our NEW bulletin board.

BTW, I just use the WALL!!!

We have 3 CROWNS and 3 MEN that would be KING.  

We will write (with a sharpie) information about each KING  on each crow.  BTW, the pictures came from DOLLAR TREE...I bought them last year....I sure hope they come out with MORE BIBLE related visuals!

Hannah Praying

Hannah's Answered Prayer!

Our first lesson was about Hannah.  Hannah prayed fervently for a baby boy.  The kiddos were very engaged with this story.  I explained how Hannah went to GOD through prayer.  I let them know that GOD really wants us to let HIM know our wants and needs.  They seemed to really get IT!!!!  YAY!!!!!

This was the kiddos "TAKE HOME." 

 

Our Memory Verse was Psalm 38:15.  "For in YOU, O LORD, I hope.  You will hear, O Lord my GOD."     I  felt this was an appropriate verse for the subject we were EXPLORING.  We sang the verse to the tune:  "One Little, Two Little, Three Little Indians."

Our REVIEW Game was called "PIN THE BOTTLE ON SAMUEL"  Each bottle had a question about the lesson written on it.  If the kiddo answer correctly (which they ALL did) they had to opportunity to "pin" (we used double stick tape) the bottle to Samuel.  They really enjoyed this!!!!!

On Wednesday Evening the kiddos colored  a picture of Samuel...added a "real" rattle and 3D blocks that spell SAMUEL.    They all turned our soooo sweet.  The kiddos added this to their NEW EXPLORER JOURNAL.    (The rattles came from the DOLLAR TREE   and we made the BLOCKS using little square wooden pieces and foamy  3D letters.)

I told you we are going to be busy....  :-)     And, I would NOT have it any other way!!!!!  I feel soooo blessed to be a BIBLE CLASS teacher!!!!  I am looking forward to sharing our EXPLORATIONS with you over the next few months!!!! 

Blessings,

 

 

Ronda

RECYCLED CD's Turned Books of The Bible Game/Activity "SCRAMBLED CD'S"

I LOVE finding a new use for TRASH!!!!   I am sure, if you are anything like me, that you have TONS of CD's laying around that have NO use.  Old computer games, CD's that have be mailed to you in junk mailers, CD's that did not burn right, etc.  It is AMAZING how fast my JUNK CD collection was growing.  :-)  

So, I began thinking, "What should I do with ALL these CD's?"  And, then in a "flash" it came to me.  Make them into a BOOKS OF THE BIBLE Review/Game/Activity.  

Law

This was a fairly quick and easy activity.  I used CD labels, Clip art from my computer, and clip art from Phillip Martin.  (His Clip Art is Free!!!!  Go check his artwork out at his website,)    After printing the labels I applied them to the CD'S.  And, now I have a very FUN and USEFUL game to play with my Bible Class Students.  

History

I like the idea of scattering the CD'S all around the room and then having them pick them up in order.  Or do them in divisions of groups.  LAW, HISTORY, POETRY, MAJOR PROPHETS AND MINOR PROPHETS.  Having the kiddos place them on the spindle in the correct order!!!!  BTW, if you save the spindles (which I do) you have an all-in-one GAME/STORAGE!!!  Isn't this FUN!!!!!!  

Poetry

Minor Prophets

Major Prophets

Now, I need to make the NEW TESTAMENT!!!!  I LOVE making things like this for BIBLE CLASS.  Useful, Economical, and FUN!!!

Blessings,

Ronda

Fruit of the Spirit-----Peace

We are already on lesson 5 of our Fruit of The Spirit lesson material.  The children are really enjoying these lessons.  Lesson five was about the attribute: PEACE.   I decided to use the account of Jesus calming the sea for our main BIBLE story. 

I told the children the story (put into my own words) from Matthew 8:23-27.  We learned how Jesus and his disciples were on a boat and a HUGE storm came up and was tossing the boat back in forth and filling it with water.  The disciples were very scared and woke Jesus.  Jesus demonstrates his AMAZING powers over natures and calms the winds and wave.  He causes a GREAT PEACE to come over the sea.  I used this story as an opportunity to share with the children the idea that we should always turn to JESUS for true PEACE.  He is in control of everything and we need to go to HIM when we are troubled about anything. 

Our TAKE HOME activity was a "Ship In The Bottle" activity.  The little ship was printed from my computer and then laminated...rolled and placed in the bottle.  We filled the bottles half way with blue (food coloring) water.  We then filled the bottle the rest of the way with baby oil.  Added glue to the neck of the bottle and tightly twisted on the lid.  We then (for extra security) wrapped the lid with tape.  The kiddos added on the scripture reference sticker and stuck on some PUFFY 3D fish stickers.  The cool thing about this was as they tipped the bottle back and forth waves would form in the bottle....giving the appearance of a storm.   Needless to say the children LOVED this!!!!  They were so excited about taking home their "STORM IN A BOTTLE."

Our memory verse this week was Psalm 119:165.  We had a little tune that we sang this Memory Verse too.  The children had it memorized before leaving class.  I love it when they know their memory verse so well that they leave the classroom singing it.  Those moments make me smile.

Our Game/Activity was so much fun!!!  We had a  "sea" and "boat" in  the classroom. The "sea" was made from an air bed covered with a blue sheet.  The boat was made from corrugated  plastic that I bought at our local Goodwill for a $1.00 a sheet.  I count this as a lucky find.  :-)  The  children were able to  board the boat and then had to answer questions for the lesson...when they answered the questions we would push up and down on the air bed to make "WAVES."  They would then say, "PEACE BE STILL" and we would stop making the waves.  We repeated this several times.  The kiddos LOVED this activity. 

Kiddos are Aboard the Boat....and the wave are billowing!

We added a few words to our "WORD WALL."  The children are so happy learning these  "BIG PEOPLE" words.  

On Wednesday Evening the children made a picture with a boat on it.  They added the sails (made from cotton material that I had on hand)  and then added the STORM CLOUDS and  then colored the PEACEFUL  side.  They added this to their EXPLORER JOURNAL. 

I am enjoying teaching this UNIT of the Fruit of the Spirit.  It has allowed the children to learn VARIOUS stories from the Bible.  Since I normally teach in a CHRONOLOGICAL fashion, this is a nice break from MY norm.  It is challenging me to think of Biblical Example that go along with each attribute of the Fruit of the Spirit.  So far, so good.  

Blessings,

Ronda