The Ravens Fed Elijah 3D Visual

 I forgot to share this PIC with all of you.   I wanted a 3D visual for the KIDDOS with this story.  So, this is what I decided to do...I printed all the WATER, TREES, and ELIJAH from my clip art programs.  I laminated them for sturdiness.  

The RAVEN are all from Dollar Tree.  I purchased them last FALL.  However, I just noticed that our Dollar Tree was bringing out their FALL merchandise....I am sure they will have these again.  

I LOVE the way this BRINGS the STORY to LIFE!!!  BTW, watch for the "WATER" to reappear in a few weeks.  I will be using this same "water" for the story of the FLOATING AXE HEAD.  Make it once and USE IT FOR SEVERAL BIBLE STORIES!!!  I LOVE it when I am able to REUSE something for multiple lessons.  

Hope you have had a great week prepping to teach your Bible Classes.   

Blessings,

Ronda

The Divided Kingdom...Jeroboam WAS NAUGHTY

Who? What? When? Where? Why? & How?

 

 This Sunday we will be officially on to lesson two of the Divided Kingdom.  Since I am blessed to teach a lesson one week and then REVIEW the lesson the next week...each lesson last me two weeks.  This really is a blessing, as I am writing these lessons.  Sometimes, LIFE gets me going in about a 100 different directions...I am sure you ALL have been there!!!  

So, what is LESSON TWO about???  It is about Jeroboam the very NAUGHTY King.  We are going to be focusing on Jeroboam's wicked decision to place Altars at Dan and Bethel.  We are going to talk about IDOLS and what can become IDOLS in our life.  

God's Awesome Plan For Man--Time Line Card

I want the KIDDOS to understand the HISTORY in this LESSON. I want the KIDDOS to get the fact that Jeroboam had his own justification for erecting the altars---after all, he was worried about the people's allegiance.  (I want them to understand that we can NEVER JUSTIFY SIN.)  I want them to know that Jeroboam was sinning against GOD and leading the people of Israel into sin.  I want them to understand that GOD had promised Jeroboam that HE would be with him....AS LONG AS JEROBOAM did what GOD wanted...but, sadly, Jeroboam chose to be naughty.    There are so many life lessons found within the story of Jeroboam.  I am attempting to BRING those stories out as we Explore this lesson. 

Our Prophet Time Line.

We will be introducing 2 more prophets this week.  The YOUNG PROPHET~that was sent to Jeroboam to WARN him.  The OLD PROPHET~that convinced the Young Prophet to sin against GOD.  Again, there is so many LIFE altering lessons found in this story.  My main focus for the KIDDOS will be to NEVER listen to ANYONE trying to tell you it is OK NOT TO OBEY GOD!!! 

Our "WORD WALL."  We will be adding the word IDOL to our wall this week.  This is the "technical" definition.   I will also explain that ANYTHING we LOVE can become an IDOL. 

 The KIDDOS have 2 'NEW' geographical places to FIND on the map.  We will find DAN and BETHEL.  I  will try my best to explain Jeroboam's reasoning for placing the altars at Dan and Bethel.  I want to point out that these two places are a type of "book ends" to the Northern Nation of Israel.

Our Memory Verse this week will be Leviticus 19:4.    I will often use a portion of a verse as a memory verse for the KIDDOS.  I want them to GET the POINT of the verse...and since they are ranging in age from 4 1/2 to 7...I do not want to STRESS them out over a really LOOOOOOOONG memory verse.  BTW, If one of the KIDDOS does NOT have the memory verse memorized "WORD FOR WORD" but, they can tell me the meaning of the verse...that is JUST FINE BY ME!!!  I want them to UNDERSTAND why the verse is IMPORTANT!!!    We will be singing this Memory Verse to the tune of Frere Jacque.  That will help them get it memorized!    I normally inform the parents the "tune" we sing our memory verses too...that way they can SING/REVIEW  the Memory Verse during the week.  

Tune:  "If You're Happy and You Know It..."

We will have another NEW SONG this Sunday.  This song is sung to a familar tune...  If you know the song, "If You're Happy and You Know It..."  Well that is the tune I use for this SONG.  I know the KIDDOS will LOVE to sing this SONG.  I like the fact that this song explains in a nutshell what led the Nation of Israel into captivity.  

Our "TAKE HOME" activity will be a 'Paper Bible Pop Up.'  At least that is what I am calling it.  :)  This is constructed out of card stock paper.  The little holder is neon green card stock...it is folded like one of those "TABLE TENTS" you see on restaurant tables.  However, attached to it is a paper BIBLE.  The KIDDOS will color the BIBLE and then we will staple the Bible Pages to the edge of the NEON GREEN Table Tent.  That is what gives the Bible the 3D effect!  The KIDDOS will then GLUE their Ribbon Bible Bookmark down.... (I have the RIBBONS attached to the back of the activity....but, it will be up to the KIDDOS how they want to glue their Ribbon Down.   

 After typing ALL of that...I sort of felt CONFUSED...So, I decided to add a few more pictures to try and SHOW you better what I was failing at explaining.  :)

 I felt the Scripture Printed on the "TAKE HOME" activity was very applicable to the lesson....Jeroboam did not KEEP the COMMANDMENTS of GOD... BUT, WE WILL!!!

Our Review Game is one you have seen before....I do REUSE Ideas....Especially if the KIDDOS enjoyed it.  So, this is how we will "PLAY" this Review Game.  We will sing a song that goes along with the LESSON.  (The Kingdom Was Divided, A Prophet is A Messenger, or Jeroboam Was Naughty.)  However, I will say "STOP!" randomly throughout the song.  The KIDDOS will have to stand still in whatever HOOP they are in.  I then let them take turns rolling the die.  The KIDDO in the HOOP with the corresponding number that the DIE lands on will have to answer a question from the lesson.  I like this activity...it get the KIDDOS singing, moving, thinking, and excited!!!  An added BONUS---this can be "played" with SO MANY DIFFERENT STORIES!!!!  Invest/Make It ONCE--USE IT OVER AND OVER AND OVER again!!!!

Our Explorer Journal Activity is so much more simple in nature.  We will be adding DAN and BETHEL to our OWN MAP.  The KIDDOS will color their own MAP of the Divided Kingdoms...and then they will stick a 3D POP up ALTAR at DAN and BETHEL.    We will be doing this activity NEXT Sunday.  SO, by that time the KIDDOS will understand the importance behind this story.  

Hope you can tell how excited I am about teaching this lesson.  I will say, teaching the History of the Divided Kingdom to 4 1/2 -7 year olds is not without its challenges.  BUT it is so worth the effort!!!!  I am thrilled at how they are SOAKING in these stories.   

Blessings,

Ronda

Finding Visual Aids In UNIQUE Places,

I HAVE to share this with you.  I am an AVID Garage Sale Shopper!!!  It is one of MY favorite pastimes. 

During the Summer, my daughters and I go to Garage Sales every Friday Morning....If the weather permits!  You would be AMAZED at what we find...but, my FAVORITE part is getting to spend quality time with my girls.  We laugh---A LOT!!!  We talk about life--A LOT!!!!  And we have great fun helping each other find BARGAINS!!!  

I want to encourage you to go to Garage Sales or Thrift Stores with your mind on BIBLE CLASS!!  You will be SHOCKED at what you find!!  If you are LOOKING for VISUAL AIDES, CRAFT SUPPLIES, BINDERS, etc....TRY SHOPPING GARAGE SALES!!!  

For example, a few weeks ago--I bought Ten, One Inch, Red Binders in BRAND NEW CONDITION, for 25 cents a piece.  All, but one still had the Office Depot Label on them...Original price was $3.99 for ONE!!!  I was excited---to say the least.  I thought about writing a post then---about the Value of Shopping Garage Sales, but decided against it at the time....But, after what I found today, I decided I NEEDED to share with you this AMAZINGLY CHEAP or maybe I should say, ECONOMICAL, way of shopping for needed BIBLE CLASS items.  

Today was a BEAUTIFUL day here in Oklahoma.  My daughters and I were ready to hit the Garage Sales about 8:30 AM.  Not to early---but, not to late.  By 10:30, we had bought clothes, shoes, puppets (my daughter, Sarah is a music teacher, at one of the local schools, and she uses PUPPETS in her classroom.)  books, a few decorative items for my daughter's new house--but, I had NOT found my "FIND of the Day!"  (That is what I call my really special Garage Sale Purchase.)  But, then we happened upon this HUGE, very MESSY Garage Sale.  With a bit of apprehension (this sale was CROWDED!!), we decided to park the car and join in the fun...boy, did they have a TON of stuff.  We could have been there ALL day and not seen everything!!!  Well, we decided to divide and conquer...if we found something we thought one of us wanted we would find each other some how.  :)

As, I was looking a some games, my Daughter said, "Hey MOM, look at this."  I truly felt like I heard the BIRDS SINGING and FELT the SUN SHINING BRIGHTER---OK, probably NOT. But, I was so EXCITED!!!!!  I asked the lady, in charge of the sale, the price of the RAMS horn.  She said, "HOW about $5.00?"  I replied, "Would you take $4.50?"  She said, "SURE."  I was THRILLED!!!!  I had my "FIND of the DAY!"    

You see, back when I was teaching on Joshua/Jericho...I wanted a Rams Horn.  Could not find one!  Then when I was teaching on Gideon...I wanted a Rams Horn.  FOUND one at the Local Bible Bookstore..but, it was more than $75.00.  I could not justify paying that much for a Rams Horn that I wanted the KIDDOS to be able to TOUCH and attempt to PLAY.  So, I did not buy one.  

I know I am not currently teaching any lessons that would call for a  Rams Horn...But, when I need one I NOW HAVE ONE!!!!  :)

So, my encouragement to you is to give Garage Sales and Thrift Stores a try!  Keep BIBLE STORIES in your mind at all times.  Even if you are NOT teaching Bible Class, PLEASE think about those who are teaching and keep your eyes out for GREAT CHEAP,  I mean INEXPENSIVE Visuals.  I KNOW they will appreciate you doing so.  

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