A BIG FISH Story. Jonah the Prophet

 I am so EXCITED about this LESSON.  I know the KIDDOS will LOVE this one!!!!   It is a WONDERFUL story and teaches the KIDDOS so many attributes of GOD.  HE is ALL KNOWING.  HE is ALL POWERFUL.  HE is ALWAYS PRESENT!    GOD is TRULY AMAZING!!!!  This is a GREAT story to TEACH the WONDERFUL NATURE of GOD!  It is also an opportunity to TEACH about OBEDIENCE, RESPONSIBILITIES and the NEED NOT to be PREJUDICE and REPENTANCE.   

I will be TAKING LOTS OF PICTURES this SUNDAY!   

Each KIDDO will be allowed to get into the "WHALE" and we will TAKE their PICTURE! 

I am thinking the PICS might be fun for the KIDDOS to give their MOMS for Mother's Day in MAY!! 

This was super EASY to MAKE!!!  I used a KID size Pop Up PLAY TENT.  I draped it with a KING SIZE blue sheet (blue sheets are WONDERFUL to keep in your supply room!!)  added the eyes (made the eyes out of felt and attached them with DUCT tape) and gathered the back to look like a tail.  WALLA!!!!  Easy Peasy WHALE!!!

I want to make sure the KIDDOS understand what it means to REPENT.  So, we will be adding the word "REPENT" to our WORD WALL!

We have added JONAH to our "GOD'S AWESOME PLAN for MAN" wall.  This wall is a type of TIME LINE.  It allows the opportunity for the KIDDOS to SEE the BIBLE stories that we have already learned.  It is a wonderful REVIEW TOOL. 

The KIDDOS memory verses for this lesson is  2 Corinthians 7:10.  I thought it was appropriate for this lesson.  I want the KIDDOS to understand what TRUE REPENTANCE means to GOD.  We will sing this to a "Ronda Original" tune.  

NINEVAH

This week we will be adding several NEW places to our MAP WALL.  NOW, if you look closely you will NOTICE I somehow did NOT include a NINEVEH in this PICTURE.  BUT, never fear, once I realized my GOOF...I took one more picture.   BTW, if you notice I put our PAST LESSONS, EXPLORER JOURNAL ACTIVITY, up around the MAP.  This is a GREAT WAY to quickly REVIEW!  our PAST LESSONS.  It HELPS me REMIND the KIDDOS of these LESSONS!  

 

IT also lets PARENTS "PEEK" in and SEE some of the activities the KIDDOS have been doing on the weeks when the KIDDOS do NOT take home their ACTIVITY.  Remember, I COLLECT all the "EXPLORER JOURNAL" ACTIVITIES and place them in their "EXPLORER JOURNALS."  The KIDDOS take those JOURNALS home at the END of a QUARTER.    

The KIDDOS "TAKE HOME" Activity this week begins with a SMALL "milk" jug. These jugs actually came with FRUIT PUNCH in them.   I have collected these for a LOOONG time.  The are such a SWEET size and will work perfectly for the KIDDOS.  However, I have made these before with the GALLON size!!  Those are fun too!!!  But, I had these little finger puppets from ORIENTAL TRADING and the GALLON one would have been HUGE in comparison.  

I spray painted them gray.  I then made a "TAIL" out of GRAY foam and hot glued it to the CAP.  During CLASS the KIDDOS will ADD the eyes.  (To expedite this, I have stuck Double Stick FOAM dots to the back of the eyes.  That way it is a PEEL and STICK activity!)  

NOW, about those LITTLE JONAHS.  I had ordered a BUNCH of sets of Nativity Finger Puppets from Oriental Trading...I KNOW these are supposed to be "JOSEPH"  but, for me they are JONAH!!!  So, this is what I did.   I  POKED a small hole in the top of the heads of each of these "JONAHS" and threaded a cord through them and tied it off.   KEEP READING and you will understand WHY!!!  :-)

I have a small hole in the Whale's (GREAT FISH) mouth.  I threaded the other end of the thread through that hole.  That way the KIDDOS get to CATCH Jonah with their GREAT FISH (Whale.) 

I think he is so cute sitting in there!!!

 

I KNOW the KIDDOS are going to LOVE catching JONAH!!!!  We will sing a song as we CATCH JONAH.     If you want to SEE me CATCH JONAH---watch the short video right here.  :-)

This is the SONG we will be singing as we CATCH Jonah with our GREAT FISH (WHALE.) 

 

GOD'S Prophets have been busy!  We have learned a LOT of LIFE lessons through these Prophets.  I LOVE placing the PROPHETS with the KINGS that were REIGNING during the time the PROPHET PROPHESIED.    I want the KIDDOS to see the CONTINUITY of the BIBLE.  Even though we are leaning from the book of Jonah...I want the KIDDOS to know that Jonah was PROPHESYING during the time/life of Jeroboam II

Our REVIEW GAME this week is called "Jonah Is Overboard."  I have had this little "BIBLE TIME" man for a REALLY LONG TIME.  I think he came from a VELCRO SET...but, I got him FREE at a YARDSALE!!!  His clothes are very spongy and the ROUGH side of VELCRO STICKS to him really well.  So, that got me to thinking....I wanted a TOSS JONAH type activity.

The KIDDOS will answer a question for an opportunity to TOSS Jonah at the BOARD...and when he STICKS they have to answer another question!!! 

Next week we will REVIEW this LESSON!!!  The KIDDOS will SAY their MEMORY VERSE and they will make their "EXPLORER JOURNAL" Activity.    I wanted the KIDDOS to have a WHALE (GREAT FISH) that they could POKE JONAH in and out from.  So, this is what I came up with....Jonah is actually on a brad---I colored the brad GRAY with a Sharpie---after all, I could not stand a GOLD brad on my GRAY Whale.  

 Jonah actually ROCKS in and OUT of the WHALE.  I am really happy with the way this turned out....HOWEVER, I may add a "handle" that the KIDDOS can grab so that it is easier to move Jonah in and out.    If I deem it is necessary, I will take another picture and SHARE it with you.  

Blessings,

Ronda

New Year....NEW ATTENDANCE CHARTS!!!

Hi all.  It has been a fast and furious few weeks at our NUT HOUSE...Just so you know that is what I lovingly call my home.  It seems that the VIRUS my 13 year old brought home from school...took up LOOOOONG term residency  in our home.  On top of that, we have had a family of squirrels move into our attic.  BLECK!!!  I think they took the naming of our home seriously!!!  So, LIFE has been extremely CRAZY for our family.  You see, while trying to catch these pesky squirrels, while trying to celebrate my LOVING HUBBY'S birthday, while trying to enjoy all the various activities and performances that my KIDDOS have going on this time of the year, while trying to get all the Christmas preparations done and trying to enjoy the Holiday Season...I have been FLAT OUT SICK!!!  I am now UP on my feet and feeling about 80% normal.     

Being way to  sick to go anywhere did provide me with one blessing.  I got to WRITE BIBLE LESSONS!!!!  You see, I snuggled up in my favorite chair under  my favorite blanket with  my computer and managed to get 3 lessons written on the Southern Nation of Judah!!!!!!!  YAY!!!!!!  I really try to look for BLESSINGS in Sufferings.  I REALLY try to find a way to be thankful and content.  

After being sick for so long I could NOT wait to get in my classroom and get some "WORK" done.  So, TODAY, the first day of 2013, I loaded up my computer and "BIBLE CLASS Projects Bag" and headed to the church building with my Hubby.  I REALLY wanted to get the KIDDOS  ATTENDANCE CHARTS CHANGED TODAY!!!!  I wanted them to be ready for the KIDDOS on Wednesday Evening.  

BTW, THE KIDDOS LOVED the FALL TREES that they had been filling in with 3D leaves. 

But, I have to tell you a funny story.  You see, these KIDDOS are SMART!!!  I have had 2 of my KIDDOS point out that we are NO LONGER IN AUTUMN!!  So, I figured I better get a move on and get them changed out quickly!!!  :-)  I love it when the KIDDOS keep you on TASK! 

 

I decided to go with the Theme of HEARTS.  We are going to be learning about some Kings of Judah that had their HEARTS RIGHT with GOD.  So, I will be able to bring in the ATTENDANCE CHARTS into our lessons...  I have entitled the Attendance Board, "We LOVE Attending BIBLE Class!"  I will point out to the KIDDOS that when we LOVE ATTENDING BIBLE CLASS it makes GOD happy.

 

 I LOVE the colors on this BOARD.  I do not often use Pastel Colors....But, this allowed me to have Pastels mixed with BRIGHTS!!!  I did put the BOYS Attendance Cards on BLUE backgrounds and the GIRLS Attendance Cards are or Bright PINK!!    I have a VARIETY of HEART SHAPED stickers.  So, I think it will work well for Boys and Girls.  I will let you know how much they like this Attendance Charts.

Because I am a BIG fan of 3D, I added some 3D RED HEART ORNAMENTS.  I have had these ornaments in my supply closet for about 8 years.  I used one set a LONG time ago when I was teaching on the attributes of LOVE from 1 Corinthians 13.  I knew I would use this second set at some point---who knew it would be about 8 years later.  That is WHY I say "SAVE IT---I will use it some day!"

  

This Attendance Board Makes me Happy.  I hope the KIDDOS will LOVE filling in their CARDS with LOTS of HEART SHAPED STICKERS!!!!

OK, OK, OK....JUST an UPDATE.  Please let me explain...I ran by Dollar Tree this morning to pick up a BUTTON--I need one more GIRL MEMORY VERSE BEAD BUTTON--we have a NEW family attending with us!!!!!  Well, when I walked in I was so excited....THEY have all their VALENTINES DECORATIONS out!!!  I spotted something immediately!!!!  Those beautiful, little, RED FELT HEARTS!!!!  They are a GARLAND!!!!!!!  So, I decided to get them....I knew I wanted to add them to my Attendance Board.....BUT, I have FUTURE PLANS for them too!!!!  Wont they be great for when I teach on 1 CORINTHIANS 13---The infamous LOVE Chapter!!!  I will be able to use them to ADD a NEW ATTRIBUTE to the garland as we learn about it!!!  I will just need to take them apart (once I have finished using them to decorate the board) and write each attribute of LOVE on the hearts....The KIDDOS will each get their OWN SET to add their hearts to....I know it will be a LOOOOOONG time before I CHRONOLOGICALLY get to 1 CORINTHIANS 13...but, sometimes in the SUMMER, I like to CHANGE things us and do a NEW TESTAMENT STUDY....HUM......I might have to do that this Summer.  NOT SURE, so don't HOLD me to that PLAN.  :-)

Blessings,

Ronda

A Floating Axe Head.

First thing first....THIS has been a ROUGH few weeks.  We have had some sort of sickness running rampant through our home.  My oldest son brought it home with him a few weeks back.  Since then we have all seemed to be dropping like dead flies.  I was the last fly to drop....and when I did I dropped hard and fast.  Whatever this sickness was....well, it knocked me for a loop!  I am STILL coughing...however, I am feeling MUCH better.  I said all that to say....I am REALLY running behind this week.  It is CRAZY how far behind the month of December seems to put me.  And, that is when I am feeling well.  With me NOT feeling well...WELL...I am REALLY FAR BEHIND.

This week we are moving on in our Exploration of Bible History.  We are still learning about the Miracles of Elisha...and this week we are going to be learning about the time when Elisha made an AXE HEAD FLOAT!!!  This story comes from 2 Kings 6.

GOD'S AWESOME PLAN FOR MAN----WALL

This story has always amazed me....I love the story of GOD'S power over the Laws of Physics!!!  After all HE created Physics!!!  :-)     However, there is a few other points I want to DRAW OUT from this story.  First off, I want the KIDDOS to understand the importance of Borrowing/Lending.  I want them to understand that IF they Borrow something...they have a responsibility to make sure to take care of the item they borrowed...and to return it to the owner in a timely manner.  I also, am wanting to talk to them about the idea of Lending something....hoping to get them to understand that when we LOAN out items we are taking a chance that we MIGHT not get the item back....and FRIENDSHIPS is much more important than items!!!

To introduce the lesson, I am going to have a pail of water and some "IRON" metal washers.  I am going to let the children drop them in the water....then I am going to ask them if they can now make them FLOAT to the top of the water....so, that I can get them out.    I figure they will all say "NO."  But, I will let them try to float them...LOL.  Then I am going to toss a small stick in the water and ask them if they think that the STICK can make those HEAVY "IRON" WASHER float to the top.  I am hoping they will think I am a it CRAZY!!!! But, that is when I am going to tell them that in the BIBLE we find a STORY where GOD'S PROPHET, ELISHA, made an AXE HEAD FLOAT!!!!!

This week the KIDDOS will be Memorizing Proverbs 22:7.   I chose this verse because I feel it goes well with this story and teaches a very important LIFE LESSON!

We have two new words to add to our WORD WALL.  I figure the KIDDOS understand the principle of Borrowing and Lending....BUT, I want to be able to REVIEW the act of Borrowing and Lending with the KIDDOS in the future....and IT is WONDERFUL to have WORDS up on the WORD WALL that quickly remind us of a BIBLE STORY or  BIBLE PRINCIPLE! 

The KIDDOS "TAKE HOME" ACTIVITY this week is super EASY!!!  Matter-Of-Fact, it is an AX that I purchased at the Dollar Tree--back in the Summer.  I was recently at the Dollar Tree and did NOT see these at this time....HOPING they will bring them back next Summer. 

I wrote the Bible Verse on the AX HEADS with a Sharpie.  I did write the LETTERS in an OUTLINE style....so, the KIDDOS will be able to COLOR them in on Sunday.  I will be letting them color with SHARPIE....SO, there will be LOTS of RULES for them to be allowed to "BORROW" my "special" markers.  I will only "LOAN" them to the KIDDOS willing to FOLLOW the RULES!  :-)  I love it when I get to make something so simple FIT IN with the LESSON!!!!    BTW, these AX HEADS FLOAT!!!!

The FRONT of the AXE HEAD has the verse written on it and the BACK has the Scripture Reference!

I decided to REUSE the VISUALS IDEA from the last lesson.  Since the base already had the "RIVER JORDAN" on it....I thought there was NO NEED to RECREATE the WHEEL.  So, I used the base/backdrop for this LESSON too.  I slid in "sons of the prophets," trees, logs, and Elisha.  I do have the AXE HEAD and STICK stuck on with VELCRO DOTS....SO, I will be able to put the AXE HEAD in the RIVER and toss the STICK into the RIVER too.  

The CLIP ART came from the Cool Clip Art Collection.    http://www.coolclipart.com/clipart-downloads-set-details.php?vol=49    I do NOT receive any incentives, financial support, etc. from this clip art company.  I only LIST it here so that you might be able to FIND this resource.  I did ADD AXES and REMOVE TONGUES of FIRE to these....Just PRINT and CLIP and GLUE!!!  The KIDDOS will never KNOW  who these CLIP ART PEOPLE were SUPPOSED to be...SO, color them in different colors, add accessories,  and you have a WHOLE NEW PERSON!!!!  Blessings of teaching the EARLY CHILDHOOD AGE GROUP!!!!  BTW, the TREES and LOGS were printed from the PRINT MASTER Program Clip Art Collection.  I LOVE this program and have used it for YEARS!!!!

 The KIDDOS will be LEARNING a new song this week.  It goes along with this lesson....It is called DO YOU THINK YOU COULD MAKE AN AXE HEAD FLOAT?   This song is sung to the familiar tune:  "If you're happy and you know it..."

OUR REVIEW GAME will involve a "FLOATING" AXE Head.  The KIDDOS will make this AXE Head "FLOAT" by answering questions from the LESSON.  Every time they answer a question correctly they get to "FLOAT" the AXE Head up to the NEXT LEVEL.  I used VELCRO DOTS as the way to ATTACH the AXE HEAD...BTW,  the little AXE HEAD was purchased at the DOLLAR TREE....They were out of the AXE'S that I was looking for....but, they had these GLOW STICK versions....I was so excited when I figured out the AXE HEAD slides right OFF!!! 

I just WRAPPED the little AXE HEAD in ALUMINUM foil and glued on the VELCRO DOT to the back....It works PERFECTLY!!!!  YAY!!!!!!!!!

Make sure to notice, I glued on a STICK....that way the AXE HEAD can FLOAT!  :-)

NEXT week when we review this LESSON the KIDDOS will make their EXPLORER JOURNAL ACTIVITY!!!  I WORKED REALLY hard to get this to work!!!!  I am so HAPPY with how it turned out!!!!!!  I know the KIDDOS will LOVE making their AXE HEAD FLOAT!!!

I made the little AXE HEADS out of FOIL SPARKLY PAPER.  It is folded over and has a PENNY glued to the inside...that gives the AXE HEAD the needed WEIGHT to SINK!!!  It is also attached to a piece of fishing line that is run through a very tiny hole up at the top of the page.  The fishing line is then tied to a button....so, that it wont slip back through the hole. 

During class the KIDDOS will COLOR the water, glue on the stick and then add the AXE HEAD.....I have the pages pre-sliced so that we can simply add the AXE HEAD, thread it through the hole and tie it to the button.

I have attempted to explain this activity the best I can....but, I decided It would just be easier to SHOW you how the finished product works.  So, we shot a short VIDEO....HOPE YOU ENJOY WATCHING the AXE HEAD FLOAT!!

Blessings,

Ronda