Toddler Class...a FUN New Adventure for ages 2-4!!!

We have had an EXPLOSION of KIDDOS recently!!  This is such an exciting time for our congregation.  We have a "CRADLE ROLL" class....This class has normally had about five KIDDOS...and recently blossomed to nine KIDDOS.    This created a "problem" because our Cradle Roll Table only sits eight KIDDOS.  

 

This is a wonderful "PROBLEM" to have.  It did cause a bit of, "WHAT shall we do to solve this 'PROBLEM?'"  moments.  So, the elders decided it would be best to divide the CRADLE ROLL class and move out the Toddlers and form a NEW class for the TODDLER AGE.    I am SO excited about this NEW CLASS. 

Several of us volunteered to help "SET" up and DECORATE the NEW Classroom.  The teachers wanted to make sure the classroom was an EXCITING PLACE for their KIDDOS.  Please understand this is a WORK in PROGRESS.  We began working on the room after Wednesday Evening Services....and due to the weather we have yet to really complete it....but, I think I LOOKS pretty good and the KIDDOS were SUPER excited this past SUNDAY!!!

I hope you noticed the SHELVES behind the table.  (BTW, one of our elders built the table!  I LOVE IT!!)  Those shelves house MOST of the CURRICULUM for this class.    

We are calling these:

"BUCKET BIBLE LESSONS."    

 

Each of the shallow BUCKETS have a DIFFERENT BIBLE LESSON in it.  I will do my best to explain our PLANS for these lessons.  By the way, the buckets came from DOLLAR TREE.   

When the KIDDOS first arrive the teachers will use these two buckets.  The KIDDOS will "DRIVE" to Bible Class as they sing "This is the way we DRIVE to Class."  --using the steering wheels.  Then they will use the clocks and sing, "It's Time For Bible Class."  (I collected these vehicles years ago via McDonalds Toddler Toys.)

Then they will use the Planes, Boats and Vehicles to sing, "Did You Come to Class today in a BOAT?"  

(The boats came from Dollar Tree.  The Airplanes came from Walmart Baby Section.)

Then the teachers will use this BUCKET and pass our the ROOSTERS.   The KIDDOS will sing, "BOOSTER, BOOSTER..."  (The roosters came from DOLLAR TREE--years ago.  The Pot Holder Rooster came from a garage sale.)

Then the teachers will use this BUCKET.  They will use the TRAINS as they sing, "Choo-Choo Train Bible Song."   Then the KIDDOS will be handed a BIBLE...they will sing SEVERAL songs about the Bible.  Especially "READ YOUR BIBLE and PRAY EVERY DAY."  The teacher will also use this VISUAL to demonstrate the TWO TESTAMENTS and the number of BOOKS in each Testaments. (The trains came from Walmart.  I have collected these Bibles from Garage Sales and Thrift Stores.  We made the Bible Visual.)

If the teacher chooses to teach about CREATION or Adam and Eve they will use this bucket.  Each KIDDO will get an EARTH when they are singing about CREATION.  Each KIDDOS will get an ADAM and EVE when they sing about ADAM and EVE.  (I have collected these EARTH BALLS from Garage Sales and Thrift Stores.  I drew and colored the Adam and Eve Puppets.)

This bucket goes along with the CREATION bucket.  However, we have several songs about FLOWERS...so, we gave the flowers their own bucket.  (Flowers came from the Dollar Tree.)

 This is the NOAH'S ARK Bucket.  The KIDDOS will get a TOOL when they sing songs about building the ARK.  Then they will get an ANIMAL when they are singing songs about the ANIMALS on the ARK.  Their are UNCOLORED ARK/RAINBOW fans in the bottom of this bucket.  The teachers plan to get them colored soon.  (The tools came from Oriental Trading Company.  The Animals came from a Noah's Ark Set. The Rainbow Fan came from Hobby Lobby.)

This is the MOSES BUCKET.  Each KIDDO will get a baby MOSES, BASKET and blanket.  Then they will sing songs about Baby Moses.  (The dolls came from HOBBY LOBBY....YEARS AGO.  Sadly, I cannot find them any longer.  But, I noticed the DOLLAR TREE has some sweet Baby Dolls in their GIRL'S Section.  The baskets are from an old EASTER EGG decorating kit.  The blankets were hand made.)

In the bottom of the MOSES BUCKET is FROGS.  The KIDDOS will have a frog as they sing songs about the PLAGUES on EGYPT.  (My sister gave me these frogs years ago!!)

This is the Joshua and Judges Bucket.  The HORNS are to be used when they sing songs about Joshua and Jericho.  The Palm Trees are for use during the songs about DEBORAH the Judge.  The finger PUPPET is RUTH.  (We are still working to expand this bucket with other stories.--I bought several DONKEYS today at the DOLLAR TREE so that they can use those while SINGING about Balaam.)  I will try to update pics at a later date.  (The Palm Trees came from Dollar Tree.  The HORNS came from Dollar Tree. The Finger Puppets came from Oriental Trading Company.)

This is the Jonah BUCKET.  Each KIDDOS will have a whale as they sing songs about Jonah. (The whales were a gift from my sister.  Again, they were given to me years ago.)

This is the Daniel Bucket.  Each KIDDO will get a Daniel and a Lion to  use as they sing songs about Daniel.  (The Daniel Finger Puppets came from Oriental Trading Company.  The Lions came from Walmart.)

This is the NEHEMIAH and EZRA BUCKET.  The KIDDOS will REBUILD the WALLS as they sing songs about EZRA and NEHEMIAH.  We already have a few new items to add to this bucket....I will take more pics soon.  (The Tools came from Oriental Trading Company.  The WALLS are from the set of Castle Blocks that I purchased to build the Temple and the City of Jerusalem.)

This is the LIFE of JESUS BUCKET.  There are several objects in this BUCKET.  There are: BABY JESUS.  GROWN JESUS. CROSSES.  JESUS with CHILDREN STICKS. (The teachers will be coloring these soon.)    This BUCKET will be used while singing songs about Baby Jesus.  Adult Jesus.  The Cross.  Jesus and Children.  (The Baby Jesus and Adult Jesus finger puppets came from Oriental Trading Company.  The Crosses came from Hobby Lobby.  The Jesus and Little Children sticks came from Hobby Lobby.)

We call this one LIVING for JESUS BUCKET.  There are HEARTS, Battery Powered Candles, Happy Face Balls, and Church Buildings.  We have songs that go with each of those items.  (Happy Face Balls came from Hobby Lobby.  The Foamy Church Buildings came from Hobby Lobby.  The Battery Powered Candles are from the Dollar Tree.  The Hearts are from Big Lots---they are about 15 years old.) 

This is a basket full of FUN FISH.  There are so many uses for these FISH.  However, on of the KIDDOS favorite songs is, "ALL GOD'S FISH ARE SWIMMIN IN THE WATER."   (The FISH came from Dollar Tree.  Several Years ago.)

This age group LOVES things that MOVE or MAKE noise.  THIS basket is full of TEACHING TOYS.  They are wind ups and (except the ROBIN.--she tweets when you hold her in your palm.) we have songs that go with each wind up toy.  (I have collected these WIND up toys for years.  I often find them at GARAGE SALES for pennies.)

These are fun for this age group.   The KIDDOS get to hold a songbook as they sing...They wont do this every week...but, they will do this once in a while.

(These came from Dollar Tree.  Several Years Ago.)

I LOVE these Bible Characters!!!  I am so happy to see them being put to use.  I think they make this classroom look FUN and EXCITING!! 

  

We have some other ideas and plans for this room.  I will try to post more pictures of this room and "BUCKET BIBLE LESSONS" as we EXPAND upon this idea. 

Blessings,

Ronda

KING UZZIAH'S PRIDE PROBLEM

This past Sunday we had a new lesson!  Our lesson was about KING UZZIAH, also known as Azariah.    Uzziah begins his reign at the tender age of 16 years old.  He starts out as a good and godly King of Judah.  He has wonderful influences in his life.  His father Amaziah, was a godly King and  Zachariah, the PROPHET were strong influences in his life.  Uzziah built up and strengthened the Nation of Judah.  His armies were so strong that, other nations paid tribute to King Uzziah.  He was know for his military strength.  Uzziah was also know for his love for the LAND of Judah. Matter-of-fact, he loved the land so much that he planted crops and vineyards all though out the land of Judah and dug wells for all of his livestock. He was a very successful king. 

"GOD'S AWESOME PLAN FOR MAN" Card.

However, after Zachariah, the prophet died--Uzziah begins to "CHANGE."  His FAME, SUCCESSES and FORTUNE goes right to his head.  He becomes arrogant and full of PRIDE.  HE makes a BIG mistake when he entered the temple and  offer incense upon the altar.  THIS was WRONG.  The priest tried to stop him...but, his PRIDE got in the way....GOD punished him and he was cursed with leprosy.  What a sad story.  So many lesson for us today.  PRIDE is a dangerous thing!

I want to make sure the KIDDOS understand the difference between PRIDE and humility.  So, we added these "new" words to our WORD WALL!

We learned a new song this past Sunday.  The KIDDOS loved singing this one.  :-)  

If you want to hear this song you can click this link...  Uzziah's PRIDE Song.

I love it when the KIDDOS ask to "SING IT AGAIN, Ms Ronda."

We have a new Memory Verse for this lesson.  We sung this Memory Verse to the tune: "If you're happy and you know it..."  Most of the KIDDOS were able to tell me the Memory Verse before Bible Class time was over. 

Our MAP WALL/REVIEW WALL is beginning to fill up.  I love displaying our PAST "EXPLORER JOURNAL" activities and MEMORY VERSES this way.  It make it so easy to review past lessons.  

I wanted something "different" for VISUAL AIDES.  So, I decided to go small and magnetic.  I used CLIP ART and my own drawings to make these visuals.  Printed, Laminated and added Magnetic Tape to the backs...This makes them easy to attach to a COOKIE SHEET.    As I told the the story, I placed the PIECES onto the cookie sheet.  I used the FRONT of the cookie sheet to display UZZIAH'S successes and then flipped the cookie sheet over to tell the REST of the STORY.  

The KIDDOS LOVED THIS VISUAL!!!!  So, during the REVIEW LESSON, NEXT WEEK, I am going to pass the pieces out and have the KIDDOS place them on the cookie sheet!!  The clip art I used came from PRINT MASTER computer program, SELF DRAWN Clip Art and http://www.freechristianillustrations.com/clipart.html. (I am in NO WAY affilated with this clip art company.  I do not receive any PERKS, COMPENSATION or FINANCIAL benefits by posting this link.  I only post the link as a service to my readers.)

Our Interactive Bulletin Board is BURSTING with NEW information for the KIDDOS.  We have added MORE SMILING (GODLY) KINGS and a NEW PROPHET!   I use this Bulletin Board WEEKLY!!!  We refer to PAST KINGS and EXAMINE the CURRENT KING we are learning about.  The KIDDOS LOVE seeing the SMILING KINGS placed on the board. 

We have a NEW PROPHET.....I am amazed by the KIDDOS ability to REMEMBER who the PROPHET prophesied too!!  (PLEASE ignore the cords....I was using my HOT GLUE gun and Computer the day I took this pic.)

Our "TAKE HOME" activity was super simple to make!  

I found these "Design Your Own Cups" at Walmart.  I bought them during their Valentines Clearance Sale... I got most of them at 75% off.  However,  I did manage to find a few of them when they dropped to 90% off!!! I love Clearance!

 I designed the insert on the computer....I made one for Girls and one for Boys. 

To ADD to the "SPECIALNESS" of this activity, I allowed the KIDDOS to use my MARKERS.  (OF COURSE they got the "SPEECH."  "Do not draw on yourself, Do not draw on your clothes, Do not draw on the table, Do not draw on each other, Put the caps back on before getting a NEW color.")  We had no Marker Catastrophes this week!!  The KIDDOS also we given 3D Glittery Heart Stickers to add to their insert.  They LOVED this project and were so excited to show them to their parents. 

Our REVIEW GAME this week is: "PRIDE goes before a FALL."  

The KIDDOS will PULL down a PIECE of the word PRIDE.  I have questions on each piece...if the KIDDOS answer the question correctly they get to PULL IT DOWN....I have found KIDDOS love PULLING OFF items.  

Next week during our Review Week the  KIDDOS will be making a Leprosy covered Uzziah.  The KIDDOS will color King Uzziah, add a Censer Sticker (this was made from Print Master clip art.) and then add the "Leprosy."  The "Leprosy" is  Paper Hole Reinforcers.  After the KIDDOS stick on the "Leprosy" they can color the "hole" red or yellow.   By the way, the Censer Sticker is 3D.  I forgot to take a picture of how the censer seems to POP up off the page.  I used FOAMY double sided sticker dots to make these appear to POP off the page. 

This was a wonderful lesson to EXPLORE with the KIDDOS.  I LOVE seeing the KIDDOS "GET" the POINT to a lesson.  I had one of my KIDDOS say, "Uzziah should have given GOD the credit."  Could not have been happier!!!!  

Blessings,

Ronda

Joel Prophesied In Judah --- Locust in Judah

We are moving forward with our EXPLORING BIBLE HISTORY.    Are next lesson is about Joel prophesying in the land of Judah.     

I am sure you know the history to this lesson.  There was a terrible PLAGUE of LOCUST in the Land of Judah.    Joel told the people of JUDAH that the PLAGUE was NO ACCIDENT.  They had NOT been obeying GOD and they were suffering for their disobedience.      So much for the KIDDOS to learn...both the HISTORY and the APPLICATION.  We MUST obey GOD!!! 

The KIDDOS will have three new WORDS for the WORD WALL.  I want to make sure they UNDERSTAND what all three of these words mean.....So, I will explain the words and then have them HELP me use them in a sentence. 

 We have a NEW CARD to add to our "GOD'S AWESOME PLAN FOR MAN" timeline.  

This is our MEMORY VERSE for this week.  This verse comes directly from the text our lesson comes from.    We will 'sing' this memory verse several times before class time is over. (BELOW is a video highlighting our TAKE HOME project.  The MEMORY VERSE is being sung in the video.) 

I decided the best VISUAL would be to have a "SWARM of LOCUST" in our classroom.  I printed SEVERAL clip art Locust/Grasshoppers and cut them out.   Then set them up all over the floor of the classroom.  (Leaving enough room for the KIDDOS to be able to carefully navigate through the locust...when they come into the classroom.)

The KIDDOS have a new song to learn!!!  I  was blessed to write this song during our trip to Florida this past February.  I sang it SEVERAL times in the car.   Matter-Of-Fact, I sang it so many times, my husband was able to sing it.  :-) 

If you follow this LINK you will be able to hear how this song goes. 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201402483249792&set=vb.315861918469916&type=2&theater

I decided that the KIDDOS would make a "LOCUST" for their TAKE HOME project.   I printed the MEMORY VERSE on the wing.  That way not only is a Locust, but a Locust with a purpose.     I think it turned out cute.  

I have them all "put together"---except the heads and eyes.  The KIDDOS will glue the head and eyes on during class time. If time permits the KIDDOS will be allowed to color their Locust, too. 

Then the KIDDOS  will glue their "LOCUST" to a PAINT PADDLE.  Adding it to the paint paddle turns it into a type of PUPPET.    ---I will have the KIDDOS sing their Memory Verse while moving their "LOCUST" around!!

 Below is a video of the LOCUST moving about as I sang the Memory Verse. 

Our REVIEW GAME is called "LEAPING LOCUST!!"  
















This game will be played by the KIDDOS rolling a die, pulling a question card, if they answer the question correctly they get to MOVE their "LOCUST" ahead the number of spaces that they rolled.  













If the LOCUST lands on a plant...they miss a turn.  After all the LOCUST love to eat plants. 

The object of the game is to move  the LOCUST from the start line down to the growing CROPS!!! 

(BTW, I made the LOCUST GAME pieces from CLIP ART, Binder Clips --with the silver parts removed and Avery Color Dot Stickers.) EASY to assemble. 

Next week we will review this lesson.  The KIDDOS will add this project to their 

EXPLORER JOURNAL.  The KIDDOS will COLOR the "CROPS" and then add  LOCUST.  I bought the Stickers and  LOCUST at the DOLLAR TREE.  The stickers were found in the School Supply area.  The 3D Locust/Grasshopper came in a package of BUGS.  I found them in the toys. 

I think this is going to be an exciting lesson.  I know I am excited about teaching it this Sunday.  

Blessings,

Ronda