Teacher s supplement Year C

Transcription

1 Updated! Teacher s supplement Year C INFANTS LOWER PRIMARY UPPER PRIMARY To be used with Connect C1 and C2 Teacher s manuals and Student Activity books. Bible-based resources for kids in school

2 Welcome to the Connect Cycle C Teacher s supplement It s a kingdom theme! The year C cycle of Connect introduces students to the Old Testament kingdom of Israel. It also shows how Jesus is the fulfilment of so many of God s kingdom promises. He is the perfect king, he brings in God s eternal kingdom making it possible for all who trust in him to join God s kingdom. Jesus teaches those in his kingdom how to live. These lessons are full of strong narratives, memorable characters and the wonderful assurance that all who trust in Jesus will enjoy life with God forever. This supplement will give you help to adapt the Cycle C material to a variety of different situations and provide extra ideas for added impact. Rhonda Watson David Ahab Solomon Hezekiah Josiah Jesus 2

3 Contents Welcome...2 Seeing the big picture Cycle C overview...4 Cycle C Infants curriculum outline...26 Infants C1 teaching ideas...8 Infants C2 teaching ideas...12 Cycle C Lower Primary curriculum outline...26 Lower Primary C1 teaching ideas...18 Lower Primary C2 teaching ideas...22 Cycle C Upper Primary curriculum outline...26 Upper Primary C1 teaching ideas...28 Upper Primary C2 teaching ideas...32 Customising Connect...36 The Coloured Visual aid packs...38 Using music with children...42 What is on the CDs?...43 Song word master for Cycle C songs...46 Making links between school & church...84 Quick classroom games...88 Easy craft ideas...92 Making Easter & Christmas special...99 How can I get extra help?

4 Seeing the Big picture: Cycle C overview C1: Lessons 1 10 Revealing God s plan It s all about Jesus These first ten lessons of the year focus on Jesus. We introduce Jesus to the children, starting with his childhood and his visit to the Temple in Jerusalem. As his life story unfolds the students will discover that Jesus experienced temptation and his life is the fulfilment of God s promises to his people that he would send a special king. Jesus calls people to follow him and we hear the accounts of many people who encountered Jesus including the first disciples, Nicodemus, a Samaritan woman, a disabled man, and a hungry crowd. The semester ends with the story of the first Easter and the news that Jesus death and resurrection make it possible for us to be God s friends. It s all about Jesus! Application: Jesus is God s Son, the promised King, who has power that comes from God. Jesus invites us to put our trust in him to receive forgiveness and life with God that lasts forever. C1 Lessons God s people in the Promised Land The kingdom God s rule in God s land These lessons cover the time when the monarchy is established in Israel. Samuel is introduced to the students and his influence continues through the reigns of Saul and David. Saul, Israel s first king, fails to stay true to his responsibility to be a faithful and obedient king of God s people. His ongoing disobedience leads to his rejection by God. David seems to be an unlikely choice to replace Saul, but as his story unfolds we see that his heart is devoted to God as he patiently waits to take the role of king. To David God makes significant promises of a descendant who will rule God s kingdom forever. David s son Solomon becomes king and begins with an obedient and wise heart. Application: The earthly kings of God s people are all imperfect. God promises his people a perfect king who will rule forever. God can be trusted to keep his promises to his people. He tells us to trust him. 4

5 C2 Lessons 1 10 Into exile Choosing to be part of God s kingdom God s people and their kings ignore God s plan and his commands. He continues to speak and make promises through his prophets. God s people suffer and go into exile. God remains faithful to them in exile, as shown in the life of Daniel. He brings them back to their land and helps them make a new start. Application: God treats disobedience seriously. However, he also promises forgiveness and renewal. God keeps those promises. We can turn to him for forgiveness and we can trust in his promises. C2 Lessons Lessons from Jesus about living in his kingdom Living in God s kingdom Jesus is God s perfect king who rules his kingdom forever. We discover in Jesus life and teaching what it means to belong to God s kingdom, trust in Jesus and obey him. Jesus teaches his people how much God loves them, how we can love and care for others and what a difference we can make as light and salt in our world. Application: Jesus is God s perfect king. When we trust in him and obey him our lives will show we are different. We remember Jesus birth at Christmas and thank God for him. Where this fits in God s plan of salvation Timeline Creation Abraham (ca BC) Moses (ca BC) David ( BC) Isaiah s ministry begins (740BC) Hezekiah (ca BC) Josiah (ca BC) Babylonian captivity (ca BC) Return of first exiles (583BC) Jeremiah (ca BC) Nehemiah ( BC) Jesus Us (AD 21st century) 5

6 Cycle C Infants curriculum outline C1 Revealing God s plan 1. The boy Jesus in the temple Luke 2: The temptations Luke 4: Jesus ministry fulfils God s promises Luke 4: Jesus calls people to follow him Luke 5:1 11; John 1: New life: Nicodemus John 3: New Life: the Samaritan woman John 4 7. Power to heal John 5: Power to meet needs John 6 9. Power to die and rise again John 11; Jesus is the only way John 14 The kingdom: God s rule in God s land 11. Samuel 1 Samuel 1; 2:11, 18 21; Saul chosen as king 1 Samuel 8; 9:16 10:1, David chosen as king 1 Samuel 16: David and Goliath 1 Samuel David and Jonathan 1 Samuel 18:1 11; 19:1 7; David becomes king 2 Samuel 1:1 12; 5: David honours God 2 Samuel 7:1 28; 1 Chronicles Solomon 1 Kings 3; Thankful Israel: Psalms Psalm 8; 16; Roxane children s worker Romans 12:6 8 Easter assembly Special lesson The environment 6

7 C2 Choosing to be part of God s Kingdom 1. Ignoring God s plan: the divided kingdom 1 Kings 11:1 13; 11:26 12:20 2. Led by bad kings: Ahab 1 Kings 15:25 17:1 3. Reminded of God s promise: Elijah 1 Kings 17; Faithful kings: Hezekiah, Josiah 2 Kings 18:20; 22; God still forgives: Isaiah Isaiah 55; People who won t listen: Jeremiah Jeremiah 31; Exile 2 Kings 25: Jeremiah Faithful in exile: Daniel Daniel 1; 2; 6 9. Return from exile: Nehemiah Nehemiah 10. God provides a new beginning: Isaiah Isaiah Living in God s kingdom 11. Jesus the Good Shepherd John 9; Seeking the lost Luke 15:1,2, Loving your enemies Matthew 5: Giving to the needy Matthew 6: Trusting God for your needs Matthew 6: Building wisely Matthew 7: Storing treasures in heaven Matthew 6: Being light for the world Matthew 5: Christmas lesson: Jesus the king Matthew 2: Cathy veterinarian Genesis 2:15; Matthew 6:25-30; 10:29 31 Christmas assembly Matthew 1:18 24; Luke 2:1 7 Special lesson Coping with change 1 Peter 5:7 7

8 Teaching ideas for Infants C1 Revealing God s plan Lessons The boy Jesus in the temple 2. The temptations 3. Jesus ministry fulfils God s promises 4. Jesus calls people to follow him 5. New life: Nicodemus Luke 2:39 52 Luke 4:1 13 Luke 4:14 44 Luke 5:1 11; John 1:35 51 John 3:1 21 Keep this lesson. It is a good introduction to the year and to Jesus. To shorten lesson: Keep Way in as a way to get to know the class. Omit reading Luke 2:46. Important: Keep the CD endplay as it introduces Josh and Naomi. Have activity page Find-a-word completed to show any children who are struggling. You could omit this lesson; it has some difficult concepts for Infants children, such as the Devil, sin, temptation, the Scriptures. To shorten lesson: Leave out Way in drama; instead discuss times when we feel like doing something we know is wrong. Omit: reading Luke 4:8. Important: to teach that Jesus always did what was right, even when it was hard. Reassure students that God forgives us when we are sorry for doing wrong. Keep this lesson; it is a good overview of who Jesus is and what he did. To shorten lesson: Omit Bible readings Acts 13:38,39; Luke 18:40 43; Luke 4:40. Important: Jesus was God s promised king Keep this lesson; it introduces the disciples and Jesus call to them to follow him. Important: Jesus called people to follow him and they would later tell others about him. Could omit: This lesson contains difficult concepts like born again and eternal life. To shorten lesson: Only read John 3:16, omit John 3:4 and Luke 15:10. Keep it simple when trying explain born again ; just introduce the term but don t try to over-explain it at this age. Just introduce Nicodemus and simply describe how he met Jesus. Use the activity pages as a guide for the main points to cover. Important: Trusting Jesus gives us life with God forever. 8

9 Revealing God s plan Lessons New Life: the Samaritan woman John 4 Could omit: This lesson contains difficult concepts like living water and it may be hard to explain the woman s lifestyle. To shorten lesson: Leave out the Bible readings for Luke 4:43 and John 4:39; only read John 4:42. Important: Jesus told the woman how to become a member of God s family, by trusting in him. Jesus was friendly to a woman other people didn t like. 7. Power to heal John 5:1 8 Keep this lesson; see the Teacher s manual for extra photocopiable resource pages. Use the coloured visual aids. To shorten lesson: This is a simple, straightforward lesson. Important: Bring out that Jesus has the power to heal, because he is God s Son. 8. Power to meet needs 9. Power to die and rise again 10. Jesus is the only way John 6 John 11; 20 John 14 Keep this lesson about the feeding of the five thousand. To shorten lesson: This is a simple, straightforward lesson. Important: To bring out Jesus power and authority. Keep this lesson; but be aware it covers a lot of content, as it includes the story of Lazarus being raised and also Jesus death and resurrection. To shorten lesson: Spread this lesson over two weeks and omit lesson 10. Shorten Way in by omitting the puppet play and instead having a short discussion about Jesus promise to rise again and how people would know if he kept this promise. Leave out all the Bible readings for the Lazarus story and only read Mark 8:31 and John 20:19,20. Shorten the number of questions in Connections, only covering Jesus resurrection. Important: Allow enough time to teach about Jesus death and resurrection. This is the main part of the lesson. You could omit this lesson; it has some difficult concepts for the children. The activity page could be used at a later time, even without a full lesson to explain the story. 9

10 The kingdom: God s rule in God s land Lessons Samuel 1 Samuel 1; 2:11, 18 21; 3 Keep: This is a good lesson to begin the term. It allows the students to begin to understand the OT context. Use the coloured Timeline posters from Connect B1 and introduce the new one which fills out a section of the original timeline. Shorten: This is already a simple, straightforward lesson. Important: Samuel is an important figure in this part of the OT story of God s people. 12. Saul chosen as king 1 Samuel 8; 9:16 10:1,17 25 Keep: This lesson shows the important step of Israel wanting a king and sets the foundation for the lives of David and Solomon. Shorten: Omit the CD track in Way in; just discuss the times we want to be like everyone else. Only use 3 questions in Connections. Important: This lesson points to Jesus, God s promised King 13. David chosen as king 14. David and Goliath 1 Samuel 16:1 13 Keep: This lesson shows that God knows what people are really like and he values those who trust him. Shorten: This is already a fairly simple, straightforward lesson. This lesson sets the background for the lessons to follow and teaches the important truth that God knows what we are really like. 1 Samuel 17 Keep: This lesson is a well-known narrative that points to God s victory through David and establishes David s obedience and trust in God. Shorten: This is already a simple, straightforward lesson. Important: God has the victory through David, his chosen king. 15. David and Jonathan 1 Samuel 18:1 11; 19:1 7; 20 Could be omitted, or covered very briefly as an introduction to Lesson 16. The main details can be taught simply by doing the Activity page together with the class. 10

11 The kingdom: God s rule in God s land Lessons David becomes king 17. David honours God 2 Samuel 1:1 12; 5: Samuel 7:1 28; 1 Chronicles 22 Lessons 16 & 17 could be combined. In Lesson 16 leave out the Acts and Chronicles Bible readings and the mention of Jesus. In Lesson 17, it is important to teach about God s promise of a descendant who would rule forever this is Jesus. Important: Teach God s promise to David that a member of his family would be a king forever (2 Samuel 7:12 13, 16). 18. Solomon 1 Kings 3; 4 Keep: This is an important lesson to keep as it provides the foundation for the lessons in C2. Next term, students learn more about Solomon s life when he turned away from God. Shorten: Simplify Way in by omitting the story with visual aids and briefly discussing the term wisdom. In Connections, only use the first three questions. Important: Being wise means living God s way. Jesus does this perfectly. 19. Thankful Israel: Psalms Psalm 8; 16; 46 Keep: This is a good lesson to wrap up the term. It revises David and Solomon and allows children to write their own thank you prayers. Shorten: Omit the Reading of Psalm 46:1,2a and the section explaining it. Shorten Connections by only asking questions 1,2 and 4. Important: Give the children opportunity to express their thankfulness to God. 20. Roxane children s worker Romans 12:6 8 Special lesson: The environment Easter assembly Matthew 27:54; 28:5 7,19 11

12 Teaching ideas for Infants C2 Choosing to be part of God s Kingdom Lessons Ignoring God s plan: the divided kingdom 2. Led by bad kings: Ahab 1 Kings 11:1 13; 11:26 12:20 1 Kings 15:25 17:1 Keep this lesson, it provides background for the next lessons. Use the Coloured visual aids of the various characters. They will be more helpful for this age group than maps or charts. Use the God s way / Own way visual aids (page 16) throughout the OT lessons about the kings. To shorten: Keep questions for Way in to help children recall last term s lessons. Use the coloured visual aids characters, but omit the suggested drama activities. Leave out the CD endplay. Important: Solomon turned away from God, but God will still keep his promises. Keep this lesson as it sets the background for the disobedient kings and people of Israel, which resulted in God s judgement and their exile. Shorten and simplify: Use the Bible reading 1 Kings 2:3 and emphasise what David told Solomon about obeying God. Omit the names of all the kings, and focus on Elijah and Ahab (from top of page 22). Also omit the map. Use the coloured visual aids of the characters David, Solomon, Elijah and Ahab. Important: Ignoring God has consequences. 3. Reminded of God s promise: Elijah 1 Kings 17; 18 Keep this lesson; it sets the background for God s judgement. It also establishes God s control of nature. Shorten and simplify: Omit the newspaper visual aids on pages 30-35; use the coloured visual aids of Elijah and Ahab on Mt Carmel. If there is too much reading for the students in the activity book, just talk about the pictures as you tell the story. Important: God alone deserves our worship and obedience. 4. Faithful kings: Hezekiah, Josiah 5. God still forgives: Isaiah 2 Kings 18 20; 22; 23 Isaiah 55; 61 Keep this lesson; it contrasts the faithful kings with Ahab. To shorten and simplify: Omit the beginning of Bible focus dealing with the past history, the various kings and the map. Start with the flashcard: Hezekiah. Use the coloured visual aids of Hezekiah and Josiah. Important: Faithful kings trusted God; and God was faithful to them. You could omit this lesson. The main ideas can be taught as part of Lesson 7. Activity pages can be used in Lesson 7. If you keep it, it is important to stress God s promise to forgive all who are sorry for doing wrong. 12

13 Choosing to be part of God s Kingdom Lessons People who won t listen: Jeremiah Jeremiah 31; 32 You could omit this lesson. The main ideas could be taught as part of lesson 7. Activity pages can be used in Lesson 7. If you keep it, it is important to note God s goodness in wanting the best for his people, which is living his way and trusting him. 7. Exile 2 Kings 25; Jeremiah 52 Keep this lesson (and include the main ideas from Lessons 5 and 6 if you omitted them) To shorten or simplify: Omit the map and reference to the two kingdoms. Omit the name flashcards; only deal with Zedekiah (page 66). Use the coloured characters for Jeremiah, Zedekiah and Nebuchadnezzar. Important: God s people were told to live God s way or they would have to leave the land he gave them. They ignored the warning. 8. Faithful in exile: Daniel 9. Return from exile: Nehemiah 10. God provides a new beginning: Isaiah Daniel 1; 2; 6 Nehemiah Isaiah Keep this lesson. (Students at the older levels will deal with the lion s den and the fiery furnace.) Shorten: This is already a straightforward lesson. You could omit the map and the route of the exiles at the beginning of Bible focus. Use the coloured visual aids for the characters Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel as a young man Important: God is in control and protects his people. Keep this lesson. Shorten or simplify: Shorten Way in omitting the map and Persians & Babylonians. Start from God had promised many years before and say that king Cyrus let God s people return. Omit the pictures of walled city, but use the coloured visual aid of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Important: God s promise fulfilled that a remnant would return to the land. Could omit this lesson. Much of the lesson is revision. The chart Understanding God s word might be confusing for younger students. Use the coloured visual aid characters to revise past lessons. Important: This lesson points to Jesus and the lessons in the term ahead. 13

14 Living in God s kingdom Lessons Jesus the Good Shepherd 12. Seeking the lost 13. Loving your enemies 14. Giving to the needy 15. Trusting God for your needs John 9; 10 Luke 15:1,2,11 32 Matthew 5:43 48 Matthew 6:1 4 Matthew 6:25 34 Keep this lesson; it is an important link with the OT lessons of last term and introduces Jesus. If available, use the coloured Timeline to orient the children to a new time in biblical history. Shorten or simplify: Omit the part in Bible focus where Jesus heals the blind man and the Pharisees dispute his identity. Important: Jesus is the Good shepherd sent by God Keep this lesson. Use coloured visual aids. Keep this lesson. Make links with the children s lives and relationships at home and school. Important: There is always forgiveness when we fail to live God s way. Keep this lesson. Shorten or simplify by omitting Way in story about Freddy. Use a current news item to discuss why we give money to people who need help. Important: We are generous because of God s great generosity to us. Keep this lesson. Make strong links to things that the students find worrying in their lives. This is already a fairly simple lesson, which doesn t need shortening. Important: Recognise that for many children life is difficult. Do not create the false impression that God will make everything easy; but he will always look after us, no matter what. 14

15 Living in God s kingdom Lessons Building wisely 17. Storing treasures in heaven 18. Being light for the world 19. Christmas lesson: Jesus the king Matthew 7:24 29 Matthew 6:19 24 Matthew 5:13 16 Matthew 2:1 12 Keep this lesson. Use the coloured visual aids. This is already a fairly simple lesson, which doesn t need shortening. Important: Introduce the concept that trusting and obeying Jesus is the best way to live. You will build on this in years to come. Could omit: Abstract, difficult concepts for infants-aged children who are not really in a position to choose between making money and trusting Jesus. Could omit: Abstract, difficult concepts for infants-aged children who find it hard to see the metaphor of being light and salt in the world. Keep this lesson. Shorten or simplify by omitting the sections about Micah, Isaiah and Jeremiah with a younger or less able class. 20. Cathy veterinarian Genesis 2:15; Matthew 6:25-30; 10: 31 Christmas assembly Matthew 1:18 24; Luke 2:1 7 Special lesson Coping with change 1 Peter 5:7 15

16 Cycle C Lower Primary curriculum outline C1 Revealing God s plan 1. The boy Jesus in the temple Luke 2: The temptations Luke 4: Jesus ministry fulfils God s promises Luke 4: Jesus calls people to follow him Luke 5:1 11; John 1: New life: Nicodemus John 3: New Life: the Samaritan woman John 4 7. Power to heal John 5: Power to meet needs John 6 9. Power to die and rise again John 11; Jesus is the only way John 14 The kingdom: God s rule in God s land 11. Samuel 1 Samuel 1; 2:18,19; Saul chosen as king 1 Samuel 8; 9:1,2, 16 10:1, 17 25; 15: David chosen as king 1 Samuel 16: David and Goliath 1 Samuel Saul pursues David 1 Samuel 18:5 9; 19:1 16; David becomes king 2 Samuel 5:1 6:5 17. David honours God 2 Samuel 7:1 28; 1 Chronicles Solomon 1 Kings 3:1 15; 4:20 5:6; 9:1 9; 10:1 13; Proverbs 19. Thankful Israel: Psalms Psalm 8; 16; Cat holiday ministry coordinator Special lesson: The environment Easter assembly 16

17 C2 Choosing to be part of God s Kingdom 1. Ignoring God s plan: the divided kingdom 1 Kings 11:26 12:20 2. God s faithfulness to his promises 1 Kings Reminded of God s promise: Elijah 1 Kings 17; Faithful kings: Hezekiah 2 Kings 18 20; 22; Faithful kings: Josiah Isaiah 10; People who won t listen: Jeremiah Jeremiah 7. Exile 2 Kings 25; Psalm Faithful in exile: Daniel Daniel 6 9. Return from exile: Nehemiah Nehemiah 10. God provides a new beginning: Isaiah Isaiah Living in God s kingdom 11. Jesus, the Good Shepherd John 9; Seeking the lost Luke 15: Loving your enemies Matthew 5: Giving to the needy Matthew 6: Trusting God for your needs Matthew 6: Building wisely Matthew 7: Storing treasure in heaven Matthew 6: Being salt and light Matthew 5: Christmas lesson: Jesus, the king Matthew 2: Tim Ritchie Fire fighter Genesis 1:27,28 Christmas assembly Matthew 1:18 24; 2:1 12; Luke 2:1 12 Special lesson: Coping with change Philippians 3:13,14; Hebrews 12:1,2; 1 Peter 5:7 17

18 Teaching ideas for Lower Primary C1 Revealing God s plan Lessons The boy Jesus in the temple 2. The temptations 3. Jesus ministry fulfils God s promises 4. Jesus calls people to follow him 5. New life: Nicodemus Luke 2: Luke 4:1 13 Luke 4:14 44 Luke 5:1 11; John 1:35 51 John 3:1 21 Keep this lesson. It is a good introduction to the year and to Jesus. To shorten lesson: Omit the end of Way in Rabbi says. Important: Start the year by telling a little about yourself and use this lesson to learn something about the students. This lesson introduces Jesus as a real boy, in a real geographical location and a time in history. You could omit this lesson; it has some difficult concepts. Lower primary aged students can understand temptation, but the nature of Jesus temptations will be difficult for children to understand. You could combine this lesson with lesson 3, only briefly mentioning that Jesus was tempted but always lived God s way. Important: Jesus was truly human but resisted temptation. The Devil is God s enemy but God is always stronger. Keep this lesson; it is a good overview of who Jesus is and what he did. Could combine this lesson with lesson 4; only cover Bible focus up to end of page 27. Important: Jesus was God s promised king. Keep this lesson; it introduces the disciples and Jesus call to them to follow him. To shorten lesson: This lesson is fairly simple and short. Important: Jesus called people to follow him and they would later tell others about him. Could omit: This lesson contains difficult concepts like born again and eternal life. It explains the meaning of metaphor. To shorten lesson: Focus on John 3:16,17 and the explanation that follows. Keep it simple when explaining born again, introduce the term without over-explaining it. Introduce Nicodemus and simply describe how he met Jesus. Use the activity pages as a guide for the main points to cover. Important: Trusting Jesus means we are born again and we have life with God forever. 18

19 Revealing God s plan Lessons New life: the Samaritan woman John 4 Could omit: This lesson contains difficult concepts like living water and it compares the spiritual world and the physical world. These concepts are difficult for some children at this age. To shorten lesson: Shorten Way in using a map to show the two ways to travel between Judea and Galilee. Important: Jesus told the woman how to receive eternal life. 7. Power to heal John 5:1 18 Keep: it teaches students about Jesus compassion and power To shorten lesson: This is a simple, straightforward lesson. The pipe-cleaner activity will add interest. Important: Bring out that Jesus has the power to heal, because he is God s Son. 8. Power to meet needs 9. Power to die and rise again 10. Jesus is the only way John 6 John 11; 20 John 14 Keep this lesson about the feeding of the five thousand. To shorten lesson: This is a simple, straightforward lesson, but you could omit the discussion about food that gives eternal life and reading John 6:27, 29, Important: To bring out Jesus power and authority to meet the needs of people. Keep this lesson; but be aware it covers a lot of content, as it includes the story of Lazarus being raised and also Jesus death and resurrection. This lesson would be suitable to finish the term, as Lesson 10 can be omitted. To shorten or simplify lesson: Spread this lesson over two weeks and omit lesson 10. Omit reading page 30 in Activity book. Omit the story of Thomas seeing Jesus and John 20:27,28. Omit Ephesians 1 from Connections. Important: Allow enough time to teach about Jesus death and resurrection. You could omit this lesson; it has some difficult concepts and deals with some of the metaphors like living water, born again, bread that gives eternal life. The activity page could be used at a later time, even without a full lesson to explain the story. 19

20 The kingdom: God s rule in God s land Lessons Samuel 1 Samuel 1; 2:18,19; 3 Keep: This is a good lesson to begin the term. Use the coloured Timeline posters from Connect B1, if available. Shorten: This is already a simple, straightforward lesson. Use the Visual aid suggested. Important: Samuel is an important figure in the Old Testament story of God s people. God speaks to us today through the Bible. 12. Saul chosen as king 13. David chosen as king 1 Samuel 8; 9:1,2,16 10:1, 17 25; 15:10 1 Samuel 16:1 13 Keep: This lesson shows the important step of Israel wanting a king and sets the foundation for the lives of David and Solomon. Shorten or simplify: Shorten Way in by telling the story to the class as a whole, without using small groups. Read 1 Samuel 8:4,5 but omit the other Bible reading. Use the eight crowns as suggested in Preparatory notes. Use the activity book pages as a guide to the main points of the lesson. Important: This lesson points to Jesus, God s promised King. Keep: This lesson shows that God knows what people are really like and he does not judge by outward appearances. Shorten: This is already a fairly simple, straightforward lesson. Important: God knows what we are really like. Stress that we don t have to be good enough for God, but he is ready to welcome and forgive. 14. David and Goliath 1 Samuel 17 Keep: this lesson; it is a well-known narrative that points to God s victory through David and establishes David s obedience and trust in God. Shorten: This is already a simple, straightforward lesson. The drama suggestion will add great fun and engagement for the students; but if you feel unsure of this option, tell the story, using the Coloured visual aids and CD suggestion. Important: God has the victory through David, his chosen king. 15. Saul pursues David 1 Samuel 18:5 9; 19:1 16; 26 Could be omitted, or combined with Lesson 16. The main details to cover are on the Activity page Important: David trusted God to keep his promise when the time was right. 20

21 The kingdom: God s rule in God s land Lessons David becomes king 17. David honours God 2 Samuel 5:1 6:5 2 Samuel 7:1 28; 1 Chronicles 22 Keep this lesson, and teach the students the importance of the Sacred Chest, and the promise God made to David in 2 Samuel 7:8 16, that one of his descendants would reign forever. This points us to Jesus. Allow time for the Activity sheet cut and paste task. You may want to spread this lesson over two weeks, and plan to leave out Lesson 19. To shorten or simplify: Omit the discussion about a capital city in Bible focus, and omit the small group work in Connections. Important: God keep his promises. God s promise to David that a member of his family would be a king forever (2 Samuel 7:12 13, 16). Could omit this lesson. The promise in 2 Samuel 7 is covered in Lesson 16. The lesson contains a lot of Bible reading and comprehension activities, so it will work best with a class of confident readers. Important: This lesson introduces the importance of the temple and God s promise that David s son would build it. The promise that a descendant would reign forever is also revised. 18. Solomon 1 Kings 3:1 15; 4:20 5:6; 9:1 9; 10:1 13; Proverbs Keep: This is an important lesson to keep as it provides the foundation for the lessons in C2. Next term, students learn more about Solomon s life when he turned away from God. Shorten or simplify: Simplify Connections by omitting the reference to John 14:9. Important: Being wise means living God s way. 19. Thankful Israel: Psalms Psalm 8; 16; 46 You could omit this lesson. If you keep it, it is a good lesson to wrap up the term. It allows children to write their own thankyou prayers. Important: Give the children opportunity to express their thankfulness to God. 20. Cat holiday ministry coordinator Special lesson: The environment Easter assembly 21

22 Teaching ideas for Lower Primary C1 Revealing God s plan Lessons Ignoring God s plan: the divided kingdom 1 Kings 11:26 12:20 Keep this lesson, it provides important background for the next lessons. To shorten or simplify: You could omit some of the visual aids suggested, such as the maps, the Temple poster, and David s family tree. However, use Coloured visual aids of the various characters and the Understanding God s word chart. You could omit the reading Luke 1:69 in Connections. Important: Solomon turned away from God, but God will still keep his promises. 2. God s faithfulness to his promises 3. Reminded of God s promises: Elijah 1 Kings Keep this lesson as it sets the background for the disobedient kings and people of Israel, which resulted in God s judgement and the exile. Shorten and simplify: Omit the references to Abraham at beginning of Bible focus. Use the Understanding God s word chart and the Activity book page as described in the lesson to teach the main points. Omit the map, but use the coloured visual aids of the characters Solomon, Jeroboam, Rehoboam, Elijah, idols and Ahab. Important: God is faithful to his promises and ignoring him has serious consequences. 1 Kings 17; 18 Keep this lesson; it sets the background for God s judgement. It also establishes God s control of nature. Shorten and simplify: Shorten Way in simply introducing the way God s people were expecting him to do whatever they wanted. Shorten the Bible reading segments, only reading two of the passages. Allow time for students to complete and colour the activity page. Important: God alone deserves our worship and obedience. 4. Faithful kings (1): Hezekiah 5. Faithful kings (2): Josiah 2 Kings 18 20; 22; 23 Isaiah 10; 11 Keep this lesson; it contrasts the disobedience of Ahab. To shorten and simplify: Omit the maps, but use the coloured visual aids of Hezekiah. Keep Way in short; shorten Bible focus by starting half way down second column with Assyria attacking. Allow time for the activity page Find-a-word. Important: Faithful kings trusted and obeyed God. Keep this lesson OR combine it with Lesson 4, using the activity as a guide to the main points. To shorten or simplify: Keep Way in but omit the script (page 71) if the students are not strong readers. Change to a short discussion, recalling Hezekiah s story. Use the Understanding God s word chart. Important: God was faithful to Josiah. 22

23 Revealing God s plan Lessons God s people will not listen: Jeremiah Jeremiah You could omit this lesson. The main ideas could be taught as part of lesson 7, with a brief re-telling of the story of the burned scroll. If you keep it, it is important to note God s goodness, patience and kindness despite the disobedience of the people. 7. Exile 2 Kings 25; Psalm 137 Keep this lesson OR use a brief version of it combined with Lesson 6. Omit if you are unsure of using the Board game as part of the lesson. To shorten or simplify: There are lots of options in this lesson, so choose to suit your class and the time available. Shorten Bible focus by omitting the script reading. Make sure you are well prepared for the board game and don t let it go too long; you could omit the group discussion and reading Psalm 137. Take time to revise the main points of the story at the close of the lesson. Important: God would not abandon his people, even in exile. 8. Faithful in exile: Daniel 9. Return from exile: Nehemiah 10. God provides a new beginning Daniel 6 Nehemiah Isaiah Keep this lesson. Shorten or simplify: Omit the map. Use Understanding God s word to show where Daniel fits into the story. Be sure good readers are available for the drama, or omit this and present it as a story. If you use the drama, keep it moving or the listeners may lose interest. Important: God is in control and protects his people. Keep this lesson. Shorten or simplify: Omit some of the visual aids. Only use Coloured visual aid of Nehemiah as the walls are rebuilt, and the Understanding God s word chart. Shorten Way in by revising Daniel in exile, showing the activity page from lesson 8. Omit the start of Bible focus, beginning at the bottom of page 87 with the first people to return to Jerusalem. Shorten the number of Bible readings and Connections, closing the lesson with the question on page 89. What can we learn from Nehemiah? Important: God s promise fulfilled that people would return to the land. Could omit this lesson. Much of the lesson is revision. The chart Understanding God s word would helpful. Important: This lesson points to Jesus and the lessons in the term ahead. 23

24 Living in God s kingdom Lessons Jesus, the Good Shepherd 12. Seeking the lost 13. Loving your enemies John 9; 10 Luke 15:11 32 Matthew 5:43 48 Keep this lesson; it is an important link with the Old Testament lessons of last term and introduces Jesus as the king sent from God. If available, use the coloured Timeline posters from Connect B1 to orient the children to a new time in biblical history. Shorten or simplify: Omit the flashcards with OT prophecies in Way in. Finish Bible focus with the reading from John 10:11; Go straight to Connections. Allow enough time to complete the activity books as this contains cutting and pasting. Important: Jesus is the Good shepherd sent by God; he is the only way to God Keep this lesson. Shorten or simplify: Shorten Way in, omit the flashcards and have a short discussion about parents still loving us even when there are consequences for bad behaviour. If you don t feel confident with the drama option, use the coloured visual aids of the prodigal son and tell the story. You could omit the last part of Bible focus that deals with the older son. Important to cover the questions in Connections. Important: God welcomes and forgives all who turn to him. Keep this lesson. Make links with the children s lives and relationships at home and school. Could be combined with Lesson 14. This is a fairly simple lesson with strong life links. Important: There is always forgiveness when we fail to live God s way. 14. Giving to the needy Matthew 6:1 4 Could omit this lesson. Could be combined with Lesson 13, simply using Matthew 6:1 4. Shorten or simplify by omitting the drama activity; leave out one of the Bible passages. Important: We are generous because of God s great generosity to us. 24

25 Living in God s kingdom Lessons Trusting God for your needs 16. Building wisely 17. Storing treasure in heaven 18. Being salt and light 19. Christmas lesson: Jesus the king Matthew 6:25 34 Matthew 7:24 29 Matthew 6:19 24 Matthew 5:13 16 Matthew 2:1 12 Could omit: This lesson contains some difficult concepts, like put God s work first, loving God more than our favourite things, not feeling any stress or pressure. This could confuse children who have big unresolved family issues to deal with, which cause understandable ongoing stress. Simplify by: Omit the part about Psalm 139; reassure children who have difficult issues in their lives that God doesn t expect us to ignore these difficulties and our feelings; emphasise God s loving care in this imperfect world. Important: We can trust God to love and care for us in all circumstances. Keep this lesson. Use the coloured visual aids. This is already a fairly simple lesson, which doesn t need shortening. Important: Introduce the concept of eternal life. Keep this lesson: It helps children think about what they value and the difference trusting Jesus makes to our daily lives. This is a fairly simple lesson, which doesn t need shortening. Important: God tells his people to put him first. Keep this lesson: It helps children think about how their lives can show they trust in Jesus This is a fairly simple lesson, which doesn t need shortening. Important: Trusting Jesus will make a difference in our lives Keep this lesson. Shorten or simplify by omitting the sections about Micah, Isaiah and Jeremiah. Omit the obstacle course activity if it will unsettle the class. 20. Tim Ritchie Fire fighter Genesis 1:27,28 Christmas assembly Matthew 1:18 24; 2:1 12; Luke 2:1 12 Special lesson: Coping with change Philippians 3:13,14; Hebrews 12:1,2; 1 Peter 5:7 25

26 Cycle C Upper Primary curriculum outline C1 Revealing God s plan 1. The boy Jesus in the temple Luke 2: The temptations Luke 4:1 13; Hebrews 4: Jesus ministry fulfils God s promises Luke 4: Jesus calls people to follow him John 1: New life: Nicodemus Numbers 21:4 9; John 3:1 21; 19: New Life: the Samaritan woman John 4 7. Power to heal John 5: Jesus the bread of life John 6 9. Power to die and rise again John 11; 20; 1 Corinthians 15: Jesus is the only way John 14 The kingdom: God s rule in God s land 11. Samuel 1 Samuel 1; Saul chosen as king 1 Samuel 8; 9:16,17; 10:17 25; 14:47,48; 15: David chosen as king 1 Samuel 16: David and Goliath 1 Samuel Saul pursues David 1 Samuel 18:1 19:17; 22:1,2; 23:13; 26:1 27:1 16. David becomes king 2 Samuel 5:1 6:5 17. David honours God 2 Samuel Solomon 1 Kings 3; 4:29 5:7; 10:1 13; Proverbs 1:1 7; 9: Thankful Israel: Psalms Psalm 8; 16; The church at work today 2 Timothy 3:15 17 Special lesson: The environment Easter assembly 26

27 C2 Choosing to be part of God s Kingdom 1. Ignoring God s plan: the divided kingdom 1 Kings 11:1 12:20 2. Led by bad kings: Ahab 1 Kings 16:29 34; Reminded of God s promise: Elijah 1 Kings 17; Faithful kings: Hezekiah 2 Kings 18; God still forgives: Isaiah Isaiah 1; People who won t listen: Jeremiah Jeremiah 1; 25; Exile 2 Kings 25; Jeremiah 52; Lamentations 8. Faithful in exile: Daniel Daniel 2 9. Coming home: Ezra & Nehemiah Ezra; Nehemiah 10. God provides a new start: Isaiah Isaiah 65:17 66:2 Living in God s kingdom 11. I am the Good Shepherd John Seeking the lost Luke 15: Loving your enemies Matthew 5: Giving to the needy Matthew 6: Not being worried about things Matthew 6: Building wisely Matthew 7: Storing treasures in heaven Matthew 6: Being salt and light Matthew 5: Christmas lesson: Jesus the king Matthew 2: Relying on God bionic ear man Proverbs 22:17 21,29 Christmas assembly Matthew 1:18 24; 2:1 12; Luke 2:1 7 Special lesson: Coping with change Philippians 3:13,14; Hebrews 12:1,2; 1 Peter 5:7 27

28 Teaching ideas for Upper Primary C1 Revealing God s plan Lessons The boy Jesus in the temple 2. The temptations 3. Jesus ministry fulfils God s promises 4. Jesus calls people to follow him Luke 2: Luke 4:1 13 Hebrews 4:14 16 Luke 4:14 30 John 1:35 51 Keep this lesson. It is a good introduction to the year and to Jesus. To shorten lesson: Be careful not to allow Way in to take too long. This lesson is fairly simple and short as it is. Important: Start the year by introducing yourself and learning about the students; make good use of activity book page 1. This lesson introduces Jesus as a real boy, and shows that he knew he was God s Son. Keep this lesson as it introduces Jesus as a real man who was tempted, but who trusted and obeyed God. It is not necessary for students to completely understand the nature of Jesus temptations; this is an introduction to Jesus life. Be sure that students understand Jesus showed he is stronger than the devil. Important: Jesus was truly human but resisted temptation. The Devil is God s enemy but God is always stronger. Keep this lesson; it is a good overview of who Jesus is and what he did. Could combine this lesson with lesson 4. This lesson is fairly simple and short. Use coloured Visual aid of Jesus in the synagogue. Important: Jesus came to fulfil God s plan of salvation. Could omit this lesson: There are some complex ideas covered in this lesson and unfamiliar terms like rabbi, messiah, prophet, Lamb of God, as well as a lot of Bible text to read. Some students may not be ready for this level of learning. Could combine this lesson with Lesson 3 and simply tell about Jesus calling his first disciples, as in John 1. Use coloured Visual aids of Jesus and disciples. To shorten lesson: Use the activity page as a guide to the main points to cover. Omit the Dramatic reading (page 32) and simply read the Bible text in the Activity book, page 8. Important: Jesus called people to follow him. 28

29 Revealing God s plan Lessons New life: Nicodemus 6. New life: the Samaritan woman Numbers 21:4 9; John 3:1 21; 19:39 42 John 4 Could omit: This lesson is complex as it covers Old Testament events of Moses in the desert as well as Jesus conversation with Nicodemus. To shorten or simplify lesson: Separate the two events: firstly teach the story of Moses in the desert by reading the comic strip together from Activity book. Then tell the story of Nicodemus and his questions to Jesus. Go straight to Connections. Important: To explain what having faith in Jesus means (see Connections). Keep this lesson: it teaches about eternal life through Jesus. To shorten or simplify lesson: You will need confident and loud readers for the script to be effective. If there are not enough strong readers, tell the story using the visual aids. The Bible passage in the Activity book may be too abstract for some students, just focus on verses Write sentences on the board for students to use to complete activity page 13. Use the coloured Visual aid of Jesus and the woman at the well. Important: Jesus told the woman how to receive eternal life. 7. Power to heal John 5:1 18 Keep this lesson. To shorten lesson: This is a simple, straightforward lesson. Make sure you know the answers to the crossword. Important: Bring out that Jesus has the power to heal, because he is God s Son. 8. Jesus the bread of life 9. Power to die and rise again 10. Jesus is the only way John 6 John 11; 20; 1 Corinthians 15:20 24 John 14 Keep this lesson about the feeding of the five thousand. To shorten lesson: This is a simple, straightforward lesson, use the coloured Visual aid of Jesus feeding the crowd. Important: Jesus gives eternal life. Keep this lesson. To shorten or simplify lesson: This is a fairly simple lesson, but it does have a lot of reading, which might challenge some students. When dealing with 1 Corinthians 15 focus on Jesus resurrection and the promise of resurrection for all who put their faith in Jesus. There are excellent coloured Visual aids for this lesson. Important: Jesus has authority over death. This lesson revises the term s learning. You will need to be well prepared with all equipment needed for the game. Make sure you understand the game yourself! Important: Jesus is the only way to God. 29

30 The kingdom: God s rule in God s land Lessons Samuel 1 Samuel 1; 3 Keep: Use the coloured Timeline posters, to show which part of Bible history we are learning about. Shorten or simplify: Omit the different prophets from Activity page 22. Important: Samuel is an important figure in the Old Testament story of God s people. God speaks to us today through the Bible. 12. Saul chosen as king 13. David chosen as king 1 Samuel 8; 9:16, 17; 1 0:17 25; 14:47 48; 15: Samuel 16:1 13 Keep: This lesson shows the important step of Israel wanting a king and sets the foundation for the lives of David and Solomon. Shorten or simplify: If you do not have strong readers, take the role of Samuel yourself when using the drama script. The suggested flashcards will help the students, but you will need to be well prepared for when to use them. Important: God is in authority over kings and rulers. Keep: This lesson shows that God knows what people are really like and he does not judge by outward appearances. Shorten: This is a fairly simple, straightforward lesson. You could omit reading Colossians 1:15 in Connections if time is short. Important: This lesson focuses on the qualities that God values. 14. David and Goliath 1 Samuel 17 Keep: This well-known narrative points to God s victory through David and establishes David s obedience and trust in God. Shorten: This is already a simple, straightforward lesson. Use the coloured visual aid of David and Goliath. Important: God has the victory through David, his chosen king. 15. Saul pursues David 16. David becomes king 1 Samuel 18:1 19:17; 22:1 2; 23:13; 26:1 27:1 2 Samuel 5:1 6:5 Could be omitted. To shorten: The main details to cover are on the Activity page in the comic strip. Important: Jesus is God s promised King. Keep this lesson; it could be combined with Lesson 17. To shorten or simplify: If combining with Lesson 17, omit Connections and move straight into Bible focus lesson 17. Important: God keeps his promises. 17. David honours God 2 Samuel 7 Could combine this lesson with Lesson 16. If combining with Lesson 16, the main point to cover is the promised king who would rule forever (2 Samuel 7:12 13a). To shorten or simplify: Omit reading Psalm 139. Important: The promise that a descendant would reign forever points to Jesus. 30

31 The kingdom: God s rule in God s land Lessons Solomon 1 Kings 3; 4:29 5:7; 10:1 13; Proverbs 1:1 7; 9:10 Keep: This lesson provides the foundation for the lessons in C2, when students learn about Solomon s life after he turned away from God. Shorten or simplify: Omit some of the Proverbs in Bible focus and select only two questions from Connections. Important: Being wise means living God s way. 19. Thankful Israel: Psalms Psalm 8; 16; 46 You could omit this lesson. If you keep it, it is a good lesson to wrap up the term. It allows children to write their own thank you prayers. To shorten or simplify: Choose either Psalm 16 or 8 from Activity page 38. Shorten Connections omitting the Genesis and Hebrews Bible readings. Important: Give the children opportunity to express their thankfulness to God. 20. The church at work today 2 Timothy 3:15 17 Special lesson: The environment Easter assembly 31

32 Teaching ideas for Upper Primary C2 Choosing to be part of God s Kingdom Lessons Ignoring God s plan: the divided kingdom 2. Led by bad kings: Ahab 1 Kings 11:1 12:20 1 Kings 16:29 34; 21 Keep this lesson, it provides important background for the next lessons. To shorten or simplify: If necessary, you could shorten Way in, simply recalling the fact that Solomon is king. Omit the Bible readings from Exodus. Omit the suggested drama and simply narrate the story. Use the activity book to decide which main points to cover. You could shorten Connections, only asking the first question. There will be other lessons that point to Jesus. NOTE: pages of the student activity book contain a chart, which gives an overview of this term s lessons and the various characters. Important: Solomon turned away from God, but God will still keep his promises. Keep this lesson, it gives the background for God s judgement and the exile. Shorten and simplify: Omit Way In. Omit references to the other kings, the names may be confusing. Just relate the story of Ahab, beginning at the top of page 24, using the flashcards. Omit the references to the Ten Commandments. Important: Good leaders encourage others to obey God. 3. Reminded of God s promise: Elijah 4. Faithful kings: Hezekiah 1 Kings 17; 18 Keep this lesson; it sets the background for God s judgement. It also establishes God s control of nature. Shorten and simplify: This is a fairly simple and straightforward lesson. To shorten omit Way in. Omit references to the prophets Moses and Samuel in Bible focus. Important: Prophets were sent to turn the people back to God. 2 Kings 18; 19 Keep this lesson; it contrasts the disobedience of Ahab. To shorten and simplify: This is a fairly simple straightforward lesson. Important: Faithful kings trusted and obeyed God. 5. God still forgives: Isaiah Isaiah 1; 53 You could omit this lesson. If you keep it, use the activity pages as a guide to the main points. To shorten or simplify: Use the Understanding God s word chart to show the overview of this part of the Bible. Important: God forgives, the words of Isaiah point to Jesus. 32

33 Choosing to be part of God s Kingdom Lessons People who won t listen: Jeremiah Jeremiah 1; 25; 31 You could omit this lesson. Jeremiah will be briefly dealt with in Way in, Lesson 7. To shorten or simplify, don t try to cover all the details on activity pages. Use Bible focus and the events in Jeremiah 1. Talk about Jeremiah 31:31 33 and how it points to Jesus, as explained in Connections. Important: God s goodness, patience and kindness despite the disobedience of the people. 7. Exile 2 Kings 25; Jeremiah 52; Lamentations Keep this lesson. Introduce Jeremiah briefly in Way in, if you omitted Lesson 6. To shorten or simplify: Use the activity pages, as suggested in Bible focus, to work through the information one step at a time. Important: God is still merciful, but there are consequences for disobeying him, as he has promised 8. Faithful in exile: Daniel 9. Return from exile: Nehemiah 10. God provides a new start: Isaiah Daniel 2 Ezra; Nehemiah Isaiah 65:17 66:2 Keep this lesson. Shorten or simplify: This is a fairly simple and straightforward lesson. If you use the drama script, take the narrator s role yourself and make sure the readers are confident and loud, so the meaning is not lost. If you do not have strong readers tell the events as a narrative. Important: God s kingdom will never end, it is good to be part of his kingdom. Keep this lesson. Shorten or simplify: Omit some of the visual aids. If you use the drama script, take the narrator s role yourself and make sure the readers are confident and loud, so the meaning is not lost. If you do not have strong readers tell the events as a narrative, using the activity pages as the basis for what to cover. Important: God s promise fulfilled that people would return to the land. Keep this lesson. Students will learn about what God promises for the future when he creates a new heaven and a new earth. It is an excellent lesson to conclude the term. To shorten or simplify: This is a fairly straightforward lesson. Important: This lesson points to Jesus and the lessons in the term ahead. 33

34 Living in God s kingdom Lessons I am the Good Shepherd 12. Seeking the lost 13. Loving your enemies John 10 Luke 15:11 24 Matthew 5:43 47 Keep this lesson; it is an important link with the Old Testament lessons of last term and introduces Jesus as the king sent from God. Refer to the chart on pages in activity books to show the children how Jesus fits in the Bible story. Shorten or simplify: Dress a child as a shepherd and talk about their lifestyle in Way in. Omit the Ezekiel Bible reading, just use John 10. Important: Jesus is the good shepherd who cares for those who trust him. Keep this lesson. Shorten or simplify: This is a fairly simple and straightforward lesson, with good visual aids provided in Teacher s manual and coloured poster pack. Important: God welcomes and forgives all who turn to him. Keep this lesson. Make links with the children s lives and relationships at home and school. Could be combined with Lesson 14. This is a fairly simple lesson with strong life links. Important: There is always forgiveness when we fail to live God s way. 14. Giving to the needy Matthew 6:1 4 Could omit this lesson. Could be combined with Lesson 13, using Matthew 6:1 4 and omitting the rich young man and Zacchaeus. Shorten or simplify by omitting the rich young man and Zacchaeus. Important: God wants his people to care for the needs of others. 15. Not being worried about things Matthew 6:25 34 Keep this lesson: It contains links to real life issues the students face. Could be combined with Lesson 16 by using the main points covered in activity pages. Simplify by: Explaining that when the Bible says put God s work first it means putting him first and living his way. Important: We can trust God to care for us. 34

35 Living in God s kingdom Lessons Building wisely 17. Storing treasures in heaven 18. Being salt and light 19. Christmas lesson: Jesus the king Matthew 7:24 29 Matthew 6:19 21 Matthew 5:13 16 Matthew 2:1 12 Keep this lesson. Use the coloured visual aids. This is already a fairly simple lesson, which doesn t need shortening. Important: Introduce the concept of eternal life. Could omit this lesson: It contains some abstract concepts and you may find managing the game is challenging in some classes. If you keep this lesson, use Connections, which explains that we cannot earn our way to heaven, but we seek to obey God in response to his forgiveness. Important: God tells his people to put him first. Keep this lesson: It helps children think about how their lives can show they trust in Jesus The drama script is very helpful and will need strong readers. Important: Trusting Jesus will make a difference in our lives. Keep this lesson. It is fairly simple and straightforward. Important: Jesus is the Saviour sent by God. 20. Relying on God bionic ear man Proverbs 22:17 21,29 Christmas assembly Matthew 1:18 24; 2:1 12; Luke 2:1 7 Special lesson: Coping with change Philippians 3:13,14; Hebrews 12:1,2; 1 Peter 5:7 35

36 Customising Connect Feedback from our valued customers shows that most teachers find the Connect material works well with a wide range of students, but others are challenged with difficult situations and struggle to adapt the material to their specific needs. It s just not possible to produce one product to suit so many different types of students and teachers, in so many different schools. When we write Connect material we aim to give teachers enough material to adapt to suit the needs of their classes. Here are some suggestions to help in your lesson preparation. Students with low literacy skills? Cut down the number of Bible readings, but always include at least one to clearly show that the lesson comes from the Bible. Don t depend on students reading the passages out loud, this will slow down the flow of the lesson and other students will quickly tire of listening. Use a lower level Teacher s manual and student activity book. Use more active lesson methods like short drama. Have visual aids to help students recall the teaching. Use the CD background music while students complete their activity books. Ask a helper to come to the lesson and to assist students to complete any written work. Students with little Bible knowledge? Don t spend too much time filling in background information, it will lead to overload. Keep names of new characters to a minimum to avoid confusion. Use the character pictures in your Coloured Visual aid pack so the children can attach a name to a visual stimulus. Use the Bible timeline or Bible events posters, to show students quickly where this lesson fits into the big story of the Bible. (These products are available from CEP.) Make sure each lesson makes strong Connections to the student s lives. No Bibles available in the classroom? Make photocopies, posters or OHP transparencies of key Bible verses for the students. Try to purchase enough Bibles for students to share one between two and ask the class teacher if they can be left in the classroom. Don t try to include too many Bible readings in the lesson. 36

37 Old Testament passages difficult to teach? Take the time to understand the passage yourself, if necessary asking for help from people who have more training. Use visual aids like the Bible timeline or the Bible events pack to show students quickly where the lesson fits into the big story of the Bible. The characters shown on the Bible timeline posters and the coloured Visual aid packs have been kept the same to avoid confusion for the children. Keep the lesson aim in mind, this will help you to know which details are less important and can be left out if children become confused. Team teach with a more confident teacher for these lessons. Complete the Bible themes training course available through Youthworks advisors. Short of time? Allow enough time to prepare the lesson. It takes time and thought to adapt material. Highlight the lesson aim and keep this ONE BIG IDEA in mind as you decide what to cut down. Don t leave out Way in. This makes important links with students experience and prior learning. Shorten Bible focus by cutting down the number of Bible readings and questions; but always have at least one Bible reading to show the lesson comes from the Bible. Shorten Connections to a couple of key questions that clearly link back to the lesson aim and student learning outcomes. Remember Nothing will stop God s word taking root in children s minds and hearts when he is at work even our own ignorance or uncertainty or difficult Bible passages. Pray for the students and for yourself, that God will reveal himself. Don t be surprised if you find some lessons hard, God s word contains some difficult parts. We are aiming to introduce the children to the big plan of salvation in the Bible. Many of them will not be able to put all the pieces together until they are older. 37

38 Getting the best from the Visual aids A set of coloured Visual aids is available for each semester of the Connect three-year program. Each set of Visual aids includes at least 22 full-colour A2-sized posters that include scenes depicting the Bible stories covered in the lessons, teaching aids such as maps, family trees or instructional posters plus coloured pictures of each of the biblical characters referred to in the lessons. Over the three-year cycle of Connect these packs of visual aids build into a complete set of Bible teaching aids that should greatly enhance all aspects of your children s ministry, both in the school and church. The biblical characters depicted in the lessons are also shown 5 or 7 to a sheet and can be individually cut out and displayed as they are mentioned to add visual impact to the stories. All the characters have been consistently depicted in the same way as individual characters, in the posters and also on the Bible Timeline posters provided in the Connect B1 Visual aid pack. These are also available on CD-ROM (see below). HINT: As you cut out each character, cut out the corresponding label and stick it to the back of the character for future reference. An old Chinese proverb says A picture is worth a thousand words and adding the use of the coloured Visual aids to your lesson presentation will greatly enhance your lessons and the children s ability to understand and relate to what you are teaching them. The following are a few helpful ideas to keep in mind when using visual aids: 1. Visibility a. they must be of a suitable size (that is why we made all our coloured visual aids at least A3 and usually A2 in size) b. they must be in a suitable position (think of how each child in the group will see the poster) c. there must be simple lines accentuating main features rather than intricate drawings with a lot of detail (that is why we have gone with fairly minimalist drawings that rely on good outlines and the effective use of colour). Too much detail can add a distraction to the visual aid s effect in adding to the presentation of the lesson. If you have a class of kindergarten children sitting on a mat in front of you remember to hold the picture at their eye level, not level with your shoulders. Positioning is also important when considering where to place pictures in the room or area you are using for the lesson. Make sure the visual aids are at a height on the wall that will enable the learners to see them without having to crane their necks. 2. Accuracy. The visual aids presented need to be accurate in essential details which is why we constantly refer back to the relevant Bible references when approving the visual aids before printing. 3. Suitability both to the goal of the lesson and also to the age and the ability of the pupils. Great News All the coloured posters of scenes, maps, teaching aid and individual characters (plus a few extra not covered by the Connect syllabus) are now available on two new easy-to-use CD-ROMs of Old Testament, New Testament and Bible timeline coloured Visual aids. All the images are presented as jpeg files and provided with a pdf version of helpful ways to use the files and a chart of all the relevant Bible references. 38

39 Connect C1 Maps Places Jesus travelled David s kingdom Timeline extra Expanding the time of the kings Extras Scenes David s family tree Herod s temple at the time of Jesus ministry Solomon s temple Jesus in the synagogue The big catch of fish Jesus and the woman at the well Pool of Bethzatha Crowd coming towards Jesus Feeding the 5000 Samuel anointing David David and Goliath Characters Joseph Mary Jesus as a boy Jesus x 2 Peter Nicodemus Samaritan woman Sick man Healed man The disciples (standing) Lazarus Lazarus in grave clothes Mary Martha Risen Jesus Samuel as a boy Samuel Hannah Hannah with Samuel Eli Saul King Saul David as a boy David s brothers Jesse Goliath Jonathan David as young adult King David Nathan King Solomon Connect C2 Maps Extras Scenes Solomon s kingdom Israel The Divided kingdom The world of the Old Testament ( BC) Jesus ministry Understanding God s word Prophets The Ten Commandments Memory verse poster Matthew 6:33a Elijah and Ahab on Mount Carmel People living happily/people leaving the Promised Land Hezekiah praying to God/Josiah reading the book of God s work Daniel in the lion s den Jerusalem at the time of the prophets and the returning exiles Nehemiah rebuilding walls of Jerusalem Jesus teaching on the mountain Scenes of the prodigal son Houses built on sand and rock Characters Solomon David Rehoboam Jeroboam Ahijah Ezra Elijah Ahab Jezebel Josiah Manasseh Nehemiah Isaiah Jeremiah Zedekiah Hezekiah King Nebuchadnezzar King of Assyria (Sennacherib) Baal idol Golden calf idol King Cyrus King Artaxerxes Daniel as a young man Daniel as an older man Jesus Pharisees Crowd The prodigal son The prodigal son s father The prodigal son s brother 39

40 Connect A1 Maps Extras Scenes Paul s missionary journeys The spread of early Christianity The two greatest commandments Books of the New Testament Jesus teaching the crowd The Good Samaritan The great banquet The widow s son Jairus and his daughter Jesus meets Zacchaeus The Last Supper Stephen addressing the Sanhedrin Philip and the Ethiopian Barnabas, Paul and John Mark embarking at Antioch Luke writing up his travel diary Matthew the tax collector called by Jesus James addressing the council of Jerusalem Characters Jesus Group of people Rich farmer Farmer sowing seed Good Samaritan Priest Temple helper Injured man Rich man from banquet Rich man s servant Widow Widow s son Jairus Jairus daughter Disciples Chief priests Judas Jesus on cross Peter Couple on road to Emmaus Zacchaeus Stephen Barnabas Paul John Mark Philip Ethiopian official Luke Matthew James The rich man Lydia Philippian jailer Jesus and disciples Risen Jesus Connect A2 Maps Extras Scenes Characters Israel and her neighbours in Old Testament times Books of the Old Testament Living as God s friend The six days of creation Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden David watching his sheep Cain and Abel at work Noah constructing the ark/ark on water Noah leaving the ark Ruth picking barley/deborah talking to Barak Gideon leading his men/esther praying Elisha and the woman/naaman washing in the Jordan Jonah and the big fish Isaiah preaching near Solomon s temple Peter denying knowing Jesus/Peter preaching Meeting at Priscilla and Aquila s house/barnabas introducing Paul to the Jerusalem church Timothy working with Paul in Berea (where people daily studied Scriptures)/John being called by Jesus (brother James in background) John in exile on Patmos/John s vision of heaven Adam Eve Cain Abel David playing harp Noah Deborah Barak Esther King Xerxes Haman Mordecai Jonah Big fish Isaiah Ruth Naomi Orpah Boaz Obed Jesse King David Gideon Elisha Distressed woman with Elisha Naaman as Syrian officer King of Syria King of Israel Barnabas Paul Priscilla Aquila Timothy Peter John Abraham Jesus 40

41 Connect B1 Maps Extras Land of the patriarchs map Jesus ministry map Six Bible timeline posters Abraham s family tree Scenes Blind man at the pool Jesus calming the storm Galilean fishing boat and fishermen Peter and John meet the beggar at the Temple Peter speaking at Pentecost Flat-roofed houses in time of Jesus Joseph meets his brothers again Characters John the Baptist Jesus, looking to side and arms outstretched Blind man, blind and able to see Group of neighbours Group of Pharisees Blind man s parents Peter Judas Mary Magdalene Mary crying in garden Thomas John Jesus on cross Jesus in white Abraham Sarah Baby Isaac Isaac as a man Jacob Joseph as a boy Joseph in his coat Joseph as a slave Potiphar Potiphar s wife Pharaoh Pharaoh s personal servant Pharaoh s cook Joseph as governor Connect B2 Maps Journey to the Promised Land Places in the New Testament Extras The Lord s Prayer Books of the Bible The Ten Commandments Joshua and Naomi Scenes Hebrew slaves Moses in the reeds The burning bush The plagues A Passover meal Crossing the Red Sea Moses with Ten Commandments Walls of Jericho falling The Promised Land Paul and Silas in prison Nativity scene Wise men visiting Jesus Characters Abraham Joseph Young Miriam Miriam as adult Moses Aaron Pharaoh Moses with Ten Commandments The twelve spies Joshua 40 years of wandering Rahab The Sacred Chest Priests with trumpets The twelve apostles Peter John Jewish leaders Paul Ananias Silas Philippian jailer Onesimus Philemon Jesus Jesus on cross Risen Jesus Jesus ascension Adam and Eve happy Adam and Eve sad Mary Joseph Baby Jesus 41

42 Using music with children Why use music? Music engages children in a different way from language-based activities. It provides variety in a session and will help children learn, especially those who are strong in music intelligence. Music can introduce an element of fun and action and still be a teaching opportunity. Through music children can express their growing faith. Songs used in a previous lesson can quickly bring to mind previous learning. The children will also recall their emotional involvement. Most children love to sing and/or play percussion instruments. Music has always been an important aspect of praise and prayer for God s people and allows us the opportunity to be engaged at a more emotional level. Music specifically designed for children can be a useful way of showing them they are a valued and welcome part of all-age meetings. Music can be used for many different purposes as part of the session. It can reinforce learning, set a mood, settle a class or provide enjoyment. At the end of a lesson, it will often be possible to use music to round things off. Each SRE lesson includes recommendations for music. Each Beginning with God and Connect Infants, Lower Primary and Upper Primary Teacher s manual contains a CD of songs, dramas, sound effects, backing tracks and for Connect Infants also Joshua and Naomi end-plays. A list of all the tracks on the Cycle C CDs can be found on page 43. Appropriate songs, chosen to integrate with the learning of the lesson, can also be found on other well-known children s CDs by Colin Buchanan, Johnny Burns, Tony Jones and Emu Music. These CDs are also available from CEP. 42

43 What is on the CDs? Connect C1 Infants Songs 1. Welcome song 2. Are you ready? 3. What do I know about Jesus? 4. God so loved the world 5. Jesus has the power 6. Jesus is alive 7. I m listening, Lord 8. Faith in a great God 9. Psalm 118:14 Dramas 10. Temptations 11. Jesus at the well 12. God speaks to Samuel 13. I want to be like everyone else! Connect C2 Infants Songs 1. Kingdom kids 2. The bad king blues 3. God loves his people 4. God s great plan 5. Dear God 6. God so loved the world 7. I want to follow Jesus 8. Give love, God s love 9. Trust God 10. Light of the world 11. The Saviour of the world Dramas 12. Giving 13. School announcements Lower Primary Songs 1. God s mega-plan 2. Who is Jesus? 3. God so loved the world 4. God is in control 5. Jesus has the power 6. Jesus saves 7. In God s hands 8. God speaks 9. Remember the Lord 10. God looks at the heart 11. Keep the faith Dramas 12. Temptation 13. Jesus and the Samaritan woman 14. Goliath 15. Saul pursues David 16. Cat s story Lower Primary Songs 1. Kingdom kids 2. I am the Lord 3. The bad king blues 4. God loves his people 5. God is in control 6. God is faithful 7. God so loved the world 8. Give love, God s love 9. Trust God 10. Thank you 11. Light of the world 12. The Saviour of the world Dramas 13. Bible reading from 1 Kings 14. The candle that didn t want to shine 15. Interview with fire fighter Tim Ritchie Upper Primary Songs 1. God s mega-plan 2. Who is Jesus? 3. Follow him 4. John 3:16 5. Power and authority 6. Jesus saves 7. God speaks 8. God is faithful 9. Remember the Lord 10. God looks at the heart 11. Keep the faith Dramas 12. Have you seen Jesus? 13. Who knows? Upper Primary Songs 1. Kingdom kids 2. The bad king blues 3. Don t turn your back 4. I am the Lord 5. God s mega-plan 6. God is in control 7. God is faithful 8. John 3:16 9. God s way 10. Love one another 11. Light of the world 12. He s the King of everything Dramas 13. A message from Hezekiah A message from Hezekiah Interview with Professor Clark 16. Bionic ear sounds 43

44 Teaching songs For many of us, the thought of teaching a song to a class of students can be quite daunting. Listed below are some practical tips that will help make singing in SRE a rewarding experience for teachers and students. With the Beginning with God and Connect curriculum CDs a conscious attempt has been made to present the students with songs in a musical style to which they will relate. Also, we have chosen to sing about major themes, such as God is with his people, rather than sing about a specific story. The songs reinforce the concepts being taught. This means the songs tend to have fewer words to teach, allowing the students to become familiar with them quickly. Practical tips for teaching songs Ensure you know the song well before attempting to teach it. Allow the students to listen to the song while they look at the words in the back of the Activity book. Placing the words on an overhead transparency will enable the students attention to be focused towards the front of the room. This allows you to maintain eye contact. The chorus is often the best part of the song to learn first. Play the CD loudly enough so that the students feel comfortable singing along. Often they don t want to be heard while they sing. Have the students whisper sing the song when it is new. Encourage students to sing but do not force them. Often there are students who love to sing in a small group leading the class. Perhaps these students would like a CD to listen to at home. If you sing with enthusiasm it is more likely that the students will too. Sing a favourite song before starting a new song. Play the songs while the students are working in their Activity books. This will help them to become familiar with the songs. Vary your approach. Why not have half the class clap while the other sings, and then swap over? And finally, make this an enjoyable time of singing praise to the Lord! Using the backing tracks Instrumental backing tracks are included for each of the songs on the Beginning with God and Connect CDs. 44

45 Practical tips for using backing tracks If you are a confident singer, you may prefer to use the backing tracks when you first introduce the song to the students. You will need to know the song well before attempting this. The students should only sing with the backing track once they are very familiar with the song. The students could sing with the backing track for any special performance or assembly, such as the Easter or Christmas assembly. Use the backing tracks for a music quiz and see if the students can recognise and name the songs. Use the backing tracks if the students are involved in games such as pass-the-parcel or movement games. Play the backing tracks as the students complete work in their Activity books. Play the backing track of the next song the students are going to learn to familiarise them with the tune. This can be played as they complete their Activity books. Use the backing track to whet the students appetite play the track and let them know that the next lesson they will get to learn the words to the great music! Remember to encourage the students to use body percussion and move to the music. The students could choreograph a dance and then use the backing track to dance and sing for a special performance. Adding actions to songs Students love moving and interacting with music. One easy way to incorporate this into their learning of new songs is to make up actions for them to do to reinforce key messages conveyed in the songs. Listen to a song a few times and come up with some suitable actions or encourage the students to come up with what they see as appropriate actions to go with both the music and the words. 45

46 C1 Infants Track 1 Welcome song Come on kids and sing along To Josh and Naomi s welcome song There s just one thing you need to know Jesus is our friend and he loves us so Jesus loves us this we know For the Bible tells us so We can all to him belong We might be weak but he is strong Come on kids and sing along To Josh and Naomi s welcome song It s really great to be with you We hope you feel the same way too 46

47 Are you ready? C1 Infants Track 2 Are you ready for some real good news? Are you ready for the very best news? Are you ready? I ll give you some clues Jesus is the Son of God Jesus is the Son of God He came down to earth from up above He needed to share just how much he cares About you and me, and everyone you see Jesus is God s only Son The one who died for you and me He rose from the dead, just like he said For you and me, and everyone you see Jesus is the Son of God Jesus is the Son of God 47

48 C1 Infants Track 3 What do I know about Jesus? What do I know about Jesus? What can I learn about Jesus? The great I Am became a man That s what I know about Jesus A young boy at the temple Listening to the teachers Giving answers to their questions Amazed them with how much he knew He cast out evil spirits He healed the sick and lame He called for all to follow him But some just turned and went their own way He died upon the cross For all that we ve done wrong He rose again in victory To save all those who ll come and follow him 48

49 C1 Infants Track 4 C1 Lower Primary Track 3 C2 Infants Track 6 C2 Lower Primary Track 7 God so loved the world For God so loved the world That he gave his only Son So whoever believes in Jesus Will live forever with him God is so big And we re so small God loves us so much We shouldn t worry at all God loves you And God loves me He wants everyone To love and follow him 49

50 C1 Infants Track 5 C1 Lower Primary Track 5 Jesus has the power Jesus has the power Jesus has the power Jesus has the power He is the Son of God He told the lame Get up and walk He told the sick Get out of bed He raised the dead, the blind could see He is the Son of God He told the fishers Lay down your nets Come follow me, you won t regret Your new life when you tell the crowds I am the Son of God 50

51 C1 Infants Track 6 Jesus is alive 1, 2, 3, 4, jump for joy Jesus is alive 1, 2, 3, 4, jump for joy Jesus is alive Jesus is alive, let s shout hurray Jesus is alive, he s alive today Jesus is alive, let s shout hurray Jesus is alive today 1, 2, 3, 4, clap your hands Jesus is alive 1, 2, 3, 4, clap your hands Jesus is alive 1, 2, 3, 4, turn around Jesus is alive Turn around, clap your hands and jump for joy Jesus is alive 51

52 C1 Infants Track 7 I m listening, Lord I m listening, Lord What should I do? I m listening, Lord Ready to follow you A voice in the dead of night Samuel listened with all his might The God of Israel called his name The words from God he did obey Sometimes when I read your word Something clicks inside my head You show me things I need to do To live my life and follow you 52

53 C1 Infants Track 8 Faith in a great God David had great faith Faith in a great God I can have great faith Faith in a great, great God Fe fi fo fight, I smell the blood of an Israelite Goliath stands and dares you to fight I m gonna slay you Israelites, but Fe fi fo flum, the Israelites were looking glum He s so big and we re so small He s standing over nine feet tall, but Fe fi fo frate, the Israelites were looking great David s sling did fling and ding Goliath s head and he fell down dead cause 53

54 C1 Infants Track 9 Psalm 118:14 My power, my strength Comes from God My trust, my faith Is in God When I am weak God makes me strong When I am sad God makes me glad If I m afraid I call his name He helps me out When I m in doubt When things are great I thank you, God Cause you re my strength I ll trust you lots 54

55 C1 Lower Primary Track 1 C1 Upper Primary Track 1 C2 Upper Primary Track 5 God s mega-plan God spoke and things happened, what a mystery He created the world out of nothing, you see The land and the sea, and Adam and Eve A mega-plan became a reality But things went so wrong, we messed things up God was angry but wasn t about to give up He sent Jesus to earth as our rescue man All part of his great big mega-plan And Jesus wants us to be his friend It s the plan from the start, and it has no end Jesus wants us to be his friend For ever, for ever and ever We needed real help, so Jesus pitched in He died for our sin then he rose again So when God looks at us, he sees Jesus instead The mega-swap s given us life again (repeat) 55

56 Who is Jesus? C1 Lower Primary Track 2 C1 Upper Primary Track 2 Who is Jesus, does anyone know? Who is Jesus, I want to know Where did he come from? Where is he now? Who is Jesus, does anyone know? Some said he was a prophet Amazed as he calmed the waves He healed the sick and those that were lame The people believed when they heard his name Some saw him as the Messiah Amazed at what he said He came to release the trapped and oppressed Good news to the poor who he came to bless 56

57 C1 Lower Primary Track 4 C2 Lower Primary Track 5 C2 Upper Primary Track 6 God is in control God is in control God is in control God is in control God is in control As the sun rises in the morning As the sun sets in the evening As the days are short As the days are long God is in control As the waves roll on the ocean As the wind blows across the earth As the stars come out I need to shout God is in control 57

58 Jesus saves C1 Lower Primary Track 6 C1 Upper Primary Track 6 He d been lying there for days When Jesus came and raised Lazarus from the dead The people were amazed That Lazarus had been saved To live with his family again Jesus has the power to save everyone Who puts their trust in him When our bodies die We ll be raised up high And live forever with him He d been lying in the tomb When out of the gloom Two angels appeared and said Do not be afraid Jesus has been raised And defeated all the powers of death 58

59 In God s hands C1 Lower Primary Track 7 Some days start out so good And go so very wrong That s why I need to focus On what needs to be done The days are in God s hands All part of his big plan Gotta plan my days To be in God s hands If something s not working out There s someone watching out I want to cry, but need to try to Hold onto God s guiding hand Turn to the left Turn to the right The way ahead Seems out of sight 59

60 God speaks C1 Lower Primary Track 8 C1 Upper Primary Track 7 God speaks in mysterious ways Throughout the years to every age From the dawn of time to the very last days God speaks in mysterious ways God spoke and the world was created in days And a burning bush had Moses amazed Samuel heard God s voice in the middle of the night God spoke through a cloud to the Israelites Jesus spoke the words of his Father above To his disciples and those who d come after God speaks through the words of the Bible s page To those who would hear what he has to say 60

61 C1 Lower Primary Track 9 C1 Upper Primary Track 9 Remember the Lord Remember the Lord, he is faithful His promises kept to the end Remember the Lord, he is faithful He s with us right to the end Working out plans can be hard sometimes Afraid in case something goes wrong That s when we call on the Lord up above He s been here and knows what s to be done The Bible s a great place to start with our plans The instructions for all who d believe That Jesus will help to get the job done To obey him is great wisdom Trust in the Lord with all of your heart Don t depend on what you understand Remember the Lord in all that you do He ll work His plan out through you 61

62 C1 Lower Primary Track 10 C1 Upper Primary Track 10 God looks at the heart David was small and not very strong But he could sing a really good song He tended the sheep in the field all day But God saw David in a different way cause God looks at the heart Cause that shows God who we really are He sees what s on the inside The truest measure of who we are The king of Israel and warrior too In fearsome battles, God showed him what to do David was always close to God s heart Eager to hear how he could play his part There are mountains to climb that look really tall But with God by your side, they re no trouble, they re no trouble at all 62

63 Keep the faith C1 Lower Primary Track 11 C1 Upper Primary Track 11 I m telling ya that there are people Who gonna tell ya to go the wrong way They re gonna lead ya down a path to nowhere And then they ll leave ya all alone there You gotta keep the faith You gotta trust in God You gotta keep the faith Believe in god, he ll save ya He s the Saviour I m telling ya God will deliver ya From whatever troubles plague ya You gotta keep ya focus on him And he ll lead ya right towards him The truth is there for all to see You gotta keep the faith Jesus gives us life Jesus sets us free He ll save ya 63

64 C1 Upper Primary Track 3 Follow him I gotta turn back now and follow him You know he s gonna tell me where I need to begin I gotta turn back now and follow him Jesus knows how, I ll follow him I don t know which way that I should go There s one way yes The other way, no I ll read God s word In the Bible today I ve got the instructions, I know the way Decisions that are gonna make my day Who do I trust To show the way? Wanna follow Jesus Don t wanna turn away Jesus is the answer, he knows the way 64

65 John 3:16 C1 Upper Primary Track 4 C2 Upper Primary Track 8 God loved the people of the world so much That he gave his only Son So everyone who has faith in him Will not die But have eternal life We can t go to heaven just by being good And we can t go to heaven cause we think we should It all comes down to who we believe It s got to be Jesus, cause he died for you and me He didn t condemn us for being bad He wanted to save us and make us glad We must be born again, and trust and follow him It s got to be Jesus, we ve got to live for him 65

66 C1 Upper Primary Track 5 Power and authority Power and authority Power and authority Power and authority Power and authority With waves as high as the heavens The boat was tossed on the sea Jesus stood and rebuked the wind The storm died down and all was calm Cause Jesus had power and authority And Jesus has power and authority Cause Jesus had power and authority And Jesus has power and authority A young boy lay there dying His father knew what he needed to do Find Jesus quick in the nick of time And plead with him to heal his boy Power and authority Power and authority Power and authority Power and authority 66

67 God is faithful God is faithful To his people Faithful to every Generation C1 Upper Primary Track 8 C2 Lower Primary Track 6 C2 Upper Primary Track 7 Abraham was promised a nation Moses led them out of Egypt God used ordinary people To put his plan in motion David was promised a Saviour And Jesus died to save the world God promised that through the Israelites The world would see the Saviour God s promise to me is eternal life If I put my trust in him God wants people like you and me To give his plans the life they need 67

68 Kingdom kids C2 Infants Track 1 C2 Lower Primary Track 1 C2 Upper Primary Track 1 It started at the dawn of time When God created a world so fine A perfect place for us to live Where we were made in his image We spoilt the world that God had made Our friendship looking very frayed God had a plan to put things right And rescue us so we might be his Kingdom kids, kids of the King The King of heaven, his praise we sing Kingdom kids, kids of the King The King of all created things With Jesus as our Saviour now The way was made for us to be A part of God s big family In heaven with him eternally With his Spirit as our guide One day to heaven we will ride Till then we re living with God s love Here on earth where we can be his (repeat) The King of all created things 68

69 C2 Infants Track 2 C2 Lower Primary Track 3 C2 Upper Primary Track 2 The bad king blues I ve got the bad king blues They re gonna lose When they go the way they choose I ve got the bad king blues They make their move and then, then they lose They go their own way and so I say I ve got the bad king blues Now Ahab, ooh, was a real bad dude He deliberately broke all God s rules He worshipped idols from a foreign land And this made God very mad I ve got the bad king ooh I ve got the bad king blues Soon things began to dry right up Like God s prophet said they would Then Ahab saw a lightning bolt That lit an altar to the one true God I ve got the bad king ooh I ve got the bad king blues Ahab kept doing things real bad So God sent an army to cut him dead An arrow flew into the air And Ahab died as the prophet said I ve got the bad king ooh I ve got the bad king blues 69

70 C2 Infants Track 3 C2 Lower Primary Track 4 God loves his people God loves his people Merciful to those who trust him God loves his people His faithfulness never ends Whenever I am hurting God will hear my cries He leads me to a better place All my hurts he helps me face Whenever I am weak God will hear me speak I pray to him to make me strong My enemies will be gone (repeat) His faithfulness never ends 70

71 God s great plan C2 Infants Track 4 God s great plan was to show the world That he loves us He cares for us So he sent his Son to die for us Cause he loves us He cares for us He left his Spirit to be with us Cause he loves us He cares for us And one day all who love him will join him Cause he loves us He cares for us As it was for Abraham, Joseph and Moses For people throughout the ages It s the same for us today Cause he loves us He cares for us 71

72 C2 Infants Track 5 Dear God Dear God, thank you for friends and family Dear God, thank you for looking after me Dear God, thank you for the nice things I have Dear God, thank you for the good times we share Thank you that you listen Thank you that you care Thank you that you always answer All my prayers Dear God, I m sorry for the things I ve done wrong Dear God, I m sorry when I m cranky number one Dear God, help me to change to please you Dear God, help me to follow you (repeat) All my prayers 72

73 C2 Infants Track 7 I want to follow Jesus Who s calling, what s that I hear? Is that the voice of Jesus? He s calling me to follow him He wants me as his friend I want to follow Jesus I want to tell the world I love him Cause he died for me He s set me free I want to follow Jesus I want to know more of who you are I want to know you Jesus I want to know what I should do To be someone you d call friend (repeat) 73

74 C2 Infants Track 8 C2 Lower Primary Track 8 Give love, God s love We ve gotta give love God s love to one another We ve gotta give love God s love for everyone Gotta help when someone s sad Gotta calm them if they re mad Gotta do this cause we love them Not because someone is watching Gotta clothe them when they re freezing Gotta feed them when they re needing Gotta do this cause we love them Not because someone is watching It doesn t matter where they are Overseas or next to me They all need love, God s love And they need it now (repeat) 74

75 Trust God C2 Infants Track 9 C2 Lower Primary Track 9 I m gonna trust God to look after me I m gonna trust God for everything I need I m gonna trust God and obey his word Cause that s what God wants That s what God wants If you want to be wise You ve got to realise That trusting in him Is where we begin If I follow in his ways And do what he says He knows what I need So he ll look after me (repeat) That s what God wants 75

76 C2 Infants Track 10 C2 Lower Primary Track 11 C2 Upper Primary Track 11 Light of the world Don t go lookin for things in the dark Cause you ll never find them without a spark There s gotta be light for you to see And then you ll see things easily Yeah, cause Jesus said that I am the light of the world Put your faith in me and you will see that I am the light of the world Shine the light for all the world to see If you re searching for answers without the light God hears your prayers each day and night He ll find a way to reveal to you The clues to help you work it through Yeah, cause Jesus said that Children of light stand up and shout God s love is for all without a doubt Let his light shine through you Like Jesus said, when he said that For all the world to see 76

77 C2 Infants Track 11 C2 Lower Primary Track 12 The Saviour of the world Who is this baby lying in a manger? Why have so many come to see? The star up above signals his love For all who would come near and see Jesus, great and mighty Jesus. Gentle and mild Jesus, amazing, wonderful Saviour of the world Who is this man that made blind to see? Why have so many come to see? He healed the sick, gave death the flick And he wants us to be friends with him (repeat) 77

78 I am the Lord C2 Lower Primary Track 2 C2 Upper Primary Track 4 As the earth quakes, can you hear me? As the rain falls, can you hear me? As lightning flashes, as the thunder roars I am the Lord your God Who makes these things happen? I do, I am the Lord your God Who controls all human events? I do, I am the Lord your God As the land dries up, can you hear me? As the fires burn, can you hear me? As the wind blows, as the sun sinks low I am the Lord your God As kingdoms fall, can you hear me? To the ends of the earth, can you hear me? As people everywhere can see I am the Lord your God 78

79 C2 Lower Primary Track 10 Thank you Watchin TV, feelin sleepy Time to go to bed Before I do, I will pray Before I rest my head Thank you God for the day and Thanks for night time too Thanks so much for all the ways That I can praise you The sun is up, I m feeling great Thank you God so much For another day to live your way By showing friends your love Workin hard, learning lots From teachers here at school About the world that you ve made I think it s really cool (repeat) I can praise you 79

80 C2 Upper Primary Track 3 Don t turn your back Go your own way, do your own thing That was the way of many kings Do what you want, say what you please Will lead you to where you don t want to be so Don t turn your back on the King of kings Obey his word and trust in him Don t turn your back on the King of kings Keep walking day by day with him The people bowed down to idols and things Given to them by foreign kings The people bowed down to things they had made And in the end it brought them shame so The ones who worshipped other gods Were amazed at the power of the one true God The prophet spoke, his words came true There s nothing that our God can t do so (repeat) 80

81 C2 Upper Primary Track 9 God s way Sometimes I do what s right Sometimes I do what s wrong Sometimes I m doing nothing When I should be doing good But God has made a way For me to be forgiven When I say I m truly sorry And I follow in his way Cause God s way is the only way, the only way for me God s way is the only way, and he will strengthen me To do what s right, in his sight God s way is the only way, the only way for me Sometimes it s really hard When other kids are mean To keep on doing what is right And keep my trust in him I know I m not alone When I obey God s word And ask for his forgiveness I know that I ll be heard (repeat) 81

82 Love one another C2 Upper Primary Track 10 God has shown great love for us In sending Jesus Christ for us To be our one true sacrifice He wants us all to play our part And love him first with all our heart And share his love with everyone God loves us and wants us To love one another, love one another With the love he s shown to us We can love one another, love one another With the love he s shown to us through Jesus Friends can say the wrong thing too And we can still show love for them By showing them how God loves us Cause the love we have from God shines Through the darkness of their hearts And brings his love into their lives (repeat) 82

83 C2 Upper Primary Track 12 He s the King of everything Don t be afraid, the angel said I bring good news of what s ahead A miracle has taken place A child within, you now embrace The long-awaited King of history s page He s the King of everything This babe so small and I will praise him He s the King of everything The Lord of all and I will praise him He s the King, the King of everything From God to man the bridge was built To save us all from sin and guilt The babe lying in a bed of hay The shepherds came and they did see The long-awaited King of everything The wise men led by shining star To the place where Jesus lay Precious gifts they gave to him Jesus Christ the newborn King (repeat) 83

84 Making links between school & church Wouldn t it be great if the children we teach in our SRE classes were also attending the children s program at their local church on Sunday? Wouldn t it be fantastic if these same children were so inspired by what they were hearing in their SRE classes that they encouraged their parents to also attend church with them on Sunday? Are we trying to establish a link between what is taking place in our schools ministry and the ministry in our churches? The following are some ways in which we can aim to establish good links between the local schools and their local churches. Encourage the children to tell their parents what they have learned, to ask questions and to pray. Send a note home at the end of the semester with the children s workbooks introducing yourself and some other activities the children may be interested in attending at their local churches. Organise a family barbeque for SRE kids and their parents. Chat with other parents at the school gate at pick-up time. Arrange a Super Saturday fun day at the church and invite all the children to attend. Easter, Christmas or end-of-term services with the children involved and to which parents are invited. Provide invitations to special church events. Take part in combined churches or School Carols nights at Christmas. Attend special school events such as sports carnivals to meet parents. Be available at parent/teacher nights so children can introduce you to their parents. Volunteer as a teacher s helper with the class to help develop your relationship with the children and staff. Put on an end-of-year party that includes the parents. Have an SRE stall at the school fete or other community events. Involve your church in presenting parenting seminars held at the school or local church. Attend P&C meetings and build relationships with parents. Make sure you know of Christianity explained or similar courses that interested parents could attend. Make sure there is an SRE presence in Education week events at the school. Prepare a brochure from combined churches of all the children s/youth groups available in the area. Be sure to include their locations, times, age groups. Be involved in or help to organise lunchtime, after-school or holiday clubs. Develop good relationships between the other SRE teachers, classroom teachers and the school principal and office staff. In all our endeavours it is understood that SRE teachers will keep open communication with the school, and particularly the school principal, and will respect privacy requirements. 84

85 School to church making the link Kid s Clubs linked with Lunchtime school groups Visiting and the Privacy act Church visiting local area to promote Scripture in Schools ChURCh BASED Church parents of children making friendships Bible study groups making a link with schools each year Building links through children of friends Fundraising ventures / fetes Excursions and camps P & C Meetings SChooL BASED At the gate at pick-up time Parent teacher nights and orientation days Sports Days Canteen or teachers aid 85

86 Teaching Memory verses Teaching memory verses helps students to read and understand the Bible. It also helps them to see how important the Bible is for understanding God and his purposes for us. When deciding on how to present particular memory verses, remember that students all learn in different ways. Be creative and vary the way you present the verses, making them appropriate to the Bible context if possible. The following practical suggestions should help you add to your bank of ways to present Memory verses to the students. Write the verse out on a large sheet of brightly coloured cardboard. Display this and invite the students to read the verse with you. Cover some of the words of the verse with scraps of paper and see if the students can still the say the verse correctly. Write the verse on a sheet of thick cardboard and then cut it into pieces so the students can complete the jigsaw. Making different coloured puzzles for each of the verses you teach can give you good revision activities for later sessions. Write the Bible verse on a white board adding extra words and then ask the students to rub out the wrong words. For example Butterfly Jesus is mat the water powerful Son and of God. Hide flashcards around the room and invite the students to find them and arrange them in the correct sequence to make up the memory verse. Hand out memory verse flashcards. Play some of the backing tracks on the Connect CD and ask the students with cards to move around the area. When the music stops they are to see how quickly they can get themselves into line so the phrases are in the correct order. Choose other students to take the cards and repeat the game. Practise saying the memory verse in words and phrases for the students to echo. Add some fun actions like clicks, claps and jumps. For example: You must (you must) Always act (always act) Always act like your Father (always act like your Father) Like your Father in heaven (like your Father in heaven) Matthew 5:48 (Matthew 5:48) Write the words of the memory verse on a long sheet of paper. Read the verse with the students. Use scissors to cut off the last one or two words. Read the verse again and see if the students can supply the missing words. Continue cutting off words until the students can say the verse. Display the memory verse on flashcards mix up the cards and invite the students to rearrange them. Add variety to your flashcards by using different coloured cardboard or cutting out different shapes, such as hearts, fish, camels, foot, hands or people shapes. Cutting the sheets of cardboard into a distinctive shape such as a cross, a circle, a bell, a star etc also adds interest to posters and jigsaws. 86

87 Print the memory verse on small cards. Hand them out to the students. Encourage them to learn the verse by putting a sticker on the card when they can say it to you without referring to the card. Make paper scrolls by writing the words of the Bible verse onto strips of coloured paper. Glue a paddle pop stick at each end and roll the two sticks to the centre to make a scroll. Cut out cardboard bookmark shapes and write the memory verse on them. Ask the students to decorate them and add a piece of ribbon or yarn to one end. Encourage the students to take them home and put them in their favourite books. If you have a small group, make a special memory verse book for each student in which they can keep the Bible verses they learn throughout the year. Remind the students to keep going back over the verses they have learnt. Play charades to revise a memory verse. Give one word written on a card to each student or pair of students to mime. As the students guess each word, display the cards. Finally, the students can un-jumble the words to find the verse. Put the memory verse written on a slip of paper into a balloon. Inflate the balloon and several other balloons. Allow the students to burst the balloons to find the memory verse. For Infants children, write the memory verse onto cardboard shapes and thread these onto lengths of wool to make a wristband. A variation of this is to cut out of cardboard one large heart, or other shape, for a necklace. Write the memory verse on the heart and thread wool through the hole made with a hole punch. Play a variation of Pass the parcel by including one word of the memory verse in each layer of the parcel. As each word is revealed, place it in the middle of the circle for the students to read as it grows. Invite one student at a time to the front of the room. Whisper to them a word from the memory verse and have them line up. Once all the words have been given out, the students say their word so everyone can hear the entire memory verse. Go fishing. Write each word of the memory verse on a fish shape. Attach a paper clip to the fish s head. Make a fishing rod using a stick and a piece of string. Tie a magnet to the end of the string. The children take turns to fish. Arrange the fish shapes so the children can read the memory verse. Display the memory verse on a poster. Read the verse with the students two or three times. Invite the students to stand in a circle and explain that the verse is to be passed around the circle. Say the first word of the verse and hand a ball to the next student in the circle. This student says the next word. Continue going around the circle until the students can say the verse smoothly. Display the memory verse written out on a large sheet of paper. Break the verse into short phrases and ask the students to repeat them. Use different voices to add interest. For example: a whisper, a high-pitched voice, low-pitched voice, a sing-song voice and so on. 87

88 Quick classroom games It is often helpful to have a few quick games ideas to fill in a few minutes when the classroom teacher is delayed or sometimes just to add a bit of variety and fun to your time with the children. If possible, think of ways to use the games to reinforce some of the biblical concepts you are teaching to the children. Me too This game can be played in pairs or trios depending on the number of children in your group. Each pair or trio has one minute to find five things they have in common. Join each pair or trio with another and give them another minute to find something they all have in common. Each group can present what they have in common to the rest of the children. Sort it out The children have three minutes to sort themselves into a set order, such as alphabetically, by age or date of birth, or by height. If you have more than 15 children in your group, split the children into smaller groups. How many? Gear q a ball of string or roll of toilet paper Hand around a ball of string. Ask each child to cut a length of string. The children need to speak about themselves for the length of time it takes them to wind the string around their finger. Or, use a roll of toilet paper. Each child tears off a length of paper. For each square of paper they need to tell the group something about themselves. Clues Gear q sheet of paper and pencil for each child Ask the children to write three facts about themselves on the paper, such as their favourite hobby, food or colour, the best thing they did in the holidays, or what they would like to be when they grow up. The children should not write their names on the paper. Collect the papers then redistribute them to the children. Each child must interview the other children to find out who matches the clues they have. After all of the children have been found, each child can introduce the other to the rest of the group. Variation: to introduce someone from the Bible, the teacher or children could write down three facts about that person. The children must then determine who the clues relate to. 88

89 Word buzz Have the children sit in a circle. The leader chooses a topic, such as Jesus. Each child in the circle says a word or phrase related to the topic, such as cross, saviour and so on. Each child has five seconds to think of a word or phrase. The same word or phrase cannot be repeated. If a child cannot think of a word or phrase, he or she becomes part of the Buzz police. The Buzz police say Buzz each time it is their turn and they listen for anyone else repeating a word. If a word is repeated, the child is given three seconds to think of something new or they have to join the Buzz police. The winner is the last child to come up with an original word on the topic. Love show Gear q a bag filled with a variety of items (or picture cards of the items) such as a pen, one dollar, a picture book, a toy, washing up liquid, a tin of food, a fork, a Bible. Invite the children to come up to the front one at a time. Ask each child to reach into the bag and pull out one object, then tell the rest of the group how they could use that object to show that they love others. You might like to give an example, such as a pen can be used to write a letter of encouragement to a friend, family member or missionary, or the dollar could be given to someone in need or to a group that will help others find out about Jesus. What next? In this activity the leader begins a story and invites the children to say what happens next. Ask the children to sit in a circle. Begin the story, then ask the next child to continue it, proceeding around the circle. For example: I woke up early on Saturday I had a shower and slipped on the soap I slipped out of the shower If you have a large group, you may go around the circle once. If you have a small group, you may need to go around the circle a few times. Just as we are Ask the children to sit in a circle. Make a positive comment about each child in turn, such as John has a great smile, Emma has blue eyes, Jack is always laughing and Rachel has long hair. After counting to three, ask the children to say, We re all different! Remind the children that it is not important how we look, where we come from or what we do. Jesus came to save everyone from their sins, just as they are. 89

90 Heads down, thumbs up This is an old school favourite that never goes out of fashion. Your group will probably know it and have their own set of rules. Select four or five children to stand at the front of your group. Give the command heads down, thumbs up. The remaining children lie on the floor with their heads down or, if sitting at a desk, put their heads down on the table, eyes closed and thumbs up. The selected children move quietly around the group, each one flicking, squeezing or tweaking the thumb of one child before returning to the front. The command Heads up, thumbs down is given. All of the children sit up. Those children who had their thumbs flicked should stand up. The children can each have one attempt to guess who flicked them. Those who guess correctly can swap places with the ones who flicked them. The game continues. Orange juice moose Have the children sit in a circle. Choose one child to begin by saying any word they like, such as orange. Within four seconds, the next child has to say a word related to or rhyming with the first word. For example, orange, juice, moose, noose, hang, picture, paint, brush, rush and so on. If a child takes too long to say a word, repeats a word already used or says a word that isn t sufficiently related, they could be eliminated. The teacher is the judge. Copy me Invite the children to sit in a circle. Ask a volunteer to sit in the middle of the circle with their eyes closed. Select a child sitting in the circle to be the leader. This child is to select movements that the other children are to copy, such as clicking fingers, clapping hands, tapping knees, shrugging shoulders and so on. Once the children have begun the movements the child in the middle is to open their eyes and see if they can discover who the leader is. Allow three guesses before revealing the identity of the leader. Act like me Gear q CD player and Connect CD Ask the children to stand in a circle. Invite one child to stand in the middle as the leader and do an action in time with the music. For example: jump up and down, clap hands, click fingers, tap a toe and so on. The other children are to copy the action. Change leaders in the middle of the circle. This leader can do two actions. They can copy the action of the first leader and then do their own action. They can alternate between the two actions. The next leader is to alternate between the first two actions and their own action. Continue the game until four or five children have been a leader. 90

91 Our God Gear q A large sheet of blank paper q A marker pen Write the heading Our God on the sheet of paper. Ask the children to tell you one thing they know about God. Write down each suggestion. Allow the children to keep adding to the list. Ask the classroom teacher if you can leave the list displayed in the room until the next lesson. Who chose me? Invite a child to sit on a chair facing the wall. Ask another child to come to the front and tap the first child on the shoulder before returning to their place. The child on the chair turns around and is given two or three guesses, depending on the size of your group, to guess who chose them. They are to do this by saying. (Name), did you choose me? Who are you? Gear q A soft ball Jesus, Jesus, who are you? Tell me, tell me, tell me who Invite the children to sit or stand in a circle. Pass the ball around the circle. Whoever has the ball when the rhyme is finished has to say something they have learnt about Jesus. Pass the ball quickly, or slowly, roll it, or gently toss it. Funky following Gear q Rhythm sticks (optional) Invite the children to sit in a circle. Clap (or tap) out short, simple rhythms and invite the children to copy them. When the children are following the rhythms confidently, clap out slightly harder rhythms. Start again, this time encouraging the children to join in one by one each time the rhythm starts anew. Who am I? Tell the children I m pretending I am one person in this class. If you ask me questions, I ll answer to help you guess which person I am. Encourage the children to ask questions such as, Are you a boy or a girl?, What colour hair do you have?. 91

92 Easy craft ideas Although the SRE teacher is often limited in terms of time, space and equipment, a simple craft activity can often help to reinforce some important aspect of the Bible teaching and provide an interesting addition to your normal teaching pattern. The following ideas are quick to do and involve a minimum of resources. If time is a definite restriction you may wish to recruit a few extra helpers for the day or ask for some help from friends in doing some of the preparation, such as cutting out, beforehand. Encourage the children to add their name to their craft work and take them home to share with their family and friends. Paper doily angel Gear q Half a paper doily for each child q Circle of white cardboard for each child q Stapler q Glitter pens, optional q Curly hair, optional Following the diagrams show the children how to fold the doily to create the angel s body and wings. Paper doilies come in a variety of sizes so the size of the white cardboard circle will depend on the size of doily you are using. The circles form the head of the angel so make them in proportion to the body and wings. Encourage the children to draw on a face and hair and then attach their circle to the body with a staple. Little bags of curly hair are available from craft stores and make a nice addition to the angels. You may also want to provide some glitter glue pens for the children to add some decorations to the angel s body and wings. I m special bookmark Gear q Pieces of coloured card or heavy paper 20cm x 5cm q Felt pens q Scissors Hand out a piece of coloured card to each child. Ask the children to nominate some special things about each child in the group. Write them onto the back of each child s card. Make suggestions if response is slow. Comments may include things such as: good runner, kind friend, tells funny jokes, helps others, has a great smile and so on. Try to have the same numbers of comments for each child. The children can then decorate the front of their bookmark using brightlycoloured felt pens. Ask them to write their name and, if they are able, to use scissors to fringe the bottom edge of the bookmark. 92

93 Simple puppet made with a tissue Gear q A box of tissues q Ballpoint pens q Adhesive tape Give each child a tissue and show them how to fold it corner to corner three times. Show them how to wrap the folded tissue around their first finger. Tape the ends of the tissue together. Use a ballpoint pen to draw a sad face on one finger and a happy face on the other finger. The children can hold up the sad faces to show how they think a character is feeling, or how something makes them feel or how they might feel when they are sorry for doing wrong. They can then hold up happy faces to show how they think someone feels, when something makes them happy or how they might feel when God forgives them. Standing angel Gear q A piece of thin white cardboard with angel outline for each child q Scissors q Adhesive tape, stapler or glue q Felt pens, glitter or tinsel to decorate angels If time is short have the angel shapes pre-cut. Give each child an angel shape and encourage them to cut it out and add facial features with the felt pens. They can then decorate their angel with felt pens, glitter or strips of tinsel. When decorated, the lower edges of the angel can be folded back and the edges joined with adhesive tape, glue or a staple. The angel can then stand up. Making crosses Gear q Pieces of thin card q Scissors and glue Following the diagrams provided fold and cut the card as shown. One way is more suited to younger children and uses the one sheet of card. The other way involves using two strips of differing lengths and is more suited to older children. You will need to show the children how to paste the short one across the longer one to make the cross shape. These cross shapes can then be used in a number of ways, such as holding a special greeting, being made into a bookmark or displaying a memory verse. 93

94 Craft stick puppet Gear q Two craft sticks for each child q A cardboard circle for each child q Fabric or paper scraps q Craft glue or double-sided tape q Felt pens to add facial features and hair Another quick way to make a puppet the children can use to interact with a particular Bible story is with two craft sticks, a circle of cardboard and scraps of fabric or paper to make clothes (see diagrams). You could have the fabric shapes pre-cut to save time while double-sided tape to join the craft sticks and attach the cardboard head and fabric clothes saves the mess of craft glue. It is best if the children add the facial features before attaching the circle head to the craft stick body. Identification wristband Gear q Long strip of 2cm wide paper or thin card for each child q Felt pens q Wide adhesive tape or clear Contact q Scissors Measure the circumference of the child s wrist (plus some overlap) and cut the paper strip to length. Invite the children to write their name and a statement about something they are learning or a Bible verse they should remember on the paper. Cover the wristband with a strip of wide adhesive or clear Contact and join it around their wrists. Jesus beads Gear q Length of hat elastic or leather thong for each child q A green, black, red, white, blue and yellow bead for each child Give each child a length of hat elastic or leather thong and one of each colour bead to make a wristband or anklet. Encourage them to thread them in the following order reminding them as they go of what each colour symbolises. Green: Creation God made a beautiful world. It was perfect. Black: Sin people turned away from God and went their own way. Their friendship with God was broken. Red: Jesus death because God loves us, he sent Jesus to die in our place. White: Forgiveness God forgives us when we are sorry for not living his way. He makes us friends again. Blue: The Holy Spirit Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help his friends to live God s way. Yellow: Heaven Jesus friends will live forever with him. It will be perfect! Encourage the children to use their bead wristband or anklet to remind them of the Good news of Jesus and also tell their friends and family. 94

95 Prayer diary Gear q Two A4 size sheets of paper for each child q Scissors q Stapler q Stars or stickers, optional Give each child two sheets of A4 paper and show them how to fold and then cut them in half. Show them how to place the four pieces together, fold them in half again to make a booklet and staple in the middle. Encourage the children to write their name on the front and decorate with stickers and stars if they are available. The children can then write the things they pray about each day/week on the pages. Invite them to bring their prayer diary to each lesson if they wish. Pipe cleaner puppets Gear q Two pipe cleaners for each child q Scraps of fabric and wool Following the diagrams provided show the children how to bend and twist their pipe cleaners to form a person shape. These shapes could be used to represent any biblical character you have been telling the children about. Simple clothing can be made with scraps of fabric secured at the waist with a piece of wool. God keeps his promises necklace Gear q Circle of cardboard for each child q Wool q Sweets or breakfast cereal with a centre hole q Hole punch q Scissors Write the words God keeps his promises or any other suitable phrase on the cardboard circles. Make a hole in the centre of the top edge for wool to be threaded through. Give each child a circle and a length of wool and encourage them to put the wool through the hole and then thread some sweets or cereals shapes onto the wool on either side of the cardboard circle. Knot the ends of the wool together so the necklace goes over the child s head and encourage them to wear their necklace to remind themselves of their great God. 95

96 Badges Gear q A cardboard circle for each child q Felt pens q Safety pin for each child q Adhesive tape Give each child a cardboard circle and encourage them to choose their own words and pictures to show that they are created by God. Use adhesive tape to attach a safety pin to the back of the circle to create a badge for the children to wear. You may wish to have a few sample badges premade to inspire the children. Concertina paper people Gear q A long rectangle of paper for each child q Felt pens q Scissors Give each child a rectangle of paper and show them how to fold it concertina style. On the top layer draw a child as shown. Cut around the outline, leaving the hands and feet joined at the fold. Unfold to make a line of children. Draw on faces and clothing. A Memory verse could also be added writing one word on each shape. Fingertip puppets The children can make simple cardboard tube or fingertip puppets to represent any biblical characters from particular Bible stories. Provide each child with a piece of cardboard approximately 8cm x 3.5cm and encourage them to draw a face in the centre. They can then wrap the cardboard into an appropriate size tube, secure it with a piece of tape and slide onto their finger. 96

97 Playdough Uncooked Playdough 1 cup (4oz/100g) cooking salt 1 1 / 2 cups (6oz/150g) plain flour 1 / 2 cup (4floz/100ml) water 2 tablespoons oil Food colouring if desired Directions Mix the dry ingredients and gradually add water, oil and colouring. Mix until a firm dough forms. Store it in an airtight container or plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Cooked Playdough 1 / 2 cup (2oz/50g) cooking salt 1 cup (4oz/100g) plain flour 2 tablespoons cream tartar 1 cup (8floz/200ml) water 1 tablespoon oil Food colouring if desired Directions Mix the dry ingredients in a saucepan. Mix the water, oil and food colouring. Add them to the dry ingredients. Cook on medium heat, stirring until the mixture forms a doughy consistency and begins to come away from the sides of the pan. Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool sightly. Turn it out onto a floured board and knead it. Store it in an airtight container or plastic wrap in the refrigerator. 97

98 Making Easter & Christmas special Easter and Christmas are two great Christian celebrations so they provide the perfect opportunity to do something special that the children are sure to remember. School assemblies Many schools are happy to have a combined Assembly at the end of first term for Easter or at the end of the year for Christmas. There are outlines for an Easter assembly in the semester one (C1) and a Christmas assembly in the semester two (C2) Connect Teacher s manuals. These are a good place to begin your planning of an assembly and then adapt them if necessary to suit your own individual circumstances. Special parent/child get-together As Easter and Christmas do fall at the end of school terms it is also a good opportunity to have a special childcentred activity that parents can be invited to attend. This could just be the singing of a song at a regular school assembly, presentation of a short drama or a picnic in the school grounds during one lunchtime. Make sure that any of these ideas are discussed with the school principal before any arrangements are made and be sure to invite him or her and other teachers to attend. Easter for kids and Christmas for kids, two new publications from CEP both contain extra assembly outlines, all-age service ideas and several short dramas that provide lots of ideas you may be able to use or adapt. School celebrations It is important for the children to see their SRE teachers as part of the life of their school, so talk to the classroom teachers to find out if there is some way you can assist them with any end-of-term or end-of-year activities. Some schools hold carol services at the end of the year or you could get permission to hand out invitations to the children for church-based carol services in the surrounding neighbourhood. 98

99 Add a little extra to your lesson Your last lesson for the term or year is also a good time to do something a bit different in your regular lesson time. On the following pages you will find photocopiable cards and bookmarks you may wish to give the children so they can make a card for a friend or family member. Or they may wish to make a bookmark for themselves or a friend. You may want to provide some cardboard for them to glue their bookmark onto and some yarn for them to make a simple tassel they could add to the top. You may also like to try adding a game to the lesson, see pages for some ideas or why not try a simple craft activity. The craft activities provided on pages have been chosen because they require a minimum of materials and are quick to do. Each of the crafts also lend themselves to having some of the steps done before the lesson, such as pre-cutting cardboard circles and you may find other members of your congregation who can t teach SRE themselves but are only too willing to help you with this type of preparation. Some church members may also be able to organise themselves so they can come and help you for an occasional lesson. Give a small gift Many teachers also find Easter and Christmas an ideal time to give the children in their group a copy of a tract written especially for children or small booklet that helps to reinforce the Bible s good news about Jesus and what he has done for us. The tract found in the back of the Connect Activity books is also available in tear-off pads of 50 which can be given as a poster for the children to hang in their rooms or folded to DL size and personalised with a special message from you or details of local kid s clubs or church services. CEP also produce small, full-colour booklets that are discounted for bulk buys. Becoming God s friend is the first book in the series and explains the gospel in a simple and appealing way with contemporary child-friendly illustrations (see page 109). If you have a small group and like making things, then why not use one of the craft ideas provided on pages and make a small gift for each child. They are sure to appreciate it. 99

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