Kindergarten LEADER GUIDE

Transcription

1 FALL 2011 F BIBLE TEACHING FOR KIDS Kindergarten LEADER GUIDE September: Jesus Showed Love October: The Bible: God s Words for Us November: God s Plan for Me

2 Planting Seed As a kindergarten teacher, you are planting seed in the lives of boys and girls. You can also plant seed in the lives of unsaved parents. You may have an opportunity to minister or help when a baby is born, a parent or child is sick, or a family moves to a new house. You may give a smile or a listening ear as a friend. You visit to get to know the family. You may send a card with encouraging words from the Bible. Each of these actions plants seed of the gospel in a parent s life. You may also have an opportunity to help parents know about God s plan of salvation. God s Plan of Salvation First of all, accept that... God loves you. He loved you so much that He allowed His very own Son to take the blame for your sin (John 3:16). Christ died for you and everyone who has sinned against Him (Romans 5:8b). Recognize that... Everyone sins. No exceptions! (Romans 3:23) Sin separates you from God. The price you should reasonably pay is separation from God (death), but He has another way (Romans 6:23). Believe that... Jesus is the answer. Believe in Jesus. The Bible says that believing that Jesus is God s Son is the first step toward faith (Acts 16:31). Then... Admit to God that you are a sinner. Ask God to forgive you and allow you to live with Him forever (1 John 1:9). Don t just say you re sorry but ask God to help you change your ways. Do an about-face. Ask God to help you stop doing what you shouldn t, and do what you should (Acts 3:19). Tell others about your faith in Jesus. Confess to others what Jesus has done for you and how He has changed your life (Romans 10:9). Live in a way that pleases God. God wants us to follow His guidelines for living. This will be your testimony to your new life in Him (John 14:15). Take the next step of obedience through baptism. Then grow through fellowship and worship with other believers. Play with Purpose P R. Scott Wiley lay is important to has a purpose. The kindergartners. As they play, materials and activities we offer help kindergartners interact with the world boys and girls discover more about the and build on their understanding of Bible and about Jesus. The songs we how the world works. Blocks, games, sing and the games we play help them nature items, and art materials become learn about God. tools to discover more about the world. In a kindergarten classroom, boys In Sunday School, we encourage and girls use letter tiles to spell their kindergartners to play. But that play names. The teacher encourages them to spell Jesus and other names they know. Jesus loved His friends Mary and Martha, the teacher says. Jesus loves our friends. He loves us. Letters and words become play with a purpose. The teacher helps the children think about Jesus and His love as they engage in an activity that interests them. As you plan each week, think about how the play you plan has purpose. How can you help kindergartners hear, know, and do what the Bible says? 2 Kindergarten Leader Guide

3 Special Features Contents 2 Planting Seed 2 Play with a Purpose 4 Helping Kindergartners Feel Welcome 6 Connecting the Pieces 7 Basic and Quarterly Resources 26 Why Use Learning Centers? 50 Connecting with Families 51 Group Time Basics 70 Songs 75 Coming Next Quarter Bible Teaching Plans for ETC (Extended Teaching Care) September ETC 1 October ETC 1 1 November ETC 2 3 Bible Teaching Plan Spiritual foundations are built in the lives of boys and girls through teachers and parents leading them to hear, know, and do God s Word. Guide children to learn and grow by hearing Bible truths, knowing and understanding Bible truths, and applying and living Bible truths. Check out Kindergarten Leader Guide Fall 2011 September: Jesus Showed Love Unit Overview September 4 Mary and Martha September 11 The Woman at the Well September 18 Jesus Fed the People September 25 Jesus Healed a Deaf Man October: T he Bible - God s Words for Us Unit Overview October 2 Jeremiah Wrote About God October 9 Josiah Read the Lost Scroll October 16 Paul Taught the Beroeans October 23 Philip Taught the Ethiopian October 30 Peter Wrote About Jesus November: God s Plan for Me Unit Overview November 6 Samuel Anointed David November 13 David and Jonathan Promised to Be Friends November 20 David Praised and Thanked God November 27 David Remembered His Promise Fall

4 Helping Kindergartners Feel Welcome Ashlea Christy Smith When I was 6 years old my family moved to a new state. I can remember being so nervous on the first day of school that I thought I was going to throw up. I was worried about everything. What if my teacher was mean? What if the kids didn t like me? What if I couldn t find the bathroom? As a kindergarten teacher, you will encounter children like I was (worried and afraid), and others who will have five new friends in less than two minutes. Most of your kindergartners will fall somewhere in the middle. When a new child enters your class, it is always a good idea to start with a warm and personal greeting. Squat down so that you are at eye-level with the child. Smile and say something like: Hi Tommy. My name is Mrs. Ashlea, and I am so glad you came today. At this point, most children will quickly move to a center and begin interacting. For other children, the transition from standing at the door to participating can be stressful. If the child seems hesitant, briefly explain the day s schedule. Many children feel more at ease if they know what to expect. Ask: Do you see an activity center you would like to try? If the child does not respond say: I think you might enjoy the creative art center today. Gently take the child by the hand and walk with them to the desired activity. Introduce them to another kindergartner or teacher, and help them begin an activity. If a child resists participation, simply say: If you would like to just watch for a while, you may stand here until you feel ready. You might also say: If you have any questions or need anything you can ask me. Do not be discouraged if a very shy or introverted child refuses to participate during their first few visits to your class. He will still hear the Bible story and experience the kindness you are showing him. These experiences will speak volumes to his little heart. 4 Kindergarten Leader Guide

5 Here are some other ideas you can use to make all kindergartners feel welcome. Call kindergartners by their names. Use names tags to help you remember. Provide activities that appeal to a wide variety of learners. Arrange your centers so that your most popular center can be seen from the doorway. Compliment each child. Remember that an extroverted child may enjoy having his name called and his picture shown to the class, but an introverted child might enjoy a quiet comment made just to him. Explain everything, even the simple things, when you have a new kindergartner. Listen when children speak to you. Nothing says You are important! to kindergartners like listening and remembering what they say. If you have a child with special needs in your class, ask a parent about any activities their child particularly enjoys, and try to incorporate these into your session. KINDERGARTEN LEADER GUIDE Bible Teaching for Kids Volume 6, Number 1, Fall 2011 Production & Ministry Team Kathryn Collins Content Editor Rachel Myrick Production Editor Mitch Mann Graphic Designer Ernie Hickman Senior Graphic Design Specialist Bill Emeott Lead Childhood Ministry Specialist Klista Storts Childhood Ministry Specialist R. Scott Wiley Editorial Project Leader Management Personnel Jerry Vogel Director, Childhood Ministry Publishing Landry R. Holmes Managing Director, Childhood Ministry Publishing Judy Latham Managing Director, Childhood Ministry Publishing Becky Loyd Director, Childhood Ministry David Francis Director, Sunday School gary H. Hauk Director, Publishing, LifeWay Church Resources Send questions/comments to Bible Teaching for Kids Kindergarten Leader Guide One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN Or make comments on the Web at Printed in the United States of America Bible Teaching for Kids Kindergarten Leader Guide (ISSN ; Item Number ) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. For ordering or inquiries visit or WRITE LifeWay Church Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN For subscriptions or subscription address changes subscribe@ lifeway.com, FAX (615) , or write to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, orderentry@ lifeway.com, FAX (615) , or write to the above address. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. The 2000 statement of The Baptist Faith and Message is our doctrinal guideline. Levels of Biblical Learning and Worship KidStyle are trademarks of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Contributing Writers Tom Davis, Beth Ingalls, Donna Gentile, Stacy Hart, Sylvia Howard, Kelly McAnally, Cheryl Mock, AshleA Christy Smith, and Cindy WIley Ashlea Christy Smith teaches kindergartners at Bellevue Arlington Church in Arlington, Tennessee. Fall

6 Connecting the Pieces Bible Teaching for Kids Kindergarten Leader Guide This guide for teachers of kindergartners contains weekly teaching plans, leadership helps, and ETC (Extended Teaching Care) reproducible materials for teaching children during worship services. With ETC and Sunday School teaching plans together in the same guide, teachers can have greater coordination between both Bible teaching hours. ETC plans can be pulled from the middle of the leader guide for distribution. ETC pages are also on the Music and More for Kindergarten Enhanced CD so you can print or the pages. Bible Teaching for Kids Kindergarten Leader Pack The leader pack contains teaching pictures, games, books, Bible markers, and other resources that relate to the teaching plans in the leader guide. These items reduce preparation time for teachers and enhance Bible learning for kindergartners. Also included in the leader pack is a variety of items to help teachers minister and reach kindergartners and their families. Bible Teaching for Kids Kindergarten Connection Learner Guide The connecting link between church and home is Kindergarten Connection. Each Sunday teachers will send home the weekly page which includes the Bible story and picture, a Bible fact, the Bible word(s) and Bible verse for the day, and an activity for the child to do. The entire family might enjoy the To Home activity. Look for the icon in each session that highlights when and how the page is used in the session. Encourage parents to use the Kindergarten Connection weekly page at home to reinforce the Bible stories and Bible truths the children have experienced at church. Bible Teaching for Kids Music and More for Kindergarten Enhanced CD On this CD, teachers will find the songs referenced in the leader guide teaching plans for use during the sessions. Worship and/ or instrumental music also is included to play as background music or to use in activities. Sounds, Bible stories, finger plays, or activity directions will be included occasionally. The enhanced CD also contains computer files of leadership articles and other teaching and ministry helps. Worship KidStyle Worship KidStyle is a product designed to help churches during the second hour on Sunday mornings. For more information go to Visit our Web site kids to discover extra activities for each session as well as helpful articles for parents and teachers. 6 Kindergarten Leader Guide

7 Fall 2011 Levels of Biblical Learning Resources You may purchase these items from LifeWay Christian Resources by calling 1 (800) , online at com, or at a LifeWay Christian Store. Puzzles Bibles ( ) Bible Times House ( ) Books of the Bible (floor puzzle, ) Breakfast with Jesus ( ) Children Praise Jesus ( ) David (wooden box puzzle, ) David and the Sheep ( ) David and Jonathan ( ) Going to Church ( ) Holy Land Map (floor puzzle, ) Jesus and the Children ( ) Jesus Grew ( ) Jesus, My Special Friend ( ) Jesus Visited Friends ( ) Life of Jesus (wooden box puzzle, ) People Sang to God ( ) Solomon s Temple (floor puzzle, ) Synagogue ( ) The Temple ( ) The Tent Church ( ) Other Bibles stickers (pkg. of 80, ) Church Helpers stickers (pkg. of 50, ) Giant Game Floor Mat ( ) God s Creation stickers (pkg. of 100, ) God Loves Me stickers (pkg. of 40, ) Jesus stickers (pkg. of 100, ) Kids Around the World stickers (pkg. of 80, ) Kind Words stickers (pkg. of 60, ) Resource Books Super Duper Fun and Exciting Absolutely Thought Igniting Bible Activities for Kids ( ) The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for Kids ( ) Learning Centers Remember to include these learning centers each week: Blocks; Creative Art; Dramatic Play; Nature and Science; Puzzles and Manipulatives. Centers provide choices as kindergartners learn in the ways God has gifted them to learn. Kindergartners need to move, explore, and discover, using their curiosity and five senses. Centers also help them make real-life applications to biblical truths. BASIC RESOURCES FOR KINDERGARTEN SUNDAY SCHOOL - animal figures (plastic or wooden) - beanbags - Bibles, Read to Me Bible for Kids (HCSB ) - binder rings - books related to areas of God, Jesus, Bible, Church, God s Creation, Self, Family, Community/World - boxes (different sizes) or wooden blocks - cardboard tubes - CD player - chalkboard, chalk, eraser/dry erase board and dry erase markers - child-size scissors - clear contact plastic - construction paper - craft sticks - crayons, washable markers, pencils - dress-up clothes (Bible times and present-day) - fabric pieces - food boxes (empty) - hole punch - Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for Kids - magazines, catalogs, newspapers - magnetic boards and letters; magnetic strips - magnifying glasses - muffin pans, ice cube trays for sorting - nature items (various) - paintbrushes, paint containers, smocks - people figures - plastic dishes, pots, and pans - play dough and play dough tools - poster board, paper, index cards - puzzles related to God, Jesus, Bible, Church, God s Creation, Self, Family, Community/World - rhythm instruments - rubber stamps and washable stamp pads - rulers - tape (masking and wide transparent) - tempera paint, watercolors - toy cars, trucks, boats - toy telephones - washable plastic dolls with molded features, baby-care items, doll clothes - white school glue, glue sticks - yarn - ziplock bags (different sizes) Fall

8 Jesus Showed Love Concept: Jesus The month of September focuses on Jesus and the love He showed for people. Jesus showed love in many ways. Kindergartners will hear stories, sing songs, and participate in Bible-learning activities that present the idea that Jesus loves them. They will hear Bible stories that will help them know ways Jesus showed love by spending time with people, teaching about God, helping people, and healing them. Week of Week of Week of September 4 September 11 September 18 Bible Story Mary and Martha Luke 10:38-42 Life Application I can learn Jesus loves all people. Bible Truth Jesus spent time with people. Bible Verse Jesus said, I love you. John 15:9 Learning Center Activities Play the Jesus Name Game Create Self-Portraits Get Ready for Guests Build a Bible Times House Illustrate a Song Level of Biblical Learning Jesus taught people about what God is like. Level of Bible Skills Knows the Bible tells about God and Jesus Bible Story The Woman at the Well John 4:6-11,19-30,39-42 Life Application I can learn Jesus taught about God s love. Bible Truth Jesus taught about God s love. Bible Verse God loves us. 1 John 4:10 Learning Center Activities Play Learn Around the Room Make Books About Jesus Create a Well Build with PVC Pipes and Connectors Pour and Measure Water Level of Biblical Learning Jesus taught people about what God is like. Level of Bible Skills Knows the Bible tells about God and Jesus Bible Story Jesus Fed the People John 6:1-13 Life Application I can learn Jesus showed love by helping people. Bible Truth Jesus helped people. Bible Verse Jesus gave food to people. John 6:11 Learning Center Activities Play a Concentration Game Taste Bread and Graph Favorites Paint with Scented Paint Build an Outdoor Scene Enjoy a Pretend Picnic Level of Biblical Learning Jesus performed miracles and healed the sick. Level of Bible Skills Knows the Bible tells about God and Jesus 8 Kindergarten Leader Guide

9 Hear, Know, Do Week of September 25 Bible Story Jesus Healed a Deaf Man Mark 7:31-37 Life Application I can learn Jesus showed love and healed people. Bible Truth Jesus healed people. Bible Verse Jesus healed people. Luke 7:21 Learning Center Activities Work Puzzles Make and Decorate Shakers Finger-Paint to Music Play Out Everyday Sounds Build a Hospital Level of Biblical Learning Jesus performed miracles and healed the sick. Level of Bible Skill Knows the Bible tells about God and Jesus Blocks Nature & Science Puzzles and Manipulatives Creative Art Dramatic Play September

10 Week of September 4, 2011 Mary and Martha Think about the kindergartners in your class. How are they alike? How are they different? As I contemplated the Bible passage for this week, I became Get Ready 1 Get Ready to HEAR, KNOW, DO Bible Truths aware that Mary and Martha were as different in personality as the children I teach. Each sister made valuable contributions to Jesus ministry. Read Luke 10:38-42 and think about the different roles Mary and Martha filled in Jesus life. Martha s name meant lady of the house or mistress. Living up to her name, Martha is portrayed as a take-charge Bible Passage Luke 10:38-42 Bible Truth Jesus spent time with people. Level of biblical learning (Jesus) Jesus taught people about what God is like. Life application I can learn Jesus loves all people. Bible Verse Jesus said, I love you. John 15:9 Bible Words Bethany a small town near Jerusalem love to care for someone very much kind of person a natural leader. She welcomed Jesus into her home and felt the responsibility to meet the obligations of a hostess. She knew how to welcome guests, including preparing food for them. Martha was a follower who was a doer. Think about people in your church or community who are the take-charge people. Who organizes potlucks or enlists people to bring refreshments for meetings? Thank God for these friends. Mary, in contrast to her sister, was a more contemplative follower. She seemed to have special insight into Jesus ultimate destiny and purpose. The warmth and understanding she offered must have been comforting to Jesus, who well knew that He was on the way to confront the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. Who are the people in your church or community who are often in the background but possess a striking intimacy and devotion to Jesus? Thank God for them. Jesus loved both sisters, as different as they were. He showed love to Mary by taking time with her, talking with her, and guiding her contemplative nature. He showed love to Martha by showing concern at her worry and busyness. He acknowledged her need and her gift of doing. Jesus also loves each of the children in your class. Do you embrace their differences and acknowledge their needs and their strengths? How can you communicate Jesus love to each of them during Sunday School this week? Teacher Preparation Prepare materials for learning center activities: > > Play the Jesus Name Game > > Create Self-Portraits > > Get Ready for Guests > > Build a Bible Times House > > Illustrate a Song Gather leader pack items: > > Item 1. Teaching Picture: Mary and Martha > > Item 14a-d. Bible Word Cards: Bethany, love > > Item 15a. Bible Markers > > Item 16. Book: J Is for Jesus > > Item 19. Jesus Name Game > > Item 21a. Bible Times Card: House > > Item 24. Door Poster > > Item 29: Book: In the Fall > > Item 30: Beanbag Patterns Print from Music and More for Kindergarten Enhanced CD: > > Bible Markers > > Fall Place Mats > > Parent Bible Teaching Tips (September) > > Reflecting on the Session > > Toy Dish Patterns > > Weekly Group-Time Outlines > > Weekly Summary Sheets Learn songs from Music and More for Kindergarten CD: Please see pages for print music of this session s songs. > > Jesus Loves All People (track 1) > > The Bible Teaches Us About Jesus (track 7) If you have limited time or teaching staff and need a Quick Plan, consider using these activities to achieve today s Bible teaching and life application. 10 Kindergarten Leader Guide

11 Learning Centers Lead Kids to HEAR, KNOW, DO Bible Truths 2 As children participate in the learning centers, be sure they hear the Bible story and Bible verse. Help them say the Bible verse. Use conversation to help children know Jesus loves all people. Play the Jesus Name Game Puzzles and Manipulatives Bible Connection Jesus showed love by spending time with people. Materials Bible, Kindergarten Connection weekly pages, Book: J Is for Jesus (pack item 16), Jesus Name Game (pack item 19), small paper bag, scissors, pencils or markers Cut apart the letters for the game and place them in the paper bag. Play the Jesus Name Game. Draw letter cards from the bag. Help children line them up on the name strips to spell Jesus. Refer to the teaching picture on the Kindergarten Connection page and tell the Bible story. Read aloud the instructions for the Kindergarten Connection page. Guide children to complete the activity. Read the book J Is for Jesus. KID Connection Point to Jesus name in the Bible. Comment: Jesus loves all people. Jesus loves. Fill in the blank with each child s name. Create Self-Portraits Creative Art, Nature and Science Bible connection Jesus loves all people. Materials Bible, Book: In the Fall (pack item 29), Bible Markers (CD), paper, markers, fabric scraps, yarn, glue sticks, scissors, nonbreakable mirrors Insert the Bible marker into the Bible. Print a Bible marker for each child. Invite a child to look in a mirror and create her self-portrait on the paper. She can draw features with markers, make hair from yarn, and make clothes from fabric scraps. Tell the Bible story as the children work. Help each child read the Bible verse from a Bible marker. Give children a Bible marker to place in their Bibles or take home. Read the book In the Fall. KID Connection Find a picture of Jesus in the Bible. Talk about how Jesus loves all people. Get Ready for Guests Dramatic Play Bible Connection Jesus spent time with friends at their home. Materials Bible; Teaching Picture (pack item 1); Bible Markers (pack item 15a); Fall Place Mats (CD); Toy Dish Patterns (CD); poster board; toy broom; toy mop; cloths; empty spray bottles; toy dishes; heavyweight paper; scissors; pencils Using heavyweight paper, print and cut out the Toy Dish Patterns. Print the Fall Place Mats. Place the items in the center. Display the teaching picture. Place the Bible marker at John 15:9. Invite children to clean the house and set the table for guests. If you do not have dishes, offer the toy dish patterns and poster board. Show children how to trace around a pattern and cut out a dish. Repeat to make more dishes. Refer to the teaching picture and tell the Bible story as boys and girls play. Help a child open the Bible and read the verse: Jesus said, I love you. John 15:9. KID Connection Talk about how Jesus showed love to Mary and Martha. Say: Jesus loves all people. Jesus loves you. Week of September 4,

12 Build a Bible Times House Blocks Bible Connection Jesus went to a friend s house. Materials Read to Me Bible for Kids; extra copy of Kindergarten Connection weekly page; Bible Word Cards: Bethany, love (pack item 14a-d); Bible Times Card: House (pack item 21a); puzzle Bible Times House (see p. 7); wooden blocks; cardboard pieces Open the Bible to the picture Jesus Visited Mary and Martha (p. 1056). Arrange the Bible and other materials together on the floor. Display the Bible story page of the Kindergarten Connection. Encourage kindergartners to use the blocks and cardboard pieces to build a Bible times house. Refer to the Kindergarten Connection weekly page and puzzle Bible Times House as you tell the Bible story. Call attention to the picture of the house on the Bible Times Card: House and read the facts. Review the word cards Bethany and love. KID Connection Pray and thank God for Jesus and His love for all people including each of the kindergartners. Cleanup and HEAR, KNOW, DO Bible Truths 3 Illustrate a Song Creative Art Bible Connection Jesus loves all people. Materials Bible, Bible Markers (CD), paper, markers, crayons, Music and More CD, CD player Print the Bible marker. Place it in the Bible at John 15:9. Play the song Jesus Loves All People (track 1). Invite children to draw a picture about the song as you play it softly several times. Tell the Bible story as children draw. Remark: Jesus showed love by spending time with His friends. Refer to the Bible marker in the Bible and read the verse with each child. KID Connection Talk about the words of the song. Say: This song reminds us that Jesus loves everyone. Bonus Ideas Play with Play Dough Teaching Tip Offer play dough, rolling pins, and cookie cutters. Comment that Martha prepared food for Jesus visit. Encourage kindergartners to make a meal with the play dough. Tell the Bible story as they work. Work Wooden Puzzles Offer the puzzles Jesus Visited Friends, Bible Times House, and other puzzles about Jesus (see p. 7). Tell the Bible story as children work the puzzles. Say the Bible verse Jesus said, I love you. John 15:9. Ask: Does this mean Jesus loves all people? (yes) Alternate Quiet and Active Times Remember to keep group time short for the first several weeks. Follow this easy guideline: when children are 5, they can successfully sit still for about five minutes. Try to include an activity with movement every five minutes of your group time. Play The Bible Teaches Us About Jesus (track 7) and walk around the room encouraging boys and girls to finish their activities and clean up. Give them specific jobs and thank the children as they clean. 12 Kindergarten Leader Guide

13 4 Group to HEAR, KNOW, DO Time Bible Truths Mary and Martha - Luke 10:38-42 Materials: Bible; Teaching Picture (pack item 1); Bible Word Cards: Bethany, love (pack item 14a-d); Bible Markers (pack item 15a); Beanbag Patterns (pack item 30); fabric; needle and thread; scissors; small, dried beans; Music and More CD; CD player Prepare. Make one or two beanbags using the Beanbag Patterns, fabric, needle, and thread. Fill with small, dried beans. Locate Luke 10 in your Bible and practice telling the Bible story. Place the Bible marker in your Bible. Read a Bible verse. With the Bible open to the marker, point to the verse and read it. Ask the children to repeat the verse together. Comment: This Bible verse helps us remember that Jesus loves all people. Move and sing together. Play Jesus Loves All People (track 1) and encourage the children to stand and clap with the rhythm of the song. After children are seated, comment: This month we are learning that Jesus showed love for people in different ways. Hear Bible Truths. Show the word cards and read the definitions. Invite the children to listen for these words in the Bible story. Open your Bible to Luke 10 and tell the story in your own words. Bible story Jesus and His disciples were walking to the village of Bethany. Jesus friends Mary and Martha lived in Bethany. Mary and Martha were sisters. Mary and Martha must have been excited to see Jesus and His disciples. Martha invited them into her home. She rushed to prepare a meal. She wanted the meal to be very special for Jesus and His disciples. Mary sat down on the floor at Jesus feet and listened to Him talk. Mary wanted to hear every word that Jesus said. She listened very carefully. Martha worked to prepare the food, worrying that everything would be just right. Martha saw that Mary was listening to Jesus. Mary was not helping prepare the meal. Martha was upset. Jesus, Martha said, my sister has left me to do all the work. Don t You care? Tell her to help me. Jesus looked at Martha. He said to her, Martha, Martha, you are working hard and worrying about many things. Mary has chosen the better thing to do. She is listening to what I have to tell her. She is showing that she loves Me by listening to Me. The most important thing is to love Me and learn about Me. Know Bible truths. Show the teaching picture to the children. Show the word cards again. Ask: How did Jesus show love for His friends? How did Mary show love for Jesus? What can we learn about Jesus and His love for people? Pray. Comment: We can pray and thank Jesus for His love. Ask for any prayer requests from the kindergartners. Pray for the boys and girls requests. Offer time for volunteers to pray. Do Bible truths. Recite the Bible verse: Jesus said, I love you. John 15:9. Say: Jesus loved Mary and Martha. Jesus loves all people. Toss a beanbag to a child and say: Jesus loves (insert child s name). Ask the children to say the Bible verse with you. Toss the beanbag to another child and repeat. Invite the children to repeat the Bible verse again before throwing the beanbag to another child. Family Connection or copy and distribute the Parent Bible Teaching Tips for September (CD). Send notes to boys and girls who were out this week. Include a Kindergarten Connection weekly page. If you have limited time or teaching staff and need a Quick Plan, include these activities to achieve today s Bible teaching and life application at group time. Week of September 4,