Contents. UNIT 3: Stories From the Exile 59 November Ruth and Naomi. UNIT 1: Judges and Kings 5 September 5 1. Deborah, the Judge

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1 Written by Judy Newman-St. John 2 Introduction 3 Resources You Will Want 4 Weekly Overview UNIT 1: Judges and Kings 5 September 5 1. Deborah, the Judge 11 September Hannah and Samuel 17 September Samuel and Eli 23 September King Saul UNIT 2: A United Kingdom 29 October 3 5. David, the Shepherd 35 October David Plays for Saul 41 October David and Jonathan 47 October David, the King 53 October Solomon Contents UNIT 3: Stories From the Exile 59 November Ruth and Naomi 65 November Josiah 71 November Nehemiah Builds a Wall 77 November Promise of Peace 83 Reproducibles 110 Answers Cover credits: Bryce Damuth/iDesign, Inc., Kellie Green, Phillip D. Francis, Jupiter Images. Photo Credits: p. 40: Ron Benedict 2010 Cokesbury. Art Credits: pp. 21, 60: Robert S. Jones 2003 Cokesbury; pp. 24, 51, 85, 93, 107, 109: Robert S. Jones 2010 Cokesbury; pp. 84 (biblical lamp), 94, 95, 102, 103: Robert S. Jones 1998 Abingdon Press; pp. 84 (Bible), 105 (bottom): Megan Jeffery 2006 Cokesbury; p. 84 (biblical scroll): Megan Jeffery 2005 Abingdon Press; p. 84 (top): Megan Jeffery 2001 Cokesbury; pp. 86, 96: Robert S. Jones 2002 Cokesbury; p. 87: Barbara Ball 2004 Cokesbury; pp. 89, 104: Robert S. Jones 1999 Abingdon Press; p. 90: Barbara Ball 2003 Cokesbury; p. 92: Megan Jeffery 1997 Abingdon Press; p. 97: Megan Jeffery 1998 Abingdon Press; p. 98: Jim Padgett 2003 Cokesbury; pp. 100, 101: Robert S. Jones 2004 Abingdon Press; p. 106: Barbara Ball 2002 Cokesbury; p. 108: Robert S. Jones 2005 Abingdon Press. Sign Language: p. 14: Robert S. Jones 2010 Cokesbury; p. 32: Robert S. Jones 1998 Abingdon Press; p. 74: Robert S. Jones 2000 Abingdon Press. Fall 2010 IAmRockSolid.com 1

2 Introduction In the next thirteen weeks, Rock Solid boys and girls will discover some of the most colorful and exciting characters in the Old Testament. The boys and girls at all age levels will see how twelve tribes came together (with a little struggle) to become one great nation that changed the world. Although children might not remember vividly the Bible people being introduced to them, the Bible stories are told in order to spark the curiosity and love for the Bible and its people. The children will be able to meet a woman judge who advised her people and led them in a battle that changed history. The children will meet King Saul, David, and Solomon. They will learn all the different roles that David played, perhaps beginning to understand that they, too, will someday play many roles in life. In the last unit the children will hear stories about how a devastated country, with God s help, grew to be great once more. The NRSV Bible Teaching younger elementary children is a great challenge. They have so many more opportunities than children even ten years before. You will have to stay one jump ahead of them. So, read the suggested information for leaders, learn the Bible verse, and plan your activities carefully. Rock Solid provides activities that address all the different learning styles. Think variety each week as you plan, and always plan more than you can do. Remember, you and your children are traveling together on a faith journey, learning about the awesomeness of God, about the transcendency of the Bible, and about how to be faithful disciples of Jesus! Tools for the Job The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible is the primary Scripture resource for Rock Solid: Early Elementary resources. Have at least one NRSV Bible in your room for the children to handle. We also recommend having a copy of the Contemporary English Version of the Bible. Visit IAmRockSolid.com 2 Rock Solid: Early Elementary, resources are available in Braille on request. Contact: Braille Ministry, c/o Donna Veigel N. 91st Avenue #96 Peoria AZ ( ) ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

3 Rock Solid: Early Elementary (Ages 5-6), Bible Storybook (one per child, one per leader) The Bible Storybook tells the Bible story each week and gives the weekly Bible verse. Stickers are included for attendance and in storybook activities. New! Look for Bible Mazes and Bible Fun! Rock Solid: Early Elementary (Ages 5-6), Leader s Guide (one per leader) The Leader s Guide ties all the other resources together. This is where you will find step-by-step instructions to guide you through each session. Most of the sessions contain more activities than time will allow so that you may select activities that best suit your children s needs and your available space. Includes reproducibles. Rock Solid: Early/Middle Elementary (Ages 5-8), Resource Pak (one per group) The Resource Pak contains Bible story murals, maps, storytelling figures, Bible verse posters, and games that contribute to each of the sessions with the children (see the inside back cover of this Leader s Guide for Resource Pak contents). Rock Solid: Early Elementary (Ages 5-6), Fun Pak (one per child, one per leader) The Fun Pak is a quarterly supplementary resource. Fun Pak activities may be used as additional activities. Using the Fun Pak each quarter will enhance the session, plus it will provide a fun experience for the children. A list of the supplies needed to complete the activities are found on the inside back cover. Recommended CD (one per group) Rock Solid Early Elementary recommends this CD from Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing: America s 25 Favorite Praise & Worship Choruses for Kids (ISBN ) $9.99 Also available through Brentwood-Benson.com: Choral Book ($7.99). Fall 2010 IAmRockSolid.com 3

4 Weekly Overview Unit 1: Judges and Kings 1. Deborah, the Judge Judges 4: Hannah and Samuel 1 Samuel 1: Samuel and Eli 1 Samuel 3 4. King Saul 1 Samuel 7 10 Verse: Proverbs 8:33, CEV Verse: Psalm 4:1 Verse: 1 Samuel 3:9 Verse: Psalm 37:3 Unit 2: A United Kingdom 5. David, the Shepherd 1 Samuel 16: David Plays for Saul 1 Samuel 16: David and Jonathan 1 Samuel David, the King 2 Samuel Solomon 1 Kings 3:1-15 Verse: 1 Samuel 16:7 Verse: Psalm 150:3, adapted Verse: Proverbs 17:17 Verse: 2 Samuel 7:28, adapted, CEV Verse: 1 Kings 3:9, CEV Unit 3: Stories From the Exile 10. Ruth and Naomi Book of Ruth 11. Josiah 2 Kings Nehemiah Builds a Wall Book of Nehemiah 13. Promise of Peace Micah 5:2-5 Verse: Ruth 2:12 Verse: Deuteronomy 6:5 Verse: Psalm 9:1 Verse: Micah 5:5 4 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

5 Deborah, the Judge Bible Verse Listen carefully to my instructions, and you will be wise. (Proverbs 8:33, CEV) Bible Story Judges 4:4-5 FaithPoint God gives us people who will help us know how to live. What You Need to Know Session 1 September 5 The story of Deborah occurs during the period of the judges, approximately 1200 years before Jesus was born. The Israelite tribes were often in conflict with the inhabitants of Canaan during this period. They had no real organized government but were a loose federation of tribes. These tribes were governed by judges. Deborah was a judge and prophetess over the tribe of Benjamin. Deborah was a charismatic leader who inspired the Israelites to rally against General Sisera in the battle told in Judges 4. Even though only half the Israelites showed up, the victory was still theirs, thanks to a torrential rainstorm that day. The rainstorm was seen as a sign from God, further reassuring the people that God had indeed chosen them to be God s people and God would be their champion. But the courage that Deborah and Jael showed helped free the Israelites from the oppression of the Canaanites. This fall may be a special time of new experiences for your children. New friends, schedules, classrooms, and places may be encountered for the first time. They will be faced with all kinds of new situations and decisions. Your role as an example in the church can help them know that, as God s people, we can look to the Bible to discover how God wants us to make decisions, how to treat other people, and how to live in the world. Help your children understand that God also gives us people who help us know how to live. Today s story of Deborah is an example of that. Activities marked with contain options to use recycled or repurposed materials. Fall 2010 Session 1 IAmRockSolid.com Activities marked with may require extra preparation. 5

6 Arrival Fun SUPPLIES: Attendance Chart (Resource Pak pp. 2, 28, 31), Leader s Guide p. 83, Stickers, CD (optional), CD player, offering basket Greet each parent and child as they enter the room. Introduce yourself and tell each child that you are glad to see him or her. Play music as the children arrive. The recommended CD is America s 25 Favorite Praise and Worship Choruses for Kids. Photocopy and distribute the All About Me page. Ask each parent or guardian to fill out the sheet and return it next week. Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. Give each child a sticker of Deborah, and show the child where to place it on the attendance chart. SAY: Our Bible story today is about a woman named Deborah who was very wise and gave people good advice. Fun Beginnings The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group to introduce the Bible story. Fun Pak Fun SUPPLIES: Fun Pak 1, glue sticks, paper fasteners Help each child assemble the owl and turn the wheel to read wise words from the Bible. Create a Worship Center SUPPLIES: white cotton fabric, newspaper, leaves, clear tape, small worship table, fabric markers or watercolor markers, Bible, cross, other fall decorations If there are children who are reluctant to leave their parents, invite the parents to stay for a few moments. Spread the white cotton fabric over the newspaper. Put a loop of tape on the back of each leaf and place the leaf on the fabric. Using different colored markers, let each child outline one of the leaves. Remove the leaves. Help the children write their names inside the outlines. Place the cloth over the worship table. Arrange the Bible and cross on the table. Let the children add other fall decorations. 6 September 5 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

7 Gavel Fun SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 84, white glue, gold glitter, gold crayons, craft sticks, shallow box lid, safety scissors Give each child a craft stick and a photocopy of the gavel head. Have the children color the craft stick gold and cut out the gavel head. Show the children how to fold the gavel head on the dotted line and glue the stick between the gavel head so that the stick becomes the gavel handle. Have the children place the gavel in a shallow box lid; then glue the gavel head and sprinkle gold glitter on it. Let the gavels dry thoroughly. Friendship Time SUPPLIES: none Help the children learn one another s names. Invite the children to sit or stand in a circle. Have one child say his or her name and something he or she likes to do while doing the motion for that thing. Have the next child do the same and repeat the name and motion of the child before. For example, My name is Mark, and I Iike to ride horses (make motion of riding a horse). My name is Suzanne, and I like to dance (make dancing motions). This is Mark, and he likes to ride horses (make motion of riding a horse). Continue until all of the children have shared their names and motions. Let the children help one another remember if anyone needs help. Bible Time Get Ready SUPPLIES: none Gather the children in the storytelling area. SAY: I am going to ask you what wise thing you should do in a certain situation, and you tell me what you think you should do. ASK: What should you do before you cross the street? (look both ways) ASK: What should you do before you eat? (wash your hands and say grace) ASK: What should you do after you eat? (brush your teeth) ASK: What should you say when someone gives you something or helps you? (thank you) ASK: What should you do when your teacher or parent tells you to be quiet? (be quiet) SAY: If you do all the things we think you should do, then you will be a wise person, and you will be living the way God wants you to live. Our Bible story today is about a woman named Deborah. She was wise and helped people know how God wants them to live. Fall 2010 Session 1 IAmRockSolid.com TIP: The box lid will contain the glitter. You can reuse the glitter that does not stick to the glue. 7

8 Enjoy the Bible Story SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 1, Stickers, pencils or crayons Read the Bible story to the children. Invite the children to add the sticker to the picture and to work the puzzle on page 3. ASK: How did Deborah help God? (She was a judge. She told the people what God wanted them to do. She helped people trust in God.) Bible Verse Fun SUPPLIES: none Say today s Bible verse with the children several times: Listen carefully to my instructions, and you will be wise (Proverbs 8:33, CEV). SAY: I want you to listen carefully as I say today s Bible verse. If I say a word that is wrong, I want you to jump up and down and shout the word that is correct. Repeat the verse several times. Occasionally replace a word with another one; for example, talk or think instead of listen ; rules or laws instead of instructions; happy or funny instead of wise. SAY: We learn from the Bible what God wants us to know and how God wants us to live. Live God s Word Living as a Christian Kid SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 1 Invite the children to follow along with you as you read Living as a Christian Kid. ASK: Who was telling Kevin what to do? (his parents, school teacher, Sunday school leader) Why were they telling him things to do? (They wanted what is best for him. They wanted him to learn good ways to live.) Who tells you things you should do? What are those things? Why are those things good for you? (Accept answers.) 8 September 5 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

9 Book of Wisdom SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 85, crayons, markers, safety scissors, clear tape or stapler and staples Photocopy Book of Wisdom for each child. Read each of the Bible verses. Invite the children to color the pictures. Show the children where to cut on the solid lines and fold on the dotted lines. Tape or staple pages 2 and 3 inside pages 1 and 4 to create a booklet. Have each child sign his or her name on the front of the booklet. If you are using the recommended CD, we suggest the song Thy Word. Worship Come Together SUPPLIES: Resource Pak pp. 5, 9, 14, 16, 17, 19, CD (optional), CD player, adult scissors, clear tape Assemble the Bible verse mural and cut apart the Bible verse cards. Tape the mural to the wall in the worship area. Play music as a signal to come to the worship area. Give one child the figure with today s Bible verse to place on the poster. Say the Bible verse aloud together. Hold up the picture card of Deborah. SAY: Today we learned about Deborah who helped people know what God wanted them to do. It is important to know what God wants us to do. We can discover this as we come to Sunday school and hear the Bible stories. Praise and Respond SUPPLIES: CD (optional), CD player With any new song, introduce it by playing it through one time. Allow the children to move to the music as they listen. Then repeat the words with the children using a line-by-line echo approach. Sing the song together. Have the children stand shoulder to shoulder in a circle. We call this a Squishy Prayer Circle. Tell the children that we are all connected all Christians around the world. PRAY: Thank you, God, for the many people you have given us who help us know what to do. We thank you for the Bible that is filled with your wisdom. Help us listen for your instructions and be wise. Amen. Fall 2010 Session 1 IAmRockSolid.com 9

10 Extra! Extra! Symbols of the Bible Bookmarks SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 84, adult scissors, used file folders, paper punch, yarn, crayons, markers, glue sticks Cut the file folders into 2- by- 8-inch strips to create Bible bookmarks. Punch a hole in one end of the bookmark. Photocopy the lamp, scroll, and Bible symbols for each child. Invite the children to color the symbols and glue them onto one side of their bookmarks. Write today s Bible verse where the children can see it to copy it onto the other side of the bookmark. Be prepared to help children as needed with writing. Give each child two or three pieces of yarn, cut to about 6 inches long. Show the children how to fold the yarn in the middle and insert the fold through the hole in the bookmark. Pull the ends of the yarn through the loop of folded yarn and pull tight. SAY: The lamp is a symbol of learning. We learn from the Bible. The scroll was how Scriptures were first written. The different scrolls were made into books much later. After a long time, the books were put together to make our special book, the Bible. The Bible is the Word of God. We learn from the Bible what God wants us to do and how God wants us to live. Peek at Next Week Baby Rattles: Bring a clean margarine or yogurt tub (with a lid) for each child. Also bring filler for the rattles such as aquarium gravel, paper clips, and pull tabs from soft drink cans. Growing Fun: Make a measuring chart to keep in the room by attaching a long piece of paper to a wall and marking off the feet and inches up from the floor. Prayer Quilt: Cut felt or construction paper into twelve squares. Write the individual prayer headings Ask, Thank You, I m Sorry, and Help for Others at the top of the twelve squares, repeating each heading three times. 10 September 5 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

11 Hannah and Samuel Bible Verse Hear my prayer. (Psalm 4:1) Bible Story 1 Samuel 1:1-20 FaithPoint God hears and answers prayers. What You Need to Know Session 2 September 12 The organization of the twelve tribes of Israel (God s People) was called the Tribal Confederacy. They had no central government but were ruled by a series of judges who made God s will known to them. Shiloh, in the hill country, was the location of one of the sanctuaries or shrines of the confederacy. It was here that Eli, who served as the priest and judge of this area, lived. The law required that adult males make a pilgrimage to one of these high places at least three times a year. Often the whole family went, turning it into a holiday for everyone. They would bring gifts for God and would offer up their prayers. Hannah, wife of Elkanah and a faithful believer, had no children. Hannah was using this pilgrimage time to make a special request of God. Maybe her prayer for a child of her own would be better heard in that location. Her prayers were heard, and God granted her the answer she wanted. As you talk about Hannah praying, help your children understand that they can pray to God anytime about anything that is on their minds. Invite your children to pray at various times. Some children enjoy the opportunity to lead group prayers. In addition to using traditional prayers and blessings, allow the children to participate in spontaneous prayer. One of the ways that this can be done is with litanies in which you guide the children to respond with certain phrases, such as Thank you, God. Popcorn prayers are another type of spontaneous prayer that young children enjoy. In these prayers, children are invited to pop up with things they want to add to the prayers. For example, you might say, Thank you, God. The children would respond by popping up with something for which they want to say thank you to God. Activities marked with contain options to use recycled or repurposed materials. Fall 2010 Session 2 IAmRockSolid.com Activities marked with may require extra preparation. 11

12 Arrival Fun SUPPLIES: Attendance Chart (Resource Pak pp. 2, 28, 31), Leader s Guide p. 83, Stickers, CD (optional), CD player, offering basket Play music as the children arrive. Greet each parent and child as they enter the room. Tell each child that you are glad to see him or her. Photocopy and distribute the All About Me page if the family did not receive one last week. Ask each parent or guardian to fill out the sheet and return it next week. Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. Give each child a sticker of Hannah praying, and show the child where to place it on the attendance chart. SAY: I am glad each one of you is here today. My name is. Our Bible verse today is: Hear my prayer (Psalm 4:1). Our Bible story is about a woman named Hannah and how she trusted God. She prayed and asked God for something very important to her. Fun Beginnings The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group to introduce the Bible story. Fun Pak Fun SUPPLIES: Fun Pak 2, glue sticks, clear tape, construction paper, adult scissors, markers, paper clips (optional) Show the children step by step how to assemble Joey the kangaroo. Help each child write prayer reminders on the strips of construction paper. Praying Hands Card SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 86, safety scissors, crayons, markers Take time to show the children the different areas in the room. Give each child a photocopy of the praying hands card. Invite the children to cut out the card and fold it on the dotted line so that the message is on the inside of the card. Invite the children to decorate their card by drawing fingernails, rings, or watches on the front of their card. Help the children sign their cards. Talk about persons they may want to give their cards to. 12 September 12 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

13 Baby Rattles SUPPLIES: CD (optional), CD player, margarine or yogurt tubs with lids, colored duct tape, spoons, filler for rattles: aquarium gravel, paper clips, pull tabs from soft drink cans Give each child a margarine or yogurt tub and lid. Let each child put a small amount of filler in his or her container. Show the children how to seal the lid with colorful duct tape to make a shaker. Let the children decorate the shakers with pieces of colored tape. Play joyful music and invite the children to shake their baby rattles with the music. Friendship Time SUPPLIES: soft indoor ball Continue to help the children learn one another s names. Have the children stand in a circle with you. Explain that you are going to throw a ball to someone. Pick out a child and say, Hi (Jennifer), my name is (Ms. Austin). Here you go! Then toss the ball to that child. The child who receives the ball says, Thank you, (Ms. Austin), picks someone, says to him or her, Hi (name), my name is (Jennifer). Here you go! and tosses the ball. The child receiving the ball says, Thank you, (Jennifer), and then picks a child to toss the ball to. Help the children be certain the ball gets tossed to every child in the circle. Bible Time Get Ready SUPPLIES: NRSV Bible, Resource Pak p. 9 If you have the recommended CD, I Will Call Upon the Lord is a good choice for this activity. Young children are sometimes shy. If necessary, say their name enthusiastically for them. Show the children the Book of First Samuel in the Old Testament. SAY: The Old Testament is the part of the Bible that tells about God s people before Jesus was born. Hold up the picture cards of Hannah and Eli. SAY: In Bible times, families wanted children. But a woman named Hannah did not have any children. In today s story, Hannah decides that maybe God will hear and answer her prayer if she prays at a special place. Fall 2010 Session 2 IAmRockSolid.com 13

14 Enjoy the Bible Story SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 2, pencils or crayons Read the Bible story to the children. Invite the children to search the picture on pages 2 and 3 to find six things people did not have for their babies in Bible times. ASK: What did Hannah want very badly? (a baby) What did Hannah do? (She prayed many times and asked God to give her a baby.) What did Hannah promise God? (She would bring her child to the temple to learn about God. Her child would love God and serve God all of his life.) What did God give to Hannah? (a baby boy named Samuel) Bible Verse Fun SUPPLIES: none Teach the children American Sign Language for the Bible verse: Hear my prayer (Psalm 4:1). Hear: Touch right ear with right index finger. My: Open palm and place it on your chest. Prayer: Bring both hands up and together in a praying position in front of your face. Bow head, close eyes, and move praying hands downward twice toward your chest. SAY: We can pray to God anytime, anywhere, about anything. God always hears our prayers. God always answers our prayers. Live God s Word 14 Living as a Christian Kid SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 2 Invite the children to follow along with you as you read Living as a Christian Kid. ASK: What kind of prayer was everyone praying? (a thank-you prayer) What were some things they were thankful for? (the women who cooked the food, family, new baby, beautiful day, the food they would eat, one another) What are some things you are thankful for? September 12 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

15 Growing Fun SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 87, long sheet of paper, yardstick, measuring tape, pencil, masking tape Make a measuring chart to keep in the room. Attach a long piece of paper to a wall. Mark off the feet and inches up from the floor. SAY: Hannah prayed to God and asked for a baby. God answered her prayer and gave her a baby boy named Samuel. Samuel grew and grew. God was with Samuel as he grew. God will also be with you as you grow. Invite each child to stand against the measuring chart and mark the height. Write the child s name by the mark. (You will want to keep the measuring chart for several months and check the height of each child again.) Write each child s name and height on the Growth Chart. Use a measuring tape to measure each child s head, waist, and wrist. Worship If you are using the recommended CD, we suggest the song Thy Word. SUPPLIES: Resource Pak pp. 5, 14, 16, 17, 19, CD (optional), CD player, adult scissors, clear tape Play music as a signal to come to the worship area. Give one child the figure with today s Bible verse to place on the poster. Say the Bible verse aloud together. SAY: Today we learned that Hannah prayed to God and asked God to give her a baby. God answered Hannah s prayer and gave her a baby boy. We can pray to God, too. We can pray anytime, about anything, and God will always hear our prayers. Praise and Respond SUPPLIES: CD (optional), CD player Play the song through one time. Then repeat the words with the children using a lineby-line echo approach. Sing the song together. Have the children stand shoulder to shoulder in a Squishy Prayer Circle. Tell the children that we are all connected all Christians around the world. PRAY: Thank you, God, for loving us. Thank you for always hearing our prayers. Amen. Fall 2010 Session 2 IAmRockSolid.com 15

16 Extra! Extra! Prayer Quilt SUPPLIES: adult scissors, twelve felt squares or construction paper squares, fabric crayons or permanent markers, paper punch, yarn cut in five long pieces, clear tape, masking tape Use permanent markers or fabric crayons to write individual prayer headings Ask, Thank You, I m Sorry, and Help for Others at the top of the twelve squares, repeating each heading three times. Give each child a square. You may need to have more than one child working on each square. Talk with the children about each type of prayer. Give examples of each type. Help the children as needed to write a simple prayer on each square, or let the children draw a picture illustrating either a person or a situation that needs prayer. Lay the completed twelve squares out three across and four down in a quilt pattern. Use a paper punch to punch holes about one inch apart along the edges of the squares that are next to another block. Make sure the holes of the blocks line up evenly. Wrap clear tape around the ends of five lengths of yarn. Show the children how to sew the blocks together. Tape the ends of the yarn to the back of the quilt. Attach the quilt to the wall with masking tape. SAY: We can pray to God to say thank you for something God has given us. We can say I m sorry for something we have done that is wrong. We can ask God for something we need. We can pray and ask God to help others. God always hears our prayers. Peek at Next Week Puzzle Fun: Separate the pieces to Samuel Serves God Puzzle (Resource Pak p. 12). Get Ready: Make a copy of the cards (Leader s Guide p. 89) and cut them apart. Helper Badges: Cut different colors of posterboard into 3-inch circles. Cut different colors of ribbon into 6-inch lengths. Learn What Serve Means: Cut red construction paper into hearts. Use a paper punch and yarn to creat heart necklaces. 16 September 12 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

17 Samuel and Eli Bible Verse Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening. (1 Samuel 3:9) Bible Story 1 Samuel 3 God calls us to serve. FaithPoint What You Need to Know Session 3 September 19 Children in Bible times grew up quickly. When children were very young, their mothers instructed them. As the boys grew older, their fathers took over the responsibility. Girls continued to be educated and trained by their mothers. It would not have been unusual for a boy, even one as young as Samuel, to apprentice with the priest at the shrine in Shiloh. Eli and his sons were the custodians of the shrine at Shiloh (and the ark of the covenant as well as the sacred oracle), but Eli s sons did not seem to have the same integrity and moral fiber as their father. Eli was aware that his sons would not be good judges. For this reason, Eli came to depend more and more upon the boy Samuel his priest-in-training grooming Samuel to take over the religious and political leadership of the people at an early age. Five- and six-year-olds are not familiar with the word serve, but they can understand the concepts of serving and servanthood if those concepts are explained to them in terms of helping others. Children this age are eager to please adults, and they quickly mimic adult actions and values. As you model helping actions and a helping attitude, your children will embrace the idea of being of service as they seek to copy you. Encourage acts of helping in the group, and remember to thank the children when they demonstrate helping actions. Activities marked with contain options to use recycled or repurposed materials. Fall 2010 Session 3 IAmRockSolid.com Activities marked with may require extra preparation. 17

18 Arrival Fun SUPPLIES: Attendance Chart (Resource Pak pp. 2, 28, 31), Stickers, CD (optional), CD player, offering basket Play music as the children arrive. Greet each parent and child as they enter the room. Tell each child that you are glad to see him or her. Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. Give each child a sticker of young Samuel holding a broom, and show the child where to place it on the attendance chart. SAY: Last week we learned that Hannah asked God to give her a baby. Our Bible story is about Hannah s baby, named Samuel, when he grew up to be a boy and lived in the temple. Our Bible verse is: Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening (1 Samuel 3:9). Fun Beginnings The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group to introduce the Bible story. Fun Pak Fun SUPPLIES: Fun Pak 3, clear tape, safety scissors Show the children step by step how to weave Samuel s mat. Celebrate Growing Up SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 88, washable tempera paint, paper towels, markers, pencils If you have the recommended CD, play Jesus Loves Me as the children arrive. Prepare paint pads by pouring a small amount of washable tempera paint over a pad of folded paper towels. Photocopy God Made Me Special! for each child. Help each child as needed to write answers on his or her sheet. Show the children how to press their open hand onto the paint pad and then onto the sheet. If you made growth charts last week, remind the children how tall they are. SAY: God made each of us special. God plans for us to grow and change. How we grow is different for each of us. Some people grow faster; others grow slower. We all grow according to God s plan. 18 September 19 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

19 Puzzle Fun SUPPLIES: Resource Pak p. 12, large envelope Separate and scramble the pieces to Samuel Serves God Puzzle. Put the pieces on a table or the floor. Invite the children to take turns adding pieces of the puzzle. At the end of the session, store the pieces in a large envelope. Friendship Time SUPPLIES: individually wrapped candies in a non-breakable container Continue to help the children learn one another s names. Have a simple snack such as individually wrapped candies in a non-breakable container. Have the children stand in a circle with you. Explain that you are going to pass the candy to someone. Pick out a child and say, Hi (Aaron), my name is (Mr. Grover). Have a piece of candy! Then pass the candy to that child. The child who receives the candy says, "Thank you, (Mr. Grover), takes a piece of candy, picks someone, and says, Hi (name), my name is (Aaron). Have a piece of candy! The child receiving the candy says, Thank you, (Aaron), takes a piece of candy, and then picks a child to pass the candy to. Help the children be certain that every child in the circle receives some candy. Bible Time Get Ready SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 89, adult scissors, bag or basket Be aware of allergies and health needs. Substitute sugar-free candies. Make one copy of the cards and cut them apart. Put them in a basket or bag. SAY: Let s stand in a circle. We will take turns reaching inside of this bag and drawing out a card. The thing on the card makes a sound. When I point to you, you will make the sound of that thing. IT will try to guess who made the sound. Select one child to be IT and stand in the center with eyes closed. Point to one of the children in the circle to make a sound effect. IT can ask to hear the sound three times only. Then IT must try to guess which child is making the sound. SAY: In today s Bible story, Samuel hears something but can t decide who it is. Let s see what happens. Fall 2010 Session 3 IAmRockSolid.com 19

20 Enjoy the Bible Story SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 3, Stickers Read the Bible story to the children. Invite the children to add the stickers to the picture. ASK: Why was Samuel at the temple? (He was serving God and helping the priest Eli.) Who did Samuel think was calling him while he was sleeping? (Eli) Who really was calling Samuel? (God) How did Samuel answer God? (He said, Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. ) Bible Verse Fun SUPPLIES: blindfold (optional) Read today s Bible verse with the children several times: Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening (1 Samuel 3:9). Have the children stand in an open area. Ask one child to be IT. Have IT close his or her eyes or wear a blindfold. SAY: Everyone except IT will move around the room slowly, tiptoeing, while we say today s Bible verse over and over. We can whisper the verse, use our normal voices, or even disguise our voices. If IT touches someone, that person becomes IT and the game starts over again. Continue play until several children have been IT. Live God s Word Living as a Christian Kid SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 3 Invite the children to follow along with you as you read Living as a Christian Kid. ASK: What jobs did Cheryl, Jennifer, and David do? (greeter, passing out the bulletins, collecting the offering, picking up trash in the pews) What did the children learn? (There are a lot of ways children can be helpers at church.) When we are helpers at church, who are we serving? (God) 20 September 19 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

21 Helper Badges SUPPLIES: adult scissors, different colors of posterboard, inch-wide ribbon, safety pins, markers, clear tape Cut different colors of posterboard into 3-inch circles. Each child should have one circle. Cut different colors of 1- inch-wide ribbon into 6-inch lengths. Talk with the children about ways they can be helpers in your room and in the church. Help the children as needed to write I Am God s Helper on their circles. Help each child fold the ribbon in half at an angle and tape it to the back of the circle toward the bottom. Trim the ribbon ends at angles. Help each child tape a large safety pin to the back of the badge so that the clasp of the pin is on the outside. Worship Come Together SUPPLIES: Resource Pak pp. 5, 9, 14, 16, 17, 19, CD (optional), CD player, adult scissors, clear tape Play Jesus Loves Me as a signal to come to the worship area. Give one child the figure with today s Bible verse to place on the poster. Say the Bible verse aloud together. Hold up the picture cards of Hannah, young Samuel, and Eli. SAY: Hannah had kept her promise to God and brought Samuel to the temple. There Samuel served God by helping Eli. One night, God called Samuel to deliver a special message. God speaks to us today too. We may not hear God s voice like Samuel did, but we can learn about God and what God says by reading the Bible. Praise and Respond SUPPLIES: CD (optional), CD player Play the song through one time. Then repeat the words with the children using a line-by-line echo approach. Sing the song together. Have the children stand shoulder to shoulder in a Squishy Prayer Circle. Tell the children that we are all connected all Christians around the world. PRAY: Dear God, thank you for each child. (Name each child.) Please help us be good helpers for you. We want to serve you in every way. Amen. 21 Fall 2010 Session 3 IAmRockSolid.com

22 Extra! Extra! Learn What Serve Means SUPPLIES: adult scissors, red construction paper, paper punch, yarn Cut red construction paper into heart shapes. Use a paper punch and yarn to create heart necklaces. You will need one necklace for every two children in your group. Divide the children into pairs. Give each pair a heart necklace for one of the children to wear. The child wearing the heart necklace is to serve or help his or her partner in every way possible during group time. You may need to guide the children to help them recognize ways they can serve a partner. Halfway through the group time, let the partners switch. At the end of group time, talk about what it means to serve someone. Ask the children to tell you ways they can serve. SAY: There are many ways we can serve others. We can share with a friend. We can be kind to someone who is sad or hurting. We can help someone who is younger or older than we are. We can read or tell a Bible story to someone. We can make a get-well card and send it to someone who is sick. When we serve one another, we are living the way God wants us to live. By serving others, we are also serving God. Peek at Next Week Get Ready: Make one copy of the donkey (Leader s Guide p. 90) for each child, and hide them around the room before the children arrive. Bible Verse Fun: Bring inflated balloons. God Gives Us Poster: Cut out pictures of food, clothes, homes, medicine, toys, cars, televisions, and so forth from magazines. Music is a great addition to any group activity. Find songs in the recommended CD that your children will enjoy. 22 September 19 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

23 King Saul Bible Verse Trust in the LORD, and do good. (Psalm 37:3) Bible Story 1 Samuel 7 10 FaithPoint God knows what we need. What You Need to Know Session 4 September 26 Until this point in the history of God s people, there had been no king of Israel. God had been the only ruler. God s will for the people was made known through the prophets and the judges. But there was great instability in the land, and the people began to lose faith in this system of government. They didn t trust God to make the right decisions for them. After all, God was out there. They wanted someone they could see, someone who would be a visible image for them. Samuel, who was a judge at this time, took this request as a personal affront to God s rulership. But reluctantly, Samuel approached God with the people s demands. God warned the people of their mistake, but God did provide a king. At least for a little while, Saul proved himself to be a worthy leader. As we know, however, the leaders of God s people were not divine but human beings. Human beings are not perfect. They make mistakes. They need God s guidance as well as God s forgiveness. When they didn t put God first, everything else fell apart. Early elementary boys and girls need rules. They actually like to know the parameters of their lives. It makes them feel comfortable. Gray areas are troublesome. Children are more likely to achieve the goals you have for them if the rules are set before the activity begins. Help your children remember that God also has laws. These laws guide our behavior and show us how to live. God also provides people who will show the way. Assure your children that God knows what we need. We can ask God to guide us in every part of our lives. Activities marked with contain options to use recycled or repurposed materials. Fall 2010 Session 4 IAmRockSolid.com Activities marked with may require extra preparation. 23

24 Arrival Fun SUPPLIES: Attendance Chart (Resource Pak pp. 2, 28, 31), Stickers, CD (optional), CD player, offering basket Play music as the children arrive. Greet each parent and child as they enter the room. Tell each child that you are glad to see him or her. Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. Give each child a sticker of King Saul, and show the child where to place it on the attendance chart. SAY: Our Bible story is about Samuel when he was older. God wanted Samuel to find someone to be king. One day Samuel found a man named Saul who was out looking for his donkeys. Let s find out what happened. Fun Beginnings The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group to introduce the Bible story. Fun Pak Fun SUPPLIES: Fun Pak 4 Let the children enjoy playing the matching crowns game. King s Crowns SUPPLIES: paper plates, safety scissors, glitter paint, crayons, markers Give each child a paper plate. Show the children how to fold the paper plate in half. In the center of the fold, make a vertical cut to the edge of the rim. Unfold the plate and fold it in the center again along the edge that has been cut. Make a vertical cut to the edge of the rim. Open the paper plate. Show the children the four sections in the center of the plate. Cut each section in half to the edge of the rim. Show the children how to fold the eight sections so that the points of the crown stand up. Invite the children to decorate their crowns. SAY: God wanted Saul to become the king. Let s put on our crowns and pretend we are kings or queens. 24 September 26 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

25 Puzzle Fun SUPPLIES: Resource Pak p. 12, large envelope Separate and scramble the pieces to Samuel Serves God Puzzle. Put the pieces on a table or the floor. Invite the children to take turns adding pieces of the puzzle. At the end of the session, store the pieces in a large envelope. SAY: We learned that Samuel helped Eli in the temple and learned about God. Our story today is about Samuel when he was older and served God. Friendship Time SUPPLIES: lightweight or plastic flashlight Invite the children to sit in a circle on the floor. Ask one child to stand in the middle of the circle. Turn out the lights or close the curtains to darken the room a little, but be sure the children can see and are not frightened. Ask the child in the middle to turn on the flashlight, place it on the floor in the middle of the circle, and spin it. When the flashlight stops spinning, the child in the spotlight is to say his or her name and tell everyone something about himself or herself. If a child needs coaxing, ask that child to tell his or her favorite food, game, animal, or thing to do. Then have the child in the spotlight change places with the child in the middle and resume play. Bible Time Get Ready SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 90, adult scissors, crayons, markers Make one copy of the donkey for each child and hide the donkeys around the room before the children arrive. Make and keep one copy for yourself. Invite the children to make fun donkey sounds as they find each donkey. Show the children the donkey that you kept. SAY: In today s Bible story, God asks Samuel to find a king for the people. Samuel meets Saul, who is out looking for his donkeys that are lost. Let s see if each one of you can find a donkey that is lost in our room. When you find a donkey, decorate it. Then bring it with you and join me for our Bible story. Fall 2010 Session 4 IAmRockSolid.com 25

26 Enjoy the Bible Story SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 4, pencils or crayons Read the Bible story to the children. Invite the children to find ten ways the pictures are different. ASK: What did Samuel do when he was a man? (He became a judge. He helped people know what God wanted them to do.) What did God tell Samuel to do? (give the people a king) Who did God choose to be king? (Saul) What was Saul doing when Samuel found him? (Saul was looking for his father s donkeys that were lost.) What did Samuel do to show that God had chosen Saul to be king? (poured oil on Saul s head) Bible Verse Fun SUPPLIES: inflated balloons Say today s Bible verse with the children several times: Trust in the LORD, and do good (Psalm 37:3). Give each child an inflated balloon. Invite the children to bounce their balloons in the air while everyone says the Bible verse together several times. Once the children are familiar with the words, repeat the verse several times, but each time leave out a different word. Ask the children to shout out the word you left out. Live God s Word Living as a Christian Kid SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 4 Invite the children to follow along with you as you read Living as a Christian Kid. ASK: What did Melanie learn about being a leader? (A leader helps people know what they should do. A leader helps people work together to do the best work possible. A leader cares for the people and protects them. A leader inspires people to do good things.) What do you think makes a good leader? (Accept answers.) Who are some leaders we know? (Accept answers.) 26 September 26 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

27 Donkey Mix SUPPLIES: small paper cups, spoons, raisins, chocolate chips, M&M s, pretzels, dried fruit Say a thank-you prayer, thanking God for giving us the things we need. Let the children enjoy mixing a variety of snack items: raisins, chocolate chips, M&M s, pretzels, and dried fruit. Let each child spoon a small amount of donkey mix into his or her cup. If you have the recommended CD, play Great Is the Lord. Worship Come Together SUPPLIES: Resource Pak pp. 5, 9, 14, 16, 17, 19, CD (optional), CD player, adult scissors, clear tape Play music as a signal to come to the worship area. Give one child the figure with today s Bible verse to place on the poster. Say the Bible verse aloud together. Hold up the picture cards of Samuel the judge and Saul. SAY: Samuel became a judge just like Deborah had been. God asked Samuel to make Saul a king. Saul would be a good king if he would obey God s laws and ask God to guide him. Praise and Respond SUPPLIES: CD (optional), CD player If you will be playing Great Is the Lord, first play the song and let the children listen. Then play the song again. Encourage the children to move with the music and sing the words, great is the Lord, each time they hear them in the song. Have the children stand shoulder to shoulder in a Squishy Prayer Circle. Tell the children that we are all connected all Christians around the world. PRAY: Dear God, thank you for all you have given us. We love you and want to live the way you want us to live. Please guide us in everything we do, every day. Amen. Fall 2010 Session 4 IAmRockSolid.com 27

28 Extra! Extra! God Gives Us Poster SUPPLIES: construction paper, magazines, glue sticks, adult scissors Cut out pictures of food, clothes, homes, medicine, toys, cars, televisions, and so forth from magazines. SAY: God gives us the things we need. Look at these pictures and find things we need. Talk with the children to help them understand what is the difference between something we need and something we want. SAY: God gives us the things we need. The things we need are the things we must have to live and be healthy. There are many things we want and would enjoy having and that we can live without. God gives us the things we need. Invite the children to glue pictures of things we need on their construction paper. Encourage the children to add any additional decorations they desire. Peek at Next Week Begin Nothing But Nets: Photocopy the letter (Leader s Guide p. 91) for each child. Gather net bags (such as onion and orange bags) and cut them open. Game Fun: Prepare All About David Gameboard, and cut apart All About David Game Cards (Resource Pak pp. 4, 29). Love Glasses: Use the heart frame pattern (Leader s Guide p. 92) to cut out an eyeglass frame for each child. Mosquito Magnets: Cut two 3-inch cardboard circles and two 3-inch squares of clear adhesive paper for each child. Cut magnetic strips into 2-inch strips. 28 September 26 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

29 David, the Shepherd Bible Verse The LORD looks on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) Bible Story 1 Samuel 16:1-13 FaithPoint God knows who we are and what we can do. What You Need to Know Session 5 October 3 David was the youngest son of Jesse, a wealthy land owner who lived in the town of Bethlehem. The responsibility of caring for the family s flocks of sheep had fallen to David. This work did much for molding his character and creating the man that David was to become. Being a shepherd was difficult work. A shepherd spent the greater part of the year outdoors both day and night, in all kinds of weather. Since sheep and goats were a primary source of food, clothing, and income for the family, David had a responsible job. The sheep depended exclusively on the shepherd for food, water, shelter, and safety. David was the source of all these things for the family herd. When Saul deliberately disobeyed God s instructions, God sent Samuel to find a new king, one whom God had already chosen. All Samuel knew was that God had selected one of Jesse s sons. How surprised he was to discover that it was David, the youngest of the bunch. Like Samuel, children can identify with David, the youngest, who was stuck with doing all the menial tasks that the older brothers would rather not do. He was probably not included in the grown-up stuff. God saw something in David that was out of the ordinary. God loves and cares for us. God knows what we are capable of doing. It is not the outward person that counts, but what is on the inside. Activities marked with contain options to use recycled or repurposed materials. Fall 2010 Session 5 IAmRockSolid.com Activities marked with may require extra preparation. 29

30 Arrival Fun SUPPLIES: Attendance Chart (Resource Pak pp. 2, 28, 31), Stickers, CD (optional), CD player, offering basket Play music as the children arrive. Greet each parent and child as they enter the room. Tell each child that you are glad to see him or her. Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. Give each child a sticker of David the shepherd boy, and show the child where to place it on the attendance chart. SAY: Today s Bible story is about a boy named David who grew up to be a powerful king. When David was a boy, he was a shepherd and took care of his family s sheep. Fun Beginnings The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group to introduce the Bible story. Fun Pak Fun SUPPLIES: Fun Pak 5, while glue, lunch-size paper bags, cotton balls Let the children enjoy making a sheep puppet. Begin Nothing But Nets SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 91, old crayons with papers removed, net produce bags (such as onion or orange bags), masking tape, adult scissors, safety scissors, glue sticks or clear tape Photocopy the letter for each child. Cut net bags open. Tape the net to the table with masking tape. SAY: These letters are for you to take home. They will explain our mission project for the month of October. Nothing But Nets is the children s mission project for this quarter. For information, see p. 91. Give each child the mission letter to cut out. Show the children how to place the letter on top of the net. Lay a crayon on its side; rub back and forth over the letter. Fold the edges down and glue or tape. Save each child s letter to give to a parent at the end of today s session. 30 October 3 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

31 Game Fun SUPPLIES: Resource Pak pp. 4, 29, adult scissors Place All About David Gameboard on a table or the floor. Separate All About David Game Cards. As the children play the game, they will collect game cards. When they have a matching pair, they will lay them down. At the end of the game, let each child count how many pairs of cards he or she has. SAY: Today we will learn about David when he was a shepherd boy. For the next few weeks we will learn more about David s life. SUPPLIES: none Friendship Time Invite the children to stand in a circle and hold hands. Say the following words, asking the children to repeat them with you and to do the motions described in the words. We all join hands and walk in a circle; we all join hands and walk in a circle; we all join hands and walk in a circle; we will have fun today! We all join hands and hop in a circle; we all join hands and hop in a circle; we all join hands and hop in a circle; we will have fun today! We all step in and bump in the center; we all step in and bump in the center; we all step in and bump in the center; we will have fun today! Now we all bow and smile at our neighbor; we all bow and smile at our neighbor; we all bow and smile at our neighbor; we will have fun today! Bible Time Get Ready SUPPLIES: blindfold (optional) SAY: In Bible times shepherds had important jobs. They had to keep track of all the sheep and keep them safe. Let s take turns pretending to be shepherds. Play the game until several children have been the shepherd. Select one child to be the shepherd. The rest of the children will be sheep. Blindfold the shepherd or have the shepherd close his or her eyes. Have the sheep tiptoe quietly around the room. The shepherd will call out, Where are you, my little sheep? All the sheep will stop moving and begin to say baa. The shepherd moves around the room until he or she touches one of the sheep. The sheep that is touched becomes the shepherd. Fall 2010 Session 5 IAmRockSolid.com 31

32 Enjoy the Bible Story SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 5, Stickers, pencils or crayons Read the Bible story to the children. Invite the children to add stickers to complete the picture and to circle the correct answers. ASK: Which son did God chose to be king? (David, Jesse s youngest son) What work did David do? (He was a shepherd boy.) How did God know that David would be a good and kind king? (God does not just see how we look on the outside. God looks in our hearts and knows what kind of persons we are.) What did Samuel do to show that David would be king? (Samuel poured oil on David s head.) Bible Verse Fun SUPPLIES: none Say today s Bible verse with the children several times: The LORD looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Teach the children how to say the verse in American Sign Language. Lord: Make an L with the index finger and thumb of the right hand. Place the L at the left shoulder and then move across the body to the right waist. Looks: Make a V with one hand. Place the V in front of the face, with the palm facing the face. Turn the V out so that the palm faces away from the face. Heart: Draw an outline of a heart on the chest using the index fingers. Live God s Word 32 Living as a Christian Kid SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 5 Invite the children to follow along with you as you read Living as a Christian Kid. ASK: What did Jason discover while he and his uncle built a birdhouse for Micah? (What is in our heart is more important than how old or how tall we are.) October 3 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

33 Affirm One Another SUPPLIES: CD (optional), CD player, heart shape cut out of cardstock or fun foam Gently guide the children to say nice things about appearance and inner qualities. Have the children stand in a circle. Give one child the heart shape. Worship Come Together SAY: God loves us just as we are. When I stop the music, we will think of something nice to say about the child who is holding the heart. We will say something nice about this person on the outside and the inside. Stop and start the music so that all the children get a chance to be affirmed by the group. SUPPLIES: Resource Pak pp. 5, 9, 14, 16, 17, 19, CD (optional), CD player, adult scissors, clear tape Play music as a signal to come to the worship area. Give one child the figure with today s Bible verse to place on the poster. Say the Bible verse aloud together. Hold up the picture cards of Samuel the judge and David the shepherd boy. SAY: God knew David had a loving heart. Having a loving heart means that David loved God and loved others. ASK: How can we show we have loving hearts? (Accept answers.) Praise and Respond SUPPLIES: CD (optional), CD player If you will be playing Great Is the Lord, first play the song and let the children listen. Then play the song again. Encourage the children to move with the music and sing the words, great is the Lord, each time they hear them in the song. Have the children stand shoulder to shoulder in a Squishy Prayer Circle. Tell the children that we are all connected all Christians around the world. PRAY: Dear God, thank you for loving us. Help us have loving hearts. Amen. Fall 2010 Session 5 IAmRockSolid.com 33

34 Extra! Extra! Love Glasses SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 92, fun foam or cardstock, red cellophane, white glue, chenille stems, adult scissors, paper punch Use the heart frame pattern to cut out an eyeglass frame from fun foam or cardstock for each child. Cut red cellophane into inch squares. SAY: God knew that David had a loving heart. We can wear our love glasses to help us remember that the kind of person we are inside is more important than how we look on the outside. Follow the directions on p. 92. Mosquito Magnets SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 93, 3-inch cardboard circles, self-adhesive magnetic strips (or old refrigerator calendars cut into strips), adult scissors, clear adhesive paper, crayons, markers, safety scissors, glue sticks Cut two cardboard circles for each child. Cut magnetic strips into 2-inch lengths. SAY: Our mission project for this fall is Nothing But Nets. In Africa families have serious problems with mosquitoes. We can buy mosquito nets for the people to use. They can cover up with a net when they go to bed at night and mosquitoes cannot bite them. Each of us will make two refrigerator magnets to share with our family or members of our congregation. When you give someone the magnet, be sure that person knows that on the magnet is the website that we want everyone to visit to learn more about the program. Follow the directions on p. 93. Peek at Next Week 34 Harp Fun: Bring a shallow box, box lid, or 5-ounce aluminum can for each child. Friendship Time: Cut the cards (Leader s Guide p. 94) apart and place them in a paper bag. Get Ready: Separate the Feeling Cards (Resource Pak p. 24). A Gift to Share: Cut off the corners of junk mail envelopes, forming a pocket. October 3 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

35 David Plays for Saul Bible Verse Praise the LORD with trumpet sound; praise the LORD with lute and harp! (Psalm 150:3, adapted) Bible Story 1 Samuel 16:14-23 FaithPoint God gives us gifts that we can use to help others. What You Need to Know Session 6 October 10 After dealing with King Saul s rages and disobedience, Samuel left the palace and took refuge in a nearby town. From that time on, Saul felt the lack of God s presence in his life. This separation from God tormented him because he knew that he had brought it on himself. Music seemed to be the only thing that calmed the raging beast inside of him. How ironic it was that the very harp player whom the servant suggested would ease the king s troubled spirit was the one person God had chosen to succeed Saul on the throne. What a terrific indicator to us of the power of music and its affects on the human spirit! Scientists in brain research have learned that music is a powerful teaching tool as well. It can be both a stimulant and a relaxer. Music can act as a vehicle for words, images, and concepts. Music is much more effective than just words and pictures can be. Music primes the neural pathways for future learning. God had indeed given David a powerful gift to use, and he was called to use it to help the one person who stood between him and the throne. Did David ever consider this? We don t know. The Bible never goes through his thought processes. But we do know that David felt honored to be chosen to help his king in his time of trouble. Children also enjoy being chosen to help. Affirm their contributions. Give them many opportunities to help others wherever they can. Remind them that they are part of God s hands and legs in this world. Activities marked with contain options to use recycled or repurposed materials. Fall 2010 Session 6 IAmRockSolid.com Activities marked with may require extra preparation. 35

36 Arrival Fun SUPPLIES: Attendance Chart (Resource Pak pp. 2, 28, 31), Stickers, CD (optional), CD player, offering basket, container for Nothing But Nets donations Play music as the children arrive. Greet each parent and child as they enter the room. Tell each child that you are glad to see him or her. Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. Have a separate container for the donations for Nothing But Nets. Give each child a sticker of David playing a lyre, and show the child where to place it on the attendance chart. SAY: David played a lyre as he watched his sheep. He could play beautiful music on his lyre and keep the sheep calm. Today our Bible story is about a special way that David used his lyre. Fun Beginnings The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group to introduce the Bible story. Fun Pak Fun SUPPLIES: Fun Pak 6, glue sticks, paper plates, paper fasteners, paper punch The children will enjoy making a clock that will help them name their feelings. Harp Fun SUPPLIES: small shallow boxes, box lids, or clean 5-ounce aluminum cans (cat food or tuna fish); four rubber bands per child; masking tape and markers or different colors of duct tape Give each child a can, box lid, or box. Invite the children to cover the can, box, or box lid with pieces of tape. Help the children as needed to stretch four rubber bands over the container. Secure the bands on the bottom with duct tape. Place the harp on the table. Show the children how to pluck the strings. Encourage them to listen to the sounds. If plain masking tape is used, let the children color the tape with different colors of markers. SAY: The Bible tells us that David was a very talented musician. He played a Bible-times musical instrument called a lyre. Modern-day harps are played the same way as lyres were played, by plucking the strings. 36 October 10 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

37 Game Fun SUPPLIES: Resource Pak pp. 4, 29, adult scissors Place All About David Gameboard on a table or the floor. Separate All About David Game Cards. As the children play the game, they will collect game cards. When they have a matching pair, they will lay them down. At the end of the game, let each child count how many pairs of cards he or she has. SAY: Today we will learn about David when he helped King Saul feel better. For the next few weeks we will learn more about David s life. Friendship Time SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 94, paper bag, adult scissors Cut the cards apart and place them in a paper bag. Have the children stand in a circle. Let the children take turns drawing cards. Sing this song to the tune of Are You Sleeping? Sing the second stanza of the song using the name of the instrument on the card. After the song, have everyone pretend to play the instrument that was named. (Harp pluck, pluck, pluck; Guitar strum, strum, strum; Trumpet toot, toot, toot; Flute tweet, tweet, tweet; Tuba oompah, oompah, oompah; Drum boom, boom, boom) Repeat until each child has drawn a card. Bible Time Get Ready SUPPLIES: Resource Pak p. 24, paper bag ASK: How are you feeling today? (Go around the circle and let each child respond. Do not comment on their feelings.) SAY: Some days we might feel sad. Some days we might feel angry or worried. Other days we might feel confused or scared. God has given us all these feelings. Have the children take turns drawing a feelings card and acting out that feeling. SAY: Sometimes other people can help you feel differently, especially if you are feeling angry or sad or worried. That s what happens in today s story. Fall 2010 Session 6 IAmRockSolid.com Music maker, music maker, What can you play? What can you play? I can play the (name of instrument). I can play the (name of instrument). Listen as I play. Listen as I play. 37

38 Enjoy the Bible Story SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 6, pencils or crayons Read the Bible story to the children. Invite the children to work the maze. ASK: How was King Saul feeling? (angry and unhappy) Who was called to the palace to help King Saul? (David, the shepherd boy) How did David help King Saul? (He played beautiful music and songs of praise to God.) Bible Verse Fun SUPPLIES: none Say today s Bible verse with the children several times: Praise the LORD with trumpet sound; praise the LORD with lute and harp (Psalm 150:3, adapted). Use a rhythmic or singsong way of saying the Bible verse, accenting certain words as you say it. For example, you can strongly accent these words: Praise, trumpet, sound, and lute. Then have the children say it back to you in the same way. Live God s Word Living as a Christian Kid SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 6 Invite the children to follow along with you as you read Living as a Christian Kid. ASK: How was Mr. O Brien feeling when Charlotte and Parker went to see him? (not well) What did Charlotte and Parker decide to do? (make a snack for Mr. O Brien and tell him a joke) What are some ways you can help someone feel better? (Accept answers.) 38 Dot-to-Dot Greetings SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 95, CD (optional), CD player, non-permanent markers Give each child a photocopy of the get-well card. Read the message on the card to the children. SAY: We can help people who are sick feel better by sending them a get-well card. October 10 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

39 Have the children turn the cards to the blank side. Have each child choose a marker. Play music and encourage the children to make dots with a marker while the music plays. Stop the music. Have each child choose a different marker. Play the music again. Have the children use the second marker and draw lines to connect the dots anyway they wish. Have each child sign his or her card. Talk about persons who would enjoy receiving the cards. Or ask your pastor to deliver the cards to persons who are ill. Worship Come Together SUPPLIES: Resource Pak pp. 5, 9, 14, 16, 17, 19, CD (optional), CD player, adult scissors, clear tape, harps made during Arrival Fun (optional) Play music as a signal to come to the worship area. Give one child the figure with today s Bible verse to place on the poster. Say the Bible verse aloud together. Hold up the picture cards of Saul and David the shepherd boy. ASK: What special talent did David have? (He could play the harp.) Why was David invited to live at the palace? (When he played his lyre, the music made Saul feel better.) Invite the children to play their harp. Notice the different sounds from the different cans and from the different rubber bands. ASK: What special things can you do to help others feel better? Praise and Respond SUPPLIES: CD (optional), CD player If you will be playing Great Is the Lord, first play the song and let the children listen. Then play the song again. Encourage the children to move with the music and sing the words, great is the Lord, each time they hear them in the song. Have the children stand shoulder to shoulder in a Squishy Prayer Circle. Tell the children that we are all connected all Christians around the world. PRAY: Dear God, thank you for all the many gifts you have given us. Please help us use our talents to help others feel better. Amen. Fall 2010 Session 6 IAmRockSolid.com 39

40 Extra! Extra! A Gift to Share SUPPLIES: old envelopes, adult scissors, construction paper or pre-cut art foam shapes, crayons, markers, white glue Cut off the corners of junk mail envelopes, forming a pocket. You should be able to get two bookmarks from each envelope. Invite the children to use scaps of colored construction paper or pre-cut art foam shapes to create flowers, animal faces, or their own designs on one side of the pocket. Help each child as needed to write Thinking of you on the back side of the bookmark. Ask your pastor to give these out to persons who are ill. Healer Helper Game SUPPLIES: soft indoor ball Have the children sit in a circle on the floor. SAY: David helped King Saul feel better by playing music for him. I will roll the ball to someone and that child can say a way to help someone feel better. Then that child can roll the ball to someone else, who can say a way to help someone feel better. Encourage the children to roll the ball to someone who hasn t yet had it. If a child can t think of a way, give clues in the form of questions such as, What would you do if a person needed a hug? Be ready to make suggestions: Give a hug. Share a snack. Take someone a drink of water. Invite someone to join your group on the playground. Sing a happy song. Smile a big smile. Peek at Next Week Celebrate Friends: Make photocopies of the friendship cards (Leader s Guide p. 97). Friendship Bracelets: Bring a variety of confetti-like scraps such as construction paper, foil wrapping paper, ribbon, sequins, and flat buttons and 2-inch-wide strips of clear adhesive vinyl or clear mailing tape. 40 October 10 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

41 David and Jonathan Bible Verse A friend loves at all times. (Proverbs 17:17) Bible Story 1 Samuel FaithPoint Friends love and care about one another. What You Need to Know Session 7 October 17 The story of David and Jonathan is often held up as an example of the meaning of true friendship. Jonathan was willing to risk his own position as the next king in order to save the life of his friend David. (Royal titles are usually passed down from father to son.) Of course, Jonathan probably did not realize that David was the one God had chosen to be the next king. David lived a God-guided life. There were many times when God intervened and changed the direction of David s life. God sent Samuel to Jesse s house to anoint David as the next king of Israel. God armed David with strength and courage as he faced the great Philistine warrior, Goliath. God was with David and helped him become a respected and honored military leader. Jonathan became David s closest friend and was able to save him from being killed by King Saul. Through the story of David, we can easily see how God often works subtly in our lives through the influence of other people. Right now, early elementary boys and girls are just beginning to know what it means to have a friend and be a friend. Friendships may be a little superficial right now, but that will begin to change. There will be some friendships forming now that will last throughout their lifetime. It is important that you be a friend to each child in your group and that you model friendship that is unchanging. Especially be aware of children who seem not to have friends. Make a special effort to demonstrate your caring for those children. Activities marked with contain options to use recycled or repurposed materials. Fall 2010 Session 7 IAmRockSolid.com Activities marked with may require extra preparation. 41

42 Arrival Fun SUPPLIES: Attendance Chart (Resource Pak pp. 2, 28, 31), Stickers, CD (optional), CD player, offering basket, container for Nothing But Nets donations Play music as the children arrive. Greet each parent and child as they enter the room. Tell each child that you are glad to see him or her. Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. Have a separate container for the donations for Nothing But Nets. Give each child a sticker of David and Jonathan, and show the child where to place it on the attendance chart. SAY: Our Bible story today is about David and Jonathan. They were best friends. Fun Beginnings The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group to introduce the Bible story. Fun Pak Fun SUPPLIES: Fun Pak 7, glue sticks, crayons, markers The children will enjoy making a pop-up heart card to give to a friend. Heart Garland SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 96, adult scissors, yarn, paper clips, glitter pens, markers, crayons Model friendship that is unchanging to the children in your group. They learn from your actions. Have several photocopies of the heart pattern available. SAY: The Bible tells us that a friend loves at all times. Let s think about people who are our friends. Let s write the name of a friend on each of our hearts. Help the children as needed to think of friends names and write them on the hearts. Be prepared to help with writing or spelling. Invite the children to decorate the hearts without covering up the names. Attach a long piece of yarn to the wall or from two objects in the room. Help the children use paper clips to attach their hearts to the yarn to create a heart garland. SAY: Friends are a blessing from God. Friends love and care for one another. 42 October 17 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

43 Game Fun SUPPLIES: Resource Pak pp. 4, 29, adult scissors Place All About David Gameboard on a table or the floor. Separate All About David Game Cards. As the children play the game, they will collect game cards. When they have a matching pair, they will lay them down. At the end of the game, let each child count how many pairs of cards he or she has. SAY: Today we will learn about David and his friend Jonathan. For the next couple weeks we will learn more about David s life. Friendship Time SUPPLIES: CD (optional), CD player Say this poem as the children, one by one, joins hands in a long line or snake dance. Lead the group around the room as you skip and hop. If you have more than eight children, repeat the last two lines as often as necessary to add all the children to the line. Play music while you dance. You can wind the line into a coil and ask the child at the end to unwind it by reversing direction. If your group is small enough to let everyone have a turn to lead, leave the front of the line and go to the back, letting the next child in line become the leader. Every few minutes have the current leader move to the back of the line. Bible Time Get Ready SUPPLIES: none Activity by Sharilyn Adair. ASK: What have we been learning about David? (He was a shepherd boy when God chose him to be king. He helped King Saul feel better by playing music for him.) SAY: Today our Bible story is about David and his best friend, Jonathan. Jonathan was King Saul s son. We will find out what brave thing Jonathan did for his best friend, David. Fall 2010 Session 7 IAmRockSolid.com Be a friend and come with me. Bring a friend and that makes three. Now that friend must add one more So our group will number four. Four adds five, then five adds six. Seven and eight are those friend s picks. Everybody add a friend till our dance comes to an end. 43

44 Enjoy the Bible Story SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 7, Stickers, pencils or crayons Read the Bible story to the children. Invite the children to add stickers to the picture and to trace the word. ASK: What brave thing did Jonathan do? (He warned David to leave the palace and not come back.) Why did Jonathan warn David? (King Saul was jealous of David. Jonathan knew David was in danger.) What did David and Jonathan say they would always be? (best friends) Bible Verse Fun SUPPLIES: none Say today s Bible verse with the children several times: A friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17). Help the children learn the verse by playing Who? What? When? Have the children stand in a circle. Stand in the center of the circle. SAY: I will point to someone and say either, Who? What? or When? If I say, Who? the person must answer, A friend. If I say, What? the person must answer, loves. If I say, When? the person must answer, at all times. As you point to different children, mix up the calls. Go faster. Expect giggles as the pace increases. Finally, have the entire group say the verse in order. Let children take turns being the leader. Live God s Word Living as a Christian Kid SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 7 Invite the children to follow along with you as you read Living as a Christian Kid. ASK: What happened to Peggy? (a twisted ankle) What did Becky do to help Peggy feel better? (drew her a picture, took a book to read, took clothes and jewelry to play dressup) Why did Becky do those things? (She loved her friend and cared for her. She wanted to help Peggy feel better.) 44 October 17 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

45 Celebrate Friends SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 97, crayons, markers, adult scissors, pencils, construction paper, white glue SAY: One nice thing we can do for our friends is to tell them how special they are to us. Let s make friendship cards that we can give our friends. Have the children pick one of the friendship cards. Give each child a sheet of construction paper. Show the children how to fold the construction paper in half and glue the friendship card on the outside. Invite the children to color the picture. Help each child as needed to write his or her own message inside the card. If you are using the recommended CD, we suggest the songs Jesus Loves Me and Great Is the Lord. Worship Come Together SUPPLIES: Resource Pak pp. 5, 9, 14, 16, 17, 19, CD (optional), CD player, adult scissors, clear tape Play music as a signal to come to the worship area. Give one child the figure with today s Bible verse to place on the poster. Say the Bible verse aloud together. Hold up the picture cards of David the king, Jonathan, and Saul. ASK: Why was Jonathan brave? (He cared for his friend David and warned him to go away. He did not want King Saul to hurt David.) SAY: Jonathan and David were friends who loved at all times. Praise and Respond SUPPLIES: CD (optional), CD player If you will be playing Great Is the Lord, first play the song and let the children listen. Then play the song again. Encourage the children to move with the music and sing any of the words they know. Have the children stand shoulder to shoulder in a Squishy Prayer Circle. Tell the children that we are all connected all Christians around the world. PRAY: Dear God, thank you for our friends who love and care about us. Please help us be loving and caring to each of our friends. Amen. Fall 2010 Session 7 IAmRockSolid.com 45

46 Extra! Extra! Friendship Bracelets SUPPLIES: adult scissors, clear adhesive vinyl or 2-inch wide clear mailing tape, construction paper, foil wrapping paper, ribbon scraps, sequins, flat buttons, clear tape SAY: Jonathan gave David gifts to show his friendship. You can make matching friendship bracelets. You can wear one and give one to a friend. Provide a variety of confetti-like scraps in several media: construction paper, foil wrapping paper, ribbon, sequins, flat buttons, and so forth. Give each child two strips of clear adhesive vinyl two inches wide and as long as the measurement around her or his fist plus half an inch. Or give the children strips of clear mailing tape in the same lengths. Have the children place the strips on the table sticky side up (removing backing from the vinyl). Have each child make a line of decoration down the center of each strip, placing scrap materials on the sticky surface. Caution the children to cover only the center third of their strips. Help the children fold each side of each strip over the center to enclose the decorations in a flattened tube. Roll the flattened tubes into circles to make bracelets. Join the circles with clear tape. Peek at Next Week Coloring Fun: Make a photocopy of the coloring picture (Leader s Guide p. 98) for each child. Tambourine Fun: Bring noisemakers such as jingle bells, pop-top rings, soda bottle caps, and large paper clips. Promise Cards: Photocopy the circle pattern (Leader s Guide p. 99) for each child. Ark of the Covenant: You will need a medium-sized box with lid (such as a printer paper box or boot box). 46 October 17 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

47 David, the King Bible Verse LORD, you can be trusted to do what you promise. (2 Samuel 7:28, adapted, CEV) Bible Story 2 Samuel 5 6 FaithPoint We can always trust God to keep promises. What You Need to Know Session 8 October 24 At the time of Saul s death, David was still a fugitive. However, he was in a politically favorable position with the tribe of Judah. His military prowess had earned him great respect. When King Saul was killed in fierce battle, the people turned to David to be their new king. After a brief struggle for power with the remainder of Saul s family, David became the undisputed ruler of both Israel to the north and Judah to the south, uniting the two kingdoms into one nation. Once David had brought the twelve tribes together into one united country, he selected Jerusalem as his capital city. Jerusalem was a neutral city, not associated with any one particular tribe, so there would be no jealousy working against him. David also established his throne on the religious traditions of Moses, bringing the ark of the covenant to a place of honor in Jerusalem. All the pieces came together. Young children have unquestioning faith. They easily accept the idea of God s presence and God s power. They need help knowing how to grow their faith into a faith that results in God-centered action. They need help understanding how to learn what God wants them to do. Explain that they will come to know the plans God has for their lives, just as you and other Christian adults do: by continuing to attend Sunday school and church, by reading the Bible, by praying, and by having Christian friends. For young children, the significance of the ark is that the people praised God and celebrated that God was with them. There may be some confusion for them in the use of the term ark because they may associate that with the boat that Noah built. Activities marked with contain options to use recycled or repurposed materials. Fall 2010 Session 8 IAmRockSolid.com Activities marked with may require extra preparation. 47

48 Arrival Fun SUPPLIES: Attendance Chart (Resource Pak pp. 2, 28, 31), Stickers, CD (optional), CD player, offering basket, container for Nothing But Nets donations Play music as the children arrive. Greet each parent and child as they enter the room. Tell each child that you are glad to see him or her. Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. Have a separate container for the donations for Nothing But Nets. Give each child a sticker of David dancing before the ark, and show the child where to place it on the attendance chart. SAY: Our Bible story today is about David when he became king. Fun Beginnings The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group to introduce the Bible story. Fun Pak Fun SUPPLIES: Fun Pak 8 The children will enjoy dressing the King David paper doll. Coloring Fun SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 98, crayons, markers Let the children enjoy coloring the picture. Tambourine Fun Music is a great addition to any group activity. Find songs on the recommended CD that your children will enjoy. SUPPLIES: adult scissors, paper punch, paper plates, construction paper, curling ribbon, yarn or chenille stems, glue sticks, noisemakers (jingle bells, pop-top rings, bottle caps with holes punched in them, large paper clips) Let each child glue construction paper scraps on a paper plate. Use a paper punch to punch six holes around the rim of each child s plate. Help the children attach the noisemakers you have provided (one jingle bell, two pop-top rings, two soda bottle caps back to back, or three large paper clips per hole) by threading yarn or sections of chenille stem through the noisemakers and then through the holes and tying the yarn or twisting the chenille stem. Have the children thread lengths of curling ribbon through the holes and tie them to the plates to form two streamers at each hole. 48 October 24 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

49 Game Fun SUPPLIES: Resource Pak pp. 4, 29, adult scissors Place All About David Gameboard on a table or the floor. Separate All About David Game Cards. As the children play the game, they will collect game cards. When they have a matching pair, they will lay them down. At the end of the game, let each child count how many pairs of cards he or she has. SAY: Today we will learn about David when he became king. He helped his people remember and celebrate God s promises. SUPPLIES: chairs Friendship Time Use one less chair than Ask the children to sit in chairs that have been placed in a your number of circle. Ask one child to be IT and to stand in the center children. of the circle. Have IT look at the children in the circle and say, for example, I have a friend who has on a blue shirt. All children wearing a blue shirt should get up and switch chairs with one another while IT tries to get one of the chairs. The child left standing (who has no chair) is the next IT. Before playing, talk with the children about some things they may point out: eye color, clothes, length of hair, who has a pet, who has a baby in the family, and so forth. Ask the children for their suggestions. Be sure that each child has an opportunity to be IT. Bible Time Get Ready SUPPLIES: none ASK: What is a promise? (It is something we say that we will definitely do no matter what.) Have you ever made a promise? Was it hard to keep? Do you know who always keeps promises? (God) SAY: Today our Bible story is about David when he was older. When he was young, God chose David to be king. God kept that promise, and David became king. In today s story, David and the people remember and celebrate another promise God made. Let s find out what the promise was. Fall 2010 Session 8 IAmRockSolid.com 49

50 Enjoy the Bible Story SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 8, crayons Read the Bible story to the children. Invite the children to connect the dots and color the picture. ASK: What did David bring to Jerusalem once he was king? (the ark of the covenant) What promise of God did the ark remind the people of? (We belong to God. God is always with us.) What did David do while the ark was led into the city? (He danced in front of the ark.) What did David do after the ark was put into the tent? (He said prayers of thanksgiving to God and gave the people food to eat.) Bible Verse Fun SUPPLIES: tambourines made during Arrival Fun Say today s Bible verse with the children several times: LORD, you can be trusted to do what you promise (2 Samuel 7:28, adapted, CEV) Invite the children to follow you around the room, dancing and shaking their tambourines, as they say today s verse with you. Have them shake their tambourines over their heads, to the left, to the right, down low, and up high. If time permits, let the children take turns being the leader. Live God s Word Living as a Christian Kid SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 8 Invite the children to follow along with you as you read Living as a Christian Kid. ASK: Why didn t Ashley keep her promise to pick up her toys? (She started doing other things and forgot.) What did Ashley learn about promises? (Promises are important. We should always try to keep our promises.) What are some promises God has made to us? (to send a Savior to us, to care for the earth, and to be with us always) Has God kept those promises to us? (yes) What does that tell us about God? (We can trust God to keep God s promises.) 50 October 24 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

51 Promise Cards SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 99, pencils or crayons, safety scissors SAY: We can always trust God to keep promises. We can make promises to God that we know we can keep. Give each child the circle pattern. Have the children cut out the circle. Help the children think of promises they can make to God. (to pray, to be kind to others, to obey parents, to share, and so forth) Help each child as needed to write his or her promise inside the triangle. Show the children how to fold the paper in along the dotted lines of the triangle. On the second and third folds, tuck one end under to close the card. Worship Come Together SUPPLIES: Resource Pak pp. 5, 9, 14, 16, 17, 19, CD (optional), CD player, adult scissors, clear tape Play music as a signal to come to the worship area. Give one child the figure with today s Bible verse to place on the poster. Say the Bible verse aloud together. Hold up the picture card of David the king. ASK: What promise did King David help the people remember? (We belong to God and God will always be with us.) SAY: We can always trust God s promises. Praise and Respond SUPPLIES: CD (optional), CD player If you will be playing Great Is the Lord, first play the song and let the children listen. Then play the song again. Encourage the children to move with the music and sing any of the words they know. Have the children stand shoulder to shoulder in a Squishy Prayer Circle. PRAY: Dear God, thank you for always being with us. We trust you to keep your promises. Please help us keep our promises to you. Amen. Fall 2010 Session 8 IAmRockSolid.com 51

52 Extra! Extra! Ark of the Covenant SUPPLIES: medium-sized box with lid (such as a printer paper box or boot box), pencils, chenille stems or heavy cord, clear tape, heavy aluminum foil, permanent yellow markers, smocks, adult scissors SAY: The ark of the covenant was a special kind of treasure box that belonged to the Hebrew people. It was a wooden box covered with gold. It held the stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments had been written. Put out a box with a lid such as a box for printer paper or a box that boots come in. Let the children draw curving, swirling lines on all sides of the box and lid with pencils. Help them tape chenille stems or heavy cord to the box, twisting and shaping them to follow the pencil lines. Cover the lid and the box with heavy-duty aluminum foil, overlapping it to the inside and to the bottom of the box and taping it in place with clear tape. Have the children rub around the chenille stems or cord with their fingers to make the aluminum foil cling to the box and to give emphasis to the raised designs. Have the children wear smocks and color on the flat areas, not on the raised areas, with yellow permanent markers. The result will look like a golden box with silver designs on it. SAY: When David became king, he brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem to help the people remember God s promises. Peek at Next Week Right or Wrong?: Make a photocopy of the action pictures (Leader s Guide p. 100) for each child. Who Am I? Game: Seal letter-size envelopes. For each child, cut one envelope in half vertically. 52 October 24 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

53 Solomon Bible Verse Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. (1 Kings 3:9, CEV) Bible Story 1 Kings 3:1-15 FaithPoint God can help us know what is right and what is wrong. What You Need to Know Session 9 October 31 Sadly before David s death, his sons fought among themselves as to who would be the next king. Using a bit of deception, Solomon (son of Bathsheba) usurped the claim of his older brother (Adonijah) and became the next king of the United Kingdom. Solomon s reign was the golden era for the monarchy of Israel. King David left Solomon a kingdom at peace during a time of great prosperity. With time to concentrate on the finer things of life, Israel embarked on an extensive building program. Solomon was a patron of the arts, and people attribute a great deal of the wisdom literature in the Bible (Proverbs) to him. He was also famous for his fabulous wealth, his extremely large harem, and his up-to-date military program. One of Solomon s greatest contributions was the Temple in Jerusalem. Compared to churches today, it was a very modest building. But for its time the Temple was a great architectural achievement and the center of Israel s religious life. Young children see the world mostly in shades of black and white. There are few gray areas with them. Just try to discuss the rules of a playground game sometime. They have difficulty seeing both sides of an issue usually because they are emotionally involved. The most common words heard on a playground are these: That s not fair! They will come to know through experience what is fair and not fair, what is just and unjust, what is right and not right. Help them learn that God can help them with these decisions. All they have to do is pray to God, asking for God s help and listening for God s answer. Activities marked with contain options to use recycled or repurposed materials. Fall 2010 Session 9 IAmRockSolid.com Activities marked with may require extra preparation. 53

54 Arrival Fun 54 SUPPLIES: Attendance Chart (Resource Pak pp. 2, 28, 31), Stickers, CD (optional), CD player, offering basket, container for Nothing But Nets donations Play music as the children arrive. Greet each parent and child as they enter the room. Tell each child that you are glad to see him or her. Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. Have a separate container for the donations for Nothing But Nets. Give each child a sticker of Solomon praying, and show the child where to place it on the attendance chart. SAY: Last week we learned that David became the king. Now the time has come for David to decide which of his sons will be the next king. David chose Solomon. Today we will learn what Solomon asked God for. Fun Beginnings The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group to introduce the Bible story. Fun Pak Fun SUPPLIES: Fun Pak 9, clear tape, safety scissors, small paper plates, dried grass or straw, white glue, glue sticks, paintbrushes The children will make Bobbles, a bird of wisdom. King s Crowns SUPPLIES: construction paper, adult scissors, safety scissors, crayons, markers, clear tape Cut construction paper lengthwise into 3-inch strips. Give each child a strip of construction paper. Show the children how to cut a scallop pattern or a pointed pattern along one edge of the strip. Invite the children to color circles, squares, diamonds, and rectangles in different colors on the strip to look like jewels. Help each child fit the crown to his or her head and tape the ends together. Throne Fun SUPPLIES: chair or two large cardboard cartons, duct tape, colorful cloth Put a colorful cloth over a chair to be used for a throne. Or tape together two cardboard cartons one for the seat and one for the back to make a throne. Invite the children to take turns pretending to be a king. October 31 Thank the children for their donations to Nothing But Nets. Help the children understand that no amount of money is too small to make a difference. ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

55 Game Fun SUPPLIES: Resource Pak pp. 4, 29, adult scissors Place All About David Gameboard on a table or the floor. Separate All About David Game Cards. As the children play the game, they will collect game cards. When they have a matching pair, they will lay them down. At the end of the game, let each child count how many pairs of cards he or she has. SAY: We have been learning about David s life. Today we will learn about Solomon, David s son. SUPPLIES: none Friendship Time Ask the children to sit in chairs that have been placed in a circle. Ask one child to say his or her name and tell something about himself or herself. For example, My name is Marcus, and I like popcorn. Then have the next child introduce himself or herself and then repeat what Marcus said. For example. My name is Emma, and I like kittens. His name is Marcus, and he likes popcorn. Continue going around the circle, having each child introduce himself or herself, then repeating what the child beside him or her said. For example, My name is Jamie, and I like trains. Her name is Emma, and she likes kittens. His name is Marcus, and he likes popcorn. As the number of names increases and the game becomes more difficult, encourage the children to help one another remember what was said. Bible Time Get Ready SUPPLIES: none SAY: Today our Bible story is about David s son, Solomon. He prayed and asked God for something special. ASK: What do you think a king would ask God for? (Accept answers.) SAY: Solomon asked God to make him wise. ASK: What does it mean to be wise? (To be wise means you can tell the difference between what is right and wrong, between what is true and what is not true.) Do you know someone you think is wise? (Accept answers.) Why do you think that person is wise? (Accept answers.) Fall 2010 Session 9 IAmRockSolid.com 55

56 Enjoy the Bible Story SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 9, pencils or crayons Read the Bible story to the children. Invite the children to find ten things in the picture that do not belong in Bible times. ASK: What is the most important thing that David taught Solomon? (You can always ask God for help.) What did God offer Solomon? (God said that Solomon could ask for anything he wanted.) What did Solomon ask God for? (wisdom and understanding) Even though Solomon did not ask, what else did God give to Solomon? (riches and power) What did God promise Solomon? (to be with him and to bless him) Bible Verse Fun SUPPLIES: none Say today s Bible verse with the children several times: Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong (1 Kings 3:9, CEV). SAY: I am going to say something, and I want you to tell me if it is being wise. If it is wise, jump up and down and shout, wise! If it is not wise, nod your head no and shout, wrong! Use these statements, then make up some of your own. After the children react to each statement, ask them why it was wise or not wise. Live God s Word 56 Living as a Christian Kid SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 9 Invite the children to follow along with you as you read Living as a Christian Kid. ASK: What wise words did Alexa s mom say? (Be thoughtful of what we pray for. We should ask God for good things.) Did God answer Alexa s prayer? (yes) October 31 You try to pet one of the lions at the zoo. You look both ways before crossing the street. You decide to eat nothing but cake and ice cream all day long. The weatherman says it will be cold outside, so you wear shorts to school. Your parents tell you to go to bed, but you decide to watch TV instead. You listen carefully to your teacher. The dog needs to go outside, but you are playing a video game. You accidentally broke your brother s bike, and you tell your parents your brother broke it. You brush your teeth after every meal. ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

57 Right or Wrong? SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 100, pencils, crayons, safety scissors, colored paper, glue sticks, stapler, staples Give each child a photocopy of the action pictures to color and cut apart. Have the children glue each picture to a piece of colored paper. Talk about what you see in each picture. SAY: God helps us know what is right and what is wrong. Next to each picture let s write what God would want us to do. Help the children as needed with writing or spelling. Show the children how to stack the pages and staple them on the side to create a book. Worship Come Together SUPPLIES: Resource Pak pp. 5, 9, 14, 16, 17, 19, CD (optional), CD player, adult scissors, clear tape Play music as a signal to come to the worship area. Give one child the figure with today s Bible verse to place on the poster. Say the Bible verse aloud together. Hold up the picture cards of David the king and Solomon. ASK: Who was Solomon s father? (David) What did Solomon ask God to give him? (wisdom to know the difference between right and wrong so he could lead his people wisely) Was this a good thing to ask for? Why or why not? What could he have asked for? (anything at all) Praise and Respond SUPPLIES: CD (optional), CD player If you will be playing Great Is the Lord, first play the song and let the children listen. Then play the song again. Encourage the children to move with the music and sing any of the words they know. Have the children stand shoulder to shoulder in a Squishy Prayer Circle. PRAY: Dear God, thank you for always hearing our prayers. Please help us be wise and know the difference between right and wrong. Amen. Fall 2010 Session 9 IAmRockSolid.com 57

58 Extra! Extra! Who Am I? Game SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 101, adult scissors, letter-size envelopes, crayons, markers, glue sticks, safety scissors Seal the envelopes. For each child, cut one envelope in half vertically. Invite the children to color the pictures and cut them out. Show the children how to create puppets by turning the cut edge of the envelope down and gluing a picture vertically to the front of the envelope. Insert your hand inside the envelope to hold the puppet. SAY: I will say things about David and Solomon. If I am talking about David, wave your David puppet and shout, David! If I am talking about Solomon, wave your Solomon puppet and shout, Solomon! I was the youngest of twelve sons. (David) I prayed and asked God for wisdom. (Solomon) I was a shepherd boy. (David) I danced before the ark. (David) I played beautiful music for King Saul. (David) I was a king. (David and Solomon) Jonathan was my best friend. (David) David was my father. (Solomon) Peek at Next Week Puzzle Fun: Cut apart the pieces to Ruth Helps Out Puzzle (Resource Pak p. 21). Get Ready: Bring packing peanuts or cotton balls for this activity. Grain Chain: Make photocopies of the grain chain strips (Leader s Guide p. 102) so that each child has one strip for each family member. 58 October 31 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

59 Ruth and Naomi Bible Verse May the LORD reward you for your deeds. (Ruth 2:12) Bible Story Book of Ruth FaithPoint God wants us to treat our families with love and kindness. What You Need to Know Session 10 November 7 The Book of Ruth is often used to show King David s lineage. (David was Ruth s great grandson.) The book also was used to scold those persons who were returning from their exile in Babylonia who had abandoned their foreign-born wives and husbands. When the Jewish people returned to their homeland after generations of living in a foreign land, they tended to overcompensate for their time in exile by setting themselves apart from the communities in which they were now living. In the story of Ruth (who just happened to be a foreigner), the readers heard that even outsiders could make a valuable contribution to a community. Without Ruth, there would have been no King David. The Book of Ruth is a book about love, kindness, and compassion. Here was a foreign-born woman who cared for her Jewish mother-in-law. At this low point in her life, Naomi had neither husband nor sons to provide for her. In a land where widows and orphans were prolific, it was a constant struggle just to have food and shelter. What Ruth did was unexpectedly kind and loving. And God did indeed reward her for her gift. During this fall quarter your young children may still be trying to get accustomed to many new and different surroundings in school and Sunday school. In life, there are always new experiences: new teachers, new homes, and new communities. Ruth took a risk, going with Naomi to a land where she might be considered the outcast. As she reached out in kindness and love, she received kindness and love in return. Activities marked with contain options to use recycled or repurposed materials. Fall 2010 Session 10 IAmRockSolid.com Activities marked with may require extra preparation. 59

60 Arrival Fun SUPPLIES: Attendance Chart (Resource Pak pp. 2, 28, 31), stickers, CD (optional), CD player, offering basket Play music as the children arrive. Greet each parent and child as they enter the room. Tell each child that you are glad to see him or her. Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. Give each child a sticker of Ruth and Naomi, and show the child where to place it on the attendance chart. SAY: Our Bible story last week was about Solomon, David s son. Our story today is about another person in David s family. Her name was Ruth. She was David s great-grandmother. Fun Beginnings The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group to introduce the Bible story. Fun Pak Fun SUPPLIES: Fun Pak 10, glue sticks or clear tape, yarn or ribbon, markers, adult scissors The children will enjoy making heart baskets to give to persons in their families. Gleaning Bag Fun SUPPLIES: brown paper grocery bags, adult scissors, crayons, markers, clear tape Help each child make a gleaning bag from a brown paper grocery bag. Cut away most of the two wide sides of the bag, leaving four inches at the bottom. Cut the two narrow sides into tapering straps. Tape the straps together at the top. Let the children decorate the bags with crayons and markers. Grain Fun SUPPLIES: bowls, scoops, tablespoons, barley and rice and wheat kernels, measuring cups, spoons Provide bowls containing barley, rice, and wheat kernels. Let the children scoop the grain into bowls, stir and measure it, and pour it back into the box(es). Talk about foods that are made from each type of grain. 60 November 7 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

61 Puzzle Fun SUPPLIES: Resource Pak p. 21 Separate and scramble the pieces to Ruth Helps Out Puzzle and place them on a table or the floor. Invite the children to take turns adding pieces to the puzzle. Friendship Time SUPPLIES: chairs Ask the children to sit in chairs that have been placed in a circle. Ask the children to sit quietly and think of how many people are in their families. Ask the children one by one to stand and say, My name is (name) and I have (number) in my family. Then have all the children clap their hands the same number of times as family members while the child standing says the names of the people in his or her family. SAY: Every family is special. God has given us families of all sizes small ones, big ones, and in-between ones. God wants us to treat our families with love and kindness. Bible Time Get Ready SUPPLIES: packing peanuts or cotton balls, gleaning bags made during Arrival Fun SAY: When fields were harvested in Bible times, the workers would leave lots of barley on the ground for poor people to pick up or to glean. Pretend this is barley. (Show a large bag or box of packing peanuts or cotton balls.) First let s be workers in the field. When I say, Go! everyone come and get a handful of barley and scatter it around our room. Let s be sure we get all the barley scattered. Let the children enjoy scattering the packing peanuts or cotton balls. SAY: Now let s pretend we are the poor people gleaning grain. Wear your gleaning bags. When I say, Day, begin to gather as much barley in your bags as possible. When I say, Night, everyone must stop gleaning and bring your bags to the table. When most of the barley has been picked up, say, Night! and have the children bring their bags to the table. Let each child count the amount he or she has gleaned. Fall 2010 Session 10 IAmRockSolid.com If you have young five-year-olds in your group, let everyone count together. 61

62 Enjoy the Bible Story SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 10, pencils or crayons Read the Bible story to the children. Invite the children to work the maze. ASK: What did Ruth do that was kind? (She went with Naomi to help take care of her.) What did Ruth do so she and Naomi would have food to eat? (She gleaned grain from the field.) Who did Ruth marry? (Boaz) What was her baby s name? (Obed) Who was in Ruth s family? (Naomi, Boaz, and Obed) Bible Verse Fun SUPPLIES: soft indoor ball Say today s Bible verse with the children several times: May the LORD reward you for your deeds (Ruth 2:12). ASK: What did Ruth do that was kind? (She went with Naomi back to her homeland to help take care of her.) What did the workers in the field do that was kind? (They left grain for poor people to glean.) How did God reward Ruth for her kind deeds? (Naomi, Boaz, and baby Obed became her family.) What are some kind things we can do for our families? (Accept answers.) Ask the children to stand in a circle. Give one child a soft indoor ball. SAY: Let s take turns saying kind things we can do for our families. When the ball is tossed to you, you can say one thing. Then we will all say today s verse together. After we say the verse, toss the ball to someone else who gets a turn to say a kind thing we can do for our families. Live God s Word 62 Living as a Christian Kid SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 10 Invite the children to follow along with you as you read Living as a Christian Kid. ASK: Why was Poppa sad? (He had to leave his home.) What kind things did Ivan and his family do for Poppa? (They had Poppa move in with them, and they gave him a special room for his trains.) November 7 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

63 Grain Chain SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 102, pencils, yellow or gold crayons or markers, adult scissors, clear tape Give each child a photocopy of the grain chain strips so that each child has one strip for each primary family member. Help each child as needed to write one name on each strip. Invite them to color the grain on each strip yellow or gold. Show the children how to loop the strips and tape them together to make a chain. SAY: Ruth was kind to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Each day look at your grain chain. Think of something kind you can do that day for each person on your chain. Worship Come Together SUPPLIES: Resource Pak pp. 5, 9, 14, 16, 17, 19, CD (optional), CD player, adult scissors, clear tape Play music as a signal to come to the worship area. Give one child the figure with today s Bible verse to place on the poster. Say the Bible verse aloud together. Hold up the picture cards of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. ASK: How were Ruth and Naomi related? (Naomi was Ruth s mother-in-law.) What kind thing did Ruth do for Naomi? (Ruth moved to Naomi s homeland with Naomi. Ruth loved Naomi and wanted to take care of her.) Praise and Respond SUPPLIES: CD (optional), CD player If you will be playing Great Is the Lord, first play the song and let the children listen. Then play the song again. Encourage the children to move with the music and sing any of the words they know. Have the children stand shoulder to shoulder in a Squishy Prayer Circle. PRAY: Dear God, thank you for our families. Please help us treat our families with love and kindness. Amen. Fall 2010 Session 10 IAmRockSolid.com 63

64 Extra! Extra! Grain Creations SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 103; newspaper, crayons, cotton balls, baby oil; or cotton swabs, birdseed, white glue, shallow tray or box lid Photocopy the grain picture for each child. Invite the children to make stained-glass windows or seed mosaics with their pictures. Stained-glass windows: Cover the work area with newspaper. Let the children color the pictures with crayons. Pour a small amount of baby oil on a cotton ball. Show the children how to rub the oil over the back of the picture. Hold the picture up to the light. The oil will make the pictures translucent. Seed mosaics: Have the children use cotton swabs to brush glue onto their pictures. Place each picture in a shallow tray or box lid. Show the children how to sprinkle birdseed over the pictures. Shake off the excess seeds into the box to be used again. SAY: Ruth was kind to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth left her home and went with Naomi to take care of Naomi. When Ruth and Naomi got to Bethlehem, Ruth went to the grain fields to find grain so that she and Naomi would be able to make bread to eat. While Ruth was picking the grain, she met a kind man named Boaz. Ruth and Boaz fell in love and got married. They had a baby boy named Obed. Naomi, Ruth, Boaz, and Obed became a family. God wants us to treat our families with love and kindness. Peek at Next Week Jar Fun: Photocopy the clay jar and the Bible verse (Leader s Guide pp. 104, 105) for each child. Also bring sandpaper or corrugated cardboard. Bible Bookmarks: Cut yarn into 6-inch pieces and contact paper into 4- by 7-inch pieces. Make a photocopy of the bookmark (Leader s Guide p. 105) for each child Bible Verse Scroll: Cut brown wrapping paper or brown paper grocery bags into 8- by 10-inch lengths. You will need an iron and ironing board to iron the scrolls dry and flat. 64 November 7 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

65 Josiah Bible Verse You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. (Deuteronomy 6:5) Bible Story 2 Kings 22 FaithPoint We worship God. What You Need to Know Session 11 November 14 When his father was assassinated, Josiah (who was only eight at the time) became king of Judah, the southern kingdom. Assyria, a former military giant, was on the decline. Babylonia and Egypt were gaining strength but were not as yet a threat to Judah. Josiah surrounded himself with good advisors, and they helped him be an effective ruler. Throughout their history the Hebrew people constantly adopted the customs and beliefs of the communities around them. They incorporated some of these customs into their religious life. Soon their worship began to take on the character of the religion of the people of Canaan, which was pagan. Their former religious laws and rituals were either ignored or forgotten. It was during Josiah s reign that a time of religious reform began. This reformation gained momentum during a restoration of the Temple, when workmen discovered copies of what scholars believe was the book of Deuteronomy, a book of the Jewish law. After reading the book, it was obvious that the people had been disregarding most of the Jewish religious practices. Josiah called them together as a community to rededicate themselves to their faith. As Christians we also look to the Bible as a guide to living. The Old Testament contains the Ten Commandments, which was the Jewish Law. The New Testament includes all that Jesus taught. Our Bible verse for today is called the Shema [SHEE muh]. Later in the New Testament, Jesus expanded on this commandment by adding: and your neighbor as yourself. If put into practice these two statements will lay a strong faith foundation for the children to build upon. Activities marked with contain options to use recycled or repurposed materials. Fall 2010 Session 11 IAmRockSolid.com Activities marked with may require extra preparation. 65

66 Arrival Fun SUPPLIES: Attendance Chart (Resource Pak pp. 2, 28, 31), Stickers, CD (optional), CD player, offering basket Play music as the children arrive. Greet each parent and child as they enter the room. Tell each child that you are glad to see him or her. Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. Give each child a sticker of the biblical scroll, and show the child where to place it on the attendance chart. SAY: Our Bible story is about a king who found a very important scroll. The scroll told the people how to do what God wanted them to do. The scroll was inside a clay jar. Fun Beginnings The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group to introduce the Bible story. Fun Pak Fun SUPPLIES: Fun Pak 11, clear tape The children will enjoy making a mezuzah. Jar Fun SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide pp. 104, 105 (top), sandpaper or corrugated cardboard, clear tape, crayons with the paper removed, adult scissors Photocopy the clay jar and Bible verse for each child. Tape a piece of sandpaper or corrugated cardboard to the table. Lightly tape the clay jar pictures over the sandpaper or cardboard. Let the children make texture rubbings by rubbing crayons (with paper removed) over their jar pictures. The texture will show through the rubbing. Have the children fold the picture along the dotted line. Roll the strip into a tube and tape the edges to make a three-dimensional jar. Give each child a copy of the Bible verse to decorate. Show the children how to roll the paper like a scroll and place it inside their jars. 66 November 14 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

67 Bible Bookmarks SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 105 (bottom), adult scissors, safety scissors, markers, crayons, paper punch, yarn, clear contact paper Cut yarn into 6-inch pieces. Have contact paper cut into 4- by 7-inch pieces. Give each child a copy of the bookmark to decorate and cut out. Show the children how to put their bookmark face down on the sticky side of the contact paper. Fold the contact paper over to cover the back of the bookmark. Trim any excess at the edges. Use a paper punch to punch a hole in the center of the top edge of the bookmark. Help each child as needed to loop and tie three stands of yarn in the hole. Friendship Time SUPPLIES: Bible, CD (optional), CD player Ask the children to sit in chairs that have been placed in a circle. Give one of the children a Bible to hold. SAY: The Bible is a special, holy book to people who love God. The Bible is the Word of God. The Bible has stories about God s Son, Jesus. It has stories that tell us of God s love. It has stories that tell us how to live as God s people. Ask the children to pass the Bible around the circle slowly and carefully while you play music. Stop the music and encourage the child holding the Bible to tell everyone his or her favorite Bible story. Begin the music again and let the children continue passing the Bible. Stop the music frequently so all of the children get to share. Bible Time Get Ready SUPPLIES: Bible It s OK for the children to repeat one another. You may need to suggest stories to choose from. SAY: Today s Bible story is about a boy who became king and about a scroll that had been lost for a long, long time. Let s play a game of Find the Lost Bible. Before Sunday school begins, hide a Bible in the room. Invite the children to look for the Bible. Give clues to the children s closeness to the Bible by saying HOT as they get closer and COLD when they are moving away from it. Have the children celebrate with cheers and clapping when the Bible is found. Have the children sit down for Bible story time. Fall 2010 Session 11 IAmRockSolid.com 67

68 Enjoy the Bible Story SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 11, pencils or crayons Read the Bible story to the children. Invite the children to find ten scrolls hidden in the picture. ASK: How old was Josiah when he became king? (eight) Where did a worker find the lost scroll? (in a clay jar hidden in the Temple) What did Josiah help the people do? (He helped the people learn God s laws again and be faithful to God.) Bible Verse Fun SUPPLIES: none Say today s Bible verse: You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might (Deuteronomy 6:5). SAY: Today s Bible verse is known as the Shema. The Shema reminded the people in Bible times that God loves them and that we should love God. Let s learn some motions to go with today s Bible verse. Show the children these motions and have them mimic you: You (point to your neighbor) shall love (cross your arms over your heart) the Lord your God (lift your arms above your head, palms up) with all your heart (point to heart), with all your soul (make big circular motions around your head with your right hand), and with all your might (make strong-man motion/flex muscles). Have the children repeat the verse and motions with you twice. Live God s Word 68 Living as a Christian Kid SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 11 Invite the children to follow along with you as you read Living as a Christian Kid. ASK: When can we worship God? (anytime) Why do we worship God? (to thank God and to show our love for God) How can we worship God? (by praying, singing, dancing, playing music) November 14 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

69 Bible Verse Scroll SUPPLIES: brown wrapping paper or paper grocery bags, adult scissors, iron, ironing board, dishpan of water, crayons, markers, ribbon or string Cut paper into 8- by 10-inch lengths. Place each sheet of paper into the water. Crumple the paper into a ball, then squeeze out the water. Open carefully. ADULTS ONLY: With the iron on a low setting, iron the paper dry and flat. Help the children write all or part of the Bible verse for today. Invite them to decorate their scroll with a crayon or marker. Help the children roll up their scrolls and tie them with ribbon or string. SAY: In Bible times all of the words of the Bible had to be written on scrolls. Scrolls were kept in very special places in the Temple. Worship Come Together SUPPLIES: Resource Pak pp. 5, 9, 14, 16, 17, 19, CD (optional), CD player, adult scissors, clear tape Play music as a signal to come to the worship area. Give one child the figure with today s Bible verse to place on the poster. Say the Bible verse aloud together. Hold up the picture card of Josiah. ASK: What can you tell me about Josiah? (He became king when he was eight years old. When he was older, a scroll was found in the Temple. Josiah reminded the people to love God.) Praise and Respond SUPPLIES: CD (optional), CD player If you are using the recommended CD, Awesome God is an excellent choice for this session. Select praise music for the children to hear. Have the children stand shoulder to shoulder in a Squishy Prayer Circle. Let each child in the circle name something he or she wants to thank God for. PRAY: Dear God, we thank you for all of these things. We thank you for the Bible. Please help us do what you want us to do. Thank you for loving us so much. We love you with all our heart, all our soul, and all our might. Amen. Fall 2010 Session 11 IAmRockSolid.com 69

70 Extra! Extra! Make Mezuzahs SUPPLIES: Pringles -size cans, aluminum foil or gold-colored paper, clear tape, permanent markers, scrolls from Live God s Word Give each child a Pringles -size can. Have the children wrap their cans in aluminum foil or gold-colored paper. Let the children draw their own designs on the foil or colored paper to decorate the cans. Have the children roll their scrolls and place them inside their cans. SAY: The Hebrew families had a mezuzah on the doorposts of their homes. These same words were placed in their mezuzah. These words are a Scripture from the Bible. We call these words the Shema. The Hebrew families would touch the mezuzah to remind themselves that God loved them and to remind themselves to show love to God. Make Doorpost Signs SUPPLIES: craft sticks or tongue depressors, white glue, paper, adult scissors, crayons Show the children how to glue craft sticks or tongue depressors together to form a square. Cut out a square-shaped piece of paper to fit the stick square. Help the children write the words of Deuteronomy 6:5 on the paper. Let the children draw their own designs on the paper and stick square. Glue the paper to the back of the stick square. Invite the children to put the signs on the doorposts of their homes. Peek at Next Week 70 Thank-You Cards: Make a photocopy of the card (Leader s Guide p. 106) for each child. Get Ready: Bring such items as dominoes, empty cereal boxes, cardboard bricks, popsicle sticks, and blocks. Thanksgiving Place Mats: Make photocopies of the turkey (Leader s Guide p. 107). Play a Relay Game: Bring sand or shredded paper in a box and a garden trowel or plastic shovel. November 14 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

71 Nehemiah Builds a Wall Bible Verse I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart. (Psalm 9:1) Bible Story Book of Nehemiah FaithPoint We can do many things with God s help and we thank God. What You Need to Know Session 12 November 21 Judah and Israel had been conquered by the Babylonians. Many of the leaders and the powerful people were taken back to Babylonia with the army. Many became servants of the royal family. In the history of God s people, this was called the Exile. Nehemiah served in the royal palace. Although Nehemiah had never actually lived in Jerusalem, he was saddened by the tales of the people who went there and did not stay. The land that they had heard so much about no longer existed. The Temple had been destroyed, and the city of Jerusalem was in ruin. Nehemiah asked permission from the king to go to Jerusalem and see what he could do to help restore it to its former greatness. Not only did the king grant his request, but the king even sent an escort to assure Nehemiah s safety. The king also sent copious building supplies. The first thing that Nehemiah set about rebuilding was the wall around the city that would provide protection from armies that frequently plundered the land. If the community was to thrive in safety, the people had to feel secure. Young children can understand that God helps them do important things. When the community of faith comes together, miracles can happen. One person s offering might feed one child who is hungry, but a church s offering might feed an entire village. Remind the children that they are a part of the community of faith. During this season we give thanks for all that we can do with God s help. Activities marked with contain options to use recycled or repurposed materials. Fall 2010 Session 12 IAmRockSolid.com Activities marked with may require extra preparation. 71

72 Arrival Fun SUPPLIES: Attendance Chart (Resource Pak pp. 2, 28, 31), Stickers, CD (optional), CD player, offering basket Play music as the children arrive. Greet each parent and child as they enter the room. Tell each child that you are glad to see him or her. Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. Give each child a sticker of the stone wall and show the child where to place it on the attendance chart. SAY: Our Bible story today is about a man named Nehemiah. Nehemiah encouraged people to work together to rebuild the wall around the city of Jerusalem. We, too, can do many things with God s help. Fun Beginnings The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group to introduce the Bible story. Fun Pak Fun SUPPLIES: Fun Pak 12, safety scissors, paper plates, glue sticks, gold or orange crayons and markers The children will enjoy making a Thanksgiving blessings wreath to enjoy at home with their families. Make Blocks SUPPLIES: smocks, cardboard boxes in several sizes, masking tape, tempera paint, paintbrushes, markers, crayons, newspaper Tape closed any open ends on the boxes. Let each child choose a box. Invite the children to paint or draw brick designs on their boxes. When the blocks are dry, invite the children to use them to build a wall. Block Prints SUPPLIES: smocks, paper, wooden blocks, tempera paint, shallow pans, newspaper Have the children wear smocks if they are painting. Place the painted blocks on newspaper to dry. Cover a table with newspaper and have the children wear smocks. Pour paint into shallow pans or containers. Let the children use wooden blocks for stamps. Show the children how to dip the blocks in the paint and then onto the paper to create designs that look like a brick wall. 72 November 21 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

73 Music is a great addition to any group activity. Find songs Play Dough Fun on the recommended CD that your children SUPPLIES: play dough, plastic knives, rolling pins will enjoy. Give each child a portion of play dough. Have plastic knives, rolling pins, and other items for shaping the dough. Ask the children to make bricks that can be used to build a wall. As you work, talk about how everyone must work together to build a wall. Ask the children if they can imagine how hard it would be for only one person to build a wall. Thank-You Cards SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 106, pencils, crayons Give each child a photocopy of the thank-you card. Invite the children to complete the message to send to members of the congregation who do special things for the group (pastor, custodian, parents, Sunday school superintendent, church secretary, and so forth). Have the children fold the card and decorate the front of it. Friendship Time SUPPLIES: none Teach the children this old-fashioned and fun game. Have the children join hands and form a circle. One child is chosen to break out of the circle. Have that child weave in and out of the circle underneath the joined hands of the group. After going around one time, this child returns to his or her original place; and the next child goes through the buildings. Repeat this process until every child has had a turn. Sing the following lyrics to the tune He s a Jolly Good Fellow. Go in and out the building. Go in and out the building. Go in and out the building, As you have done before. Bible Time Get Ready SUPPLIES: dominoes, cereal boxes, cardboard bricks, popsicle sticks, blocks SAY: Today we are going to hear a story about the walls in Jerusalem. The walls were falling down. A man named Nehemiah loved God, so he asked the king if he could go to Jerusalem to help the people rebuild the walls Have various items for wall building available (dominoes, cereal boxes, cardboard bricks, popsicle sticks, and blocks). Invite the children to build their own structures. Fall 2010 Session 12 IAmRockSolid.com 73

74 Enjoy the Bible Story SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 12, Stickers Read the Bible story to the children. Invite the children to add the stickers to complete the picture. ASK: Why was Nehemiah sad? (The city walls of Jerusalem were broken and the Jewish people were not safe.) Who helped Nehemiah rebuild the wall? (stonemasons, merchants, priests, weavers, farmers, and goldsmiths) Who protected the workers building the wall? (the people who were not working on the wall) What happened because Nehemiah kept his faith in God? (The city walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt and the Jewish people were safe.) Bible Verse Fun SUPPLIES: none Say today s Bible verse: I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart (Psalm 9:1). Teach the children how to sign these words in American Sign Language. Thanks: Touch the fingertips to the lips and then move the hands down and back, one at a time. Lord: Make an L with the right index finger and thumb. Place the L at the left shoulder and then move the L across the body to the right waist. Heart: Draw an outline of a heart on the chest using the index fingers. Have the children say the verse and signs with you twice. Live God s Word 74 Living as a Christian Kid SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 12 Invite the children to follow along with you as you read Living as a Christian Kid. ASK: What does your family do for Thanksgiving? (Accept answers.) What are some ways God has blessed you? (Accept answers.) November 21 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

75 Thanksgiving Place Mats SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 107; yellow, red, and orange construction paper; safety scissors; glue sticks; crayons; markers; white paper; clear contact paper See p. 107 for detailed instructions. Invite the children to color and cut out the turkey. Show the children how to cut scallops in the construction paper to create the turkey s feathers. Glue the construction paper in layers as shown to a sheet of white paper. Glue the turkey in the center. Help the children as needed to write some of their blessings on the turkey s feathers. Help the children cover both sides of their place mats with clear contact paper. Worship Come Together SUPPLIES: Resource Pak pp. 5, 9, 14, 16, 17, 19, CD (optional), CD player, adult scissors, clear tape Play music as a signal to come to the worship area. Give one child the figure with today s Bible verse to place on the poster. Say the Bible verse aloud together. Hold up the picture card of Nehemiah. ASK: What can you tell me about Nehemiah? (He was worried because the Jewish people in Jerusalem were not safe. He helped rebuild the wall even though it was dangerous. Nehemiah had faith in God.) Praise and Respond SUPPLIES: CD (optional), CD player Select praise music for the children to hear. Have the children stand shoulder to shoulder in a Squishy Prayer Circle. Let each child in the circle name something he or she wants to thank God for. PRAY: Dear God, we thank you for all of our blessings. Thank you for being with us and helping us in everything we do. Please help us remember that it is good to help others. We love you. Amen. Fall 2010 Session 12 IAmRockSolid.com 75

76 Extra! Extra! Build a Wall SUPPLIES: butcher paper or cardboard; masking tape; red, brown, and black construction paper; adult scissors; white glue; paintbrushes Tape a long piece of butcher paper or a large piece of cardboard across a wall. Using squares of red, brown, and black construction paper or butcher paper, have the children work together to brick the wall. (Depending on the size of the paper, you may need to cut the construction paper in half or fourths.) Divide the wall into sections and assign one or two children to each section. If working in pairs, one child can put the mortar (glue) on the brick and the other can then place the brick in the wall. Have the children switch jobs at the halfway point. Play a Relay Game SUPPLIES: sand or shredded paper in a large box, blocks, garden trowel or toy plastic shovel Tell the children that they are going to quarry the stone and then build a wall. Have a box full of sand or shredded paper. Put blocks in this quarry. Have a relay during which a child runs to the quarry and uses a garden trowel or similar tool to dig and find a block. Then the child must balance the block in the trowel and run to the wall. The child then adds his block to the wall and hands the trowel off to the next builder, who then runs to the quarry to find another block. Continue play until all the children have had a turn. Peek at Next Week 76 An Ornament of Peace: Photocopy the dove ornament pattern (Leader s Guide p. 108) for each child. Decorate the Room: Bring an artificial Christmas tree and decorations or a Christmas wreath or a purple construction paper chain to decorate the room. Peace Train: Make a photocopy of the train engine (Leader s Guide p. 109) and decorate it. Make a photocopy of the train car for each child. Crispy Wreath Snacks: Prepare the snack before your group meets. November 21 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

77 Promise of Peace Bible Verse He shall be the one of peace. (Micah 5:5) Bible Story Micah 5:2-5 FaithPoint God promised to send a Savior who would bring peace to the world. What You Need to Know Session 13 November 28 Micah was one of the prophets of the Old Testament. The theme that runs throughout his book is a hope for peace through godly living. Micah wanted the people to know that God did not like their evil ways and that they would be judged for the way they treated one another. But Micah s message also offered hope for the people. God wanted peace with justice for individuals and for nations. God wanted and still wants all people to live in peace. Micah believed that God required this from the people: do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. Doing justice is a way to honor those people around us, working for equality for all people, especially the poor and those without power. To love kindness means to love one another with steadfastness and to love God with great loyalty, following all of God s Laws. Walking humbly with God means to walk and talk with God as we live our lives, giving God the reverence and praise that is so richly deserved. Micah told the people that the greatest peacemaker of all time was coming into the world. Children want to do what is right. They enjoy pleasing others and feeling good about what they have done. Your sincere praise encourages this. But how do they know that God is pleased? They can only hear God s voice through you and their parents and other adults in their lives. Affirm their actions so that they can see God s peace in the world taking shape, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to be. Help them seek a closer communication with God. Activities marked with contain options to use recycled or repurposed materials. Fall 2010 Session 13 IAmRockSolid.com Activities marked with may require extra preparation. 77

78 Arrival Fun SUPPLIES: Attendance Chart (Resource Pak pp. 2, 28, 31), Stickers, CD (optional), CD player, offering basket Play music as the children arrive. Greet each parent and child as they enter the room. Tell each child that you are glad to see him or her. Show the children where to place their offerings on the worship table. Give each child a sticker of the advent wreath with one purple candle lit, and show the child where to place it on the attendance chart. SAY: In today s Bible story, we will see Micah, a prophet, who told people that a Savior would be born. The Savior would be the one of peace. We know that the Savior is Jesus. We call Jesus the Prince of Peace. Fun Beginnings The following activities may be done in learning centers as the children arrive or may be done with the entire group to introduce the Bible story. Fun Pak Fun SUPPLIES: Fun Pak 13a, 13b, adult scissors, 9- by 12-inch cardboard, Christmas wrapping paper, glue sticks, clear tape, envelopes The children will enjoy making an Advent countdown puzzle. Explain to the children how to add a piece to the puzzle each day of Advent. An Ornament of Peace SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 108, safety scissors, white and gold crayons, clear tape, gold yarn, stapler, staples Photocopy the pattern for each child. Invite the children to color their doves and cut them out. Be sure they also cut the feathers along the bottom of the triangle. The church season of Advent begins today. For four Sundays, we will prepare to celebrate Jesus birth. SAY: Today we begin Advent. There are four Sundays counting today before Christmas. Each Sunday of Advent we make a special ornament to hang on our tree. Show the children how to fold the dove in the center and the wings out on the dotted lines. Help each child as needed to tape a piece of gold yarn inside the dove s body. Staple the yarn in place on the side of the body. Save the doves to use in group worship. 78 November 28 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

79 Decorate the Room SUPPLIES: artificial Christmas tree and decorations or Christmas wreath or purple construction paper, adult scissors, clear tape Let the children decorate the room for Advent/Christmas by hanging a wreath on the door, putting up and decorating an artificial Christmas tree, or making purple chains to hang around the room. Recycle Christmas Cards SUPPLIES: used Christmas cards, safety scissors, construction paper, glue sticks, pencils, markers Recycle used religious Christmas cards to make new ones. Invite the children to cut out pictures from the fronts of used Christmas cards. Give each child a piece of construction paper. Show the children how to fold the paper in half. Encourage the children to glue the pictures they cut out onto the fronts of their newly created Christmas cards. Write simple messages inside such as Joy, Good News, or Jesus is Born. Friendship Time SUPPLIES: box, Christmas items such as ornaments and decorations, candy cane, bell, Christmas stocking Show the items in the box to the children. Without the children seeing what you do, remove one or more items out of the box. Have the children guess what items are missing. Continue until the box is empty. ASK: Which of these things remind you of Christmas? Why? What do you most like about Christmas? Bible Time Get Ready SUPPLIES: none SAY: Today is the first Sunday in Advent. Advent is the time that we get ready to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. There are four Sundays in Advent before Christmas day. Let s learn a poem to help us remember what Advent means. Advent, Advent begins today. (Children repeat.) A time to prepare, and a time to pray. (Children repeat.) Jesus birthday will soon be here. (Children repeat.) Advent tells us that Christmas is near. (Children repeat Cokesbury. Gently help the children think about special things of Christmas besides toys. Fall 2010 Session 13 IAmRockSolid.com 79

80 Enjoy the Bible Story SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 13, Stickers Read the Bible story to the children. Invite the children to add a sticker beside the pictures showing people doing what God wants us to do. ASK: What did Micah do? (Micah was a prophet who spoke for God.) How did Micah want people to be treated? (fairly and to be cared for) Who was God sending to bring peace? (our Savior) How do we live in peace? (be fair to one another, be kind, obey God s laws) Bible Verse Fun SUPPLIES: CD (optional), CD player, inflated balloons Say today s Bible verse: He shall be the one of peace (Micah 5:5), and ask the children to repeat it after you. SAY: It takes everyone working together to have peace. While I play music, let s work together to keep these balloons bouncing in the air. Don t let the balloons touch the floor until I stop the music. Start and stop the music frequently. Before starting the music again, each time have the children say today s verse with you. Live God s Word Living as a Christian Kid SUPPLIES: Bible Storybook 13 Invite the children to follow along with you as you read Living as a Christian Kid. ASK: Whose birth do we celebrate at Christmas? (Jesus) Why? (Jesus is our Savior. Jesus is God s Son. Jesus came to bring peace to everyone.) Peace Train SUPPLIES: Leader s Guide p. 109, reusable adhesive, crayons, markers, safety scissors, adult scissors Photocopy the train engine, cut it out, and color it. Photocopy a train car for each child. 80 November 28 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

81 Give each child a train car to cut out and color. ASK: What do you think peace is? SAY: Peace means no war or no fighting. Peace also means that people are living together in kindness, helping one another, so that all people have the things they need. Let s think of some things people need. We will write one of those things on each of our train cars. Help the children think of things people need such as food, medicine, clothes, shelter, clean water, and so forth. Have each child select one to write on the side of his or her train car. Encourage the children to add their own decorations to their train cars. Use reusable adhesive such as Sticky Tack or tape to put the train engine and cars on the wall, door, or bulletin board to create a peace train. Worship Light the Advent Candle of Hope SUPPLIES: Resource Pak pp. 5, 8, 14, 16, 17, 19, 25, Christmas CD, CD player, clear tape Assemble the Advent Bible Poster. Place it in the storytelling area. SAY: Today is the first Sunday of Advent. The first Advent candle is called the candle of Hope. We light the candle to remember that people long ago hoped for a special king to be born to bring them peace. Jesus is that special king. Jesus gives us peace in our hearts. Tape a purple candle to the poster. Play a Christmas carol or hymn for the children to hear. Give one child the figure with today s Bible verse to place on the poster. Say the Bible verse aloud together. Praise and Respond SUPPLIES: doves from Arrival Fun, Christmas CD, CD player Let the children add their dove ornaments to the group s Christmas tree. Play a Christmas carol or hymn for the children to hear. PRAY: Dear God, we thank you for Jesus. We thank you for this Advent season. Please help us live as Jesus taught so that we can help bring peace to the whole world. Amen. Fall 2010 Session 13 IAmRockSolid.com 81

82 Extra! Extra! Make Snowflakes SUPPLIES: coffee filters, safety scissors, white glue, glitter, shallow pan, yarn or ribbon, paper punch Give each child a coffee filter. Show the children how to fold the coffee filters in half. Then have the children fold the coffee filters in half again. Let the children cut pieces out of the folded edges. Unfold the filters and see snowflakes. Have the children take turns putting their snowflake in a shallow pan. Have the children put a thin coat of glue around the edge of their snowflake and sprinkle glitter on the glue. Gently shake excess glitter into the pan to be reused. Punch a hole in each snowflake. Help the children as needed to tie yarn or ribbon through the hole. Hang the snowflakes in your room. Crispy Wreath Snacks SUPPLIES: table knife, large saucepan, spoon, wax paper Make two wreaths using the recipe. Assign one or two children to pass out napkins. Use a table knife to cut the wreaths into 2-inch segments. Melt margarine and marshmallows in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture is well blended. Remove from heat and stir in cereal. Let cool slightly, then form into two wreaths on wax paper. Decorate with red and green gumdrops. 3 T. margarine 4 cups miniature marshmallows 6 cups crisp rice cereal red and green gumdrops Peek at Next Week Begin looking through the materials for next quarter. Separate the storybooks and punch out the Resource Pak items you will need Start collecting paper towel tubes for the Winter Resource Pak activity Nativity Tube Figures. Please fill out the online survey telling us about your group at IAmRockSolid.com. Your feedback is very important to us! 82 November 28 ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

83 Reproducibles All About Me (Session 1, Leader p. 6; Session 2, Leader p. 12) Child s Name Parents Names Address City State Zip Address Home Telephone Number: Work Telephone Number: Cell Telephone Number: Child s birthday: Child s current age: Child s brothers and sisters: Age: Age: Age: Grandparents, relatives, or friends who are allowed to pick up your child: School or other program your child attends: Allergies (including food) or situations in your life or the child s life that the leader should know about: Where will the parents be during Sunday school? Fall 2010 IAmRockSolid.com Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. 83

84 Gavel Fun (Session 1, Leader p. 7) Symbols of the Bible Bookmarks (Session 1, Leader p. 10) 84 Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

85 Book of Wisdom (Session 1, Leader p. 9) My Book of Wisdom From the Bible 4 Love one another. John 15:17 My name is Love God with all your heart. Pray at all times. Romans 12:12, Deuteronomy 6:5, adapted Good News Translation 2 3 Fall 2010 IAmRockSolid.com Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. 85

86 Praying Hands Card (Session 2, Leader p. 12) I am praying for you! 86 Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

87 Growing Fun (Session 2, Leader p. 15) Fall 2010 IAmRockSolid.com Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. 87

88 Celebrate Growing Up (Session 3, Leader p. 18) God Made Me Special! My name is. I am years old. My nickname is. My favorite color is. My favorite food is. My favorite animal is. My favorite game is. This is my handprint! 88 Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

89 Get Ready (Session 3, Leader p. 19) Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. Fall 2010 IAmRockSolid.com 89

90 Get Ready (Session 4, Leader p. 25) 90 Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

91 Begin Nothing But Nets (Session 5, Leader p. 30) Nothing But Nets What s the Problem? In the United States, mosquitos are annoying, but in Africa, malaria from mosquitos kills more than a million people a year. Many of those who die are children. Malaria is not such a problem in the United States or Europe. But in Africa, malaria infections have increased. What Can We Do? For just $10, we can purchase a bed net, deliver it to a family, and explain how to use it. Bed nets create a protective barrier against mosquitos at night, when the mosquitos are active. A family of four can sleep under one of these treated bed nets, safe from malaria. The cost of a bed net is too expensive for most of the people at risk of malaria. We need your help to provide nets for these people. You may donate online or by check. If you prefer to donate by check, please make checks payable to United Nations Foundation, attn.: Nothing But Nets in the memo line and send to: United Nations Foundation/Nothing But Nets PO Box Washington, D.C Send a net. Save a life. Check out NothingButNets.net. Fall 2010 IAmRockSolid.com Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. 91

92 Love Glasses (Session 5, Leader p. 34) Use the heart frame pattern to cut out an eyeglass frame from cardstock or fun foam for each child. Cut red cellophane into inch squares. Help the children glue red cellophane behind the eye openings in the glasses. Trim off excess. Punch a hole on each side of the glasses. Put a half of a chenille stem through each hole and bend the end of the stem back on itself. Help the children shape the chenille stems around their ears. 92 Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

93 Mosquito Magnets (Session 5, Leader p. 34) Cut two 3-inch cardboard circles for each child. Cut magnetic strips into 2-inch lengths. Give each child two 3-inch cardboard circles and two mosquito circles. Invite the children to color the mosquito circles, cut them out, and glue them to the cardboard circles. Cut clear adhesive paper into two 3-inch squares for each child. Help the children as needed to remove the backing and place the sticky side up on the table. Place the circles face down on the adhesive paper. Help the children trim around the edges. Attach magnets to the back of each circle. Fall 2010 IAmRockSolid.com Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. 93

94 Friendship Time (Session 6, Leader p. 37) 94 Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

95 Dot-to-Dot Greetings (Session 6, Leader p. 38) Fall 2010 IAmRockSolid.com Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. 95

96 Heart Garland (Session 7, Leader p. 42) 96 Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

97 Celebrate Friends (Session 7, Leader p. 45) Fall 2010 IAmRockSolid.com Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. 97

98 Coloring Fun (Session 8, Leader p. 48) 98 Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

99 Promise Cards (Session 8, Leader p. 51) I promise God that I will Fall 2010 IAmRockSolid.com Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. 99

100 Right or Wrong? (Session 9, Leader p. 57) 100 Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

101 Who Am I? Game (Session 9, Leader p. 58) Fall 2010 IAmRockSolid.com Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. 101

102 Grain Chain (Session 10, Leader p. 63) 102 Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

103 Grain Creations (Session 10, Leader p. 64) Fall 2010 IAmRockSolid.com Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. 103

104 Jar Fun (Session 11, Leader p. 66) 104 Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

105 Jar Fun (Session 11, Leader p. 66) You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. (Deuteronomy 6:5) Bible Bookmarks (Session 11, Leader p. 67) The Bible is the Book of God s Word. The Bible is the Book of God s Word. Fall 2010 IAmRockSolid.com Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. 105

106 Thank-You Cards (Session 12, Leader p. 73) Dear, Thank you for the special things you do for our class. You are a kind and caring person. We appreciate you every day. God bless you. Sincerely, 106 Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

107 Thanksgiving Place Mats (Session 12, Leader p. 75) 1. Cut scallop shapes from three sides of the yellow sheet of construction paper. 2. Cut scallop shapes from three sides of the red sheet of construction paper, but bigger than the yellow. 3. Cut scallop shapes from three sides of the orange sheet of construction paper, but bigger than the red. TIP: If you fold the construction paper in half before cutting, it is easier to make the scallops symmetrical. Place the next folded sheet of construction paper inside the folded scalloped sheet to be able to cut scallops by following the pattern. 4. Glue the orange sheet to a sheet of white paper. Glue the red sheet on top of the orange and the yellow on top of the red. 5. Color the turkey and cut it out. Glue the turkey in the center of the yellow paper. 6. Write your blessings on the turkey feathers. 7. Cover the front and back of the place mat with clear contact paper. Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. Fall 2010 IAmRockSolid.com 107

108 An Ornament of Peace (Session 13, Leader p. 78) 108 Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

109 Peace Train (Session 13, Leader p. 80) Fall 2010 IAmRockSolid.com Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. 109

110 Answers Session 2, Pages 2-3 Session 4, Pages 2-3 Session 9, Pages 2-3 Session 6, Pages Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide

111 Answers Session 10, Pages 2-3 Bible Mazes, Page 4 Session 11, Pages 2-3 Bible Mazes, Page 3 Bible Bible Mazes, Mazes, Pages Page 2 and 1 Bible Mazes, Page 2 Fall 2010 IAmRockSolid.com Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. 111

112 Answers Bible Fun, Page 1 Bible Fun, Page 2 Bible Fun, Page 3 Bible Fun, Page 4 Storybook Answers Storybook 1, p. 3: Bible Storybook 5, p. 3: David was the youngest son. David was a shepherd Who did God choose to become king? David. 112 Permission is granted to duplicate this page for local church use only Cokesbury. ROCK SOLID: Early Elementary, Leader s Guide