Unit 3 Jesus Shows His Love for His

Preschool/Kindergarten Teacher s Guide Winter Quarter, 2018-2019 God s Greatest Gift Unit 1 Jesus Is Born December 2 The Angel s Visit to Mary... 5 December 9 Jesus Cousin Is Born.... 10 December 16 Jesus Is Born.... 14 December 23 Shepherds Hear the Good News... 19 Quarterly Objective: The learner will learn to appreciate God s gift of His Son. Unit 2 God Takes Care of His Son December 30 Wise Men Bring Gifts to Jesus... 26 January 6 Mary and Joseph Move to Egypt.... 31 January 13 Mary and Joseph Move Back Home... 36 January 20 Jesus in the Carpenter s Shop... 41 January 27 Jesus Goes to God s House... 46 Unit 3 Jesus Shows His Love for His Heavenly Father February 3 John Preaches About Jesus... 53 February 10 Jesus Is Baptized.... 58 February 17 Jesus Says No to Satan... 63 February 24 Jesus Finds Helpers... 68 Volume 3, No. 2, Winter Quarter, 2018 Writer: Lena Case Editor in Chief: Kyle Elkins, kyle.elkins@bogardstore.org 2018, Bogard Press, 4605 N. State Line Ave. Texarkana, TX 75503-2928 www.bogardpress.org

Involving Children in Learning Welcome to an other exciting opportunity for teaching little learners! The lessons focus on some of the favorite Bible stories of children, the wonderful news of God s love. You have the opportunity to help children learn the biblical story of the birth of Jesus. The first six sessions highlight different aspects of Jesus birth. They provide many ways to teach about God s love in giving His Son. Our teaching about Jesus Christ the Lord must be effective. We need to exalt Jesus as the central point of our happiness. The inner sense of joy and appreciation we feel about God coming in human form will show in attitudes and actions. Your attitude of peace will make a difference to your learners. Boys and girls will relate baby Jesus to the grown-up Son of God as they explore the few details we have of His growing-up years. Then they will learn that Jesus began His work for which the Father sent Him to earth. The final lessons present foundation truths on which the spring quarter of lessons will build. The exciting opportunities for guiding children in active learning have never been more rewarding. Bible teachers need a surge of enthusiasm for what the Lord wants to do through your life in these final days of working on earth. Children absorb so much during these years that we must not neglect the impact God s Word can have in shaping their lives. The ideas you find in this Preschool/Kindergarten Teacher s Guide will direct learners in active learning. Through involvement in enrichment activities, learners will retain meaningful life application truths. It takes a lot of doing a lot of planning and preparation to teach Bible lessons so that children are eager to go to church. Learning centers provide a familiar environment for children to explore. As they do, they will learn to apply Bible principles you have taught them. Children learn as they play. Use helpers to guide experiences in the centers toward the lesson objective for each session. Be a growing teacher. Be willing to do things you may never have tried. Learn to use innovative teaching methods or visuals. Accept the challenge to become a better teacher. Teach with a fresh vision of what God can accomplish through you. Let Learning Begin! Young children are ready to discover with all their energy and senses. Do you know of anyone who jiggles, touches, smells, discovers or examines like a little child who wants to know all about everything? That is why all the learning ideas in each lesson involve learners in doing fun and relevant assignments that emphasize a single life application aim. Each lesson has a significant goal. The songs, action rhymes and other interactive activities reinforce that point. Because they experience the Bible story rather than only hear it, children get God s Word into their lives more permanently. This Preschool/Kindergarten Teacher s Guide provides ideas for room decorations to enhance the learning environment and ways to involve early arrivals in activities. The opening assembly devotionals furnish the leader of worship time with materials for guiding learners to think about the meaning of the Bible principle. Each lesson has an attention getter to introduce the Bible story presentation, active involvement for life application and motivation ideas for learning memory verses. Bible Stories Leaflet is a take-home paper that helps parents reinforce Bible truths for their child. Bible art on the front illustrates the summary of the story printed on the back. Bible words to learn are in a special section under the story picture. Life applications or story related activities guide the learners to think about the central Bible principle on which the lesson focuses. Make and Take projects are bonus learning tools. People learn best by doing, and this is especially true of children. Provide a book for each learner plus extras for visitors. Two pages of colorful stickers and the beautiful artwork for the projects make learning fun for children. They can respond to God s Word in their daily lives through doing a variety of activities. Visuals to illustrate Bible stories include different presentation methods. Detailed instructions for using each piece makes it easy to help learners visualize what it might have been like in Bible days when the story happened. Each Bible story presentation is in the visuals instruction booklet. Additional resources in the packet give materials to decorate your room or for learning centers. 2

Unit 1 Lessons 1-4 Jesus Is Born The Bible truths in this unit will help children to distinguish between Jesus birth and worldly Christmas celebrations through lessons that emphasize the true meaning of Christ s coming. Unit Objective To think about God s love in giving His Son and to lead children to worship in gratitude for God s greatest gift. Learners in this unit will Know God sent His Son to earth when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Feel Joy in celebrating Jesus birth. Do Share in activities to honor Jesus. Bulletin Board Cover the board with white butcher paper. Make a border of 3" wide red velvet ribbon pinned in place with corners mitered. Paint the inside of a shoe box tan or brown, or cover it with brown paper to resemble a stable interior. Neatly wrap the outside of the box with gold gift wrap paper. Add a red velvet ribbon and bow. Attach the box to the bulletin board securely. Use artificial greenery at the bottom of the box. Place the standup Nativity scene, Item 3 in visuals, inside the box. white butcher paper 3'' red velvet ribbon shoe box brown or tan paint brown paper gold gift wrap Item 1 visual Room Decoration The room decoration for the winter quarter, Item 1 in the visuals, adds sparkle to your classroom. Display it in your room for these lessons about God s greatest gift. This Unit and Your Children The Christmas season provides excellent opportunities for teaching little ones about the greatest gift of all Jesus. These years are a time for preparing their hearts to receive Jesus as Savior. Reach them with the real meaning of this special holiday. Our teaching must exalt the Lord Jesus Christ above the commercialization of Christmas. He must be central in every aspect of the sessions if we are to succeed in helping children focus on God s gift of His only begotten Son. Your personal relationship with Christ will show. An inner sense of joy and gratefulness reflects God s love as you guide little ones in weekly learning activities. Overview of Bible Lessons Bible lessons in this unit are from Luke s record of Jesus birth. History was made as God presented mankind with the promised Savior. God wants us to worship Jesus with awe and wonder as the shepherds did. Be careful to lead children in real worship. The Angel s Visit to Mary introduces the story with Gabriel s announcement to the virgin Mary. She was happy when she knew she would be Jesus mother. Jesus Cousin Is Born John the Baptist is introduced in the second lesson. The significant role of John s preaching in preparation for Jesus ministry will be brought out in Lesson 10 of this study. Jesus Is Born presents details about the birth of God s Son. God took on human form and humbled Himself to become a person. The Savior of the world was born as a helpless baby, dependent on earthly parents for protection and care. Shepherds Hear the Good News reveals how angels proclaimed the glad news of Jesus birth to shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem. The shepherds rushed to see their Messiah who was born that night. 3

4 Unit 1 Pattern Page

LESSON 1 December 2, 2018 The Angel s Visit to Mary Luke 1:26-38 Memory Verse: God sent his only... Son. 1 John 4:9 The Angel Gabriel Visits Mary Luke 1:26-38 Luke is the only gospel writer to record the angel s announcement of the birth of Christ to Mary. She was a native of Nazareth, engaged to Joseph, a descendant of David. Gabriel said this humble Hebrew virgin had found favor with God, and God chose her to be the mother of His Son. The angel announced the baby s name was to be Jesus meaning God saves or Savior. Mary s being a virgin is the basis for the doctrinal truth that Jesus is God s Son, the Messiah. An angel shared good news of Jesus coming birth. Life Application: I will tell others the good news that Jesus is God s Son. I will thank God for His special gift. Lesson Objective: Learners will say God planned to send His Son, Jesus, because He loves us. Bible Principle: The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce the coming of the birth of Jesus. 5

6 The Angel s Visit to Mary Lesson 1 Know God s Word Gabriel, the angelic messenger of God, delivered a special message to a young Hebrew virgin, Mary of Nazareth. We know little about Mary, but God chose her as the mother of His own Son. Though she was blessed... among women, we know nothing of her background or parents. That she carried and nurtured the Son of God places her in a unique position in the history of man. She was the object of special favor from God. She thought of herself, however, as unworthy of such a significant role as mother of the Messiah. Mary very meekly accepted the news of a supernatural pregnancy but wanted direction, also. The angel assured her the Holy Spirit would accomplish God s work. For with God nothing shall be impossible. Mary surrendered her will, her wedding plans and herself to the purpose and plan of God. She must sit still and wait. Her reputation was at stake. Joseph, and probably many others, raised eyebrows about her condition. Faith and courage sustained her through it. When Mary arrived unannounced at her cousin Elisabeth s home, the older woman s immediate assurance must have been comforting. Elisabeth knew in her spirit that Mary was the mother of the Messiah. Her greeting prompted a spontaneous praise from Mary. Perhaps the three months Mary spent with Elisabeth gave the courage needed to return home and face the suspicious comments of those who would not understand. Vocabulary Word angel a spirit being God uses to give His message to people or to do God s will Prepare Your Room The new study beginning with this lesson needs your careful attention in room preparation. Remove and store materials used to teach previous Bible lessons. Start fresh with teaching aids and pictures designed to focus on God s greatest gift, Jesus. Bible red velour velveteen or satin fabric box or wooden block 2 white candles greenery poinsettias small offering plate The room decoration and bulletin board described on the unit introduction page gives a good starting point. A worship center near the bulletin board will bring children to it as they give an offering to God each week. Use a red velour, velveteen or satin fabric scrap arranged informally in soft folds on a low table. Place a Bible open to Luke 2 in the center with a small box or wooden block under the fabric at the top to raise the Bible slightly. Add a white candle on either side of the Bible and frame it with greenery. Stick the cut ends under the edges of the Bible and add a few silk poinsettias around it. Silk holly branches or garland make a beautiful arrangement, too. Place a small offering plate on the table to receive gifts to God. Children know that decorations are in order for birthday parties. Preparing your room attractively to celebrate the birth of God s Son helps children understand that Jesus birthday is very important. Play recorded Christmas music softly in the worship center area to provide a worshipful environment. The calming effect will prompt more reverent attitudes as the learners arrive. Welcome each child with a personal greeting. Explain that the decorations are in honor of Jesus as we learn about the night he was born on earth. Point out the bulletin Early Time Activities CD player Christmas music puzzles play dough attendance chart star stickers cardboard books angel cookie cutter pictures glue 5'' x 7'' manila folders board display. Let the child tell you whom the diorama figures represent. Then guide him to the attendance chart, Item 2 in the visuals. Use star stickers for the attendance chart.

Lesson 1 The Angel s Visit to Mary 7 Introduce the Bible principle as learners enjoy one or more of the following Early Time Activities. Books for little ones to enjoy should be available in the book nook. Inlay puzzles with large pieces help children assemble pictures related to the lesson. These puzzles are in expensive and helpful classroom materials. Use more than one of each to provide more children the opportunity to work them. Put a code mark on the back of puzzle pieces and background to make it easier to keep them together. You may use pictures to make puzzles also. Use a glue stick to glue the picture to the cardboard. Cut into a few pieces with straight line cuts. Store puzzles separately in 5'' x 7'' manila folders. Use woodboard inlay puzzles that correlate with this unit. They will last for many years of teaching. Play dough is an all-time favorite activity for children. They enjoy the freedom to manipulate it as they desire. Provide angel cookie cutters for them to use to relate the activity to the lesson theme, or show them how to form the angel by shaping the dough by hand. Make your own play dough with this recipe: Mix 1 cup flour, ½ cup salt, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon cooking oil and food coloring. Cook while stirring until mixture forms a nonsticky ball. Remove to a countertop and knead it until the dough cools. Store in an airtight container. This makes enough play dough for six children. Organize your teaching plans so that you can guide the boys and girls through a meaningful session with each segment building on the previous one. When it is time for a schedule change, use a pleasant sound for a signal. A pretty bell would be suitable for this unit when bells are so evident. Train children to respond to the signal with desirable actions. Picking up Early Time materials is necessary so that the area does not become cluttered. Praise those who quickly obey your instructions and serve as helpers. Lesson Set Copy the angel pattern on Unit 1 Pattern Page to white index or construction paper for each learner to have one. Allow those who can use scissors to cut out the figures themselves. Have pattern precut for younger learners whose cutting skills have not yet developed. Optional: let learners use white glitter glue to decorate the garment. angel pattern from Unit 1 Pattern Page white index or construction paper craft sticks masking tape or glue white glitter glue (optional) Provide craft sticks and masking tape or glue to make stick puppets of the angel figures. Extend about 2'' of the stick below the bottom of the figure to use as a handle. Attach the upper part to the back of the angel. Let learners use the puppets to pretend the angel s actions. Guide them to say, You will have a baby boy. Call His name Jesus. Letter each child s name on the back of his puppet. Put the puppets in a special place and guide learners in helping clear the table and storing supplies. Generously commend everyone with helpful attitudes. Worship Time Devotional A Promised Son, Luke 1:26 Sing Away in a Manger as a theme song for Unit 1. It is a favorite of children. Those who may not know it can learn it easily. Illustrate it with pictures as much as possible. Use the Birth of Jesus Story Stars, Item 4 in visuals, for devotional times in opening assembly for Lessons 1 through 6. Prepare as directed in the instruction booklet in the packet. Read Luke 1:26 from your Bible. Display star number 1. God created angels as His helpers. The Bible tells of many times when angels took messages from God to people on earth. God sent an angel to Mary with important news. We will learn about it in the Bible story. Bible Away in a Manger theme song Item 4 visual What is an angel? They are not fairies as pretend stories have. Angels are real. All the stories in the Bible really happened. Angels do what God wants them to do. They carry out God s wishes. We will not see angels until we live in Heaven, but we can read about them in the Bible. Mary saw an angel. We will make angel stick puppets to tell the Bible story.

8 The Angel s Visit to Mary Lesson 1 Bible Story Children are never too young to learn from God s Word if you present it in a way they understand. Use the visuals instruction booklet to tell the story with the visuals to reinforce it. Stretch Time Bible Lesson 1 visuals visuals instruction booklet Lead the children in an action rhyme to retell the story. Say the words and do the actions alone at elastic ¼'' first, then ask learners to do the medium-size jingle bells motions with you. Say the words slowly and let learners repeat them after you while doing the actions. Mary loved the Lord, ( Cross closed hands over heart.) She tried His will to do. (Assume a prayer posture.) An angel came to her one day, (Stand.) To tell her God s message true. (Point up.) God s Son will come to earth, he said. (Point down.) And you are the chosen mother. (Point away from self.) The Son of God will be your baby. (Make a cradle with arms.) He will be like no other. (Rock cradle.) Use the following words to London Bridge Is Falling Down. Capture a child on the last word and let him tell the angel s message. Try to accept a child s response, but you may need to restate it. Children who get caught can clap in rhythm to the words to keep them actively involved while other children continue the process. The angel had some happy news, Happy news, happy news. The angel had some happy news, Can you tell it? Make wrist bells for children to use as you sing Gospel Bells. Thread ¼'' elastic through three medium-sized jingle bells. Knot the elastic around each bell. Staple the ends of the elastic together to fit a child s wrist. Sing these words to Jingle Bells as the children keep time by shaking their wrists. Gospel bells, Gospel bells, Ring them all the day, Ring them while you re at your work and while you re at your play; Oh Gospel bells, Gospel bells, Ring them all the day, Ring out the news that Jesus came to take your sins away. (From Salvation Songs for Children, Volume 2) Memory Verse Find and show a picture of Jesus, the Man. Lead learners in a rhythmic chant of the memory verse words as you hold the picture. God sent his only... Son, First John four, verse nine. Repeat the words slowly at first. Then increase the tempo so that words flow smoothly. Very young children may need a shorter version; God sent his... Son. Call a child whom you feel will say the words to the front of the class. Give him the picture to hold as he says the verse alone. After the first child finishes, the other children will likely be eager to take a turn. Bible Stories Leaflet The story leaflet that goes to the house of each learner is a connecting link between the church and family. Take the weekly leaflet to the home of anyone who is absent. Use the cover art for a picture study. Let children pose the picture by copying the positions of the angel and Mary. Let everyone pose for Mary together. Then everyone change to pose the angel s position. Review the story events together. Show more advanced learners the words of the memory verse at the bottom on the cover page. Let them point to the individual words as you say them together slowly. Follow printed instructions for doing other activities. Ask learners to tell why God planned to send His Son to live on earth. Store the leaflets with each learner s name on his paper. Put them with the angel stick puppets. Make and Take The make-it-myself and takeit-home-with-me acti v i ties help learners apply the Bible truths to daily living. The children will enjoy adding stickers to complete the project. picture of Jesus, the Man Bible leaflets pencils or crayons Make and Take Project 1 stickers

Lesson 1 The Angel s Visit to Mary 9 Saying Good-bye Helping children enjoy the experience of going to God s house sometimes means a visiting family will continue to attend the services at your church. From the time he arrives until he goes note asking for baby pictures home, meaningful and enjoyable activities should help each child learn about God. Children should collect papers, jackets and other belongings to be ready when parents come for them. A special activity next week calls for baby pictures of your learners. Send home a note with each child, asking parents to bring an infant photograph which will be returned to them. The child s name should be on the back of it. Supplemental Activities Have the children sit in a circle on the floor. Roll a soft sponge ball to a child and say, God sent his only... Son, 1 John 4:9. For very young children, shorten it to God sent his... Son. The child repeats the words and rolls the ball back to you. Repeat the procedure with each child in the circle. Retell the Bible story anytime during the session when it fits naturally into the conversation or activity. You may tell the Bible story to one child or several children when teachable moments occur. Use the lesson visuals or a teaching picture of Mary and the angel during the worship time. Ask questions to let learners identify them. Who is the lady in the picture? Who is talking to her? What is the angel telling Mary? How does Mary feel about having a baby who is the Son of God? Use the action rhyme and sing happy songs about Jesus and God s love. Mary was happy about the angel s message from God. Teach this version of Happy Birthday to help reach the unit objective: Happy birthday, dear Lord, We know You are God s Son! We love You and praise You. Happy birthday, dear Lord. soft sponge ball Lesson 1 visuals ½'' x 8'' strips of colored paper stapler staples Christmas Links Cut colored paper (construction paper, wallpaper or wrapping paper) into ½'' wide strips 8'' long. Give each child three or four pieces. Show them how to form a strip into a circle and staple the ends to gether with a small stapler. Interlock the next strip through the first circle and staple ends. Continue making a chain with the strips until each child has only one strip left. Use it to connect two children s chains to gether. Do the same with the next child s remaining strip. Re peat until they form a connected chain. Each link represents someone whom a child can tell the good news that Jesus is God s Son. Let them take turns calling names as you touch different links of the chain. Ask them to share the good news that God sent his only... Son.