Early Foundations Curriculum - PDF Free Download

Early Foundations Equipping Churches, Empowering Parents Sin and Forgiveness Table of Contents Monthly Letter Verse: Romans 3:23 Song: Oh Be Careful! Prayer Sunday School Suggested Order of Activities Week 1 Jonah Craft: Whale Verse Week 2 Joseph Forgives Craft: Paper Plate Faces Week 3 Deanna s Doll Craft: Train Shapes Week 4 Jesus Forgives Craft: I Will Forgive You Page Assessment Monthly craft list Supplemental Pages 2

Early Foundations Equipping Churches, Empowering Parents Dear Parents, This month we will tackle the topic of sin and forgiveness. There are several important concepts that will be introduced. First, what is sin? Next, what is forgiveness? And finally, why must we forgive those that sin against us? As you explore this sensitive topic with your children this month, try to focus more on the glory of the forgiveness that Jesus offers us all, verses labeling naughty behavior or attitudes. Forgiveness is, after all, the greatest gift. Our topic for this month is: Sin and Forgiveness We will be learning the verse: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 Our song is: Oh Be Careful The books we will be reading are the following: Jonah Joseph Forgives Deanna s Doll Because Jesus Forgives We will have copies of books, verses, and songs for you to read, explore, and discuss with your children, as well as weekly study guides to assist you throughout the month. We look forward to the month ahead and are excited about partnering with you to raise spiritual children who have a relationship with Jesus. Sincerely, Children s Ministry Director www.kidsfaith.org 3

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 4

Song: Oh Be Careful Oh be careful little eyes what you see, Oh be careful little eyes what you see, For the Father up above is looking down with love, Oh be careful little eyes what you see. Oh be careful little ears what you hear, Oh be careful little ears what you hear, For the Father up above is looking down with love, Oh be careful little ears what you hear. Oh be careful little hands what you do, Oh be careful little hands what you do, For the Father up above it looking down with love, Oh be careful little hands what you do. Prayer: Dear Jesus, Please forgive me for my sins and help me to forgive others. Thank you, In Jesus name, Amen 5

Sunday School Suggested Order of Activities 10-15 minutes: Children Arrive; Playtime 5 minutes: Clean-up and gather for Circle time 15 minutes: Circle Time Gather children around and welcome Remind children of the Theme of the month Sing Song Say Verse Read Story (Possibly pass out individual books) Ask three questions Explain Craft- show example Pray 10 minutes: Craft 15 minutes: Playtime; Parent pick-up **** All times are approximate. The order and length of the circle time can be expanded. For example, if more than one song is desired, then certainly that is encouraged. Furthermore, expanded prayer times with prayer requests, longer welcoming times getting to know students is helpful, and further follow-up questions can be added naturally. These times are simply a suggestion and were designed to create a cohesive and consistent experience from week to week. 6

Week One 7

Jonah 9

Jonah was a man who lived many years ago. His job was to tell others about God. God often spoke to Jonah and told him what to do. 11

One day God came to Jonah and told him to travel to a city called Nineveh. Jonah didn t want to go to Nineveh, so he disobeyed God. He decided to get on a boat and run away instead. 13

This was a sin, because Jonah was not obeying God. God did not like Jonah sinning, so when Jonah was in a boat, God created a big storm and Jonah was thrown overboard. 15

God did not want to hurt Jonah, but he did want to teach Jonah to obey. So, he had a very large fish swallow Jonah. Jonah was very scared, but he was also safe. He traveled for three days in the belly of the big fish. Then finally, it spit him out on a shore. 17

Now Jonah knew that he needed to obey. Right away he started walking towards Nineveh because he knew that God wanted him to go there. 19

Sometimes it is hard to obey, but if we choose not to obey, it is a sin. We need to obey our parents, our teachers, and most of all God. It is also important to remember that everyone sins sometimes, like Jonah did. But Jesus forgives us when we sin, if we ask him. God forgave Jonah, and he forgives us too. God loves you very much and he only wants the very best for you always. 21

Classroom Questions What did Jonah do when God asked him to go to Nineveh? When Jonah disobeyed God, what did God do? What is sin? Parent/child weekly study How do you think Jonah felt when he was inside the giant fish? Scared? Sad? Who are you supposed to obey? What happens when you don t obey your parents? How do you think God feels when you sin? Who will forgive you of your sin? 22

Weekly Craft Activity Whale Verse Materials Copy of Verse Copy of Whale Crayons Glue Scissors (Optional) Before class begins, cut out the verse. Have children color the whale. Glue verse onto the whale. Optional: Students can cut out the whale. 23

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 24

Toddler Version Jonah Jonah s job was to tell others about God. One day God told Jonah to go to a city called Nineveh. Jonah didn t want to go; he ran away instead. So, God sent a large fish to swallow Jonah. Jonah then obeyed God and went to Nineveh. We must obey too. We must obey our parents, and teachers, and most of all God. Always remember God loves you very much and only wants the best for you. 26

Week Two 27

Joseph Forgives 29

Joseph was a young boy who lived a long time ago. He had many brothers. One day his brothers decided to do a very bad thing: they decided to send Joseph away. This was a sin. 31

Joseph was very sad when they sent him away to a new home in Egypt, but in his new home he worked very hard as a slave for the king. 33

Over time the King began to trust Joseph. Joseph became his friend and helper. Finally one day the King decided to put Joseph in charge of all the food of Egypt. 35

Then a very bad thing happened: it didn t rain for a long, long time. This is called a drought, and all of the food went away. People were very hungry and so they traveled many miles to Egypt to get food from Joseph. 37

Joseph s brothers needed food too. They didn t know that Joseph was in charge of all of the food, so, they were surprised when they went to Egypt and Joseph was there. 39

Now, Joseph remembered that his brothers had sent him away. He remembered how sad he was. But Joseph also knew that he needed to forgive his brothers. So, when they needed food, Joseph gave it to them. Sometimes it is hard to forgive others when they hurt our feelings or take our toys, but God tells us that we must forgive those who sin against us. Just like Joseph forgave his brothers, we must forgive others too. 41

Classroom Questions What did Joseph s brothers do? Was this a sin? Why? When Joseph s brothers needed food, what did Joseph do? What is forgiveness? Parent/child weekly study How did Joseph feel when his brothers sent him away? When have you been sad? Joseph forgave his brothers. What is forgiveness? When has someone sinned against you? What does that look like? Can you forgive that person? What does forgiveness look like? 42

Weekly Craft Activity Paper Plate Faces Materials Paper Plates Crayons Before class begins, write on one side of the paper plate: Joseph was sad when he was sent away. Before class begins, write on the other side of the paper plate: Joseph was happy because he forgave his brothers. Have children draw Joseph s face on the paper plate: sad face on the sad side, happy face on the happy side. Students can then decorate the paper plate with hair, etc. 43

Toddler Version Joseph Forgives Joseph was very sad because his brothers had sent him far away. In his new home he worked very hard. The King put Joseph in charge of all the food. People came to get the food from Joseph. Joseph s brother came too. Joseph forgave his brothers. We must forgive others just like Joseph forgave his brothers. 44

Week Three 45

Deanna s Doll 47

Deanna was very, very sad. Her favorite doll was missing, and she was sure that her friend Rebecca had taken it. Mom, I know that Rebecca took my doll, she s not my friend anymore, said Deanna as a tear rolled down her cheek. 49

I know sweetie, said her mom. We ll talk to Rebecca tomorrow and see if she has your doll. Deanna could hardly sleep that night because she missed her doll so much. 51

The next day when Rebecca came to Deanna s house, Deanna asked her, Do you have my doll? Yes, replied Rebecca, I love your doll, I want to keep her. But she is my favorite toy, you can t have her, said Deanna. She was afraid that Rebecca wouldn t give her doll back. 53

Now Rebecca was sad. She knew that taking Deanna s doll was a sin. She would have to give it back, because Jesus tells us not to sin. O.K. she said, I ll give her back. Then she reached in her bag and took out Deanna s doll. 55

Oh thank you, thank you, said Deanna hugging her toy close to her. I m sorry I took your doll, said Rebecca. I know it was wrong. Do you forgive me? 57

Deanna thought for a moment. She was still a little angry with Rebecca, but she also knew that Jesus tells us to forgive others. I forgive you, she said. Let s play with her together. Rebecca did the right thing when she returned Deanna s doll. She knew that it was a sin to take something that was not hers. Deanna also did the right thing when she forgave Rebecca. It is important that we forgive others just like Jesus forgives us when we sin. 59

Classroom Questions Why was Deanna sad? Who took Deanna s doll? What did Deanna do when Rebecca gave the doll back? Deanna forgave Rebecca. What does forgiveness mean? Parent/child weekly study Deanna was sad because Rebecca took her doll. Has a friend ever taken a toy from you? How did that make you feel? What did you do? When have you had to forgive someone? Was it hard? Is there anyone you need to forgive now? For what? 60

Weekly Craft Activity Train Shapes Materials Copies of train Cut out shapes that match the train Glue Crayons Scissors (Optional) Children match and glue the shapes on the train. (Optional: Older children can cut out the shapes as well as the train.) Students can color the train. 61

Toddler Version Deanna s Doll Deanna was very sad because her favorite doll was missing. Her friend had taken her doll. Did you take my doll? she asked Rebecca. I did take your doll, but that was wrong, replied Rebecca. I m sorry I took your doll, said Rebecca. I forgive you, said Deanna. Rebecca and Deanna were both happy now. 63

Week Four 65

Jesus Forgives 67

If you take my toys, it is a sin, But I ll forgive you because Jesus forgives. 69

If you hurt my feelings, that makes me sad, But I ll forgive you because Jesus forgives. 71

If you call me a name, I will give you a smile, And I ll forgive you because Jesus forgives. 73

If you push me down, I ll get up again, And I ll forgive you because Jesus forgives. 75

If you are mean to me, I ll be nice to you, And I ll forgive you because Jesus forgives. 77

Everyone sins, including me too, But Jesus forgives me and I ll forgive you. 79

Classroom Questions What should you do if someone takes your toy? What should you do if someone pushes you? What should you do if someone hurts your feelings? Why do we forgive? Who forgave us? Parent/child weekly study What should you do if someone makes you sad? What should you do if someone is mean to you? What is sin? What is forgiveness? Who forgives us? 80

I Will Forgive You Page Materials Copies of I will forgive you page Crayons Weekly Craft Activity Children draw the sad and forgiveness faces in the appropriate circles. 81

Monthly Assessment: Sin and Forgiveness Your child: Age: Date: Progress: Mastered Developing New N/A Sings: Sin and Forgiveness Can recite: Rom. 3:23 Can explain Sin and Forgiveness Asks for forgiveness during prayer Comments: 83

Monthly Craft List: Sin and Forgiveness Week 1: Whale Verse Copies of Verse Copies of Whale Crayons Glue Scissors (Optional) Week 2: Paper Plate Faces Paper Plates Crayons Week 3: Train Shapes Copies of Train Cut out shapes that match the train Glue Crayons Scissors (Optional) Week 4: I Will Forgive You Page Copies of I will forgive you page Crayons 84

Supplemental Pages These supplemental pages were designed to give teachers further options for crafts or activities in the classroom. 85