Bible Beginnings - Concordia Supply...Armor Up with Truth! Banner Verse Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Ephesians 6:10 Materials Banner Verse bell (optional)

Knights of north Castle: Quest for the King’s Armor!10

Bible StoryShadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Stand TrueDaniel 3

Castle CalloutArmor Up with Truth!

MaterialsImagination Station

old ties

Stay-Put Stickers

Bible Station variety of appropriate items to preschoolers, like clothespins, plastic cups, small blocks

Castle Station new, clean, unused sponges or foam blocks scissors for adult use

Knight Manipulatives See list in text.

Goals for this Bible Lesson

Help children discover that we are to follow God’s teachings for us. Learn that because God gives us strength, we can stand up for all that is true!

Bible BeginningsImagination StationGather old ties. Encourage Knights to add stickers to the ties. Show them how to wear the tie as a belt.

Teach the motions to the Castle Callout. These motions were created with preschoolers in mind for the song “Armor Up.” These motions may not match the ones used by school-aged children.

Armor: Cross hands over chest.Up: Raise fist up in the air.

Repeat the Castle Callout for this session.

Armor up with God!Repeat “Armor Up” motion, and use the sign for God: With the right hand open, palm facing left, make a shepherd’s crook starting at the top of the head and bringing the hand down to the chin.

Bible StationRemind Knights of the Bible story. This activity will highlight the number three for the three characters in the Bible lesson. Have Knights divide items into groups of threes. Set out a variety of items to use. For example: clothespins, plastic cups, small blocks, and so forth.

Castle StationBefore Knights arrive, cut new, colorful sponges into various shapes: triangle shapes, thin shapes to resemble towers, rectangle shapes for the base of the castle and round shapes. Encourage Knights to create castles with the sponges.

Knights ManipulativesDuring each session, select one or two of these items as options for Knights:

wooden or foam puzzles large floor puzzles lacing cards plastic interlocking blocks matching card activities

9781501886355_INT_001.indd 10 9/6/19 2:09 PM

11Preschool/Kindergarten Leader



Materials Sparky the Dragon Puppet

old tie

Gathering TimeArmorer: Welcome to North Castle, Knights. I am Armorer _______ and I am one of your leaders. While you are here at North Castle, you will be called “Knights.” I will guide you on your quest. And this is Sparky, my trusty friend. I’m sure you don’t see many dragons where you are from, but don’t worry—Sparky is not like other dragons you may have heard about. Sparky breathes ice, not fire. That’s why North Castle is buried under all this snow and ice.

Sparky: Well, the cold never bothered me anyway.

Armorer: I guess that’s because you’ve lived in North Castle for a long time. How old are you?

Sparky: I’m three years old.

Armorer: Really? Are you telling the truth?

Sparky: Okay, okay, I’m really six years old.

Armorer: I thought so. Thank you for telling us the truth. “Truth” is our special word of the day. And we are on a quest, or a journey, to find a piece of God’s armor.

Sparky: I think they’re ready to start the quest. Do we know what piece of armor they are looking for?

Armorer: Yes! Knights, look for the Belt of Truth.

Sparky: (Show an old tie) Got it.

Armorer: Well, that’s not exactly the Belt of Truth we are looking for right now. Hang on, and while you are here you will discover the Belt of Truth.

Sparky: I think I am going to really, really, really like our time here!

Armorer: Great! Now let’s do the Castle Callout. (Cross left fist over chest) Armor! (Cross right fist over chest) Up! (Drop both arms, raise fist up in the air) With Truth!

Sparky: Is that it for the quest?

Armorer: Almost! Knights, let’s say our Banner Verse. “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.” Ephesians 6:10 (Have Knights repeat several times).

Sparky: Well, it’s time for the Knights to discover their quest! Have fun!

9781501886355_INT_001.indd 11 9/6/19 2:09 PM




Materials empty, clean containers that have plastic lids construction paper stickers school glue

Teacher TipTeach the song “Armor Up” with music. Find motions and words to this song on page 80.

Music TimeBefore You TeachSelect the number of songs and activities that will best meet your time allotment.

Gather supplies for Music Time.

Before the Knights arrive, cut the construction paper for the drums to affix to the containers.

Suggested Songs Be Strong in the Lord Hot Hot Burnin’ Up Armor Up (see page 80)

Fun with MusicHave your Knights create drums using a variety of empty, clean containers with plastic lids.

LeadersWrite the names of Knights on their drums.

KnightsDecorate construction paper with stickers or crayons.

Glue the paper onto the container.

Use the drums during Music Time and with the Rhythm Activity.

Begin by suggesting various beats for Knights to tap on their drums.

Rhythm ActivityKnights tap out the syllables of the words to this rhythm activity by playing their drums to the beat.

Mission TimeMission Time will feature hands-on ideas that encourage Knights to use God’s strength to help them make the world a better place. See the Mission Leader guide for options that best fit the needs of your church.

Locate the Mission Leader guide in the “Free Resources” section of CokesburyVBS.com.

9781501886355_INT_001.indd 12 9/6/19 2:09 PM


Banner VerseBe strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Ephesians 6:10

Materials Bible Complete Music CD device for playing music

Preparation for the Bible StoryBefore the Bible story, open the Bible to the Book of Daniel. Place the Bible in your lap or on a table.

Experience the Bible StoryTransition to the Bible StoryInvite the Knights to stop their current activity and prepare for the Bible story by singing and doing the motions for the song “Armor Up.”

Find motions and words to “Armor Up” on page 80.

Get ReadySAY: A king is the ruler of a kingdom. Everyone in the kingdom is supposed to do what the king says to do. Who can tell me who a king is?

Let’s play “The King Says.” If I say, “The king says,” do what I tell you to do. If I don’t say, “The king says,” don’t do what I tell you to do.

Play a game like “Simon Says” with the Knights. Let everyone stay in the game. Each time someone moves at the wrong time, just say, “Oops! The king didn’t tell you to (name the motion).” For example, “The king says kneel down. The king says touch your nose. Stand up. (Oops!) The king says stand up.”

Tell the Bible StorySAY: Hear ye—that means “listen up,” Knights! Our Bible story today is about three friends who stood up for truth! Who can tell me what “truth” means? This story is in the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament.

I need your help to tell this story. Put on your listening ears and your watching glasses. The three friends were Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego. Say those names after me: Shadrach (SHAD-rak), Meshach (MEE-shak), and Abednego (uh-BED-nuh-goh). They were good friends.

When I say, “Three strong friends lived long ago,” I want you to say “Shadrach” and clap your hands, say “Meshach” and pat your hands on your lap, and say “and Abednego” and hold out your hand like you’re shaking hands.

Let’s practice: “Three strong friends from long ago,”

Shadrach (clap your hands), Meshach (pat hands on lap), and Abednego (hold out hand like shaking hands).

“I’m the MOST important person in the land,” said the king. (Bow to the king. Have children nod their heads and say, “Bow to the King.”) “I want everyone in my kingdom to worship ME!” So the king (Bow your head and say, “Bow to the king.”) told his helpers to make a tall statue out of gold.

9781501886355_INT_001.indd 13 9/6/19 2:09 PM


Then the king (Bow your head and say, “Bow to the king.”) made a new rule: “Anytime the music plays, everyone must stop what they’re doing and kneel down to the gold statue. Whoever does not kneel will be thrown into a very hot fire!” Everyone heard the music. Everyone stopped what they were doing and knelt down to the statue. Everyone except three strong men from long ago…


The three strong friends believed in God. They could only worship God, not a gold statue.The king (Bow and say Bow to the King.) found out that the friends did not worship the gold statue. The king warned them. “If you don’t worship the statue, I’ll throw you into a very hot fire.”

“We will tell you the truth,” said the three men. “ We only worship God.”“Make the fire even hotter!” yelled the king. (Bow and say, “Bow to the king.”) “Then throw them into the fire!” The king was very angry at the three strong men from long ago…


And so they were thrown into the very hot fire. But something surprising happened. The king saw the three friends walking around in the fire. They were not hurt. Then the king started counting, “One, two, three, four.” Four? “Didn’t we put three men into the fire?” asked the king. “Now there are four!” What a surprise! An angel was in the fire with them! “Let the men out,” said the king. The friends came out of the fire. They were not hurt at all. They didn’t even smell like fire.

“These men stood strong. They were true to their God,” said the king. “Praise the God of these three strong men from long ago…”


All say Huzzah! Huzzah! That’s Knight speak for “cool” or “very good.”

9781501886355_INT_001.indd 14 9/6/19 2:09 PM





MaterialsBanner Verse

bell (optional) guitar (optional) Complete Music CD (optional)

device for playing music

Respond to the Bible StoryResponse PrayerRepeat after me.Thank you, God, for the story of Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego. Help us be strong and tell the truth. Amen.

Response ActivitySAY: Knights, this Bible story helps us find the Great Armor. Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego told the king the truth—they would only worship God. It’s like the three friends wore pretend belts of truth—and that’s the armor we’re looking for. The belt of truth.

SAY: The belt of truth will help you tell the truth. Let’s play a game called “To Tell the Truth.” I’m going to tell you something. If you think what I’m saying is the truth, stand up and put your hands on your pretend belt. If you think what I’m saying is not the truth, sit down.

God loves us all the time.(Stand and put hands on pretend belt.)

When it rains, it rains meatballs.(Sit down.)

The sun shines in the daytime.(Stand and put hands on pretend belt.)

Cats say, “Meow.”(Stand and put hands on pretend belt.)

Cows say, “Baa, baa.”(Sit down.)

God hears us when we pray.(Stand and put hands on pretend belt.)

We can only pray to God when we go to bed.

(Sit down.)

We can pray to God anytime and anywhere.

(Stand and put hands on pretend belt.)

All flowers are red.(Sit down.)

We worship God, not statues.(Stand and put hands on pretend belt.)

Banner VerseGather supplies.

SAY: Let’s play a game. Walk around the room. When you hear me play music, stop walking and kneel down. When you’re kneeling, we’ll say our Bible verse together.

Let Knights start walking. After a few minutes, ring a bell, strum a guitar, or play the Complete Music CD.

Have the Knights stop walking and kneel down. When all Knights are kneeling, say the Banner Verse together.

Repeat the game several times.

9781501886355_INT_001.indd 15 9/6/19 2:09 PM




MaterialsIcy Boulder Dash

masking tape pool noodles (cut in half) small plastic balls

Knight, Knight, Castle none

Teacher TipSee page 6 in the Recreation Leader for a Preschool Adaptation for the Lava Moat game.

Recreation TimeIcy Boulder DashPreparationMake sure the recreation area is safe and ready for play.

Use masking tape to create a start line and a finish line.

Let’s Play!1. This activity is a relay race. Divide

Knights into two equal groups. Have Knights line up at the start line.

2. The aim of this activity is for Knights to move the ball with the pool noodle. Call the ball an “icy boulder.”

3. Once Knights reach the finish line, they run back to the start line and pass the pool noodle off to the next Knight in line.

4. Leaders will have another ball ready for the next Knight in line. Make sure each Knight has a turn.

Bible Tie-inRepeat the Banner Verse: “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power” (Ephesians 6:10, NRSV).

ASK: How did we use our strength and power in this game?

SAY: Our strength and power comes from God. We need to ask God to help us be strong and make great choices, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did.

Knight, Knight, CastlePreparationMake sure the recreation area is safe and ready for play.

Play this game as you would play “Duck, Duck, Goose.”

Let’s Play!1. One Knight is the “Marshal” who

walks around the circle of sitting Knights, tapping each Knight on the head and saying, “Knight, Knight, Knight…”

2. Whenever the Marshal is ready, he or she taps a Knight on the head and says, “Castle!” The Knight who was tapped stands up and chases the Marshal around the circle.

3. When the Marshal gets back to the open seat in the circle, he or she sits down with the Knights.

4. The Knight who was designated as the “Castle” now becomes the new Marshal. Play until all Knights have had a turn to be the Marshal.

Bible Tie-inSAY: We had fun playing our game today. Each time we are here at VBS, we are going to discover a new Castle Callout. Today’s Castle Callout is Armor Up with Faith! Let’s say that phrase together. Armor Up with Faith!

9781501886355_INT_001.indd 16 9/6/19 2:09 PM


Make-It-And-Take-It Bible Craft

Belt of TruthPurposeKnights will create a part of the Armor of God to help them remember their quests from VBS.

PreparationWrite the name of each Knight on the inside of the ribbon using a strip of masking tape.

Directions

AgesAppropriate for all ages.

Tips!For school-aged Knights, cut the ends of the fabric into strips and have them add red and yellow pony beads.

Bible StoryShadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Stand True Daniel 3


Materials white or cream colored material, 21/4" width and around 50" length

school glue

letters to spell TRUTH

felt

foam sheets

scissors

masking tape

markers

Stay-Put Stickers Stencils Set glitter red and yellow beads (optional)

Bible Tie-InIn our Bible story today, three friends stayed true to their belief in God. Using red, orange, and yellow colors is a way to illustrate the fire from the Bible lesson as well as connecting with the Armor of God. Think of a time when God helped you be strong and tell the truth.

Step 1: Glue the letters TRUTH onto the belt.

Step 2: Use a variety of craft supplies to decorate the belt.

9781501886355_INT_001.indd 17 9/6/19 2:09 PM




Materials Knights of North Castle Tablecloth Patchwork Tapestry washable markers

crayons

Stay-Put Stickers Stencils Set

Bible Tie-InDuring Knights of North Castle VBS, children are discovering Bible stories and Bible truths from Ephesians 6. As children work together to create a lasting patchwork tapestry they are realizing that together they can be strong in the Lord and in the strength of God’s power.


Cokesbury CraftPatchwork TapestryPurposeKnights will work together to create a lasting tapestry to help remember Knights of North Castle VBS.

PreparationCover tables with a tablecloth. Open packages and set out supplies.

Directions


Step 1: Knights create designs on their individual piece of the Patchwork Tapestry using markers, crayons, stencils, and stickers.

Step 3: Add more and more pieces of patchwork to create a large wall hanging to display during and after VBS.

Step 2: After Knights have completed their tapestry designs, tie the pieces together. Every patchwork piece has a grommet in each corner and yarn is included for this step.

9781501886355_INT_001.indd 18 9/6/19 2:09 PM




Materials Knights of North Castle Tablecloth

Create-Your-Own Knight Kit

marker

Bible Tie-InNorth Castle is hidden in a frozen land. The king and knights are on a quest in search of the King’s Armor. But the armor isn’t what they think it is. The new Knights of North Castle learn at VBS that the clues to the armor are found in an ancient book—the Bible—and learn stories helping them understand the qualities each piece represents.

Cokesbury CraftCreate-Your-Own Knight KitPurposeKnights will create a fun craft to help them to remember their time as a Knight at VBS.

PreparationOpen packages and set out supplies.

Directions


Step 1: Knights select the colors to decorate their craft. Remind Knights to write their names on their crafts.

Step 3: Once all the pieces are attached, roll up the base and slide the small flaps into the slits.

Step 2: Pull off the adhesive backing of all pieces and add the adhesive pieces to the middle of the sheet.

9781501886355_INT_001.indd 19 9/6/19 2:09 PM




Materials glass or ceramic plate

clear glass jar or vase with a smooth rim

penny

candle that is shorter than the jar or vase

lump of modeling clay

pitcher of water

matches

cloth or paper towel

Safety TipTie up long hair and loose clothing before lighting matches. Have a cloth on hand to wipe up spills to avoid slip/fall hazards.

As this experiment requires the use of a glass or ceramic plate, a glass jar or vase, and flame, we recommend this experiment as demonstration only with younger Knights and under close supervision with older Knights.

Science TimeWater SuctionI. Preparation Gather materials.

II. IntroductionSay Something Like: In today’s story, God sent help to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace and protected them. We are going to see if fire can help us with a challenge.

Ask: (Show Knights materials) Have you seen materials like these before? How do we normally use them?

Ask: (Place the penny on the plate with the candle in place and pour enough water into the plate to just cover the penny.) I’d like to get this penny out without getting my fingers wet. What are some things I might try to do that?

III. ExperimentStep 1: Place the candle in the center of the plate. Use the modeling clay to

stabilize it, if necessary.

Step 2: Pour enough water onto the plate to just cover the penny.

Step 3: Light the candle. Turn the vase or jar upside down over the burning candle. What happens?

Step 4: Ask a Knight to pick up the dry penny.

Step 5: Invite older Knights to perform the experiment themselves (divide your group into teams with adult supervision, if needed). Repeat steps as time allows or until each Knight who wants a turn gets one.

Steps 1 Step 2 Step 3

9781501886355_INT_001.indd 20 9/6/19 2:09 PM


IV. How does it work?The heat from the burning candle causes the air molecules inside the vase to start moving faster. As they move faster, they need more room. Some of the molecules escape under the rim of the vase. When the fire goes out, the air molecules cool and slow down. However, since some molecules escaped the vase, there are fewer molecules. The air pressure inside the vase is lower than it is outside the vase. In response, the air outside the vase presses in, pushing the water along with it.

Note: Some online sources will say that burning up the oxygen causes the decrease in pressure inside the vase. This is an inaccurate explanation. The process of burning destroys oxygen but creates carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide to take its place.

V. Bible Tie-inFire can be scary. In today’s story, God used a fiery furnace to show God's power to King Nebuchadnezzar. Using fire to pull the water off a penny is not a miracle, but you can let it remind you that God is the one who is powerful in our lives.

9781501886355_INT_001.indd 21 9/6/19 2:09 PM




Materials door with a doorknob masking tape

Preschool ScienceFire Safety RelayPreparationMark the starting line and a finish line on the floor with masking tape.

ExperimentHave Knights stand by the starting line.

SAY: In our Bible story today, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were put in a hot fire. Fire is dangerous and can hurt us badly. Let’s learn some things we can do to help us stay safe if we are ever in a fire. One thing we can do is gently touch a doorknob with the back of our hand to make sure it’s not too hot to open.

Say, “Go!” and have Knights walk quickly to the doorknob, gently touch the doorknob with the backs of their hands and walk back to the starting line.

SAY: Something else we can do to help us stay safe is to crawl under the smoke to a safe place. Let’s practice crawling.

Say, “Go!” and have Knights crawl to the finish line and back.

Have Knights spread out in between the start and finish lines.

SAY: A third thing we can do is “Stop, Drop, and Roll!” Let’s try it.

Say, “Go!” and have Knights drop and roll.

SAY: God sent help to Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. God helps us through people who learn how to stay safe and then teach us how to be safe.

9781501886355_INT_001.indd 22 9/6/19 2:09 PM




Materials Preschool/Kindergarten Student Books

Younger Elementary Reproducible Fun Pages

Bible Story Activity Stickers

Reflection TimeJournaling ActivityStudent Book and Fun Pages

Assist Knights as needed in completing the Session 1 activities on pages 2-4 in their Student Books and/or copies of pages 2-7 from the Reproducible Fun Pages.

PrayerRepeat after me. Thank you, God, for giving us the strength we need each day to stand up for what is true all along the way. Amen.

Reflection Time ActivityOur quest is over for today.

(March in place.)

I hope you had fun along the way.(March in place.)

We’ve found the the Belt of Truth, how great!

(Put hands at waist.)

And now it’s time to celebrate!(Raise arms above head.)

Two, (Crouch down.)

Four,(Stand up slightly.)

Six,(Stand up a little more.)

Eight, (Stand up tall.)

And now it’s time to celebrate!(Raise arms above head.)

Hurray!

(Jump up and down.)

Tell the Knights how glad you are that they came to Knights of North Castle today.

9781501886355_INT_001.indd 23 9/6/19 2:09 PM

Documents

Bible Beginnings - Concordia Supply...Armor Up with Truth! Banner Verse Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Ephesians 6:10 Materials Banner Verse bell (optional)