How to BuildCharacter

Lesson 4: My Reputation

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Lesson 4—My Reputation

Unit SummaryChildren grow up being told what to do and what not to do, learning behaviors that keep them out of trouble and earn them rewards. In this short-sighted approach, their walk with Christ becomes limited to seeking to please the adults in their lives. Remove those adults, and the kids’ pursuit of Jesus evaporates as well. Teach children to build solid Christian character, however, and you have disciples who can live victoriously, independent of adult supervision yet dependent on God. Isn’t that our ultimate goal? This unit trains children to evaluate and take ownership of their spiritual growth, following the model of Jesus’ growth in the short but powerful verse, Luke 2:52. In this verse we discover a comprehensive formula for Christian character in young people—wisdom, character, integrity, and reputation. Children can inten-tionally develop in these same areas, if we are willing to guide them!

Lesson SummaryOne of the most valuable things you possess is your reputation. And as God’s ambassador, you carry His reputation as well. Luke 2:52 shows that Jesus possessed a good reputation (“favor with man”). He must have kept His promises, or been polite, or worked hard. Kids need to be challenged to consider their reputations—how other children and adults view them. When they realize that they can develop their reputations, they’ll be motivated to improve them. A reputation of good character will take them far and open many doors of opportunity—and it honors God! Kids should begin right away to build and improve upon their reputations.

It’s never too early to represent God in the best possible light.

Paul’s Power Principle: Your reputa-tion is “how others view you.”

How to Build Character

KnowTheir reputations matter to God.

FeelMotivated to build a good reputation.

DoDetermine how their words and actions are viewed by others.

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In this lesson, your children will...

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SPARK INTERESTChoose from the following activities and ideas to engage kids and grab their attention.

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g Welcome!—Awesome JobsDress up as a journalist and pretend you are writing an article on the children and their “jobs.” As they arrive, give them nametags with “expert” job titles such as Hippo Wrestler, Lion Comber, Cloud Artist, Professional Kangaroo Tickler, Fish Wrangler, etc. As you “interview” them, mention all the wonderful things you have heard about them and their jobs. Be as humorous and silly as you can!

Let’s Meet-n-Greet!Welcome the entire group and encourage kids to introduce themselves according to their nametags to at least three other people.

Leaders, be sure to stop whatever you are doing to move through the audience and greet the children, especially those you do not recognize. Announce any birthdays for the week. (See the How to Use DiscipleTown guide for quick and easy ways to acknowledge visitors and birthdays.)

PowerPoint PresentationAs you plan your lesson, select PowerPoint slides that correspond to the lesson elements you choose. In the “Slide Sorter” View, you can rear-range and/or delete the slides as necessary. For descriptions of the included slides and tips on their use, see the notes accompanying each slide.

General Supplies Bibles, puppets, video projection (optional) Pencils, pens, paper

Spark Interest WELCOME!: nametags LET’S PLAY!: small clothing accessories CONNECT WITH YOUR KIDS: none

Explore Scripture KEYVERSE: sticky notes

Inspire Action DRAMATIZE THE POINT: book, backpack

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Let’s Worship!As you open in worship, emphasize that good character will result in good reputations that have a positive impact on our lives and glorify God.

Recommended Song: Cool Guys and Groovy Girls by Rob Biagi from Get Out There CD, available at Kidology.org

Puppet IntroLeader & puppet introduce today’s lesson. You will find a scripted version of this intro at the end of the lesson. Supplies: puppet, newspaper

Beforehand, take a local newspaper and paste the following story into the center of it so you can share the story with your puppet as though it were printed there.

[Your City, State] – GOOD SAMARITAN DRESSES AS SANTA AND BLESSES BOY IN THE MIDDLE OF [MONTH]. This past week, the Johnson family received a very special surprise that brought them great joy when they’ve had little reason to celebrate over the past year and a half. Mr. Johnson has been unemployed for nearly two years since losing his job at the auto factory, and Mrs. Johnson has been struggling to support the family with temporary secretarial jobs while her husband searches for steady work. Their son, Andrew, hasn’t received any new clothes or toys in almost two years, and yet his parents say he hasn’t once complained. “His smile and willing-ness to play with his old toys—or with whatever he can find—has been a constant source of encouragement to us,” said Mrs. Johnson. The one thing the Johnsons have not cut from their budget is Andrew’s baseball team participation, where he shows much potential. So imagine their surprise when Andrew returned from practice last week to a room filled with toys! A note from “Santa” was their only hint to the giver. Although the Johnsons have their suspicions about who the generous donor may be, they have chosen to maintain his or her anonymity in order not to embarrass this person. However, they do want everyone to know the person in question is a Christian. “We admire the generous character of someone so young, who gave willingly after discovering our son’s need,” said Mr. Johnson. “We hope that by telling the story, it might inspire others to also be generous to those in need. We need more secret Santas in this world.”

Leader says, “[Puppet name], I have something very exciting to show you in the newspaper this week.” Puppet says, “Really? What is it?” Leader replies, “I think you are in the newspaper.” Puppet says, “Get outta town!” Leader says, “Seriously, I think you are! Look here.” Leader opens the paper, dramatically turning pages back and forth, until he/she finds the story. “Ah, here it is.” Leader reads the story aloud. Afterwards, puppet pauses, then says, “Ah, well. That’s a nice story. I disavow all knowledge of anything related to that there story.” Leader says, “Oh, really?” Puppet says, “Um, yeah. Any relationship between that story and, uh, me being dressed as Santa last week is purely a big coincidence.” Leader says, “I see. You want to remain anonymous so that your reward in heaven will be greater. I get it.” Puppet, “Uh, yeah, something like that. If it was me, I’d want to avoid the paparazzi. You know, fame and television interviews and all that.” Leader smirks and says, “Now, don’t let it go to your head. I’m proud of you.” Puppet says, “For what? I didn’t do anything.” Leader, “Oh, yeah, that’s right. But if you did, I’d just want you to know that it would be a great example of character—and this article would be a great example of our lesson today.” Puppet asks, “How’s that?” Leader continues, “Well, today we are talking about how good character results in a good reputation. What you, I mean, what this anonymous person did resulted in a good reputation with this family. And that’s a fine thing.” Puppet said, “Well, I’m glad.” Leader says, “A good reputation is one of the most valuable things you can have. So let’s learn more about it today.”

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Let’s Play!—The StatueTo play this game, choose a volunteer from your group to be the statue. The statue must stand in a pose at the front of the room. Then choose a child to be the detective. The detective has one minute to study the statue, then he or she steps outside the room with a leader. While the detective is out of the room, choose one to two volunteers to change something on the statue (such as rearranging clothes, removing accessories, adjusting the statue’s position, adding acces-sories, etc.). The goal is to try to stump the detective, so subtlety is key. After the changes are complete, bring detective back into the room and give him or her three minutes to identify all the changes made to the statue. Repeat several times with different children.

The Point: We may not realize it, but people watch us—study us, even. They notice changes in our lives, ways we respond, how we behave, and choices we make. Many people watch Christians closely to see if we live up to the claims we make as Jesus’ followers. When we live with good character, we win favor with people when they see positive changes in us. When we show poor character, people are disappointed—they see we aren’t for real and our reputations suffer. And most of the time, no one ever tells us. Reputation doesn’t change quickly—like this game, it happens slowly with little changes over time. But it is always being formed, so the adjustments we make every day are important.

Connect with Your KidsHave you ever done anything really foolish? Of course you have—and so have your kids. They need to hear that you have made mistakes—they need you to admit it. When the kids mess up, they’ll know it’s okay and that they can repair their reputations by owning mistakes and moving on. At a national conference, I once made a really dumb mistake too complicated to explain here. For years I was too embarrassed to even walk past the man I had offended with my mistake. For more than ten years I avoided him! One day, this man approached me about his business—I was cringing because I didn’t know why he wanted to talk to me! I said I was still feeling bad for my mistake from ten years previous. His answer? “I have admired you all this time because right after you did that, you came directly to me and sincerely apologized, owning up to what you did. Few do that. I thought that was so stand-up of you.” Here I had been avoiding the man, thinking he was holding a grudge, and he was admiring me! I had a good reputa-tion with him for showing good character after making a sincere mistake. Reputation is very valuable. Guard it well. When you damage it, do whatever it takes to repair it.

What is your story of a mistake that could have damaged your reputation? How did you restore it?

DiscipleTown VisitorPolly Paparazzi:* Polly enters with three or four cameras around her neck, a notepad, a voice recorder, and binoculars. She immediately begins scanning the room for celebrities. Whenever she sees a child move just slightly, talk, or even smile, she rushes up and takes pictures and then writes in her notebook. Have her say as she writes, “Child caught swinging arm wildly in church,” or other such humorous and exaggerated claims. Leader interrupts after a moment or two and asks who she is. She explains she is a celebrity finder, and her job is to take pictures of everything a celebrity does in public and write about it for a tabloid magazine. She runs off in hot pursuit of her next celebrity target (“Justin Bieber” or whomever). Leader explains that even though we don’t have photographers following us everywhere, every public action and word we say tells people about who we are and builds our reputation.

*CHARACTERS: These are suggested characters and names. Please feel free to change or adjust according to the actors and props you have available.

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Let’s Search!—Bible DashSupplies: Bibles

Ask all kids with Bibles to participate, or invite a few volunteers to come to the front. As children hold Bibles closed with hands on covers, state the Bible reference twice, then on the command “SEARCH!” have the students race to locate the verse. Once they have a finger on the verse, they can stand and call out, “FOUND IT!” Have the first child read the verse aloud while you project the verse on a screen via PowerPoint. See suggestions below for comments on each verse. Keep your comments brief and to the point of the lesson.

Proverbs 22:1 A good name is better than riches.Exodus 18:21 God wants us to be trustworthy.1 Peter 2:17 God wants us to be respectful.Proverbs 17:17 God wants us to be loyal.Proverbs 3:3-4 Love and faithfulness lead to a good name.John 13:35 Christians are known by our love.

Paul’s Power Principle: Your reputation is “how others view you.”

Suggested Bible NarrativeJoseph’s Reputation—Genesis 41-44

Luke 2:52 concludes with a very important point—Jesus grew in favor with people. Many Christians focus exclusively on pleasing God. While that should be our highest priority, we are also directed to have a good reputation. Joseph made friends and gained respect everywhere he went, whether he was a slave or a prisoner or second in command of all Egypt! People came from all over the world to receive food from the man who had saved their lives, including his own family. When Joseph’s brothers finally learned that this powerful man was the brother they had almost killed, did they fear for their lives? Of course! But Joseph had decided to first see if they were sorry. When Joseph’s tests showed him that his brothers loved their youngest brother, Benjamin, and their father, he finally revealed who he was and publicly forgave them. Not only did Joseph express forgiveness, but he gave God glory for leading him to that very day, where he could provide food for his family and so many others.

As you tell the story in character, show strong emotion at seeing Joseph’s brothers. Remember that he hasn’t seen them since he was a child—tearing up is entirely appropriate. The Bible says he had to dismiss himself from his brothers and weep dramatically. You don’t have to go that far, but let the children see this was an emotional reunion.

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EXPLORE SCRIPTURESeize on the children’s interest and direct them into God’s Word.

Click here to change text

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Let’s Learn!—My ReputationSupplies: Bibles,

The most amazing thing about Joseph’s story is that wherever he went, people liked him. He always had a great reputation. His secret? Good character.

Read Proverbs 22:1. Many people pursue riches when they should be pursuing a good name. A good name can lead to success, but even if it doesn’t, a good name is the most valuable thing you can attain.

Here’s a powerful question to ask yourself: “What do people think about what kind of person I am?” How do you think people describe you? Are you a good friend? Are you helpful? Loyal? Dependable? The character traits we’ve been learning—do they describe you? Which do you need to work on? It is never too late to start building or changing your reputation. Perhaps you have read or seen The Christmas Carol. Mr. Scrooge’s trans-formation occurred when he finally understood how people saw him. Once he decided to change, people welcomed the change and celebrated it!

Read Acts 11:24. This is how the Bible describes one man—Barnabas. I’d sure love it if I were described that way. I wonder how God would describe me? How would God describe you if He wrote a Bible verse about you?

Read 1 Peter 2:11-12. God wants us to live well so that even if people laugh at or misun-derstand us now, someday they will respect us, and God will be glorified. We live with the end in mind, realizing that someday everyone will know that God is God and that we were right to follow Him.

Doing the right thing always pays off, not only short-term but well into the future. Joseph’s obedience and trust led to him becoming second in command of all of Egypt, but it was a lot more than just that. What follows is incredible to think about.

Explain that Joseph was an ancestor of Jesus—and that had Joseph not chosen to have good character, there would have been a serious crack in Jesus’ very history. Joseph brought his family to Egypt, who grew in numbers into the millions, who then followed Moses to the Promised Land to one day establish Jerusalem and the great nation of Israel. And hundreds of years later, in a little town called Bethlehem, a descendant of Joseph’s father, Jacob, would be born to die for you and me. Just imagine if Joseph had become bitter and angry toward his brothers, or toward Potiphar, or toward the cupbearer for not remembering him. If he had let bad character overwhelm him, Joseph would never have risen to power to save his family. Joseph’s character made the way for Jesus, who made the way for you and me!

Of course, without Joseph, God would have found another way. But the point is, you never know how far-reaching the impact of your reputation can be! Not just for your life, but for others around you—and even those yet to be born. Character impacts history and all eternity. Yes, it is that important! Godly character will improve your repu-tation for God’s glory.

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Dee’s Disciple Tip: Let’s look this week at three Reputation Traits. These are traits that determine your reputation—things that you will be known for when you have good character. A good reputation wins favor with people.

Listed below are the three traits followed by an opposite trait. Write each trait on a slip of paper, roll it up, and place it inside a 12-inch balloon. Inflate the balloons. Choose six kids from the audience and give each of them one of the balloons. Explain that inside the balloons are the three “Reputation” character traits and three words that describe the opposite of each trait. On “go,” they are to pop the balloons by sitting on them and then read their words, pairing up with the person who has the related opposite word. Once the kids are paired up, stand beside each pair and talk about each trait using the opposite to further illustrate the trait’s meaning. A verse from the Bible Dash is included for reference.

Reputation Traits (Known for by Others)Be trustworthy <<>> unreliable (Exodus 18:21)Be respectful <<>> rude (1 Peter 2:17)Be loyal <<>> unfaithful (Proverbs 17:17)

KeyVerseTopic: Jesus’ CharacterReference: Luke 2:52

Memorization Activity: This week emphasize “favor with man” by passing out sticky notes or pieces of masking tape. Have children go around the room sticking the notes/tape on the backs of the other children. With washable markers, have them write one-word compli-ments about each other that describe that person’s reputation, such as “happy” or “loyal” or “cheerful.” Leaders need to make sure no one is left out and that no unkind things have been written. Play music during this activity. After several minutes the children can stop, take the notes off their backs, and find out what others wrote about them.

The Point: You develop a reputation, but it often happens “behind your back”—you never quite know who thinks what about you. To be sure your reputation is good, like these notes, you need to build good character that can’t be denied.

Review the verse several times with the children using the hand motions below.

And Jesus sign language for “Lord”—right hand passes from left shoulder down to right hip, as though showing a sashgrew drop to floor and stand up with hands over heads, growing like a treein wisdom point to brainand stature pose like a bodybuilderand in favor create “OK” gesture with thumb and forefingerwith God both hands point to skyand men point quickly to many peopleLuke form an “L” with right hand2 hold up two fingers with left hand52 hold up five fingers followed by two fingers with right hand

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Dramatize the Point—Re-Pete-TationAct this out or read as a story. Supplies: three actors, homework papers, book, backpack

Use the following script. The names are suggestions—feel free to change or adjust.

[Joey is a regular kid whose Re-Pete-Tation Guy follows him everywhere like a sports announcer, telling everyone around him what kind of person he appears to be based on his actions. Sam and Joey are walking home from school.]

Sam: Wow—did you see how much homework Mrs. Persniggle assigned this weekend? It’s crazy!

Joey: I know! She always does this on the weekend!

Re-Pete-Tation: Oh, that Joey! After a long, hard day slaving at the books, he’s feeling a bit cranky!

Sam: I know! Why does she have to give us so much math!

Joey: Well, homework is the least of my concerns. I have baseball tomorrow, which means I have to put up with Jordan for an entire hour!

Re-Pete-Tation: Wow, with the blink of an eye he has moved from whining right over to gossip. Ladies and gentlemen, keep your eye on this one. Let’s see if he can be trusted to speak kind words.

Sam: Why? What’s so bad about Jordan?

Joey: Are you kidding me? He is the most annoying kid on the team! He picks his nose and his ears...and I’m sure he never showers. He’s a....

Re-Pete-Tation: Uh-oh... Will he do it? Will he go from gossip to name caller? Will he go from unfriendly to downright mean? Wait for it...wait for it...

Joey: He’s a...well, he’s a nice guy. I guess I just get embarrassed sometimes because no one else seems to like him, so he always hangs out with me!

Re-Pete-Tation: Wow! That was a close call, ladies and gentlemen, but I am happy to report that Joey’s better senses prevailed, and he has not veered down the “mean” road today! Stay tuned, folks. Lots more to come on “Joey TV”!

Sam: Have you thought of telling Jordan about his embarrassing habits and how others see him? His reputation is clearly in need of some help. You know, nicely of course...

Joey: Hmm, I never thought about that. I’m always so concerned about what others think of me that I’ve never thought to help others see Jordan in a better light! That’s a great idea, Sam! I’m going to privately tell Jordan that I do enjoy his friendship and that others would also enjoy his company if he was a bit more careful how he acts in public.

Re-Pete-Tation: Wow, ladies and gentlemen! What an amazing turnaround! I think our Joey has a new outlook on his friendship with Jordan—perhaps he really is an upstanding guy! I think he’ll be a loyal friend! What do you think?

INSPIRE ACTIONEncourage kids to apply the Bible truth to their lives.

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Object Talks—Puppet TalksSupplies: video projection

The video clip for this lesson features a puppet fourth grader, Luke, sitting at his computer video blogging about reputation and how being trustworthy, respectful and loyal relate to lessons he learned during the week. Featured verses: Proverbs 22:1

Let’s Talk!—Small Group DiscussionSupplies: small bucket or cup, paper

Allow children to take turns tossing a wadded paper ball at a bucket to see if they can get it inside. After everyone has had a turn, say, Just like our game, our reputations are always being targeted by our words and actions. Sometimes our words and actions hurt our repu-tations, sometimes they build them up. We need to guard our words and actions so that our reputations honor God. Also, sometimes our words and actions hurt someone else’s reputation. Can you think of words and actions that could do this? (Gossip, bullying, etc.) If we do not guard how we treat others, we will hurt their reputations as well as our own.

Discussion Questions1) How can a good reputation help us?2) How can a bad reputation hurt us?3) Sometimes one wrong choice can ruin a reputation. Can a reputation be rebuilt? If so, how?4) Why would God care about our reputations?5) How can we honor God when we are in public?

DiscipleTown Super CitizenChoose a child who appeared to carefully choose his or her actions and words throughout the service. Who exercised self-discipline or self-restraint?

Let’s Pray!Dear Jesus, help us each day to be aware of how our actions affect others and to guard our reputa-tions so that we honor You. Forgive us for the times that we make mistakes. Thank You for continu-ally working in us to produce good fruit. We love you, Jesus. Amen.

Cy’s Challenge: Build up someone else’s reputation this week by complimenting his or her character in front of others.

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Let’s Review!If you have extra time, use these review questions to keep the kids focused on the lesson until time to dismiss. A handful of candy will help you keep their attention. After each question, take a minute to reiterate the lesson point related to the question.

1) What people think of you is your .2) A good name is more valuable than .3) Christians should be known by their .4) To be esteemed is better than or .5) Name two reputation traits.

For the HomeDiscipleTown Table Talker: Give each child a copy of this week’s DiscipleTown Table Talker. Be sure to show the kids how to put it together and encourage them to ask their parents to lead family devotions three times this week.

Parent Email: Copy and send the email below to help your parents connect with their kids during the week. Send them early in the week, but not on Sunday. As a courtesy, be sure parents have opted to receive these emails. Review and edit as necessary to reflect the lesson elements you have used. You can also find this email as a Microsoft Word document in your download bundle.

Dear Mom and Dad,

I can’t believe four weeks have gone by already! We have learned so much about How to Build Character this month in children’s church. We hope you have been learning at home, too.

This lesson, we looked at our reputations. The Bible says a good name is more desirable than great riches—to be esteemed is better than silver or gold (Proverbs 22:1). Our reputations are important to God, and choosing our words and actions carefully is something we all need to practice on a regular basis.

As we wind up, challenge yourself and your child(ren) to pay attention to the examples they are setting for others. Encourage your child(ren) to speak words of life, hope, and encouragement instead of gossip, teasing, and mockery. As we allow God to change our hearts and make right choices, we will gain the respect of those around us. If our lives should point people to God, then our reputation is a signpost!

As you wrap up your DiscipleTown Table Talker discussion this week, talk about the reputations of those in your local community—politicians, sports celebrities, etc. Discuss the impact of their repu-tations on your city and what choices they could have made differently.

The specific character traits we talked about this week relate to reputation (what we are known for)—being trustworthy, respectful, and loyal. Talk with your child(ren) about each this week, perhaps at bedtime.

As always, we are excited as we wrap up another series and gear up for a new topic!

Building young disciples,

[Your Name]

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Chip’s Snack Time!Supplies: one kiwi peeled, slice, and ready to serve; one whole kiwi

Show the whole kiwi fruit. Would anyone like to take a bite out of this kiwi fruit? Why or why not? Why does the funny skin stop you from taking a bite?

Our reputation is like the skin of a fruit. If it is prickly and icky like this kiwi, then no one will believe that there is goodness inside. Our public actions and words should be kind and sweet to show the good character inside. If our actions on the outside are not the way God would want them to be, we should ask Him to change our hearts—our inside—so that we can be effective representatives of God’s love.

Additional IdeasA Tough Choice?—Beforehand, label an envelope “$1,000,000.00” and a second envelope “Good Reputation.” Ask the children which envelope they would prefer to open. Have a child look up Proverbs 22:1 and discuss why the Bible would say that a good reputation is more valuable.

One Minute Speeches—If you have extra time, have an “open mic” time and allow children to come up and talk for one minute each about someone they know personally who has a godly reputation. What has the person done to earn that reputation? It could be a parent, a pastor, a teacher, or a friend or neighbor. Line up the children and have them ready to share, one after another. End by remarking, How neat it would be to have someone share about you. It could happen someday. It starts today, by building godly character into your life now.

BONUS MATERIALSUse these options to extend your time or as substitutes for the ideas above.

How to Build Character—Lesson 4 © 2010, DiscipleLand. Permission granted to reproduce for volunteers.

DIRECTOR’S NOTESThe words in italics are notes for you and your puppeteers; they are not to be read aloud.

[Beforehand, take a local newspaper and paste the story found in the lesson into the center of it so you can share the story with your puppet as though it were printed there.]

Leader: [Puppet name], I have something very exciting to show you in the newspaper this week!

Puppet: [Leans over to read paper.] Really? What is it?

Leader: I think you are in the newspaper.

Puppet: Get outta town!

Leader: [Puts down paper and heads toward the door.] Oh, okay...I guess I’ll go then...

Puppet: No, no...I mean, like, no way! Really?

Leader: [Returns with paper to puppet.] Seriously, I think you are! Look here. [Opens the paper, dramatically turning pages back and forth, until he/she finds the story.] Ah, here it is. [Read the article found in the lesson.]

Puppet: Ah, well. That’s a nice story. I disavow all knowl-edge of anything related to that there story.

Leader: Oh, really?

Puppet: Um, yeah. Any relationship between that story and, uh, me being dressed as Santa last week is purely a big coincidence.

Leader: I see. So, you want to remain anonymous so that your reward in heaven will be greater. I get it.

Puppet: Uh, yeah, something like that. If it was me, I’d want to avoid the paparazzi. You know, fame and televi-sion interviews and all that.

Leader: [Smirking:] Now, don’t let it go to your head. I’m proud of you.

Puppet: For what? I didn’t do anything.

Leader: Oh, yeah, that’s right. But if you did, I’d just want you to know that it would be a great example of charac-ter—and this article would be a great example of our les-son today.

Puppet: How’s that?

Leader: Well, today we are talking about how good char-acter results in a good reputation. What you, I mean, what this anonymous person did resulted in a good reputation with this family. And that’s a fine thing.

Puppet: Well, I’m glad.

Leader: A good reputation is one of the most valuable things you can have. So let’s learn more about it today.

Puppet: Ho, ho, ho.

*PUPPET: Develop a puppet character to use regularly. The children will get to know the personality and enjoy these regular visits. Dee, Cy, and Paul puppets are available at DiscipleLand.com

Puppet Intro—Anonymous Donor

DiscipleTown Visitor Script

How to Build Character—Lesson 4 © 2010, DiscipleLand. Permission granted to reproduce for volunteers.

DIRECTOR’S NOTESThe words in italics are notes for you and your volunteers; they are not to be read aloud.

[Polly enters with three or four cameras around her neck, a notepad, a voice recorder, and binoculars. She immediately begins scanning the room for celebrities. She heads directly to a child in the front row, pretending to snap pictures of the child, then writing in her notebook.]

Polly Paparazzi*: [Says aloud what she writes in her note-book.] “Star Student Blinks Eyes Twice During Class.” Wow, what a headline...that’s a keeper for sure. [Zeros in on an-other child and begins taking pictures. Try to find children sitting perfectly still and behaving. Don’t reward negative behavior or those wanting the attention.] Oh, these are great pics. The tabloid is going to eat this up! “Child in Blue Sweater Listens with Three Ears”! Wow, and I even have pictures! [Moves to a third student and begins snap-ping pictures.] This one takes the cake! “Undercover Agent Pretends to Be a Kid in Church.” I’m a hero! I can’t wait to get this to the newspaper. It will—

Leader: Wait a minute! Stop! What are you doing?

Polly: Oh don’t mind me. I’m Polly Paparazzi, and I’m al-ways on the lookout for celebrity headlines for the Ga-zette! It’s my job to report the news as it happens!

Leader: The news?

Polly: Yup...every move these crazy celebrities make—I take a picture and write a story about it. Their fans want to know, you know!

Leader: [Flabbergasted:] But...these are kids...

Polly: [Ignores leader and looks off in distance.] Oh my goodness! You aren’t going to believe it! [Current popular singer/celebrity] is here! I gotta run! [Flashes a picture, writes in her notebook as she runs off.] “Justin Combs Hair with His Own Fingers.” This is great news!

Leader: [To kids:] Wow, I am sure glad I don’t have her fol-lowing me around everywhere I go! The interesting thing is that she reminds me a bit about reputations! A reputa-tion is simply what other people think about how we act. Our actions are just like that paparazzi lady—they tell a story about who we are to everyone who watches us. Our reputation is built on these stories. How we choose to act in public can have a big impact on how people see us. If Polly wrote a story about the kind of person you are, what would you want her to write? What can you do to make sure that a good story is told about you?

*CHARACTERS: These are suggested characters and names. Please feel free to change or adjust according to the actors and props you have available.

Curriculum Map

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How to Grow Spiritual Fruit

How to Make Good Friends

How to Walk in the Spirit

How to Be Jesus’ Disciple

How to Build Character

How to Navigate the New Testament

How to Explain My Faith

How to Earn Eternal Rewards

How to Follow God’s Plan

How to Make Good Choices

How to Navigate the Old Testament

How to Study My Bible

How to Know the Truth

How to Discover Gifts and Talents

How to Walk Victoriously

How to Meet with God

How to Worship God

How to Use My Bible

How to Show Respect

How to Pray

How to Be Faithful Workers

How to Love God

How to Memorize God’s Word

How to Be Global Christians

(DiscipleTown Units in no particular order)

Each DiscipleTown Unit will teach your kids an essential “how to” skill to become victorious disciples of Jesus!