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Imagination Factory is a place where kids learn about Jesus by investigating His names. Inside the factory, there are four different “rooms” where kids will use their im-agination as they learn: The Lab, The Gallery, Building Zone and The Junkyard. This unit takes place in the Gallery, specifically the Sculpture Park.

In Sculpture Park, kids will learn about the Names of Jesus surrounding His life dur-ing his ministry. They will explore not only the meaning of each name but also how that name makes a difference in their own life. Through fun sculpture-type activities, inves-tigating real artists and their work, Sculpt It game, extreme art object lessons, Bible stories and the ongoing dialogue between Francois and Frank, kids will walk away with a deeper understanding of names Jesus was called while He walked on this earth.

The Work: Learning what God says about the nameBible Story Famous SculptorExtreme Sculpting

Display: Imagining ways to apply what God says. Sculpture Studio GameBible MemoryExpress Yourself SnackThe Gallery Cards Family Guide

Each Lesson contains:

Preparation: Gathering the tools to learn about the nameGuess the SculptureFrancois and Frank Sculpt ItForming the Verse

Imagination Factory: sculpture park

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The CountdownAll the names of Jesus covered in Imagination Factory are in the power point countdown. Each lesson has a countdown that will end with the name of Jesus covered during the lesson.

Preparationguess the sculptureThis power point trivia game is a fun way to introduce the lesson. A sculpture will be shown on a slide. Kids will guess the answer to a question that accompanies the picture.

Francois and Frank(If using girls change names to Francoise and Fran)

Francois is an internationally known Christmas Tree decorator whose skills have been used in famous locations. Frank is an expert tree farmer. The two could not be more opposite if they tried and truly do not understand each other. Their interaction will introduce the name of Jesus. During the off-Christmas season, Francois can be found working on his latest sculpture in the Sculpture Park while Frank sells art supplies and lumber made of wood he grows on his tree farm.

Francois has a flair for the dramatic and should dress accordingly. Bright colors, surprising combinations of patterns, an artist smock and beret all add to his overall artistic appearance. If the actors do not know French, look online to get the correct pronunciation of the name.

Frank is down to earth, no nonsense type of guy. He wears overalls or work pants, work shirt and base-ball cap. He works hard and expects the same from everyone he encounters.

The set should include the sculpture that Francois is working on. Each week the sculpture will be made of clay and placed on a stool.

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sculpt it!Each name of Jesus will have a simple symbol that will help kids remember the meaning of the name. Sculpt It! is game in which the symbol for the name will be introduced. Two kids will be chosen to sculpt the symbol. The kids will compete to see who can guess the symbol.“The device and method used for sculpting can vary depending on setting and capability. Examples to use: play dough, clay, blocks, Legos, straws, newspaper, paper and tape.

In addition, consider displaying an actual object for the symbol. (Example: symbol is earth so the object would be a globe.) Display these adding one each week to help kids remember not only the name but also the meaning of the name.

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forming the verse The main Scripture verse where the name is found will be introduced along with actions to help remem-ber the verse. Encourage the children to find the verse in their Bible (or one you provide). The verse will also be on the power point slide.

Note: The verses are in ESV unless otherwise noted.

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the workBible StoryThe Bible Story is either a narrative or passage of Scripture that helps the kids understand the meaning of the name of Jesus.

PrayerThe prayer time has suggestions for specific things to pray about. This is a crucial part of the lesson. During this time children have the opportunity to reflect on the name of Jesus. It gives them a special time to talk to God and evaluate their lives. The goal of the curriculum is to not just learn facts about Jesus and His names but to lead the kids toward the One who can bring life transformation.

famous sculptorA famous sculptor will be introduced along with a few pieces of their art that will provide a springboard to an object lesson. This part of the lesson will help the kids to dig deeper into learning more about the name of Jesus.

extreme sculptingAn example of an extreme sculpture medium (contemporary in nature) will point kids toward under-standing how the name of Jesus makes a difference in their own lives. It is a bridge between knowledge of the name and application of the name.

The activity will be a small group activity. This part of the lesson also helps kids review what they have learned about the name of Jesus.

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DisplayThese activities work well for small groups. Pick and choose activities.

the sculpture StudioKids will create an individual art project based on one of the methods learned in the lesson. The name of Jesus will be reviewed.

GamesA group game in which the name of Jesus will be applied to life.

bible memory activityKids will use a variety of methods to learn the memory verse.

Express YourselfKids participate in discussion with a small group.

SnackKids create a snack in the form of the symbol that represents the name of Jesus.

Gallery CardsGallery cards are similar to trading cards (baseball, etc). Two different kinds of trading cards are provided: one in color and one that can be colored. The cards contain the name of Jesus studied, the symbols associated with the name, and the Bible verse that corresponds with the name.

Print the cards on heavy cardstock. Each week give out the card corresponding to the name. The kids can collect the cards as a reminder of the name of Jesus and the meaning of the name.

Consider laminating the cards to provide a lasting reminder.

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family guideGet families involved spiritually during the week. This take home paper provides the outline for what was taught along with suggestions for discussion and activities that can be done at home. It is simple so that parents can easily glance over the paper and understand what their child learned and imple-ment some activities at home with ease.

Planning AheadSuppliesAt the end of each lesson, you will find a supply list.

Special CharactersEnlist two adults or teens to play the parts of Francois and Frank (Francoise and Fran).

Decorating IdeasA colorful factory can be designed for the set. When a unit ends and another one begins, the main part of the stage can be changed to show this transition.

The Gallery is a place where art created in the factory is displayed. Often the art is also created in the Gallery.

Some simple ideas:

For the overall factory:-Use dryer hoses for smokestacks on the factory. -Make conveyer belts using poles (dowel rods, empty wrapping paper tubes, PVC pipes) and fabric, plastic or paper. -Make the factory colorful- choose 3 colors to use throughout the series. -Place “Do not enter” signs on fake doors. Put up fake doors to the other rooms with signs “The Lab, “ “Junkyard” and “Building Zone.”

-Use cardboard boxes to make the front of the fac-tory. Use the graphic on the front page of the lesson as a guide.

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For the Gallery:-Place paintings, sculptures and other works of art in the area. -Place easels, paintbrushes, pottery wheels, palettes, pottery tools and paint in a corner as if artists are at work. -Works of art in “progress” can be placed in the area.

Teaching TipsCharactersGive each character room to ad-lib and develop a personality. They should never read their scripts. Also, they should not memorize them word for word. Ad-libbing gives more authenticity to the characters.

TeachingTeach from your heart and experience! Never read the lesson to the class. Always study ahead. Paraphrase the lesson in your own words. The “scripts” are meant to be a guide. Let the Holy Spirit work through you. The most important part of the curriculum is not the curriculum itself, but the teacher. Make sure you have prayed for the class before even thinking about beginning.

PowerpointPowerPoint is a tool to enhance your teaching. When you see a small graphic of a PP in the lesson that is your cue that there is a slide to complement a specific point. Be sure to practice teaching with the PowerPoint if you are not used to using it. Have an assistant follow the lesson and advance the screen as necessary. Another option is to purchase a PowerPoint remote control.

Memory VersesLesson One: “And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the right-eous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17

Lesson Two: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10

Lesson Three: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12-13

Lesson Four: “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

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Lesson Symbol Bible Verse Main Point Bible Story1. Physician Medicine

BottleMatthew 2:17 Jesus, the

Physician, came to heal the sick.

The Calling of Matthew

Mark 2:13-17

2. Son of Man

Stick Man Luke 19:10 Jesus, the Son of Man, identifies with

those He came to save because He became a

man.

ZacchaeusLuke 19:1-10

3. Friend Two Hands John 15:12-13 Jesus, the Friend, mod-els how to love each

other.

Jesus teaching on being his friendJohn 15:12-17

4. Servant Towel and Basin

Matthew 20:28 Jesus, the Servant, did not come to make himself great but to

serve others.

A Mother’s RequestMatthew 20:20-28

Sculpture park overview

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