LifeWay's January Bible Study for Preschoolers 2007 · January Bible Study 2007: Preschool 2 Meeting1 ... official gave each of these men a new name. Apparently, ... • A five-year-old

J a n u a r y B i b l e S t u d y 2 0 0 7 : P r e s c h o o l

4Teacher Responsibilities

Each JBS group needs a team of teacherswho will work together to plan each meeting. This group will want to meettogether and pray for themselves and thechildren who will be attending. Basicallythere are two main responsibilities:• Lead Teacher/Director—This teacher is

designated as the person “in charge” forthe group. She will conduct planningmeetings, request and order supplies,and coordinate each meeting. The leadteacher usually greets each child at theclassroom doorway and helps introducehim into a learning activity. She alsoleads the group-time experiences withthrees through kindergarten and dividesthe responsibilities involved in eachlearning activity among the otherteachers.

• Teachers—These persons help prepareand lead Bible-learning activities.

Preschool CharacteristicsThe best teachers are ones who know andunderstand preschoolers. Take a momentto remind yourself about some basic characteristics of preschoolers:• They are literal-minded. Preschoolers do

not understand symbolic terms like“God’s house,” “Lamb of God,” and“Word of God.” Teachers should usemore concrete terms with preschoolerssuch as “church,” “Jesus,” and “Bible.”

• They are active learners. Most adultscan sit for long periods of time to listenand learn. However, preschoolers needto be actively involved in their learning.

• They are unique. Each child is distinctive and has special interests, abilities, and needs. He also has his own

particular personality. The most successful teachers offer a variety ofchallenging activities and opportunitiesfor learning.

Meeting ScheduleEach learning meeting is designed to beaccomplished in one hour or one and ahalf hours. The schedule for babiesthrough twos is dictated by the needs ofthe preschoolers for rest, nourishment,and activity. Bible-learning activitiesshould be interspersed throughout the meeting as the preschoolers are awakeand even while physical needs are beingmet.

The meeting for threes through kinder-garten begins with introductory activitiesand then transitions into a group time.Following group time, preschoolers areinvited to choose from various Bible-learning centers. Clean-up time follows these activities and transitionsinto a closing group time.

Bible verses and phrases, songs, andBible story conversation should be sharedthroughout the entire meeting aspreschoolers are involved in learning.When sharing a Bible story during grouptime, be sure to hold the Bible in your lapand tell the story in your own words.

Positive Guidance andRelationship Building

To lessen problems that occur whenpreschoolers are bored, plan and provide avariety of activities. Be ready to start additional activities if the children getrestless. Redirection of attention worksbest.

Plan group-time activities carefully.

Alternate active and quiet activities tohelp prevent preschoolers from gettingtoo wiggly.

All teachers should sit with the childrenduring group learning times. Sometimes apat on the arm, tap on the shoulder, or nodfrom a teacher can help refocus a disruptive child.

When correcting a child’s behavior,label the action, not the preschooler. Helphim know what is acceptable behavior.Stoop to the child’s level and look direct-ly into his eyes. You may reach out andgently hold a child’s arm or put your armaround his shoulder. Use a calm voice.Encourage preschoolers who can talk touse words to communicate their feelingswithout hitting or kicking.

Foundational TeachingAs a teacher of preschoolers, your role isto lay spiritual foundations in the children’s lives upon which God’s Spiritcan build. During this JBS, you will be teaching foundational, age-suitable Bibletruths about building a church, bringingan offering, teaching at church, and givingto others.

January Bible Study for Preschoolers 2007God and Me

Welcome . . .This teaching plan is designed to be used during your church’s January Bible Study.

You may also choose to use it any time quality Bible learning is needed for preschoolers.

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© Copyright 2006 LifeWay Press

Jan uar y B ib l e Stu dy 2 0 07 : P r e sc h o o l 2

Meeting1

BIBLE STORY:God Wants Me to Make Good Choices

Scripture Reference:

Daniel 1:3-20

BIBLICAL TRUTH:God has a plan for

each of us.

LIFE QUESTION:What may I choose?

LIFE IMPACT:I can learn to make

good choices.

Personal Bible Study

God Wants Me to Make Good ChoicesGod Wants Me to Make Good Choices

Biblical Setting (Daniel 1:3-20)

Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylonia, had gone towar against the nation of Judah. The king’sarmies took prisoners back to Babylonia, alongwith treasures and sacred vessels from thetemple. Daniel and his companions wereamong those taken prisoners.


The word choices is vividly proclaimed on thelicense plates at an automobile dealer in ourcity. Whether the dealer is claiming that peoplehave a choice in makes, models, colors, prices, oreven dealerships, the fact is that choices areavailable. We all make choices every day—choices about food, dress, activities,companions, and even about whether or not toacknowledge God’s presence in our lives. Somechoices seemingly have little lasting effect inthe overall scheme of life; others have aprofound effect on us personally, as well as onother people and events. Learning to make wisechoices does not happen suddenly; muchpractice is required. God, in His wisdom, createdmankind in His image with abilities andresponsibilities. Theologians have long debatedthe meaning of our being created in the imageof God. Is it possible that at least a part of thattruth has to do with the freedom to makeconscious choices? God purposefully choseeach element of His creation. Rather thancreating us as puppets on a string, He gives usthe opportunity, responsibility, and ability tomake choices each day. This week’s Bible studyfocuses on one who faced important andpotentially life-threatening choices.

Training for the King’s Service (1:3-5)

King Nebuchadnezzar gave orders to the chiefof his court officials to choose some of theyoung Israelites to be prepared for service in hispalace. List the characteristics the king desired.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4PREPAREPREPARE

3 Jan uar y B ib l e Stu dy 2 0 07 : P r e sc h o o l

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Young men were chosen to begin theirthree-year training program. Among thesewere at least four from Judah: Daniel,Hanniah, Mishael, and Azriah. The king’sofficial gave each of these men a newname. Apparently, this was a commonpractice to wipe out nationalism andreligion. The meanings of names were veryimportant to the Hebrew people. Daniel’sname meant “God is my judge.”The “El”portion of Daniel was one of the namesused by the Hebrews to refer to God. Thenew names for these four contained anelement of the name of a Babylonian god.

In addition to the training for the youngmen, the king ordered that they be giventhe very best foods, even that which wascustomarily served at his own table. Eachday, the young men were given a certainamount of food.

Choosing to Obey God (1:6-17)

Hebrew laws related to preparation offoods were very strict, and Daniel hadobviously been well taught at home priorto his capture. A further consideration wasthat the king’s food had probably beenused as a sacrifice to the false gods beforecoming to the palace. Courageously, Danieldared to request that he be allowed to eatfoods that would not be contrary to theHebrew dietary laws.

How do you think Daniel acquired thecourage and strength to stand for thatwhich he knew to be right? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Read Deuteronomy 6:5-7. God gave thispattern to the Israelites for the training oftheir families and others in theirhouseholds. Do you suppose Daniel grewup in a family that took God’s mandates toheart and followed them? He probably did.

Advising the King (1:18-20)

Daniel chose to remain faithful to God andto the teachings he had learned in hishomeland. God honored his faithfulnessand obedience, preparing him for a place

of power and service in the palace ofNebuchadnezzar. When the three-yeartraining ended, the king found no oneequal to Daniel and his friends. The kingasked them for advice; and their answerswere always the best.

God had a plan for Daniel’s life. Danielmust have sometimes wondered how Godwould work out all the details, but hetrusted Him even in the midst of whatseemed to be defeat and uncertainty.

Reflect on times when you haveexperienced uncertainty about what Godwas doing in your life. What or whoencouraged you to trust that God lovedyou and had a wonderful plan in mind foryou?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Are there some choices you and otherteachers need to make to upgrade yourplanning and teaching skills? Write onething you will purposefully choose to learnor prepare before next Sunday._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bible Truths in This Passage

• God has a plan for each life.• God gives us the responsibility, freedom,

and ability to make wise choices.• The assurance of God’s presence, power,

and grace gives us the courage to makewise decisions.

From Teacher to Child

• Preschoolers need opportunities topractice making choices. As they aregiven these opportunities in a safe,loving atmosphere, their abilities willdevelop.

• Whether a baby prefers to be rocked orwalked around the room is notimportant. However, teachers whorespect his right to choose help set thestage for later decisions.

• A five-year-old who is given theopportunity to choose whether he worksa puzzle or builds a block structure ispracticing important skills.

BIBLE VERSESAND PHRASES:

Babies–2s“God gives food to us”

(Psalm 136:25).

“Jesus grew tall”

(Luke 2:52).

“God loves us”

(1 John 4:10).

3s–Kindergarten“God made the fruit”

(Genesis 1:11).

“God gives food to

every creature”

(Psalm 136:25).

“Do what is right”

(2 Corinthians 13:7).


4ENCOUNTERENCOUNTER

Explore Bible Truths with Babies & 1s

BibleConversationfor Babies and 1sUse Bible conversation asbabies and ones areinvolved in meetingactivities.

• Daniel listened to God.• Daniel chose good

food to eat.• Daniel’s friends chose

good food.• God helped Daniel and

his friends.

Teaching TipChildren learn in differentways about the world aroundthem. Some learn by hearingwhile others learn by seeingand touching. It is importantthat we teach with this inmind. Plan to teach eachchild the way he will learnbest about God’s love.

GATHER:• Bible

• elastic

• colorful stack rings

• scissors

• empty plastic milk jug

• craft knife or scissors

• string

• tape

• two shoe boxes without lids

Before the Meeting:• Read and study the Bible

material for teachers.• Pray for each child by name

and pray for her family.• Review the Bible

conversation, Bible story fortwos, and Bible verses andphrases.

• Gather a basket and severalapples.

• Gather all materials needed forthe meeting.

Greet: Stoop to greet Abby ather eye level. Show her a basketof apples and say: “Abby, Godmade the apples. God gives foodto us. Thank You, God, for goodfood.” Be sure Abby does notthrow the apple or put it in hermouth. Give Abby twoacceptable choices. Ask her ifshe would like to put the appleback in the basket or put it onthe table.

PLAY WITH A RING MOBILEBefore the meeting, tie one endof the elastic to a crib side. Slidethe stack rings onto the elasticand tie the other end to theopposite crib side. Cut awayexcess elastic. Make sure babyMardie can touch the rings withher hands and feet. As she gazesat the rings, say: “Mardie, Godloves you. Mrs. Shook lovesyou. I’m glad God made you.”

Lay an empty milk jughorizontally. Cut a large square-shaped hole in the top side of thejug, leaving the top portion ofthe jug intact. Tape cut edges toavoid injuries. Tie a length ofstring around the hole where the

lid is attached. Then use twoshorter lengths of string toattach the shoe boxes behind themilk jug (like train cars). One-year-old Mikey can walkaround and fill the train withtoys. Suggest that he place aBible on the train. Say:“Michael, please take the Bibleto Mr. Bill. He would like toread about how much Godloves us.”

BooksSuggest to John that he mightwant to lie on the mat and lookat a book about Jesus. Open theBible and tell him: “The Bibletells us about Jesus. Jesus said,‘Love one another.’ ” Say athank-you prayer such as,“Thank You, God. I can learnabout Jesus.” Show babyMeredith the present-daypicture of the child at church.Sing softly to her (tune “God IsSo Good”): “Meredith came tochurch, Meredith came tochurch. I am so glad Meredithcame to church.”

NatureIf taking a walk outside witholder babies and ones ispossible, enjoy blowing bubblesin a grassy area. Inside, find acarpeted area so that thebubbles will not produce aslippery floor. While you blowbubbles, talk about the happytimes friends have at church.Say: “I am learning about Jesuswith my friends at church.Thank You, God, for friends atchurch.”

GATHER:• Bible

• books about

Jesus

• napping mat

• pillow

• present-day

picture of a child

at church

GATHER: • Bible

• bubbles


Explore Bible Truths with 2sUse in addition to Explore Bible Truths with Babies & 1s.

Meeting1

GATHER:• Bible

• scissors

• sponges

• empty thread

spools

• red tempera paint

• aluminum pie pan

• white paper

• paint smocks

GATHER:• Bible

• felt-tip marker

• cut apple shapes from

red construction paper

• apples (peeled and

scraped to avoid

chunks that might

choke a child)

• apple juice

• applesauce

• paper cups

• plastic spoons

• napkins

PAINT WITH SPONGESBefore the meeting, cut spongesinto apple shapes. Glue a spoolonto each sponge for a handle (tokeep paint from getting on thechildren’s hands). Cover thebottom of the pan with redtempera paint. Print the Biblephrase “God gives food to us” atthe top of a paper for each child.Lay the papers around the table.

Guide Sara Jane to dip a spongein paint and place it on her paper.As she works, show her the Bible.Say: “The Bible says, ‘God givesfood to us.’ Thank You, God, forgood food.”

TASTE APPLESPrint items to be tasted today on apiece of paper. Add a note, askingparents to let you know if theirchild is allergic to the items.Display the paper outside the doorto your room where parents willsee it. Put the red apple shapes inthe Bible at today’s Biblereferences found on page 2 of thismeeting.

Invite Rachel and Patrick totake turns “picking” an apple fromthe Bible. Read each Bible phraseand ask the child to repeat it. Thensay: “The Bible tells us that Godloves us and gave us apples to eat.They help us grow tall, like Jesusgrew tall.” Offer spoonfuls ofscraped apple, apple juice, andapplesauce to the children to tastewhile you tell the Bible story.Then say: “Apples grow on trees.All of these foods are made fromapples. Which food did you likebest?”

PULL A TRAINFollow directions in the second part ofthe mobiles activity for ones (p. 3) formaking a train from a milk jug andshoe boxes.

Two-year-old Connor will be able towalk around and fill the train withtoys. Place a picture of Daniel in theBible. Suggest that he place the Bibleand fruit on the train. Say, “Connor,can you carry the Bible and fruit toJimmy? Show Jimmy the picture ofDaniel and tell him what youremember about the Bible story.”

BIBLE STORY PLUSLead the children to tiptoe to the

circle, arms stretched over their heads.While the children are standing, do

simple exercises: stretch side-to-side,twist at the waist, march in place,touch toes, and sit down. Talk aboutways our bodies grow to be strong andhealthy.

Tell the Bible story; show thepicture. Ask: “What did Daniel do togrow strong?”

Sing these words (tune “God Is SoGood”): “God gives us food,” (singthree times), “Food to help us grow.”

Bible Story for 2s:Tell the Bible story in brief segments as twos areinvolved in activities.

Daniel and his friends listened to God. One daythe king took Daniel and his friends to come tolive at his house. He gave them food andsomething to drink. Daniel chose to eatvegetables and drink water. He grew big andstrong. Daniel made a good choice.

GATHER:• Bible

• empty plastic

milk jug

• craft knife

• string

• two shoe boxes

without lids

• variety of fruit

(such as

banana, apple,

and orange)

• picture of

Daniel from old

picture sets or

other source


4ENCOUNTERENCOUNTER

Before the Meeting:• Pray for each child and teacher.• Practice telling the Bible story and

missions story in your own words.• Learn the suggested songs.• Cut three colors of paper (such as red,

blue, and yellow) into several strips. Printa different Bible phrase on each color ofpaper. Place one scratch-and-sniff orregular food sticker (bought, orhomemade using pictures and tape) oneach marker. Place the Bible markers attoday’s references. Make sure you haveenough markers for each child.

Greet: Place a basket of fruit andvegetables near the door. Kneel and greeteach child with a smile. Say: “I am gladyou came to church today. Our Bible storyis about Daniel choosing healthy food toeat.” Pick up a fruit and ask the child toname it. Then help her find an activity todo. Set the basket aside until cleanup time.

Introduce Bible TruthsChoose two activities to use as the childrenarrive. (Note: Continue these two activitiesalong with additional activities during theExplore Bible Truths time.)

Learn Together• As children come to group time, give each

child a fruit or vegetable to hold as he sitsin a circle. Say: “We are going to play agame. Listen closely as I name two fruitsor vegetables. If you are holding one ofthe items I name, please trade seats withthe person holding the other item I name.”Continue to play the game until every childhas traded places at least once. Collectthe fruits and vegetables in a basket.

• Open the Bible to Daniel 1 and tell the storyin your own words. Tell only the boldfacedportions for threes and younger fours.

God Wants Me to Make Good ChoicesScripture Reference: Daniel 1:3-20

King Nebuchadnezzar (NEB yoo kad NEZuhr) sent his helper to find young men whowere clean and healthy. They had to beable to learn quickly and easily. They

would live at the king’s palace for threeyears and then become his special helpers.

Daniel and three of his friends werechosen. They went to the palace to livewith the king. The king’s helper broughtthe young men rich food to eat. Danielknew they should not eat the foodbecause it would not be good for them.Daniel had a hard choice to make.

So Daniel asked the king’s helper if heand his friends could have only vegetablesto eat and water to drink. The king’shelper answered, “The king will not behappy if you do not eat his food.”

Daniel begged: “Please let me and myfriends have vegetables and water for 10days. After 10 days, look at us and lookat the men who eat the king’s food.Then decide what you will do.” Thehelper agreed.

So for 10 days, Daniel and his friendsonly ate vegetables and drank water. Onthe tenth day, it was time to see who hadmade the wise choice. The king’s helperlooked at Daniel and his friends. Theywere stronger and healthier than theothers. He said, “You were right. I willgive you only foods that are healthy.”

After three years, Daniel and hisfriends were brought before the king.The king was very happy. He could notfind men better than they. Daniel and hisfriends became the king’s special helpers.

• Explain that each week, you will singthe same song but change the words torelate to that week’s Bible story. Singthese words about today’s story (tune“The Farmer in the Dell”): “Daniel ategood food, Daniel ate good food, TheBible says he made wise choices, Danielate good food.”

• Allow the children to remove the Biblemarkers, and be seated again. Ask all ofthe children holding red Bible markersto stand. Read aloud the phrase on theirmarkers and ask them to repeat it to thegroup. Follow the same process for theyellow and blue markers. Comment onhow the stickers smell.

• Pray, thanking God for everyone presenttoday. Also thank God for food and waterand allowing us to make choices.

MeetingSchedulefor 3s—Kindergarten:

Introduce Bible Truths

(5-10 min)

Learn Together (10-15 min)

• Play a game.• Hear a Bible story.• Sing a song.• Learn Bible verses.• Say a thank-you prayer.

Explore Bible Truths

(25-35 min)

• Build a palace with blocksand food boxes.

• Paint with sponges.• Sort pictures of fruits and

vegetables.• Taste bread and butter.• Measure water.

Clean Up (5 min)

Apply Bible Truths

(5-10 min)

• Play a game about goodand bad choices.

• Talk about the Biblewritten in differentlanguages.

• Hear a missions story.• Pray for the missionaries.• Match food pictures.

7

Explore Bible Truths with 3s–Kindergarten

GATHER:• Bible

• a picture of Daniel

from your teaching

picture file

• tape

• empty food boxes

• cardboard blocks

GATHER:• Bible

• newspaper

• sponge shapes

• scissors (optional)

• clothespins

• three aluminum pie

pans

• three different colors

of washable paint

• paint smocks

• paper plates

• markers

GATHER:• Bible

• scissors

• old magazines or

literature

• glue or tape

• two paper plates

• yellow crayon or felt-

tip highlighter

Each activity is an opportunity toreinforce and cultivate Bibletruths. Provide as many Bible-learning activities as possible.

BUILD A PALACEInvite Gisela to sit with you.Show her the picture of Daniel.Use the picture to introduce ashort version of the Bible story.Invite Gisela to help you buildthe king’s house with boxes andblocks. Talk about the differentkinds of foods pictured on theboxes. Mention that some foodsare healthy, and some are not.Ask Gisela to name her favoritefoods. Comment that we choosethe kinds of food we like to eat,just like Daniel did in the Biblestory. When Gisela finishesbuilding, help her stack the boxesso the next child can have a turn.

PAINT WITH SPONGESCover a table with newspaper foreasy cleanup. Buy or cut spongesin different fruit and vegetableshapes. Attach a clothespin toeach sponge to make it easier touse for painting. Pour a differentcolor of paint into each pan.

Open the Bible to Genesis 1:11and read, “God made the fruit.”Ask the children to repeat thephrase with you. Hold up eachsponge shape and ask what kindof fruit or vegetable it resembles.Invite a few children at a time toput on smocks then sponge painton paper plates. Remind themthat the paint goes only on thepaper plates. Caution the childrennot to mix the paints. Say,“When you are finished using asponge, please make sure youput it back in the correct piepan.” Print each child’s name atthe bottom of his plate and lay itaside to dry. Praise the childrenabout how well they shared thesponges.

GATHER:• Bible

• globe or map

• hard bread rolls

• butter

• plastic knives

• napkins

• pitcher of water

• plastic cups

SORT PICTURESCut out magazine pictures of 10different fruits and 10 differentvegetables. Glue or tape a fruitpicture onto one plate and a vegetablepicture onto the other plate. Openthe Bible to Psalm 136:25 andhighlight the verse “God givesfood to every creature.” Arrangethe pictures near the Bible andpaper plates.

Show Minoru the two plates.Ask him to name the food picturedon each plate and decide if it is afruit or vegetable. Guide him tosort the remaining pictures ontothe correct plate by category.Then show Minoru the highlightedBible verse. Explain that the word“creature” means any living,breathing thing. Pray, thankingGod for fruits and vegetables.

Kindergartners could sort thefood pictures by colors.

TASTE BREADPrint items to be tasted today ona piece of paper. Add a note,asking parents to let you know iftheir child is allergic to the items.Display the paper outside thedoor to your room where parentswill see it.

Arrange the supplies on atable. Invite the children to tastebread and butter. Remind them tobe careful with the knives as theyspread butter on their bread. Alsooffer them water to drink. Say:“In the Bible story, Daniel andhis friends ate healthy food. TheBible says, ‘Do what is right.’God wants us to eat healthyfood, too.” Point toGermany on the globeor map and add:“Children inGermany eat breadand butter. Bread andbutter are good choices ofhealthy food.” Ask them to nameother healthy foods.

Jan uar y B ib l e Stu dy 2 0 07 : P r e sc h o o l


MEASURE WATERSpread a towel on the table. Fill thepitcher with water. Pour about threeinches of water in the dishpan andset it on the towel. Lay anothertowel nearby for drying wet hands.Prop the picture near the dishpan butnot close enough to get wet. Remindthe children to be careful of spills.Invite them to take turns using thecups and spoons to measure water.As they measure and pour, helpthem count to five. Then giveanother child a turn to play, and soforth. Call attention to the picture.Talk about how Daniel and hisfriends drank water with their food.Say: “Our bodies need water. Plantsand animals need water, too. Howmany of you like water?” Offerthem water to drink. Sing the words(tune “God Is So Good”): “Godmade the water. God made thewater. God made the water. He’s sogood to us.”

Invite kindergartners to measurespecific amounts of water.

Clean Up: Retrieve the basket offruits and vegetables used early in themeeting. Go to each center and tellthe children that it is time to clean up.As each child finishes her task, giveher an item from the basket. Tell herto carefully take it to group time.

Apply Bible Truths• Provide two paper lunch bags.

Draw a smile on one bag and afrown on the other bag. Print goodand bad choices on paper strips(examples: put your toys awaywhen Mom tells you; go to bedwithout brushing your teeth orsaying your prayers; eateverything on your plate atdinner; say mean things to yourbrother; leave all of your dirtyclothes on the floor; say thank you

to grandma for your birthdaypresent). Read each choicealoud. Give the paper strip to achild and help him decide if theaction was a good or bad choice.

Then invite the child to put thepaper strip in the correct bag.Make sure there are enough actionsfor each child to have a turn.

• If possible, collect Bibles indifferent languages. Explain:“Children all around the worldlove God, but not everyone saysHis name the same way. Childrenin some countries speak adifferent language than we do. InGermany, children call God derGott.” If you have a Bible in adifferent language, show it to thechildren. Even though many ofthe boys and girls cannot read yet,they still should be able to see thedifference in the words.

• Say: “Listen to today’s missionsstory about people in Germany.”Tell the story in your own words.

“People who live in Germany do notspeak English. The language they useis German. German is a very differentlanguage than the one you use.

People in Germany can read theirBibles and study about God just likeyou can. Missionaries help themaker of the Bible to print the Biblein the language the people ofGermany can read.

The people who live in Germanyare glad to be able to read the Biblein the language they understand.God is glad for people who are ableto write the Bible in German.”

• Pray for the people in Germany.Thank God for the children inGermany and the people who helpto write the Bible in the Germanlanguage.

• Offer the matching game used inthe Puzzles center. Encourage thechildren to match pictures of fruitsand vegetables until parents arrive.

Teaching3s—Kindergarten

GATHER:• Bible

• towels

• plastic pitcher

• water

• plastic dishpan

• measuring cups and

spoons

• paper cups

• a picture of Daniel and

his friends


Meeting 2

4PREPAREPREPARE Personal Bible Study

God Wants Me to Be a Good FriendGod Wants Me to Be a Good Friend

BIBLE STORY:God Wants Me to Be a Good Friend


1 Samuel 18:1-4


each of us.

LIFE QUESTION:To whom may I

be a friend?

LIFE IMPACT:I can learn to be

a good friend.

Biblical Setting (1 Samuel 8:1-4)

Before David moved into the palace of KingSaul, many of the events recorded in Scriptureabout him had already taken place. Hisanointing by Samuel as the next king of Israel,his appearance at King Saul’s court to play hissoothing music for the disturbed king, and hisconfrontation of Goliath had brought Davidinto a unique relationship with Jonathan, theking’s son.


Being a good friend and having a good friendare two of God’s choicest grace-gifts. Bert, myhusband, sat in our church auditorium on aSunday morning after receiving a telephone calltelling him his mother was near death. I hadgone to Oklahoma to be with his parents andhad called to tell him he needed to prepare forthe trip. I was sorry not to be there with him atthat time, but he told me later about thestrength he felt from being with friends whotruly loved him. He commented:“As much as Iloved my family, in some ways I was just as closeto friends in the church with whom I haddevoted relationships. Being together often andregularly built strong bonds among us.” God’slove strengthens these bonds as we worshiptogether, play together, and work together.

This week’s Bible study focuses on the strongand enduring friendship between David andJonathan. Read 1 Samuel 18:1-4 in more thanone biblical translation to help gain anunderstanding of the importance of theirfriendship. Let us explore some components ofthe friendship of a shepherd boy, David, and theeldest son of the king, Jonathan. Are these samecomponents present in your friendships?

Loyalty

The events that would follow during the nextseveral years demanded strong loyaltiesbetween the two men. King Saul’sdetermination to view David as an enemy andultimately kill him would surely test the limits of


the relationship between Jonathan andDavid. They were able to stand againstoutside forces which would seek to tearthem apart. Review the events in 1 Samuel19. Saul’s actions went far beyond gossip;but gossip can destroy a friendshipbetween people. Loyalty to one anotherwill guard against such incidents.

Trust

More than once, David and Jonathanfound themselves literally trusting eachother with their lives. They becameprotective of each other in battle and alsoagainst the inner workings of the palace,especially as it became increasinglyobvious that Saul would do whatever wasnecessary to have David killed. Betrayal ofeach other could easily have occurred ifeither David or Jonathan had not beencompletely trustworthy. How precious tohave a friend of this quality!

Togetherness

Saul unknowingly contributed to thedevelopment of Jonathan and David’sfriendship. How is this shown in 18:2?______________________________________________________________________Saul would not let David return to hisfather’s home but kept him at the palace.Time together is needed for developingstrong bonds of friendship. Today’s mobilesociety sometimes makes it difficult tospend time together. Long-distancefriendships may be maintained by makinga conscious decision to do so. Do you havea special long-distance friend? Write theperson’s name here. __________________How do you maintain strong ties? ______

______________________________________________________________________

As wonderful as long-distance friendsare, we need people who are a regular partof our lives. Letters, e-mail, and telephonecalls are satisfying; but they cannot replacea hug, gentle touch, or twinkle in one’s eye.Do people in your church meet this needfor preschoolers and their families? Ourchurch ministers to families in the armedforces. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, andcousins may be a continent away. Thechurch may become their surrogate family.

Love

Describe Jonathan’s love for David asstated in verses one and three. _______________________________________________________________________________Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.Read 2 Samuel 1:26. David’s love forJonathan was poignantly expressed in thisverse. David loved Jonathan as a brotherand grieved for him following Jonathan’sdeath. The two were united by love, tiedtogether firmly by bonds that could not bedissolved. In today’s vernacular, we mightsay that they found their soul mates, andthey became life-long friends.

The covenant between the two youngmen (v. 3) probably happened after theyhad spent much time together and sharedmany experiences. Think back through theOld Testament to recall other covenantsbetween men. Recall covenants God madewith specific persons. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Which of these Old Testamentcovenants between God and His peopleseem to be most applicable to us?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


• A true friend is to be treasured.• God created people to be in relationship

with Him and with one another.• Putting forth the effort to build and

sustain deep friendships is pleasing toGod.

• I can thank God for special friends.


• Becoming familiar with the word friendmay be a beginning step for babies.

• As a teacher, you have the opportunityto be a friend and encourage friendshipsamong the boys and girls.

• As teachers talk about friends,preschoolers can learn that God wantsthem to be kind, helpful, and lovingfriends.

MeetingInformation

BIBLE VERSESAND PHRASES:

Babies–2s“Jesus said,‘You are

My friends’ ”(John 15:14-15).

“Help one another”(Galatians 5:13).

“I thank God”(2 Timothy 1:3).

3s–Kindergarten“A friend loves

at all times”(Proverbs 17:17).

“We work together”(1 Corinthians 3:9).

“Let us love one another”

(1 John 4:7).


4ENCOUNTERENCOUNTER


GATHER:• Bible

• basket

• plastic golf balls

• small basketballs

and sponge balls

• empty, cardboard

wrapping paper

tubes

BibleConversationfor Babies and 1sUse Bible conversation asbabies and ones are involved in meeting activities.

• Jonathan was David’sfriend.

• Jonathan loved David.• Jonathan helped David.• Jonathan was a good friend.

Teaching TipInteract with each infant. Hewill sense security and lovewhen you talk to him. Listenand maintain eye contact ifyou want real conversationwith a preschooler. Thepreschooler knows he is apart of conversation if youlisten and respond to hiscooing or his words.


material for teachers.• Prepare disinfecting solution

(4 cups water to 1 tablespoonchlorine bleach) in spraybottles.

• Pray for each child, parent,and teacher.

• Prepare the room before thefirst child arrives.

• Gather supplies needed forthe meeting.

Greet: Play quiet music as thechildren arrive. Dim the lightsto create a safe, secureatmosphere. Talk softly toMadyson as you gently take herfrom her mother’s arms. Helpher mother complete or updatean information card aboutMadyson’s routine. Continuethis process as each infantenters the room.

PLAY WITH A RATTLEGive each child a rattle or toy.If there are not enough rattlesto go around, make more byplacing beads or aquariumgravel inside small, plastic filmcontainers or medicine bottles.Fasten the lids securely withtape or glue.

Place Hayden in a bouncyseat and hand her a rattle. Singthe words (tune “MulberryBush”): “Hayden can makemusic, music, music. Haydencan make music, with all of herfriends.” Continue to sing thesong, using each child’s name.Invite one-year-olds Caleb andTucker to march around theroom and shake their rattles asyou sing. Pray, “I thank Godfor friends at church.”

ROLL BALLSTake a sponge ball andbasketball from the basket. When Son Yee reaches for aball, say: “Son Yee can holdthe ball. The Bible says,‘Help one another.’ SonYee is helping me hold theball.” Show her how to holda ball over her head or rollit on the floor.

As one-year-olds, Richardand Nita, hold opposite endsof a tube, ask Richard to siton the floor while Nitaremains standing. Guide herto place a golf ball in thetube so that it will roll downto Richard. Then ask Richardto stand up while Nita sits.Say: “Jesus said, ‘You areMy friends.’ Richard, youand Nita are friends. Godwants us to be good friends.”

FEEL BOXBefore the meeting, coverthe sides only of four tissueboxes with contact plastic.Cut around three sides ofthe boxes about one and ahalf inches from the top.Glue or tape a sock top tothe inside top of each box,projecting the finishedopening of the sock throughthe top of the box. Glue a“feel” item to the bottom ofeach box.

Hold Logan on your lap.Hold one box and guide hishand through the sockopening to feel the item. Ask,“Logan, what do you feel?”Lift the top and let himlook. Say: “The Bible says,‘Help one another.’ Mrs.Johns helped Logan feel the(name of object) in the box.”

GATHER:• Bible

• small, deep

tissue boxes

• colorful contact

plastic (optional)

• craft knife

• glue or tape

• old, clean sock

tops

• “feel” items (such

as small shell,

cotton ball, small

rock, sandpaper

square, piece of

silk cloth, wood)

GATHER:• Bible

• rattles and other toys

that make sounds



Meeting 2

GATHER:• Bible

• measuring cup

• water

• aluminum pie pan

• white paper

• colored chalk

• picture of David and

Jonathan from old

literature

GATHER:• Bible

• a variety of artificial

flowers

• Styrofoam®

• basket

DRAW WITH CHALKPour 1⁄4 cup water into the pan. Giveeach child a piece of paper. ShowSabrina how to dip one piece ofchalk at a time into the water anduse it to draw on her paper. Whenshe is finished using that piece ofchalk, she may choose anothercolor of chalk to continue drawing.Show the picture to the children.Say: “Sabrina and Josie are goodfriends. The Bible says David andJonathan were good friends. TheBible tells us ‘Jesus said, “You areMy friends.” ’ I thank God forgood friends.”

ARRANGE FLOWERSSpread the flowers on a table. AsSam and Caitlin come to the table,say: “Would you like to help mearrange these flowers in a basket? Ithought that we might take thebasket of flowers to a churchmember who is sick or in thehospital.” Guide the children toplace the foam in the bottom of thebasket and then stick the flowerstems in the foam. When the projectis complete, thank them for theirhelp.

READ A BOOKSit on a mat on the floor and showa child pictures of children in theRead to Me Bible for Kids. ShowWill a picture such as “David andJonathan” and tell him that theBible says ‘Jesus said, “You areMy friends.” ’ I thank God forgood friends.”

Picture-read a book with a child.Use parts of the Bible conversationaccording to his developmentallevel and as long as he is interested.

BIBLE STORY PLUSFrom construction paper, cut two

each of several simple shapes. GuideEllen to sit with a friend holding thesame shape as her friend.

Play a guessing game: “I see afriend in a blue shirt holding a yellowstar. Who is it?”

After every child is named, tell theBible story. Look at a picture ofJonathan and David. Say: “A Bibleverse is ‘help one another.’ How canwe help our friends?”

Pray, thanking God for friends.

GATHER:• Read to Me

Bible for Kids

• simple books

with pictures of

young

preschoolers

and few words


David was Jonathan’s friend. Jonathan wasDavid’s friend. Jonathan and David were suchgood friends, they were like brothers.Jonathan gave David a present. It was abeautiful robe. Jonathan gave David otherpresents.

Jonathan loved David. Jonathan was agood friend.

13

4ENCOUNTERENCOUNTER


missions story in your own words.• Make Bible markers to use in the

Learn Together time. Print one oftoday’s Bible phrases on each marker.

• Learn the suggested songs.• Cut hearts from red construction

paper.

Greet: As you greet each child, showhim a picture of you and a friend andexplain the picture. Mention thattoday’s Bible story is about two friends,David and Jonathan. Invite the child tochoose an activity.

Introduce Bible TruthsChoose two Explore Bible Truthsactivities to use as the children arrive.(Note: Continue these two activitiesalong with additional activities duringthe Explore Bible Truths time.)

Learn Together• Using an empty, cardboard tube,

explain to the children that you aregoing to look through the tube andfind a friend. As you look around theroom through the tube, choose a childto describe to the group. Saysomething like: “I spy a friend. He iswearing a blue shirt and brown pants.He has black hair.” Invite the childrento guess whom you are describing.Continue to describe the child untilsomeone guesses correctly. Pass thetube to the friend you described.Encourage him to look through thetube and describe a friend of his.Make sure everyone gets a turn.Remind the children that a friendloves at all times.

• Lay the Bible markers where thechildren can reach them. Tell thechildren: “I am going to sing a songabout friends. When you hear yourname in the song, please come andtake one Bible marker.” Sing thewords (tune “London Bridge): “Inthis room, I have a friend, have a

friend, have a friend. In this room, Ihave a friend; Aleah is her name.” Ifthey seem interested in singing withyou, point to the next child before yousing his name. When each child has aBible marker, read the phrases aloud.

• Open the Bible to 1 Samuel 18 andtell the story in your own words. Tellthe boldfaced portions only for threesand younger fours.

God Wants Me to Be a Good FriendScripture Reference: 1 Samuel 18:1-4

Jonathan was King Saul’s son. Helived in the palace. King Saul likedDavid. He invited him to live in thepalace. While David lived in thepalace, he met Jonathan, and theybecame best friends.They liked to do things together.Jonathan and David made a promiseto each other that they would alwaysbe friends. Jonathan loved David verymuch. Jonathan wanted David tohave nice things like he had. Jonathandecided to give David a present toshow how much he loved him. Hetook off his robe and gave it to David.He also gave David his sword, his bowfor shooting arrows, and his belt.

• Ask questions about the story, suchas: “Who went to live in the palace?”“Who became best friends?” “Why did Jonathan give David gifts?”Say: “Jonathan loved David. Let uslove one another.”

• Ask for prayer requests. Pray forthose mentioned and thank God forgood friends.

• Continue the Bible story song begunin Meeting 1 but use these words thatrelate to this week’s story (tune “TheFarmer in the Dell”): “Jonathan andDavid, Jonathan and David, Theywere the best of friends, Jonathan andDavid.” After singing the song,encourage the children to sing withyou. You might want to sing the versefrom Meeting 1 as well.



(5-10 min)


• Play a guessing game.• Sing a song about friends.• Hear a Bible story.• Talk about the Bible story.• Pray.• Review Bible stories in a

song.


(25-35 min)

• Draw handprints.• Call a friend.• Sew lace-up cards.• Dress for winter.• Play with magnets.

Clean Up (5 min)

Apply Bible Truths

(5-10 min)

• Read Bible verses.• Hear a missions story.• Draw on a red heart.• Read books.

Jan uar y B ib l e Stu dy 2 0 07 : P r e sc h o o l


Explore Bible Truths with 3s—Kindergarten

GATHER:• Bible

• washable felt-tip

markers or crayons

• large sheets of white

paper

• construction paper

GATHER:• Bible

• toy telephones

• old telephone

directory


DRAW HANDPRINTSPrint the Bible phrase “We worktogether” (big enough forchildren to copy) on a sheet ofwhite paper. Give the childreneach a piece of constructionpaper and a marker or crayon.Ask them to print their name ontheir paper and then turn it overto the blank side. Read to themthe Bible phrase that you printed.Ask them to copy the verse ontotheir paper. Assist only asneeded. Then ask the children toname ways they can worktogether at church (pick up toys,clean up Dramatic Play area,stack blocks). Say, “We usuallyuse our hands when we worktogether.” Invite them to lightlytrace one or both of theirhandprints on their paper.

CALL A FRIENDOpen the Bible to the verse 1 John 4:7. Point to the words asyou read “Let us love oneanother” to Louisa. Ask her torepeat the words with you. Showher the telephone and directory.Suggest that she pretend to call afriend or family member to say,“I love you.” As she mentions aname, pretend to find thatperson’s name in thedirectory. Pray, thankingGod for friends.

Ask kindergartners ifthey know the telephonenumber at their home orat a friend’s house.

DRESS FOR WINTERPlace the globe on a table withSouth Africa facing the door.Lay the clothes nearby.

Tell the children, “In someparts of the world, it is coldnow.” Point to South Africa.Explain that it will be winterthere in about two months, justabout the time of year that wewill be having summer. Invitethem to try on some of theclothes. As a hat or scarf is used,place it in the plastic bag to takehome and wash. Hats andscarves should be used onlyonce to prevent the spread ofhead lice. Talk about thingsfriends do when it is cold outside(build a snowman, drink hotchocolate, throw snowballs).Ask the children to put the clothesback where they found them.

PLAY WITH MAGNETSCollect as many letter magnetsas possible. Lay them beside thecookie sheet with the picture ofDavid and Jonathan. ShowAshton the picture and tell him ashort version of the Bible story.Ask him to name the two friendsin the Bible story. Offer him theletter magnets. Say, “If you willname some of your friends, Iwill help you arrange themagnets to spell their names.”Sound out each name andencourage Ashton to guesswhich letter matches the soundat the beginning of the name.Use the phrase “A friend lovesat all times” as you talk withAshton about things friends dofor one another.

Clean Up: Ask the children toclean specific areas. As theyfinish, encourage them to graspthe hand of a friend and walkquietly to the circle.

GATHER:• Bible

• letter magnets

• metal cookie sheet

• a picture of David

and Jonathan

GATHER:• Bible

• globe or map

• winter clothes

(several hats and

scarves, mittens,

sweaters)

• plastic bag


Apply Bible Truths• Talk about ways we can be

good friends (share outgrownclothes, visit an elderlyneighbor, invite a new friendover to play).

• Say, “Children around theworld need to know that Godloves them and wants to betheir friend.” Tell the missionstory in your own words.

“The children who live in SouthAfrica live a long way fromwhere we are in the UnitedStates. South Africa is on theother side of the world and whenit is hot in parts of America, it iscooler in South Africa.

The temperature in SouthAfrica in April is about 55degrees. That may be warmerthan where you are right now.

Children who live in SouthAfrica hear stories about Jesusfrom missionaries who come andtell them. Some of themissionaries have boys and girlsthat go with them and are able totell the boys and girls aboutJesus.

In South Africa the boys andgirls love to play when it is coldoutside. Most of the year it isvery warm in South Africa sowhen it does get cold there aremany things the children enjoydoing.

One of their favorite things todo is to build a snowman.Building a snowman is great funfor the children in South Africaas well as the missionaries whoare there to tell them aboutJesus.”

• Give each child a heart cutfrom red construction paperand a crayon or marker. Thepaper heart should be largeenough for a picture to bedrawn on it by a child.Mention that one of today’sBible verses is “A friend loves

at all times.” Tell each child todraw a picture on the heart ofherself and a friend. Suggest thatshe show her love by giving thepicture to her friend this week.

• While waiting for parents toarrive, read books about friends.

• Encourage the preschoolers todo something nice this week forone of their friends.



Meeting3


God Wants Me to Be ThankfulGod Wants Me to Be Thankful

BIBLE STORY:God Wants Me

to Be Thankful


Luke 17:11-19


each of us.

LIFE QUESTION:Whom will I thank?

LIFE IMPACT:I can learn to be thankful.

Biblical Setting (Luke 17:11-19)

Jesus was journeying toward Jerusalem duringthe final months before He was crucified. Heand His followers had gained popularity amongthe people as they traveled the countryside,teaching and healing. Jesus had attracted somuch attention that significant opposition toHis ministry had developed among the religiousleaders. Disregarding the eminent danger Jesusknew awaited Him in Jerusalem, He moved ontoward the city. The healing of the lepers is oneof the vignettes set in the midst of this journey.

Personal Bible Study (Luke 17:11-19)

Developing a deep, sincere, thankful attitudemay be a life-long goal for many of us. An infantcan be heard to say “tant too” in the same toneof voice and rhythm that he has heard a parentor teacher use when saying “thank you.”Yet hehas little real understanding of the meaning ofthat simple expression. Some families teachtheir children to use what they call the “magic”words of please and thank you as a part of theireveryday lives. Over time, the children becomemore aware of the true meaning of the words;yet true, heartfelt thankfulness is often lackingin this time of relative plenty in our country. Thisweek’s Bible story and Bible-relatedconversation focus on the importance of havinga thankful heart. Plan to read Luke 17:11-19often this week, asking God to reveal His specialmessage for you.

A Disease That Alienated

Luke is the only one of the gospel writers whoreports the healing of the 10 lepers. Leprosy wasa term sometimes used to identify a number ofdiseases, all of them resulting in disfigurementof the body, as well as banishment from the restof the population. What instructions for leperswere contained in the Mosaic law and recordedin Leviticus 13:45-46?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Centuries later in New Testament times,lepers were still required by Jewish law tokeep themselves at least 100 paces fromother people and warn passersby of their“unclean” condition. Therefore, keepingtheir distance and shouting at Jesus wascommon practice. It does not appear thatJesus touched them or engaged inprolonged conversation. He followed theJewish law by telling the lepers to go showthemselves to the priests. Chapter 14 ofLeviticus gives instructions for cleansingafter the healing of the disease. List thesteps of the ceremonial cleansing: _____________________________________________________________________________It was only after these obligations hadbeen fulfilled that a leper was permitted tobecome a part of his family, hiscommunity, and participate in the holycelebrations of worship. But here, miracleof miracles, Jesus spoke the word andhealing occurred.

A Samaritan Who Gave Thanks

The Samaritan man was the only one ofthe 10 who returned to express his thanksfor the marvelous gift of healing. What twothings does Luke 17:16 say the Samaritanman did? 1. _________________________2. _________________________________Is it possible that a true “attitude ofgratitude” leads to praising God?

Jesus apparently placed great value in apraising, thankful attitude because Henoted that the Samaritan man was theonly one to display this attribute. Think oftwo persons to whom you need to expressthankfulness. Write their names here.1. __________________________________2. __________________________________

A Psalm of Thanksgiving

The Psalms offer wonderful examples ofoffering thanksgiving and praise to God.Psalm 136 is especially meaningful to me.This psalm speaks of God as Creator,Deliverer, Guide, and Provider. This is mypsalm of thanksgiving and praise:

Thank You, God, for Your presence in mylife. Thank you for giving me awareness ofYour presence. I praise You for giving methe ability to see, hear, think about, wonder,and discover the marvels of Your creation.

Thank You, God, for giving me freedom,healing, and wholeness through JesusChrist. Please forgive me for sometimestaking for granted this wonderful gift ofgrace.

Thank You, God, for the ability to thinkand learn. You are truly my Teacher. I praiseyou for people who have spoken a healingword, an encouraging word, or a correctingword. I thank you for the people throughthe ages who have defended the truth andpreserved the written Word that I might beable to read it today.

Thank You, God, for provision for ourdaily needs: the sun to offer warmth andlight by day; the moon and stars to light upthe night; clean, pure water; food fornourishment; shelter from heat, cold, rain,snow, and storms. I praise You for all thesethings, being aware that many people onearth are deprived of some or all of thesethings.

Thank You, God, for choosing me to beone of your children, for calling me andteaching me to communicate Your love tothose around me, especially to preschoolersand their families.

To echo the words of the psalmist, let usgive thanks to the God of heaven whoselove endures forever (Ps. 136:26).

Consider writing your own personalpsalm, expressing thanksgiving and praiseto God.


• God wants His people to be thankful toHim.

• All people, adults and preschoolers, canexpress thankfulness to God.

• We can express thankfulness for thingspeople do for us.

• A thankful heart leads us to praise Godfor His love and grace.


• Teachers of preschoolers may be mosteffective at teaching thankfulness as theymodel this trait for the boys and girlsweek by week.

• Hearing a teacher say thank you to aparent, fellow teacher, or preschooler willoffer a realistic model for a child.

MeetingInformation

BIBLE VERSESAND PHRASES;

Babies–2s“Jesus said,‘I love you’ ”

(John 15:9).

“Help one another”

(Galatians 5:13).

“I thank God”

(2 Timothy 1:3).

3s–Kindergarten“God is good to us”

(Psalm 73:1).

“Say thank you to God”

(Psalm 136:1).

“I thank God”

(2 Timothy 1:3).

4ENCOUNTERENCOUNTER

Explore Bible Truths with Babies & 1sBibleConversationfor Babies and 1sUse Bible conversation asbabies and ones are involvedin meeting activities.

• Ten men wanted Jesus tohelp them.

• Jesus helped the men.• Only one man said thank

you to Jesus.

Teaching TipChildren learn by repetition. Itis important that we use thislearning style to teach babies,ones, and twos. Psychologistssay that we must hear aphrase seven times before wecan remember it well enoughto repeat it. During eachactivity, use the Bibleconversation repeatedly sothat the children will becomefamiliar with the Bible storyand phrases.

GATHER:• Bible

• fishing line (or string)

• scissors

• electrical/duct tape

• beach ball



(4 cups water to 1 tablespoonchlorine bleach) in spray bottles.

• Pray for each child and teacher.• If your situation allows, set up

the room days before themeeting.

• Prepare a large refrigeratorbox according to the Bookscenter instructions.

• Gather the supplies needed forthe meeting.

Greet: When Barkley arrives,hand him a picture of Jesus. Say:“Barkley, The Bible tells us thatJesus said, ‘I love you.’ ” Gentlycradle him in your arms while hisfather fills out security and otherinformation sheets that will helpyou to care for Barkley. Reassurehis parents that he will be happy.

PUSH A BEACH BALLMeasure a piece of fishing linethat runs from the ceiling to aboutthree feet from the floor. Cut theline and tape one end of it to theceiling. Inflate the beach ball.Tie the loose end of the line ontothe air plug of the ball. Fastenthe air plug securely. Place apiece of tape over the air plug tokeep the line from coming loose.

Cuddle Amonique in yourarms. Gently place his hands onthe ball. Say: “Amonique, theBible tells us to help oneanother. I am helping you touchthe ball with your hands. ThankYou, God, for Amonique’shands.” As Jovan bats the ballwith both hands, say: “God gaveJovan two hands to hit the ball.Thank You, God, for Jovan’shands.”

MAKE A SHAPES MOBILEThread fishing line through theholes in the shaped Biblephrases. Tie the ends of the lineonto opposite sides of the cribof a baby who is not yet sittingalone. (A baby should not beable to grasp the shapes.)Double knot the line on eachend so that it will not loosen asbabies play. Carefully placeZabel in the crib on her back.Watch as she reaches and kicksexcitedly toward the colorfulshapes. Point to each shape andread the Bible phrase. Makecomments like: “Zabel, the redsquare says, ‘Help oneanother.’ Zabel can learn to bea helper. The yellow trianglesays, ‘Jesus said “I love you.”’I love Zabel, and she can loveothers. The blue circle says, ‘Ithank God.’ Thank You, God,for Zabel.”

READ INSIDE A BOXBefore the meeting, cut a holein each end of the box forchildren to enter and exit. Tapethe magazine pictures inside thebox along the side walls. Laythe Bible and suggested booksinside the box. Because children like to explore,encourage Katelyn to see whatis in the box. Sit nearby to pointout the pictures on the sides ofthe box as you talk about themwith Katelyn. Gently pick upthe Bible and open it to Luke 17:11-19. Say: “Katelyn,the Bible tells us about a manwho thanked Jesus for helpinghim. We can say thank you,too.” Encourage Katelyn to bowher head as you pray: “ThankYou, God, for Katelyn. I’m gladshe could come to church today.Amen.”

GATHER:• Bible

• scissors or craft

knife,

• refrigerator box

• tape

• magazine

pictures of

people helping

others

• books about

community

helpers

GATHER:• Bible

• fishing line (or

string)

• Cut several

shapes from

construction

paper and write

one of this

meeting’s Bible

phrases on each

one. Laminate

and punch a hole

in each shape.




Meeting3

GATHER:• Bible

• craft knife

• one metal can with

plastic lid (any size)

for each child

• scissors

• colored construction

paper (or colored

contact plastic)

• glue

• magazine pictures

of people, animals,

and food

• glue sticks

• paper

• pen

GATHER:• Bible

• molded plastic

baby doll

• toy doctor’s kit

(with stethoscope

• adhesive bandages

• plastic syringe and

so forth)

MAKE A THANK-YOU CANBefore the meeting, cut a 1-inch slitin each plastic lid. Cut constructionpaper to fit around each can andglue it in place. Spread themagazine pictures and glue stickson the table. Open the Bible toLuke 17:11-19; lay it nearby. Setthe cans on the table.

Hold the Bible and say: “There isa story in the Bible about 10 menwho were sick.” Continue to tell theBible story. Then invite two-year-old Elizabeth to make a “thank-you” can. Ask her to look at thepictures and choose a few thatdepict things for which she isthankful. Guide her to glue thepictures onto her can. Ask her toname things for which she wouldlike to thank God. Print herresponses on paper. Cut the paperinto strips (one response per strip).Encourage her to place the paperstrips in her can and pray for eachresponse at a later time.

HELP THE BABY GET WELLTell Kylee that the baby is sick andneeds someone to help him getwell. Invite Kylee to pretend thatshe is the doctor. Say: “The Bibletells us to help one another. Jesushelped 10 men feel better. Only oneof the men thanked Jesus.” ObserveKylee as she tries to help the babyget well. When Kylee tires of thedoll, thank her for making the babyfeel better.

MAKE A NATURE BRACELETPlace a piece of masking tape(sticky side out) on the wrist ofeach child. Take the children for awalk outside. Encourage them tofind nature items (like grass, leaves,and flowers) for which they arethankful and stick them to the tape.Say things like: “Jameson found apiece of grass. I thank God forJameson. I thank God for grass.”

CRAWL THROUGH A BOXBefore the meeting, cut a hole in bothends of the box that is large enoughfor children to enter and exit the box.Tape the magazine pictures inside thebox along the side walls. Lay theBible, books, and flashlight inside the box.

Invite Caleb and Tucker to crawlinside the box. Shine the flashlightdown the sides of the box andspotlight each picture for Caleb andTucker. Say: “Jesus was a helper.How can we be helpers?” After theyhave responded, open the Bible toLuke 17:11-19. Say: “There is a storyin the Bible about a man who toldJesus thank you. Can you think ofsomething for which you would liketo thank Jesus?” Invite Caleb andTucker to pray sentence prayers.

BIBLE STORY PLUSPrompt each child to lay a marker

on the Bible, opened to 2 Timothy 1:3,before joining the circle.

Lead children to roll a ball backand forth across the circle as theycount to 10. Repeat, stopping at nine,then eight and so on, until they rollthe ball only one time.

Tell the Bible story of the one manwho said thank-you. If possible,locate and show a picture* of Jesusand the man.

*Possible source: Bible story pictures keptfrom previous Bible-teaching sessions.


The Bible tells about 10 men who were sick.They ran to meet Jesus. They knew that Jesuscould make them feel better. Jesus told themwhat to do to make the sores go away. The 10men did exactly as Jesus said. Nine of the menwent home. Only one man went back to thankJesus. That made Jesus very happy.

GATHER:• Bible

• nature items

• masking tape

GATHER:• Bible


knife

• refrigerator box

• tape

• magazine

pictures of

people helping

others

• books about

community

helpers

• flashlight


4ENCOUNTERENCOUNTER


missions story in your own words.• Learn the suggested songs.• Using 10 foam cups, print a different

number from 1-10 on the brim of each cup.• Make Bible markers from different

colors of construction paper. Cut eachmarker into three puzzle pieces.

• Find Africa and Russia on a globe/map.

Greet: Tell the children as you greetthem: “Today’s Bible story is aboutsomeone who told God thank you. It isalways good to say thank you.” Help eachchild find an activity that interests her.

Introduce Bible TruthsChoose two Explore Bible Truthsactivities to use as the children arrive.(Note: Continue these two activities alongwith additional activities during theExplore Bible Truths time.)

Learn Together• Say the words “thank you” and ask the

children to repeat them. Next, whisperthe words and ask the children to repeatthem. Then mouth the words. Say, “Ifyou could hear what I said, pleaserepeat it.” Explain that there are manypeople in the world who cannot hear.Say: “We are going to use our hands tosay thank you. Watch what I do.” Placeyour right hand up to your mouth. Bendyour left arm up to your waist. Withyour right hand, meet your left palmand the back of your hand together.Invite the children to say thank you insign language.

• Open the Bible to Luke 17 and tell thestory in your own words. Tell theboldfaced portions only for threes andyounger fours.

God Wants Me to Be ThankfulScripture Reference: Luke 17:11-19

As Jesus was walking to Jerusalem, 10men saw Him on the road. They had askin disease. Because of their sores, they

had to live outside of the city and awayfrom their families. No one wanted to benear them. They called out to Jesus tohelp them.

When Jesus saw the men, He said,“Go and let the priests see you.” Asthey were walking to see the priests,they noticed that their sores were gone.Their skin was clear. They were soexcited that they could live with theirfamilies again.

One man looked at his healthy bodyand ran back and knelt at Jesus’ feet.He said: “Thank You, Jesus, for makingme well.” Jesus wondered why the othernine men did not come back and saythank you. He had made 10 men well. ButHe was glad that one man remembered tosay thank you.

• Say: “Today we are going to praythank-you prayers. Use the words ‘Ithank God’ and then add something forwhich you are thankful, such as, ‘Ithank God for our church.’ ” Enlist ateacher to begin the prayer. Encourageevery child to say something. Help onlyas needed. Everyone can end the prayerby saying, “Amen.”

• Continue the Bible story song begun inMeeting 1 but use these words thatrelate to this week’s story (tune “TheFarmer in the Dell”): “There once were10 sick men. There once were 10 sickmen. Jesus helped them all get well, butonly one said thank you.” After singingthe song, invite the children to sing withyou. You might want to add the versesfrom Meeting 2, and Meeting 1 as well.

• Explain to the children that they will becounting to 10, but in the place of 10,they will say, “Thank you.” Guide thechildren to count off the numbers 1-10.The first child says, “One” and so onthrough nine. Then on the count thatwould be 10, the child says, “Thankyou.” If you have fewer or more than10 children, just count to 10. Some maycount more than once; some may waitfor a second round to have a turn. Endthe game with a reminder about theBible story.



(5-10 min)


• Use sign language to saythank you.

• Hear a Bible story.• Pray thank-you sentence

prayers.• Sing a song.• Play a counting game.


(25-35 min)

• Play with people figures.• Make a thank-you card.• “Doctor” a sick baby doll.• Learn other languages.• Go on a nature walk.

Clean Up (5 min)

Apply Bible Truths

(5-10 min)

• Review the Bible story.• Sing a song about being

thankful.• Hear a missions story.• Identify medical supplies.



GATHER:• Bible

• masking tape

• stand-up people

figure set

• wooden blocks

• toy ambulance

GATHER:• Bible


• markers

• stickers


PLAY WITH PEOPLE FIGURESArrange strips of tape on thefloor to represent streets. Placethe figures near the blocks. Offerthe ambulance to Rae. Invite herto drive the ambulance along the“pretend streets.” Suggest thatshe build a hospital with blocksand use the figures as patients ordoctors and nurses. Say: “Intoday’s Bible story, 10 menasked Jesus to make them well.Can you guess how many toldJesus thank you?” Add, “It’salways nice to thank people whohelp you.”

MAKE A THANK-YOU CARDLay the supplies on a table. Foldpieces of paper in half to looklike a card. Open the Bible to 2 Timothy 1:3 and read, “Ithank God.” Explain that Godwants us to be thankful. Say:“Today we are going to makethank-you cards for our churchhelpers. Think of a church helperwhom you would like to thank.”Besides the staff members,suggest others like custodian,Mission Friends teacher, anddeacons. Guide each child toprint “thank you” and his namesomewhere on the card. Collectthe cards and explain that youwill deliver them to theappropriate people. Comment,“Let’s say thank you to God forhelpers at church.” Pray briefly.

GATHER:• Bible

• markers

• paper

• globe (or map)

“DOCTOR” A SICK BABY DOLLLay the doll and doctor’s kit onthe table. Tell Bob to pretend thatthe doll is sick. When he removesan item from the doctor’s bag, askif he knows how it is used. Askhim questions about visiting thedoctor, such as: “What color wasthe doctor’s coat?” “Who weighedand measured you?” “Did thedoctor look in your ears?” “Didyou get a treat at the end of yourvisit?” Limit the number ofchildren who are in this center atthe same time. Direct somechildren to other activities. Tellthem that they may return whenthey see someone leave theHomeliving center.

LEARN OTHER LANGUAGESPrint these words on a piece ofpaper: one (English), moja(Swahili), and (adene)(Russian).

Tell the childrentoday’s Bible story aboutJesus making 10 sickmen well, and theone who said thankyou. Show thechildren the wordsprinted on the paper.Point to the Englishword and ask ifanyone can read it.Explain that all threewords mean the number“one” but in otherlanguages. Point toAfrica on the globe. Statethat some people in Africaspeak Swahili. Show themthe Swahili word moja.Now point to Russia on theglobe. Comment that theRussian word for “one” is adene.Hold up the paper. Read eachword aloud and ask the children torepeat it. Say: “People around the

GATHER:• Bible

• molded plastic doll

• toy doctor’s kit (with

thermometer,

stethoscope, blood

pressure cuff,

adhesive bandages)

O HN


world may speak differentlanguages, but we can all learn thesame Bible story about ‘one’ manwho said thank you.”

Kindergartners may want to copythe different languages onto aseparate piece of paper.

GO ON A NATURE WALKAsk the children to find a partnerand hold hands. Explain that you aregoing to take them outside for anature walk. Remind them to staytogether when they get outside.Carry the Bible. When you getoutside, say, “Today we are going tolook for things that God made forwhich we are thankful. Open theBible to Psalm 73:1. Tell thechildren that there is a verse in theBible which says, “God is good tous.” Explain that every time theysee something different for whichthey are thankful, they should say:“God made the ______. God isgood to us.” Choose one or twoitems for which you are thankfuland practice saying the phrasetogether with the children. On theway back to the room, stop by thewater fountain and the rest room.When everyone has returned to theroom, ask if anyone would like totell about something they sawoutside.

Clean Up: Move to each area andtell the children that it is time toclean up. Lead the children insinging the words (tune “B-I-N-G-O”):“There was a man whom Jesushealed. He wanted to say thank you.T-h-a-n-k, T-h-a-n-k, T-h-a-n-k, Godwants us to be thankful.” Invitethem to sing along.

Apply Bible Truths• Sing the cleanup song again (tune

“B-I-N-G-O”): “There was a manwhom Jesus healed. He wanted tosay thank you. T-h-a-n-k, T-h-a-n-k,T-h-a-n-k, God wants us to bethankful.”

• Say: “We learned earlier today thatJesus made 10 sick men well, butonly one of the men said thankyou. Children in other countriescan learn this same Bible storyfrom missionaries.” Ask thechildren to listen carefully as youtell the missions story.“One thingmissionaries teach people is howto become a doctor. Manymissionaries who are alreadydoctors will teach people in othercountries how to be doctors.

Today your mission activity isabout Russia and Africa. BothRussia and Africa have missionarieswho teach in their hospitals wherepeople are taught to be doctors.People who live in these places go tothe teaching hospitals and takeclasses from the missionaries tolearn to become doctors in their owncountry.

Sometimes people who live inRussia and Africa do not want tovisit a doctor who is not from theircountry. Sometimes it is hard for amissionary to be able to help sickpeople because they do not knowher. Doctors teach people who havelived there their whole life tobecome doctors, and then the peopleare able to get better.”

• As you wait for parents to arrive,gather the doctor’s bag andmedical supplies from theHomeliving center. Place all thesupplies in the bag. Pass the bag tothe child on your left. Invite himto pull out an item and name it.Then ask him not to return theitem to the bag but to pass the bagto the friend on his left, and soforth. If you have more childrenthan supplies, put all the itemsback in the bag and play again.When a child pulls out an item,ask her to tell how it is used.

• Encourage each child to rememberto say “thank you” this week.


GATHER:• Bible


Meeting4


God Wants Me to Be Kind to OthersGod Wants Me to Be Kind to Others

BIBLE STORY:God Wants Me to

Be Kind to Others


Luke 10:38-42


each of us.

LIFE QUESTION:To whom will I be kind?

LIFE IMPACT:I can learn to be

kind to others.

Biblical Setting (Luke 10:38-42)

Jesus and His followers were on their journey toJerusalem for the Feast of Dedication. The briefaccount of His visit with Martha and Mary is setwithin the long section of Luke’s Gospel whichbegins in Luke 9:51 and concludes with Histriumphal entry into Jerusalem. Though Lukedoes not identify the village as being Bethany,this is no doubt the location of the event.


This passage offers important teachings aboutJesus’ interactions with one family who played asignificant role in His life. Mary, Martha, andLazarus were apparently some of Jesus’ closestfollowers. The eleventh chapter of John relatesthe story of Jesus’ raising Lazarus from the dead,but Luke does not mention him in this incident.There are three principal characters in Luke’sstory, though there were probably otherspresent. Read the Luke passage to discover thethree characters. Their names are ___________,_______________, and ___________________.

Jesus and His helpers had been travelingthrough the countryside healing and teaching.Whether or not the disciples knew orunderstood what the future held for theirbeloved Teacher, Jesus must have been awarethat His time was growing short. Perhaps Hewas making what He knew might be His lastvisit to the home of special friends.

The named cast of characters in this dramaincluded Jesus, Martha, and Mary.

Jesus

Jesus and His teachings are the focus of thispassage. Jesus played three roles in thisscenario: Teacher, Friend, and Guest. The rolesprobably could not be separated nor rated inimportance. Much speculation has beenconsidered through the ages about exactlywhat Jesus meant by His comments to Martha.Some commentators think He meant thatMartha needed to prepare only one dish whenHe said that only one thing was needed (v. 42).


Others interpret the statement to meanthat listening to His teachings was the onething that was needed.

Questions to consider:1. What do you think is the most

important role Jesus played in thisincident?

2. Why do you think He said “Martha,Martha,” repeating her name twice?

3. What role did this family play in Jesus’life?

4. Can you think of some ways we canplay similar roles today? (HINT: ReadMatthew 25:40. Who are “the least” in yourworld?)

Martha

She was an important person in Jesus’ life.The name Martha is an Aramaic namerather than a Hebrew name and means“lady.” Martha was the lady or mistress ofthe household. She took that responsibilityvery seriously, bustling about to preparefood for the visitors. It seems that she wasthe matriarch of the family, possessed withstrong leadership qualities.

Questions to consider:1. Is it possible for one to be a strong

leader and also behave kindly toward others?2. Do strong, effective leaders possess

qualities that others do not? 3. What are two of Martha’s

characteristics that you admire?4. Is it possible that Martha could have

enlisted Mary’s help in a kinder way?

Mary

Mary was a common name throughoutthe history of the Hebrew people. Thereare at least seven persons identified asMary in the New Testament. Mary ofBethany was a devout follower of Jesus.She seemed to be a particularlycontemplative woman, desiring to sit atJesus’ feet and listen to His teachings. Weare not told whether she and Martha livedin the same household, but apparentlythey and shared in householdresponsibilities. Therefore, Martha assumedMary would help prepare food for theirguests. Some customs have changed littlethrough the ages. Typically, at gatheringsin someone’s home, several peoplecongregate in the kitchen to prepare meals.

Questions to consider:1. Do you know someone who probably

would identify mostly with Mary?2. What do you admire most about this

person?3. Do you think Mary should have gone

to help Martha without being asked? Why?4. What would you have done, given the

same circumstances?This week’s meeting title is “God Wants

Me to Be Kind to Others.” Being kind andhelpful to others is a desired Christianquality. As depicted in this Bible story, whowas displaying that characteristic mostobviously? __________________________Is it possible that each person in the castof characters showed kindness in His/herown way?

Jesus always offered a model for us.Even when it seemed that He wasrebuking Martha, was He really calling herto find balance in her life? Could He havebeen expressing something like:“Martha,Martha, my child, My desire for you is thatyou relax in My love. Do not let work andworry distract you so that you do not havetime to be with Me. You do not have toimpress me or earn my love.”

Martha was likely a kind-heartedwoman, busily preparing food for herguests. Apparently, she was gifted to offerhospitality and to be an administrator.

Mary was offering kindness to the guestby sitting and listening (giving herattention) as Jesus taught.


• God has a plan for me to be kind toother people.

• Jesus offers us examples by showingkindness to His friends.

• People can show kindness in differentways.


• Preschoolers can learn from hearingBible stories about people who showedkindness to others.

• A preschooler’s behavior is reinforcedwhen a teacher observes the action.

• Probably the most effective ways toteach about being kind is by modelingdesired behavior for the boys and girls.

MeetingInformation

BIBLE VERSESAND PHRASES

Babies–2s“Jesus said,‘I love you’ ”

(John 15:9).

“Jesus said,‘You are

My friends’ ”

(John 15:14-15).

“Help one another”

(Galatians 5:13).

3s–Kindergarten“Jesus made sick

people well”

(Luke 7:21).

“Love each other”

(John 15:17).

“Be kind to one another”

(Ephesians 4:32).

4ENCOUNTERENCOUNTER


BibleConversationfor Babies and 1sUse Bible conversation asbabies and ones are involved in meeting activities.

• Jesus came to see Martha and

her sister, Mary.

• Mary listened to Jesus.

• Martha was very busy.

• Jesus was kind to Martha and

Mary.

Teaching TipFear of being separatedfrom their parents occursnormally in a baby’sdevelopment. A couple ofways to help a baby withthis stressful time are:• Dim the lights in the room

and play soft backgroundmusic.

• Welcome him with a softvoice and be prepared todistract him from his anxietywith an interesting toy.



(4 cups water to 1 tablespoonchlorine bleach) in spray bottles.

• Pray for each teacher and child.• Practice singing the suggested

songs.• Prepare the room before the

first child arrives.• Gather supplies needed for the

meeting.

Greet: Kneel to a child’s levelwhen you see Samuel comingdown the hall. Greet him with asmile and a hug. Say: “Samuel,The Bible tells us that Jesus said,‘You are My friends.’ Samueland Mr. Gary are friends, too.”Explain the activities and helpSamuel find one activity he likes.

PLAY WITH BUBBLESPlay soft background music asthe children arrive. When Timand Janice come to investigatethe Music activity, blow bubblestoward the ceiling. Note Tim’slaughter as the bubbles driftslowly downward. Say: “Janice,the Bible tells us to help oneanother. Tim and you may helpme catch some bubbles.” Blowanother string of bubbles intothe air. (Blow away from thechildren’s faces.) EncourageJanice and Tim tocatch the bubbleswith theirhands. For ones,suggest that thechildrentry to stepon thebubbles.

PLAY WITH TOYSPlace the toys on one side ofthe room. Open the Bible toJohn 15 and lay it nearby.Watch as Matt crawls towardthe toys. When he begins toplay with a toy, sing the words(tune “Row, Row, Row YourBoat”): “Matt, Matt, Matt canplay. Matt can play with toys.Jesus said, ‘You are Myfriends.’ Matt is Jesus’ friend.”

READ ABOUT KINDNESSBefore the meeting, place thetops on the shoe boxes andcover them with contactplastic. Cut a five-by-two-inchslit in each box top. Cut severalcircles from constructionpaper. (Use different colors.)Print today’s Bible phrases onsome of the circles and gluepictures of happy youngpreschoolers on the others.Cover the circles with clearcontact plastic. Place theboxes and circles on the floor.

Read or picture-read a bookto a baby or one-year-old. Say:“Jesus said, ‘I love you.’Jesus wants us to be kind. Annacan learn how to be kind.”

When Bryan toddles over toone of the boxes, sit with himon the floor. As you showBryan how to insert the circlesinto the slit in the box, readthe Bible phrases to him and

use the Bibleconversation as he

inserts pictures ofhappy preschoolers.

Talk to the babiesand ones in a soft,

kind voice todemonstrate

kindness to them.

GATHER:• Bible

• three push and

pull toys

GATHER:• Bible

• age-suitable books

about being kind

or about families

or friends

• two shoe boxes

with tops

• colorful and clear

contact plastic


knife


• marker

• glue

GATHER:• Bible

• cassette tape or CD of

instrumental music

• cassette or CD player

• container of bubbles and

wand

Jan uar y B ib l e Stu dy 2 0 07 : P r e sc h o o l25



Meeting4

GATHER:• Bible

• crayons

• rubber bands

• white paper

GATHER:• Bible

• measuring cups

• water

• plastic pitcher

• small package

presweetened

powdered drink mix

(or regular powdered

drink mix and 1 cup

sugar)

• wooden spoon with

long handle

• plastic cups

WRITE WITH CRAYON PAIRSBefore the meeting, bind pairs ofcrayons together with rubber bands.Make a set for each child.

Give Mykia and Levon a piece ofpaper. Invite them to choose a pairof crayons. Encourage them to usetheir crayons to draw a picture.(They may have difficulty at first,but encourage them to continuecoloring.) As they draw, ask them totell you about their pictures. Thensuggest that Mykia and Levon tradecrayons. Say: “Jesus said, ‘You areMy friends.’ Jesus wants us to bekind to each other. Thank you,Mykia and Levon, for being kind toone another.”

MAKE A FLAVORED DRINKPlace the materials on the table.Explain that the children will bepreparing the drink mix. Give eachchild something to do. For example,one child can measure the waterwhile another pours it in the pitcher.One child can add the drink mix(and sugar) while others do thestirring. As they work, sing thewords (tune “The Farmer in theDell”): “A helper I will be, A helperI will be, I can help make juice todrink, A helper I will be.” As thechildren enjoy the drink mix, openthe Bible to Luke 10:38-42 and tellthe Bible story. Ask the children tobow their heads as you pray,thanking God for friends.

ARRANGE FLOWERSPlace the materials on the table.Invite Zaven to put the piece offoam in the basket. Then askWyesha to help him arrange theflowers. As they work, say: “TheBible tells us to help one another.”Briefly tell the Bible story. Thenask the children to set the table likeMary and Martha might have donefor Jesus.

LOOK AT A PEEKABOO PUZZLEBefore the meeting, glue each pictureonto the inside back cover of a filefolder. Cut large peekaboo flaps in thefront cover of the folder so that whenthey are lifted, only a portion of thepicture will show. Invite Regan tochoose a folder. Encourage her to foldback one flap at a time until she canguess which community helper ispictured. Suggest that she open thefolder to see if she guessed correctly.Invite her to choose another folder,and so forth. Say: “The Bible tells usto help one another. When we help afriend, we are being kind. Can youname some ways that we can be kind?”

BIBLE STORY PLUSLead children to the circle,

chanting, “Help one another.”Play the game “Mary, Mary,

Martha.” “It” taps each child’sshoulder and says, “Mary.” When hesays, “Martha,” that child gets up andfollows him, pretending to stir, sweep,or carry food. The first child sitsdown and the second child continuesaround saying, “Mary, Mary, Martha.”

Tell the Bible story and show apicture* that relates to the story.

Pray, asking God to teach us to bekind like Jesus.

*Possible source: Bible story pictures keptfrom previous Bible-teaching sessions.

GATHER:• Bible

• 9-by-5-inch piece of

floral foam

• basket

• nonpoisonous

flowers

• plastic dishes

GATHER:• Bible

• glue

• magazine

pictures of

community

helpers

• file folders

• scissors


Jesus came to Martha and her sister Mary’shouse. Mary sat down to listen to Jesus. Marthawas very busy, working. Martha said that Maryshould be helping her. Jesus said that it wasbest for Mary to listen to Him. Jesus was kindto Martha and Mary.


4ENCOUNTERENCOUNTER

Before the Meeting:• Pray for each child and teacher.• Cut different colors of construction

paper into strips. Cut slits in the paperinto which the strips will be woven.

• Locate Costa Rica on a globe or map.• Make Bible markers in different colors.

Place them in the Bible at today’s verses.

Greet: Place a child-sized broom, amop, and a cooking pot near the door. Asthe children arrive, greet them at thedoor. Bend down to Chi Keung’s eyelevel as you tell him about today’s Biblestory. Say, “Jesus went to the home ofHis friends, Martha and Mary.” Showhim the items you have by the door andtalk about the Bible story as you interesthim in an activity.

Introduce Bible TruthsChoose two Explore Bible Truthsactivities to use as the children arrive.(Note: Continue these two activitiesalong with additional activities duringthe Explore Bible Truths time.)

Learn Together• Lay pieces of construction paper of

various colors on the floor. Use thesame colors for the Bible markers.Invite a child to gently toss a beanbagonto the paper of her choice. Thenwherever the beanbag lands, invite thechild to find the matching coloredmarker in the Bible. Read the Biblephrase aloud. Continue this game untilevery child has a turn to play.

• Open the Bible to Luke 10 and tell thestory in your own words. Tell theboldfaced portions only for threes andyounger fours.

God Wants Me to Be Kind to OthersScripture Reference: Luke 10:38-42

Walk, walk walk. Jesus and Hisspecial helpers were walking to a townwhere Martha lived. Knock, knock,knock. Jesus knocked on Martha’sdoor. Martha’s sister, Mary, was there,too.

Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listenedcarefully to Him. Stir, stir, stir. Marthawas busy. She may have been makingdinner for Jesus and His special helpers.She was getting upset that Mary was nothelping. Martha said to Jesus: “Don’tYou care that my sister has left me allthis work? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” Jesus answered.He knew that she had been working hard.He said: “You have gotten upset andworried. Mary has chosen wisely tolisten to me. That is more important.”

• Use statements that begin with thewords “I’m thinking of . . . ” to helpthe children recall this month’s Biblestories. For example: “I’m thinking of . . . four men who ate good food.”(Daniel and his friends) “. . . two menwho were best friends.” (David andJonathan) “. . . a time when Jesusmade 10 sick men well and what oneof the men said to Him.” (“Thankyou.”) “. . . sisters to whose houseJesus went.” (Martha and Mary)

• Continue the Bible story song begun inMeeting 1 but use these words thatrelate to this week’s story (tune “TheFarmer in the Dell”): “Martha andMary, Martha and Mary, Jesus came tovisit them, Martha and Mary.” Aftersinging the song, invite the children tosing with you. You might want to addthe verses from Meeting 3, Meeting 2,and Meeting 1 as well.

• Play the game “Mary, Mary, Martha” inthe same manner as “Duck, Duck,Goose.” Ask the preschoolers to sit in atight circle. Walk around the outside ofthe circle and touch each child’sshoulder as you say the name Mary.After a while, touch one child’sshoulder and say the name Martha.That child should stand and chase youaround the circle until she tags you oruntil you sit in her place in the circle. Ifyou are able to be seated before shetags you, she becomes the leader.Continue the game until every childhas a turn to be the leader.



(5-10 min)


• Play a beanbag game.• Hear a Bible story.• Recall this month’s Bible

stories.• Sing a song.• Play a game.


(25-35 min)

• Build a house.• Weave a place mat.• Clean house.• Play a matching game.• Make a piñata.

Clean Up (5 min)

Apply Bible Truths

(5-10 min)

• Read a book.• Sing a song.• Hear a missions story.• Say a prayer.• Play a listening game.



GATHER:• Bible

• Legos®

• Bible story picture of

Mary and Martha

• books about being

kind

GATHER:• Bible

• different colors of

construction paper

cut into strips


place mats*

*Cut slits across thewidth (or length,depending on whichway the strips were cut)of construction paper,beginning and endingthe cut about one inchfrom the edge. Keep inmind that slits muchless than an inch apartwill tear more easily aspreschoolers weave thestrips.

GATHER:• Bible

• plastic vase with

flowers

• place mats or

tablecloth

• plastic dishes

• paper grocery bag

• toy broom

• dustpan and mop

• rag

• spray bottle with

water


BUILD A HOUSEShow Dirk the Legos®. Invitehim to use them to build a house.As he works, talk about today’sBible story taking place at thehome of Martha and Mary. Showhim the picture and say: “ThisBible story is about being kind.God wants us to be kind to oneanother.” Continue to tell thestory. Ask Dirk what he can do athome to be kind (do thingswithout having to be asked, helpwith younger sisters andbrothers). Ask Dirk if he wouldlike for you to read a book tohim about being kind. Askquestions about the story as youread. When Dirk is finishedplaying, help him pick up theLegos®.

WEAVE A PLACE MATSay to the children: “Raise yourright hand if you like to haveguests for dinner. Raise your lefthand if you help set the table athome.” Add: “Today’s Biblestory is about Jesus visiting at thehome of Martha and Mary. Jesusmay have eaten dinner withthem. You may make a place matto put under your plate, glass,and eating utensils that will makeyour table look special.” Modelhow to weave the strips in andout of the place mat. Help onlyas needed. Compliment thechildren on how well they aredoing. Talk about how Jesus waskind when Martha was upset.

CLEAN HOUSE Place the vase, flowers, anddishes in a bag. Tell Nanibah topretend that guests are coming.Ask: “Does your family doanything special when guestscome to visit?” “How do youhelp?” (set the table, clean herroom, make cookies) Show herthe cleaning items and bag oftable items. Invite her to eitherset the table or clean the area.Tell Nanibah that both jobs areimportant when getting readyfor guests. Tell her the Biblestory in your own words. Ask herquestions about the story like:“How many women were in thestory?” (two) “What were theirnames?” (Martha, Mary) “Whocame to visit?” (Jesus) AskNanibah to place the table itemsback in the bag for the nextperson to use.

MAKE A PIÑATAPoint to Costa Rica on theglobe. Explain to the childrenthat in Costa Rica, piñatas arebroken during specialcelebrations. Say: “In today’sBible story, Martha and Marywere getting ready for a specialcelebration. Jesus was comingfor dinner.” Add, “We’re goingto make piñatas to celebratebeing at church today.” Give thechildren one lunch bag each.Tell them to use the markers todraw anything they wish on theirbags. After they are finisheddrawing, provide scissors andtissue paper for them to cut likefringe. Then guide them to gluethe fringed tissue paper alongthe top and bottom edges of theopened lunch bag. Also gluecrepe paper streamers onto thevery bottom of the bag. Use thehole punch to make holes along

GATHER:• Bible

• globe (or map)

• paper lunch bags

• markers

• scissors

• colorful tissue paper

• glue or glue sticks

• colorful crepe paper

streamers

• hole punch

• yarn (or string)


the top of the bag. Weave the yarnin and out of the holes. Pray forthe people of Costa Rica.

Tell each child to ask his familyto help him gather candy andsmall toys to place in his bagwhen he gets home. A parent cantie the bag shut. The entire familycan celebrate by using a stick tobreak open the piñata.

Clean Up: Go to each center andtell the children that it is cleanuptime. Say: “Let’s see who canclean up quietly and go to grouptime.” Ask Takouhi and Lars towork together to put away thedishes and cleaning supplies in theHomeliving center.

Apply Bible Truths• Sing the chorus “Jesus Loves

the Little Children” or “JesusLoves Me.” Then tell thechildren that Jesus loveseveryone, even the people wholive in other parts of the world.Recall the Bible phrases “Bekind to one another”; “Jesusmade sick people well”; and“Love each other.” Tell themissions story in your ownwords.

“When a missionary moves toanother part of the world, he mustlearn about the country to whichhe will be going. In Costa Rica,children play with piñatas. Thepiñata is made from paper andfilled with candy and othersurprises. The children take turnshitting it with a stick until all ofthe candies and goodies spill outonto the floor. The missionarieslearn about the country they areliving in so that they can better tellthe people about Jesus.”

• Ask for prayer requests. Pray forthose mentioned as well as thepeople in the missions story.

• Remind the children that intoday’s Bible story, Mary

listened carefully to Jesus. Say:“We are going to play a listeninggame. I will whisper something tomy neighbor. Then he will whisperto his neighbor, and so forth. Thelast person will tell the group whathe heard.” Whisper a Bible phraseto the child on your right. Whenthe phrase has been passed aroundthe circle, invite the child on yourright to start the next sentence.Keep playing until parents or ETCteachers arrive.

• Clean and disinfect all toys usedduring the meeting.


Documents

LifeWay's January Bible Study for Preschoolers 2007 · January Bible Study 2007: Preschool 2 Meeting1 ... official gave each of these men a new name. Apparently, ... • A five-year-old