Jan. 15th "A legacy of overcoming struggle"

Kids PM Time Schedule (4pm-6:30pm)

4-4:45 Prep

4:45 Meet & Greet/Centers

5:05 Gather for Circle Time

5:10 Pass the Peace & Go around

5:20 Hand out Snacks in Circle

5:25 Readings & Dialogue

5:40 Music & Dancing

5:55 Solidarity Prayer

6:00 Art Making & Centers

Tips:

·        Go over schedule each week at the beginning of your “Go Around”.

·        Give kids a heads up before transitioning into each new thing, 

and give them directions on how to transition.

·        Give 5 minute warnings for clean up times.

Center suggestions: These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Having 2-3 places where kids can engage in an activity is enough (coloring, playing a game, etc.). Give them a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather in a circle.

Gathering Time suggestions: Think of a fun way to round up the kids (sing a song, clap your hands in a call and response, flash the lights). Show and tell kids where and how to gather.

Pass the Peace & Go around suggestions: Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think if a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.). Ask a simple, fun question to help them settle in.

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:

This season's theme is New Humans which comes from the verse/s Ephesians 2:11-22

The story we are reading today is from 1John 4:7-21
 
While I read to you, look for these 2 things________&________and I will ask you about them when I am done reading.  

• Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged.
• Try having them take turns drawing parts of the story as you read the sections to them.
• Try having them act out the story. 
• Try having or creating props or visual aides. 

Suggested dialogue questions: Can you think of a time when you ________? What are some ways you can remember to ________ this week?

Music Suggestions: Although it's fun to at least have one song that is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory. Check out some of our music links for some ideas. 

Solidarity Prayer: This season we are thinking about/praying for children as humanitarians. This week we are praying specifically for children who are abused. This is a subject that I think only parents should talk about with their kids. Let's instead say a prayer of thanks for ways that God keeps us safe. In 2-3 phrases, explain who this is and ask the kids how they think we can pray for them. 

• Consider writing it down on a large piece of paper, and then have the kids take turns praying for each part. 

Art Making/Process Suggestions: Becoming new humans Part 3

• This week our parable talks about what is in our hearts.
• Have the kids cut out large heart shapes (this can be an organic heart shape or a traditional heart image).
• On separate, small strips of paper have the kids write who they love, or who they need to work on loving. Glue the strips of paper onto the heart, and then glue the whole heart onto their body tracing.

Have a finished sample ready so that you know the project works. Have it out on display on a table with the materials set up under a cloth or blanket, to get kids excited about what is to come.)

If you want, check out some of our links for coloring pages and word games and print them out for your centers.

Jan. 8th, Parable of the Seed Sower

Kids PM Time Schedule (4pm-6:30pm)

4-4:45 Prep

4:45 Meet & Greet/Centers

5:05 Gather for Circle Time

5:10 Pass the Peace & Go around

5:20 Hand out Snacks in Circle

5:25 Readings & Dialogue

5:40 Music & Dancing

5:55 Solidarity Prayer

6:00 Art Making & Centers

Tips:

·        Go over schedule each week at the beginning of your “Go Around”.

·        Give kids a heads up before transitioning into each new thing, 

and give them directions on how to transition.

·        Give 5 minute warnings for clean up times.

Center suggestions: These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Having 2-3 places where kids can engage in an activity is enough (coloring, playing a game, etc.). Give them a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather in a circle.

Gathering Time suggestions: Think of a fun way to round up the kids (sing a song, clap your hands in a call and response, flash the lights). Show and tell kids where and how to gather.

Pass the Peace & Go around suggestions: Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think if a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.). Ask a simple, fun question to help them settle in.

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:

This season's theme is New Humans which comes from the verse/s Ephesians 2:11-22

The story we are reading today is from Mathew 13:18-23 
 
While I read to you, look for these 2 things________&________and I will ask you about them when I am done reading.  

• Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged.
• Try having them take turns drawing parts of the story as you read the sections to them.
• Try having them act out the story. 
• Try having or creating props or visual aides. 

Suggested dialogue questions: Can you think of a time when you ________? What are some ways you can remember to ________ this week?

Music Suggestions: Although it's fun to at least have one song that is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory. Check out some of our music links for some ideas. 

Solidarity Prayer: This season we are thinking about/praying for children as humanitarians. This week we are praying specifically for youth stopping violence in Camden (email Zach Woods if you'd like more info.). In 2-3 phrases, explain who this is and ask the kids how they think we can pray for them. 

• Consider writing it down on a large piece of paper, and then have the kids take turns praying for each part. 

Art Making/Process Suggestions: Becoming new humans Part 2

• This week our parable talks about what we hear from God, and what we do with what we hear .
• On your body tracings, using a pencil, write words in your ears that explain how God encourages you to treat people. Then use glue and beans to "re-write" the words.
• On your hands, draw pictures of ways that you have fallowed God's words, or ways that you are going to fallow God's words. If you have time, use more beans to fill in your colors.

Have a finished sample ready so that you know the project works. Have it out on display on a table with the materials set up under a cloth or blanket, to get kids excited about what is to come.)

If you want, check out some of our links for coloring pages and word games and print them out for your centers.

Jan. 1st, 2012 "New Humans"

Kids PM Time Schedule (4pm-6:30pm)

4-4:45 Prep

4:45 Meet & Greet/Centers

5:05 Gather for Circle Time

5:10 Pass the Peace & Go around

5:20 Hand out Snacks in Circle

5:25 Readings & Dialogue

5:40 Music & Dancing

5:55 Solidarity Prayer

6:00 Art Making & Centers

Tips:

·        Go over schedule each week at the beginning of your “Go Around”.

·        Give kids a heads up before transitioning into each new thing, 

and give them directions on how to transition.

·        Give 5 minute warnings for clean up times.

Center suggestions: These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Having 2-3 places where kids can engage in an activity is enough (coloring, playing a game, etc.). Give them a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather in a circle.

Gathering Time suggestions: Think of a fun way to round up the kids (sing a song, clap your hands in a call and response, flash the lights). Show and tell kids where and how to gather.

Pass the Peace & Go around suggestions: Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think if a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.). Ask a simple, fun question to help them settle in.

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:

This season's theme is New Humans which comes from the verse/s Ephesians 2:11-22

The story we are reading today is from Ephesians 2:11-22 (this scripture is a bit abstract. Read it and think about it before you discuss with the kids. If you choose to go with another scripture or story, try to have it focus on our theme of "New Humans/Humanity".) 
 
While I read to you, look for these 2 things________&________and I will ask you about them when I am done reading.  

• Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged.
• Try having them take turns drawing parts of the story as you read the sections to them.
• Try having them act out the story. 
• Try having or creating props or visual aides. 

Suggested dialogue questions: Can you think of a time when you ________? What are some ways you can remember to ________ this week?

Music Suggestions: Although it's fun to at least have one song that is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory. Check out some of our music links for some ideas. 

Solidarity Prayer: This season we are thinking about/praying for children as humanitarians. This week we are praying specifically for children who's families are incarcerated. In 2-3 phrases, explain who this is and ask the kids how they think we can pray for them. 

• Consider writing it down on a large piece of paper, and then have the kids take turns praying for each part. 

Art Making/Process Suggestions: Body Tracing (Becoming new humans)

• Using the large roll of brown paper in the kids space, have kids take turns tracing each other. 
• Every week we will work on a certain part of their body. 
• This week lets start with our heads. 
• Using old magazines (there should be some in the bins on the top right shelf), create a collage of words and images that exemplifies how they would like to be a "new human" this year.

Have a finished sample ready so that you know the project works. Have it out on display on a table with the materials set up under a cloth or blanket, to get kids excited about what is to come.)

If you want, check out some of our links for coloring pages and word games and print them out for your centers.

December 25th, Christmas Day

 There will be only one meeting at 6pm today. 

Children will meet downstairs with the adults,

and we will celebrate this special day as a community. 

Please bring a snack to share.

December 18th: Why would we be afraid? (Shepherds & Magi)

Kids PM Time Schedule (4pm-6:30pm)

4-4:45 Prep

4:45 Meet & Greet/Centers

5:05 Gather for Circle Time

5:10 Pass the Peace & Go around

5:20 Hand out Snacks in Circle

5:25 Readings & Dialogue

5:40 Music & Dancing

5:55 Solidarity Prayer

6:00 Art Making & Centers

Tips:

·        Go over schedule each week at the beginning of your “Go Around”.

·        Give kids a heads up before transitioning into each new thing, 

and give them directions on how to transition.

·        Give 5 minute warnings for clean up times.

Center suggestions: These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Having 2-3 places where kids can engage in an activity is enough (coloring, playing a game, etc.). Give them a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather in a circle.

Gathering Time suggestions: Think of a fun way to round up the kids (sing a song, clap your hands in a call and response, flash the lights). Show and tell kids where and how to gather.

Pass the Peace &Go around suggestions: Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think if a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.). Ask a simple, fun question to help them settle in.


Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:
This season's theme is "Do not be afraid".
Here is where we get that theme from: Luke 2: 9-12
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

The stories we are reading today is from Luke 2:1-21 & Mathew 2:1-12
While I read to you, look for these 2 things________&________and I will ask you about them when I am done reading.  

• Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged.
• Try having them take turns drawing parts of the story as you read the sections to them.
• Try having them act out the story. 
• Try having or creating props or visual aides. 
  

Suggested dialogue questions: Can you think of a time when you ________? What are some ways you can remember to ________ this week?


Music Suggestions: Although it's fun to at least have one song that is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory. Check out some of our music links for some ideas. 


Solidarity Prayer: This season we are thinking about/praying about alternative gift giving. This week we are praying for ________. In 2-3 phrases, explain who this is and ask the kids how they think we can pray for them. Consider writing it down on a large piece of paper, and then have the kids take turns praying for each part. 


Art Making/Process Suggestions: This season we are learning how to make cheap or free gifts and decorations. 

Let's make some cards for our friends and family. HERE is one way to make a card with a star, it pointed the Shepherds and Magi to Jesus, as we should during this season.

• Have a finished sample ready so that you know the project works. Have it out on display on a table with the materials set up under a cloth or blanket, to get kids excited about what is to come.
• If you want, check out some of our links in our side bar, and search for more coloring pages and word games and print them out for your centers.

December 11th: Good reason to fear, Better reason to Hope (Mary & Joseph)

Kids PM Time Schedule (4pm-6:30pm)

4-4:45 Prep

4:45 Meet & Greet/Centers

5:05 Gather for Circle Time

5:10 Pass the Peace & Go around

5:20 Hand out Snacks in Circle

5:25 Readings & Dialogue

5:40 Music & Dancing

5:55 Solidarity Prayer

6:00 Art Making & Centers

Tips:

·        Go over schedule each week at the beginning of your “Go Around”.

·        Give kids a heads up before transitioning into each new thing, 

and give them directions on how to transition.

·        Give 5 minute warnings for clean up times.

Center suggestions: These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Having 2-3 places where kids can engage in an activity is enough (coloring, playing a game, etc.). Give them a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather in a circle.

Gathering Time suggestions: Think of a fun way to round up the kids (sing a song, clap your hands in a call and response, flash the lights). Show and tell kids where and how to gather.

Pass the Peace &Go around suggestions: Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think if a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.). Ask a simple, fun question to help them settle in.


Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:
This season's theme is "Do not be afraid".
Here is where we get that theme from: Luke 2: 9-12
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

The stories we are reading today is from Mathew 1:18-25 & Luke 1:26-45.
While I read to you, look for these 2 things________&________and I will ask you about them when I am done reading.  

• Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged.
• Try having them take turns drawing parts of the story as you read the sections to them.
• Try having them act out the story. 
• Try having or creating props or visual aides. 
  

Suggested dialogue questions: Can you think of a time when you ________? What are some ways you can remember to ________ this week?


Music Suggestions: Although it's fun to at least have one song that is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory. Check out some of our music links for some ideas. 


Solidarity Prayer: This season we are thinking about/praying about alternative gift giving. This week we are praying for ________. In 2-3 phrases, explain who this is and ask the kids how they think we can pray for them. Consider writing it down on a large piece of paper, and then have the kids take turns praying for each part. 


Art Making/Process Suggestions: This season we are learning how to make cheap or free gifts and decorations. 

HERE is a fun spinning paper ornament idea. 

• Have a finished sample ready so that you know the project works. Have it out on display on a table with the materials set up under a cloth or blanket, to get kids excited about what is to come.
• If you want, check out some of our links in our side bar, and search for more coloring pages and word games and print them out for your centers.

December 4th: Living Wild Spiting Fear (John the Baptist)

Kids PM Time Schedule (4pm-6:30pm)

4-4:45 Prep

4:45 Meet & Greet/Centers

5:05 Gather for Circle Time

5:10 Pass the Peace & Go around

5:20 Hand out Snacks in Circle

5:25 Readings & Dialogue

5:40 Music & Dancing

5:55 Solidarity Prayer

6:00 Art Making & Centers

Tips:

·        Go over schedule each week at the beginning of your “Go Around”.

·        Give kids a heads up before transitioning into each new thing, 

and give them directions on how to transition.

·        Give 5 minute warnings for clean up times.

Center suggestions: These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Having 2-3 places where kids can engage in an activity is enough (coloring, playing a game, etc.). Give them a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather in a circle.

Gathering Time suggestions: Think of a fun way to round up the kids (sing a song, clap your hands in a call and response, flash the lights). Show and tell kids where and how to gather.

Pass the Peace &Go around suggestions: Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think if a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.). Ask a simple, fun question to help them settle in.


Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:
This season's theme is "Do not be afraid".
Here is where we get that theme from: Luke 2: 9-12
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

The story we are reading today is from Luke 1:57-80.
While I read to you, look for these 2 things________&________and I will ask you about them when I am done reading.  

• Giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged.
• Try having them take turns drawing parts of the story as you read the sections to them.
• Try having them act out the story. 
• Try having or creating props or visual aides. 
  

Suggested dialogue questions: Can you think of a time when you ________? What are some ways you can remember to ________ this week?


Music Suggestions: Although it's fun to at least have one song that is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory. Check out some of our music links for some ideas. 


Solidarity Prayer: This season we are thinking about/praying about alternative gift giving. This week we are praying for World Visions "Give a Goat". In 2-3 phrases, explain who this is and ask the kids how they think we can pray for them. Consider writing it down on a large piece of paper, and then have the kids take turns praying for each part. 


Art Making/Process Suggestions: This season we are learning how to make cheap or free gifts and decorations. 

HERE is one paper garland idea. An alternate way of doing this is punching out 2 small holes in each circle and threading the yarn through the decorations.

• Have a finished sample ready so that you know the project works. Have it out on display on a table with the materials set up under a cloth or blanket, to get kids excited about what is to come.
• If you want, check out some of our links in our side bar, and search for more coloring pages and word games and print them out for your centers.