June 19th, 2011 "Self Control"

Kids PM Time Schedule (5pm-6:30pm)
4-4:45 Prep
4:45-5:10 Meet & Greet/Centers
5:10 Gather for Circle Time
5:10-5:20 Pass the Peace & Go around
5:20-5:25 Hand out Snacks in Circle
5:25-5:45 Readings & Dialogue
5:45-5:50 Solidarity Prayer
5:50-6:00 Music & Dance
6:00-6:30 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.)
Who knows what self control is? Tell me what self control looks like? What does self control not look like? 
(You can also try "Show me what this looks/doesn't look like." Kids might have more fun acting it out!)  

Reading & Dialouge Suggestions:
This season we are learning about the fruits of the spirit.


Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. There is no law against things like this.

Why do you think they are called fruits of the spirit?

Which fruit of the spirit do you think we are going to talk about tonight?

Here's a story in the bible that talks about self control:

While I read to you, think about 2 ways that Jesus shows self control in this story. (giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged).
Mathew 4:1-11

OR you could do  The Story of David & Saul (1Samuel 9:26-10:8)

What 2 ways did you see Jesus practice Self Control? 
What 2 ways did David practice Self Control?

Suggested dialogue questions:

Can you think of a time when you showed self control? What are some ways you can remember to show self control this week?

Solidarity Prayer:
This season we are praying for our teams. This weeks team is the kids team! In 2-3 phrases, explain who this team 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. 

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. 

Art Making/Process Suggestions:

As a group, create a Self Control Collage. Separate a large piece of paper into 2 sections and label them "Self Control" and "Not Self Control". Using old magazines, have kids find pictures that show what is and what isn't self control.

• Offer kids the option to make their own pictures to add to this project.
  
• You could also narrow things down a bit, and focus on one area of self control. Maybe the kids will bring up one in their dialogue with you and you can allow that discussion to decide where this collage activity will go. 
• Feel free to add printed words.

Materials Needed:
Large piece of paper (from paper roll)
Marker for writing
Old magazines
Glue Sticks

Consider putting out 2 other centers during this time, so that kids have options of things to do. It also shows them what they can do if they finish making art before the other kids.

Do you own the game Jenga, or have a game like it that requires self control? Could be fun to put out in a center. 

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