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.