Feb. 5th, 2012 "The New Identity"

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 John 15:1-17 (He is the vine and we are the branches)
 
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 for an MCC program called "Fear Not, Seek Peace", which focuses on creating safe home environments. Carefully consider how our children might pray about this issue. Maybe you feel uncomfortable using it, and that's OK. Choose another topic to do with the kids. 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 4

• This week our story talks about how God is the Vine and we are the branches. Vines start with roots.
• Have the kids use cut up root vegetables as stamps to decorate their feet on the brown paper cut outs that they've been working on this season. 
• HERE is a link on how to make root vegetable stamps.

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.