May 27th, 2012 "Pentecost"

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

4-4:45 Prep

4:45 Meet & Greet/Centers

5:05 Sing a song to gather for worship
5:07 Worship with Song & Dance

5:20 Pass the Peace and Go around
5:25 Solidarity Prayer

5:30 Ages 3-5 go to Snack & Centers
and remain there until the end of our PM Time.

Ages 6-10 sit for Snack/Readings & Dialogue

5:50  Ages 6-10 join 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 Time (Games, Building, Books, Art Center):

These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Rather than have each center totally wide open, select a few things you would like the kids to play with. If they want to swap out for a new activity, they must first clean up the old one. Give kids a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather for worship.

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.

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. 

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

Solidarity Prayer: This season we are thinking about/praying for the Mennonite Central Committee. This week we are praying specifically for how MCC addresses issues in the environment. You can talk to DJ Robinson for more information at vocaldj@gmail.com. In 2-3 phrases, explain who this is and ask the kids how they think we can pray for them.You can contact Mike Carter for more information.

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

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:

This season's theme is Spiritual Reproduction which comes from the verse/s______________

The story we are reading today is from Acts 2 (This is a kid friendly version of Pentecost)

 
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?

Art Making/Process Suggestions: The Holy Spirit is often represented in the Bible in the form of a Dove. Lets create some flying paper doves for our room to remind us that the Holy Spirit is always with us.
Click HERE for the project post.
Click HERE if you'd like a printable dove template.

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.