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.
If you want, check out some of our links for coloring pages and word games and print them out for your centers.
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 how and where to gather.
Music Suggestions: Lets learn some Christmas songs! Check out Go Tell it on the Mountain.
Although it's fun to at least have one song that is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory.Take a look at some of our music links for your song ideas and touch base with our music leader for this week
Although it's fun to at least have one song that is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory.Take a look at some of our music links for your song ideas and touch base with our music leader for this week
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 praying for different sections of Philadelphia. This week we are praying for
We are praying for the bock of Jefferson and Germantown in Old Kensington this week, bringing the prayers closer to home during the advent season. We are going to be praying for the Arab-Americans concentrated in that neighborhood and the hope that immigration brings. That block serves as a sort of safe-haven and hope laden corner for many recent immigrants from countries such as Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and Tunisia (just to name a few) find their way here as houses most community initiatives including the Arab American Development Corporation (or AACDC... http://www.arabamericancdc.
In 2-3 sentences, 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.
Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:
This season's we are following the story of Jesus's Birth.
Today you will read Luke 1:5-25.
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: This season we are making decorations that come from the different cultures and traditions in our neighborhoods.
The Christmas tree has quite an interesting story:
Lets make garlands from our tree trimmings.
HERE is a simple "how to" on making a Christmas Swag.
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.
The Christmas tree has quite an interesting story:
The tree was traditionally decorated with edibles such as apples, nuts or dates. In the 18th century, it began to be illuminated by candles, which withelectrification could also be replaced by Christmas lights. Today, there is a wide variety of traditional ornaments, such as garland, tinsel, and candy canes.An angel or star may be placed at the top of the tree, to represent the host of angels or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity.
The custom of the Christmas tree developed in early modern Germany with predecessors that can be traced to the 16th and possibly the 15th century. It acquired popularity beyond Germany during the second half of the 19th century.[1] The Christmas tree has also been known as the "Yule-tree", especially in discussions of its folkloristic origins.[2
-Wikipedia
Lets make garlands from our tree trimmings.
- Lauren will leave a bag of greens in the kids room for you to use.
- Make sure you have twine to tie things with. Select some fun materials to decorate your garlands with.
HERE is a simple "how to" on making a Christmas Swag.
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.
