Christmas: What's the Main Idea?

Christmas: What's the Main Idea
Article taken from Gospel Light's Preschool Smart Pages

Christmas! The word itself stirs feeling of extraordinary excitement. And rightly so. During the holiday season there are reminders of the season everywhere. But let's be sure our children know what the excitement is really about.

How can we help a young child realize that Christmas is a celebration of gratitude to God for his wonderful gift of love? There are several ways you can make the biblical and spiritual aspects of Christmas meaningful and attractive to a young child.

Help children know the simple facts of Jesus' birth as recorded in scripture.

• Tell or read the story of the first Christmas to children from Bible storybooks or from an easy-to-understand version of the Bible.
• Allow children to participate in assembling a manger scene. Retell the story of Jesus' birth as they move the figures, or invite children to tell the story as you move the figures.

Help children feel that Jesus is God's best gift of love.

• Remember that much of a child's response is a reflection of the attitudes he or she sees from you. Nurture feelings of joy, love and thankfulness in your child.
• In the presence of your child, give thanks to God for Jesus.
• Include children in your church's plans for expressing love to Jesus by caring for and loving others (collect canned foods or personal care items for a rescue mission, fill a shoebox with age-appropriate gifts to be given to needs children, etc.). With your child, talk about the gifts the wise men gave to Jesus to show their love for him. Explain that we give gifts to others at Christmas to show our love for them.

Help your child express joy, excitement, and feelings of love.

• Show gladness as you sing about Jesus' birth.
• Be sensitive to moments when it is natural to talk about Jesus' birth and encourage your child to thank God in prayer for sending Jesus to be born.

Keep Santa in the proper perspective.

• Avoid referring to Santa as a real person. If a child talks about Santa, say "Talking about Santa is fun. But it's even better to talk about Jesus who loves us all year long."
• Avoid the "What do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas?" and "Be good for Santa" emphases.
• Keep the meaning of Christmas clear by frequently commenting on it. "Christmas is a happy time because it is Jesus' birthday. People give presents to show their love. God showed his love by giving us Jesus."

When I was growing up, my family would sit together in the living room and read the nativity story from the book of Luke. As a young girl, I watched my mom, dad and brother take turns reading different parts of the story. When I was old enough to read, I was so excited to participate in this annual tradition.

In the Early Childhood Ministry at FCC, there is a small nativity scene in each classroom. We use the nativities each Sunday in December as we learn about the birth narrative. We even have a special gift that we get to unwrap each Sunday - the box contains baby Jesus.

Parents, what are some things that you and your family do to keep Christ as the focus of Christmas?

Volunteer Opportunities

We are always looking for more volunteers in our kids ministry because our kids ministry is always growing! Below are some serving opportunities that are immediately available. If any of these areas of service spark your interest, contact Margo at margos@fcc-online.org or leave me a comment.

Trusting Toucans (2-yr-olds) Teachers:
Volunteers in these areas serve one Sunday a month. They get to play with the kids, read a short Bible story to them and help lead them down the hall for a 20 minute worship time led by the song leader. This position could include helping with bathroom breaks, building block towers for tots to knock down, reading a book with an upset child, and dispensing many Cheerios.

Preschool & Kindergarten Teachers:
Individuals and couples are encouraged to check this position out! Volunteers in these areas serve from one Sunday a month to every Sunday of the month. This role will allow you to guide, teach and care for children just as Jesus did. With about 30 minutes of prep time each week, You will be able to thoughtfully and prayerfully go over your Sunday lesson as outlined in the curriculum provided. Every activity and craft is supplied for you. Volunteers who serve as teachers have an opportunity to get to know kids and make an eternal impact on their lives. The kids love getting to see the same people each month!

Preschool & Kindergarten Aids:
Volunteers who serve in this role will assist the Sunday School Teacher in managing the classroom and participating in the various fun activities for each lesson. A LOVE of children is a must.

Substitute Teachers:
Volunteers who serve in this role are willing to substitute for a Sunday School Teacher on an as needed basis.

David Becomes a King - November 8

Bible Text: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

This Sunday we learned about the shepherd boy, David, that God called to be king. Even though David was very young when he was anointed king, he trusted and obeyed God. We learned to trust and obey God too!

We played "follow the leader" to help us understand what it means to listen to and follow God. Then we made crowns just like the one king David wore when he was a young boy:

David the Shepherd - November 1

Bible Text: 1 Samuel 17:12-15, 34, 35; Psalm 23:1-4

"The Lord is my shepherd." David, the shepherd psalmist, wrote those words from experience, David led sheep to green pastures and beside still waters. He knew what it meant to take them through valleys of death where lions or bears might attack. This Sunday, we talked about David when he was just a young boy. We talked about how brave David was to protect his sheep from wolves, lions and bears. We are so thankful that God loves us and takes care of us like a shepherd takes care of his sheep.

Parents, set up an obstacle course with a laundry basket "mountain" to go over, chair "bushes" to go around, and sheep "streams" to cross. Be the shepherd, and lead your "sheep" through the obstacles to the "pasture." Remind them that God takes care of them, just like a shepherd takes care of his sheep.

God Gives Moses 10 Commandments - October 25

Bible Text: Exodus 19:1-8; 20:1-17

This Sunday, we learned that God gave Moses the Ten Commandments for God's people to live by. We memorized all ten of them. Okay, we didn't really memorize them, but we did make a cool coloring book to take home and help us memorize!

Throughout the week encourage your child to say, "I will obey," whenever you ask her to help you. Remind her that one of the Ten Commandments is "obey your father and mother." Thank your child for obeying.

God Gives Moses & His People Food - October 18

Bible Text: Exodus 16:1-26; Numbers 11:7-9

This we learned that God is our provider. When the Israelites started complaining to Moses about their hunger, God graciously provided them with daily food. During our story, our teacher gave us some saltines. We loved getting to have a snack, but we complained that there was no juice (just like Israel complained to Moses). We made pretend food out of playdoh and talked about our favorite meals. After our story we made a food collage out of fruit stickers. It was a lot of fun!

Parents, plan a trip with your child to a farmers' market or pumpkin patch this week. Talk about the sun and rain God sends to help the food grow. Thank God for food.

God Leads Moses - October 11

Bible Text: Exodus 12-15

"My help comes from the Lord, Psalm 121:2" is our memory verse and we really got to see it in action this Sunday. The story was about Moses leading God's people out of Egypt. We talked about the things we would put in our suitcases if we had to pack up and leave home. We talked about how far God's people had to walk and how long it took. For an activity, we got to reach in a grab bag and pull out different photos of transportation - cars, trucks, trains, boats, airplanes. The Israelites did not have any of these things! Then we found out that Pharaoh's army was marching after them the whole time. Next, we heard the coolest part of the story - God helped Moses make a pathway through the Red Sea by parting the waters. Then, when they were all the way across, he made the water collapse on the army (that was the boys' favorite part).

Our teachers put a long strip of masking tape on the floor and practiced balancing ourselves to walk along the tape without stepping off into the "water." Next, we stood on a piece of construction paper and got our feet traced. We did this so that we can see our foot and be reminded that we need to try and be a Christian leader, just like Moses led God's people.

Parents, lay two large bath towels together on the floor. Have your child "blow like the wind" to "part" the towels so she can "walk through the waters."

God Sends Frogs - October 4

Bible Text: Exodus 8:1-13

Pharaoh was a defiant ruler. He resisted the commands of God even when his nation suffered as a result. But God knew how to handle Pharaoh. God created ten different plagues to help Moses convince Pharaoh to change his mind. God is creative in the ways he chooses to send us help...he was really creative in today's story. Instead of talking about all ten plagues in one lesson, we talked about the one kids would most delight in hearing about...FROGS!!!

We had so much fun hunting for frogs around our classroom. We also made frogs out of green dessert plates and googly eyes. We are thankful that God helped Moses and his people by sending slimy green amphibians!

Parents, do some frog hunting in your backyard this week!

God Protects Baby Moses - September 27

Bible Text: Exodus 2:1-10

This Sunday, we learned that God kept Baby Moses safe from harm. We made a picture of Moses floating in the water, hiding in the reeds (not to be confused with weeds). We are so thankful that a princess found Moses and took care of him.

Bible Story Review:

• Who put Baby Moses in a basket boat to keep him safe? (his mother)
• Who watched Baby Moses in the water? (his sister, Miriam)
• Who kept Baby Moses safe? (God)
• Can you tell of a time when God kept you safe? (answers will vary)

Parents, look for opportunities throughout the week to talk with your child about safety. Ask her how to keep safe in different situations: riding in the car, at home, etc.

Joseph Forgives His Brothers - September 20

Bible Text: Genesis 37-45

Forgiving is a difficult concept for preschoolers. They are still self oriented and are just beginning to stretch their boundaries to include interaction with others. However, they are always so quick to "forget" arguments and to be "friends" again. This morning, we talked about how Joseph forgave his brothers even though they had been so disrespectful and cruel towards him. We played a game similar to hot potato, but instead of passing around a potato, we passed around a picture of Joseph. If the music stopped and we were still holding Joseph, we would have to say, "God forgives me." Then, we made money bags like the ones Joseph's brothers carried when they went to Egypt to purchase food.

Parents, talk with your child about the importance of saying, "I forgive you," when someone says, "I'm sorry."

Joseph Helps Others - September 13

Bible Text: Genesis 37:27, 28; 41:1, 14-44 ,47-49

In this week's Bible story Joseph encountered a number of lifestyle changes. He moved from a prison to a palace, from thirteen years of slavery to wearing Pharaoh's signet ring, from walking in chains to riding in a chariot. Because Pharaoh gave Joseph a position of authority, he was able to help God's people! We talked about how Joseph's interesting dreams and his leadership saved Egypt from a seven year famine. In class, we made our own bag of grain, just like the grain that Joseph stored in the barn.

Parents, this week enjoy some popcorn with your child and watch the Disney movie "The Prince of Egypt" to reiterate the story.

PreK - Fall Curriculum

Unit 1: Joseph
This unit provides three Bible stories about Joseph that will teach the children about loving families, helping others, and forgiving. Joseph and his father loved each other. God gave Joseph a plan to help others. Joseph pleased God by forgiving his brothers.
September 6 - Joseph's Special Coat
September 13 - Joseph Helps Others
September 20 - Joseph Forgives His Brothers

Unit 2: Moses
Unit 2 provides five stories about Moses. The children will hear how God protected Moses when he was just a baby. Fun activities involving frogs will teach how God helped Moses. God helped Moses and the Israelites cross the Red Sea, and God send special food for Moses and the Israelite people. God gave Moses ten rules to help His people obey.
September 27 - God Protects Baby Moses
October 4 - God Sends Frogs
October 11 - God Leads Moses
October 18 - God Gives Moses and His People Food
October 25 - God Gives Moses Ten Commandments

Unit 3: David
Five stories about David will teach the children that David was a shepherd boy who was chosen by God to become the king of Israel, that God helped David fight Goliath, that David became good friends with Jonathan, and David showed kindness to Jonathan's son Mephibosheth (say that 10 times fast!)
November 1 - David the Shepherd
November 8 - David Becomes King
November 15 - David and Goliath
November 22 - David and Jonathan
November 29 - David and Mephibosheth

Joseph's Special Coat - September 6

Bible Text: Genesis 37:1-3, 12-17

This Sunday, we learned about a father who loved his son, Jacob, and gave him a special coat as a gift. The coat was made out of all different colors of fabric. Our teacher held up different colored crayons and we had to match them to an item of clothing we were wearing. It was a lot of fun! For our craft, we made colorful coats out of construction paper and glue. This week we heard how much Jacob's father loved him and next week we're going to hear that Joseph's brothers got jealous.

Parents, this week ask your child who gave them their clothes. It may have been a father, mother or grandparent. Remind them how much that person loves them, just like Joseph's father loved him.

Bible Review:

• Who is the boy who felt so glad because he loved his good, kind dad? (Joseph)
• Who is the man who loved his son and gave him a new coat? (Jacob)
• What color was the coat? (all different colors, like a rainbow)
  

Toucans - Memory Verse - September 2009

Sing for joy to God.
Psalm 81:1

Here is an "active" version of this month's memory verse to help your child memorize:

I can smile and play peekaboo.
Smile; cover/uncover eyes.
I can clap and sing with you.
Clap; point to child.
I can play, and I can run.
"Run" fingers up arm.
Praising God is lots of fun!
Make over-emphasized smile.

Cornelius Listens to Peter - August 30

Bible Text: Acts 10:1-8, 19-48

Review Questions:

1. What was Cornelius' job? (he was a soldier)
2. Was Cornelius a king man or an unkind man? (kind)
3. What did Cornelius need? (someone to tell him about Jesus)
4. What did an angel tell Cornelius to do? (send for Peter)
5. Whom did Cornelius send to find Peter? (3 men)
6. Who went to Cornelius' house to tell Cornelius and his family about Jesus? (Peter)

Parents, take you child outside after dark to listen to night sounds. Let your child identify as many sounds as possible. Point out that we hear more when we listen.

Peter Helps Dorcas - July 19

Bible Text: Acts 9:36-42
After we laughed about how silly we thought the name Dorcas was, we heard about what an amazing woman she was! She was a kind and loving and helped poor people by making them clothes. We talked about how some of our own grandmas and moms sew clothes or knit scarves. We even found out that some ladies from our church are like Dorcas because they make clothes for poor people too. Cool! We were sad to hear that Dorcas got very sick and died. But God performed a miracle through the apostle Peter and brought her back to life! We learned that we can help people by praying for them, just like Peter prayed for his friend.

For our activity, we made clothes just like Dorcas:


Parents, if you know a close friend or family member who is sick, pray for them with your child. Talk about the importance of prayer and remind them that when Peter prayed for Dorcas, she was healed. OR. Have you been needing to clean out your kid's closet? Fill a box with clothes that no longer fit and deliver them to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Show your child that they can give to the poor too!

Check-In Procedures

Where do I check my child in?
All parents will check-in their children at the computer kiosks at the nursery counter.

How do I check my child in if I'm a first time guest?

• Fill out the first-time guest information form at the check-in counter.
  
• Give your completed form to a check-in attendant.
• You will be given a label name tag for your child and a receipt for you to use when you are picking up your child.
• The check-in attendant will direct you and your child to their appropriate classroom.
  

How do I use the touch-screen computer when I'm checking my child in?

• When you approach the computer screen you will need to enter the last four digits of your home phone number. Your family names will appear on the screen.
• Use the touch screen to choose which children you are checking in.
• The printer will print off a label name tag for your child and a receipt for you to use when you are picking up your child.
• Walk your child to their appropriate classroom.

When can I check my child into their classroom?

• 7:55 a.m. for the First Service
• 9:00 a.m. for the Second Service
• 10:30 a.m. for the Third Service

How and where do I pick up my child after the service?
All parents will go directly to their child's classroom and present their receipt in exchange for their child.

Deborah Helps Barak - July 5

Bible Text: Judges 4:2-16; 5:1, 4, 5, 19-21
This week our story was about Deborah, a leader of God's people. When she received a message from God, she was willing to do what God told her to do. In class, we talked about people who we know are leaders - Sunday school teachers, mommies, daddies, grandparents, and ministers. We talked about how God used leaders to teach us how to love God and live for him. For our activity, we used watercolors to paint pictures of Deborah helping Barak.

Parents, play "Follow-the-Leader" with your kids and take turns being the leader. Thank them for being a good leader after he/she has completed his turn leading. Tell them they can be leaders for Jesus by being helpers in their class at school, at the grocery store, on the playground, and in Sunday School.

Rahab Helps Two Spies - June 28

Bible Text: Joshua 2:1-24
This Sunday, we read about how Rahab protected Israel's two spies. She hide them under some stalks of flax on top of her roof and later let the spies climb out the window and down the city wall to safety. After the story, we talked about different people who protect and help us - our parents, grandparents, big brothers and sisters, teachers, etc. We thanked God for all the people in our lives who help protect us every day.

During class, we pretended to be real spies! We played the game "telephone" to see if we could be secretive like a spy. Then we played "hide-n-seek" and searched for one another like the king's guards looked for the men in our story.

Parents, look through books that feature people with your child this week. Encourage them to identify people who protect - policeman, teachers, soldiers, parents, etc. Remind them that God gives us many people to protect us.

God Made Man and Woman - June 21

This morning we talked about the sixth day of creation. On this day, God made man and woman. First he formed man from the earth and breathed life into him. Then God made woman from Adam's rib. God took special care with mankind. They were his best creation and were given prominence over the rest of creation. We thought it was pretty cool that Adam got to name all of the animals. We also learned that we are all made in the image of God and are all made different and special.

We started our class time out by molding our family members with play dough. As we worked, our teacher told us that today's story would be about God making the very first person. Then, to show how unique we are, we took turns making our fingerprints on index cards and then looked at the prints closely through a magnifying glass. We compared each others prints and none of them were the same! Later we played "If You're Special" which is kind of like the game "Simon Says." Every time our teacher said "if you're special..." we had to listen to instructions and do what she said. Sometimes we were given silly instructions like "do a handstand."

Parents, look through a family photo album with your child. As you identify each person say, "God made (you/Daddy/Uncle/Grandma) special."