Week 4 – October 28, 2012 3s 10:30am K103 October 28, 2012 Basic Truth: God loves me. Key Question: Who helps me do big things? Bottom Line: God helps me do big things. Memory Verse: “We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” 2 Chronicles 32:8, NLT Bible Story: God can help me do anything. David Is Strong in Battle • 1 Samuel 18:7,12-14 Here’s an overview of what you’ll be teaching in 3s this week. Make It Fun (Choose one or all of these activities.) • I’m in the Lord’s Army • Story Wall Make It True • Worship • Introductory Sketch • Bible Story Make It Stick (Choose as many of these activities as you like.) • David Go ‘Round (Memory verse) • David’s Story • Big and Little • David Says (Especially for 5s) • Coloring Page Make It Real • Small Group Time • Prayer • Dismiss–Parent Cue 1 Week 4 – October 28, 2012 3s 10:30am K103 October 28, 2012 Basic Truth: God loves me. Key Question: Who helps me do big things? Bottom Line: God helps me do big things. Memory Verse: “We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” 2 Chronicles 32:8, NLT Bible Story: God can help me do anything. David Is Strong in Battle • 1 Samuel 18:7,12-14 Make It Fun (Introductory Activities, 10 minutes) Prepare to offer one or more of the following activities as Your 3-, 4-, or 5-year-olds arrive. Let one or two teachers lead activities in different areas of the room while another teacher greets parents and kids at the door. 1. I’m in the Lord’s Army What You Need: No supplies are needed. What You Do: Teach the following song and motions to the children. To hear the song, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V4MKR6O0EY Please note we are using different motions than the video. “I may never march in the infantry (marching in place), Ride in the cavalry (galloping like a horse), Shoot the artillery (pretending to shoot a bow and arrow). I may never zoom o’er the enemy (spreading arms out and pretending to be a plane), But I'm in the Lord's army (marching and pointing one finger upward, as if to God). I'm in the Lord's army. Yes, sir! (Salute.) I'm in the Lord's army. Yes, sir! (Salute.) I may never march in the infantry (marching in place), Ride in the cavalry (galloping like a horse), Shoot the artillery (pretending to shoot a bow and arrow). I may never zoom o’er the enemy (spreading arms out and pretending to be a plane), But I'm in the Lord's army (marching and pointing one finger upward, as if to God).” What You Say: “Great job! Today we are going to hear a story from the Bible about someone who was leading God's army. I can't wait to find out who it was! Let's get ready to hear a TRUE story from the Bible!” 2 Week 4 – October 28, 2012 3s 10:30am K103 2. Story Wall What You Need: “Story Pictures” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site). What You Do: Before the activity: Make two copies of each of the “Story Pictures” on white cardstock. Laminate all the pictures for increased durability. During the activity: Play a form of the game “Memory Match.” Gather the children together and ask them to sit on the floor. Call the children up one at a time and instruct them to turn over two pictures. Talk about the pictures with all of the children. If they match, set them aside. If they do not match, turn them back over. The goal is to match all of the pictures while reviewing the month’s stories. What You Say: During the activity: (For example) “Look! You matched the sheep! David took care of sheep as a young boy. He was a shepherd! You turned over a picture of Goliath and a picture of five stones. That’s not a match, but I remember how David defeated HUGE Goliath with a little slingshot and five stones!” (Continue reviewing the stories as you turn over the pictures. When you get to the sword and shield pictures, act like you don’t know what part of David’s story they go with.) At the end of the activity: “We’ve heard a lot about David’s story, but I don’t remember anything about a shield or a sword. Those are things a soldier in an army would use. Maybe we’ll find out in today’s Bible story. We better keep our ears open!” Make It True (Large Group, 15 minutes) After children have participated in Make It Fun, gather them for a large group time that includes interactive worship, introductory sketch and Bible story. A Worship Leader and live instruments are recommended to sing along with the music tracks. Encourage children to be active during worship by incorporating the appropriate hand motions. Choose an adult or teenager who relates well to preschoolers to tell the Introductory Sketch. If possible, use the same person for an entire month as the Host role stays the same each month. Choose an engaging adult to tell the Bible story. This person should be able to command the attention of preschoolers and control the group through animated storytelling. These scripts are written to be told and not read. Advanced preparation is necessary. 3 Week 4 – October 28, 2012 3s 10:30am K103 Worship For additional worship resources to equip your worship leaders and worship team, visit www.amberskyrecords.com. What You Need: Paperclip “Memory Verse Card” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site) in your Bible at 2 Chronicles 32:8. Gather a CD player; this month’s worship song, “Do Big Things,” downloaded from the Web site; and the motions for the song. You will also need “Oh, He Loves Me,” available at www.amberskyrecords.com or on the CD, One Big Gulp. WORSHIP LEADER: “Hi, everyone! I am so very happy to see you! Today we are going to hear another super amazing story about David! First, let's practice something we have been learning all month long. I am going to ask you a question, and I want you to give me an answer. I am going to ask, ‘Who helps me do big things?’ When I do, I want you to say, [Bottom Line] ‘God helps me do big things!’ Can you try that with me? Who helps me do big things?” CHILDREN and WORSHIP LEADER: [Bottom Line] “God helps me do big things!” WORSHIP LEADER: “That was good, but I bet this time you can be so loud that everyone in the church can hear you! Who helps me do big things?” CHILDREN and WORSHIP LEADER: [Bottom Line] “God helps me do big things!” WORSHIP LEADER: “You got it! [Basic Truth] God loves me, and [Bottom Line] God helps me do big things! Now are you ready to sing a song about how God helps us?” Lead children in singing “Do Big Things,” this month’s worship song. WORSHIP LEADER: “That was amazing! I love singing about how [Basic Truth] God loves me, don’t you? Now let’s say our Bible verse together. Do you remember it? (Pause.) “It says, ‘We (point to chest with both thumbs) have the Lord our God (both hands pointing up) to help (right arm up as a muscle) us and to fight (left arm up as a muscle) our battles (cross arms in an “X” in front of your body with closed fists) for us’ (point to chest with both thumbs), 2 Chronicles 32:8 (hold out hands like a book). “Let’s whisper it together.” CHILDREN and WORSHIP LEADER: (Whispering) “‘We (point to chest with both thumbs) have the Lord our God (both hands pointing up) to help (right arm up as a 4 Week 4 – October 28, 2012 3s 10:30am K103 muscle) us and to fight (left arm up as a muscle) our battles (cross arms in an “X” in front of your body with closed fists) for us’ (point to chest with both thumbs), 2 Chronicles 32:8 (hold out hands like a book).” WORSHIP LEADER: “Great job, everyone! God always helps us, no matter what. Who helps me do big things?” CHILDREN and WORSHIP LEADER: [Bottom Line] “God helps me do big things!” WORSHIP LEADER: “That's right! [Basic Truth] God loves me, and [Bottom Line] God helps me do big things. Now let’s sing another song that tells us about how much God loves us!” Lead children in singing “Oh, He Loves Me.” WORSHIP LEADER: "That was a great song! I love singing about God! Thank you for worshipping with me today! Get ready to hear an great story about David from the Bible.” Introductory Sketch First Look offers weekly introductory sketches on the DVD titled “Wonder, Look at God’s Story.” This DVD is available for purchase at the reThink store on our Web site. What You Need: “My Story Picture 4” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site.) (See Theme Notes for more details.) HOST: “Hello, everyone! It’s so great to see you! It looks like Buddy Bookworm couldn’t wait for another story! He’s over there reading a book! Do you see him? “Oh, Buddy, you just LOVE stories, don’t you? Well, the good news is that I have another FANTASTIC story to share with all of you today. Buddy, are you at a stopping point in your book? You are? Okay, great! (Go over and close the book.) Don’t worry. I marked your spot. Now, Buddy’s all ready to hear my story! Are you guys? (Pause for responses.) Yay! Let’s get started! (Open the flipchart to the fourth page.) “Today’s story is about a time when I led my team into battle. My soccer team, that is. There we were. Uniforms on. Socks up. Cleats tied. Have any of you ever played soccer? What do you try to do in soccer? Kick goals, right! You try to score goals by kicking the ball into the net, like this (demonstrating a kick). AND you try to keep the other team from scoring, right? “Well, on this sunny Saturday, we weren’t playing just ANY team. We were playing the BEST team in our league—the Wolverines. They had never lost a game. They were BIG 5 Week 4 – October 28, 2012 3s 10:30am K103 (widening your stance), they were TOUGH (leaning forward and making a mean face), and they could KICK (pretending to kick a soccer ball). We were scared. In fact, no one on our team wanted to play the Wolverines. They always scored like a million points and left the other teams in their dust! “On this day, I remembered something. I remembered what my mom told me about God being able to help us do anything. So I got our team into a huddle, and I told everyone that God can help us do big things, like play the Wolverines! Our team got really excited! We all put our hands in the middle of the circle and shouted, ‘Go, team, go!’ (Demonstrate the huddle.) Can you do that with me? Go, team, go! “We all ran out onto the field, ready to face the Wolverines! And guess what? They didn’t beat us! We tied! Both teams won the trophy that year! It was such a great day! “Buddy Bookworm, can you kick a soccer ball? No? You liked the story, though, right? Good! I’m so glad I got to share my story with all of you today. But my story is definitely not the most important story! My story is just a part of a bigger story—the biggest story of all—God’s story!” Bible Story First Look offers weekly Bible stories on the DVD titled “Wonder, Look at God’s Story,” which you may choose to use rather than a live Storyteller this week. This DVD is available for purchase at the reThink store on our Web site. What You Need: A Bible, a crown, and a sheep figure. (Tip: You can use one of the same sheep figures from previous weeks.) STORYTELLER: “Hi, friends! It is so great to see you here! I love getting to share Bible stories with you, and we have a really fun one today! It will remind us how [Bottom Line] God helps me do big things. (Holding up your Bible) “We’ve been hearing God’s big … what? (Pause for responses.) God’s big story, that’s right! And, we’ve been learning about a young boy named … ? (Pause for responses.) David! Great job! Let’s open God’s BOOK and take another LOOK at David’s story! “We’ve been talking about how God helped David do some really big, important things. One of those things was standing out in a field of tall grass and taking care of something. Do you remember what he took care of? (Walk over and pick up the sheep figure.) Baa, baa! Sheep! You got it! David was a shepherd. God helped David take care of his sheep and keep them safe. What did he have to keep the sheep safe from? (Pause.) A lion! You guys are SO good! Can you roar like a lion? Raaaawr! Raaaawr! Whew! That was scary! 6 Week 4 – October 28, 2012 3s 10:30am K103 “One day, David was brought in from the field to meet a man named Samuel. That’s when God chose David to be ... what? (Put the crown on and wait for kids’ responses.) You got it! God chose David to be the next king. “Did God choose David because he was really smart? (Pause.) No. Did God choose him because he was really tall? (Pause.) No. God chose David to be the next king because of his what? (Make a heart shape with both hands.) Can you make a heart too? (Let kids do so.) God chose David to be king because of David’s heart that loved God. “Then God helped David face something even scarier than wild animals. He helped David fight a HUGE what? Remember, he had to look up, up, up to see him. (Pause for responses.) That’s right. God helped David fight a HUGE giant named Goliath! God helped David do something no one else would do. “Guess what happened next in David’s story? The king put David in charge of the whole Israelite army. (Start marching.) The Israelite army’s job was to keep God’s people safe. Sometimes bad guys came to fight against God’s people, but David knew that God could help him do ANYTHING. That’s why he wasn’t afraid to fight the bad guys and keep God’s people safe! “God helped David do SO MANY big things! And God can help us do big things, too. Who helps me do big things?” CHILDREN and STORYTELLER: [Bottom Line] “God helps me do big things!” STORYTELLER: “That’s right! Say it with me one more time. Who helps me do big things?” CHILDREN and STORYTELLER: [Bottom Line] “God helps me do big things!” STORYTELLER: “Yes! God helps us do big things! Let’s pray together and thank God for helping us do big things! “Dear God, we know that You are always with us. Thank You for helping us when we are afraid. You help us to do big things! We love You, God! Amen. “Thank you for being such fantastic listeners today! We’ll see you next time!” 7 Week 4 – October 28, 2012 3s 10:30am K103 Make It Stick (Application Activities, 35 minutes) These activities are designed to help preschoolers understand and remember today’s Bible story and Bottom Line. Offer as many of the following activities as Your time, facilities, resources, and leadership allow. You may want to lead one activity at a time. Or offer two activities at once and allow half the kids to participate in each, then switch groups and repeat the activities. 1. David Go ‘Round What You Need: One plastic army man (or Little People®), a CD player, and a CD of fun music. What You Do: Sit in a circle with the children. Pretend the plastic army man is David. When you hear the music, pass the figure around the circle. When the music stops, the person holding the figure gets to stand up and say the memory verse with the Small Group Leader. What You Say: At the start of the activity: “In our story today, we heard how King Saul put David in charge of his whole army. Now THAT is a big job! Did God help David? He sure did! God helped David do big things, and God will help you do big things too. Who helps me do big things? [Bottom Line] God helps me do big things. “Let’s pretend this army guy is David. We’ll pass him around our circle when the music plays. When the music stops, whoever is holding David will stand up and say our Bible verse with me!” During the activity: (With power like you are a soldier fighting with David) “‘We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us,’ 2 Chronicles 32:8.” 2. David’s Story (Note: This activity will continue through the month of November. The children will divide into small groups and make picture books with drawings from all the stories they will hear about the life of David during October and November. Keep the poster boards with the drawings each week and place them on three metal rings like a book. You will have wonderful picture books to display and share with parents at the end of November.) What You Need: Large white poster board, crayons, a hole punch, and three large metal rings. (Note: You will need these supplies for each small group of four to six children.) What You Do: 8 Week 4 – October 28, 2012 3s 10:30am K103 Before the activity: Turn the poster board portrait style. Punch three holes, spaced evenly apart, going down the left side. Write the following in the top or bottom, center of each poster board, as a reference for the children’s pictures: God can help me do anything. David Is Strong in Battle • 1 Samuel 18:7,12-14 During the activity: Divide the children into small groups of four to six children. Give each group a poster board and crayons. Encourage the kids to gather around all sides of the poster board, either at a table or on the floor. After you briefly review the Bible story, instruct the children to draw pictures of things from the story. The pictures will be going in all different directions. That is okay and all part of the fun. (Tip: Ideas of what to draw this week include a bow and arrow, a shield, and an army.) What You Say: “You are doing such a great job making a book about David! The Bible is the most important book we can read, and it has SO MANY wonderful stories in it. In His stories, God tells us how He wants us to act and how to make good choices. When we are finished making our book, we can show other people and tell them the story of David. God helps us do many things! Who helps me do big things? [Bottom Line] God helps me do big things!” 3. Big and Little What You Need: “Sorting Pictures” (from the Activity Pages on the Web site), light colored cardstock, small plastic bags, and scissors. What You Do: Before the activity: Make several copies of “Sorting Pictures” on light colored cardstock and cut out the pictures. Put each set of cards in a small plastic bag. During the activity: Divide the children into groups, one for each set of pictures you made. Instruct the children to sort the pictures into piles of “big” and “little.” What You Say: During the activity: “I am going to give you some pictures of big things, like this huge airplane (showing that picture). I will also give you pictures of little things, like this itsy, bitsy mouse (showing that picture). I want you to make two piles with your pictures. I want you to make a pile of big things and a pile of little things. Can you do that? Sure, you can! I’ll come around just in case you need my help.” At the end of the activity: “Sometimes we have to do BIG things, like tell our moms and dads when we’ve done something wrong. Telling the truth is always the right thing to do, and it’s a BIG thing to do too! Sometimes we have to do things that seem little, like share a cookie with a friend. But that’s not really little. No way! Sharing is a BIG thing 9 Week 4 – October 28, 2012 3s 10:30am K103 too! Whether it seems BIG or little, every time we do what God wants us to do it’s a BIG deal. That’s why BIG or little, God is always there to help. Who helps me do big things? [Bottom Line] God helps me do big things. And He helps me do little things too!” 4. David Says What You Need: No supplies are needed. What You Do: Play a version of “Simon Says” called “David Says.” Explain to kids that, when you say “David Says” before doing a motion, they should do that motion too. But if you don’t say “David Says” before doing a motion, then they should NOT do that motion. Instruct the kids to do regular motions, such as jumping, touching their toes, turning in a circle, etc. However, only say “David Says” before doing army motions, such as the following: 1. Marching 2. Saluting 3. Pretending to shoot a bow and arrow 4. Pretending to ride a horse 5. Folding your hands in prayer What You Say: At the start of the activity: “In our story today, David led God's army. We are going to play a game and only do things that someone in God's army would do. When I say ‘David Says’ before doing a motion, then you should do that motion too. If I don’t say ‘David Says’ before doing a motion, you should NOT do that motion. Are you ready?” At the end of the activity: “Great job! God chose David to lead his army and wanted the people to follow him and do what he said. God helped David do big things! Who helps me do big things? [Bottom Line] God helps me do big things!” 5. Coloring Page This activity allows children to creatively think about how God made them. Fine motor skills are used to color. Critical thinking as well as fine motor skills will be used in continued play at home. What You Need: Coloring Pages, crayons or markers. What You Do: Give each child a coloring sheet and crayons or markers. What You Say: “God helped David stay strong in battle and lead an entire army! If God can help David do that big thing, He can sure help us do big things too! We’re going to 10 Week 4 – October 28, 2012 3s 10:30am K103 color something supercool that will help us remember that God is with us and will help us do big things. Who helps me do big things? [Bottom Line] God helps me do big things! Why? Because [Basic Truth] God loves me. Who loves you? [Basic Truth] God love me!” Make It Real (Small Groups, 5 minutes) Make It Real is designed to help preschoolers understand how the Bottom Line applies to them. They’ll discuss real-life experiences and share prayer requests. Divide kids into small groups of about five to eight children with each leader. Ideally, assign the same small group leader to the same group of preschoolers for the entire year. Small Group Time What You Need: Paperclip “Memory Verse Card” (from the week one Activity Pages on the Web site) in your Bible at 2 Chronicles 32:8. Provide a journal and a fun-shaped pen for each small group. You will also need a sticker or hand stamp for anyone who tries to say the memory verse. SMALL GROUP LEADER (SGL): “David needed God’s help AGAIN in today’s Bible story. What did God help him do this time? (Pause.) Yep! God helped David lead the army and be strong in battle, just like our new Bible verse says. “Today I have a sticker (or hand stamp) for anyone who wants to try to say our Bible verse. We’ll say it a few times together, and then you can take turns saying it.” (Lead the children in saying the verse with motions several times. Give a sticker or hand stamp to anyone who tries to say it.) SGL: “What a great verse! God helped David in battle, and He will help you too! God helps you and me do big things. Who helps me do big things? [Bottom Line] God helps me do big things! Let’s make a list of the biggest things we can think of that people do, and then we can pray and thank God for helping us do big things.” (Write the children’s responses in the journal. Remember to print the words so the children can recognize their names and letters. Mention their list when you pray together.) SGL: “Oh, my! These are some big things! I am so thankful that no matter what big things come our way, God will always be there to help us. Let’s close our eyes and pray.” 11 Week 4 – October 28, 2012 3s 10:30am K103 Prayer SGL: “Dear God, we’ve made a pretty good list of some really big things. We know You are bigger and more powerful than (name the things on the list). You can help us do anything! Help us to always trust that nothing is bigger than You. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.” Get Ready to Dismiss Set any take-home creations where you or parents can get them easily. Greet parents at the door and tell them that this month preschoolers are learning that [Bottom Line] God helps me do big things. Encourage parents to repeat the Bottom Line at home and help their child understand that [Bottom Line] God helps me do big things. Have this month’s Parent Cue available for parents to pick up or send it in a monthly email. Encourage parents to use the activities found in Parent Cue to reinforce this month’s Bottom Line: [Bottom Line] God helps me do big things. 12