JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
3-5
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
2
YEAR OLDS
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
Editor in Chief: Kathy Hill
FL Creative Team: Brittany Compton-Robertson,
Executive Director: Brittany Compton-Robertson
Copy Editor: Dana Wilkerson
Kathy Hill, Autumn Ward, Ashley Hiers, Donna High,
Technical and Web Support: Hadley Brandt
Curriculum Writer: Emily Meredith, Donna High
Danielle Schneller, Mary Beth Brannan
Partner Support: Deb Springer
Illustrator: Jodi Blackwell
Chief Executive Officer: Reggie Joiner
Graphic Designers: Sharon van Rossum, David Hill
Chief Operating Officer: Reggie Goodin
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New
“STATEMENT OF FAITH” USER AGREEMENT
International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible
Orange gladly grants permission to churches, schools, and other licensees to
Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
tailor First Look® materials to fit their unique leadership requirements, locale
These resources are intended to be downloaded and printed for use by the
and format preferences, and physical environment needs. However, if you wish
subscribing entity only and may not be electronically transferred to or duplicated
to edit the content substantively, including Bible stories, learning activities,
by other non-subscribing entities. Any unauthorized reproduction of this material
scripts, and any other content in which biblical principles and concepts are
or incorporation into a new work is a direct violation of US copyright laws. ©2016
presented, you are obligated to do so within the doctrinal guidelines we’ve
Orange. All rights reserved. First Look® and the First Look® logo are trademarks
expressed in our Statement of Faith.
of Orange.
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
KEY QUESTION
WHO LOVES YOU?
BOTTOM LINE
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
2
3-5 YEAR OLDS
MAKE IT FUN
Prepare to offer one or more of the following activities as your preschoolers arrive. Let one or two teachers lead small groups of children in activities throughout the room while another teacher greets parents and kids at the door.
• Loves, Loves, YOU • Roll to Fill • In the Mirror
MAKE IT TRUE (LARGE GROUP) • Worship • Introductory Sketch • Bible Story
MAKE IT STICK
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.
• • • • •
Heart Verse Handprints Find the Hearts Stop and Go Paper Plate Mirror
MAKE IT REAL
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 • Prayer
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 2
3-5
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
2
YEAR OLDS
MAKE IT FUN
MOVEMENT
Activities designed to draw children into
An activity that uses a preschooler’s natural desire to move to help them learn and grow.
the classroom and introduce vocabulary and concepts needed for the Bible story.
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
LOVES, LOVES, YOU
“Loves, Loves, YOU” is an activity that uses gross motor skills and patience to reaffirm this month’s Bottom Line. WHAT YOU NEED: No supplies needed
KEY QUESTION
WHO LOVES YOU?
BOTTOM LINE
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
WHAT YOU DO: Before the Activity: Have the children sit in a circle and pick one child to be “It.” During the Activity: Have the children play a version on “Duck, Duck, Goose,” but use the words “loves, loves, you” instead. Have the child that is It walk around the circle and touch each child’s head while saying, “Loves, loves, loves . . .” as he touches each head. When the child picks a child to be the next It, he will say “YOU” and start walking fast around the circle. The child that was picked will get up and walk fast to try and catch the first child before he sits down in the second child’s spot on the floor. Repeat the activity until every child has been picked. WHAT YOU SAY: Before the Activity: “We are going to play a game like ‘Duck, Duck, Goose,’ but we are going to change the words to ‘Jesus LOVES, LOVES YOU!’” During the Activity: “Everyone sit in a circle. [Child’s name] can be It first. He will say ‘Jesus’ and then walk around the circle saying ‘loves’ each time he touches a head. (Demonstrate.) He will then pick someone to be It and say ‘YOU’ when he touches that child’s head. If you are picked, then get up and walk fast to try to touch [child’s name] before he sits down in your spot. Are you ready?” (Do activity.) After the Activity: “Nice job playing the game! It’s true. Jesus loves us—all of us! Today in our story we are going to hear about some special people that Jesus loves. Are you ready to hear our TRUE story from the Bible? (Pause.) Me too!”
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 3
3-5
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
2
YEAR OLDS
MAKE IT FUN
GAME
Activities designed to draw children into
An activity that encourages preschoolers to follow guidelines while having fun and learning new concepts.
the classroom and introduce vocabulary and concepts needed for the Bible story.
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
ROLL TO FILL
“Roll to Fill” is an activity that uses counting and fine motor skills to introduce today’s Bottom Line and Bible story. WHAT YOU NEED: A heart shaped cookie cutter, pom-poms, and a die
KEY QUESTION
NOTE: If you have a large class, provide another cookie cutter, bag of pom-poms, and die, and split the class into two groups.
WHO LOVES YOU?
WHAT YOU DO: During the Activity: Show the children the items and identify them by name. Set the cookie cutter flat on the table. Allow the children to guess how many pom-poms they think it will take to fill one cookie cutter. Once you arrive at a number, allow the children to take turns rolling one die, identifying the number they’ve rolled, and then counting out that number of pom-poms to place inside the cookie cutter until it is full.
BOTTOM LINE
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
WHAT YOU SAY: During the Activity: “Can someone tell me what this is? (Hold up the cookie cutter and pause for responses.) Yep! What about this? (Hold up the die and pause for responses.) Yep! And finally, what about these? (Hold up the pom-poms and pause for responses.) Yes! Let’s put our cookie cutter on the table. How many pom-poms do you think it will take to fill this heart-shaped cookie cutter? (Pause for responses.) Those are some great guesses! Let’s play a game to see if you’re right. We’ll take turns with our friends rolling the die and then counting out that many pom-poms to put in our cookie cutter. Are you ready?” After the Activity: “Wow! Can you believe it took [number] pom-poms to fill up our heart shape? That was really good counting, friends! When you see a heart, what does it make you think of? (Pause.) Love! That’s right. Today we’re going to hear about how much JESUS loves each one of us because we are all His children. His heart is full of love for us!”
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 4
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
MAKE IT FUN Activities designed to draw children into the classroom and introduce vocabulary and concepts needed for the Bible story.
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
KEY QUESTION
2
3-5 YEAR OLDS
INVESTIGATION/ROLE PLAY An activity that channels either a preschooler’s innate curiosity or desire to play dress up into a discussion of concepts crucial to the lesson.
IN THE MIRROR
“In the Mirror” is an activity that allows the children to experience a visual to reinforce this month’s Bottom Line. WHAT YOU NEED: Several shatterproof locker mirrors and small pom-poms in an assortment of colors WHAT YOU DO: Before the Activity: Place the pom-poms and the mirrors in the activity area.
WHO LOVES YOU?
BOTTOM LINE
During the Activity: Ask the children to make a large heart with the pom-poms on top of the mirror. After the Activity: Say, “Who does Jesus love?” and ask the children to look into the mirror and respond, “Me!”
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
WHAT YOU SAY: Before the Activity: “Can you make a heart? Use your fingers in the air and make a heart with me. (Demonstrate.) Good job! I love hearts!” During the Activity: “Let’s use the pom-poms to make a heart on top of the mirror. (Demonstrate.) Great job! Keep going until you have a big heart on your mirror!” (Allow the children to work.) After the Activity: “Awesome hearts! Hearts remind me of love. Who does Jesus love? Everyone look into the mirror. Who do you see? (Pause.) YES! You! Jesus loves all of you!”
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 5
3-5
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
2
YEAR OLDS
MAKE IT STICK
MEMORY VERSE REVIEW
Activities designed to reinforce the
An activity that encourages preschoolers to learn the monthly memory verse.
Bible story and bottom line.
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
KEY QUESTION
WHO LOVES YOU?
BOTTOM LINE
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
HEART VERSE
“Heart Verse” is an activity that uses gross motor skills to review this month’s memory verse. WHAT YOU NEED: A large piece of butcher paper (preferably pink or red), scissors, and painter’s or masking tape WHAT YOU DO: Before the Activity: Cut a large heart out of the butcher paper and tape it down on the floor in an open area of the room. During the Activity: Review the memory verse as you instruct the children to stand on the outside edge of the heart. Then repeat the verse again as they stand inside the heart. Finally, repeat the verse as they walk around the outside of the heart. WHAT YOU SAY: Before the Activity: “Do you see what’s on the floor? Someone raise your hand and tell me what you see. (Call on a friend with her hand raised.) Yes! It’s a heart. Come stand by the heart with me.” (Instruct children to gather around the heart.) During the Activity: “All month long, we’re learning a very important memory verse about Jesus’ love for us! It says: How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, Ephesians 3:18. “I want us to stand with our toes on the outside edge of the heart as we say the verse together. Ready? How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, Ephesians 3:18. Great job! Now, let’s stand INSIDE the heart and say our verse. How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, Ephesians 3:18. Awesome! Okay, one more time, let’s say our verse as we walk around the heart. How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, Ephesians 3:18.” After the Activity: “So after saying this verse over and over again, tell me: Who loves you? Jesus loves me. Yes, He does! His love is wide and long and high and deep! His love never ends. Who loves you? Jesus loves me.”
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 6
3-5
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
Bible story and bottom line.
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
KEY QUESTION
WHO LOVES YOU?
BOTTOM LINE
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
E BIBL
BIBLE STORY REVIEW
ORY R E
IEW
Activities designed to reinforce the
ST
YEAR OLDS
V
MAKE IT STICK
2
An activity that reviews the entire Bible story in a fun and interactive way allowing preschoolers that repetition they crave.
HANDPRINTS
“Handprints” is an activity that allows the children to make a visual of the Bible story to display in the classroom for families to see. WHAT YOU NEED: Large piece of white butcher paper, permanent marker, paintbrush, wet wipes, wall tape, and pink, red, and purple paint WHAT YOU DO: Before the Activity: Lay the paper out in the activity area. Write “JESUS LOVES” at the top of the paper with the permanent marker. During the Activity: Use the paintbrush to paint one hand on each child. Once the hand is painted, press it onto the butcher paper to make a handprint. Use the wet wipes to clean the child’s hand and then write the child’s name under his handprint. After the Activity: Using the wall tape, hang the paper on a wall where families picking up the children can see it. NOTE: Preschoolers love to take their artwork home. They can be very territorial with their work. For this reason, it is a good idea to keep a pair a scissors nearby so that you can cut their handprint from the paper if needed. WHAT YOU SAY: Before the Activity: “Our story today was about Jesus letting all of the children come to Him. His friends told them to stop, but Jesus said for them to come. Jesus loves all children! That means all of you too!” During the Activity: “Let’s make a banner that tells all of our families who Jesus loves! He loves all of us!” (Do activity.)
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
After the Activity: “Perfect! Our banner tells us that Jesus loves all of the children and that means each of you too! Tell me: Who loves you? Jesus loves me!”
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 7
3-5
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
2
YEAR OLDS
MAKE IT STICK
JUST FOR FIVES
Activities designed to reinforce the
An activity that calls on older preschoolers’ more developed cognitive and fine motor skills while reviewing the Bible story, bottom line or memory verse.
Bible story and bottom line.
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
FIND THE HEARTS
“Find the Hearts” is an activity that uses sight recognition and fine motor skills to review today’s Bottom Line and Bible story. WHAT YOU NEED: “Playground” Activity Page, white cardstock, and heart stickers
KEY QUESTION
WHAT YOU DO: Before the Activity: Copy the “Playground” Activity Page onto white cardstock, one per child. Place the heart stickers in the center of the table.
WHO LOVES YOU?
BOTTOM LINE
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
During the Activity: Pass out the Activity Pages. Talk about what children see on the Activity Page. Then encourage the children to count the hearts they find hidden in the picture and to cover each heart with a heart on the page with a sticker. There are a total of eleven hearts hidden in the picture. WHAT YOU SAY: During the Activity: “Can someone raise your hand and tell me where this scene on your page is taking place? (Call on a child to answer.) Yes! It’s a playground. You may also see some hearts hidden on this playground. Can you point to one heart on your page? (Pause as children follow your direction.) Great! Now, I have some heart stickers here. (Hold up heart stickers.) I want you to place a sticker on every heart you find, but ONLY on top of the hearts on the page.” After the Activity: “Okay, count your hearts and then I want someone to raise your hand to tell me how many you’ve found on your page. (Call on a child to answer.) You found all eleven hearts! Great job! In our Bible story today, did Jesus send the children away? (Pause for responses.) No! He said: “Let the little children come to me” (Luke 18:16 NIV). He wanted to spend time with them because He loved them. And He loves you too! He loves you on the playground, He loves you when you’re at school, He loves you at home, and He loves you when you’re at church. Jesus loves you always, no matter where you go or what you do. Who loves you? Jesus loves me. That’s right!”
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 8
3-5
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
2
YEAR OLDS
MAKE IT STICK
MOVEMENT
Activities designed to reinforce the
An activity that uses a preschooler’s natural desire to move to help them learn and grow.
Bible story and bottom line.
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
STOP AND GO
“Stop and Go” is an activity that teaches listening skills and following directions to reinforce today’s Bible story. WHAT YOU NEED: No supplies needed
KEY QUESTION
WHAT YOU DO: Before the Activity: Have the children line up side by side on one end of the activity area. They should be facing you.
WHO LOVES YOU?
BOTTOM LINE
During the Activity: Say, “Go,” and have the children start to walk toward you. Then say, “Stop,” and instruct them to freeze. Repeat several times until the children reach you. After the Activity: Repeat as desired.
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
WHAT YOU SAY: Before the Activity: “Jesus’ friends told the children to stop and not come to Jesus. But Jesus said: “Let the little children come to me” (Luke 18:16 NIV).” During the Activity: (Have the children stand in a line.) “When I say, ‘Go,’ start walking toward me. When I say, “Stop,” then I want you to FREEZE! We are going to keep doing this until you reach me! Are you ready?” (Do activity.) After the Activity: “Way to listen, friends! You did a great job coming to me. Jesus wanted the children to come to Him, because He loves the children. He loves everyone! Who loves you? Jesus loves me!”
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 9
3-5
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
2
YEAR OLDS
MAKE IT STICK
CRAFT
Activities designed to reinforce the
An activity that allows preschoolers to review the Bible story, bottom line or memory verse by creating a fun craft to take home.
Bible story and bottom line.
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
KEY QUESTION
WHO LOVES YOU?
BOTTOM LINE
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
PAPER PLATE MIRROR
“Paper Plate Mirror” is an activity that uses fine motor skills to review today’s Bible story and Bottom Line. WHAT YOU NEED: “Jesus Loves Me Labels” Activity Page, Avery® labels #5160 or equivalent, paper plates, aluminum foil, scissors, and glue sticks WHAT YOU DO: Before the Activity: Copy the “Jesus Loves Me Labels” onto the labels so each child will have one label. Take one of your paper plates and cut off the outside edge so that you just have the center circle. Place your cut circle on top of the foil, trace it, and cut it out to give you a foil circle. The foil circle will be the same size as the paper plate circle. You’ll need one foil circle and one paper plate circle per child. During the Activity: Pass out a paper plate and a foil circle to each child. Instruct the children to run some glue over the center of the plate and then carefully stick their foil to the center of the plate to create a mirror. Pass out the labels for the children to put on the edge of their mirrors. Then ask the children hold up their paper plate mirror and say, [Bottom Line] “Jesus loves me,” as they look at themselves. WHAT YOU SAY: During the Activity: “We’re going to create a mirror that you can take home with you today! Every time you hold up your mirror, I want you to say, ‘Jesus loves me.’ First, let’s use our glue sticks to run some glue over the center of our plates. Then we’ll carefully place one foil circle on the center of your plate. And finally, I want you to place a label that says, ‘Jesus loves me.’ on the edge of your paper plate.” After the Activity: “Okay, friends, hold up your mirrors so that you can see your reflection. Tell me: Who loves you? Jesus loves me. Yes, He does, my friends! Jesus loves you very much. He loves every single thing about you. I want you to take this mirror home this week and pick it up often, looking at your sweet face and remembering Jesus loves me! Who loves you? Jesus loves me.”
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 1 0
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
2
3-5 YEAR OLDS
MAKE IT REAL A time for preschoolers to meet with a consistent small group leader, apply the lesson to their lives and pray together.
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
KEY QUESTION
WHO LOVES YOU?
BOTTOM LINE
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
Investing in a few to encourage their authentic faith.
SMALL GROUP TIME WHAT YOU NEED: Paperclip “Memory Verse Card” (from the Week One Activity Pages on the Website) in your Bible at Ephesians 3:18. Provide a journal and a fun-shaped pen for each small group. You will also need a red heart sticker for each child.
SMALL GROUP LEADER (SGL): “Raise your hand if you are a little boy or little girl. (Pause and look around at each child.) Do you know that you are some of Jesus’ favorite friends? It’s true! Jesus loves you SO much! Who loves you?” CHILDREN AND SGL: “Jesus loves me!” SGL: “In our Bible story today, mommies and daddies took their children—children just like you—to see Jesus. Some of Jesus’ grownup friends told the children to go away. They thought the little children would bother Jesus. Do you remember what Jesus said? (Pause.) Jesus said: Let the little children come to me (Luke 18:16 NIV). He wanted all of the little children—children just like you—to be His friend, because Jesus loves children. Who does Jesus love?” CHILDREN AND SGL: “Jesus loves me!” SGL: “You got it! And His love for you is SO big! It’s so big we can’t even measure how big it is! Do you remember what our new memory verse says? (Open Bible to memory verse card.)
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
SGL: (Read verse from the Bible) “How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, Ephesians 3:18. (Lay Bible down.) Let’s say that together with the motions.” CHILDREN AND SGL: “How wide (hold arms out wide) and long (hold arms out vertically) and high (jump as high as you can) and deep (pretend to dig with a shovel) is the love (hug yourself) of Christ (point up), Ephesians 3:18.” (Open hands like a book.) (Repeat several times.) SGL: “You sound awesome! Okay, friends, come sit with me and let’s write in our prayer journal. Today I want us to thank Jesus for loving us. I’m going to give each
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 1 1
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
2
3-5 YEAR OLDS
MAKE IT REAL A time for preschoolers to meet with a consistent small group leader, apply the lesson to their lives and pray together.
Investing in a few to encourage their authentic faith.
of you a red heart sticker. (Hand out the heart stickers.) Now I’m going to write everyone’s name in our prayer journal. When I write and say your name, I want you to place your red heart sticker beside your name and say: ‘Jesus loves me!’ (Open prayer journal and hold your fun pen. Write and say each child’s name. Cue them to place their red heart sticker beside their name and say: “Jesus loves me.”) “I love this so much! Jesus loves (say each child’s name). Now I want to pray and thank God for sending Jesus to love each of us. Would anyone like to pray before I pray? (Give each child who wants to pray the opportunity to do so.) “Now I will pray.”
PRAYER
SGL: “Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to love everyone. Thank You that He loves little children like (name each child). Thank You that He wants us to come to Him, spend time with Him, and be His friend. You are the best, God. We love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 1 2
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
2
YEAR OLDS
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
Editor in Chief: Kathy Hill
FL Creative Team: Brittany Compton-Robertson,
Executive Director: Brittany Compton-Robertson
Copy Editor: Dana Wilkerson
Kathy Hill, Autumn Ward, Ashley Hiers, Donna High,
Technical and Web Support: Hadley Brandt
Curriculum Writer: Emily Meredith, Donna High
Danielle Schneller, Mary Beth Brannan
Partner Support: Deb Springer
Illustrator: Jodi Blackwell
Chief Executive Officer: Reggie Joiner
Graphic Designers: Sharon van Rossum, David Hill
Chief Operating Officer: Reggie Goodin
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New
“STATEMENT OF FAITH” USER AGREEMENT
International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible
Orange gladly grants permission to churches, schools, and other licensees to
Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
tailor First Look® materials to fit their unique leadership requirements, locale
These resources are intended to be downloaded and printed for use by the
and format preferences, and physical environment needs. However, if you wish
subscribing entity only and may not be electronically transferred to or duplicated
to edit the content substantively, including Bible stories, learning activities,
by other non-subscribing entities. Any unauthorized reproduction of this material
scripts, and any other content in which biblical principles and concepts are
or incorporation into a new work is a direct violation of US copyright laws. ©2016
presented, you are obligated to do so within the doctrinal guidelines we’ve
Orange. All rights reserved. First Look® and the First Look® logo are trademarks
expressed in our Statement of Faith.
of Orange.
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
KEY QUESTION
WHO LOVES YOU?
BOTTOM LINE
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
2
3-5 YEAR OLDS
MAKE IT FUN
Prepare to offer one or more of the following activities as your preschoolers arrive. Let one or two teachers lead small groups of children in activities throughout the room while another teacher greets parents and kids at the door.
• Loves, Loves, YOU • Roll to Fill • In the Mirror
MAKE IT TRUE (LARGE GROUP) • Worship • Introductory Sketch • Bible Story
MAKE IT STICK
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.
• • • • •
Heart Verse Handprints Find the Hearts Stop and Go Paper Plate Mirror
MAKE IT REAL
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 • Prayer
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 2
3-5
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
2
YEAR OLDS
MAKE IT FUN
MOVEMENT
Activities designed to draw children into
An activity that uses a preschooler’s natural desire to move to help them learn and grow.
the classroom and introduce vocabulary and concepts needed for the Bible story.
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
LOVES, LOVES, YOU
“Loves, Loves, YOU” is an activity that uses gross motor skills and patience to reaffirm this month’s Bottom Line. WHAT YOU NEED: No supplies needed
KEY QUESTION
WHO LOVES YOU?
BOTTOM LINE
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
WHAT YOU DO: Before the Activity: Have the children sit in a circle and pick one child to be “It.” During the Activity: Have the children play a version on “Duck, Duck, Goose,” but use the words “loves, loves, you” instead. Have the child that is It walk around the circle and touch each child’s head while saying, “Loves, loves, loves . . .” as he touches each head. When the child picks a child to be the next It, he will say “YOU” and start walking fast around the circle. The child that was picked will get up and walk fast to try and catch the first child before he sits down in the second child’s spot on the floor. Repeat the activity until every child has been picked. WHAT YOU SAY: Before the Activity: “We are going to play a game like ‘Duck, Duck, Goose,’ but we are going to change the words to ‘Jesus LOVES, LOVES YOU!’” During the Activity: “Everyone sit in a circle. [Child’s name] can be It first. He will say ‘Jesus’ and then walk around the circle saying ‘loves’ each time he touches a head. (Demonstrate.) He will then pick someone to be It and say ‘YOU’ when he touches that child’s head. If you are picked, then get up and walk fast to try to touch [child’s name] before he sits down in your spot. Are you ready?” (Do activity.) After the Activity: “Nice job playing the game! It’s true. Jesus loves us—all of us! Today in our story we are going to hear about some special people that Jesus loves. Are you ready to hear our TRUE story from the Bible? (Pause.) Me too!”
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 3
3-5
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
2
YEAR OLDS
MAKE IT FUN
GAME
Activities designed to draw children into
An activity that encourages preschoolers to follow guidelines while having fun and learning new concepts.
the classroom and introduce vocabulary and concepts needed for the Bible story.
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
ROLL TO FILL
“Roll to Fill” is an activity that uses counting and fine motor skills to introduce today’s Bottom Line and Bible story. WHAT YOU NEED: A heart shaped cookie cutter, pom-poms, and a die
KEY QUESTION
NOTE: If you have a large class, provide another cookie cutter, bag of pom-poms, and die, and split the class into two groups.
WHO LOVES YOU?
WHAT YOU DO: During the Activity: Show the children the items and identify them by name. Set the cookie cutter flat on the table. Allow the children to guess how many pom-poms they think it will take to fill one cookie cutter. Once you arrive at a number, allow the children to take turns rolling one die, identifying the number they’ve rolled, and then counting out that number of pom-poms to place inside the cookie cutter until it is full.
BOTTOM LINE
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
WHAT YOU SAY: During the Activity: “Can someone tell me what this is? (Hold up the cookie cutter and pause for responses.) Yep! What about this? (Hold up the die and pause for responses.) Yep! And finally, what about these? (Hold up the pom-poms and pause for responses.) Yes! Let’s put our cookie cutter on the table. How many pom-poms do you think it will take to fill this heart-shaped cookie cutter? (Pause for responses.) Those are some great guesses! Let’s play a game to see if you’re right. We’ll take turns with our friends rolling the die and then counting out that many pom-poms to put in our cookie cutter. Are you ready?” After the Activity: “Wow! Can you believe it took [number] pom-poms to fill up our heart shape? That was really good counting, friends! When you see a heart, what does it make you think of? (Pause.) Love! That’s right. Today we’re going to hear about how much JESUS loves each one of us because we are all His children. His heart is full of love for us!”
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 4
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
MAKE IT FUN Activities designed to draw children into the classroom and introduce vocabulary and concepts needed for the Bible story.
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
KEY QUESTION
2
3-5 YEAR OLDS
INVESTIGATION/ROLE PLAY An activity that channels either a preschooler’s innate curiosity or desire to play dress up into a discussion of concepts crucial to the lesson.
IN THE MIRROR
“In the Mirror” is an activity that allows the children to experience a visual to reinforce this month’s Bottom Line. WHAT YOU NEED: Several shatterproof locker mirrors and small pom-poms in an assortment of colors WHAT YOU DO: Before the Activity: Place the pom-poms and the mirrors in the activity area.
WHO LOVES YOU?
BOTTOM LINE
During the Activity: Ask the children to make a large heart with the pom-poms on top of the mirror. After the Activity: Say, “Who does Jesus love?” and ask the children to look into the mirror and respond, “Me!”
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
WHAT YOU SAY: Before the Activity: “Can you make a heart? Use your fingers in the air and make a heart with me. (Demonstrate.) Good job! I love hearts!” During the Activity: “Let’s use the pom-poms to make a heart on top of the mirror. (Demonstrate.) Great job! Keep going until you have a big heart on your mirror!” (Allow the children to work.) After the Activity: “Awesome hearts! Hearts remind me of love. Who does Jesus love? Everyone look into the mirror. Who do you see? (Pause.) YES! You! Jesus loves all of you!”
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 5
3-5
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
2
YEAR OLDS
MAKE IT STICK
MEMORY VERSE REVIEW
Activities designed to reinforce the
An activity that encourages preschoolers to learn the monthly memory verse.
Bible story and bottom line.
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
KEY QUESTION
WHO LOVES YOU?
BOTTOM LINE
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
HEART VERSE
“Heart Verse” is an activity that uses gross motor skills to review this month’s memory verse. WHAT YOU NEED: A large piece of butcher paper (preferably pink or red), scissors, and painter’s or masking tape WHAT YOU DO: Before the Activity: Cut a large heart out of the butcher paper and tape it down on the floor in an open area of the room. During the Activity: Review the memory verse as you instruct the children to stand on the outside edge of the heart. Then repeat the verse again as they stand inside the heart. Finally, repeat the verse as they walk around the outside of the heart. WHAT YOU SAY: Before the Activity: “Do you see what’s on the floor? Someone raise your hand and tell me what you see. (Call on a friend with her hand raised.) Yes! It’s a heart. Come stand by the heart with me.” (Instruct children to gather around the heart.) During the Activity: “All month long, we’re learning a very important memory verse about Jesus’ love for us! It says: How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, Ephesians 3:18. “I want us to stand with our toes on the outside edge of the heart as we say the verse together. Ready? How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, Ephesians 3:18. Great job! Now, let’s stand INSIDE the heart and say our verse. How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, Ephesians 3:18. Awesome! Okay, one more time, let’s say our verse as we walk around the heart. How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, Ephesians 3:18.” After the Activity: “So after saying this verse over and over again, tell me: Who loves you? Jesus loves me. Yes, He does! His love is wide and long and high and deep! His love never ends. Who loves you? Jesus loves me.”
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 6
3-5
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
Bible story and bottom line.
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
KEY QUESTION
WHO LOVES YOU?
BOTTOM LINE
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
E BIBL
BIBLE STORY REVIEW
ORY R E
IEW
Activities designed to reinforce the
ST
YEAR OLDS
V
MAKE IT STICK
2
An activity that reviews the entire Bible story in a fun and interactive way allowing preschoolers that repetition they crave.
HANDPRINTS
“Handprints” is an activity that allows the children to make a visual of the Bible story to display in the classroom for families to see. WHAT YOU NEED: Large piece of white butcher paper, permanent marker, paintbrush, wet wipes, wall tape, and pink, red, and purple paint WHAT YOU DO: Before the Activity: Lay the paper out in the activity area. Write “JESUS LOVES” at the top of the paper with the permanent marker. During the Activity: Use the paintbrush to paint one hand on each child. Once the hand is painted, press it onto the butcher paper to make a handprint. Use the wet wipes to clean the child’s hand and then write the child’s name under his handprint. After the Activity: Using the wall tape, hang the paper on a wall where families picking up the children can see it. NOTE: Preschoolers love to take their artwork home. They can be very territorial with their work. For this reason, it is a good idea to keep a pair a scissors nearby so that you can cut their handprint from the paper if needed. WHAT YOU SAY: Before the Activity: “Our story today was about Jesus letting all of the children come to Him. His friends told them to stop, but Jesus said for them to come. Jesus loves all children! That means all of you too!” During the Activity: “Let’s make a banner that tells all of our families who Jesus loves! He loves all of us!” (Do activity.)
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
After the Activity: “Perfect! Our banner tells us that Jesus loves all of the children and that means each of you too! Tell me: Who loves you? Jesus loves me!”
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 7
3-5
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
2
YEAR OLDS
MAKE IT STICK
JUST FOR FIVES
Activities designed to reinforce the
An activity that calls on older preschoolers’ more developed cognitive and fine motor skills while reviewing the Bible story, bottom line or memory verse.
Bible story and bottom line.
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
FIND THE HEARTS
“Find the Hearts” is an activity that uses sight recognition and fine motor skills to review today’s Bottom Line and Bible story. WHAT YOU NEED: “Playground” Activity Page, white cardstock, and heart stickers
KEY QUESTION
WHAT YOU DO: Before the Activity: Copy the “Playground” Activity Page onto white cardstock, one per child. Place the heart stickers in the center of the table.
WHO LOVES YOU?
BOTTOM LINE
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
During the Activity: Pass out the Activity Pages. Talk about what children see on the Activity Page. Then encourage the children to count the hearts they find hidden in the picture and to cover each heart with a heart on the page with a sticker. There are a total of eleven hearts hidden in the picture. WHAT YOU SAY: During the Activity: “Can someone raise your hand and tell me where this scene on your page is taking place? (Call on a child to answer.) Yes! It’s a playground. You may also see some hearts hidden on this playground. Can you point to one heart on your page? (Pause as children follow your direction.) Great! Now, I have some heart stickers here. (Hold up heart stickers.) I want you to place a sticker on every heart you find, but ONLY on top of the hearts on the page.” After the Activity: “Okay, count your hearts and then I want someone to raise your hand to tell me how many you’ve found on your page. (Call on a child to answer.) You found all eleven hearts! Great job! In our Bible story today, did Jesus send the children away? (Pause for responses.) No! He said: “Let the little children come to me” (Luke 18:16 NIV). He wanted to spend time with them because He loved them. And He loves you too! He loves you on the playground, He loves you when you’re at school, He loves you at home, and He loves you when you’re at church. Jesus loves you always, no matter where you go or what you do. Who loves you? Jesus loves me. That’s right!”
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 8
3-5
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
2
YEAR OLDS
MAKE IT STICK
MOVEMENT
Activities designed to reinforce the
An activity that uses a preschooler’s natural desire to move to help them learn and grow.
Bible story and bottom line.
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
STOP AND GO
“Stop and Go” is an activity that teaches listening skills and following directions to reinforce today’s Bible story. WHAT YOU NEED: No supplies needed
KEY QUESTION
WHAT YOU DO: Before the Activity: Have the children line up side by side on one end of the activity area. They should be facing you.
WHO LOVES YOU?
BOTTOM LINE
During the Activity: Say, “Go,” and have the children start to walk toward you. Then say, “Stop,” and instruct them to freeze. Repeat several times until the children reach you. After the Activity: Repeat as desired.
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
WHAT YOU SAY: Before the Activity: “Jesus’ friends told the children to stop and not come to Jesus. But Jesus said: “Let the little children come to me” (Luke 18:16 NIV).” During the Activity: (Have the children stand in a line.) “When I say, ‘Go,’ start walking toward me. When I say, “Stop,” then I want you to FREEZE! We are going to keep doing this until you reach me! Are you ready?” (Do activity.) After the Activity: “Way to listen, friends! You did a great job coming to me. Jesus wanted the children to come to Him, because He loves the children. He loves everyone! Who loves you? Jesus loves me!”
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 9
3-5
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
2
YEAR OLDS
MAKE IT STICK
CRAFT
Activities designed to reinforce the
An activity that allows preschoolers to review the Bible story, bottom line or memory verse by creating a fun craft to take home.
Bible story and bottom line.
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
KEY QUESTION
WHO LOVES YOU?
BOTTOM LINE
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
PAPER PLATE MIRROR
“Paper Plate Mirror” is an activity that uses fine motor skills to review today’s Bible story and Bottom Line. WHAT YOU NEED: “Jesus Loves Me Labels” Activity Page, Avery® labels #5160 or equivalent, paper plates, aluminum foil, scissors, and glue sticks WHAT YOU DO: Before the Activity: Copy the “Jesus Loves Me Labels” onto the labels so each child will have one label. Take one of your paper plates and cut off the outside edge so that you just have the center circle. Place your cut circle on top of the foil, trace it, and cut it out to give you a foil circle. The foil circle will be the same size as the paper plate circle. You’ll need one foil circle and one paper plate circle per child. During the Activity: Pass out a paper plate and a foil circle to each child. Instruct the children to run some glue over the center of the plate and then carefully stick their foil to the center of the plate to create a mirror. Pass out the labels for the children to put on the edge of their mirrors. Then ask the children hold up their paper plate mirror and say, [Bottom Line] “Jesus loves me,” as they look at themselves. WHAT YOU SAY: During the Activity: “We’re going to create a mirror that you can take home with you today! Every time you hold up your mirror, I want you to say, ‘Jesus loves me.’ First, let’s use our glue sticks to run some glue over the center of our plates. Then we’ll carefully place one foil circle on the center of your plate. And finally, I want you to place a label that says, ‘Jesus loves me.’ on the edge of your paper plate.” After the Activity: “Okay, friends, hold up your mirrors so that you can see your reflection. Tell me: Who loves you? Jesus loves me. Yes, He does, my friends! Jesus loves you very much. He loves every single thing about you. I want you to take this mirror home this week and pick it up often, looking at your sweet face and remembering Jesus loves me! Who loves you? Jesus loves me.”
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 1 0
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
2
3-5 YEAR OLDS
MAKE IT REAL A time for preschoolers to meet with a consistent small group leader, apply the lesson to their lives and pray together.
BASIC TRUTH
JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER.
KEY QUESTION
WHO LOVES YOU?
BOTTOM LINE
JESUS LOVES ME.
MEMORY VERSE
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
Investing in a few to encourage their authentic faith.
SMALL GROUP TIME WHAT YOU NEED: Paperclip “Memory Verse Card” (from the Week One Activity Pages on the Website) in your Bible at Ephesians 3:18. Provide a journal and a fun-shaped pen for each small group. You will also need a red heart sticker for each child.
SMALL GROUP LEADER (SGL): “Raise your hand if you are a little boy or little girl. (Pause and look around at each child.) Do you know that you are some of Jesus’ favorite friends? It’s true! Jesus loves you SO much! Who loves you?” CHILDREN AND SGL: “Jesus loves me!” SGL: “In our Bible story today, mommies and daddies took their children—children just like you—to see Jesus. Some of Jesus’ grownup friends told the children to go away. They thought the little children would bother Jesus. Do you remember what Jesus said? (Pause.) Jesus said: Let the little children come to me (Luke 18:16 NIV). He wanted all of the little children—children just like you—to be His friend, because Jesus loves children. Who does Jesus love?” CHILDREN AND SGL: “Jesus loves me!” SGL: “You got it! And His love for you is SO big! It’s so big we can’t even measure how big it is! Do you remember what our new memory verse says? (Open Bible to memory verse card.)
BIBLE STORY FOCUS
Jesus loves me. Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16
SGL: (Read verse from the Bible) “How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, Ephesians 3:18. (Lay Bible down.) Let’s say that together with the motions.” CHILDREN AND SGL: “How wide (hold arms out wide) and long (hold arms out vertically) and high (jump as high as you can) and deep (pretend to dig with a shovel) is the love (hug yourself) of Christ (point up), Ephesians 3:18.” (Open hands like a book.) (Repeat several times.) SGL: “You sound awesome! Okay, friends, come sit with me and let’s write in our prayer journal. Today I want us to thank Jesus for loving us. I’m going to give each
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 1 1
WEEK
FEBRUARY 2017
2
3-5 YEAR OLDS
MAKE IT REAL A time for preschoolers to meet with a consistent small group leader, apply the lesson to their lives and pray together.
Investing in a few to encourage their authentic faith.
of you a red heart sticker. (Hand out the heart stickers.) Now I’m going to write everyone’s name in our prayer journal. When I write and say your name, I want you to place your red heart sticker beside your name and say: ‘Jesus loves me!’ (Open prayer journal and hold your fun pen. Write and say each child’s name. Cue them to place their red heart sticker beside their name and say: “Jesus loves me.”) “I love this so much! Jesus loves (say each child’s name). Now I want to pray and thank God for sending Jesus to love each of us. Would anyone like to pray before I pray? (Give each child who wants to pray the opportunity to do so.) “Now I will pray.”
PRAYER
SGL: “Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to love everyone. Thank You that He loves little children like (name each child). Thank You that He wants us to come to Him, spend time with Him, and be His friend. You are the best, God. We love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Curriculum Materials for 3-5-year-olds • © 2016 Orange. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com
PA G E 1 2
