Teaching Ideas
If you’re looking for fresh Christmas music for your kids — not the same ‘ole stuff — you’ll want to check out this album! Songs Include: Christmas Joy/Joy to the World, Candy Cane, Angel Band, Camels Are Coming, Go Tell It, Favored One/What Child Is This?, Unwrap the Gift, Here in a Child, Sheep Party,…
Materials Needed: White construction paper, crayons, scissors. Instructions: Fold a white sheet of construction in half long ways. Draw the outline for half of a tree and cut out. Color. Draw a picture of Zacchaeus and cut out. The tree will stand because it is slightly folded in the middle. Zacchaeus can be placed in…
Welcome children warmly when they come to class, and give them time to share the events of their week. Ask questions such as: “What was the best thing that happened all week? What was the worst thing that happened?” As children respond, rejoice or commiserate with them as appropriate. This discussion time can often lead…
(1) Does the story have a strong point, idea or theme? (2) Do the characters appeal to the age group? (3) Is the vocabulary appropriate for your age level? (4) Is the length suited to the age? (Rule of thumb: attention span is about one minute more than the age) (5) Is the story sprinkled…
The Sunday before children go back to school, the pastor called all boys and girls to the front for prayer. After prayer, they were each given a bottle of 7-Up with “7 Lifting Ways to Start the School Year!” attached: #1 Wake UP – Decide to have a good day. “This is the day which…
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to help so many friends and acquaintances get started in ministry or take the next step in recording their first song. More and more I am learning that mentoring is one of my greatest joys. When I hear that someone got started in music or ministry because of what…
My three older brothers and I gathered around the piano every Saturday night with our parents to prepare for Sunday morning worship. My brothers, then known as the “Rice Kryspies,” often sang at church, and I played my violin during the offertory. I grew up in a home filled with musical instruments. Music as a…
Have you ever been on a camping trip or a family hike? Anyone who goes on such adventures knows of the need to “be prepared” for an emergency. This means thinking through, “What will I do if…” It also involves being prepared with useful items of equipment. A wilderness survival pack might include a first…
For all age groups, the key to memorization is repetition. Make it fun! Be creative! Verses studied once are easily forgotten. Review helps children retain what they have learned and helps make the verse a part of the child’s life.
Bike Scavenger Hunt Prepare a question sheet ahead of time, with scavenger hunt locations and questions, such as: How many links are in the swing chain at Fremont Elementary School? How many owls are on display in the front window of the gift shop? What two credit cards are displayed on the window of Smith…