Nursery Coordinator’s Notebook Sample
A Philosophy and Curriculum for Ministry to Infants and Toddlers
By Sally Michael
Copyright ©2005 by Sally Michael. All rights reserved. Children Desiring God 2601 Franklin Avenue East Minneapolis, Minnesota 55406 Toll-Free: 888-346-4700 FAX: 612-338-4372 E-MAIL: cdg@desiringGOD.org WEB SITE: www.childrendesiringGod.org Scripture quotation taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. The “NIV” and “New International Version” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. All rights reserved This publication includes images from Microsoft Publisher 2002, ©1991-2001, and from Art Explosion, 600,000 Images ©1995-1998, Nova Corporation, which are protected by the copyright laws of the U..S., Canada, and elsewhere. Used under license.
A Sure Foundation A Philosophy and Curriculum for Ministry to Infants and Toddlers
Introduction to the Nursery Coordinator’s Notebook
Welcome to A Sure Foundation: A Philosophy and Curriculum for Ministry to Infants and Toddlers. The best foundation we can lay for these little children is the sure foundation of Jesus Christ. Everything else will crumble. The nursery ministry is just the beginning of leading a child to Jesus. Much of the work is hidden, and the fruits of this ministry may take years to see. But God is faithful. In constructing a building, the labor of digging holes and pouring footings may look unimportant to the untrained eye, but without a sure foundation, the building will not stand the test of time and the stress of adverse conditions. So it is in the life of a child. The foundation of prayer, blessing, and a godly atmosphere may look unimportant to the untrained eye and may even be forgotten when the child matures, but a sure foundation can be the means of salvation for a child. Isaiah 28:16 speaks of only one sure foundation for these little ones: So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.” May God help you in the ministry of spreading the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus “so that the next generation...would put their trust in God” (Psalm 78:7). The Nursery Coordinator’s Kit for A Sure Foundation includes loose-leaf copies of each of the following in this coordinator’s notebook:
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The Fragrance of the Knowledge of Christ: A Philosophy for Infant Nursery Ministry— Designed for room coordinators and caregivers of children, 0-18 months. The Wonders He Has Done: A Philosophy and Curriculum for Young Toddlers— Designed for teachers and caregivers of children, 18-24 months. His Praiseworthy Deeds: A Philosophy and Curriculum for Older Toddlers— Designed for teachers and caregivers of children, 24-36 months.
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There are also two copies of each of these booklets in saddle-stitched format included in the Nursery Coordinator’s Kit. (Over)
Other materials in the coordinator’s kit include:
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Nursery Ministry: So That the Littlest Ones Might Stand on the Truth, an equipping seminar video in DVD format A Resource Packet containing: ⇒ 13 prayer guide posters
⇒ 12 memory verse posters ⇒ 12 memory verse cards for parents to use with toddlers
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12 large laminated full-color posters with simple truth statements about God A Young Toddler Story Picture Packet containing 17 full-color story pictures An Older Toddler Story Picture Packet containing 53 full-color story pictures Praying for the Next Generation prayer guide (booklet) for parents and children’s ministry workers A Father’s Guide to Blessing His Children instructional booklet and two sets of blessing cards, for adults to use regularly to pronounce a blessing on the children in their lives Foundation Verses scripture memory set, for use by families with preschoolers
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For additional copies of any of these resources, including additional saddle-stitched copies of each of the three booklets that make up the three major sections of this nursery coordinator’s notebook, please contact Children Desiring God.
2601 East Franklin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55406 Toll-Free: 1-888-346-4700 Fax: 612-435-2453 Email: cdg@desiringGod.org Website: www.childrendesiringGod.org
A Sure Foundation
A Philosophy and Curriculum for Ministry to Infants and Toddlers
Table of Contents for the Notebook
Section I The Fragrance of the Knowledge of Christ: A Philosophy for Infant Nursery Ministry Preface .............................................................................................................................1 Philosophy of Nursery Ministry .........................................................................................3 Psalm 1 Prayer Guide ......................................................................................................11 Prayer Verses...................................................................................................................13 Prayer Topics ...................................................................................................................15 Letter to Parents...............................................................................................................17 Curriculum Resources ......................................................................................................19 Section II The Wonders He Has Done: A Philosophy and Curriculum for Young Toddler Ministry Preface .............................................................................................................................1 Philosophy of Ministry to Infants and Toddlers .................................................................3 Introduction: How to Use the Curriculum ..........................................................................7 Sample Schedule .............................................................................................................15 Psalm 1 Prayer Guide ......................................................................................................17 Prayer Verses...................................................................................................................19 Prayer Topics ...................................................................................................................21 Bible Verses .....................................................................................................................23
Scripture Memory and Children ....................................................................................... 25 Teacher Preparation ........................................................................................................ 27 Lesson 1: God Made Everything...................................................................................... 28 Lesson 2: Jesus is Here! ................................................................................................. 30 Lesson 3: We Love Jesus................................................................................................ 32 Lesson 4: Jesus Loves Me .............................................................................................. 34 Letter to Parents .............................................................................................................. 37 Parent Resource Pages for Lessons 1-4 ......................................................................... 39 Songs for Toddlers .......................................................................................................... 47 Memory Verses for Toddlers............................................................................................ 49 Curriculum Resources ..................................................................................................... 51 Section III His Praiseworthy Deeds: A Philosophy and Ministry to Older Toddlers Preface ............................................................................................................................ 1 Philosophy of Ministry to Infants and Toddlers ................................................................ 3 Introduction: How to Use the Curriculum ......................................................................... 7 Sample Schedule............................................................................................................. 15 Psalm 1 Prayer Guide...................................................................................................... 17 Prayer Verses .................................................................................................................. 19 Prayer Topics................................................................................................................... 21 Bible Verses..................................................................................................................... 23 Scripture Memory and Children ....................................................................................... 25 Teacher Preparation ........................................................................................................ 27 Lesson 1: God Made Everything...................................................................................... 28
Lesson 2: Only God is Big ................................................................................................30 Lesson 3: God is Good.....................................................................................................32 Lesson 4: God Always Wins!............................................................................................34 Lesson 5: God Knows Everything ....................................................................................36 Lesson 6: Only One God ..................................................................................................38 Lesson 7: God is Everywhere...........................................................................................40 Lesson 8: Jesus is Here! ..................................................................................................42 Lesson 9: We Love Jesus ................................................................................................44 Lesson 10: Jesus is the Boss ...........................................................................................46 Lesson 11: Jesus Loves Me .............................................................................................48 Lesson 12: Jesus is a Friend............................................................................................50 Lesson 13: Jesus is Alive! ................................................................................................52 Letter to Parents...............................................................................................................55 Parent Resource Pages for Lessons 1-13........................................................................57 Songs for Toddlers ...........................................................................................................83 Memory Verses for Toddlers ............................................................................................85 Curriculum Resources ......................................................................................................87 Section IV Appendix Childhood and Holy Scripture...........................................................................................3 Handouts for Occasional Volunteers: Infant Nursery ........................................................................................................7 Young and Older Toddlers.....................................................................................9
Infants Section
A Sure Foundation A Fragrance of the Knowledge of Christ
Philosophy of Nursery Ministry
For too long nurseries have been part of church life because “somebody” has to take care of the infants and toddlers while their parents participate in worship services and Sunday school classes. Infants and toddlers can be a distraction in these settings; therefore, nurseries exist. But the church nursery should be an exciting and vital ministry in the church. It can be more than a babysitting service—it can be a launching pad for nurturing the faith of the next generation. If the nursery is viewed as a place of prayer for young children, a place where children learn simple truth statements as they form their language skills, and a place where they hear foundational Bible stories, the nursery can be transformed into an integral beginning of ministry to children. How can this transformation take place? Nursery workers must view themselves not only as childcare workers but also as prayer warriors and ministers to children. If every child is prayed for every time he or she is in the nursery, what might God be pleased to do in response to those prayers? If nursery workers see their chief functions as not only changing diapers but sowing truth in the lives of these little ones, what might God be pleased to accomplish? The nursery should be seen as a place where kingdom business takes place. GOD CAN WORK IN THE SOULS OF OUR LITTLE CHILDREN God is intimately acquainted with our ways and actively involved in the life of children even before birth. When Elizabeth heard the greeting of her cousin Mary, who was carrying the Savior in her womb, John the Baptist leaped in Elizabeth’s womb. While he was yet unborn, John the Baptist responded to the Spirit of God. David speaks about how God was present with him before his birth, creating and sustaining him: For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:13-16).
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These passages suggest that God’s spirit was present and at work in the lives of John the Baptist and David, even before birth. The Spirit of God was nurturing these children before they made their entrance into the world or could understand language. God was at work in these children before their parents could impart truth to them. God is not limited by language, and His work in the soul of a child can begin long before that child understands words. Since God is not limited by the lack of cognitive ability in children, we should not limit our efforts to nurture faith in the youngest of children. We should conscientiously “spread the fragrance of the knowledge” of Jesus Christ and trust God to use our simple efforts for the eternal joy of our children. Little by little, as children begin to understand words, they can understand and respond to the truth of the gospel. This puts nursery ministry in a whole new light. Nursery ministry is not just a ministry to parents by caring for their children. It is more than changing diapers, feeding a baby a bottle, and putting clean sheets on a crib. The nursery is a ministry to the soul. It is participation in the work of God in a child’s soul. A nursery worker who understands this will work differently than a nursery worker who looks upon nursery work as only a ministry of babysitting. The foundations laid in the nursery ministry can bear fruit throughout a child’s life reaching even to the next generation. An hour strategically used for kingdom purposes can reap a harvest of souls. SETTING THE ATMOSPHERE OF THE NURSERY There are at least three important elements of the atmosphere of the nursery:
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A Spiritual Atmosphere A nursery ministry focused on spiritual work will have an atmosphere permeated with the fragrance of Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 2:14). It should be obvious to anyone entering the nursery that it is a place of loving kindness and soul nurturing. The atmosphere in the nursery should be one of calmness and joy. Hymns and worship music can be present in the nursery through recordings or through the singing of nursery workers. These can be upbeat, happy songs or soothing, gentle music. Posters of worship songs and hymns can be posted on the nursery walls to facilitate singing. The decorations and posters on the walls should point to God. Although there is nothing wrong with a poster of a popular cartoon character, it is more strategic to have a poster of Jesus and the children. A poster of a kitten is cute, but a poster of a kitten with the saying, “God made kittens” is better because it points to God. Although babies cannot read signs, nursery workers who are constantly focusing on God will reflect the Spirit of God to the babies in their care.
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The noises—both musical and spoken—should reflect God. There is a difference between the atmosphere of a nursery where recordings of childish jingles are played and the atmosphere a nursery where worship songs and hymns are played. When workers are pointed to God, babies are pointed to God. Although a baby may not understand the words “Jesus loves you” or “God made these little toes,” let’s not underestimate what God might be pleased to do through the telling of these simple truths. Words of blessing can be spoken over a child as he is placed in a crib or as he leaves the nursery (see the enclosed booklet A Father’s Guide to Blessing His Children and the two sets of blessing verse cards).
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An Atmosphere of Humble Dependence Psalm 121:1 says that “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” All our efforts will be fruitless unless the Lord is at work in the hearts of the little ones in the nursery. We are called to be faithful in imparting truth and sharing our faith, but God is the one who causes our efforts to bear fruit. It is good for nursery workers to remember that our attitude should be one of humble dependence on God.
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An Atmosphere of Godly People Although the words spoken may not be understood by a baby, the tone or the emotion of the adult caring for him can be sensed. In other words, the godly spirit of a nursery worker can minister to a baby in his or her care. Therefore it is strategic to nurture the souls of the nursery workers so that they can nurture the souls of the babies in the nursery. This means that hiring unbelievers to work in the nursery will defeat your goal of having a spiritual atmosphere in the nursery. PRAYER
While it may seem to some that working in the nursery has less ministry potential than teaching older children, the nursery actually affords great ministry opportunity. The infant nursery, more than any other children’s department, particularly lends itself to the crucial ministry of prayer for children. Although all childcare staff can pray for the children in their care, there are wonderful “free” moments in the infant nursery when a worker can pray for a child. When rocking a fussy or sleepy baby, changing a diaper, or winding up a swing, nursery workers can be praying for the babies in the nursery. What ministry could have further reaching effects than bringing these little ones before the throne of the King of the Universe? All of our teaching, modeling, and interaction with children will have no effect on their hearts if God does not call them to Himself. It will all fall on deaf ears and hard hearts unless God does a redeeming work in them. If we spend nursery hours pleading for their souls, what might God be pleased to do in their lives? What a wonderful foundation it would be for the children in our churches if someone prayed for them every week they
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Infants Section
A Sure Foundation A Fragrance of the Knowledge of Christ
Psalm 1 Prayer Guide
HOW TO TURN SCRIPTURE INTO PRAYERS The words of Psalm 1 can serve as prayer topics. Use the verses as reminders or springboards for prayer. Beneath each verse is a sample of how it can be used as a prayer guide. Verse 1: Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
“Don't let him listen to ungodly advice or follow the wisdom of this world; help him not to listen to the suggestions of evil men or be swept up into untruth. Don't let him follow ungodly friends or associate with those who despise the truth and sin against You; help him to choose good friends and to love the people of God. Help him to love those who love Your Word and listen to the advice of those who would seek Your counsel. Don't ever let him mock the things of God or make fun of truth; help him not to be ashamed of the gospel.” Verse 2: But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
“May he love Your Word; may the things of God be a delight to him. Help him to know the Word and to memorize the Word; may it be a ready defense for him in time of temptation or trial.” Verse 3: He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
“Make Him strong in You; may he abide in You and bear much fruit. May he always prosper in the things of God; may he be full of truth and overflowing in love. May his life and character be marked with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.”
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Young Toddlers Section
A Sure Foundation The Wonders He Has Done
Philosophy of Ministry to Infants and Toddlers
The philosophy of ministry to infants and toddlers is explained in the three booklets included in the Nursery Coordinator’s Kit for A Sure Foundation. You are holding the second of these booklets, A Sure Foundation: The Wonders He Has Done. It is the philosophy of ministry to young toddlers (from 18 to 24 months). To fully understand the philosophy to infants and toddlers, it is important to read all three booklets. In this way, you will know the flow of the nursery ministry, understanding both the foundation laid in each age group, the necessary preparation for the next stage of nursery ministry, and the scope of the ministry. We have divided nursery/toddler ministry into three general groups: birth to 18 months (infants); 18 to 24 months (young toddlers); and 24 to 36 months (older toddlers). Depending on the number of children in a given church, these children can all be present within one nursery or may be divided among three or more nurseries. Understanding the overall scope will help child care workers minister more effectively to the age group with which they are working. The following chart may help you to understand the foundation laid in each age group as well as an understanding of the next stage of ministry. This is just a quick overview and should not be substituted for reading all three booklets. AGE GROUP
Birth to 18 months (infants)
MINISTRY FOCUS
Prayer; blessing; spreading an atmosphere of Christ—worship music, gently spoken words of kindness and truth; simple truth statements about God Prayer; blessing; spreading an atmosphere of Christ—worship music, gently spoken words of kindness and truth; simple truth statements about God; Bible storytelling (4 repeated stories); training in righteousness Prayer; blessing; spreading an atmosphere of Christ—worship music, gently spoken words of kindness and truth; simple truth statements about God; Bible storytelling (13 repeated stories); training in righteousness
18 to 24 months (young toddlers)
24 to 36 months (older toddlers)
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BIBLICAL TRUTH How can we teach children under two years old the truths of the Bible? Should we wait until they are older and can understand more? Although the minds of young children are limited, their spirits can be active. The responsibility of a nursery worker caring for children at this age is to nurture that spirit. This can be done through very simple truth statements spoken frequently and casually. Children need to see that biblical truth is part of the fabric of everyday life. It is not set apart. It is an essential part of life; in fact, it is the hub around which the rest of life revolves. These truth statements can be sprinkled throughout your conversation and modeled over and over. Young children love repetition, and the most common way we teach young children is through repetition. When we develop language in young children, we do it by repetition. They do not understand the first time we label a four-legged seat a “chair,” but after much repetition, they understand that the four-legged object they sit on is a chair. Biblical truth is taught in the same way. Children do not understand “God is good” the first time you say it. But as you repeat it over and over and label situations in their lives with this statement, they begin to understand that God is good. This same repetition process employed in teaching biblical truth to young children gives them a biblical vocabulary, and helps them to see a great God. In teaching young children, we need to remember that part of teaching them truth is to go beyond their present intellectual understanding. Although a child may not understand every phrase, he will come to understand as the phrase is continually repeated and as he matures. These truths and vocabulary become part of the developing core of truth that the child begins to understand. We also need to remember that we are a partner with the Holy Spirit in the faith nurturing process of children. Our responsibility is to teach the truth. The Holy Spirit will bring understanding and produce faith. Some simple truth statements that can be repeated to children under two (and even over two!) include the following: God is good. God is big. God is strong. Jesus loves you. We love Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. God made everything (the trees, birds, your nose, etc.). God is with us. God knows everything. Jesus is my friend. Jesus loves_______ (babies, children, boys, girls). We need God.
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The Resource Packet that comes with the Nursery Coordinator’s Kit contains posters of these simple truth statements. These should be displayed around the toddler room to remind workers to emphasize these truths. For example, an adult intent on building biblical truth into a child’s experience can say to a child looking at a picture of a kitten, “See the kitty. God made the kitty. God is good.” Or perhaps, if a toddler is playing with two different-sized toy trucks, the adult could comment, “Little truck (point to little truck). Big truck (point to big truck). Little person (point to child). Big person (point to self). God is big (point way up high).” When passing out snacks, a worker can comment as she passes the snack to each child, “Jenny is my friend. Susie is my friend. Billy is my friend...Jesus is my friend.” Workers can even make up simple tunes using the truth statements as the lyrics. For example, “God knows my name. God knows your name. God knows everything.” Show a picture of Jesus to a child and then say a simple truth statement such as “Jesus loves you,” or model a simple prayer such as “I love you, Jesus.” When a child is playing with something, touch the child’s hands and say, “God made hands. Thank you, God, for hands.” Adults can teach little children about prayer at snack time by showing them how to fold their hands and pray, “Thank you for the crackers, Jesus” or “Dear God, thank you for the juice.” The most important condition for teaching truth to young children is for the teacher to be spiritually alive. When you are walking closely with God, full of love and appreciation for Him, you will see His hand in all things. Then it will be a natural overflow of your faith to talk about God. Because you see God in everything, you will naturally comment on His presence. Without the work of the Holy Spirit drawing us to God, we have no hope of coming to God. Throughout the time a nursery worker spends with children in the nursery, he or she can be “praying without ceasing” for the Lord’s work in the hearts of the children. As you commune with God, your spirit will touch those around you. In addition, the loving and gentle spirit of workers coupled with conversation about God in the toddler room will reflect God’s love to the children.
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Young Toddlers Section
A Sure Foundation The Wonders He Has Done
Introduction
HOW TO USE THIS CURRICULUM There are 13 stories for toddlers in the Nursery Coordinator’s Kit for A Sure Foundation. This booklet that you are holding, A Sure Foundation: The Wonders He Has Done, is intended for children age 18 to 24 months and contains only four of these 13 stories. For this age, we suggest you limit your storytelling to the following four stories that can be repeated in cycles of four (or tell each story two to four times in succession and then move on to the next story): Lesson 1: Lesson 2: Lesson 3: Lesson 4: God Made Everything Jesus is Here! We Love Jesus Jesus Loves Me
The next booklet in the Nursery Coordinator’s Kit, A Sure Foundation: His Praiseworthy Deeds, is intended for children aged 24 to 36 months and contains all 13 stories. FOUNDATIONAL BIBLE STORIES FOR TODDLERS Bible stories can be taught to children as early as 18 months of age. Stories should be told in small groups, and they should be very brief. Because toddlers do not have a long attention span, you may want to split up the elements of the lesson. For example, you may want to tell the story and then ask review questions later when children are playing. This could be done in casual conversation one-on-one or with a small group of children. Toddlers are more apt to benefit from short sentences or phrases frequently sprinkled through your interaction with them than by sitting still for a long “lesson.” The teacher should be very familiar with the story and the truths emphasized so that she can slip them into her interactions with the children naturally and frequently. The children should be taught to sit quietly for a short time while the story is told. If the children are not too restless, you may be able to sing a few songs with them at this time and pray with them. If not, call them together later to sing with them, or you may sing with them as they play. If you are caring for the children for more than one session on a given morning, you may be able to repeat the story during their stay with you—once during each session.
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If you are working with a large group of toddlers, you may want to split the children into small groups and tell the story several times, rather than try to keep the attention of the whole group. TELLING THE STORY The story can be told using pictures, puppets, objects, or flannel board1 figures. Pictures are included for each story. (See the Young Toddler Story Pictures packet.) However, you may want to vary the medium at times. If you choose to use puppets with the children, a few words of caution should be observed:
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Puppets may be appropriate for 24- to 36-month-old children, but children younger than 24 months may be afraid of puppets. It is appropriate to use puppets of Bible characters to tell the story, but other puppets (e.g., animals) may cause confusion in the children. Children this age have difficulty distinguishing what is real from what is pretend. Using a puppet of a funny character or an animal to tell a Bible story may make it difficult for the child to understand the story is real. Puppets are sometimes effective in catching the children’s attention and quieting them so that they are prepared for the story. After the puppet quiets the children, the puppet can be set aside while the story is told. Puppets can be used to review the story with the children.
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There are instructions for facial expressions and motions for each story, and there are some instructions regarding the use of flannel board figures. Tell the story with enthusiasm and emotion. Speak loudly enough for children to hear easily, and vary the pitch of your voice. It is very important when telling stories to toddlers to be VERY expressive. This means being expressive with your voice, facial expressions, and gestures. You will even want to exaggerate some of your expressions to make your point. REVIEWING THE STORY The review can be done immediately following the story or later during the class time. It is important to train children to sit quietly and listen to the story, but do not to push them beyond their capabilities. The story can be reviewed or reinforced periodically throughout the session in casual conversation with the children. For example, if you taught the first lesson, “God Made Everything”, you can comment as children are playing, “Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle those fingers. Who made your fingers?” If a child loses his shoe, tickle his foot as you’re putting it back on and say, “I can’t make a foot. Can you make a foot? No! Only God can make a foot!” You can also use puppets to ask the review questions. Toddlers will often respond to a
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puppet more readily than to an adult. In addition, there is a set of parent resource sheets with the stories in this booklet. Make an extra set of these sheets and laminate them for use in the classroom. Keep them in a handy spot so adults can refer to the conversation suggestions and reinforce the story concepts during free play times. Over time, children should be able to repeat the story back to you. Practice this by helping them tell the story using the pictures and gradually let them fill in more of the story. SINGING WITH TODDLERS Little children love music, and music can set a happy tone in the toddler room. Although there are many “fun” songs to sing with young children, having fun is not the primary goal of toddler ministry. These fun songs can be sung anywhere, at any time, by anyone— Christian or non-Christian. The world has many opportunities to influence young children, but the church’s opportunity to influence children is very limited. Church ministry to children should be intentional and strategic. It should go beyond providing “fun” for children and aim to nurture faith. If you sing songs in the toddler room that contain truths about God, the Spirit of God has the opportunity to work through the music to touch the children’s souls. We have included a list of suggested songs (with words) in this booklet for 18– to 24month-old children. We suggest limiting the number of songs taught to children at this age so they learn the songs well. It is better to teach a few songs well than to teach many songs that they cannot remember. If the children learn the songs well, they will sing them at home throughout the week. Thus, the truth will be constantly before them. The songs in A Sure Foundation: The Wonders He Has Done have been carefully chosen and are limited to those that reflect accurate biblical truth and reinforce the truths taught in the curriculum. Make a copy of the handout with the song words to give to the parents. You may have other songs to add or substitute to the list. Words should be simple, and God should be shown as good and great. The number of songs you will be able to sing and the frequency with which you can introduce new songs will be determined by how familiar the children are with the songs. PRAYING WITH TODDLERS It is important to teach toddlers about prayer. Begin instructing children in prayer by showing them how to fold their hands. Tell them that you will be talking to God, and explain that God hears us when we pray. At first, you may want to pray yourself. Use simple words and short prayers. After the children are familiar with prayer, you may want to ask them to repeat a phrase or sentence or even a few sentences. If there are other adults in the room, they can help model prayer. Sometimes children will respond when an adult sings a prayer rather than just saying it. Prayer should not be limited to formal prayer times, but should also be spontaneous. For
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The Wonders He Has Done
Lesson 1
God Made Everything
(Genesis 1; Psalm 139:13-16)
Note: Although this story is based on Genesis 1, “babies” are also mentioned. The reason that the story goes beyond Genesis 1 is to make the point that everything—every single thing—is made by God and comes to us from His loving hands. Babies are very special to little children, and it is a good connection for little children to understand that “every good and perfect gift comes from above.” STORY: There were no trees. There were no flowers. There were no birds. There were no dogs. And there were no daddies, ...no mommies, ...and no babies. But there was God! And God is sooo big! And God is sooo strong! So... God made the trees. God made the flowers. God made the birds. God made the dogs. And God made the daddies, ...and the mommies ...and the babies. God made everything! God is sooo big! God is sooo strong! Yeahhhhh, God!
Make a sad face. Show each picture (1a-1e) as you talk about it and then throw it down on the floor facedown. Make a very sad face.
Make a very happy face; arms up, palms up. Draw yourself up to your full height with your arms extended above. Make a strong gesture. Show the pictures again–tack them up or lean them against the wall as you show them if this can be done easily and quickly. Make a happy face.
Sweep hands over all the pictures. Make a big gesture. Make a strong gesture. Clap.
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REVIEW: Who made the trees? [God!] Who made the flowers? [God!] etc.
Point to each picture as you mention each thing.
SING: My God Is So Great! My God is so great, so strong and so mighty! There’s nothing my God cannot do! My God is so great, so strong and so mighty! There’s nothing my God cannot do! The mountains are His, the rivers are His, The stars in the sky are His, too! My God is so great, so strong and so mighty! There’s nothing my God cannot do! God Made Me God made me, God made me. In my Bible book it says that God made me. God loves me, God loves me. In my Bible book it says that God loves me. God helps me, God helps me. In my Bible book it says that God helps me. PRAY: Thank God for making the trees, flowers, birds...everything! Praise God for being so big and so strong. MEMORY VERSE: Work on the scripture memory verses and/or Foundation Verses3.
Foundation Verses are preschool memory verses produced by Children Desiring God, www.childrendesiringGod.org.
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Older Toddlers Section
A Sure Foundation His Praiseworthy Deeds
Scripture Memory & Children
There are at least four reasons to encourage children to memorize scripture: 1. Children have amazing memories. Children memorize easily. In fact, they often memorize effortlessly. Since memorization is so easy for them, they are memorizing constantly. They will memorize either what the world has to offer them or what we offer them. Why not take advantage of this Godgiven gift for the benefit of our children’s spiritual growth? This “window of opportunity” is open for about 12 years. After age 12, memorization is harder—unless a child has been trained in the habit of memorization. 2. What is learned in childhood is often retained for a lifetime. It is so much harder for adults to memorize scripture than children. We often feel handicapped because we do not have more scripture memorized. For many adults, the verses they know well (those which come to mind as an automatic response) are verses learned in childhood. So seize the moment! 3. Memorizing scripture provides children with an ever-present counselor and protector. We cannot always be with our children. If the Word of God dwells richly in them, they have wise counsel with them at all times. In addition, God’s Word is so much more powerful than our words; it will protect them from the attack of the enemy. 4. Memorizing scripture makes application and response to the Word more likely. Situations arise in all of our lives that either demonstrate a spiritual truth or demand a word of Biblical counsel (e.g., What do you do when someone speaks harshly to you?). Often in those situations, the Holy Spirit brings to mind a verse you have memorized (e.g., “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1). This is less likely to happen when we have memorized only a few verses. When we recognize a Biblical truth demonstrated in a situation, it is often impressed on our hearts, and a heartfelt godly response is more likely to occur. That response can come in the form of appropriate behavior, correct attitudes, or in worship of God as we are awed with the truth of his Word. Note: This section is taken from the Fighter Verses Handbook, which is included in the Fight Verses Pack, published by Children Desiring God, www.childrendesiringGod.org.
A Sure Foundation ©2005
Sample
Children Desiring God
Older Toddlers Section
His Praiseworthy Deeds
Lesson 12
Jesus is a Friend
(Luke 19:1-9)
Note: If you are using flannel board, set up the scene with a house and trees. STORY: This little man is Zaccheus. Can you say “Zaccheus”? Zaccheus was not nice. Zaccheus was bad. The people did not like Zaccheus. The people did not want to talk to Zaccheus. They did not go to his house. They did not smile at Zaccheus. Zaccheus did not have friends. “Go away, Zaccheus!” said the people. “Jesus is coming. We won’t let you see Jesus, Zaccheus. You are not nice! You are bad.” But Zaccheus wanted to see Jesus. Zaccheus sat in a tree. He could see far away. Maybe Zaccheus would see Jesus. Step. Step. Step. Here comes Jesus. Step. Step. Step. Here comes Jesus. Step. Step. Step. Stop. Jesus looked up at Zaccheus. “Come down, Zaccheus,” said Jesus. “I will go to your house. I will be your friend.”
Show Zaccheus (picture 12a). Shake head “no.” Show the people (picture 12a). Shake head “no.” Point to Zaccheus’s house. Shake head “no.” Make a “go away” gesture with your hand. Show Jesus (picture 12b). Shake head “no” repeatedly.
Show Zaccheus in a tree (picture 12c). Point to Jesus (picture 12b). Move your feet to show each step.
Point to Jesus and Zaccheus (picture 12d). Make a beckoning gesture with your hand. Nod head “yes.”
A Sure Foundation ©2005
Sample
Children Desiring God
Now Zaccheus was happy! Jesus was his friend! Zaccheus said, “I am bad. I am sorry. I don’t want to be bad. Help me, Jesus, to love you. Jesus is my friend.” Jesus helped Zaccheus. Jesus is a friend.
Smile. Shake head; use a sad expression.
Point to Jesus and Zaccheus (picture 12d). Nod head “yes.”
REVIEW: Zaccheus was bad. The people did not want to talk to Zaccheus. Did Jesus talk to Zaccheus? [yes] The people did not go to Zaccheus’ house. Did Jesus go to Zaccheus’ house? [yes] Jesus is a friend. Zaccheus was sorry that he was bad. He was happy that Jesus was his friend. Zaccheus loved Jesus. SING: Jesus Loves Me Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong; They are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so. God Made Me (Use the verse “God helps me.”) God helps me, God helps me. In my Bible book it says that God helps me. (Review songs from past lessons.) PRAY: Thank Jesus that He was a friend to Zaccheus. Thank Jesus for helping Zaccheus. Praise Jesus that He is a friend. MEMORY VERSE: Work on the scripture memory verses and/or Foundation Verses.
A Sure Foundation ©2005
Sample
Children Desiring God