Welcome to THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER'S NETWORK
**** A service of ChristianCrafters.Com ****
"For where two or three come together in my name,
there am I with them." -- Jesus.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
When responding to a topic:
Delete ALL TEXT that is NOT PERTINENT to your response
before posting your message. Reply to: Sakeith@aol.com
SSTN - Number 237
October 24, 2001
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
IN THIS ISSUE OF THE SSTN e-NEWSLETTER:
1) Kids Can't Read
2) Fall Festival
3) The Ten Commandment Song?
4) Activities/crafts for very young
5) Song time chaos?
6) Mixed ages?
7) Ten Commandments Song
8) Christmas Program?
9) Toothpaste Sermon?
10) Fall Festival
11) Fall Festival
12) Memory verses
<>< <>< <>< <>< TODAY'S SSTN POSTINGS: <>< <>< <>< <><
1) Kids Can't Read
James, I think it's great that you are doing something about it! I'm sure
the kids are really benefiting from the homework help. Just a word of
caution, I work at an elementary school, specifically with reading, and I
can tell you that kids come to us with a wide range of ability and
motivation. Reading the Bible, particularly for a 7-8 year old is tough
going! The words individually may not seen all that difficult, but the
context is, and without an easy context, the words become "sight" words
only - more difficult. I think it's great to let them try but there's a
fine line between making an effort and trying something that is beyond
their ability - you risk embarrassment and discouragement. Teaching
reading is a real art (I just assist, am not a teacher) ... find out who
your strong readers are and let them lead; with the rest, give them gentle
help and an easy out with dignity intact. One last word - by the end of
the school year, you'll be amazed at the progress their reading teachers
at school have made with them!
Best of luck to you,
Sandy
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
2) Fall Festival
It sounds like you are trying for an old fashioned type festival - you
mentioned cake walk & ring toss. How about 3 balls to knock over the milk
bottles, pie eating contest, pumpkin carving or painting (depending on
age), sand art. One popular thing at our Harvest Festival is the graffiti
wall - just a big piece of drywall with baskets of markers here and there
for the kids to use. As for decorations ... mums, pumpkins, corn stalks,
scarecrows. It's a lot of work, but a lot of fun. Good luck!
Sandy
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
3) The Ten Commandment Song?
Hi, Do you know where to source the ten commandment song,
The perfect 10 - sounds great. Thanks Chris
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
4) Activities/crafts for very young
In response to number 5 about Activities/crafts for very young. I know
exactly what you are running up against. I teach childrens church in my
church and I have the ages from 3years old to six grade. So I went to
different places that sold crafts and looked around at things. Because the
glue just doesn't work out for the real little ones. I found some great
peel and stick. You peel one side and put it on whatever you need to glue
down and then pull off the other side and stick it to whatever you were
making. Yes, sometimes for a few times they need your help, but as they
get the hang of it, they don't want your help. Good luck and hope I have
you helped you. Joelene, Michigan
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
5) Song time chaos?
Does anyone have any tips on how to get 12-18 3,4, and 5 year olds ready
for song time? I just started with a new curriculum last week, and it's
got awesome songs, but I had a hard time getting the kids to listen to me
so we could start. We ended up not singing last week because I couldn't
get them quieted down.
-Nora 3-K Ohio
--from SSTN: divide and conquer. ;o)) If possible divide the group into
smaller sections within your classroom. 5-6 per adult. Name these smaller
groups to go with the theme of your curriculum. Have the smaller groups
'compete' to win small prizes for various activities performed, ie.
singing, bringing a friend, listening, memorizing Scripture or songs, etc.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
6) Mixed ages?
Any tips on preschool classes with mixed ages? I have 12-18 preschoolers
in my class each week. Most of them are 4, with a few 3's and
Kindergarten 5's. My church is small, so we have a limited amount of space
and help. We are getting ready to expand (Praise the Lord!), so that
should help. :o)
-Nora 3-K Ohio
--from SSTN: search the Archives List for "mixed ages" and "multi-aged
classes"
http://christiancrafters.com/archives.html
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Christmas Pageant
'Operation Baby King with CD-Rom, is unlike any other-"instant" because
there are no lines to be memorized-so, no hassles, no headaches...and only
a simple set to be assembled. For more info, go to:
http://christiancrafters.com/bookstore_games.html
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
7) Ten Commandments Song
I noticed someone else mentioned the song "The Perfect 10" What a great
song! I remember learning that song when I have in children's church in
the mid 90's...:o) Can anyone remember what the tune to the song is? I
know how the tune sounds, but I can't think of any other songs that it
sounds like. I can type out the words to the song if anyone is interested.
Nora 3-K Ohio
--from SSTN: I'm hoping to get this info too so I can attempt to carry it
in the Music section of the Bookstore. Also, please remember to get
copyright releases before posting the lyrics to SSTN.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
8) Christmas Program?
For our Christmas program last year my little First Graders sang and did
the motions to "Do You See What I See?". I am looking for something along
those same lines for the program this year. Does anyone have any ideas?
Peace! Pam in PA
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
9) Toothpaste Sermon?
Have you ever heard the Children's Sermon that involved one child
squirting all the toothpaste out of a tube....and then the minister asks
him to put it all back in?? Of course, you can't and it's equated with
letting words out of your mouth...that you can never take them back once
they are out. Just wondered if you'd seen it in writing on your site.
Thanks. I love your website.
Kathy Manderfield
--from SSTN: no, I haven't, but it sounds really cool! If anyone knows
where it is, and can obtain copyright release, I'd love to place it in the
site! ysic, sarah.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
10) Fall Festival
Hi, this is in response to the question on the Fall Festival. For the
past 3 years, I've been in charge of puting on our Fall Festival (FF) for
our little church (+/-150 people) I've used the 3 games that you listed,
but we also had a "wheel of grace" where we made a colorful wheel which
the kids spun & had corresponding baskets with inexpensive toys &/or
candy. Another game we did was a penny drop where they had to drop a penny
into a shot glass that was in a fishbowl of water. Then we had a balloon
pop (w/darts) we put little pieces of candy in the balloons or tickets for
special prizes. We had a # 2 washtub filled with field corn to search for
toys. Instead of dunking for apples, we hung donuts from string at
different lengths & made them bite the donut without using their hands.
They also liked the bowling. We had a plastic bowling set set up on a
table (our dining room tables are 8 ft long, saves on bending to reset
pins!) We had a hay ride, basketball , face & nail painting, &bingo. we
had kids bingo w/pictures (1 round per hour) Throughout the whole night,
we had bingo for the adults where I got various items donated from area
businesses; anything from fast food coupons to oil changes, hand tools
from the hardware store clothes cirtificates, etc. We also sold frito pie,
hot dogs & drinks for $1 a piece & had most of the candy donated by the
congregation. A good source of inexpensive toys is Oriental Trading Co.
I know this was long, but I hope it gives you some ideas. We have a lot of
fun doing it & the kids look forward to it every year. GOOD LUCK!
Heidi, Longview, TX
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
11) Fall Festival
There is a good website that has 100 different ideas for carnivals and
fall festivals.
www.childrensministries.com/childrens_programming/missions_outreach/100ideas.asp
It has a lot if ideas for games, booths, food, prizes, drama, crafts, etc.
Lori Plummer
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
12) Memory verses
Dear Betty Crane and SSTN subscribers,
With my 4th-6th grade Sunday School class, we use marching to memorize
scriptures. I call the kids the Lord's Army Drill Team. Students will
stand at attention, shoulder to shoulder, and I will "bark" out a
question. One of the students will be assigned to get everyone to start
marching by counting "1, 2, ready march." The whole class then begins
marching in place and saying "Left..., left..., left, right, left." Then
they repeat the scripture that answers my question. At the end of the
scripture, they stop marching and finish off by slapping their legs twice,
clapping twice, snapping their fingers separately, and then slapping their
thighs once. They then return to attention to await the next question.
Involving the movements and rhythm help the scriptures "stick" much
longer. It's so rewarding to hear the preacher quote one of the
scriptures we've learned and look around to see my class looking at me and
grinning as they recognize God's Word.
Here are 3 examples. When we first learn a scripture, I write it in on
1/2 a poster board and post it on the wall. To help establish the rhythm,
syllables and words that are said when the left foot strikes the ground
are highlighted. (I've bold-faced them below.) We practice it several
times. Then we go through the previously learned scriptures. I have
others if any one is interested.
TEACHER: How do others know that we love Jesus?
STUDENTS: John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my
disciples, if ye have love one to another.
TEACHER: Why do we need to memorize God's Word?
STUDENTS: Psalm 119:11 Thy Word have I hid in mine.... heart, that I
might not sin against.... Thee.
TEACHER: How does God see us?
STUDENTS: 1st Samuel 16:7 Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the
Lord looketh on the heart.
In these troublesome times our country if facing, another activity we are
doing currently with scriptures is decorating them with red, white, and
blue. I have looked up several scriptures that provide comfort and
courage. I typed them and enlarged them to fit on one sheet of paper and
printed them out in a variety of fonts. Students then decorate them with
red and blue markers, colored pencils, or crayons. Red and blue stars can
be added, as can flag stickers, and red and blue sequins and ribbons.
They are then mounted on construction paper. We've been working on this
for 3-4 weeks and students are making several each. They say they're
displaying them in their school lockers as well as in their private study
areas and refrigerators. Several have given one to a friend, one even
gave her teacher one. They can be posted on the church bulletin board.
Here are several of the scriptures that are meaningful during this time.
2 Corinthians 4:8
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but
not in despair;
Psalm 31:24
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope
in the LORD.
Romans 12:12
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Become an SSTN Support Partner!
Suggested rate is $12.00 per year, (ONE dollar per month).
Receive a FREE gift with a new subscription! Help keep SSTN alive!
To learn more, go to:
http://www.christiancrafters.com/ministry_support.html
Or, mail your subscription check to:
Sarah Keith <><
ChristianCrafters.Com
438 East Ilex Drive
Lake Park, FL 33403
USA
(In the memo section of your check write: 'SSTN Subscription'. Please
include your email address and which gift you want to receive.)
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
--Copyright 2001 S.A. Keith--All Rights Reserved. ----
Please read the complete copyright information at ChristianCrafters.Com.
You will find the link at the bottom of the homepage.
The SSTN GUIDELINES are posted on the Archives List page.
Publication in any medium, commercial or noncommercial, is strictly
prohibited without prior written permission. SSTN has contributors from
all over the world who share their ideas. If you reprint any of the ideas
from SSTN or ChristianCrafters.Com in any medium (websites, magazines,
newsletters, etc.), you must contact the submitter, and
ChristianCrafters.Com for reprint permissions. Any materials used must
also include the submitter's name and where the ideas were gleaned from.
The opinions expressed in the SSTN e-Newsletter are not necessarily
endorsed by ChristianCrafters.Com. SSTN reserves the right to edit and or
exclude information from the SSTN e-Newsletter.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
SUBSCRIBE--UNSUBSCRIBE directions:
--To SUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your email address in the SSTN e-Newsletter:
Go to the 'Sunday School Network' page at:
http://www.ChristianCrafters.Com
If you are subscribing a friend, make sure you have their permission.
--To UNSUBSCRIBE to the SSTN e-Newsletter:
At the bottom of this newsletter you'll find your unique code for removing
your email address. The exact code MUST be placed into the 'mail to' or
'send to' area of your email box. Copy and paste the ENTIRE code, then
click send. The code begins with the word, 'leave' and ends with the
letters, 'ws', use the ENTIRE code. Get it below.
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Return
to the Archives List