GOD'S AWESOME PLAN FOR MAN---BOX 5----THE KINGS

Welcome to BOX 5. 

This is our period of the KINGS BOX.

Here is a QUICK PEEK.  

This is what I currently have in this box.  I do NOT have all my little KINGS of JUDAH in the box---they are currently on display on the table, since we are learning about them!  

Here are our KINGS from the UNITED KINGDOM.  King  Saul, King David and King Solomon.   

Notice, I have several item to go along with David.....Sheep, Sling Shot, Bag of Stones, Harp. 

For King Solomon I have the TEMPLE behind him! 

(At some point I hope to find some small donkeys to go along with King Saul.)   

I am sure you can figure out that is the Prophet Elijah ---heading to heaven in a whirlwind....I do not have a chariot, yet.  So, for now I just stuck him in the whirlwind.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

The little windup toys represent PROPHETS, in general....the KIDDOS get sooooo excited when I get them out and we sing, "A PROPHET IS A MESSENGER." 

  

We have a RAVEN---finger puppet---came in a KIDS MEAL.  I have a LARGE FISH and "Jonah" is inside the belly.    I have a WICKED QUEEN---she can be Ataliah or Jezebel depending on which story we are focused upon reviewing. 

Here is a quick peek inside of the Great Big Fish.

    

I have a MAP of the Divided Kingdom and the Kings of Israel.....in the tub. 

I am enjoying sharing these boxes with all of you. Hope you are RETHINKING about TOYS.   Sometimes toys are the PERFECT teaching TOOL!!

Blessings,

Ronda

Personal White Boards Make GREAT Teaching Aides.

As you know, I ALWAYS have some sort of EAA (Early Arrivers Activity) for my KIDDOS.  I usually have the same EAA for 2 weeks.  I try to CHANGE out the EAA'S often...yet keep a bit of consistency during a particular lesson.

If this is your first time coming to the HANDS ON BIBLE TEACHER website, let me explain what EAA'S are....If you have been here before, just SKIP ahead!  :)  

I believe it is very important to use EVERY minute of Bible Class time as TEACHABLE Moments.  From the second a KIDDO comes into the room....it is time to be teaching.   And,  do to the fact that I have several "EARLY ARRIVERS" I want to make sure to have something that is relevant to BIBLE LEARNING for the KIDDOS to do....Thus became the need for EAAS.  

By the way, these PERSONAL size whiteboards came from LOWES.  I purchased a LARGE sheet of WALL BOARD and then had the very sweet and helpful guy, that ran the saw at the store, cut them down to size for me.  There were several cuts that had to be made....but, when I explained that they were for teaching Bible Class...they did not even charge me for all that cutting!!!  (We now have these personal whiteboards in every classroom!!!!!)  

This past Sunday I wanted the KIDDOS to draw me a picture of their Favorite story about David.  So, before Bible Class I coded each board with "Favorite Story About David."    When the KIDDOS arrived they were instructed to draw their FAVORITE STORY about the life of David.   

He really enjoyed DRAWING me a picture of his Favorite Story About David.  This KIDDO decided to draw a picture of KING David singing Psalms to The LORD.   I LOVE David's ROBE and CROWN!!!...and the "LO, LO, LO, LO, LO, LO" is David Singing.  (I LOVE KID DRAWINGS!!!)

This KIDDO decided to draw me a picture of David and Jonathan.  She says she LOVES that they were BFF'S.  I LOVE her drawing!!!!   She said Jonathan needed curly hair!!!!  :)

I was impressed at how much the KIDDOS remembered about the life of David.    Even though the KIDDOS were having FUN drawing....this gave me an opportunity to SEE what the had learned about the life of King David.  This was a way of TESTING my past teaching....gives me a way to know if they are really "GETTING" the lessons I am teaching.   These "TESTS" are fun...and the KIDDOS do not even realize I am "TESTING" their memory!!!  :)

I always try to find FUN and EXCITING ways to make sure the KIDDOS remember their past lessons.  This just happens to be one of my FAVORITES!!  

Blessings,

Ronda

Our next lesson is about David and Mephibosheth.   We will be focusing on COMPASSION and KEEPING OUR PROMISES.    This is a wonderful story to illustrate then need for  compassion and keeping our promises.  I love this story!!  

I decided to make my OWN visuals for this story.  I will have my "Mephibosheth" hobble up to "David" during my telling of this story.  I think the VISUALS turned out cute.  :)

These are our new words for our WORD WALL.  I thinks it is important to have these words up in the room where I am reminded to remind the KIDDOS of the need to put these words into ACTIONS!!!  I love the "WORD WALL."  I ofter remind the KIDDOS of past words that come up again in 'NEW' stories. 

These are our WHO? WHAT? WHEN? WHERE? WHY? AND HOW? cards.  We will be making sure to focus on each of those aspects of the story.  I really FOCUS on these aspects of each BIBLE story.  I feel if the KIDDOS can answer these questions, for EACH story they learn, then they will have a BETTER understanding of HOW to use these stories through their life.

Our memory verse comes from Proverbs.  I thought this was a PERFECT memory verse to go with this lesson.  (I will probably have to explain what the word desired means.)  I may end up with that one on the WORD WALL.  We will sing this Memory Verse to the tune: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. 

Because our focus is on being COMPASSIONATE like DAVID we are going to be making cards for those of our congregation that are sick or those that are "shut-ins."   This will be our "TAKE-HOME" activity this week.   The Kiddos will color the cards and help me write sweet, loving and encouraging words to the person we are sending the card to....I will either hand deliver the cards or mail them out on Monday. 

Our REVIEW Game is a  'type' of "Musical Chairs" game.  I have laid out hula hoops (I purchased these at the Dollar Tree) on the floor.  I laid a big laminated number in each hula hoop...except the one in the middle.  I have a BIG foam die (I purchased it at the Dollar Tree, too.  They come in a set of 2.) in the middle hula hoop.  

The idea for this Review Game being....We will sing a song that goes with the lesson....when I say, "STOP" we will roll the DIE and whatever number I roll...the Kiddo in the corresponding numbered hula hoop will answer a question about the lesson.  I know they will enjoy this FUN and ACTIVE Review game.  And what a great way to include singing, moving, and review all together!!!

Next Sunday, when we REVIEW the LESSON...we will do our Explorer Journal Activity...  And, this is what I came up with for this lesson.  They will color the picture of King David and Mephibosheth....and then they will get to add little wooden crutches to Mephibosheth.  I made the crutches from craft sticks (TONGUE DEPRESSORS is what I called them growing up.  LOL)

I simply cut around Mephibosheth's arms so that the crutches would slide up under his arms. 

I think they are kinda cute....and any time the Kiddos can add a 3D element to their projects they get excited....and it helps bring the story to LIFE for them.    It takes a little more prep on my part...but it is SOO worth the effort!!!

Hope your prep for Bible Class is going well....Remember, you can't do your best at teaching the kiddos if you do not spend time PREPPING!!!!!  "Study to show yourself approved!!!" 

Blessings,

Ronda

David Crowned King

I was THRILLED with the way Bible Class went Sunday Morning.  Our lesson was about David being CROWNED King.    We reviewed the FACTS about the life of David.  We talked about the fact that Saul had attempted to kill him.  We talked about how David respected Saul and did not kill him even when he had the opportunity.  We talked about David being crowned King in Hebron.  We covered his conquering Jerusalem and bringing the Ark of  The Covenant to the city.  We discussed David's desire to build GOD a temple...and how GOD told him his son Solomon would be the one to build the Temple for HIM.    The class went really well.  I just wish I had about 30 more mins....I am always pushing to get everything done!  :)

I used the "WORD WALL" words to introduce the lesson.  I asked the kiddos if they knew how all these words were related.  Of course they knew right away that we were going to be talking about a NEW KING.  And since they knew David was Anointed King....I was not surprised when they told me they all were related to KING DAVID!!    They love being SOOOOO SMART and IMPRESSING me! 

These are our Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How? cards.  Needless to say, the Kiddos could answer all those questions by the end of class time.  However, I did have one little girl that made me giggle.  Every time I asked, "Where did they crown David as King?"  She would respond, "In Hebrews."  I would gently remind here...."HEBRON."  To which she replied, "Hebrews is easier for me to say, Ms. Ronda."    These kiddos make me smile. 

Our craft/activity was an easy and effective one....Each KIDDO made a crown!!!!  THEY LOVED the JEWELS!!!!  Evey single one of my kiddos left class with their crown on their head!!!  I LOVE it when they are super excited about their Take Home Activity.  These were easy to make...I bought the gold crowns a LOOOOOOOOOOONG time ago.  I knew we would be making crowns when we go to the lessons on the Kings.....And, since David was such a special King, I thought it would be great to have a crown to remember the King who was a "Man after GOD'S own heart."  I took plastic leis and clipped them apart.  Then glued them to the bottom of the crowns....The kiddos then added all the "JEWELS" during class.  I LOVE how they turned out....and seeing the kiddos with them on their heads was just PRECIOUS!!!

Our Memory Verse for the week is 1 Timothy 6:14-15.  We sing this one to the tune of "Three Blind Mice."  Since I pointed out during our HOW? question card...that the story of David is important because JESUS our KING would come through David's family...I thought this would be a PERFECT Memory Verse.  Of course, I explained to the children how this verse "FIT" our lesson.  I have one Kiddo that ALWAYS asks me..."What does this Memory Verse have to do with our lesson?"  He really keeps me on my toes.  

Our review game was a HIT!!!  They were so excited about this game.  It was fun to put together....except when I had finished putting it together my son accidentally broke EVERY PLASTIC CROWN that I had used to make this game.  (I wanted to cry.)  But, refusing to give up, I decided to try again.  And when I was done....I LOVED MY SECOND version SOOOOO much more than my first.  And, those broken crowns wont go to waste.  I will show you what I did with them in a few mins.  :)

The object of this game was for the kiddos to toss a "ball" into the crown and answer the question inside.    Because, I did not want these crowns broken I decided to use those BATH SCRUBBIES.  I bought them at the Dollar Tree....they were 5 for a $1.00.  Can't beat that for cheap and very light "BALLS"  that could be tossed and would not break my crowns!!!

BTW, these crowns were made by gluing 2 TIARAS together.  I bought these Tiaras from Target.  I found them in the DOLLAR section...and they were only a $1.00 each!!  They are very sturdy and when glued together to form a crown....well, I think they are perfect!!!  And, $2.00 per crown was a whole lot cheaper than those crowns they sell at the Card and Party Shop.  :)

Here are a few extra pics of these crowns...I really do love how they turned out....And, I will get a LOT of use out of these as we study through the Kings and then when we study Esther!  I LOVE making it once (or in this case twice) and using it for several different lessons!!! 

Now, I am sure your are wondering what I did with all those broken crowns....You know the statement, "When life gives you lemons....Make Lemonade!!!" Well, this is what I did.  You see, I had originally planned for the Kiddos to glue on a FOAM crown to their Explorer Journal project next Sunday... BUT, when I saw all those broken pieces I just could not bring myself to throw them away....so, I decided to make small 3D crowns for the Kiddos to glue to their picture of King David.  Who knew that sparkly pipe-cleaner and a ton of plastic, broken crowns could be soo cute.  

The kiddos will be doing their Explorer Journal Activity NEXT Sunday... I KNOW they will love gluing there "REAL" crowns on David....They are SOOOOO much better than one of those FOAMY CROWN STICKERS!!!  

They best part of turning those broken pieces into something useful....MY SON felt soooo bad that he had broke my game.....and when I showed him what I had done with all those broken pieces....Well, his SMILE said it all.  One of my mottoes for my own children is,  "Sometimes MISTAKES happen....Now, what are you gonna do about it?" 

Blessings,

Ronda

David crowned KING. 

Best Friends: David and Jonathan

I am EXTREMELY excited!!!!!!  My excitement stems from the fact that this upcoming Sunday begins my NEW Quarter with the KIDDOS.  We are continuing to EXPLORE Bible History.  We will be wearing our "Explorer Hats" and singing "We Are Bible Explorers."   We do this at the beginning of each NEW Quarter. 

Since we left off with David and Goliath...we will be picking up with David and Jonathan.  I love the story of  David and Jonathan because it is truly a story of BEST friends.  We learn so much about TRUE friendship when we study the friendship of David and Jonathan.   

Home Connection Workbook

We have a few NEW additions to this Quarter's Material. I have added a "HOME CONNECTION" Workbook.  I hope the Workbook will spawn more interaction between the parents and children as they review the lessons that they have learned.    I am looking forward to seeing the response to the new Workbook.  I will keep you posted on the reaction of both the PARENTS and the Kiddos. 

Memory Verse Sticker Page

The inside of the Home Connection Workbook is fill with Puzzles, Memory Verse Work, Questions, etc.  I have also included a Memory Verse Sticker Page....The Kiddos will place a sticker in each square IF they know their Memory Verse. 

Assigned on 1st Sunday

Assigned on 2nd Sunday

THIS is this weeks and next weeks Home Connection Workbook Pages.    The Kiddos will have from Sunday to Sunday to complete the pages.  (I am currently teaching each lesson for 2 weeks.)  The first week we introduce the lesson...the second week we will REVIEW the lesson, making sure the KIDDOS really understood what they learned. 

Now on with what we will be doing during class THIS Sunday.    To introduce the lesson on David and Jonathan I am going to ask the KIDDOS if they know what the meaning of the word FRIENDSHIP.  We will add the word FRIEND to our WORD-WALL.  I will also, ask them if they know what the word JEALOUS means.  We will add that word to our WORD-WALL too. 

We will have several CARDS to add to our Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How? WALL.  Because, I like to make sure the KIDDOS can answer these questions about our lessons we have a entire WALL of our Classroom dedicated to the Who? What? When? Where? and Why? of each lesson.   

As we get into the story I will be using these visuals.  They were easily made...I used a clip art program, a bit of manipulation of the pictures then printed and laminated them.  Because, I wanted them to stand up,  I stuck them to these picture easels that I bought at the Dollar Tree.    I LOVE having eye catching VISUALS....  We will also be singing the song, "DAVID AND JONATHAN WERE BEST FRIENDS." by: rld.

The KIDDOS will be making their OWN Quiver as their TAKE HOME project.  These are made from PRINGLES and Yarn.  The arrows are made from a variety of colored cardstock.  Each arrow has a quality of GOOD FRIENDSHIP on it.  The kiddo will color and add the stickers.  I know the BOYS are going to be VERY EXCITED about this activity.  :)

Our Memory Verse is Proverbs 17:17.  I thought this was a PERFECT MEMORY VERSE for this lesson.  The KIDDOS get a MV card just like this one.  They can color the picture and take it home as a reminder of the need to MEMORIZE their Memory Verse.    During Class we will sing this to the tune:  Frere Jacques.

I have added a "NEW" place to our MAP.  I added "The Stone of Ezel" which is said to be in a field between Ramah and Nob.    I love having a KID friendly map up in our room.  

 Review Game is a BOW and ARROW Game!!! 

Questions For Our Review Game

Target For Our Review Game

Our REVIEW game will surly be very exciting!!!  The kiddos will get an opportunity to SHOOT an ARROW!!!  My plans are for the kiddos to ANSWER one of the question from the lesson (I printed them on ARROWS to go along with the lesson.) after which they will get the

                                    opportunity to shoot an arrow at the target! 

(The bow and arrow are a nerf style product.  I purchased it at our local Walmart.) 

  

Next Sunday we will be REVIEWING this lesson and doing our EXPLORER JOURNAL Activity!!!  The Explorer Journal Activity will consist of a Picture of David and Jonathan....the Kiddos will color it and add a BOW (made out of popcicle sticks) and a small arrow.   

I LOVE their LOVE of their Explorer Journals.  I have had parents tell me that their past Explorer Journals have become some of their FAVORITE books to look through.  I love it because it takes all those projects that have a tendency to end up in the floorboard of the car or left behind in the pew and keeps them in a SPECIAL place for the children to TREASURE!  

We are looking forward to an exciting Quarter.  Please keep checking back and see the exciting times we are having during BIBLE CLASS.

Blessings,

Ronda