Memorizing Psalms 23 Pre K- 1st Graders

As you are aware, I love to work with the KIDDOS on Memorizing Bible Facts.  Our KIDDOS have the opportunity to earn "Bible Badges" by memorizing IMPORTANT BIBLE FACTS!! You can view our  Bible Badges    via the link provided.  This is an ever growing process, as we seem to be adding more and more "things" for the KIDDOS to earn Bible Badges for knowing. 

One of the Bible Badges the KIDDOS can earn is the PSALM 23 Bible Badge....They earn this by being able to recite the entire chapter of PSALM 23.  All six verses!!  This may seem like a daunting task....but, this has been a very fun and easy way to help the KIDDOS learn the 23 PSALM.

The idea of the bracelet came from a friend of mine.  I did modify it for my age group. Remember,  the age group I teach ranges from 4 1/2 year old to 1st graders.  

Each bead represents a PART of the 23 PSALM.  I had the KIDDOS use chenille sticks for the KIDDOS to "sting" their beads on....to make an easy bracelet.  As, we strung each bead we pointed out how each bead was a reminder of a PART of the 23 PSALM.  

After completing the bracelets on chenille sticks...I found these "bracelets" at Michael's Craft Store.   I like the bracelet as it is easy to put on and take off....However, we did place hot glue under the  last bead...so, when the KIDDOS remove their bracelet from their wrist the beads would not just fall off the bracelet. 

Here is a video of how we use the beads to teach the 23 Psalm.  

To go along with the bracelets the KIDDOS made...we did an OVERSIZED bracelet for the classroom.  I used a small hulahoop and made the "beads" from cardstock.  I laminated the cardstock and then formed them into tubes and used strapping tape to hold them together.  The KIDDOS LOVE this!!!    I let the KIDDOS draw out "beads" from the bucket until they have all been removed from the bucket.  Then we begin reciting the 23 PSALM....each KIDDO adds their "bead" as we get to the portion of the PSALM that the "bead" represents.  THIS WAS SO MUCH FUN!!!!  It will make it easy to review as a class and as an independent EAA (Early Arrivers Activity)!!!

I introduced the 23 PSALM by reading this book to my KIDDOS.  I made the book to go along with the BEADS.  Please view the video.  

I wanted each of my KIDDOS to have a copy of the 23 PSALM Color Code Book....so, I made each of them a small one to take home with them.  

We have enjoyed working on memorizing and learning the meaning of the 23 PSALM.  I am truly pleased with how these activities have helped my KIDDOS memorize the 23 PSALM!!!  Each of the KIDDOS will get their Bible Badge tomorrow morning during class!!!

Blessings,

Ronda

David & Psalms 23

Our lesson this Sunday is focusing on David being a "MAN after GOD'S HEART!" 

We are going to be learning about the Psalms that David wrote.  We will talk about a few of the Psalms...but, our primary focus will be on the beloved 23 Psalm.  

I want the KIDDOS to understand the LOVE, TRUST, DEVOTION, GRATITUDE and PRAISE that David had for GOD.  The Psalms are a wonderful way of seeing these attributes in David's life. 

















Since our focus is on Psalms 23, I decided the KIDDOS will be making a Sheep for their TAKE HOME project.  These are made from white fluffy yarn, cardstock and black chenille sticks.    I PRE MADE the PUFF balls,  for the body, and attached the legs ....that way during class the kiddos will be coloring the face and heart and gluing them onto the sheep's body.   (I used white fluffy yarn for the sheep's body.  I wrapped the yarn around some cardboard, secured the yarn, then cut the yarn to make a pom pom.)  You could probably use LARGE Manufactured Pom Poms...but, I could not find any BIG enough to make me happy.    If you look closely at these pics, you can tell the legs are made from popsicle sticks. However, after making my prototype---I decided that black chenille sticks would work better.  So, I decided to change out the legs....I am much happier.  

 

You have probably figured out our Memory Verse....even before looking at this.  I think this verse is a PERFECT choice.  We will sing this verse a few times before the Kiddos leave class this Sunday.  I figure they will all have it memorized before they even leave the classroom.  :)

 We will NOT have a NEW place to add to our MAP.  But, we will be referring to the MAP during the lesson.  BTW, I thought I would share with you one of the ways I review a past lesson.  All those pics around the map are from our Explorer Journal Activities.  I also display the Memory Verses next to the pics.  Makes it easy to review a story or past memory verse if I keep them on display. 

A while back, I purchased this banner at our local Bible bookstore.  It was on clearance for  $1.19!!  I thought this would be a perfect time to display this....since we are focusing on Psalms 23. 



















Our review game will be Psalm 23 Bingo.  The Kiddos will answer a question from the story and then get to pull a card....Then they will MARK their Bingo Card with a Sheep Marker. 


 


Each of the BINGO cards have the SAME pictures....They are just in different places on the cards.  So, each time a card is picked....the every on of the KIDDOS will get to add a sheep to their card. 









The Sheep Markers were CUPCAKE Picks, that I purchased at Hobby Lobby. (I bought them WAY before Easter....using my 40% off coupons.)  They were NOT very expensive to begin with...I think they were around a $1.49 for 30.   I just cut them off and glued them to 1/2 of a Styrofoam ball.  (I made 100 of these markers....first, because I wanted the Kiddos to have a THEMED style marker for their Bingo Card....but, also because I am thinking of the lesson on the LOST SHEEP.---I would need 100 of them for that story...so, I decided to make these to fill that future need.) 







Our EXPLORER JOURNAL Activity, which we will do NEXT Sunday...when we REVIEW the lesson...Is a HAND PRINT Sheep.  This Sunday, I will have my helper trace the KIDDO'S hand on black construction paper...I will cut them out the following week...prior to BIBLE Class. 





During Class the Kiddos will color the back ground...glue on their hand print.  Add Cotton to their hand print.  Glue on an eye and a bow.  We will help add the detail...mouth and feet!! 

I really like this idea....because, the Kiddos will ALWAYS know that their Little Hand Print made the body of their sheep!!!  

One EXTRA activity....I am going to encourage my Wednesday Night Co-Teacher to work with the Kiddos....I want them to be able to recite the 23 Psalm....So, as a way of encouraging the KIDDOS we will use the SHEEP PUPPETS (I bought them at the Dollar Tree...before Easter.) to RECITE the 23 Psalm.  We have a puppet for each of the KIDDOS and a few extra for our Honored Guest....if we are blessed to have visitors this next week.  Kiddos really like puppets....and I think this is a great way to encourage them to LEARN the 23 Psalm. 

 

I am excited about this next few weeks.  I LOVE Psalms 23!!!!  I am glad we will be covering this lesson on Sunday....You see we are in TORNADO Warning Mode here in Oklahoma.....Everyone is on edge this weekend....So, I am reciting this Psalm to myself and my KIDDOS.  Praying GOD will give us peace and comfort through these storms.  

Blessings,

Ronda