The Little Red Caboose - You Can Do It, Even Though You're Small!

Preschool Themes: Trains / You Can Do It, Even Though You're Small!

Bible Theme:  -Loaves and Fishes-

Introduction: Show the children some nice glossy pictures of various trains. Get a nice over-sized book on trains at the library, and choose pictures with color and variety. Show a caboose, a passenger train, a diesel engine, etc. Spend a few moments discussing the pictures with the children.

Story: The Little Red Caboose, by Marion Potter .

Explain that even though small, the caboose was very important.

Finger play: "The Train"

Say: "Here is the engine on the track (thumb)

Here is the coal car, just in back (pointer)

Here is the box car to carry freight (middle)

Here is the mail car. Don't be late. (ring)

Way back here at the end of the train (little)

Rides the caboose through the sun and the rain."

Song: "Choo Choo Train," by Gary Lapow, from "I Like Noodles" album.

Bible Verse Bracelets: (The children love these! Print out multiple rows of the Bible verse onto a sheet of colored computer paper. Cut between each verse so that you have lots of long strips, each with the verse printed on it. Give one to each of the children by wrapping it round a wrist and securing it with a piece of sticky tape.)

Matthew 19:14: "But Jesus said, 'Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.' "

Story: What's for Lunch? by Joanne Bader.

Discuss how, just as in the caboose story, the most insignificant character can have the most important role. Reiterate how Jesus pays attention to and values children.

Song: "Praise Him, Praise Him" from "Songs of Praise" album by Cedarmont Kids.

Finger play: "I Caught a Fish Alive"

Say: "1-2-3-4-5, once I caught a fish alive.

6-7-8-9-10, then I let him go again.

Why did I let him go?

Because he bit my finger so!

Which finger did he bite?

This little finger on the right!"

Art Activity: Shape Train Collage

Use basic geometric shapes to form a collage of a train engine. With three circles for wheels, a square and a rectangle for the body of the engine, two triangles for the front of the train and top of its smokestack, a small square for a window, smaller rectangles for the roof and other details, help the children organize the shapes into a train. Use various bright colors for the shapes, and paste them onto a black background sheet. Use a bit of white chalk to create a wisp of smoke coming out of the top. The effect is very nice.

Enrichment: Give children "Fish Baskets" as they leave. Fill paper trays or disposable bowls with snack fish and oyster crackers, or other type of snacks that resemble loaves and fishes.

Rainbows - Noah's Ark

                                                       

Introduction: Show children a prism. (I borrowed one from my local preschool!) If you do not have access to a prism, make your own with beveled glass or a glass of water. Explore and discuss the rainbows that are created.

Game: Color Song (Tune: "Muffin Man")

"If you're wearing RED today,

RED today, RED today,

if you're wearing RED today,

stand up and say 'Hooray!'" (continue substituting colors until all children have been able to participate)

Story: The First Rainbow, by Su Box

Action Song: "Rise and Shine" from "Action Bible Songs" album by Cedarmont Kids
  

Song: "Old Man Noah Had an Ark" (Tune: "Old MacDonald")

"Old man Noah had an ark, Ee-I-Ee-I-O!

And on this ark he had two frogs, Ee-I-Ee-I-O!

With a ribbit ribbit here, and a ribbit ribbit there,

here a ribbit, there a ribbit, everywhere a ribbit ribbit....

Old man Noah had an ark, Ee-I-Ee-I-O!"

(keep changing the animals...use trumpeting elephants, chattering monkeys, hissing snakes, snapping crocodiles, growling bears, roaring lions, jumping kangaroos, and yawning koalas!)

Prayer and Bible Verse Bracelets:

(Print out, on a brightly-colored sheet of paper, today's verse repeated down the page. Cut between each verse so that you have 10-15 strips, each with the verse printed on it. Ask the children to form a line, and using tape to stick the ends together, wrap a "Bible Verse Bracelet" round each little wrist. Some children do not want to wear it; in that case, hand it to them and tell them to use the verse as a bookmark. The children love these, and come to expect them at each session! The verses also find their way home to parents and siblings, and help to spread the news about the storytime topic.)

Genesis 9:13 "I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth."

Say a short prayer of thanks to God for what His rainbow means to us.

Story: What is the Sun? by Reeve Lindbergh (a second story can be used to fill a longer story hour.)

What Is the Sun?

Discuss how God created all things.

Rainbow fingerplay:

"One day the sun was shining bright (hold up right hand)

But clouds came along, & it was dark as night (move left hand over right hand as if clouds were covering the sun)

The rain began to sprinkle down (wiggle fingers of both hand while moving them downward)

Soon it was raining all over town.

But when the clouds had passed on by (move both hands to the right)

A beautiful rainbow stretched across the sky! (make an arc overhead)

Art: Rainbows

If the weather permits, and it is suitable for your group, take colored chalk outdoors and make giant rainbows on a sidewalk. If the weather doesn't agree, use damp colored chalk on nicely-colored paper to make lovely rainbows. Consider using a very long sheet of butcher paper (or a banquet-table-sized paper tablecloth) and make a giant paper rainbow.

                                                                             

God Made the Rain - Jesus Calms the Storm

God Made the Rain / Jesus Calms the Storm

Introduction: Show the children a rain stick. If you do not have a rain stick, you may be able to borrow one from a local preschool or elementary school. Talk about how rain sounds, and how it makes the children feel.

  Story: The Storm, by Kathy Henderson. (Play a natural sounds recording of storms to help set the mood for the story. Recordings of storms and other natural sounds are easy to find in discount stores.) After the story, talk briefly with the children about storms, and their experiences with storms.

Song: (Tune: "Frere Jacques") -Leave the "Storms" recording playing in the background-

"I hear thunder, I hear thunder

Don't you too? Don't you too?

Pitter Patter raindrops

Pitter Patter raindrops

I'm wet through...So are you!"

(optional second verse:

"I see blue skies, I see blue skies

Way up high, way up high

Hurry up sunshine, hurry up sunshine

I'll soon dry, I'll soon dry!")

Make a Storm:

Sit in a circle, and choose some children to clap,

some to snap,

others to rub their hands together,

some to stomp their feet,

some to slap their legs,

and the leader will use a sheet of poster board or other similar material to simulate rumbling thunder.

Combine the sounds, one at a time, until the group simulates the effect of a thunderstorm coming nearer, booming overhead, then retreating.

  
Story: Jesus Calms the Storm, by Jean Thor Cook. Discuss the story briefly with the children.

Bible Verse Bracelets:

(Print out, on a brightly-colored sheet of paper, today's verse repeated down the page. Cut between each verse so that you have 10-15 strips, each with the verse printed on it. Ask the children to form a line, and using tape to stick the ends together, wrap a "Bible Verse Bracelet" round each little wrist. Some children do not want to wear it; in that case, hand it to them and tell them to use the verse as a bookmark. The children love these, and come to expect them at each session! The verses also find their way home to parents and siblings, and help to spread the news about the storytime topic.)

Matthew 8:27 "So the men marveled, saying, 'Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?'"

Song: "Peter, James, and John in a Sailboat," from "Bible Songs" recording by Cedarmont Kids

Prayer: "Dear Jesus, thank You that You are so strong that even the wind and the sea obey You! Thank You that, even though sometimes we are afraid or in trouble, You are with us to calm us and take care of us. Amen."

Art: Make Rain sticks:

Use paper towel tubes and fill partially with plastic mesh (the kind you might use as a gutter guard, sold at home improvement stores.) Pour in rice and small dried beans (such as lentils.) Seal the ends with tape and decorate as you wish. You have rain sticks!

Unconditional Love

Unconditional Love

A Preschool Lesson About Love - for Valentine's Day or Any Old Day

This storytime lesson plan provides a platform for discussing God the Father's unconditional love for us. By showing an imperfect example of the love an earthly father has for his son, teachers and parents can help bring some illumination to the perfect example of love: God's love for His children. Joosse's book, Papa, Do You Love Me?, set in the plains of Serengeti, will tie in to multicultural units and African themes as well.

Introduction: Bring in some photos of children and parents from other cultures. You might show the Maasai, as highlighted in this lesson's storytime book, as well as Native Americans, Chinese, Peruvians, Indians, or Australian Aboriginals. Talk with the children about the similarities and differences these sets of children and parents may have compared to American children. What about European children and their parents? What kinds of things might they do together? How is that the same and different from the experiences of the children in your group?

  Story: Papa, Do You Love Me? by Barbara Joosse and Barbara Lavallee. Discuss how much the father in the story loves his son. What happened when the boy asked his father whether he would still love him if he did something awful? What was the father's response? What do the children think our Heavenly Father would do if we do something bad? Do we do bad things everyday? (Usually!) Do the children think God stops loving us when we mess up? Explain that God loves us even more than any earthly father. And that's a lot!

Music: Bring out some rhythm instruments for the children to experiment with. Explain that these are the types of instruments the boy in the story will have heard and probably played. Tap out a rhythm as you sing "Jesus Loves Me" with the children.

Bible Verse Bracelets:

(Print out, on a brightly-colored sheet of paper, today's verse repeated down the page. Cut between each verse until you have enough Bible verse strips for all the children in your group. Ask the children to form a line, and using tape to stick the ends together, wrap a "Bible Verse Bracelet" round each little wrist. Some children do not want to wear it; in that case, hand it to them and tell them to use the verse as a bookmark. The children love these, and come to expect them at each session! The verses also find their way home to parents and siblings, and help to spread the news about that day's storytime.)

Romans 8:38-39 "Yes, I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us, nothing below us, nor anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (New Century Version)

  Story: Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram. Emphasize that just like the little hare, we can never outdo God's love for us!

Song: "You Can Tell the Lord That You Love Him" by Colin Buchanan from his "Follow the Saviour" enhanced CD. You can view more information about Colin Buchanan (a fantastic singer and songwriter in Australia with a real heart for sharing God's word with children) and hear samples of his music at www.word.com.au and entering "colin buchanan" in the search box. I use his music in many of my lessons and highly recommend it.

Art: Maasai Hearts. Give each child a large heart shape cut out of sturdy paper or card. Provide the colors of the Maasai for them to decorate their hearts, to remind them of the love of the father for his son in the opening story. Use fabric scraps, beads, buttons, bits of shredded tissue paper, strips of construction paper, paints, and anything else you may have on hand. Let the children give these extra-special African hearts to someone they love.

Happy Birthday Jesus! A Storytime Christmas Party

Happy Birthday Jesus! Christmas Lesson Plan for Preschool

A Storytime Christmas Party

Introduction: Before the children arrive, decorate the storytime area for a birthday party. Use lots of colorful streamers, balloons, a "Happy Birthday" banner, and other decorations to give the room a festive flair. The children will be surprised when they arrive, especially if they are expecting a Christmas storytime. Ask the children who they think the party decorations are for. Explain that it is Jesus' birthday at Christmas. Spend some time talking about other things we do at Christmas, and explain the true reason we celebrate Christmas.

Song: (To the tune of "Jesus Loves Me")

"Happy birthday Jesus!

I'm so glad it's Christmas!

All the tinsel and the lights,

All the presents are so nice.

But, the real gift is You,

Thank you God, we know it's true!

Happy birthday Jesus!

Jesus, we love you!"

Story: God Gave us Christmas, by Lisa T. Bergren.
   

Bible Verse Bracelets: Luke 2:11

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord."

(Print out, on a brightly-colored sheet of paper, today's verse repeated down the page. Cut between each verse so that you have 10-15 strips, each with the verse printed on it. Ask the children to form a line, and using tape to stick the ends together, wrap a "Bible Verse Bracelet" round each little wrist. Some children do not want to wear it; in that case, hand it to them and tell them to use the verse as a bookmark. The children love these, and come to expect them at each session! The verses also find their way home to parents and siblings, and help to spread the news about that day's storytime.)

Fingerplay: "One Night in Bethlehem:"

"One night in Bethlehem,

Mary and Joseph slept on the hay. (Rest head in hands.)

The cows said 'Moo,' and the donkeys said, 'Neigh.' (Make sounds like the animals.)

Then baby Jesus was born for all. (Outstretch arms.)

He was a baby, so tiny and small. (Cradle arms as if holding a tiny baby.)

Angels sang, 'Jesus is born tonight!' (Cup hands around mouth as if shouting.)

Shepherds hurried to see the great sight. (Place hand over eyes as if seeking.)

Mary rocked baby Jesus so new. (Rock baby.)

He was born for me and for you." (Point to self, then others.)

Story with Music: "Little Drummer Boy"

Use the book, The Little Drummer Boy, by Ezra Jack Keats.  Cue up the song "The Little Drummer Boy," (I like to use this version.)  Show the children the pages of the book as the song unfolds.  There's no need to say a word. The song and the pages of the book speak a wonderfully concise Christmas message!

Art Activity: "Birthday" presents for Jesus 

Give each child a shoe box or other small box with lid. Provide photocopied cut-outs of hearts, praying hands, treble clefs, and pictures of children helping each other. Explain that we can give Jesus the gift of our heart (that we can love Him and each other,) we can spend time with Him in prayer, we can give him the gift of praise (and one way to do that is through music,) and we can treat one another kindly and helpfully. Have the children place these "gifts" in their boxes. Then provide lots of decorative things to cover the boxes with: foil wrapping paper, shiny ribbons, glitter glue, sequins, beads, buttons, and anything else shiny and festive. Tell children to take the gifts home and place them under their Christmas tree to remind them that Christmas is not about what we get from others, but how we give ourselves to God.

Snack-time: Birthday cake for Jesus

Since this is a birthday celebration, and more than just a regular storytime, have a special snack-time for Jesus' birthday. Have a cake, light candles (try three candles for the trinity,) and sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. Don't forget to say a prayer of thanks for the cake and the real reason for Christmas! Have birthday games like "Pin the Tail on the Donkey," "Pass the Parcel," etc.. Hand out treat bags to the children as they leave. Enjoy the party!

Be Content - The Magic Fish & There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

Be Satisfied and Content...                     

A Preschool Lesson to Help Children Understand Greed

This storytime lesson plan for preschoolers focuses on the nature and consequences of greed. Christmas, birthdays, advertising, and our materialistic culture are all forces that compete to convince children (& adults) of their need to accumulate stuff. This lesson seeks to help kids recognize they can be content with what they have.

Introduction: For an object lesson on greed, build a small "table." Use building blocks at either end for legs, and a rectangle of thin cardboard, (one side of a cereal box would work well,) for the top. The constructed "table" should be about 12 x 9 x 8 inches. Place a small pile of small stones beside the "table." Pick up one of the stones and say, "I wish I had a _______." Fill in any item that's popular with the children in your group. Place that stone on the cardboard tabletop. Pick up another stone and say, "I want a _______." Again, fill in the blank with anything, from a bicycle to a Playstation to a pet dinosaur. Place this stone beside the first one on the cardboard. Continue in this fashion until there are so many stones on the cardboard that it collapses. Explain to the children that, if we're not careful, our "wants" can overwhelm us.

  Story: The Magic Fish, by Freya Littledale. This fable about a fisherman's wife who demanded just a little too much is an excellent illustration of the consequences of greed.

Song: "I'll Be Content," from the "Kids Collection Sing Along: Happy Songs. 17 Sing-Along Songs of Joy" album by Brentwood Music.

Read the lyrics to the children first in order to help them understand the concept of contentment. Then play the music and encourage the children to march to the tempo.

"I'll be content when things don't go my way.

I'll be content and I will shout hooray!

Even when my heart is sad, I'll rejoice and I'll be glad,

For I know Jesus meant for me to live each minute joyfully.

Oh, I know He will help me be content.

I will trust Him for I know He's planned

Things I don't quite understand.

I was meant to be content.

I will trust Him, I will trust Him.

I'll be content (I'll be content) when things don't go my way.

I'll be content (I'll be content) and I will shout hooray!

Even when my heart is sad, I'll rejoice and I'll be glad,

For I know Jesus meant for me to live each minute joyfully.

Oh, I know He will help me be content."

(Words and music by Clay Clarkson and Janet McMahan-Wilson, copyright 1994 New Spring Publishing, a div. of Brentwood Music Publishing, Inc.)

Bible Verse Bracelets:

(Print out, on a brightly-colored sheet of paper, today's verse repeated down the page. Cut between each verse so that you have 10-15 strips, each with the verse printed on it. Ask the children to form a line, and using tape to stick the ends together, wrap a "Bible Verse Bracelet" round each little wrist. Some children do not want to wear it; in that case, hand it to them and tell them to use the verse as a bookmark. The childrenlove these, and come to expect them at each session! The verses also find their way home to parents and siblings, and help to spread the news about that day's storytime.)

Philippians 4:11 "I am not telling you this because I need anything. I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens." (New Century Version)

Song: "If You're Happy and You Know It" (Traditional)

  Story: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, by Simms Taback. Sing the song together after reading the book. Discuss how the Old Lady's greediness got her in trouble.

Art Activity: Make fingerprint flies. Give each child a small sheet of heavy white paper. Help the children moisten one thumb and one small fingertip in black ink. (This will be messy, be prepared!) Instruct each child to press his or her thumb down to make a fat body for the fly, and then press the inked smaller finger down to make the fly's head. Repeat for more flies. Give each child oval shapes, cut from colored cellophane, to paste on as wings. Draw wiggly lines for legs, and use small "googly-eyes" on the fly's head. Talk with the children about how flies behave as you make the art. Do flies act greedy? How do greedy flies make the children feel? How do they think greedy humans make God feel? Play "Shoo Fly, Don't Bother Me" in the background while working.

Don't Be Afraid! - It's the Bear & The Teeny Tiny Woman

Don't Be Afraid - God is Bigger Than Your Fears

Introduction: For an object lesson, fill a bowl with some water. Sprinkle some pepper over the surface of the water. Explain that the pepper represents bad things in our lives, like being afraid, danger, and sin. Pour a single drop of dishwashing liquid in the center of the water. Explain that the drop of soap represents God living in our lives. Watch with the children as the pepper is instantly repelled and sent to the edges of the bowl. Tell the children that having God in our hearts is like the soap chasing the pepper away; God's holiness (goodness) repels (makes go away) sin, evil, and bad things that come against us.

Story #1: The Teeny Tiny Woman by Paul Galdone. Enjoy this classic with the children and take some time to discuss some of their fears and experiences with them.

Song: "God Is Bigger Than the Boogeyman" from Veggie Tales "Veggie Tunes" CD.

Bible Verse Bracelets: (Print out, on a brightly-colored sheet of paper, today's verse repeated down the page. Cut between each verse so that you have 10-15 strips, (make as many as you anticipate needing,) each with the verse printed on it. Ask the children to form a line, and using tape to stick the ends together, wrap a "Bible Verse Bracelet" round each little wrist. Some children do not want to wear it; in that case, hand it to them and tell them to use the verse as a bookmark. The children love these, and come to expect them at each session! The verses also find their way home to parents and siblings, and help to spread the news about the storytime topic.) 

James 4:7b-8a: "Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." Take a moment to discuss this verse with the children to help them understand its implications.

Song: "Prove It #1" and "Jesus Is the Mighty Mighty King" from Colin Buchanan's "Follow the Saviour" CD.

Story: It's the Bear! by Jez Alborough. Who is more frightened - the little boy Eddy or the great big silly bear?

Activity: "Goin' on a Bear Hunt" chant. This familiar children's tale will let them experience some make-believe fear while encouraging them that it's all in good fun. Have the children repeat each phrase and perform motions after you:

"We're going on a bear hunt, and we're going to catch a big one!"

"I'm not scared...it's a beautiful day!"

"Uh-oh! Grass! Long wavy grass! Can't go over it! Can't go under it! Gotta go through it!" (Pretend to trudge through long thick grass.)

(Repeat again:) "We're going on a bear hunt, and we're going to catch a big one! I'm not scared...it's a beautiful day!"

"Uh-oh! Mud! Thick gooey mud! Can't go through it! Can't go over it! Have to go around it! (Make an exaggerated to-do about going around a LARGE mud puddle.)

(Repeat opening lines.)

"Uh-oh! A river! A wide, deep river! Can't go under it! Can't go around it! Gotta swim through it! (Pretend to swim across a strong current.)

(Repeat opening lines between each action. Other obstacles could include climbing over a mountain, slinking through a thick forest, crawling through a hollow log, and finally ending in the bear's cave:)

"Uh-oh! A cave! A dark, scary cave! Can't go under it! Can't climb over it! Must go INTO it! Oh no! What's that? (Pretend to feel way through the dark and bump into something.) It's furry! Cold, wet nose! ("Feel" bear's nose.) Giant paws! (Grow increasingly "panicked.") Sharp, snarling teeth! It's a BEAR! RUN!!"

Pretend to run (in place) with the children as you repeat each obstacle in reverse: go out of the cave, swim back through the river, jump around the big mud hole, trudge back through the long grass, until you're all safely back home!!

Prayer: "Thank you, Jesus, for always being with us and for telling us we do not have to be afraid of anything. Help us to learn how to live closely with You. Amen."

Art: Bear's Picnic Collages: Collect a variety of photos from magazines related to picnics, lunches, etc. Give each child a piece of sturdy construction paper and a glue stick and let them choose "picnic" photos to make a bear's picnic collage. You might want to include some scraps of picnic table cloth or other items to help with the picnic theme.