This is Not My Hat, a Storytime about Stealing and Awesome Hats (Book by Jon Klassen)

Not my Hat - a Storytime about Stealing

Preschool themes: Hats, fish, stealing, envy, theft.

Bible themes: Covetousness, stealing

Introduction:
Have a variety of hats available to show to the children.  Make the selection as wide and as interesting as possible. Include hats for different occupations, sports, and purposes. Spend some time with the children discussing and modelling some interesting hats.

Ask the children, "What if someone took your favorite hat when you weren't looking? How would that make you feel? Why would someone take something that doesn't belong to them?" Discuss the concept of theft with the children. Discuss need versus want, envy, and the right way to deal with feelings of want.

Story:
This Is Not My Hat, by Jon Klassen.  Introduce the story by explaining that it's about someone taking something that doesn't belong to them, in this case, a favorite hat.  Enjoy the story with the children, and then discuss how the little fish tried to justify reasons that it was o.k. to take the big fish's hat. Take a few moments to talk about what was right and what was wrong in the story.



Game: Hide the Hat. Choose a colorful hat to be "it." Ask one of the children to hide it. Help the rest of the group cover their eyes and sing a little song or count for a few seconds while she hides it. (Ask a parent helper or other adult to help the child hide the hat.) Then, with the help of the adult, instruct the child to give clues to help the rest of the group find the hidden hat. Tell her to say "warmer, warmer" when the group is close to the hat, and "colder, colder" when they are not close to finding it. Play a couple of rounds of this game, and the children will soon catch on.

Bible Verse: Exodus 20:15 "Do not steal." (CEV)
Ask the children to sit again and take a moment to tell them what the Bible teaches about stealing. Explain that it is wrong to want something someone else has so much that they would take it. Also tell them that although stealing is very wrong, that Jesus loves each of us and is always ready to forgive.

Story:
Jennie's Hat, by Ezra Jack Keats
Read the story with the children and take time out to discuss the idea of being disappointed, and how to handle feelings of want and of disappointment in a healthy way. Explain that we don't just take what we want, or sulk about what we do not have. If we are patient, and if we take healthy action, we can be content and will be blessed.

Art Activity:
Paper hats.
Take the creativity of the previous story and run with it! Make "derby hats" with your young ones! ("Derby" here refers to the famous Kentucky Derby style hats.) Don't worry, the boys can have fun with this, too! Be sure to offer lots of fun items to decorate your hats with, including things that will appeal to both girls and boys. Let the children choose the colors and items they want to decorate their awesome hats with!

You will need: lots of newspaper, tape, a stapler, colorful tissue paper, glue, scissors, and lots of items for decorating.

The link below gives fantastic instructions on how to make these fanciful and fun paper hats:
http://www.henryhappened.com/how-to-newspaper-derby-hat-for-kids.html
                               Thank you, henryhappened.com!

A Little Bit of Winter - a Wintry Storytime

Winter

A Storytime Lesson Plan for Preschool Children

This story time lesson for preschool age children highlights some of the "coolest" aspects of winter: ice and snow! In addition to some neat winter stories, snowy games, and art, this lesson plan even presents a basic gospel message.

Introduction: Show pictures of snowy scenes. Find pictures of your own or from the library that show some of the extremes in winter weather: ice encrusted lampposts, glaciers, or blizzards. Then show some of the more serene winter scenes such as outdoor ice skating, snow skiing, or children making snow angels. Discuss with the children some of the experiences they've had in the snow.

Tactile/Ice Exploration Opener: Have a prepared snowman for the children to see and explore. A couple of days prior to the storytime, pour water into two round balloons. Make one larger than the other, and place in the freezer. On the day of the lesson, take the frozen balloons out of the freezer and carefully remove the balloons from the ice. Place the larger of the frozen balls in the bottom of a shallow baking dish or pan, then place the smaller frozen ball on top. It might help to place a little water on the lower ice ball in order to facilitate the two sticking together. You now have a small frozen snowman. You can freeze three balls for a more traditional looking snowman, but extra care needs to be taken to make sure the three balls stick together. As the snowman begins to melt, it will become more sturdy. Cut some accessories out of felt for the snowman. Wrap a felt scarf around his neck, place three round black felt buttons on his tummy, and make little eyes, a nose and a mouth. If you have a little hat that fits, use it. The children will be fascinated and will see that "A Little Bit Of Winter" (today's story) really does bite!

Story: A Little Bit of Winter, by Paul Stewart. (I have a big book version of this, which is very nice, but any edition will do.) Discuss the wintry aspects of this story. Have the children ever felt winter "bite?" If you live in a warm winter area, the icy snowman will provide a wonderful wintry experience for the children.

Rhyme: "My Pet Snowball" (original author unknown)

"I made myself a snowball, just as perfect as could be.

I thought I'd keep it as a pet and let it sleep with me.

I gave it some pyjamas and a pillow for its head.

Then last night, it ran away, but first - it wet the bed!"

Game: "Pass the Snowball"

Sit in a circle and play wintry music, (such as "Winter Wonderland,") while passing around a "snowball" made of a wad of fluffy cotton or even a ball of wadded white paper. Stop the music periodically, and have the person caught holding the "snowball" sit in the middle of the circle. Continue until everyone has had a chance to sit in the circle.

Fingerplay: "Chubby Little Snowman" (original author unknown)

"A chubby little snowman had a carrot for a nose,

Along came a bunny and what do you suppose?

That hungry little bunny was looking for his lunch...

And he ATE that snowman's nose...

nibble, nibble, - CRUNCH!"

Book:  Snowflakes, by Kenneth Libbrerecht. Enjoy browsing through this large photo book featuring incredibly magnified photographs of many actual snow crystals.

Discussion: The Bible talks about snow! Ask the children whether they knew that the Bible mentions snow. Psalm 147:16 says of God: "He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes." God created winter, snow, and ice, and each individual snow flake and ice crystal is an amazing work of art! 

Snow is also used as a representation of spiritual purity.  Explain how God washes away our sins and makes us white as snow. Discuss the imagery of snow, and how it represents purity. These concepts are rather abstract for young children, but they have the ability to understand the basic imagery. Use this opportunity to introduce a simplified gospel message to your audience.

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 that day's storytime.)

Isaiah 1:18  "I, the Lord, invite you to come and talk it over. Your sins are scarlet red, but they will be whiter than snow or wool." (CEV)

Song: "Whiter Than Snow," the age-old hymn, sung by Keith Lancaster and Rodney Britt. This beautiful version of this familiar song would be lovely to play while showing the pictures in the Snowflakes book!  Whiter Than Snow 

Art: Puffy snowmen. Prepare a mixture of shaving cream, white glue, and silver glitter. The percentage of shaving cream to glue should be about 60/40 or 70/30. Sprinkle in an adequate amount of glitter to make a pleasing sparkling effect. Give each child a piece of dark blue construction paper or card stock. Draw (or have prepared beforehand) the outline of a snowman on each piece of paper. Let the children finger paint the shaving cream mixture onto their snowmen, filling in the outlines. Give each child a construction paper scarf, some buttons, some eyes, a nose, and a mouth, and let them stick these onto their creations. After a while, the puffiness caused by the shaving cream will flatten out, but the artwork is left with a sparkly, feathery effect.

Thanks to bigactivities.com for the Snowman parts template!

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!