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.

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!

The Secret Birthday Message: Storytime themes: Birthdays, Pirates, Directional Words, Shapes, Following Jesus

                              

Title:  The Secret Birthday Message

Author/Illustrator:  Eric Carle

Word Density: Low
Age-Appropriateness: Toddler to 8

Summary: 

I get really, really excited about ANY of Eric Carle's books. But I get especially happy when I find a new one (or in this case, old one.) First published in West Germany in 1971, The Secret Birthday Message is a little gem. With characteristically wonderful artwork, Carle presents a simple idea. A boy named Tim discovers a mysterious coded message in his room on his birthday-eve. In it are specific instructions for where to find his birthday present. Full of symbols, shapes, and directional words like "in," "behind," and "through," Carle uses specially-cut pages that lead the reader on a literal treasure hunt through the book. And of course, in classic Carle fashion, there's a surprise at the end of the search. A thoroughly lovely and educational presentation by my favorite author, artist, philosopher, and universal grandpa, Eric Carle.

Using this story as the basis for your lesson, choose from or combine the following themes found in this book to correspond with your current curriculum unit or lesson objectives:

Preschool themes:

1. Secret messages/Pirates.

2. Birthdays.

3. Shapes.

4. Directional words.

Christian themes:

1. Follow the Savior.

2. Jesus' Birthday.

3. The Greatest Treasure is Peace With God.

4. God's message for us.

Scripture connections:

1. Matthew 6:19-21: "Don't store treasures for yourselves here on earth where moths and rust will destroy them and thieves can break in and steal them. But store your treasures in heaven where they cannot be destroyed by moths or rust and where thieves cannot break in and steal them. Your heart will be where your treasure is." (New Century Version)

2. John 8:12: "Later, Jesus talked to the people again, saying, 'I am the light of the world. The person who follows me will never live in darkness but will have the light that gives life.'" (New Century Version)

3. Acts 10:36: "You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all." (NIV)

4. Ephesians 4:6: "[There is] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (NIV)Song suggestions:

1. "Follow the Saviour" by Colin Buchanan from "Follow the Saviour" CD.

2. "The Greatest Treasure" by Colin Buchanan, from his "Practise Being Godly" CD.

3. "The Best Book to Read is the Bible" from Colin Buchanan's "Follow the Saviour" CD.

4. Song, "Luke, Chapter 9 Verse 23," from Colin Buchanan's "Practise Being Godly" CD.

·Enrichment: Provide a "secret message" for the children to decode. Place a bag of treats in a hidden area. Draw a map using symbols and pictures, and show it to the children. Help them decipher the map and find the treats.

                      

Oh Be Careful Little Mouth! Story Time Themes: Frogs, Watching our Mouths, Words, Honoring God

STORYTIME LESSON PLAN:  Oh, Be Careful Little Mouth...!

OPENING ATTENTION-GETTER: Sing the nursery rhyme "Glub, Glub Went the Little Green Frog." (Author unknown.) You may use hand motions for added interest. (I have a little stuffed frog finger-puppet I like to use with this rhyme.)

"Glub, glub went the little green frog one day,

Glub, glub went the little green frog.

Glub, glub went the little green frog one day,

and his eyes went BLINK, BLINK, BLINK!"

DISCUSSION: Explain to the children the concept of using our mouths in ways that could hurt ourselves and other people. Ask the children for examples. Then ask them for some ways we can use our mouths in ways that help. Take a few minutes to talk with the children about this.

SONG: Sing "Oh, Be Careful Little Eyes..." with the children.

STORY: Read The Big Wide-Mouthed Frog by Ana Martin Larranaga.

SONG: Sing "Shhh!" from the Cedarmont Kids "Happy Songs" recording.

BIBLE VERSE: Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

(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: "A Green Frog" (author unknown)

~Use hand motions to act out the rhyme...

"Said the little green frog as he sat on a log,

'Nobody really likes me!'

A snake came along and said,

'You are wrong!'

And gobbled him up for tea!"

FINGERPLAY #2: "5 Little Speckled Frogs" (author unknown)

~Remember to use hand motions to act out the finger play...

"Five little speckled frogs

Sitting on a hollow log

Eating some moist delicious bugs (yum, yum!)

One jumped into the pool

Where it was nice and cool

Now there are four speckled frogs! (Ribit! Ribit!)"

...continue until there are "no more speckled frogs!

STORY: Read, What Would Jesus Do? by Helen Haidle. Explain how He wants us to use our mouths to encourage, heal, praise, and help. Give some concrete, age-specific examples of these.

ART: Make googly-eyed frogs! Prepare green frog shapes from suitable green card stock. Cut out enough for the number of children you anticipate to attend. (Always make more than you think you'll need!) Have enough plastic wiggly eyes (the kind you can find in the craft section of arts and crafts stores) for each child to have two. Let the children decorate their frogs with colors, chalk, glitter-glue, etc. Then help them glue on the plastic eyes.

CLOSING RHYME: Recite the following rhyme with the children:

"2 little eyes to look to God,

2 little ears to hear God's Word.

2 little feet to walk God's ways,

2 hands to serve God all my days.

1 little tongue to speak God's truth,

1 little heart for God in youth;

Take them, oh Jesus, let them be

always willing, true to Thee."

(~From Through the Church Door, by Louise Marshall Haynes.)

Walter the Baker: Themes: Confession/Redemption, Honesty, Making Mistakes/Telling the Truth, Occupations, Pretzels, Multicultural Units

Title: Walter the Baker by Eric Carle
Word Density: Medium
My Recommended Age-Appropriateness: Preschool to 12

CHRISTIAN THEMES: 
1. Confession and honesty.
2. Redemption.



PRESCHOOL THEMES: 
1. Making mistakes.
2. Telling the truth, even when it's hard.
3. Pretzels.
4. Occupations and community workers.
5. Multicultural units.

SUMMARY: Walter the Baker tells the tale, in Eric Carle's own imaginative way, of the origin of the humble...pretzel. More like a fairy tale than his "Very" series, (The Very Grouchy Lady Bug, The Very Clumsy Click Beetle, etc.,) this story is wordier and can be used for an older audience. And what fun! Walter, the "Very Gifted Baker," pleases the Duke and Duchess every morning with his fantastic sweet rolls. But one day, an accident causes him to make a grave mistake, and Walter substitutes water for the milk in the recipe. He hopes no one will find out, but the sophisticated palates of his rulers detect the problem straightaway. The Duke wants to banish Walter forever, but then decides to offer him a chance for redemption. Walter is challenged to invent a roll through which the "rising sun can shine three times." But to make things trickier, he added, "it must be made from one piece of dough, and...it must taste good." Walter fears he is good as lost, until another accident saves the day. With lively and colorful collage illustrations, Carle's sense of humor shines through. I especially liked the pages where Walter is shown struggling to invent the new roll, and bits of dough show up in strange places, even on the poor, intrusive cat. Very fun even on a totally superficial level, Walter the Baker can be used to draw out deeper levels of meaning. Use it in storytime lessons teaching about mistakes, honesty, and redemption. Another Eric Carle classic!

Pick and choose from the suggested themes, Bible verses, and songs to create a lesson plan that best suits your current teaching unit or learning objective.

SCRIPTURE CONNECTIONS:

1. 1 John 1:9 "But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away." (CEV)

2. Psalm 34:22 "The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him." (NIV)

SONG CONNECTIONS:

1. "My Reedemer Lives" from the Hillsong Kids CD "Tell the World"

2. "Second Chances" from the Veggie Tales soundtrack from "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A Veggie Tales Movie" CD

ENRICHMENT: Take your group to a local bakery to watch how pretzels or other baked goods are made. Bring some warm pretzels back for your children to enjoy.