Storytimes by Topic

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Welcome to the Storytimes Topics page! On the left and right, you will see listings of various topics which link to my preschool story hour lesson plans. Some of these lessons include a complete outline from the opening object lesson through to a final craft activity. Other plans are storytime "starters." These mini-lessons give you book summaries and suggestions for using them in your Christian story times. They include scripture and song suggestions and theme connections so that you can create your own preschool storytimes. Many of my lessons have overlapping themes. I've tried to include as many relevant topics as I can to aid you in connecting these lessons to your thematic preschool unit.

~Have fun and have a Groovy Storytime!

Too Much Noise!

...A Preschool Story Time Lesson Plan About Seeking Quietness.

INTRODUCTION:

As an introduction to your storytime, bring in an assortment of noise makers for the children. Include objects that make loud noises (such as tin pie plates, rattles, plastic cups for banging together,) and items that create soft sounds (like organza scarves, sandpaper, pinwheels, or small triangles.) Alternate between having your group make loud then soft noises. Discuss the differences the children experienced. How did the loud noises make them feel? How would they feel if the loud noises went on for a very long time?

STORY: Too Much Noise, by Ann McGovern. Enjoy the story with the children. Take a few minutes after the story to discuss the main character's experience of having all those noisy farm animals in his house. How do they think that experience helped him feel better about the quieter "noises" in his home?

GAME: Play "Barnyard Match-up." Assign a farm animal noise to each child. Make sure there are two of every animal represented. For example, if you have twenty children, make sure you have two pigs, two cats, two cows, etc. to make 10 sets. Let the children all make their animal noises at the same time, seeking out their partner. Game is over when all the sets have come together. Assist younger children and have fun in the cacophony!

SONG and Quiet-Down: Gather everyone back to your storytime circle, and discuss the noisy game you just played. Emphasize the distinction between the noise before and the quiet now.

Explain that everyone needs to find a quiet place now and then to stay healthy and happy. Tell about how Jesus often sought out a quiet place away from the crowds to rest and to pray.

Play "Agnus Dei" from Cedarmont Worship for Kids, Volume 1. Sit back and let the music lead the children into a place of stillness and worship.

STORY: A Quiet Place, by Douglas Wood. Ask the children where their favorite quiet place is. Describe what Jesus' favorite quiet place might have been like.

BIBLE VERSE BRACELETS: Psalm 46:10a "Be still, and know that I AM God..." (NKJV)

and/or

Matthew 14:23 "And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there." (NKJV)

(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.)

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY: Visit a local farm. Explore the many types of animals there. Discuss the different sounds each animal makes. Find the noisy places on the farm. Find the quiet places. Enjoy!!

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Title: The Owl and the Woodpecker

Author/Illustrator: Brian Wildsmith

Word Density: Medium

My Recommended Age-Appropriateness: 4 to 12

CHRISTIAN THEMES:
1. Loving your neighbor.
2. Living peacefully with one another.

PRESCHOOL THEMES:
1. Settling differences.
2. Being a good neighbor.
3. Solving problems.
4. Forest animals.
5. Nighttime and daytime animals.

SUMMARY: In this classic fable about a group of forest animals who have property disputes, readers learn about how to be a good neighbor. With beautiful colors and lively textures, Wildsmith portrays the all-too-realistic argument between nocturnal Owl, who recently moved into the tree next door, and Woodpecker. Owl can't sleep and becomes infuriated with Woodpecker's daytime noise. Woodpecker, however, maintains that it's his right to peck on his own tree anytime and as loudly as he wants. The dispute grows more and more heated, eventually causing a siding of opinions among all the forest's residents. The tiny mouse sees Woodpecker's point of view, insisting that "Owl is always bossing...us around." The larger animals tend to see Owl's perspective, encouraging Woodpecker to compromise and "stop pecking" so they can all get some peace. Finally the residents gather round to encourage the troubled Owl to do something to fix the situation. He, however, feels the problem is entirely Woodpecker's fault, and insists on Woodpecker moving house. Their neighbors get so fed up with it all that they actually try to push down Owl's tree. Of course, this doesn't work, but coincidentally, two beavers begin to take a liking to Owl's tree. When a big storm comes along and threatens to blow down Owl's tree one day while he's fast asleep, Woodpecker sees the danger and, disregarding all their earlier disputes, rushes in to waken Owl one last time with his frantic pecking. Owl is so grateful to Woodpecker for rescuing him, that all is forgiven, and a suitable arrangement is made so that everyone lives peacefully together. Altogether an excellent way of demonstrating how to be, and not to be, a good friend and neighbor.

SCRIPTURE CONNECTIONS:

1. 2 Corinthians 13:11 "...Try to get along and live peacefully with each other." (CEV)

2. Proverbs 11:25 "...those who help others will themselves be helped." (CEV)

3. Romans 15:2 "We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord." (NLT)

4. Romans 15:5 "God is the one who makes us patient and cheerful. I pray that he will help you live at peace with each other, as you follow Christ." (CEV)

SONG CONNECTIONS:

1. "Up All Night" (a song about nocturnal animals) by Zach Burba from "Cool Creatures" CD & MMMKids.

2. "Love Your Neighbor" from the Veggie Tales Veggie Tunes CD.

3. "This is My Commandment" from the Cedarmont Kids Platinum Collection.

Craft Idea: Let the children create paper plate owls. Give each child two paper plates, one large and one small. Staple the smaller one above the larger one to simulate the owl's head. Provide plenty of brown craft feathers (available in most arts and crafts supply stores) and let the children use glue to cover their owls in feathers. Finally, glue two plastic googly eyes (also available at craft stores) on the "face." Hang your lovely, silly owls around the room and enjoy!

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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. I like to use Colin Buchanan's version from his "Follow the Saviour " recording.

STORY:
Read The Big Wide-Mouthed Frog by Ana Martin Larranaga. Take a few minutes after the story to highlight the main ideas and lessons presented in the narrative.

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.)

DISMISSAL: Say a prayer over the children and ask that God will help us to use our words to help others.

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Title: Walter the Baker
Author/Illustrator: 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!

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.

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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 suprise at the end of the search. A thoroughly lovely and educational presentation by my favorite author, artist, philosopher, and universal grandpa, Eric Carle.

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.

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Title: The Grouchy Ladybug
Author/Illustrator: Eric Carle
Word Density: Low to Medium
My Recommended Age-Appropriateness: Preschool to 8

Summary:

In this Eric Carle classic, a ladybug (or ladybird, or ladybeetle, depending on your locale,) gets up on the very wrong side of the rose petal. Determined to pick a fight with every obliging creature it runs into, the poor ladybug moves through its (notice its gender is undefined) day, hour by hour, and finds absolutely no contentment. What it doesn't realize until the very end is that happiness is a state of mind; the ladybug chooses to be grumpy, and so grumpy it is. The silly bug challenges progressively bigger and scarier and more powerful animals (and even a giant whale's fin, in a moment of final desperation.) Finally, getting what it asked for, the ladybug lands right back where it began its dreary day. In humility, the ladybug learns how to be accepting, pleasant, and friendly at last. Carle's vibrant illustrations, the exciting cut-away design of the book, and its progression showing an analog clock moving through the hours of a day, all combine to keep this classic story a vital part of any preschool classroom or storytime session. It compliments other books carrying the same themes of grouchiness, bad days, and bad manners, such as A Pig's Book of Manners, by Nicholas Allan and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, by Judith Viorst.

Christian Themes:

1. Humility.
2. Being a good neighbor.
3. Treating others like you would like to be treated.
4. Do not think more highly of yourselves than you ought to.

Preschool Themes:

1. Grouchiness.
2. Manners.
3. Being nice.
4. Insects.
5. Telling time.

Scripture Connections:

1. Romans 12:3 "I realize how kind God has been to me, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you." (CEV)

2. Matthew 23:12 "Whoever makes himself great will be made humble. Whoever makes himself humble will be made great." (NCV)

3. Luke 6:31 "Treat others just as you want to be treated." (CEV)

4. Matthew 22:39 "And the second command is like the first: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself." (NCV)

Song Connections:

1. "The Selfish Song," by Veggie Tales.

2. "Telling Time," by Jennifer Fixman, "We Love Math With Miss Jenny."

3. "Show Kindness Every Day," from Jack Hartmann's "Counting Piggy Tails - Better than Counting Sheep."

4. "Living In Harmony," by A Capella Kids.

Enrichment:

If you use this lesson during the Spring or Summer, take the children outside and try to catch ladybugs. Place the caught specimens in a bug viewing container and let the children study them, using magnifying glasses and sufficient light. If no ladybugs are to be found, provide a library table with lots of nice glossy books about ladybugs for the children to peruse.

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Strong and Weak

Story Time Lesson for Teaching About God's Sufficient Grace

Summary: Dinosaur Roar! by Henrietta and Paul Stickland.

In this simple book, large colorful happy-looking dinosaurs accompany antonyms that will help children understand opposites. A perfect opportunity to introduce the concept of God's strength and our weakness.

Preschool Themes: Opposites, descriptive words, dinosaurs.

Christian Themes: God is strong when we are weak.

Opener:

Play an "opposites" game with the children. Give a few examples of opposites to demonstrate or remind children of the concept. Then let the children guess the opposite of a word's meaning by acting the opposite out. For example, say "up." The children guess "down," by saying it and acting out "down" in their own way. Say "hard" and let them act out and say "soft." Try "cold" and let them dramatize "hot." Give them cues as needed and have fun.

Story: Dinosaur Roar! by Henrietta and Paul Stickland. See if the children can act out some of the dinosaur actions during the story. Reinforce the concept of opposites using examples from the story. Ask the children to give some examples of things that are strong, then things that are weak. Ask them if they've ever felt weak. (Perhaps when they've been ill or afraid.) Explain that God is always strong. Nobody is stronger than God! And when we feel weak and realize we're not very strong, we can remember how much He loves us and is strong for us!

Song: "Jesus Loves Me" (See if the children can catch when the words "weak" and "strong" are sung during the song, by acting out the words as they are sung.)

Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9 (a) (NKJV)

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."

Explain the verse to the children by saying that God is very strong. He is stronger than anything we can imagine. He knows that we are weak compared to Him. And because He is so strong, we are made strong through Him. So no matter how little or weak we feel, God is strong enough for everything and everyone!

Art: Dinosaur coloring pages. Please see the authors' and illustrator's website for free printables of dinosaurs from their book. This site also has templates for creating your own dino pop-up mouth! Choose any of these, make copies for the children, and let them color and decorate them as they wish.

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Dust Bunnies to Dust Bunnies

A Preschool Story Time Lesson About What We're Made Of

Book Summary: In Jan Thomas's fun book, Rhyming Dust Bunnies, the dust bunnies play a rhyming word game while one of them always shouts out a word that does not rhyme, like "look out!" He's trying to warn of a dangerous vacuum cleaner he sees but the others don't until it's too late for all of them and they wind up stuck in the the vacuum.

Preschool themes: rhyming words, household chores, domestic jobs.

Christian themes: God's Word. Jesus watches out for us. God formed us.

Opener: Discuss "dust bunnies." Explain what they are and ask the children if they've ever found one!

Open a bag of craft pom poms, (those colorful little puffs of cotton you can buy in the craft section of your local discount store,) and hand one to each child. Hold up one of your own. Ask the children what color it is. Then, brainstorm with the children several rhyming words that match your "dust bunny's" color. For example, if your fuzzy pom is blue, say the words, shoe, boo, two, zoo, and moo. Explain that today's story is all about a group of colorful dust bunnies playing a rhyming game. Ask the kids to keep on their listening ears and listen for all the rhyming words they can hear.

Story: Read Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas, then read the Bible verse that follows in this outline.

Bible Verse Bracelets:

Psalm 103:14 (NCV) "He knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust."

Explain to the children how God formed us. He made us from the earth so that we could be with Him. He knows we are fragile, and keeps watch over us. He loves us very much!

Bible Story: Read from My Read and Rhyme Bible Storybook, by Crystal Bowman, Cindy Kenney, and Christiane Engel, this passage from the Creation Story: "And then God said, 'I like what I see! But I want some people to spend time with Me.' So God took some dust right from the land. He held it closely and breathed in His hand. Then God made a man and a woman, too. And then His work was finally through. God looked around at the end of the day. The world was good in every way."

Song: "Made By God For God Alone," by Colin Buchanan from his "Follow the Saviour" CD.

Game: Blow the Dust Bunnies race! Give a straw and a craft pom pom to each child. Let each race consist of two children. Have the children compete by blowing their "dust bunny" with their straw in a dust bunny race, either across a hard floor surface or down a long table, with one child on each side.

Art: Make your very own pet dust bunnies! Stick googly eyes onto large colored craft poms with strong double sided tape or poster mounting squares cut into small pieces. Cut short lengths of colorful pipe cleaners for legs. Stick these on with your adhesive tape. Enjoy your pet dust bunnies!

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Title: "Slowly, Slowly, Slowly," said the Sloth, by Eric Carle

Word Density: Low

My Recommended Age-Appropriateness: Toddler to 10

Summary:

In this beautiful book, Carle once again presents a world of exotic animals, bent on philosophizing about the state of what IS. We enter the colorful world of the jungle sloth, who is asked over and over again by its jungle "friends" why it is so, "well, slothful." "Why are you so slow?" "Why are you so boring?" "Why are you so lazy?" The not-to-be-dismayed sloth considers each question with absolute sincerity, and finally comes to the conclusion that it is perfectly acceptable for a sloth to act like a sloth. Children will be encouraged to be themselves, and to trust in their Creator, as they think about the annoying and sometimes cruel questions their "friends" may ask them. "Why are you so short?" "Why do you have to wear glasses all the time?" "Why don't you like to play tag at recess?" Every child has his accusers, and every child needs to understand that it's o.k. to be just who they are. With a fascinating introduction by Jane Goodall on the lesser-known facts about South American jungle sloths, this book will be a helpful addition to any storytime highlighting endangered species, as well as any general lesson aimed at helping children understand their relationship to their world.

CHRISTIAN THEMES:
1. Job and his "friends."
2. Being what God made you to be.
3. God's diverse creation.

PRESCHOOL THEMES:
1. Being yourself.
2. Identifying personal characteristics.
3. Jungle animals.
4. Endangered animals.
5. Descriptive words.

Scripture Connections:

1. Galations 1:15 "But God had special plans for me and set me apart for his work even before I was born." (NCV)

2. Job 32:3 "Also against [Job's] three friends was [Elihu's] anger kindled, because they had found no answer [were unable to show his real error], and yet they had declared him to be in the wrong [and responsible for his own afflictions]." (Amplified Version)

3. 1 Corinthians 15:39 "You will notice that the variety of bodies is stunning. Just as there are different kinds of seeds, there are different kinds of bodies—humans, animals, birds, fish—each unprecedented in its form. You get a hint at the diversity of resurrection glory by looking at the diversity of bodies not only on earth but in the skies—sun, moon, stars—all these varieties of beauty and brightness. And we're only looking at pre-resurrection "seeds"—who can imagine what the resurrection "plants" will be like!" (Message)

Song Connections:
1. "God Made You Special" from the Veggie Tales CD of the same name.
2. "God of Wonders" from Veggie Tales Worship Songs CD.

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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.

VeggieTales 25 Favorite Very Veggie Tunes! CD

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 #2: It's the Bear by Jez Alborough. "The great big bear that lives in there..." will have the kids giggling about Eddy being so afraid!

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.

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STORYTIME LESSON – Catch That Word!
~based on Audrey Wood's Elbert's Bad Word.

Summary: Young Elbert overhears a terribly ugly word during a gathering of grown-ups. Just as children imitate what they see, Elbert just can't seem to help himself as, when he becomes frustrated, that ugly word bubbles up from him. A kind teacher helps him transform the bad into the good, and Elbert learns some self-control.

Preschool Themes: Bad thoughts, bad words, behavior, baking, parties, social learning, dealing with frustration.

Christian Themes: Dealing with bad words and bad thoughts, sin, God's grace and guidance, choosing good thoughts and good words, discipline, self-control.

Opener: Bring in some honeycomb. Show it to the children. Let them feel its texture and smell it. Discuss their findings. Ask the children whether they've ever tasted honey before, or honeycomb. Explain that, since ancient times, people have loved honey and honeycomb for its sweetness. In Luke 24:42, the Bible even tells about Jesus eating honeycomb!

Storytime: Read Elbert's Bad Word by Audrey Wood. Take some time after the story to discuss the children's responses. Explain that, like Elbert sought help from the gardener, we are to seek help with our sin from Jesus. And He is kind and loving enough to give us what we need to overcome our bad words and bad thoughts.

Song: “Take Every Thought and Catch It,” by Colin Buchanan, from his “Super Saviour” 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.)

Psalm 119: 102-104 (NIV)
“How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
Explain to the children that reading the Bible and thinking about what it says helps us replace the ugly words and thoughts we have with the good words from God's Word.

Help the children pray for help in catching their bad words and thoughts and replacing them with good.

Art: Honeycomb prints. Let the children dip any hexagon-shaped mold or texture pattern into paint and make “honeycomb” prints. Discuss the hexagonal shape with the children as they make their art. How many sides are there? Explain that shapes have names, and a six-sided shape is called a “hexagon.” Use this opportunity to talk about the wonders of bees making such intricate patterns for theirs homes. Isn't God amazing?!

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Title: The Mixed-Up Chameleon, by Eric Carle

Word Density: Low

My Recommended Age-Appropriateness: Toddler to 8

Summary: We've all had days where we either just weren't satisfied with ourselves, or just felt a little "mixed-up." Like the poor chameleon in this classic Carle story, children often wish they could be bigger, stronger, a different color, more capable, agile, or clever. But, with the metaphor of the chameleon, Eric Carle paints a picture of just how silly we would look if we had all the qualities of everyone around us. The crazed and hilarious look of the chameleon's googly eyes hints at its emotional state as it takes on the silly long pink legs and wings of a flamingo, the bushy red tail of a fox, the long neck of a giraffe, and even a turtle's shell. In the end, the poor hungry chameleon realizes it can't get on with all those foreign attributes, and sheds them all when it decides being a chameleon is best for a chameleon. With characteristic attention to early learning, Carle incorporates colors and animal shapes into the edges of the story, and creates another excellent book for preschool teachers, parents, and librarians to use again and again.

Christian Themes:

1. Being what God created you to be.

2. God loves you just the way you are.

Preschool Themes:

1. Being yourself.

2. Feeling insecure.

3. Self-esteem.

4. Animals.

5. Reptiles.

6. Colors.

Scripture Connections: (All of the following are from the New Century Version unless otherwise noted.)

1. Psalm 139:13-14.

"You made my whole being; you formed me in my mother's body. I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well."

2. Psalm 139:15.

"You saw my bones being formed as I took shape in my mother's body. When I was put together there."

3. John 15:9.

"I loved you as the Father loved me. Now remain in my love."

4. Ephesians 4:11.

"And Christ gave gifts to people-he made some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the Good News, and some to have the work of caring for and teaching God's people."

5. Jeremiah 29:11.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)

6. John 1:3

"All things were made by him, and nothing was made without him."

Song Connections:

1. "Jesus Loves Me."

2. "I Am a Promise," from the "Veggie Tales Worship Songs" CD.

Enrichment:

Take the children to a zoo to view the reptiles, or ask a pet shop owner to bring a chameleon and other lizards to your school for a demonstration.

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Title: Precious and the Boo Hag, by Patricia C. McKissack and Onawumi Jean Moss

Word Density: Moderate

My recommended age-appropriateness: Preschool to 12

Preschool Themes:

1. Scary Stories.

2. African-American stories.

3. Being Brave.

4. Halloween.

5. Doing what is right.

Christian Themes:

1. Obedience.

2. Evil can come like a wolf in sheep's clothing.

3. Fear.

4. Spiritual authority in Jesus.

Summary:

Precious is a strong-willed and imaginative child left at home alone while her family is out in the fields working. She's had a sick stomach and as a result, is left home to recuperate and do some light chores. Her mother admonishes Precious to stay out of her stuff, keep the place neat, and. above all, "don't let nothing and nobody in this house!" But Precious's brother sees an opportunity to have some fun. He warns her that there's a Boo Hag lurking around that will do anything "to make you disobey yo' mama." Suspicious of the truth to her brother's claims, and nearly reassured by a precocious friend who pops by, Precious begins poking around in her mother's best clothes and having a marvelous time having the house all to herself. It doesn't take too long, though, for an uninvited guest to try to come in. Precious rallies herself, and in a test of character that would make her mama proud, the little girl discerns and foils every evil trick the Boo Hag tries on her. The story ends with a victorious, if slightly scary, note. The delightful deep-South African-American diction and the beautiful and original mixed-media illustrations combine with a fun and playfully frightening tale to make Precious and the Boo Hag a fun addition to any storytime.

Scripture connections:

1. Romans 16:19 (New Century Version) "All the believers have heard that you obey, so I am very happy because of you. But I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil."

2. Matthew 7:15 (New Century Version) "Be careful of false prophets. They come to you looking gentle like sheep, but they are really dangerous like wolves."

3. Joshua 1:9 (NIV) "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

4. Luke 10:19 (NKJV) "Behold, I give you the authority... over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you."

Song Suggestions:

1. "Be Strong and Courageous" by Colin Buchanan from his "Jesus Rocks the World" CD. Published by Wanaaring Road Music.

2. "You Got to Do What the Lord Says" by Colin Buchanan from his "Follow the Saviour" CD. Published by Wanaaring Road Music. Hear samples and view ordering information at Word Australia.

3. "God Is Bigger Than the Boogeyman" by Veggie Tales.

Enrichment:

Let the children draw pictures of their own "Boo Hags," and "boogeymen." Reassure them that this lesson teaches them to NOT be afraid. Give each child your chosen Bible verse and let them paste it onto the bottom of their creations.

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Title: Brothers in Hope: the Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan
Author: Mary Williams (Founder of the Lost Boys Foundation)
Word Density: High
My recommended age-appropriateness: 6-12

Summary: Brothers in Hope is the true story of young Garang , who was about eight years old when his Sudanese village was brutally attacked and his family torn apart. Out in the fields tending livestock when the attack occurred, he escaped the initial assault. Soon he discovered that many other boys were in the same situation. The boys banded together and began walking. Garang and about 30,000 other boys walked from Sudan to Ethiopia, then on to Kenya, a trip of almost 1,000 miles. In his own words, he describes his journey and how he and the other Lost Boys became a family to each other, taking care of one another and supporting one another through unbelievable circumstances. Told in a simple and straightforward manner, and accompanied by illustrations that are at once unpretentious and sympathetic, Brothers in Hope is a stirring journey of faith, perseverance, and hope.

Preschool Themes:

1. Multicultural awareness.

2. World events and humanitarianism.

3. Children coping with loss and tragedy.

4. Hope.

Christian Themes:

1. "I am not lost. God knows where I am." (from text)

2. God will never leave us or forsake us.

3. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Scripture Connections:

1. Psalm 23, especially Psalm 23:4 "Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because you are with me. Your rod and your shepherd's staff comfort me." (New Century Version)

2. Deuteronomy 31:6. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (NIV)

3. Deuteronomy 31:8. "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (NIV)

4. Romans 12:10. "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." (NIV)

Song Suggestions:

1. "The Lord is My Shepherd" by Cedarmont Kids from the Songs of Praise recording.

2. "Be Strong and Courageous" by Colin Buchanan from his "Jesus Rocks the World" CD. Published by Wanaaring Road Music. Hear samples and view ordering information at Word Australia.

3. "Love, Love," by Cedarmont Kids from the Songs of Praise recording.

Enrichment:
Play some African music softly in the background while the story is being read aloud.
Show photos from a large library book of the region mentioned in the story.
Paint or color pictures using the color scheme shown in the book: yellows, browns, greens, ochres, etc.

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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.

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How Are You Feeling?

A Preschool Story Time Lesson on Emotions

Helping Children Understand Their Emotions

Introduction: Before the story hour begins, have some visual aids prepared. Using wood or PVA glue, draw facial expressions onto regular copier paper. Make 5 different expressions: sad, happy, angry, surprised (or scared,) and bored. Make very simple drawings with the glue. A circle for the face, lines for eyes, nose, and mouth, and eyebrows to indicate mood will suffice. Allow the glue to dry, creating a raised surface. Before your audience arrives, place each of the five facial expressions on a whiteboard or easel. Cover each with a plain white sheet of paper, so the expressions are concealed. When it's time to begin, take colored chalk or oil pastels and begin rubbing it over the first of the raised facial expressions. Use different colors for different moods. Consider blue for sad, yellow or orange for happy, red for angry, gray for bored, and perhaps bright florescent pink for startled or surprised. See if the children can guess each emotion before you begin the rubbing by looking at the color you have chosen. Talk with the children about each emotion as it is being revealed.

Story: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, by Judith Viorst. Share a personal story of a bad day you've gone through.

Feelings Fingerplay: (original author unknown)

"Sometimes I'm as angry as a buzzing bee. (Buzzzz!)

But all the time, all the time, Jesus loves me! (Hug self.)

Sometimes I'm silly as a monkey in a tree. (Act like a silly monkey.)