Toddlerific Vol 1

CONTENTS 

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 

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How to Use Thi5 Book ................................................................................................... 7 

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Jesus is Born .......... :...... 

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Jesus ,s Altve ............................................................................................................................................. 

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IAm Precious ••.••.••.•.••...•.... ::....... ~ ............................................................................................................ 

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I Love Jesus ......................................... :. 

My Family .J,tt.:C~ 

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r ·enc1 

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y rn 

I Help .•..:.....•• i ... :..; 

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I Share .......................... 

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Christmas and young children are 

a natural combination. 

The wonder, the joy, the festive times-toddlers 

exploring their worfd are captivated by the new 

experiences that come with the holiday season. But 

they can become overwhelmed by changes in routine 

when they don't understand why things are different. 

The developing faith of children this age is influenced 

by what's important to the adults around them. You 

can help toddlers and twos understand why grown-ups 

are making such a fuss by teaching them the reason for 

the season: God sent baby Jesus. 

Through these activities, toddlers will leam that the 

coming of Jesus is something to celebrate! 

Bible Truth: 

God sent baby Jesus. 

8iMe Verse: 

·rot1ay.•. a Savior 

has been bom." 

Luke 2:11 

Bible Stery: 

Christmas 

(Luke 2:1-20) 

Godprfnt: 

Praise 

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• Christmas Rnger Puppeb 

GETLIST: 

•a,pielof 

pappetsf'nNn 

IPll,'l!S11-IZ 

- cobed pencils 

cw--,ke,s 

• scismn 

•tape 

Color the Bible figures. Cut out each figure, including bottom t.abs. Wrap each 

figure loosely a,ound an index or middle finger and t.lpe the tabs together at 

the bade. Slip the figures off your fingers and set them aside unbl stcxy time. 

Before starting !he stcxy, place each figure on the appropriate finger. Hold up 

each finger puppet and wiggle it at the right time in the story. 

Today a Savior has been born. 

God sent baby Jesus to be bom. 

(Hold up rifiit index finger with Baby Jesw puppet.} 

Mary is glacf baby Jesus it bom. 

(Hold up riglit middle finger with Mary puppet.} 

Joseph is ,Jad baby Jesus is born. 

(Hold up rif}lt ring finger witli Joseph puppet.) 

The ancels are glad baby Jesu.s is born. 

(Hold up leh index finger with Angel puppet.} 

The shepherds are glad baby Jesus is bom. 

(Hold up left middle finger with Shepherd puppet.) 

God sent baby Jesu.s to be born. 

(Hold up the left ring finger with &by Jesus puppet.} 

I am glad baby Jes.as is born. 

(Point to self.) 

Today a Saviot' has been bom. 

to,.+: ~

.jos1.1s 1s B'orn 11

.:fl:-Care for Baby Jesus 

GET UST: 

• baby dolls 

• baby blankets 

• basket 

Optional: 

• damp wa.shcloth 

• garl.1nd 

• stuffed sheep 

• towels 

Young children enjoy pretending to Cllre for babies. Provide baby dolls and 

blankets for the children. Encourage them to pretend that a baby doll is baby 

Jesus. Set out a basket to use as a manier. Children will enjoy wrapping the baby 

in a blanket, feeding the baby and drei.sing the baby. You might also provide a 

damp w,nhcloth for bathing the baby. Older children may want to act out other 

parb in the story such as the angels, shepherds or the wise men, so be prepared tc 

provide other props such as garland for halos, stuffed sheep and towels for 

headpieces and robes. 

:6:-Manger, M._a_n_g_e_r __________________ 

GET UST: 

• variety of safe, 

Nativity 

unl>l'eauble 

figures: 

plastic, cloth, 

wooden, ek. 

As you observe the children playing with the Nawity figures, help them name th~ 

figures to reinforce the truth of the Sible story. You might say something like •Thi! 

is Mary. Mary was baby Jesus' mother. Mary was glad when Jesus was born: 

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.:fl:- 

GET UST: 

~urprisel ----·--- ______ --·· ·----- 

Wrap the tops and bottoms of a few boxes with Christmas wrapping paper. You 

• boxes with can introduce the children to a variety of activities with these boxes. They might 

separate loo stack them into a tower or try to put one inside the other. Fitting the lids on and 

• wrapping paper off is also a good exercise. Use these boxes to introduce your children to a 

• Christma1 guessing game by placing a familiar Christmas object inside and saying something 

obiects 

, like, •1 wonder what i1 in this box?" Give a few clues to see if the children can 

guess the object. Let the children open the boxes to reveal the 1urprise inside. 

:6:-Celebration Da._n_c_e _________________ 

GET UST: 

•COor~ 

~andmusic 

•Ol!pep;ipel' 

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Christmas is a time to celebrate how glad we are that God sent baby Jesus to be 

born. Give children ribbon or crepe paper streamers. Play some favorite Christmas 

music and encourage the children to dance around and wave their streamers as a 

way of saying, "I'm glad Baby Jesus was born." 

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.;.:~ Christmas Sing-a-long 

• CD or tape player : 

• Christmas 11111!ic : 

CD cw tape 

OptioMJ: 

• dried beans 

• empty film 

canisten 

• tape 

• large jingle bells 

• nbbon or yim 

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Christmas is a great time to sing songs togethe,. Play the Christmas music and 

encou,age children to sing along lllith the familiar songs. Play either quiet or 

active songs, depending on the mood of your children. You might also provide 

some homemade rhythm instrumenb. For example, place some dried beans or 

rice inside empty film cont.liners and t.lpe shut to make shakers. Attach two or 

three large jingle bells to a piece of nbbon and tie it around little wrists for a 

Christmas favorite . 

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.: Wrapping Paper Collage 

GET UST: 

• wrapping paper : 

Kraps 

• diluted glue 

• project paper 

• tape 

• paintbrush 

Before class, write at the top of each paper, "Today a Savior has been born." 

Tear wrapping paper scraps into two-inch pieces. Invite blo or three children to 

the table. Tape a piece of paper to the table in front of each child. The tape 

will anchor the paper and make it easie, for small hands to work. Brush glue 

diluted lllith water on the paper and grveach child Se11eral pieces of wrapping 

paper to stick on the paper. Ai you work, t.llk with the children about gifts we 

give at Christmas. Tell them that baby Jesus was God's gift to us. 

;•:• Christmas Coloring 

GET UST: 

• paper 

• crayons 

Optional, 

• glitter crayons 

~Keep it simpJeN is a good theme for young children who may be overstressed 

by the holidays. Cut out large Christmashapes (star, bell, tree) from paper. 

( Cookie cutten make great patterns.) Put these out on a table with crayons so 

children can sit quietly and color as an altem..tive to .1ctive play. Glitter crayons 

can offer a festive alternative to this familiar activity. Tell the children about 

these familiar Christmas ~bols and what part they play in the sto,y of 

Christmas. You might lil

:6:-T~!I_ l_t_A_c_a_in _________________ 

GET UST: 

• Chrutmas finger 

puppets (page! 

11-12 

• Nativity figures 

Young children enjoy repetition, so you can tell the same story over and over 

again. Visit children where they are playing to retell the Bible story. Use the 

finger puppeb or use Nativity figures you have in the room. You might gather 

two or three children together and give each one a Bible story figure. Encourage 

the children to participate in the story by holding up their figures at the 

appropriate times in the story. 

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,.:- Baby in the Manger Snack 

GET UST: 

• pita bread, 

sliced open 

• bananas cut in 

sbips 

• shredded ,;an'ots 

Young children coruume a lot of sugary treab during the holidays. Avoid the 

temptation to give them more sweeb and try this healthy snack instead. Help 

children make their own "Baby in the Manger• snacks. Show children how to put 

shredded carrot in the pocket of pita bread for hay. Next, they can nestle the 

banana "baby• in the pocket Say how glad you are that God sent baby Jesus. 

:6:-Soft and Loud 

GET LIST: 

• no .rupplies 

needed 

Varying the volume in a story or action rhyme adds excitement and holds the 

attention of young children. Note the changes in volume and encourage the 

children to do the actions to this rhyme with you: 

Soft: Angels in the sky are singing. (Point up to the sky.} 

Loud: "We're so glad Baby Jesus was born!" (Clap hands.) 

Soft: Bells around the world are ringing. (Bend back and forth at waist.} 

loud: Everyone's glad Baby Jesus was born! (Clap hands.) 

loud: Shepherds on the hills are going. {Run in place.) 

Soft: They're so glad Baby Jesus was born! (Clap hands.} 

Soft: Usten to what the children are saying. (Cup ha11ds around ears.) 

Loud: "I'm so glad Baby Jesus was born!" (Clap hands.) 

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:6:• Coolcie Omamenb 

GET UST: 

• play dough 

• cookie cutten 

OptiOIIOI; 

• bak«' 1 clay 

• disposable pie 

tiru 

• colored sugar 

• nobo11 

Many people, including children, enjoy making cookies during the holidays . .Set 

out play dough and cookie cutten so the children can pretend to make 

cookies. 

If you would like to make omamenb that the children can keep, use the 

baker's clay recipe below. On a table, roll out several pieces of clay and invite 

small groups of children to come over to make a cookie ornament Let each 

child use a cookie cutter to press out one or t\11'0 shapes in the day. Carefully 

pick up the omamenb and place them in a disposable pie bn with the child's 

name on it. Ure a pencil to make a hole at the top of the ornament. Let the 

child sprink(e the ornament ~-------------------------, 

with colored sugar. The sugar ( BaLtW's 

Clay 

will melt and harden when I 4 cups flour I 

the ornament is baked. Bake I 1 mp salt : 

the ornaments in an oven at 1 1/2 a.,s water : 

350 degrees for one hour. I Mix .an ltands and lrnead su minuteJ, : 

When cooled, string a ribbon l adding Bour ii dough u too mdty. ; 

through the hole for hanging. , , 

:6:-_B_al_l_To_s_s _________________ 

GET UST: 

• foam balls 

• containers of 

various sizes 

• Christmas 

wrapping paper 

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Young children are learning to toss a b.lll ,.;th more aa:uracy and control. 

Provide several foam ball1 in different lizes and containen of various sizes that 

the children can use as targets. Wrap the containers in Christmas paper. 

Encourage the children to t.Jke turns trying to toss the ball~ into the containen 

from different distances. Each time a child hib the target. say together, "Today 

a Savior ha1 been born: 

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J8SIJ$ IS Born 1 5

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~- In t1t? 

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~ °;3' line IRJtll: God sent baby Jesus. 

line 

\ltsse: "Today... a Savior has been bom.• Luke 2: 11 

&Ke SIBV: Christmas (Luke Z:1-20) 

~Int: 

Praise 

Feeling stressed? The holida~ can be stressful on young children, too, especially when 

holiday actMties and visits from family and friends intertupt their routines. The best 

thing you can do for is to find some time to be quiet together 

and focus on the true meaning of Chrisbnas: "Today... a Savior 

has been bom• (Luke 2:1 T). Try these suggestions. 

Your child may need more individual attention from you during times of stres.i. As 

difficult as it may seem to find the time in the milM of hurried schedule,, try to keep 

life as simple and normal as possible for your child. At naptime or bedtime, muggle 

up. Develop a special ritual that is calming and reas,s~ring and lets your child know he 

or she has your full attention. Read a favorite Chriltmas 1torybook together or make 

up a simple story or song that is peoonalized for your child. Follow this simple 

pattern using names and details 1pecific to your child: ~Once upon a time, there was 

a little girl named Elizabeth. And her mommy loved her. And her daddy loved her. 

Her sister loved her, too. But Jesus loved her the most. The End.• 

This is a family activity that even your toddler can participate in. Make special 

omaments for your tree or as gifb. Purchase clear glass or pla.1tic ornament balls from 

your local hobby store. Remove the tops and place several drops of tempera paint 

inside each omamenl Choose two Of three complementary colors. Place a piece of 

masking tape over the opening and put the ornament in a shoebox. Encourage your 

toddler to roll the ornament around in the box until the paint has coated the inside 

of the ornament RelTIOlle the tape and dump out any excess paint. After the paint 

has dried, replace the top and add a pretty ribbon to your one-of-a l

Easter egg hunts. New clothes. 

A big family dinner. 

These may be among the first memories children have 

of Easter. These things are concrete, things that young 

children can grasp as they experience them. Many 

adults take delight in toddlers' partidpation in these 

holiday rituals. But it's much more difficult to teach 

the deep spiritual significance of Easter. Children wall 

grow into their Easter faith just as they grow out of 

their Easter clothes. Concrete experiences lay a 

foundation for a faith that will mature as children's 

understanding expands. 

Through these activities, toddlers will learn Easter is a 

time to celebrate the resurrection. "Jesus is alive!" is 

great newsl 

Bible Tnsth: 

Jesus died 

and rose again. 

Bt1,le Verse: 

"'Jesus is not here! 

He has risen/" 

Luke 24:6 

Bible Story: 

Easter 

(Luke 23:32-24:12) 

Godprint: 

faith 

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& Bible Story Picture Strip 

GETLIST: 

•aipesof.,.-es 

11--19 

• CIOlared pena1s 

cwmaibri 

• Kissors 

• condruc:tion 

paper or tag 

board 

• glue 

Optional; 

• l.1minator paper 

Color the illustratiom on the Bible story strip c1nd cut it out. Cut out the Bibleshape 

and color_ Glue both the Bible-shape and the sto,y strip to construction 

paper or tag board to make 

them more durable. Cut 

the two lines on the Bible 

and slip in the story strip as 

shown in the diagram. At 

the beginning of the story, 

have the picture of the cross 

showing. Pull the story drip 

to reveal each picture as 

you tell the story_ 

Bible Story 

The Bible is God's book to us. 

The Bible says that Jesus died. 

(Point to the picture of the croS$,) 

The Bible says that Jesus is alive. 

(Show picture of empty tomb_) 

Jesus died. (Cross picture.} 

Je1Us is alive. {Tomb picture_) 

Jesus died. (Cross picture.) 

Jesus is alive_ (Tomb picttJre). 

The Bible says thatJesus is alive. 

I'm glad Jesus is alive. 

lhe Bible says ... 

PUil 

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18 Toddlertf"lc

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&DUST: 

•Kiiicws 

•p,eortape 

• lllge cmt ~ 

Optional: 

• Earte, sticken 

Easter is a happy time for Chri.stians big and 1mall. Before class, cut brightcolored 

ribbon into rtrearner.s f 8-24 inches long. With glue or tape, attach 

• several ribbon .streamers to the tops of large craft 1ticks. In class, call two or 

three children to the table to decorate their happy sticks. Give each child a itick 

with ribbons, .some crayons and 1ome Easter stickers for decorating. As they 

work, talk to the children about how Ea1ter ii a happy time becauie Je1us is 

alive. Show the children how to twirl around and wwe their happy sticks llAlile 

saying, "Je1us is alive!" 

& Easter Parade 

GET UST: M.my celebrations start with a par.1del Gather your children together and pais 

• rhythrn out any rhythm instruments you may have. If you made Happy Sticks ( above), 

instroments let the children use these in your parade. Play music with a good marching beat 

• CD or tape player : as you lead the children around your room. Explain to the children that we can 

be happy and celebrate because Jesus is alive. 

• CD or tape wilti 

=rc:hing music. 

Opti011al: 

• Happy Sticks 

(see above) 

,& Tissue-Paper Cross~- 

GET LIST: 

• c:onstruc:tion 

paper 

board 

°' poster 

• bright-colored 

tissue paper 

• diluted glue 

• p.1inlbrush 

• tape 

Before class, cut cross shapes from construction paper or poster board. Cut 

bright-colored tissue paper into small piece!. During class, call two or three 

children to the table at a time. Tape a cross to the t.lble in front of each child 

and brush it with diluted glue. let the children stick pieces of tis.sue paper to the 

crosses to make a beautiful reminder of tooay'1 lesson. As you work, remind the 

children that the Bible says that JesuJ died on the cross, but now he is alive!

& What's Alive7 

GEfUST: 

• no supplies 

needed 

To young children, anything that mO\ll!s is alive. This is a guessing game for older 

toddlers. The purpose of this game is to have fun thinking about what it means 

to be alive. E,cplain to the children that you are going to act out things that 

God made that are alive and you want them to guess what you are acting out 

Pretend to be a monkey swinging from a tree, a tiger pacing and growling or a 

dog burying a bone. Don't forget the .10und effecbl Take the game in a 

different direction by acting out thing, people do like brushing your teeth, 

getting dressed or eating. 

&_Ro_l_l _It ________________ 

GET UST: 

• beach ball 

Young children need lots of practice to develop their motor skills and hand-eye 

coordination. You an play this game with one child or two or three at a time. 

The children sit on the floor facing you with their feet spread apart to help trap 

the ball. They should be si,c to eight feet away from you or closer if they are 

younger. Sit on the floor facing the children and roll a beach ball to each child 

in turn. Have each child roll the ball back to you. Add a quick review of the 

Bible story by saying "Jesm is alive!• each time you roll the ball back and forth. 

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& Easter Song 

GEfUST: 

• none 

Don't expect your young children to gmp the meaning of the resurrection. 

What you can show them, though, is that ~ster is a time to be happy and that 

church is a fun and safe place to be. Teach this simple song. to the tune of 

"Mary Had a Little lamb,• to your children. 

Easter is a happy day, happy day, happy day. 

Easter is a happy day. 

: Jesus is alive! 

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& Easter Coloring 

GET UST: 

• Easter story 

coloring pages 

• aayoru 

Set out coloring ,»g~ of .icenes from the b,ter story and 1ome crayon1. You 

might enlarge the drawings from the Bible sto,y picture strip (page118-19) f-or 

the children to color. Young children also enjoy what loolu like scribbling to u1 

on a blank page. Invite small groups of children to the table to color 

throughout your cla11 time. 

&re__ 

H_l_t _A_g_a,_n ___________ _ __ __ _ 

GET UST: 

• Bible story 

pictu,e strip, 

Young children enjoy repetition, so you can tell the same story crver and over 

again. Visit children where they are playing to retell the Bible story. Use the 

Bible u:o,y picture strip. You might gather two or three children together. 

Encourage the children to participate in the story by gying. "Jetus died" or 

"Jesus is alive" depending on which scene you show. 

& Pie Crust Crosses 

GET LIST: 

• pie avrt 

• butter 

• ciooamon SIJ&¥ 

Before clilll, cut pre,»red pie cr111t into strips. Arrange two sttips into a cross 

shape for each child. Top with butter and cinnamon sugar and bake according to 

package directions. As you serve the cro11es in class, say, "This crosi hel.ps w 

remember that Jesus is alive!• 

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& Quiet Comer 

GET UST: 

• Sible story 

books 

• comfy cvshins 

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The quiet corner is an important part of every das.1 for young children. It 

provides a comfortable place for children to iit and regroup when too much 

activity has made them feel stressed. It also is a safe place for children who 

sometimes prefer not to interact or play with other children. Your quiet corner 

should have lots of kid-friendly Bible 1torybooks in it. Include a ielection of 

Easter stories. Make 1ure that you or a helpet visit the quiet corner frequentfy to 

read to chitdrcn.

& Action Rhyme 

GETIJST: 


needed 

Young children are fascinated with facial expre"ions. Encourage the children to 

make sad faces and happy faces while !a)'ing this rhyme with you: 

Jesus died on the aoss. 

The people were sad, sad, sad. 

Jesus is alive! 

The people are glad, glad, glad. 

Jesus died on the cross. 

The angels were sad, s.id, iad. 


The angels are glad, glad, glad. 

Jesus died on the cross. 

We were sad, sad, sad. 


We are glad, glad, glad. 

& The Bible Says 

GET LIST: 

• Bible 

You want your children to know that the stories you tell them are from the 

Bible. With repetition, toddlers will quickly learn this little game even though 

they may or may not remember the details from each story. You can use this 

method to remind children of biblical truths from any Bible story. 

Teacher 1ays; 

Children shout: 

Teacher says: 


Teacher: 


The Bible says that Jesus died for me. 

How do I know that Jesus died for me7 

The Bible sayso! 

The Bible says thatJesus is alive. 

How do I know that Jesus is alive? 

The Bible says so! 

The Bible says that God loves me. 

How do I know that God loves me? 

The Bible says so! 

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~ ;r lllllle IRJtll: Jesu, died and rose again. 

&Re \ISSe: "Jesus is not he.el He fw men!* Luke 24:6 

llllle $l'SV: Easter (Luke 23:32-24:12) 

Gfll:)ligDf: Faith 

Does your child know how happy you are thatJesui is alive? Easter is a time of 

incredible celebration in the Christian faith. You can p;m on your joy and enthusiasm 

to your child even if he or she does not yet fully understand 

the deeper meaning of Jesus' death and reiurrection. These 

early emotional experiences can make a difference in 

developing faith. Try these activities: 

East& cam 

The happy message of Ea1ter is a me1sage worth sharing. Talk with your little one 

about the special message of Easter and with whom you would like to share the 

menage. Place a piece of plain white paper in the bottom of a shoebo,c. Cut the 

paper to fit Dip two or three marblei in spring colon of washable paint and gently 

drop them into the box on top of the paper. Let your child ihake the box back 

and forth to move the marbles across the paper. Remove the marbles from the 

box, then remove the paper and 1et it aside to dry. You can then fold your paper 

in half to make a card with beautiful marble painting on the outside. Add your 

Easter message and the Scripture vene before delivering your card to someone 

special. 

Eas'fell Raise 

Young children love to move to happy music. Play some praise songs and 

encourage your child to move along to the music. Make a simple tambourine by 

placing dried beans or rice between two plastic plate, and taping the edges closed. 

lnllite your child to shake the tc1mbourine with the music. Reinforce the idea that 

because Jesus is alive we un celebrate. 

While your child cannot understand the deep spiritual significance of Easter, rest 

assured that with these acwities and by sharing the Easter story, you are laying a 

foundation for a faith that will grow as your child's ability to understand grows.

'am 

Pr~cioU~ 

Very young children think they are 

the center of the world-and they are. 

They are the center of the world as they know it. 

That's part of how God planned for them to develop. 

The first three years are an important time in 

developing a sense of self that wiH last a lifetime. It's a 

time for the emotional underpinnings of faith children 

will express when they are older. It's a time for them 

to know, deep down inside, that they are precious to 

God because they were created in his image. 

Through these activities, toddlers will leam that God 

made every part of them and loves them. 

•1,le Truth: 

God made 

me special. 

Bible Vene: 

•rou made me ..• 

with your own 

hands.,, 

Psalm 119:73 

Bt1,le Story: 

God created people. 

(Genesis 2:7-22) 

Godprint: 

Preciousness 

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Bible Story Flip Book 

GET UST: 

• copies of pages 

26-27 

• colored pena1s 

or markers 

• scisson 

• ugboardor 

construction 

paper 

• glue 

• hole punch 

• 2 aaft rings 

Color the illustrations and cut into four pages. Glue each page on a half piece 

of tag board or construction paper to f},e your book more ,tability. Punch two 

holes in the top of each page, as ma.teed. Put pa~ in order 1-4 and hook 

pages together with rings. You might want to laminate the pages before putting 

them on the rings. The ri~ allow you to flip pages one at a time as you tell the 

Bible story. Ask children to point to the parts of their bodies that the story 

mentions. 

Optional: 

• laminator paper 

God made people speelal. God made Adam. 

God made Eve. And everything God made was good. 

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God made you special. God made yCM1r eyes to see. 

God made your ears to hear. God made your nose to smelt.

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God made your mouth to talk. 

And everything God made was good. God made you special. 

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God made your hands to clap. God made your feet to tap. 

And everything God made was good. 

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Action Rhyme 

GErl.lST: 

• noA!pplies 

neecfed 

Toddlers are le.irning to name different partJ of the body. You can help and at 

the ,ame time reinforce the lesson theme ~t God made people special. Gather 

a small group of children together and teach them this simple rhyme: 

God made me ipecial. (Hugyounelf.) 

He milde you special, too. (Point to children.) 

He gave me ears so I can hear. (Cup hands behind yuu, ean.) 

He gave me eyei so I can see. (Point to your eyes.) 

He gave me feet to tap, tap, tap. {Tap your feet.) 

He gave me hands to clap. clap, clap. (Clap your hands.) 

He gave me legs to walk, walk, Willk. (March in plau.) 

He gave me a mouth so I can talk. (Point to your mouth.) 

God made me special. (Hug yourself.) 

God made you special, too. (Point to children.) 

I LookatMe 

GET LIST: ! Bring a hand-held mirror to class and let children take turns looking at 

• hand-held mirror j themselves in the mirror. Encourage them to point to their eyes, nose, mouth 

and so on. for each child, point out some feature that makeJ him or her special. 

I Pudding Paint 

GET UST: 

• w.lxed paper 

• pudding 

Optional: 

• paper plates 

• wet paper 

towels 

finger painting is a great activity for most young children, but many teachers are 

neNOus about children getting paint on their clothes or putting it in their 

mouths. finger painting with pudding can be a safe solution. Tape a piece of 

waxed paper to the table in front of each child. Place a spoonful of pudding 

(any flavor) and let the children experiment with spreading the pudding around 

the paper. Encourage them to make a picture of themielves. When each child is 

finished, tosi the paper for easy clean up. If you want the children to make 

something to take home, substitute a pape, plate for the waxed paper. Add the 

child's name and let dry before sending the project home. Use wipes or wet 

paper towels for cleaning up handi and faces. 

28 Toddler11'1c

Stretch and Grow . 

GET UST: 


needed 

Teach this game to your whole class, with small groups of children or with each 

child individually. Do the actions fint while the children watch and listen. Then 

t,y to get the children to do the actions with you. 

God made people special. 

We start as tiny babies. (Crouch down 011 the floor.) 

Then we grow bigger. (Get up on your handf and kneeJ.) 

Soon we can walk and talk. (Stand up and walk in a circle.) 

And we grow {put your amH out to each side), 

And grow (pf.ace your arms over your head and get up on your tiptcei), 

And grow until we are all grown up. (Stretch up M hiyj, os you can ~.) 

God made people special. {Clap.) 

I Tell It Again 

GET UST: 

• Bible Story flip 

Book(,age, 

26-27 

Repeating the Bible story will help children remember the truths of God's Word. 

Go to where the children are plilying individually or in small groups and invite 

them to listen to the story again. Use the Bible Story Flip Book. Older children 

will enjoy holding the book while you tell the story. Some may even want to 

"read" the story back to you. 

I Pla!~do~gh __ Peo_p_le _______ ______ _ 

GET UST: 

• play dough 

• people-shaped 

cookie cutters 

Work with children to flatten small amounts of play dough. Using peopleshaped 

cookie cutters, show children how to cut out people. As you work, 

remind the children that God made people with his own hands. If you'd like to 

make your own doug h , use this recipe: 

,,----------------~-------------------~,, 

Play dough 

2 cups of flour 

1 cup of salt 

4 Tablespoons cream of tartar 

2 cups warm water 

2 Tablespoons cooking oil 

1 pkg. unsweetened city drink mnc for scent and color 

Combine all ingredients in a sau"P"n. Slir thoroughly 

1 and wczrm °""' medium heat until ingredients fomi a soft 

j baU. Tum out on waxed paper and kne4d until soft. Store : 

l in an au-tight container. 

' , 

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I a.m Pr&cioUS 29 

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I Hokey-Pokey 

GET UST: This familiar children's song help$ children learn about their bodies while 

• no supplies exercising their large muscles. Gather all the children together or start with two 

needed or three children in a circle. As you teach the children an abbreviated version of 

this classic song. encourage them to try the actions, too. Keep in mind that it's 

not important if they use their right and left correctly. As you play, remind 

: children that God made .111 the paru of their bodies. 

. 

: Put your right hand in, take your right hand out 

Put your right hand in and shake it all about. 

Do the hokey•pokey as you turn your.self around. 

That's what it's all about. (C(ap) 

(Repeat with left hand, right foot, left foot, head, and whole self). 

t H~~dprint Tracings 

GET UST: 

• corutrudion 

paper 

• crayons 

Handprints are a petfed reminder that God made every peuon special. Invite 

two or three children at a time to a table. Have children place their hands on 

construction paper lllith their fingen spread. Use a crayon to trace each child's 

hands. Some children may want to use crayons to color in their handprinb. For a 

different effect, use black paper and trace the hands with colored chalk. Write 

each child's n;,me on his or her paper before sending home this reminder that 

God made every child 1pecial. 

• Happy Face Snack 

GET LIST: 

• sliced bread 

• brge glass 

• cheese sp,ead or 

cream cheese 

• c:ere.al pieces 

• thin canot slices 

or pretzel pleas 

Depending on the ability of the children in your class or the number of helpers 

you have, you can partially prepare this snack ahead or plan to have children 

make it themselves. Use a large glass to cut a circle from a slice of bread ( one 

dice for each child). Spread lllith cheese spread or aeam cheese. Let children 

, use unsweetened cereal piece, to cldd eyes ,md a noie. Add a thin carrot slice or 

pretzel pieces fof a unile. 

30 Toddlertt'1c

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I Sensational Touch Me Box 

GET LIST: 

Provide a t11ctilexperience for the young children in your class by putting 

• large shoebox togethe1 a Touch Me Box. Cover the bottom of a large shoebox with bright 

• bright wrapping wrapping paper. Cover the top separately so that you can open and close the 

paper 

box. Cut a hole in one side of the box ju,t large enough for a child to get a 

• knife scisson or uaft han d inside. Inside the box, place items that have a variety o f s h apes and 

• items with a textures. Invite each child to put a hand in the box and tell you what he or she 

variety of shapes feels inside. Remove the lid and show the child the object or objects. Some 

and textures suggested items: a stnilll foam ball, a furry stuffed animal, a smooth rock, 

artificial ,~k flowen and leaves, crumpled tissue paper, an orange or apple. 

Remind the children that God made our hands. He made us special. 

Sing Along 

GET UST: 

• no AJf>plies 

needed 

Teach this simple song to the tune of "London Bridge.N 

I'm .so glad that God made me. 

God made me, God made me. 

I'm so gbd that God made me. 

God made me special. 

Sing the song while clapping and marching around in a circle. Or, think of other 

body para and add additional verses: 

I'm 10 glad that God made hands, 

God made hands, God made hands. 

I'm so glad that God made hands. 

God made me special. 

I Quiet Comer 

GEi' UST: 

• books about 

babies and 

children 

• comfy cushions 

The quiet comer is the perfect place to put out books with stories about babies 

and children. You can also reinforce the idea that God made people by cutting 

out pictures of people of all ages and races and mounting these pictures on 

cardboard squares that the children can look at and hold. AJ you visit with 

children in the quiet corner, talk with them about the pictures and how God 

made every person special. 

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Remember, God also made fe.lt, knees. elbowi, noses. neckJ. backs, tummies, etc. 

1 am Pr@clollS 31 

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INlle IRJIII: God made me special. 

IH!le \lellSe: "You made me ... with your 011/rJ hands." P.ialm 119:73 

INlle Stllll': God created people. (Genesis 2:7-22) 

Gflllll1int: Preciousnesi 

Every child is a gift from God-a unique treasure. wonderful in every way. And so are 

you! Your child is just getting to know his or her body and all it 

can do. Help your child celebrate that God made eve,y person 

special with these activities. 

GIi) Mai,e Me vec1a1 llffk 

Put together a "God Made Me Special" book for your child. 

Gather pictures of your child from birth to present and include photos that ihow 

members of your extended family. Purchase an inexpensive photo album and place 

the photos in order inside. Sit with your child and talk about each photo in the special 

book. Be sure to emphasize how your child has grown, his or her accompli.lhmenb 

and how he or she is unique. Remember to tell your child all the things you 

love about him or her and how God makes every person special. 

'l'tl:a~ 

Me_.•Y IBIX 

While it may 1eem like your child will be a toddler forever, the toddler days are over 

before you know it Do what you can to preerve special memories of this precious 

time with your child . .Start a treasure box of toddler memories. Use a plastic shoebox 

or storage container. On the lid trace your child's hands ( or one hand and one foot) 

with permanent marker. You might outline the prinb with fabric paint. What goes in 

the box? Photos, handprints, crafti your child make1 or pictures he or she draM. 

Record conversations with your child and keep the cauette tape in your box. Jot 

do111n precious th1ng1 your child says OJ doe:s on slips of paper and toss them in the 

box. 

Praise is an important tool for helping your child have a good self-image. Offer Mfirmation 

for what your child can do with le" emphasis on how he or she looks. 

Reinforce the biblical truth that God made us with his own hands and everything 

God made is good.

Young children need security, and they experience 

security when they experience love in action. 

. The story of the Good Shepherd caring for his sheep is 

a story of love in action. Toddlers and twos will enjoy 

pretending to be sheep and taking care of sheep while 

learning that the Good Shepherd keeps his sheep safe. 

They'll fuel the safety that comes from being loved 

and cared for. 

Through these activities, your toddlers will leam Jesus 

loves them the way a shepherd loves and cares for his 

sheep. 

Bible Truth: 

Jesus loves me. 

Bible Verse: 

•He cares for you. N 

1 Peter 5:7 

Bible Story: 

The shepherd loves 

his sheep. 

Oohn 10:1-14) 

Godprint: 

love 

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• Good Shepherd Story Book 

GET UST: 

• ccpies of pages 

34-35 

• colored pencils 

or markers 

• colorful poster 

board 

• deM packaging 

tape or colorful 

electrical tape 

Photocopy and color the pages of the book. Cut the sqwres a~rt and glue 

them to squares of brightly colored poster board cut slightly larger. Cut on the 

lines indicated for the gate. If you'd like, glue cotton balls on the picture that 

have sheep. Stack the pages of the book and bind them together along one 

edge with clear packaging tape or colorful elecbical tape for a book that the 

children can handle. 

Optional; 

• cotton balb 

• laminatot' paper 

Jesus Loves you. 

The shepherd loves the sheep. 

34 Todd'6r1F1c

The shepherd feeds the sheep. 

The shepherd takes care of the sheep. 

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The shepherd keeps the sheep safe. 

Jesus takes care of you. 

Jesus Loves you. 

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• Sponge Baaab 

GET UST: 

• fout to six brge 

iponges 

• scissors 

• tub of walet' 

• marker 

• towels 

. Draw a 1imple outline shape of a 

sheep onto the sponges. Cut out 

the ,hapes. Fill a l.11ge tub with 

: warm water. Place the towels 

. , nearby. When you approach the 

. 

tub of water, show the children 

the sheep. As you put each sheep 

• in the wate, ,ay,"Jesus loves you 

· {ewe): (You could also use the child's 

name.) Then have the child grab a 

sheep from the water. Each time the 

child grabs a sheep from the water ask, 

• "Who does Jesus love7H As the child wrings 

: the water out, have the child .say his or her 

name as you say it too. 

• Ewe are Loved 

GET UST: 

• picture of Jesus 

Optional: 

• blanket 

Before you begin this activity, scan your classroom and keep in mind several ways 

you e.1n hide the picture of Jesus, such as behind itenu in your classroom or 

under the blanket Approach an individual child, hold up the picture of Jesus 

and say, "Jesus loves you# {or child', name). Then hide the picture in the room 

or under the blanket Encourage the child to find the picture. Then hold up the 

picture and say the phrase again. 

• Gatekeeper 

GET UST: 

• large piece of 

cardboard or a 

big empty box 

: Cut or bend the cardboard to make an arch. The .Jrch becomes the gate. Make 

• the arch big enough for the children to crawl under. When a child joins you 

explain thatJesus is like a shepherd who loves and cares for his sheep. Say, "Jesus 

· love, and cares for you.- Then have the child pretend he or she is a sheep and 

crawl through the gate. Say, "Jesus loves you.N When the sheep go out of the 

gate {crawl the other way), say, "Jesus cares for you." 

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36 Toddlerll'ic

• Jesus Loves Me 

GE.T UST: 


• children's Bible 

• Jesus Cares 

GE.T UST: 

Have the picture of Jesus and the Bible ready. Sing the song. "Jesus loves Me." 

This simple iong has a powerful truth. k you sing hold up the picture of Jesw 

each time you sing the word "Jesus.* When you sing the word "Bible: hold up 

the Bible. Each time you sing "me,• point to yourself. Encourage your little ones 

to point .as well. You might wish to have older children hold up the picture or 

the Bible on your cue. 

: Say one of the phrases below. Every time you !.lY"Jesus" hold up the picture of 

• picture of Jesus \ Jesus. Eve,y time you say, "you,• point to the child. Enc011rage your little ones to 

: • guess• the underfined word. 

• Following Ewe 

GE.T UST: 

Opposites: 

Jesus cares for you in the morning. 

Jesus cares for you at night 

Jesus cares for you when you' re sad. 

Jesus cares for you when you' re ~- 

Rhrsne 

Jesus cares for you when you' re mad. 

Jesus ares for you lllfien you're ~(or 

Jesus cares for you during the day. 

Jesus cares for you while you • 

bad, sad). 

You can do this activity with a small group of two or three toddlen. To start 

• No supplies everyone should be in a crawling position. Start by saying. •we follow Je3us. He 

needed loves us. We follow Jesus. He loves __ (a child's name)." Everyone then 

aawls, following that child. k they crawl, everyone says, "following. following, 

i Jesus. __ (child's name) follows Jesus." Repeat this two times, then start again 

: and chooje a different child. 

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• Wooly Feelings 

GET LIST: 

• m,e paper plates 

• mari(et's 

' On the paper plates draw f,ve different faces representing the feelings happy, 

sad, mad, excited and blue. To make it extra fun you could draw sheep faces! 

You'll find some samples below. 

' 

Pl

• Sheep In/Sheep Out 

GET UST: 

• blocki 

• plastic .sheep 

• Stufflt 

GET UST: 

• tall white 

kitchen trash 

~gs 

• newspaper 

• tape 

• LambChop 

GET UST: 

• 011e old white 

ankle sock 

• permanent 

marker 

• Bible 

• Mellow sheep 

GET UST: 

• ma«hmallows 

Use the blocks to build sheep pens. Then have the sheep go in and out of the 

pen. The sheep could also go on, off or between blocks. As you play say, "Jesus 

loves and care1 for you like a shepherd loves and cares for his sheep,• or "Je,us 

love, and care, for you when you are __ : finkh the sentence by naming a 

place where children go. For example, "Jesus loves and cares for you when are in 

a chair, or on the floor.• 

Cut the cornen off of the garbage bag1. "In the Bible we learn that Jesus loves 

us just like a shepherd loves his sheep. A shepherd takes good cc'lre of his sheep, 

j just like Jesus takes good care of us. The 1hepherd loves his sheep, just like Jeius 

j loves us. Let's make a big sheep to remind us thc'ltJesus loves us, like a good 

: shepherd l011es his sheep." Have your little ones help you sbJff trash bc'lgi with 

the newspaper. Use the tape to help mold the shape of a sheep. 

Use the sock as a puppel Draw two eyes on the puppet. U1e the puppet to 

engc'lge children in active play. Make sheep sounds ,u you manipulate the 

puppet Then iay, "A shepherd love, c'lnd c.ires for his sheep and Jeius loves and 

cares for you.• Encourage the child to pet the puppet and care for the puppel 

Then point to the Bible and say, "The Bible tells us, 'He cares for you." 

Use the marshmallows to make sheep, build 1heep pens, or other shapes such c'ls 

hearts. Encourage imaginative play. Name one of the manhmallOM after one of 

the children. Then say, "Jesus love, and cares for~ {child's name)." 

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q; -:S lllle IRthl: Jesus loves me. 

lille \'NSe: He ares b you. 1 Peter S:7 

llllle Sttn: The shepherd IO¥'e5 his sheep. {John 10: 1-14) 

CilllRfflt: Low 

Jesus paints us a wonderful word picture when he compares his love for us to that of a 

shepherd's love for his sheep. The shepherd cares for the sheep, providing and 

protecting and calling the sheep by name. Many times throughout 

the Bible this relationship of a shepherd and his sheep is a 

reference to God's love and deep care for us. You can explore 

this sheep imagery with your child and help set the stage for a 

growing faith in the Shepherd. 

suee,; visit 

The Bible talks about sheep a lot beQuse in Bible times sheep were as familiar 

to children (and adults) as household peb are today. Take your child to a petting 

zoo with sheep. Giving your child concrete experience with a sheep now 

will have its rewards later as your child is able to picture himself or herself as a 

sheep in the care of the Good Shepherd. 

111a11ees wa11a 

In the Bible story of the Good Shepherd Jesus makes the point that the shepherd 

knows his sheep so well that he remembers them by name. Names are 

important to all people. Knowing and recognizing your name, whether spoken 

or written, is a major developmental milestone. Play a little game with your 

child. Cut out little 1heep or simple white ovah from paper. Write your child's 

name on each one of the sheep. Then spre.icl the sheep out on the floor and 

together cr.lwl to each sheep. When your child picks up a 1heep say, "Jesus loves 

__ ( use your child's name.)• 

~Love" is an abstract word, but even very concrete little children learn to use the 

word early on. You tell your child, "I love you," and your child learns to say "I love 

you" in return-and mean it Because of this love, you keep your child safe and prer 

\lide what your child needs. The love relationship you hove with your child is a picture 

of the love relationship we have with God.

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Very young children have serious emotions I 

When they're happy, they're exuberant. 

When they're sad, they're dismayed beyond reason. 

When they're angry, they don't want to hear anything 

you have to iay. Whatever they're feeling. they show 

it with their whole bodies. One part of developing a 

growing faith is recognizing emotions and expressing 

them toward God, especially loving him. As children 

experience love, they leam to return it to other 

people. As they experience the love of Jesus, they 

learn to return it. Help them show their growing 

spiritual emotions. 

Through these activities your children will leam that 

they can show they love Jesus in simple ways. 

Bible Truth: 

I can show Jesus 

I love him. 

0.'ble Verse: 

•Love the Lord 

your God with au 

your heart." 

Matthew 22:37 

Bt1>1e Story: 

The people loved 

Jesus. 0ohn 12: 12-19) 

Godprint: 

Joy 

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I Bible Story Branches 

GET LIST: You might lil

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I A Celebration of Love 

GET LIST: 

• green 

corutruc:tion 

paper 

• scisson 

• marker 

Cut out wc green palm branches. Number them from I to 6. 

We can show we love Jesus in many different ways. The people in this Bible story 

used palm branches to express their love, excitement and honor to Jesus. Spread 

the palm b,anches on the floor in order. Ask children to crawl from one palm 

branch to the next. Each time a child reaches a palm branch shout out 

"Hosanna• the number of times indieclted on the palm branch. 

I Bowling for H_ea_rts ______ ··-·--- ... 

GEi' UST: 

• red construction 

P¥tt 

•ICWOrl 

• unall llght ball 

• masking tape 

Cut out five paper hearts with tabs as indiCclted in the diagram. Fold the tabs 

under to make the hearts stand up. Set the hearts up at one end of the room. 

Use the masking tape to make a starting point about two feet away from the 

he

I Cheer 

GET UST: 

• pom-poiu 

I Bible Hug 

GET UST: 

• Bible 

• masking tape 

Have the toddlen join you in a cheer. As you cheer let them use the pom-pons. 

If you like, you can make your own pom-pons by tapinc a generous amount of 

ribbon or crepe paper to craft sticks. Use this cheer. 

The people love Jesus, yes, they do. 

The people love Jesus, how about you? 

We love Jesus, yes, we do. 

We ICMl Jesus, how about you7 

I love Jews, yes, I do. 

I love Jesus, how about you7 

Use the masking tape to make a starting line. Place the Bible about two feet 

aw~. 

Litde ones need to learn to love the Bible. As adults we read God's Word to 

show Jesus we love him. Have your little ones show Jesus they love him by 

hugging the Bible. Start by having a toddler stand behind the line. He or she 

can crawl, walk, hop, 1kip or jump to the Bible. When the child reaches the 

Bible have him or her pick it up and hug it, then place it back down. As the 

child moves from the start line to the Bible SJ'/, __ (fill in child's name) e.Jn 

__ (fill in the action the child is using} to say "I love Jesus." 

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I Jesus on the Donkey 

GET UST: 

• tag board 

• tape 

Optional: 

• blindfold 

Cut out a large donkey and several Jesus figures from tag board. 

Je,u1 rode into the city of Jerul.llem on a donkey. This was an 

important event because it fulfilled an Old Testament prophecy. 

The people cheered for Jesus as he entered the city. In this activity, 

toddlen will tape Jesus to the donkey. Put a piece of tape on the 

Jesus figure and give it to a child. Children may or may not be 

comfortable with blindfolds. For those who are 

comfortable, blindfold them and turn them 

around once. Point each 

child toward the 

donkey. As the 

children tape Jesus 

on the donkey i.ay, 

"Je1us is the King!" 

1 bov'G .)4gus 45

I Noise Making 

GET UST: 

• rhythm 

inslrumenb 

The people in our Bible story used theirwice, to 1hout praises to the king. Have 

the children explore INith musical instruments as they celebrate with these joyful 

little phrases. You s;ry the phrase. Have the children make noise and shout out 

with their response of Hosanna. 

Jesus is coming! (Ho1anna!) 

Jesus is king! (HoJanna!) 

Jesus is here! (Hosanna/) 

Jesus is my king! (Hosanna!) 

I love Jesus! (Ho1anna!) 

I Jesus is King 

GET UST: 

• helium quality 

balloon or ...-. 

inflatable globe 

• mari(en 

Use the markers to draw a representation of the earth on the balloon. 

Jesus came into Jerusalem as king. Toddlers can show that they love Jesus, the 

king of the world. Gather two or three children to toss the ball together or bot 

the balloon back and forth. Before you toss the ball i.ay, "When you toss the 

ball, 1ay, 'I love Jesus, king of the world." If you are ploying with younger 

toddlers, you can Jay• (child's name) love1 Jesus, king o( the world' each 

time a child tosse1 the ball. 

I _,ea_" ________ 

GET UST: 

• a can 

_ 

Llttle ones can show how they love Jesu1 in many different ways. Use a child's 

name for this activity. Every time the word • can" is used, either you or the child 

hold up the can and then set it back down. Have the child make the motion or 

action, too. 

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

____ 

(child's name) can l011eJesus. {Hug self.} 

can talk to Jesus. (Say,•t love}eiw.N) 

an dance for Jesus. (Dance.} 

can sing for Jesus. (Sing a Jimple iong.) 

can shout for Jesus. (Shout out ")eu,s.•) 

46 Toddleril'ic

I A Kingly Crown 

GET Lin: 

• paperplaw 

• scissws 

• markers or 

crayons 

Cut the center circle out of paper plate, to form a basic crown shape with the 

outer rim. 

Have the children color the crowns and then Wt!.lr them. Explain to the 

toddlen: "Some people wear crowns. The crown shows others that he or Jhe is 

an important person. You can show Jesus he is important. Jesus is king of your 

heart• 

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I Palm Branch Canopy 

GET UST: 

• two sheets of 

green poster 

board 

Make two large palm branches from the green poster board. 

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem the people used palm branches to hail Jesus as their 

lung. Use the palm branches to ~ke a canopy. Then have the children pan 

under the branches. Use the following words sung to the tune of "London 

Bridge is Falling Down.A When you come to the Hosanna part lower the canopy 

and have the children jump over the branches. 

Here comes Jesus to the town, to the town, to the town. 

Here comesJesw to the town, 

Ho-ho-ianna. 

I Little Hearts 

GET UST: 

• red construction 

paper 

• scisson 

Cut out little hearb from the constroction paper (at least eight) and stack them 

in a small pile. You can do this activity with one child or several. Every time the 

word "loveR is used in the following rhyme, ask the child to hold up a little 

he;,rt and move it to a new pile. 

I love Jesus in the morning. 

I love Jesus in the night 

I love Jesus when I'm playing. 

I love Jesus when I'm singing. 

I love Jesus when I'm sad. 

I love Jesus when I'm mad. 

I love Jesus, it is true. 

I love Jesus, so do you. 

I l..olf8 ,l@:US 4 7

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llllle l'RJtll: I can show Jesus I love him. 

&Ile \lf!ISe: "love the Lord your God with all your heart.• 

Matthew 22:37 

&Ele SfRY: The people loved Jesus. 00h1112:12-19) 

~IAlint: Joy 

,' 

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We express our love for Jesus when we do the things he wanb us to do. Toddlers and 

twos don't know a lot about what God wanb them to do, but 

they are naturally expressive and emotional. They love discovering 

new ways to show their joy with their whole bodiei-lapping, 

cheering. jumping. Look for everyday moments to help your child 

show joy in lovingJesuJ. 

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snaKlletS tF ra1t11 

Loving Jesus is something we do all day long. Take pictures of your little one throughout 

the day in various settings and adMties. Get duplicates made of the pictures. 

Show the pictures to your child. Explain that we love Jesus at all times. for example 

we love Jesus when we are eating bre.1kfa1t. And we love Jesus when we are taking a 

bath. After 1haring all the pictures with your child, turn the matching sets face down 

on a table or the floor. U1e the pairs to play a memory matching game called, "I love 

Jesus when I ••• Take turn1 turning over two pictures and finding a match. 

Slltw an1> Teu 

In most cases actions clearly speak louder than word1, and if you haven't noticed, 

your child watches you more than he or me listens to you. Show your child how you 

love Jesus. Pray with your child and talk to Jesus as a friend. Show your child other 

ways you love Je1us by singing a song. moving to some Christian music or reading your 

Bible in your child's presence. Have your child join you as you do things that mow 

how much you love Jesu1. Then make 1ure you' re telling your child how much you 

love Jesus. 

Your growing child learns from experience. When you Cle.lte opportunitie for your 

child to show joy in IOllingJe,us, you're laying a foundation for faith and service that 

will help your child thrive for yt?aB to come.

II 

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- 

Fa.mil 

The family is the first group a child belongs to 

-before friends, before classes, before teams. 

A loving, secure family is a great place for children to 

leam to serve as an act of love. They're not too little 

to notice that other family members take care of their 

needs-food when they're hungry, a bandage for a 

skinned knee, a favorite book at bedtime. Older 

toddlers begin to imitate the acts of service they 

experience. As children get ready for growing steps of 

faith, they'll understand that it's good to be part of 

God's family as well. 

Through these activities your toddlers will leam that 

God gives them their families, and families show love 

by serving each other. 

Bible Truth: 

God gave me 

my family. 

BibfeVene: 

•sene one 

another in love." 

Galatians 5:13 

Bible Story: 

David serves 

his brothers. 

(I Samuel 17:12·19) 

Godprint: 

Kindness

. -··· 

• 

My 

GET LIST: 


S0-51 

• two paper pl.ates 

• Kisson 

• mebl brads 

• made.en 

• tape 

Optional: 

• card itack or 

mano1a folder 

Family Paper Plate Story Book 

. 

: CollX the pages and cut out the circle,. If you prefer, glue the circles to card 

• stock or a pfec.e of manila folder for reinforcement. Then cut out a quarter out 

of each paper plate. Write on one paper plate, "David Serves His Family: Use 

the scissors to malle a hole in the center of the David Serves circle and in the 

: center of a plate. Place the picture circle face up underneath the plate. Attach 

the page to the plate with a metal brad so a portion of the circle shows through 

the cut-out wedge. On the other plate write, "I Serve My Family" and attach 

the other picture circle. Read the story to the child by turning to each of the 

pictures. Older children will want to tum the wheel themselves. 

DAVID SERVES 

so Toddlsril'ic

II 

- - 

-II 

II 

II 

II 

II 

I SERVE 

II 

II 

II 

II 

II 

II 

II 

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-

·- 

• AH In My Family 

GET UST: 

• large craft rocks 

• ll'liJrken. 

Use marken to make faces on the ends of the craft sticks. 

The family i, the center of the univen:e to a toddler. Not much exists beyond 

the family unil Use a large craft stick to represent each family member of the 

child. Engage the child in play. Emphasize that God gave us our families. Say, 

"God gave us ...• and name each family member. Then say, •___ 

( child's 

name } loves ____ ( name each family member.)• 

l 

l 

' 

r- 

• Let's Play House 

GET LIST: 

• items used in a 

playh01ne 

• ituffed animals 

Child,en can use the pla)'flouse to pretend they are at home with their families. 

You might want to consider using stuffed animals like lions. Lions !Ne in families. 

Encour.-ige play by prompting children to act out things a family might do 

together. For example say, "Let's see the lion family while they're eating.• Or 

"let's see the lion family cleaning the house.• Or ~Show me how the lion family 

takes are of each other: 

• Serve One Another 

GET UST: 

• serving tt.1y 

• yellow, brown 

and white p.1per 

• sciuon 

Cut pieces of the yellow, brown and white paper to represent chunkJ of cheese 

(yellow), pieces of grain (brown} and bread (white}. 

Tell the children that in the Sible story David i.erved his brothers bread, grain 

and cheeie. Show them the appropriate pieces of paper. Spreod out the paper 

chunki on the floor or tabletop. H,we the children t3ke turns gathering three 

items and putting them on the sel'lling tray. Then have the children pretend to 

serve each othe, from the tray. 

• I Love My Family 

GET UST: 

• no suppliei 

needed 

Approach an individual child or -,al who are already playing side by side. Use 

the following actions with the phrases. Cross your am1s over your cheit to 

represent love. S;,y. •1 la,,e my f.unily: Then bring your hands down at waist level 

and hold them out side by iide ID re~ serve. »y,•15eC'l'e my family." Then 

fold your hands up as if in prayer and !'i!)',•1 pray for my family: Have the 

children repeat the actions lllith you. 

52 Toddlerit'IC

.. From Sheep to Brothers 

GET UST: Set the sheep and the basket several feet away from each other . 

• duffed sheep 

• basket 

Say, ~As a young boy David had a bigjob. He watched his father's sheep.' Pick 

· up the sheep and then set it back down. "David was very good to the sheep. 

David loved his sheep. God had another job for David. David al!O had brotherL 

David left his sheep to go and serve his brothers. David served his brothers by 

talung food to his brothers.' Have younger toddlers crawl from the sheep to the 

baskel For older twos, set the sheep and basket further apart and have the 

children decide how they would like to move-giant steps, baby steps, Jkip, and 

so on. 

.. Hide and Seek Your Family 

GET UST: 

• construction 

paper 

• scissors 

Cut out at least eight people figures. 

You on play this hide and seek game two ways. 

The first iJ to hide eight people figures. There 

were eight brothers in David's family. David 

cared for his family and loved his family. 

Or you can hide ,n lllcl"Y people as there 

are in the family of a child you approach 

indMduafly. Have the child hunt for the 

figures. When a family member is found, say, ~God 

gave David his family' or "God gave me my family.' 

You might want to have the child hide your family 

members. 

• God Gave Us Families 

GET UST: 


needed 

Rejoice in the family God gave you. Sing to the tune of "Frere Jacques"" ("Are 

You Sleeping?•). 

God gave families. 

God gave families. 

Yes, he did. Yes, he did. 

God gave me my family. 

God gave me my family. 

I thank him. I thank him. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

II 

• 

• 

II 

II 

II 

II 

Ill 

-Ill 

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·· 

• Family Tree 

GET UST: 

• colored 

comtruc:tion 

paper 

• scissors 

• streame,s , 

• tape 

. 

' 

. 

· Cut out simple leaf shape, frvm the construction paper. 

Call one or two children to the table at a time. Write the name, of the people 

in each toddler's family on lealiel. Tape the le.we1 to an 18-inch piece of 

streamer. As you attach each f.imily member's llilme say, "God gave you 

__ ( name of the f.imily member) to be in your family tree.• Allow the 

children some time to play with the streamers. Ask: "Who is part of your family 

tree7• and •who gave you your family?• 

• ~ack-n-Serve 

GET UST: 

• pretefld food 

• plates or other 

housekeeping 

items 

• baskets or bags 

Say, "David was watching his sheep when his father told him to go and serve his 

brothers. David packed up hjj grain, cheese and bread to take to his brothers. 

Then he served his brothers the grain, cheese and bread.* Have the children 

pack up some play food in the baskeb or bag, provided. Encourage them to 

serve each other in love. 

I' 

t 

• Families Fingerplay 

GET UST: 


needed 

Have two or three children at a time join you in a simple little poem and finger 

play. Start with your left thumb for the fint part of the vene ( God gave me my 

family). Then answer with your right thumb (I love each one every day.) 

Continue with each verse alternating left and right hand and moving on to the 

next finger. 

God gave me my family. I love each one every day. 

God gave me my family, so we can have fun and play. 

God gave me my family. They love me more each day. 

God gave me my family. I serve them with Ion of love. 

God gave me my family. I thank God up above. 

54 Toddler1f1c

Ii 

II 

II 

II 

II 

II 

• Service W-llth a Smile 

GET UST: 


• markers o, 

crayons 

.. A Cheesy Family 

GET UST: 

• ilicet of 

AmeriCAn cheese 

• a small peopleshaped 

Of 

gingerbread man 

cookie cutter 


Say, "God wants us to serve one another in love. This means serving God with a 

happy heart. David served his brothen with a happy heart.• Have the children 

draw a happy face on the paper plate. Remind them plates are used for serving 

food. Have the children take turns handing each other a plate and say, •r can 

serve with a happy face (heart).• Or ask, "How do you serve with othen?' Have 

each child respond by showing you a plate. "Oh, I see __ (child's name) 

serves with a happy heart• 

Use the cookie cutter to make little cheese people. Have each child make as 

many cheese people as there are in his or her family. Put the cheese people on 

a plate. Ask, "Who gave you your family?" 

II 

II 

II 

II 

111 

111 

II 

II 

II 

Ill 

-

-··· 

~sin t~t? 

~o ~ 

~ ~ 

~ ~ lllle TIUtll: God gave me my family. 

lllil!le V&Se: "Serve one another in love." Galatians S:13 

lil!le StnY: David serves his brothers. 1 Samuel 17: 12-19 

~nt: Kindness 

We all want to belong to a group of people who love and care for us. Toddlers are no 

different Your family is the first introduction your child has to belonging to a group. 

"My mommy. N ~my daddy, H ~my sister, H ~my brother* -these are 

some of the fint social phrases children use. As they grow older, 

children undentand that Grandma is Mommy's mother, or Uncle 

Dave is Daddy's brother. As you help your child understand family 

relationships, emphasize that family members serve one another 

because they love each other. 

.1 Fa111111v nac:e1111at 

Make a placemat using old family pictures. Cut the pictull!s to fit onto a piece of 

paper or an old placemat In the center of the placemat you could write in large 

letters GOO. You can use clear self-adhewe paper to "laminateN the paper or old 

placemat. Show the placemat to your child by going over each picture and the family 

member's name. Do this by repeating. •God gave us __ (use the family member's 

name). God gave us our family.• 

4 Sl>ecfill M'te 

Parents selflessly se,ve their children every day. 8ut make a fun attempt to serve your 

child in a ipecial way. Make a "dateN to serve your little toddler with love. Set the 

table with a little extra care, with perhaps a tablecloth and napkins, maybe even use 

candlelighl Then dress up in nice clothes or as a maid or a butler. Pour Ofl the service 

with a smile. Little ones just love when you pretend, too. But most of all, impreis 

upon your toddler that you are overjoyed that God put him or her in your family. 

You want to show you love your child by seiving. 

As your child is ready for grO\lling steps of faith, talk about being in God's family. The 

warmth and care of your human family will help your child learn that it's good to be 

part of God's family as well.

Do toddlers have friends? Not really. 

Children this age are more likely to play alongside 

other children without a lot of direct interaction. They 

may do the same thing, such as both banging a pan, 

but hardly look at each other. They have little 

awareness of another person's feelings-which makes it 

easy to snatch a toy at will! Adults caring for toddlers 

have unending opportunities to model social skills and 

friendliness. As young children grow older, especially as 

language skills develop, they become more aware that 

other children can be fun to play with. They need 

continued models and reminder.s of how to relate to 

other children. 

Through these activities, toddlers will learn that 

friends care about each other and can do things 

together. 

Bible Truth: 

God gives 

me friends. 

Bible Verse: 

"A mend loves 

at all times. H 

Proverbs 17: 17 

Bible Story: 

David and Jonathan 

are friends. 

(1 Samuel 20:1-42) 

Godprint: 

Friendliness

----··· . 

l 

- Bible ~tory Puppets 

GET UST: 

• colored pencils 

or markers 

• 1ciss:on 

• tag board o, 


paper 

• glue 

• stapler 

Optional: 


•yllm 

• fabric: scraps 

• craft porn-pons 

• aluminum foil 

• nbboru 

Color the illustrations for the 8ible story puppeh and glue to consbuction paper 

or tag board to make them sturdier. Cut out each figure where indicated. Tape a 

large craft stick to the back of each figure. You might like to laminate the 

puppets so children can handle them. For exlrll interest, glue some tactile items 

to the puppeb, 1uch as yam fut-hair, fabric for clothing. foil for a crown, and so 

on. Hold up the puppets at the appropriate time1 a1 you tell the Bible story. 

D.wid and Jonathan were friends. 

Dal/id $i!)'S, •1 v.ill help you, Jonathan: 

Jonathan says, •1 will help you, David.H 

D.wid says, "God is with you, Jonathan." 

Jonathan says, "God is with you, D.1vid." 

David Ja)"S, "I'm sorry, Jonathan.H 

Jonathan says, "I'm sorry, David.w 

Dal/id says. I love you, Jonathan: 

Jonathan says, "I love you, D.wid. w 

Dal/id and Jonathan were friends. 

Who is your friend? 

58 Toddlsrific

0 ~.,..., -J::-;~~~ 

) ) 

0 

II 

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II 

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-1(11 

Ill 

II 

II 

• 

0 

0 

0 

My frl8nd: 59

. ·--·· 

l 

- Action Rhyme 

GET LIST: 


needed 

While young children are still learning how to ,hare and play together, mo.it 

young children are naturally accepting of other children. You can reinforce the 

idea that all the children in your class are friends ~ thi1 simple little cldion 

rhyme. Teach the children the rhyme and encourage them to do the actions 

with you. 

With my friends, I touch my nose. 

With my friends, I re.lch for my toes. 

With my friends, I turn around. 

With my friends, I sit on the ground. 

- Invite a Friend 

GET LIST: 

• play kitchen 

item.1 

Set up a place in your room where children can act out eve,yday activities and 

roles they are learning about at home and other place,. Rotate a variety of toys 

through this center that encourage role play, For thi1 lesson, you might 

encourage children to pretend they have il friend coming over to their house. If 

one child is at the center alone, encourage him or her to invite a friend from 

the class to come and play. They can help set the table and serve play food. 

- How Do You Do? ______________ _ 

GET UST: 

• stuffed anim.:ils 

Older two year olds may enjoy this game of introductions, e.ipecially if it take.1 a 

silty turn. Explain that in order to be friends we have to get to know each other. 

Friends are also kind and polite. line up several stuffed animals. Pretend to 

shake hands with each animal and introduce yourself something like thi.1; "How 

do you do, Mr. Bear? My nilme is Mrs. Smith. What is your name7H Bend close to 

the animal's mouth a1 if listening to it speak. Then nod, turn to your children 

and say, "He says his name is Teddy. Let's all say hello to Teddy.' You might also 

practice individual introductions with each child: "Teddy, meet Juan. Juan, this is 

my friend, Teddy Bear." 

60 Toddler1f;c

- friendship Orcle 

GET UST: 


needed 

Many of the children in your class may not know each other's names. Invite the 

children to join hands in a standing circle on the floor. Encourage the children 

to walk around the circle while you sing this song to the tune of "Ten Llttle 

Indians.• Each time you reach the last line of the song, point to a child and ask 

them to say their name. For younger children, you may need to introduce the 

children by name to each other. 

One little, two little, three little friends 

Four little, f,ve little, si>< little friends 

Seven little, eight little, nine little friends, 

Please tell us your name, friend. 

II 

II 

II 

II 

- 

- Puppet Play 

GET UST: 

• puppets 

Puppets are an excellent way for children to pretend and practice 1ocial skills. 

Set out an assortment of puppets for the children to play with. If you don't have 

any puppets in your classroom, before class make a few simple puppets using 

items from around your home. Cut the end off of a gel.itin box, cover it with 

plain paper, and color on a face. Add 1ome yarn for hair and you have a puppet 

that children can slip their fingers into easily. Sew button eyes on each side of 

the heel of ;,n old sock or draw a face on wooden spoons or plastic spoons and 

you ha..ie instant puppets. Al you make your puppets, use materials safe for 

young children and keep in mind that these puppets are for small hands. 

- Touch and Feel Box 

GET UST: 

Make a Touch and Feel Box for your clilslfOOffl. Decorate a large shoebox with a 

• farge shoebox lid with wrapping paper. Cut t\\l'O holes on opposite sides of the box. Make the 

with lid holes large enough for children to put their lwlds through. Inside place 1everal 

• wr.apping paper items with different shapes and textures. Make sure the item1 are ~fe for 

• :;;:s or uaft children this age. Some possible items would be a piece of wood, different 

fabrics, a rubber ball, an apple, a wax candle, etc. Invite two children at a time 

to explore the items in the Touch and feel Bo>e together. As you discuss with the 

children the way different items feel, encourage each child to hand the item to 

a friend.

---- 

- __ c_,_a_y_o_n_R_u_b_b_in_gs 

______________ 

GET UST: 

• he.lrt ~s cut 

from ardboard 

• fat aayoos 

• tape 

Before clan, cut out several large heart shapes from a piece of cardboard. 

• Remove the paper from several fat crayons or make your own fat crayom by 

• melting crayon bib in muffin tim in your oven. During clan. illllite two or three 

. children at a time to the table. In front of each child, tape a cardboard heart to 

: the table. Over the heart. tape a piece of white paper. Give the children the 

: crayons and mow them how to rub the side of the aayom lightly over the paper 

to reveal the heart. On each paper write the child's name and the Bible vene 

· •Amend loves at all times• (Provetbs 17:17). 

_ 

- Tell It Again 

GET UST: 

• David and 

Jonathan 

puppets 

f pages 58-S9) 

Visit individual children or small groups of two or three children at play. Use the 

David and Jonathan puppets to tell the Bible story. Let children who are 

interested hold the puppets and move them up and down at the appropriate 

times in the story. After you have told the story to everyone, allow children to 

play with the puppets. 

- Snack Buddies 

GET UST: 

• popcorn or rice 

cakes 


• ra::."Jream 

cheese 

• cereal pieces 

• pretzel pieces 

: This is a mack you can make ahead and seive to the children. Or, with older 

children, you might by making it in cla". For each child, place a round popcorn 

or rice cake on a paper plate, These come in a variety of flavors now and are 

much tastier thon in the past. Spread strawberry flavored cream cheese on the 

cake. Use cereal pieces to make a face by adding eye,, nose and mouth. Add 

pretzel pieces for hair. As you make or serve your Snack Buddies, ask the children 

about their friends and remind them that God gives us friends. 

62 ToddkJrlFic

-MyBuddy 

GET UST: 


needed 

If you have older children, by pairing up etlC:h child with a buddy for the day. 

Have them do whatever activities you have planned together. If weather 

permib, take your children on a buddy walk outdoors. 

• 

- 

- My Tum, Your Tum 

GET UST: 

This simple game reinforces the idea that friench take turns. Create a simple 

• 4 x 6 index cards • memory game by drawing and coloring simple and familiar shapes on 4 x 6 

• m.1rl

~s tn t1~ 

~o ~ 

,c_, ~ 

-=-; ;r ll!IDe nutu: God yjves me friends. 

lllle \'UlSe: "A friend loves at all times.• Proverbs I 7: 17 

liKe StaY: D~ and Jonathan are friends. (I Samuel 20} 

Gta>nnt: Friendliness 

Young children are naturally self-centered. In order for 

them to leam social skills, they need to have guided 

experiences in social situations like Sunday school or play 

groups. Leaming to play and share with others are the first 

steps toward learning how to be a friend who loves and 

cares the way God wants us to. 

1>aartates 

Set up a play date for your child. This doesn't have to be long or complicated. ln\llte 

one child with his or her parent to join you at the park or your home for an hour or 

so. You don't need to plan any special activities. This should just be a time for your 

child to get to know another child of similar age. Children this age enjoy being with 

other children even though they may not directly interact very much. Don't expect 

younger toddlers to share. To help avoid conflict over toys, provide several altemativei 

for each child to play with. If conflict does arise, t,y to redirect one or both 

children with a different toy or activity. 

cuain tF n,enr:,s 

Make a colorful reminder for your child of friends he or she knows. Gather photos 

you have of your child's friends. Use glue or tape to attach each photo to the center 

of a small, colorful paper plate. As you do this, talk with your child about each 

friend, naming something special about each one. Write each friend's name on the 

plate above or below the photo. Punch a hole in the top and bottom of each plate 

and use a bright ribbon to string the plates together. Hang this Chain of Friends in 

your child's room. Use the chain ,u a reminder to pray with your child for his or her 

friends C\'ery day. 

Remember, children need to leam how to make and cultivate healthy relationship!. 

Good friends-like David and Jonathan in the Bible-are those who love and care for 

us and remind us that God is with us.

I 

II 

II 

(II 

• 

• 

[II 

II 

Toddlers are learning to do more 

and more things for themselves. 

One of the ways they like to show adults what they 

can do is by helping an adult with a task. Often adults 

find it easier to do the task themselves than have a 

little one "help. H But it's important for the developing 

faith of children to give them plenty of opportunities 

to use their growing skills in ways that help other 

people. This will prepare them to someday do what 

God wants them to do, and to know that God eon use 

them to help other people. 

Through these activities, toddlers will leam that there 

are lots of ways to help, and that being kind and 

helpful can make them feel happy. 

Bible Truth: 

God wants me 

to help others. 

Bible Verse: 

•1 know how much 

you want to help." 

2 Corinthians 9:2 

Bible Stoty: 

David helps. 

(1 Samuel 16:22- 

17:22) 

Godprint: 

Helpfulness

- , 

JI David Helps Bible Story Book 

GET UST: 

• mlorecl pencils 

ormadters 

• sciuors 

• S zip-top bags 

• thread 

----------------------------- 

0 

David was a boy who helped. 

--------------------------- 

---------------------------- 

---.------------------------ 

l:>avid helped King Saul. 

---.. ~---------------------- 

---------------------------~ 

t>avid helped his father.

______________________ ____ 

,.. 

David helped his brothers. 

---------------------------- 

------------------- 

... 

------- 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

II 

II 

God was glad that Dovid helped others. 

God is glad when we help tool 

---------------------------- 

Color the illu.1trations for the Bible story book and cut apart where indicated. Stack the 

.zip-top ba~ so the edges are straight and stitch through the whole pile one inch from the 

se.tled edge ( not the zip-top edge). Stitching on a sewing 

machine will work besl Insert one Bible story picture in each of 

the bags and pren the zip-top edge~ closed. Tum each page of 

the book as you tell the Bible story or let a child turn the pages. 

1 ttelp 67 

• 

111 

-II 

II 

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!I("'"'"' •• 

, 

d 

Happy Helpers Actions Game 

GEi' UST: 

• no wpplles 

needed 

Good helpers are also good at following directions. This i1 a good action game to 

do ju1t before story time. Instruct the children that whenever you say "happy 

helpers" they should do the action you ~- 

fl • 

Helping at Home 

GET UST: 

• plaitic plates 

and kitchenware 

Happy helpers clap their hands. 

Happy helpen touch their toe,. 

Happy helpers tum in a circle. 

Happy helpers wiggle their fingers. 

Happy helpen sit down quietfy. 

Happy helpers put their hands in their laps . 

A ~home center• is a good place for young children to practice roles they see at 

home, including helping roles. Pl'O\lide plastic plates and kitchenware, a dishpan 

for storing the dishes, plastic food, dolls and doll clothe1, etc. Encourage 

children to pretend they are helping Mommy or Daddy get ready for dinner. 

They may enjoy having a toy shopping cart or basket to help with grocery 

shopping. Be ready to praise helping behavior you observe the children acting 

out. 

t.J! ~ Building Blocks 

GEl'UST: 

• blocks of several 

varieties 

Young children enjoy building with all kinds of blocks. Your classroom should 

include a voriety of building materials for this age child: wooden and plastic 

blocks, large cardboard bricks, cars and bucks, etx:. Encourage children playing 

together with the blocks to help each other build a tower. 

68 Toddl~rlf'ic

fl FollowMe 

GET UST: 

• clotheslioe 

Being a good helper mum being a good listener. Play a game of follow the 

• leader to encourage your children to practice good listening skills. Use a 

j dothedine to help line up younger children. Have each child hold on to the 

clothesline with one hand during the game. When you say ~Go/ the children 

. start walking, following you around the room. When you say "Stop," the 

children 1top. You might play this game outdoors or in a room where you have 

more room to walk about. For an added "helping" dimension for older children, 

me this game to have them help you dean up the clasiroom. When you ioy 

. "Stop,• have children stop and pick up a toy to put away. Compliment the 

children on being good listeners and good helpers. 

II 

II 

I 

II 

d Placemat 

GET UST: 

• picturei of 

children helping 

• g-ayons 


paper 

• glue 

Optional: 

• laminatot" paper 

d aean-up Song 

GET UST: 


needed 

From rnilgazines, collect pictures of children doing a variety of helping tasks. You 

will need at least one picture for each child in your class. Invite two or three 

children at a time to a table. let each child use crayons to color a piece of 

construction paper and choose a picture to glue in the center of the paper. 

Write•--- (child's name) Can Help!" on the paper and cover with clear 

self-adhesive paper to rnilke sturdy and water-resistant You also might want to 

write the Bible vene: I know how much you want to help (2 Corinthian1 9:2). 

You can help train your children to be good helpen by showing them how to 

clean up your room at the end of your time together. Use the following song as 

a signal that it is clean-up time. You and your helpers will 1till need to go to 

where the children are playing and tell them specifically one or two task1 you 

w;ih them to do to be good helpers. Sing this 1ong to the tune "Frere Jacques,• 

("Are You Sleepingr). 

Time to dean up, time to clean up, 

Boys and girls, boys and girls. 

When we are good helpers, 

When we are good helpers, 

God is glad, God i1 glad. 

1 HGlp 69

·•>"-'. 

JI FoamSoap 

GET UST: 

• foamwap 

• wet sponge. 

Optional: 

• zip-top bags 

You can get your children to help you clean your tables and have a great time, 

too. Squirt some kid-friendly foam soap en each table and encourage children 

to spread it around the table. They'll have fun and wfien they're done, you can 

wipe the tables with a wet sponge for easy dean up. If you have very young 

children, don't worry about deaning the tables. Squirt some soap into a few 

large zip-top bags and seal. Let the clu1dren experiment with squishing the soap 

around safely inside the plastic bags. 

d Tell It Again 

GET UST: 

• David Helps 

Bible Story Book 

(pagei 66-67) 

Use the storybook to retell the Bible story to individual children or to small 

groups of two or three children. Let children turn the page, of the hook. Aik 

older children to tell you wnat is happening in each picture. After the story, ask 

the children to tell you how they are helpen at home. 

Jf Help Make a Snack 

GET UST: Let the children help make ., mack mix that they can all share. Give each child a 

• paper cups cup containing a small amount of one of the following ingredients: d,y cereal, 

• dry cereal pretzels, marshmallows, raisins and small crackers. Invite the children to dump 

• pretzels their cup1 into a large bowl. Mix all the ingredienb together and then scoop 

• manhmallows some of the mack mi,c back into a cup for e.ach child. Thank the children for 

• raisins 

helping you make today\ snack. 

• small cr.>ekers 

ff Roll It 

GET LIST: 

• beach ball 

This simple game will encourage taking turm and motor skill1, and you can play 

it with one child or several children. Start with the ball on one side of the room 

and ask one or more children to help you roll it to a spot on the other side of 

the room. Say, "God is glad wnen we help.w 

70 Toddler1f1c

.,. 

d Toss It 

GET UST: 

• buc:kets, 

wastebaskets or 

~rdboilrd boxes 

• small bean bags. 

foam balls or 

wads of paper 

d Quiet Comer 

GET UST: 

• picture books of 

children helping 

• comfy cushion, 

Young children need lob of opportunities to develop hand-eye c:oordination. 

Set out several containers like a bucket, a wastebasket or a cardboard box. 

Provide small bean bags, foam balls, or even wads of paper for children to toss 

into the cont.liners. Ask the children to help you get the bean bags, balls or 

wads of paper in the container, by to»ing them. Make it just as fun to pick up 

the "misses• by applauding and cheering for your helpers, Say. "The Bible says, 'I 

know how much you want to help.'" 

Many good picture books encourage children to be good helpers ( check at your 

local Christian bookstore). You can also make simple picture books for your 

Quiet Comer by collectjng pictures from old magazines that Jhow children 

helping. Place in plastic teport-cover sleeves or mount the pictures to tag board 

or construction paper and cover with clear self-adhesive paper front and b3ck 

for longer-lasting pages. Use a hole punch to make two or three holes along the 

sides of the pages and tie together with ribbon or yam. 

II 

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11181p 71 

• 

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•

~Gin 

t1 

~o A- 

..,,,, ~ 

~ ;3' l!ille IRJtll: God wants me to help otheri. 

lille Vase: "I know how much you want to help.* 

2 Co,inthiam 9:2 

IMlle 5tffY: David helps. (I Samuel 16:22-17:22) 

GHllllfllt: Helpfulneis 

Your child is learning to do more every day, and he or she is 

anxious to participate in family life and help others. Take 

advantage of this eagerness to learn and help by showing your 

child how to do simple tasks and encouraging helpfulness around 

your home. 

RaH>Y lleuft 

JU 

Start a Happy Helper Jar. Think about activities that your child can do, such as put 

the spoons out on the uble fc, a meal, pick up toys, carry dirty clothes to the 

laundry room, help bathe the baby, etc. Don't forget task! that your child may not 

yet know how to do but can learn to do once you demonstrate. Write these tasks on 

colorful slips of paper. You can make up several slips for each task. Have your child 

help you decorate a jar with stickers or other craft supplies. Place the slips inside the 

jar and explain to your child that once a day he or she can choose a task from the jar 

to do. Your child will learn that helping othen i1 a happy privilege and part of being 

a family. 

llaA>Y llilDl>S Mie IIEU>IDG 11anr,s 

For several days read together storybooks about children helping othen. Engage your 

child in conversations about what it meani to be a helper and ways he or she can 

help othen. Trace you, child's hands on a piece of poster board. Write on the poster 

"H

"M· I" "N I" . . 

1ne. O. If you spend time with toddlers 

you hear these protests on a regular basis. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

II 

II 

Older twos may use a full sentence, but the point is 

the same. Children this age are not naturally inclined 

to share a toy or a turn in your lap. But they do leam 

from experience and models. They can feam to pass a 

toy to another child even though they have not yet 

developed the inward motivation to want to share. 

Through these activities your toddlers will learn that 

Jesus wants them to share and experience 

opportunities to share in a fun way. 

Bible Truth: 

Jesus wants 

me to share. 

BiMeVerse: 

forget to 

"'Don't 

share with others." 

Hebrews 16: 13 

Bible Story: 

The boy shares 

his lunch. 

0ohn 6:1-14) 

Godprint: 

Generosity

• A Lunch to Share 

GET LIST: 

• copies of pagtu 

74-75 

• mariters 

• tape 

• icissors 

Optional: 


Color the pagei. Cut out the shapes on page 74. Then fold the baiket on page 

• 75 and tape together on the sides iii indicated. Place the loaves and the fish 

: into the basket. Tell the Bible story as little ones hold the item, for you or take 

the items out of the basket for you . 

Jesus talks to people. 

to fud the people. 

The boy shores his lunch. 

J' esus shared 

with people. 

7 4 Tod

--- --- --- --- --- --- 

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• Loaves and Fish 

GET UST: 

• c:onsbuction 

paper 

• scissors 

• markers 

Cut out five loaves and two f~h. On each one write a word from the Bible verse 

and the reference: "Don't forget to share with others.• Hebrews T 6: T 3. 

The boy who shared his lunch had five loa11e1 of bread and two fish. Spread the 

Jo.we, and the fuh on the floor or a table top in the order of the Bible verse. 

Begin by picking up each item and ~ng the word. Try different ways of doing 

thi1, like doing it faster and faster. Pretend to take a bite of the bread or have 

the fish swim 'iJWay. You could have a child be in charge of one of the words. 

Every time you say that word the child holds up the item. 

,. 

~Jesus 

Wants Me to Share 

GET LIST: 

• picture of }eius 

Jesus wants us to share with others. Use the following lines as you share the 

picture of Jesus between you and the toddler. Exchange the picture with each 

phrase . 

. 

. . 

Jesus wanb me to share . 

Jesus wants you to share . 

Jesus wanb ___ (,child's name) to share . 

Jesus wanb ___ (teacher's name) to !hare. 

Who wanb me to share? 

Jesus wants me to share . 

Who wants ___ (child's name) to share? 

Jesus wants ___ (child'1 name) to share. 

7 6 Toddltl"frtc

• Sharing a Lunch 

GEr UST: 

• Ave balls 

• two beanbags 

• one basket 

c!.i Give Jesus a Hand 

GET UST: 

• plastic food 

handling r)oves 

• l

, 

~Jesus 

GET LIST: 

• classroom toys 


Says 

This gilme is similar to, "Simon Says: Explain thilt in the Bible Jesus tells us to 

,hare with others. Show a picture of Jesus each time you use Jesus' name. Spread 

the toys on the floor. Say. "Jews(hold up the picture) wanb us to share with 

others.* Have the child pick up a toy and share it with another child. Then have 

that child retum the toy to the floor. You could be specific and call out the toy 

you want the child to pick up and the name of the child he or she is to give the 

toy to. "Jesus says to share the baby doll with Maria.~ 

~~ Pass It On 

GET LIST: . Make five loaves of bread and two fish from the construction paper. Or you 

• basket might prefer to play the game with dassroom ~. You can play this game in a 

• construction : group. Have everyone sit in a drde on the floor. Start by saying, "Jesus wanb us 

paper · to share. We're going to share with each other: Hand each paper item or toy to 

• scisson 

a child. Then count to three. Every time you come to three have the children 

Optional: pass the items to the left. Have everyone shout out the word, "share.# Then 

• classroom toys count again. 

(~· Hand In Hand 

--.·--- 

GET UST: 

• corutruction 

paper 

• pencil or marker 

• scissor1 

• poster board 

• glue stick 

Call one or two children to the table at a time. Trace each child's hands onto 

the paper. Cut out the hands and write the child's name on each hand. 

Continue until you h,we induded all the children in the room. Then put all the 

hands on a poster board. These are all hands that share. One at a time call up 

each child. Say, •__ 

(child's name) has hands that share: Then have that 

child find his or her hands. Do this with each child. 

78 Toddl@r1f1c

4 Share Your Things 

GEr UST: This adivity will provide a great way for children to share with each other . 

• balloons { or a 

lighlwlept b.,11) 

~• 

GET UST: 

• brown paper 

lunc:h sacks 

• crayons or 

• marlum 

• sdssors 

Children will sit facing each other on the floor. Ju they 1it they will pass ( or 

share) a balloon to each other to the rhythm of a song. Sing this to the tune of 

"Row, Row, Row Your Boat.• 

Baskets of Love 

IBll!le TIIIJIII: Je1us wants me to share. 

IBll!le \'etse: "Don't forget to share with others.'" Hebrews 16: 13 

lla"&.e $19\': The boy shores his lunch. (John 6: 1-14) 

Gll)llllht: Genero.sily 

Your little one may he possessive about everything from a favorite toy to your time 

and attention. Many toddlers seem to have radar that tells them when Mommy is 

ready to pick up another child or Daddy is reaching for the 

phone, If they have two trucks and another child has none, 

they see no reason to make things equitable. That's a normal 

stage of development But they are watching what you're 

doing. Take advantage of their watch-and-learn ways and 

model the generous behavior you'd like to see in your child. 

S11a1?e1t 

Thi1 game improves listening Jull1 and encou,ages everyone to share nice things with 

e;ich other. You can play with your family or ask another family to join you. Have 

everyone sit in a circle. Introduce the game by telling everyone you are going to 

practice sharing by whispering things you can share. Start by whispering •1 can share 

_• in someone's ear. You might say mack, toy, blanket, lunch and so on. Then that 

person passes it on to the neKt until it goes .111 the way around the circle. Have all the 

family members take turns sharing with each other. A5 a variation, you might want to 

"share• encouragement by whispering nice things about each other around the circle. 

Wllat AM I SllcDIIKl? 

This game focuses on memory ,kills. Place five or siK common items from around the 

house on a tray. These items could be toys. Have everyone look .1t the items on the 

tray. Then take the tr.1y to anther room. Tell everyone that you are taking something 

from the tray. This is your sharing item. Walk back into the room with the tray and 

announce, "I'm sharing something with you. What am I sharing?* Then have everyone 

guess what item you took off of the tray. Whoever guesses COtTectly gets to be the 

neKt person who "shares." If you have older children you might wish to add two or 

three more items to the b'ay. You might like to play with favorite food items that you 

can share with each other after the game. 

Can you share a meal with another family? Share toys and clothes you no longer need 

with others who can use them? Involve your little one in preparation for these 

activitie,, iaying frequently, "Jesus wants us to share."

I Pr 

The toddler mouth is bursting with new language. 

With their growing language, children realize that 

when they talk they can express thoughts and feelings 

and interact with other people. It's a perfect time to 

teach about prayer-talking to God. Teach toddlers 

and two year olds that talking to God is as natural as 

talking to you, and you'll be laying a lifelong faith 

foundation. 

Bible Truth: 

God wants me 

to pray. 

Bible Vene: 

"At all tunes, 

pray." 

Ephesians 6: 18 

II 

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• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Through these activities, your toddlers will learn that 

they can talk to God at any time about anything. He's 

always listening( 

Bt1,le Story: 

Daniel prays. 

(Daniel 6:10) 

Godprint: 

Prayerfulness

., 

• Bible Story Cube 

GET UST: 


82-83 

• small box shaped 

like a cube 

• colorful butcher 

paper or aaft 

papet' 

• markers 

• scissors 

• tape 

Color the copies of pages 82-83. Wrap the box in colorful paper. Cut out the 

iquares and tape one iquare to each side of the box. 

Have the children ton the cube onto the floor and read each .square that faces 

up. Then read the same square but subsb1ute wording that addresses the child. 

"You can pray on your knees,• or "You can pray in your house• and so on. 

l 

Daniel prayed on his knees. 

2 

~•• 

82 Toddler1f;c 

Daniel prayed in his house.

Daniel prayed moming,noon,and night. 

5 

Daniel gave thanks to God. 

4 

D 

D 

c:--------~JJ 

6 

Daniel prayed three times a day. 

Hip-Hip-Hooray! 

The Bible says 

"At all times, pray!" 

I Pray S3 

II 

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• ~ House of Prayer 

GET UST: 

• blocks 

Daniel was a man who prayed three times a day. He went to an upstai11 room in 

his house to pray. Have the children use block$ to build housel. Encourage them 

to talk to God as they build their houses. Tell them they an pray at their home, 

too, just like Daniel did . 

• !ray At All Times 

GET UST: 

• paper plate 

• corutruction 

paper 

• metal brad 

• markers 

• magazine 

pictures 

Use the paper plate to make a dock. Divide the plate into six sections. In each 

section put a different picture that suggests an item or time in a toddler's day. 

Toys for playing, plate/fork for eating, house for inside, tree for outside, happy 

face, sad face. Cut out clodc. anru from the construction paper ilnd attach to 

the center of the plate with the metal brad. 

U.1e the clock to help the toddler learn that he or she can pray to God at all 

times. Have your little one tum the clock to different areas. Each time the child 

turm to a new time say, "You Ciln pray at all times. You can pray when __ 

(fill in what the picture represents): 

• Kneekers 

GET UST: 

• coffee filters 

• markers 

Have the children color the coffee filters. Tell them that Daniel wa1 a man who 

prayed to God. When Daniel prayed he got on his knees to talk to God. Have 

the children put their kneekers on the floor and then kneel on them. 

Encourage them to talk lo God. You might have them by to travel across the 

floor in their kneekers . 

• Stairway to Prayer 

GET UST: 

• six to ten brown 

pape,-lunch 

sad

.Talk 

GET UST: 

• play phoBes or 

old cell phones 

to God 

: When people pray they are simply talking to God. It is just like talking to a 

friend on a phone. Encourage your little one to talk to God. Emphasize that 

: talking to God is just like picking up the phone and biking to wmeone. We 

• don't have to use phones to talk to God. We can talk to God any time. Think of 

some things that they might say to a friend. Try 1imple phrases like, •1 l011e you, 

God.# Or simple greetings like, •Hi or "Bye." Give the toddlers time to explore 

· with the phones and talk to God. 

• Pray Three Times a Day 

GET UST: 

• no supplie, 

needed 

The Bible tells us that Daniel prayed three times a day. God loves when we talk 

to him. This fun little tune is sung to the last two lines of the song, "Take Me 

Out to the Ball Game.• As little ones sing with you, hold up one, two and three 

fingen when you ling "one,N•two• and "three." When you sing "pray• have 

children put their palms together in a prayer gesture. 

Oh, it's one, two, three times a day. Daniel prayed to God. 

for, I can pray, pray, pray at all times. I an pray all day. 

• Prayer Chain ____________________ _ 

GET UST: 

• corubudion 

paper 

• sdsson 

• marken 

• tape 

Cut the comtruction paper into one-inch strips of paper. 

Encourage the little ones to come up with things that they can pray for. Older 

toddlers can draw picture, on their stripi of paper. For younger toddlers you can 

draw simple pictu~ of the child, their parents, toyi, food, on the strips. Make a 

chain by looping the strips of paper together and taping the ends. When the 

chain is complete talk about all the things they can pray to God about Then 

lead the children in a simple prayer using the links on the chain to guide what 

you pray for. 

I Pr~ 85 

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...... 

a PrayAHDay 

GET UST: 

• lxScards 

• mArkers 

• old magazines 

Either cut out pictures from an old magazine or draw pictures to represent 

different parts of the day. For example: moon for night, sun for day, plate/fork 

• for eating, t()YJ for play. Use pictures of people to represent family, friends, etc. 

Glue pictures to the inde,c ards. 

Turn the cards face down . .Start by saying, "God wants me to pray ...• Then have 

the toddler tvm over a card. Complete the phrase with the pictu,e on the card. 

"God wants me to pray at night." Or "God wants me to pray for my friends.- 

• The Praying Song 

GET UST: 

• no .i.upplies 

needed 

Praying to God is a1 simple as talking to God. Impress upon the children that 

they can talk to God at any time and any place. God is always listening when 

they talk to him. Use this simple song to introduce praying and talking as the 

same thing . .Sing to the tune of ~Ma,y Had a Little Lomb.- 

a Praying Hands 

GET LIST: 


needed 

I can blk and pray to God. pray to God, pray to God. 

I can talk and pray to God. It's great to pray all day. 

I can pray and talk to God, talk to God. talk to God. 

I can pray and talk to God. It's great to talk all day. 

This is a simple finger play. Have the children place their hands together. With 

each phrase have them fold their fingers over. For example, for the first phrase 

they fold their thumbs over each other. Continue folding fingers down with 

each phraie. At the end of the finger play their hand~ will be folded in prayer . 

.Shout out "Hooray!• 

God wants me to pray all day. 

God Wilnts me to pray and obey. 

God wants me to pray today. 

God wants me to pray every day. 

God wants me to pray. Hooray! 

86 Toddler;F1c

• I Can Pray 

GET UST: 

• slips of paper 

• peno1 or pen 

• basket or brown 

paper bag 

• A Prayer of Thanks 

GET UST: 

• tiny twist 

pretzels 

On eilch of slip of paper write one of the following commands: while sitting 

down, while standing up, on my knees, on my toes, while touching my nose, 

wh,le rolling around, upside down, etc. Place all of the slips of paper in the 

basket or brown paper bag. 

We can pray at any time, any place and while doing anything! Say, •1 can 

pray .•.,• then have the children t.;ke turns choosing a slip of paper. Read the 

command that was chosen and have the children do what it says. 

: Show the children a pretzel. You will notice it has three tiny holes that little 

j toddler fingers will fit through perfectly. S~. "We can pray in the moming. ( rock 

i one finger through a hole), at noon (stick another finger through a hole} and at 

: night (stick the third finger through a hole}. We can pray at all times. Then have 

the children help you repeat this prayer. 

I thank you for the food I eat. 

I thank you for your l011e so sweet. 

I thi!nk you for my friends so dear, 

I thank you, God, that you are near. 

I Pray 87 

II 

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-$-"' in t1(? 

~o ~ 

q; " ~ ";:s" lll!le 111Vhl: God wants me to pray. 

llll!le \IS5e: "At all ti~ pray.-Ephesians 6: 18 

llillle St&Y: Daniel prays. (Daniel 6:10) 

lifDIIHnt: Prayerfulneu 

l I 

I 

I 

You talk to your child all day long. Your child talks back more and morel During the 

toddler months children burst with new language. They leam new vocabul.lry at a 

rapid rate, and go from one-word grunb to complete 

sentences with grammar that geb better by the day. They 

realize that when they ulk they can exprell thoughts and 

feelin~ and interact with other people. It's a perfect time to 

begin habits of prayer-talking to God. Teach your toddler o, 

two year old that talking to God is as natural as talking to you, 

and you' II be laying a lifelong faith foundation. 

J'illkift(; ft CiK> 

The concept of prayer is simply talking to God. When we talk to God, we express a 

relatiomhip. Your child talks to you to get your attention-often when you're on the 

phone or talking with anothe, penon. Try having a play phone or old cell phone 

handy. Encourage your child to talk on the phone to God while you finish you, 

conversation. Your child can share a need with God or tell about something exciting. 

A SIMRe Rayes., 

We want our children to know that we can blk to God at any time. We don't have 

to dose our eyes when we pray. We don't have to repeat what othen tell us to say. 

But memorizing a prayer every now and then can be a great way for toddlen to 

develop many aspects of prayer. Find simple prayers that you and your child can 

memorize together. Remember to keep it simple ;md use the same prayer for quite 

JOme time. You might encourage you, child to change some of the word1 every once 

in awhile. You can use this one as you tuck your little one in bed. 

I thank you, God, for my day. I thank you for my friends at play. 

I thank you for my family, too. I thank you, God, and I love you. 

Let your child see you pray. Don't limit your prayer examples to meals and bedtimes. 

When you're having a good time with your child, stop and Jay, "Let's thank God for 

the fun we're having.-Or when a specific need arises, 1top in the middle of what 

you' re doing and say, "Let's ask God for his help with this: Use real life examples to 

show your child he or she can talk to God any time and about anything.

K,in 

The toddlers in your class are gradually 

becoming more aware of other people. 

They may even show delight when they see each other 

after being apart for a few days. A stage when social 

awareness is blossoming is the perfect time to teach an 

underlying principle for relationships-soositivity and 

kindness. Toddlers and twos are still learning to label 

their own emotions; recognizing and responding to 

someone else's feelings takes a lot of practice. 

Through these activities, your toddlers and two year 

olds will learn that they can help other people who 

don't feel well or are sad. 

Bihle Truth: 

Jesus wants me 

to be kind. 

Bt"bfe Vene: 

•Bekind... to 

one another." 

Ephesians 4:32 

Bible Story: 

The Good .Samaritan 

(Luke 10:25-37) 

Godprint: 

Kindness 

-• 

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• Kindness Caterpillar Story Book 

GET UST: 

• eopies of pages 

90-91 

• scissors 

• ,natken 

• four metal brads 

• hole punch 

• chenille wire 

• tape 

Optional: 

• cardstock or 

mana1a folder 

. 

• Photocopy the pages onto card1tock or glue to a piece of manila folder. Color 

: the pictures and cut out the circles. Punch hole1 where indicated. Attach the 

: circles in order at the hole$ using the metal brads. Bend a chenille wire in half to 

. 

. 

. 

. 

form antennas and tape it to the caterpillar head. 

Before reading the story have the children show you how they crawl. Talk about 

thing, that crawl. Then tell them about a caterpillar. Explain that caterpillar, 

crawl and are gentle. Tell them th.lt you' re going to read them a story illbout 

someone who was kind and gentle. Then have them crawl one more time. Then 

say, "Now let's crawl into a story .lbout kindness. H Read the 1tory to the 

children • 

(9 

,.... 

•.... 

,• 

•... 

, I 

, .... 

, 

... 

... 

, 

• I 

Jesus told 

a StorY. 

90 Toddltl"il'lc

Jesus wants 

YOU to 

be Kind 

to others. 

, ... 

'.. 

_,' 

,... 

,_, 

' ' 

Qnetnan 

StOpped. 

He was 

f

l : 

• Finger People to the Aid 

GErUST: 

• plain bandages 

• marker 

: On one bandage draw a smiley (happy) face. On the other bandage draw a sad 

. 

. 

. 

face. 

Put each bandage on an index finger. Depending on the number of children 

you have, you might enjoy putting bandages on their fingen as well. Or, simply 

draw sad and happy faces on their fingers. Then. together, use the following 

verse to the tune of "Where u Thumbkin?' 

Here is my friend. (Move the $0d finge,.) 

Here is my friend. (Muve the $

·-·--1 

- 

• Ill 

~; Tissue Toss 

GET UST: 

• ti11ue1 

• mMkers 

. Explain to the children that there are many times people feel sad. Help the 

• children brainstorm times when people feel sad. Then draw a road face on a tissue 

: for each idea. If children mention five ideas, then you will have five tissues with 

. sad face on them. Place the tissues on the floor. When you say "go• have the 

toddlers pick up the tissue, and throw them in the air. Have them try to keep 

the tissues in the air. If tissues hit the floor they keep picking them up and 

tossing them in the air. As they throw the tissues up in the air have them shout 

' out, "I can be kind and gentlelN 

• ; kind and Gentle 

GET UST: 

• no iupplies 

needed 

Use this poem wilh the children. Talk about ways that we can show others we 

are kind and gentle to them. Use the motion of your hand over heart for 

kindness. Use the motion of petting your hand to show gentle. 

JI Seeking to Help Othen 

GET UST: 

• bandages 

• markers 

• Bt"ble 

When your friend is down and out. 

You can be kind and gentle. 

When your friend is mad and poub. 


When your friend is sad and blue. 


When your friend is needing you. 

God sayt, be kind and gentle. 

You will need six bandages. On each bandage write one word from the Bible 

vene and the reference. "Be kind to one another. Ephe,ians 4:32. • 

Show the Bible to the children. Let them know that in the Bible Jesus tells us to 

be kind to one another. Show each bandage '" you say the words. Then have 

the children cover their eyes as you hide each bandage. Then have them look 

for the bandages. When they find them all. line them up in order and say the 

11erse again. You might wish to ha11e the children hide the bandages for you to 

find. 

II 

II 

II 

II 

II 

II 

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Ill 

• 

• 

•Ill

fl· Stop and Go 

GET UST: Cut the red paper into the shape of a stop sign. Cut the green paper into a 

• red and green 

corutruction 

paper 

• scissors 

large circle. 

Hold up the stop sign ,md explain that th» means stop, or don't move. When 

they see the stop sign children are to stop and shout out, "Stop and be kind: 

Then hold up the green sign and explain that this means go or crawl. When they 

jee the go sign they are to go and ~. "Go and help others." Have the children 

begin at one end of the room. Hold up the sigru and say the appropriate 

phrases until they reach the other end of the room . 

• : Give a Helping Hand 

GET UST: 

• various 

healthcare item.s 

• gloves 

Say, "Jesus told us a story in the Blllle .Jbout a man who was hurt. Jesus wanb us 

to help others who hurt.• Talk .Jbout phylical and emotional things that hurt 

others. Explain that many times we uie our hands to help othen. Have the 

children put on the gloves for their helping hands. Then encourage them to play 

with the healthcare items and ute their helping hands . 

.II' Sad and Happy Hearts 

GET LIST: 


paper 

• SCi110fl 

Cut hearb of various different sizes and ~pes. On each one either draw a large 

j happy face or lad face. Then cut eiJCh heart intD two or three puzzle pieces. 

Spread the hearts on the floor or iJ tilbletop. Then have the children find pi~ 

! that fit together. Every time they find a match have them shout out, •1 can be 

: kind and gentle.N Explain thilt when other people are sad, they can be kind and 

j gentle. When they see the imiley bee explain that they will be happy when 

j they are kind and gentle. Also God is happy when they are kind and gentle to 

; otheu. 

94 Toddler-lt1c

• Times to Be Kind and Gentl.e 

GET UST: 

• paper plate 

• scisson 

. Cut the corutruction paper to make an ;i,rm on a clock. Attach the arm to the 

: paper plate using the metal brad. Cut out pictures of people who are hurt or 

j sad and glue them onto the paper plate where the numbers would be. 


paper , This activity will help children recognize the times when it is appropriate to be 

• markers • kind and gentle tD others. Have a child use the ann to point to a picture on the 

• metal brad plate. Talk about why the people are sad and what ,omeone could do to show 

• old magazines , kindness. Explain that God wants us always to find time to be kind and gentle to 

• glue sticks : others . 

. 

• Who is Your Friend? 

GET UST: 

• pictures of 

people 

• picture of Je1us 

Who is your friend? Toddlers usually have a limited number of friends. In this 

Bible story, Jesus wanted to impress upon his listeners that we should treat 

everyone as a friend and neighbor. Place the pictures face down on the table or 

floor. Ask your little one, •Who is your friend?" Then turn a picture right side up. 

Explain that Jesus wants us to be kind and gentle to everyone. Llttle ones need 

to know Jesus is their friend, too. 

•·" Be Kind 

GET UST: 

• graham cracker 

people 

Jesus wants us to be kind to others. Help the children think of things we say to 

each other to show kindness. Then show them the little people and say, •Here 

are all kinds of little people. Jesus wants us to be kind to others. Before you can 

eat a cracker you must say something kind.*

ail!le Tlllltll: Jesus wants me to be kind. 

lillle \tNSe: "Be kind ... to one another.• Ephesians 4:32 

lllil!le Stsl: The Good .Samaritan. (Luke JO) 

Gtt>Nint: Kindness 

Your toddler is gradually becoming more aware of other 

people, but he or she probably needs some help recognizing 

the feelings that other people may have. Young children don't 

always understand the consequence of not being kind and 

gentle. B,mging the table doem't hurt the table. Why would 

banging the baby hurt a~ing7 Take the time to help your 

child recognize situations that call for kindness and gentleness. 

Cuddle Up to Kindness 

Being kind and helpful are skills that children need to learn and practice. The more a 

little one has a chance to practice these skills, the more he or she will be ready when 

the time comes to show kindness. Being kind, especially to those who are not very 

kind to us. is even difficult for adults to do. But showing kindness to everyone is what 

God wants us to do. Use a teddy bear or other stuffed animal your child ha,. Think of 

different scenarios that your child might face. For example, someone doe, not share a 

toy with your child. Have your child role-play with the stuffed animal what he or she 

might do to show kindness in this situation. You can also use this method when your 

child has acted inappropriately. You can vie the teddy bear to help him or her 

practice a kinder response than what they showed in that particular situation. 

Kindness is Sweet 

To do this activityou will need a jar filled with candy or something sweet to eat. We 

all need to be kind to each other. The most powerful way to help children learn to 

be lcind is to .show kindness ounelve, . .Sit down with your child and explain that your 

family u going to help each other show kindness this week by using a kindness jar. 

Every time anyone is • caught* being kind he or she geh to take a sweet treat from 

the kindne,s jar. Explain that Jesus wants m to be kind to one another. let everyone 

know it's pretty "sweet* when we .tre kind to each other. 

Remember, your child is watching you! look for opportunities to show kindness and 

gentleness when your child is with you and talk about what you' re doing. Your tod~ 

diet will quickly want to imitate.

A 

\AJond~rFul 

\AJorld 

II 

• 

Ill 

Ill 

II 

Ill 

11 

II 

We take many things for granted until we see 

them afresh through the eyes of a small child. 

The toddler stage of exploration and rapid 

development is the perfect time to instill in children a 

sense of awe and wonder at the wonderful world God 

created. Children naturally want to "reach out and 

touch" the world around them-and maybe even take 

a bite of it once in a while. Their natural curiosity will 

lead them to discover for themselves the sensation of 

water, the scent of a flower, the sparkle of a star. 

Through these activities, toddlers will fearn that God 

made all the wonderful things around them and that 

everything God made was good. 

Bible Truth: 

God made 

our world. 

Bible Verse: 

"God .raw eve,ything 

he had made. 

And it was very good." 

Genesis 1 :31 

Bible Story: 

God made 

the worid. 

(Genesis 1:1-2:2) 

Godprint: 

Awe and wonder 

• 

:

I Creation Story Raps 

GEi' UST: · Cut a sheet of poster board in half. Glue the story pictures to one half. (You 

• copies of pagei might like to enlarge the pictures before gluing them down.) U.se the other half 

97-98 of the poster board to cut squares slightly larger than the pictures. Glue the top 

• colOfed pencils · edge of one of these squares abo,;e each story pictull'! IO that the square 

orm.trken 

• sdsson 

becomes a flap. Glue the optional tactile items to the appropriate pages under 

• glue • the flaps. Let the children lift the flaps to Jee what God created. The cotton 

• tape 

: balls an be clouds or lambs. 

• pcKter board : 

Optional: 

• cotton balls, 

st.tr stickers, 

feathers, gummy 

fish, leaves, 

.seeds 

* 

God made the sun for the day time. 

* 

God made the moon and stars 

for the night time. 

98 Toddl6rlf'rc

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Ill 

Ill 

Ill 

Ill 

Ill 

OA 

0 

ov 

God mode the birds that 

fly in the sky. 

God ffiClde the fish that 

swim in the sea. 

.e, 

God made the flowers 

and the trees. 

J 4 5 6 

Ill 

- 

• 

fl Wond&-l'lll 'World 99

i Action Rhyme 

GET UST: 


needed 

Gather a unall group of children together and teach them this simple rhyme: 

God made the sun (hold amu in circle over head) 

Up in the sky. (Point up.) 

God made the fish (put palms together and wiggJe hands back and forth) 

and the birds that fly. (Place hands under arms and flap up and down.) 

God made the lion. ("Roar.•) 

God made the lamb. ("Baa.•) 

God made our \\IOrld.{Hold arms out and tum in a circle.) 

See how happy I am? (Clap and smile.) 

1f 

I 

! 

• Animals, Animals 

GET UST: 

• animal figures 

Put out a collection of animal fi~res for the children to play with: vinyl, cloth, 

and plastic animals that are safe for young children are an important part of 

every classroom. As the children play, help them name the different kinds of 

animals God made. Make sure you have enough animals for all the children who 

want to play since toddlen generally ha-.ie a difficult time sharing. 

• Nature Walk 

GET UST: 

Optional: 

• blanket 

Every season can give us a new view of God's wonderful world. If weather 

permits and you have enough adult helpers, take your toddlers outside for a 

short walk. While outside, stop and point out b'ees, floweu, and other things 

that God has made. You might even spread a bl,mket on the ground and have 

your story time outdoors. 

• Animals on Parade 

GET UST: 


needed 

Young children need to e)(ercise their large muscles and bum off some energy. 

Ask children to follow you around the room while acting out the part of 

different animals. You can fly around like birds, swim like fish, or stomp around 

like eno1mous elephanb with arms nging like long trunks. Older children milY 

like to sugge1t different animals you can imitate as you parade ;,round your 

room. 

100 Toddlsr1F1c

i What Sound Does the Animal Make? 

GET UST: 

• 110 supplies 

needed 

. Play thil game with your \I/hole class or with small groups of children. Name 

· different animals and see if your children can make the sound each animal 

. makes. Or, you can make the animal sound and have the children repeat the 

: sound after you. Encourage the children to repeat the sounds several times 

: before repeating the animal name and mOlling on to the next animal. 

' 

. 

. 

. 

. 

• 

Coffee~filter Flowers 

GET UST: 

• coffee filters 

• tape 

• paint brushes 

• watercolor 

paints 

• paper 

• Tell It Again 

GET UST: 

• Creation Story 

Flaps (f age, 

97-98 

• God made lob of animals. Let's name some animals and the sounds they 

make. 

• God made cats. What sound does a cat make? {Meow.) God made cats. 

• God made cows. What sound does a cow make7 {Moo.} God made cows . 

• God made lambs. What sound does a lamb mal

I Crayon Orcles 

GET UST: 

• large cin:les cut 

Invite two or three children at a time to a table wfiere you have placed large 

· circle1 cut from plain paper and crayons. Some children may find it easier to 

from pbin paper : color if you tape their papers to the table before they begin. Tell the children to 

• crayoni • draw a picture of God's wonderful world. Don't expect to be able to identify 

: wt the children are drawing. Instead, encourage each child to tell you about 

• his or her drawing. Write each child's name on his or her paper and, if time 

: permits, add a note about what the child said, such as •This is Tommy'1 elephant" 

: or "Megan's flower." You might also want to add the Bible verse: "God saw 

: everything he had made. And it was very good" ( Genesis I :31). 

r.:· l 

• Animal Crackers 

GET UST: ' Animal crackers are an affordable and safe snack favorite for most young 

• animal crackers • children. As you pass out the crackers, name the animals for the children and 

remind them of the Bible lesson with a simple phrose like •1• m so glad God 

made the rhinoceros." Or, "This is o zebra. Thank you, God, for making zebras." 

r.::-: .. ·7 

• Sens_a_ti_·ona __ l_l ____________________ 

GET UST: 

• tactile nature 

items 

Young children leam e.ipecially well when their five senses are engaged. Gather a 

collection from the following list of items to give your children a chance to 

explore things from the wonderful world God made using sight, sound, touch, 

taste and smell. Individually o, in small groups, choose one item at a time ilnd 

encourage each child in turn to touch it, taste it, smell it, and ro on as you tell 

them about the object that God made a1 part of his wonderful world. 

Touch: leaves, feathers, fake fur, water, 

Taste: apple slices, carrot sticks, c1acker1, juice 

Smell: rose or carnation, cinnamon, scented soap, lemon or orange 

Sight: book! and pictures of birds, fish, animals, plants, etc. 

Sound: nature soundtracks, recordings of birds and animals 

_ 

I 02 Toddler-rFt

i SingAlong 

GET UST: 


needed 

Children love mv1ic and mo1t children enjoy trying to 1ing along to familiar 

tunes. Encourage the children to clap and sing this song to the tune of "Three 

Blind Mice.• 

God made the world. 


God made the 1un in the bright blue sky. 

God made the birds that can fly .IO high. 

God made the fi1h that go swimming by. 

And it was very good. 

II 

II 

" 



God made the monkeys that swing in tree1. 

God made the frot1 and the honey bees. 

God made the zebra. He even made fle,u. 

And it was very good. 

- Quiet Comer 

GET UST: 

• children's books 

on animals and 

flowers 

• comfy cushions 

Young children can become over-stimulated by activity, especially in an 

unfamiliar setting. They need a safe place where they can be quiet and unwind. 

Create a quiet corner in your classroom where your children can go and relax. 

All you need ii a rug, some pilloM and a variety of age-appropriate picture 

books. Put out a few books that relate to the leoon theme-animals, creation, 

flowers and planb, etc 

/t 'Wonderful 'World 103 

- II 

-

.,. 

~6 in ~~t? 

~o A- 

~ % 

~ ';J' lille Tl!Utll: God made our world. 

lille Ver/Se: ~God saw evel)thing he had made. And it was very 

good,* Genesis 1 :31 

lille 

Ci~lnt: 

S'hlY: Creation 

Awe and wonder 

Today your child learned that God made our wonderful world. 

Even though your child is young, he or she can sb11 appreciate 

the wonders of God's magnificent creation. In fact the way 

young children \liew the simplesthings can renew a seme of 

wonder in those of us wilo are older. 

Ztl IPfCtlJ&leS 

A trip to the zoo is always a delight with young children. Now you can also make it a 

lesson on the creativity of God. Introduce the animals-from the alligatori to the 

zebras-as wonderful creations from God. Take along a camera and snap pictures of 

the wide variety of animals you see. Get double prinb and use one set of the pictures 

to make a book that you and your child can enjoy ewer and over again. Cut 6 x 6- 

inch squares of cardboard ( cereal boxes will work) and we tape or glue to mount a 

photo to each side. Insert each set of mounted photos into a zip-top bag and seal. 

Use a hole punch to make two or three holes along the side of each bag. Line up the 

holes and use a piece of yarn to lace the pages together. Write the Bible verse, ~God 

saw everything he had made. And it was very good" ( Genesis 1 :31) on the last page 

as a reminder to you and your child that God made our wonderful world. 

watawtrtd 

Water holds a special fascination for children thn age. With proper supervision, 

children can ha..e hours of fun exploring the water God made for our wonderful 

world. In warm weather, a pan of water and a supply of different~uzed cups and 

funnels can provide lwds of opportunities for experimentation and learning. Bath 

time can also be more than just a time to get clean. Add a variety of things that float 

and sink to tub time. As you sit with your child, review Bible stories and songs about 

God and all he has created. 

Teaching your child about God doein't have to be complicated. All through your 

everyday .1ctivities, you can remind your child that God made our wonderful world 

and loves and cares for everything he made.

INDEX 

Awe and wonder ............................................................................................................ 97 

Chrisbrlas .................................................................................................................................. 9 

Cre:ation of people .............................................................................................................................. 25 

Creatiot1 of the worid ........................................................................................................................... 

97 

Daniel ........................................................................................................................................................ 

81 

David .................................................................................................................................................. 

49, 57, 65 

Easter ....................................................................................................................................................................... 

17 

Faith .................................................................................................................................................................................. 

17 

Family ....................................................................................................................................................................... 

49 

Friel\ds ...................................................................................................................................................................... 

S7 

Helpfulness ............................................................................................................................................................... 

65 

kindness ................................................................................................................................................................... 

49, 89 

Ge11eros:ity ............................................................................................................................................................... 

73 

Good Samaritan ......................................................................................................................................................... 

89 

• 

Good Shepherd ............................................................................................................................................ 

33 

Jonatflan .............................................................................................................................................................................. 

57 

Joy ......................................................................................................................................... 

41 

love ........................................................................................................................................................................... 

33 

Prai.se ........................................................................................................................................................................ 

9 

Prayerfulness .............................................................................................................................................................. 

81 

Preciousr1ess: .............................................................................................................................................................. 

25 

Sharing ....................................................................................................................................................................... 

73 

Triumphat Entry .................................................................................................................................................. 

41 

, 2 Toddlsr11'1c

Toddlerific Vol 1

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