Noah's Ark

Last week we discussed the story of Noah’s Ark. We read many books about the story of Noah’s Ark, looked at various pictures of real boats, and did many experiments involving water. We also learned that the Hebrew word for ark is “teivah”.

We worked together, because we have such a small class, to create an ark out of craft sticks, glue, and brown paint to create an ark. We also used blue, aqua, and green finger paint to create the water. We included pictures of stuffed animals two by two that the children brought to school. Finally, we created a rainbow using scented paint for each color. 

Each child also made a small Ark to take home in the same way – ½ of a paper plate, brown paint, and smaller craft sticks. When this was dry they got to put as many animal stickers on the ark as they wanted. To finish this project each child used the other ½ of the paper plate and created a rainbow with crayons, paint, tissue paper, colored glue and beads, oil pastels, and watercolors.

To end our discussion, we created yummy edible Arks! Each child got ½ of a whole wheat pita, a kid-friendly plastic knife with some chocolate frosting and animal crackers. We put the items on the plate and asked the children to create an Ark!

Suggested Products from Discount School Supply®:
Large Wood Craft Sticks - 500 pieces (500T)
Colorations® Washable School Glue - 1.25 oz (SCWG)
Colorations® Simply Washable Tempera - brown (WSTBR)
Colorations® Washable Finger Paint - set of 10 (CWFPS)
Colorations® Crayons
Colorations® Tissue Paper
Colorations® Glitter Glue Classroom Pack - set of 30 (GGCLASS)
Multi-Mix Beads - 1 lb (BEAD)
Colorations® Outstanding Oil Pastels Classpack (COPACK)
Colorations® Liquid Watercolor - set of 18 (LW18)
9" White Paper Plates - 100 pieces (DIXIE)

Bottle Cap Bracelets

I love reusing items in the classroom for lessons, and bottle caps are one of the most reused items that we take advantage of almost on a daily basis. They can be reused for counting, sorting, game pieces, art and craft projects and so much more.

We made “I LOVE GOD” bracelets with bottle caps and they came out great! The children even made extra ones to give to their parents, siblings and friends.

Ahead of time I printed out the words “I” “LOVE” “GOD” onto paper and cut them into circles to fit inside of the bottle caps.

I set out pipe cleaners, straws, beads, scissors and bottle caps with holes already poked in them before the children arrived.

The tables looked like so much fun and I just knew the children would be anxious to get to work on their bracelets.

At circle time we talked about how much we love God and all of the wonderful things that we love about him. In my usual way I charted the children’s responses of the reasons they loved God. Some of their responses were the following:

He gives me food to eat
I live in a house
I have a bed to sleep in
He gave me my mom and dad
He loves me
He takes care of me

After circle time the children went right to work on their bracelets. They cut up straws to string on their pipe cleaners along with beads and the bottle caps. Inside each cap they glued each word to spell out “I LOVE GOD” on their bracelet.

I always like to connect a bible verse with our lesson so I found this one that fit perfectly:

I love you, O LORD, my strength
Psalm 18:1

The children had so much fun making the bracelets and even more fun giving one to their parents and siblings when they were picked up.

I hope you decide to make these with your children.

As always, peace and joy,
Barb

Random Acts of Kindness

What a great day we had learning and being kind to each other. The children truly embraced and understood the meaning of Random Acts of Kindness.

As each child entered the classroom I gave them a big hug, told them how nice it was to see them and said something nice about what they were wearing, how they looked, smiled, laughed or talked.

Ephesians 4:32 says:
"Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."

If you haven’t picked up the book “Sharing, How Kindness Grows”, by Fran Shaw (ISBN 0794411436) it is a must read to children, they really enjoyed it.

After our story time, I asked the children if they experienced anyone being kind to them today. The responses I received were wonderful:

“My mommy kissed me and said she loves me”

“Daddy put on my shoes”

“Mommy made me cereal for breakfast”

“Miss Barb gave me a hug at the door”, then there was a chorus of “me too!” a whole bunch of times.

“My brother shared his toys with me”

“My big sister brushed my hair and helped me get dressed”

Before class I had put out several different centers to inspire the children to make kindness gifts for others.

· One table had blank cards, envelopes, markers, stickers, and real postage stamps
(one for each child)

· I set up easels with large paper, paint and brushes

· There was a center set up with string, beads and jewels

· The last center was set up with collage material, a wooden plank for the base, glue,
glue brushes and paint

I explained to the children that they get to create kindness gifts for whoever they wanted and could chose one or all of the centers to create from.

By the end of class we had an abundance of gifts and the children were giddy about giving their gifts away. The children that made the cards were so excited that I was going to mail them. I encouraged them to keep it a secret from whomever they wrote the card to, but I am guessing this will be a hard request for a 3 year old J

There was one little girl that wanted to make a gift from each station for a different person. In addition, she made a painting for her dog, Barney.

Before the parents arrived, I asked the children how it felt about making kindness gifts and they said it was so much fun and could they do it again tomorrow? I explained that they could do kind things every day and that it didn’t just have to be gifts. I shared they could be kind by:

· Picking up their toys

· Putting their clothes in the hamper

· Making sure their dog or cat had water and food

· Sharing with their brothers, sisters and friends

· Saying their prayers and praying for the poor, sick and elderly

I think we sometimes forget to be kind to others in our busy lives. But, I truly believe that when we practice random acts of kindness it is contagious and others want to do the same. What better way to start it than with 3 and 4 year old children?

Next week I will be writing about one of my favorite and passionate lessons. “Be Kind to Our Earth”, I know you will enjoy it.

Have a peaceful, joyful and kind week!
Barb