Newsletter 6
Newsletter 6.
Contents.
O.L. 14. Making the right choice ('Force' the right card to be chosen).
O.L. 15. Little sins grow bigger (Bursting balloon).
O.L. 16. Break in communication with God (Restore a cut rope).
O.L. 17. Burning bush or Fiery furnace (Flaming cloth is not consumed).
Puppet play - "What is Christmas all about?"
Teaching Memory verses - Diminishing words.
14. Making the right choice.
A well known "Magician's" trick is to force a volunteer to choose the "right card" from a number of different cards. This technique can be used to ensure a child makes the "right choice" from a number of options represented by different cards.
This lesson is very versatile. For example you can pose questions such as "How can we get to heaven?" or "How can we find peace with God?" The right answer is, of course, Jesus. Now, choose seven alternative answers, which some people may give e.g. Prayer, Reading the Bible, Going to church. Keeping the ten commandments, Doing good, Not doing anything bad, Being Baptised, Believe in God, etc. (Other questions you can ask are "Who is the best role model you can follow?" - it is a good idea to choose a mixture of well known "good" and "bad" role models. – or, "Who or what should be the most important thing in your life?").
Take eight identical pieces of cardboard (of the right size to suit your group), and write "Jesus" on the back of one, and the seven alternative answers on the back of the others. On the front of each card, draw a question mark. However, on the card with "Jesus", make the question mark slightly different from the others - e.g. have the "dot" slightly nearer the main symbol, or have the "curl" slightly more enhanced.
Choose your first volunteer to come and stick each card - question mark to the outside - on a board. Ensure that he/she does not let either you or the rest of the group see what is written on the back of each card. They have complete freedom to stick each card wherever they like, provided that they end up with two columns of four cards each. By looking at the question marks, you will know which is the "Jesus" card.
Explain the purpose of the lesson, and get a second volunteer to come and make what you say you hope will be the right choice. Force him/her to make the right choice as described below. This is a very simple technique, but still seems to baffle the vast majority of people.
Suppose, for example, that the "Jesus" card is in the first column. Ask your volunteer to point to either the first or the second column. If they point to the first, say "Fine, that is your choice, so let us now look at the four cards you have rejected in the second column." As you turn over each of these four cards, explain why they are wrong choices. If your volunteer points to the second column, say "Fine, you have rejected these four cards in the second column", and proceed as before.
You are now left with the four cards in the first column. Ask your volunteer to point to any two of the cards. If the "Jesus" card is one of those chosen, say. "These are the cards you have chosen, let's look at the two you have rejected." Obviously, if they don't point to the "Jesus" card, say " The two you have pointed to are the ones you have rejected --------. " I think you will have got the idea by now, ensuring that your volunteer ends by choosing "Jesus."
15. Little sins grow bigger.
This is a simple but effective illustration to show that "little" sins, if left unchecked, grow and grow until eventually they can cause destruction.
Preparation. Take a round balloon, inflate it, and write the word "sin" on it with a marker. Deflate the balloon.
Lesson. Show your group the balloon, and while you are explaining that "little sins grow bigger", begin to demonstrate this by slowly inflating the balloon (and consequently the word "sin"). It is better to use a balloon pump for this, because eventually you will have inflated the balloon so much that it explodes! - a reminder that sin is very destructive.
16. Break in communication with God.
All that is needed for this illustration is a piece of string or rope at least 1 meter long, and a pair of scissors.
Explain that the rope represents a line of communication. Start by stretching it out horizontally, and say that it could represent a telephone line, with your words going along the line to your friend, and their words coming back to you.
Now hold the rope vertically. Explain that this represents a prayer line to God, with your prayers going up the rope to Him, and His answers coming down to you. State that there is only one thing that can stop your prayers getting through to God - your sins (the bad things you do).
State that you are now going to demonstrate this problem by cutting the rope (Prayer line). Hold the top of the rope in one hand, and grasp the centre of it with the other. Bring the centre portion of the rope to the top, but as your bottom hand reaches your top, swap the centre for a piece of rope about 10 to 15 cm. from the top. This will take place behind your top hand, so will not be noticed. With a little practice you will soon become proficient. It will appear to your group that you are now showing the top and the centre of the rope in your top hand, whereas you will actually be showing the top and a section 10 to 15 cm. below the top.
Cut the rope where it is looped. You have actually cut off just a small top portion, but have appeared to cut it in equal halves. While still concealing the top of the rope behind your hand, tie the small section of rope around the centre, and release for all to see.
Explain that the knot around the centre stands for sin, and prevents your prayers reaching God. Explain that some people try to deal with the problem themselves by reducing their sin. Cut the ends off the knot to make it smaller. Obviously this doesn't work, because the problem (knot) is still there. Explain that some people try to hide their sin. Cover the knot with your hand. This doesn't work either, because we cannot hide anything from God.
Explain that the only way to remove sin is to bring it to God, tell Him you are sorry for it, and ask Him to forgive you. Say, "Imagine my right hand is God, and I am going to bring this sin (knot) to Him." Hold one end of the rope in your right hand, and begin to wrap the rest of the rope around it with your left hand. As you reach the knot - and while still continuing the wrapping - slide off the knot, and keep concealed in your left hand. Unwrap the rope, showing that it has been completely restored! No one will notice that it is now slightly shorter than at first.
17.Burning bush and Fiery furnace.
Here is a good way to demonstrate the burning bush, which was not consumed, or the fiery furnace, which did not harm the three Hebrew boys.
Take a piece of cotton material and draw on it a bush, or three figures as required. Soak the material in a mixture of 2 parts methylated spirits (Methanol) and 1 part water. Squeeze out any excess liquid. Set fire to the material. The methylated spirits will burn, making it appear as if the material is burning. The flames will eventually go out, and the water in the mixture will have successfully protected the material from burning, leaving it unharmed.
Puppet play for Christmas - "What is Christmas all about?"
When I do puppet plays, I usually record the script beforehand - using different 'character' voices, and then play it back while children operate the (glove) puppets. This way I am able to 'watch' the entire group, and also have a puppet/human dialogue if required. For this play, you will need one animal (I use a sheep) and four 'human' puppets. Write the word "Christmas" on a large piece of paper, and display it in a prominent position.
Script.
Host. Today we are going to ask the very important question "What is Christmas all about?" But firstly, let me introduce you to my panel of guests. Let's give a big welcome for my first guest - Miss know it all.
Miss Know it all. Thank you for inviting me onto your show. I am Miss know it all, so you only have to ask me the question, because I know everything.
Host. Well, we will see about that a little later. But secondly, let me introduce Mr. Don't know a lot.
Mr. Don't know a lot. Don't be fooled by my name, because actually I know heaps and heaps of things. So ask me the question, and I will give you the right answer.
Host. Thank you Mr. Don't Know a lot. Our next guest is Mr. Remember well.
Mr. Remember well. As you can tell by my name, I remember everything. So ask me the question, and I will give you the answer.
Host. Thank you Mr. Remember well. Our final guest is Mr. Shaun the sheep. Say "hello" Shaun.
Shaun. Baa, Baa.
Host. Thank you Shaun, If we have time, I will ask Shaun his opinion, but really I don't think he will be much help at all. The question then is "What is Christmas all about?" I am going to save us all some time because I know the answer myself. Christmas is all about money. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but only because Mary and Joseph had to go there to register to pay their taxes to Caesar. So that's the answer - Money. That's why my mum and dad are always complaining what an expensive time of the year Christmas is with so many presents to buy. But, to be fair, I will ask my guests if they have any other opinions. Miss Know it all. Do you know what Christmas is all about?
Miss Know it all. I certainly do. It's not about money you silly old fool. Christmas is all about Food. When Jesus was born, he was placed in a Manger - which is a cattle's eating trough. So that is why people eat so much at Christmas, like Turkey, Christmas pudding and lots of chocolate. So that's the answer to your question - Food.
Host. Thank you Miss Know it all. Remind me not to invite you back on my show. Now, Mr. Don't know a lot, do you know what Christmas is all about?
Mr. Don't know a lot. Well, it's not about money or food. No, Christmas is all about Singing. After Jesus was born, Angels appeared to some Shepherds and they began to sing "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men." So that is the answer - Singing. That is why groups go out carol singing today.
Host. Thank you Mr. Don't know a lot. That was certainly a very "interesting" answer. Mr. Remember well. Do you remember what Christmas is all about?
Mr. Remember well. I certainly do. You should have asked me first, because I remember the answer to the question. Christmas is all about Presents. After Jesus was born, some wise men brought gifts of gold, incense and myrrh to Him. That is why people exchange gifts at Christmas today. So the answer is Presents.
Host. Thank you Mr. Remember well. Finally, I suppose we should ask our last guest Shaun the sheep if he has any opinion. Shaun. Do you know what Christmas is all about?
Shaun. Baa. Baa.
Host. Come along Shaun, give us your answer.
Shaun. Baa. Baa. I need a volunteer to help me.
Self. (Holding up your hand). I will be your volunteer Shaun. My hand was the first to be raised. What would you like me to do?
Shaun. Do you see that paper with "Christmas" written on it?
Self. Yes, I see it.
Shaun. Write out the fourth and fifth letters.
Self. ok.(Counting and writing). I have done that Shaun. What next?
Shaun. Now write out the first six letters.
Self. (Counting and writing) I have done that as well Shaun.
Shaun. That is the answer to our question - "Christmas is Christ."
You may then wish to conclude by recapping on what Christmas is and what Christmas is not all about.
Teaching memory verses.
There are many ways to teach Scripture (Memory verses) to children, but I have found that the more "fun" you make it, the more likely they are to really take it in.
In my experience, the most effective method I have come across is to use "Diminishing words." This is very simple and easy to prepare, but children really enjoy it because they think that they are fooling "teacher."
Write out your memory verse about 6 or 7 times on pieces of cardboard (or paper). However, each time you write, gradually make the words smaller. The words on your last card should be as small as you can possibly write them.
Show your first card (Biggest words) to your group, and have them say the verse. Then simply work your way through to the last card - children repeating the words each time. As you get to the smaller words, start to compliment the group on their eyesight. Act amazed when they manage to "read" your last card. Then say. "I think you are trying to fool me. I don't believe you can really read this last card. I think you have memorised the verse. I think you can repeat the verse without any card at all" - And they will!
Contents.
O.L. 14. Making the right choice ('Force' the right card to be chosen).
O.L. 15. Little sins grow bigger (Bursting balloon).
O.L. 16. Break in communication with God (Restore a cut rope).
O.L. 17. Burning bush or Fiery furnace (Flaming cloth is not consumed).
Puppet play - "What is Christmas all about?"
Teaching Memory verses - Diminishing words.
14. Making the right choice.
A well known "Magician's" trick is to force a volunteer to choose the "right card" from a number of different cards. This technique can be used to ensure a child makes the "right choice" from a number of options represented by different cards.
This lesson is very versatile. For example you can pose questions such as "How can we get to heaven?" or "How can we find peace with God?" The right answer is, of course, Jesus. Now, choose seven alternative answers, which some people may give e.g. Prayer, Reading the Bible, Going to church. Keeping the ten commandments, Doing good, Not doing anything bad, Being Baptised, Believe in God, etc. (Other questions you can ask are "Who is the best role model you can follow?" - it is a good idea to choose a mixture of well known "good" and "bad" role models. – or, "Who or what should be the most important thing in your life?").
Take eight identical pieces of cardboard (of the right size to suit your group), and write "Jesus" on the back of one, and the seven alternative answers on the back of the others. On the front of each card, draw a question mark. However, on the card with "Jesus", make the question mark slightly different from the others - e.g. have the "dot" slightly nearer the main symbol, or have the "curl" slightly more enhanced.
Choose your first volunteer to come and stick each card - question mark to the outside - on a board. Ensure that he/she does not let either you or the rest of the group see what is written on the back of each card. They have complete freedom to stick each card wherever they like, provided that they end up with two columns of four cards each. By looking at the question marks, you will know which is the "Jesus" card.
Explain the purpose of the lesson, and get a second volunteer to come and make what you say you hope will be the right choice. Force him/her to make the right choice as described below. This is a very simple technique, but still seems to baffle the vast majority of people.
Suppose, for example, that the "Jesus" card is in the first column. Ask your volunteer to point to either the first or the second column. If they point to the first, say "Fine, that is your choice, so let us now look at the four cards you have rejected in the second column." As you turn over each of these four cards, explain why they are wrong choices. If your volunteer points to the second column, say "Fine, you have rejected these four cards in the second column", and proceed as before.
You are now left with the four cards in the first column. Ask your volunteer to point to any two of the cards. If the "Jesus" card is one of those chosen, say. "These are the cards you have chosen, let's look at the two you have rejected." Obviously, if they don't point to the "Jesus" card, say " The two you have pointed to are the ones you have rejected --------. " I think you will have got the idea by now, ensuring that your volunteer ends by choosing "Jesus."
15. Little sins grow bigger.
This is a simple but effective illustration to show that "little" sins, if left unchecked, grow and grow until eventually they can cause destruction.
Preparation. Take a round balloon, inflate it, and write the word "sin" on it with a marker. Deflate the balloon.
Lesson. Show your group the balloon, and while you are explaining that "little sins grow bigger", begin to demonstrate this by slowly inflating the balloon (and consequently the word "sin"). It is better to use a balloon pump for this, because eventually you will have inflated the balloon so much that it explodes! - a reminder that sin is very destructive.
16. Break in communication with God.
All that is needed for this illustration is a piece of string or rope at least 1 meter long, and a pair of scissors.
Explain that the rope represents a line of communication. Start by stretching it out horizontally, and say that it could represent a telephone line, with your words going along the line to your friend, and their words coming back to you.
Now hold the rope vertically. Explain that this represents a prayer line to God, with your prayers going up the rope to Him, and His answers coming down to you. State that there is only one thing that can stop your prayers getting through to God - your sins (the bad things you do).
State that you are now going to demonstrate this problem by cutting the rope (Prayer line). Hold the top of the rope in one hand, and grasp the centre of it with the other. Bring the centre portion of the rope to the top, but as your bottom hand reaches your top, swap the centre for a piece of rope about 10 to 15 cm. from the top. This will take place behind your top hand, so will not be noticed. With a little practice you will soon become proficient. It will appear to your group that you are now showing the top and the centre of the rope in your top hand, whereas you will actually be showing the top and a section 10 to 15 cm. below the top.
Cut the rope where it is looped. You have actually cut off just a small top portion, but have appeared to cut it in equal halves. While still concealing the top of the rope behind your hand, tie the small section of rope around the centre, and release for all to see.
Explain that the knot around the centre stands for sin, and prevents your prayers reaching God. Explain that some people try to deal with the problem themselves by reducing their sin. Cut the ends off the knot to make it smaller. Obviously this doesn't work, because the problem (knot) is still there. Explain that some people try to hide their sin. Cover the knot with your hand. This doesn't work either, because we cannot hide anything from God.
Explain that the only way to remove sin is to bring it to God, tell Him you are sorry for it, and ask Him to forgive you. Say, "Imagine my right hand is God, and I am going to bring this sin (knot) to Him." Hold one end of the rope in your right hand, and begin to wrap the rest of the rope around it with your left hand. As you reach the knot - and while still continuing the wrapping - slide off the knot, and keep concealed in your left hand. Unwrap the rope, showing that it has been completely restored! No one will notice that it is now slightly shorter than at first.
17.Burning bush and Fiery furnace.
Here is a good way to demonstrate the burning bush, which was not consumed, or the fiery furnace, which did not harm the three Hebrew boys.
Take a piece of cotton material and draw on it a bush, or three figures as required. Soak the material in a mixture of 2 parts methylated spirits (Methanol) and 1 part water. Squeeze out any excess liquid. Set fire to the material. The methylated spirits will burn, making it appear as if the material is burning. The flames will eventually go out, and the water in the mixture will have successfully protected the material from burning, leaving it unharmed.
Puppet play for Christmas - "What is Christmas all about?"
When I do puppet plays, I usually record the script beforehand - using different 'character' voices, and then play it back while children operate the (glove) puppets. This way I am able to 'watch' the entire group, and also have a puppet/human dialogue if required. For this play, you will need one animal (I use a sheep) and four 'human' puppets. Write the word "Christmas" on a large piece of paper, and display it in a prominent position.
Script.
Host. Today we are going to ask the very important question "What is Christmas all about?" But firstly, let me introduce you to my panel of guests. Let's give a big welcome for my first guest - Miss know it all.
Miss Know it all. Thank you for inviting me onto your show. I am Miss know it all, so you only have to ask me the question, because I know everything.
Host. Well, we will see about that a little later. But secondly, let me introduce Mr. Don't know a lot.
Mr. Don't know a lot. Don't be fooled by my name, because actually I know heaps and heaps of things. So ask me the question, and I will give you the right answer.
Host. Thank you Mr. Don't Know a lot. Our next guest is Mr. Remember well.
Mr. Remember well. As you can tell by my name, I remember everything. So ask me the question, and I will give you the answer.
Host. Thank you Mr. Remember well. Our final guest is Mr. Shaun the sheep. Say "hello" Shaun.
Shaun. Baa, Baa.
Host. Thank you Shaun, If we have time, I will ask Shaun his opinion, but really I don't think he will be much help at all. The question then is "What is Christmas all about?" I am going to save us all some time because I know the answer myself. Christmas is all about money. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but only because Mary and Joseph had to go there to register to pay their taxes to Caesar. So that's the answer - Money. That's why my mum and dad are always complaining what an expensive time of the year Christmas is with so many presents to buy. But, to be fair, I will ask my guests if they have any other opinions. Miss Know it all. Do you know what Christmas is all about?
Miss Know it all. I certainly do. It's not about money you silly old fool. Christmas is all about Food. When Jesus was born, he was placed in a Manger - which is a cattle's eating trough. So that is why people eat so much at Christmas, like Turkey, Christmas pudding and lots of chocolate. So that's the answer to your question - Food.
Host. Thank you Miss Know it all. Remind me not to invite you back on my show. Now, Mr. Don't know a lot, do you know what Christmas is all about?
Mr. Don't know a lot. Well, it's not about money or food. No, Christmas is all about Singing. After Jesus was born, Angels appeared to some Shepherds and they began to sing "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men." So that is the answer - Singing. That is why groups go out carol singing today.
Host. Thank you Mr. Don't know a lot. That was certainly a very "interesting" answer. Mr. Remember well. Do you remember what Christmas is all about?
Mr. Remember well. I certainly do. You should have asked me first, because I remember the answer to the question. Christmas is all about Presents. After Jesus was born, some wise men brought gifts of gold, incense and myrrh to Him. That is why people exchange gifts at Christmas today. So the answer is Presents.
Host. Thank you Mr. Remember well. Finally, I suppose we should ask our last guest Shaun the sheep if he has any opinion. Shaun. Do you know what Christmas is all about?
Shaun. Baa. Baa.
Host. Come along Shaun, give us your answer.
Shaun. Baa. Baa. I need a volunteer to help me.
Self. (Holding up your hand). I will be your volunteer Shaun. My hand was the first to be raised. What would you like me to do?
Shaun. Do you see that paper with "Christmas" written on it?
Self. Yes, I see it.
Shaun. Write out the fourth and fifth letters.
Self. ok.(Counting and writing). I have done that Shaun. What next?
Shaun. Now write out the first six letters.
Self. (Counting and writing) I have done that as well Shaun.
Shaun. That is the answer to our question - "Christmas is Christ."
You may then wish to conclude by recapping on what Christmas is and what Christmas is not all about.
Teaching memory verses.
There are many ways to teach Scripture (Memory verses) to children, but I have found that the more "fun" you make it, the more likely they are to really take it in.
In my experience, the most effective method I have come across is to use "Diminishing words." This is very simple and easy to prepare, but children really enjoy it because they think that they are fooling "teacher."
Write out your memory verse about 6 or 7 times on pieces of cardboard (or paper). However, each time you write, gradually make the words smaller. The words on your last card should be as small as you can possibly write them.
Show your first card (Biggest words) to your group, and have them say the verse. Then simply work your way through to the last card - children repeating the words each time. As you get to the smaller words, start to compliment the group on their eyesight. Act amazed when they manage to "read" your last card. Then say. "I think you are trying to fool me. I don't believe you can really read this last card. I think you have memorised the verse. I think you can repeat the verse without any card at all" - And they will!
posted by Maurice Sweetsur @ 1:53 PM
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