What a wonderful SUNDAY!!! The KIDDOS were in a GREAT mood. I love it when they all arrive early/on time and have seemed to have had a good nights rest. Our lesson this week was about King Solomon building the Temple. This was a interesting lesson to teach 4-7 year olds. They really seemed to GET the fact that GOD needed a PERMANENT place for the Hebrews to come and offer sacrifices and worship HIM. To set up the story, I reviewed the Tabernacle....talking about the fact that it was a PORTABLE TENT. We reminded ourselves of all the vessels that were in the Tabernacle and the purpose for those vessels. I was THRILLED at how much the remembered. I was really excited when I asked if any of the KIDDOS remembered what was in the Ark of The Covenant. And all of the KIDDOS were ready to tell me. We listed them quickly: 10 Commandments, Aaron's Rod that had budded and a Pot of Manna. I really am happy when the KIDDOS remember the "facts" from past lessons. We filled in our Who? What? When? Where? and Why? Chart. The KIDDOS really used their listening skills today. They were able to answer all of the Interrogative Questions. I was thrilled!!!! Makes me a happy teacher when the KIDDOS can answer all of these IMPORTANT questions! I used 3D Visuals for this lesson. I had the KIDDOS gather around this table and inspect the models of the Tabernacle and The Temple. I asked them if there were any similarities and any differences. I love using 3D Visuals when possible. The KIDDOS loved them too. (I explained that these are "paper" models and they had to be VERY careful when touching, looking, and examining them.) The KIDDOS did GREAT!!!!!! Because I am a firm believer in using LOTS of VISUALS, I placed these posters up on the white board....I LOVE these posters. My wonderful mother gave them to me as a gift a loooong time ago. (My family knows what type of gifts I love to get.) I did jot down a few FACTS about the Tabernacle and Temple above the posters. Our Memory Verse is Habakkuk 2:20. I feel this to be a PERFECT verse for this lesson. We have a little tune that we sing this verse to...however, I do not believe it is a KNOWN tune. I think it is a "RONDA Original" tune. :) The KIDDOS "Take Home" activity is a POP UP Temple. They colored their Temple any color they wanted...All of my "older" KIDDOS chose gold....my "younger" KIDDOS chose Pink, Blue, and Green. (I LOVE seeing the KIDDOS at different stages of development.) We glued on the DIAMOND cut Roof Top, the Columns, and the inside of the door. The KIDDOS were impressed that the doors opened and closed. Our "Review Game" was called "Build A Temple." It was played like this: The KIDDOS had to answer a question from the lesson for an opportunity to add a block to the "Temple." They did GREAT!!! I am including a few pics. taken during class time so you can see how good they were. The Song on the "Song Board" is a "Ronda Original" and is sung to the tune: Row, Row, Row Your Boat. Kiddos Listening Well What They Built. Add A Block To The Temple Next Sunday, when we review this lesson, the Kiddos will be making a "Puzzle Temple" for their Explorer Journal Activity. I have the Temple Pieces cut and in a baggie for each KIDDO. After they complete their Temple...they will have time to color in the details. (I am thinking I will let them color with my special GOLD markers.) Teaching lessons, from the books of Kings, to this age group can sometimes be a bit mind boggling....But, I am truly enjoying this challenge. I LOVE seeing the KIDDOS learning from ALL of GOD'S WORD. I believe KIDDOS are greatly benefited when we "expand" their BIBLE learning into MORE areas of the BIBLE. Hope your Bible Classes went well this past Sunday. Blessings, Ronda