Grace Christian Preschool

Water Day

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 22:17:00 +0000

Because the city of Forney has implemented water restrictions this summer, we are modifying our water day. We will have a small blow-up pool for the younger classes and water guns and water ballooons for the older classes. If your child has water guns, they may certainly bring them to school. We'll also have popsicles and other activities to do outside.

Please send your child to school with their swimsuit and sunscreen already on. And don't forget your towel!! Pack their clothes in a bag and we'll change into our normal clothes after our water day activities.

If you have any questions, please let us know. We'll see everyone on Wednesday!!

Vacation Bible School

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 21:36:00 +0000

Join us for VBS at People's Fellowship
10630 FM 740
Forney, TX 75126

Forney - Summer Reading Program

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:08:00 +0000

"Registration for the children’s 2011 Texas Reading Club begins Monday, June 6th at the Ellen Brooks West Memorial Library of Forney.

Library cardholders 3 through 12 years of age may register for the reading club during library hours, June 6th through June 15th and library cards are free for Forney ISD residents.

The library also invites children and their parents to the kickoff week of free children’s summer programs!"

Summer Library Hours:
Monday 12pm-7pm
Tuesday 10am-4pm
Wednesday 10am-4pm
Thursday 12pm-7pm
Friday - closed
Saturday 10am-2pm
Sunday - closed

For additional program information please visit the library or call 972-564-7027 for details.

Taken from: http://www.forneypostnews.com/Story.aspx?ArticleID=1432&HL=Forney-Library-Announces-Summer-Reading-Club.

"P" Week

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 May 2011 17:04:00 +0000

On Monday we all brought "P" snacks - popcorn, pineapple, popsicles, peanut butter crackers, pickles, pears, peanut M&Ms, Pepsi and more!

On Wednesday we had PURPLE Day! Only the girls wore purple today; the boys didn't participate since none of them have purple in their wardrobe :) We'll have a more universal color next time!

We also made "P"eople houses from marshmallows and pretzel sticks. All of the kids really enjyoed this activity! Our PreK class made paper planes and flew them around the building. I love the sound of children's feet at play!!

What to look for in a good preschool?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 May 2011 21:53:00 +0000

I always love meeting new families and answering their sometimes challenging questions when they are inquiring about enrolling their children in the program. Lots of times though they are easy questions that every parent want's to know - How do you discipline? What if my child won't nap? What do you do if they cry? What if he/she isn't potty-trained? What do I make for his/her lunch at school? Where do I find a nap mat?

These are great questions for every parent!

But what exactly do parents need to look for when searching for the right preschool for their children? Here are some great articles I found online:

A good reputation
A good preschool should have a welcoming, friendly atmosphere and be known for its nurturing environment and stimulating curriculum. Ask the school for names and numbers of other parents and call them, or stop by during afternoon pickup time and approach other parents then.

Of course, take anything you hear about a school with a grain of salt and wait to judge it until you see it for yourself — disgruntled parents may simply have had a personality conflict with the preschool director. Also, your own first impressions definitely matter here. Be sure to observe the children when you visit: If they don't seem happy to be there, that's probably a signal to look elsewhere.

Bottom line: If you don't hear too many good opinions about a certain school, and if it doesn't feel right, look elsewhere.

Established ground rules

It's important for a preschool to be flexible — letting you pick up and drop off your child at different times, for instance — but it should also have clearly established written regulations for everything from operating hours to how to handle emergencies. That way you know the staff takes its responsibility — your child — seriously.

Along the same lines, look for a school with a strict sick-child policy. Find out which illnesses mean your child has to stay home, and for how long. A tough policy may inconvenience you if your child is ill, but keeping sick children (and staff) away makes sense. A good preschool helps cut down on illness by requiring all children and employees to have current immunizations and regular checkups.

If a preschool doesn't encourage parents to stop by unannounced anytime, chances are it has something to hide. Keep looking. A great preschool will go beyond merely letting you in; it will invite you to become part of its community by helping with activities, accompanying the children on field trips, and so on.

Bottom line: If a preschool is poorly organized and has lax or nonexistent rules, it's not likely to be right for you.

A stimulating curriculum
The best preschools have daily schedules that include plenty of time for physical activity, quiet time (including regular reading sessions), group programs, socializing, crafts, individual activities, meals, snacks, and free time. TV and videos should not play a big part in your child's day. A well-thought-out curriculum stimulates your child's development and makes daily life more fun. At this point, teachers can begin helping children learn things like letters and numbers in an everyday context (counting toys, cutting out pictures of things that start with the different letters of the alphabet, etc.). Don't evaluate the school based on how many numbers and letters your child is learning, though — preschoolers aren't ready for a rigorous academic program.

The curriculum should change over time, providing your child with the chance to try something new, and should be adjusted to match each child's abilities and skill levels. Some preschools (such as Montessori) have specialized educational philosophies, but overall, look for a program that encourages independence and inspires your child's individuality and creativity.

Look for a school with a wide range of age-appropriate toys that will encourage your child's development and, as she gets older, stimulate creative, imaginative play.

If you have to bring your child's food, find out the school's guidelines. Some may require you to pack only nutritious foods; that's okay — preschools that don't restrict candy or other sweets may not have your child's best interests at heart. If the school does have a food plan, find out what it serves at meal and snack times. Does it encourage healthy eating habits and cover all the food groups? If not, keep looking.

Bottom line: If your child won't get a wide range of age-appropriate activities, move on.

A qualified, caring staff
A trained, qualified staff is one advantage preschools and daycare centers have over nannies and home daycare providers, who often have no specialized education. Preschool teachers should be educated, with at least two years of college, a background in early childhood development (though many states don't require this), and CPR and other emergency training.

When you're at the center, note how the staff interacts with the children. Teachers should also be responsible, enthusiastic, and well prepared. Look for a preschool with a staff that shares your philosophy about sleep, discipline, feeding, and other care issues. Good teachers will ask detailed questions about your child's health and care requirements to help determine whether their preschool is right for you.

Make sure the preschool has plenty of staff so your child will get the attention and care he needs. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a preschool should have one teacher for every seven children, with no more than 14 kids per group (so, two teachers per group of 14). Note that preschools aren't required to follow NAEYC's recommendations, so ask what each school's teacher-child ratio is and decide whether that's okay for you. A good preschool will keep groups of children small no matter how many teachers they have, to encourage interaction and development.

Look for a preschool with good staff benefits. Preschools that pay their employees well and offer them good wages, vacation time, health insurance, and an education allowance, for example, are more likely to have teachers who stick around. Low turnover is key to ensuring consistent, stable care for your child.

Bottom line: If the staff doesn't stick around long, seems overwhelmed, or doesn't have enough experience, the school isn't for you.

Clean, safe facilities
A good preschool is clean and safe; in fact, it has to be to meet most states' licensing requirements. Nevertheless, make sure floors, walks, and the kitchen area are clean, food preparation areas are far from toilets, trash isn't be left sitting unemptied, and the building is adequately heated, lit, and ventilated.

Make sure the preschool follows the basic rules of safety, too. Toys and play equipment should be in good repair, upstairs windows (if any) should have screens or bars, all medicines and other hazardous substances should be out of reach, and the outdoor play area should be level and secure. Smoke detectors should be in place and working, radiators and heaters should be covered or otherwise protected, and a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher should be close at hand. The school should be secure as well so strangers can't just walk in off the street.

Look for a school with an outdoor play area. Children should have the chance to play outside every day — running, jumping, and skipping are good for them physically, mentally, and socially. If you live in a city, where it can be difficult for even the best preschools to have enough space for a safe outdoor play yard, make sure they have a spacious indoor area (the next best thing). According to NAEYC, preschools should have at least 35 square feet of indoor space per child and 75 square feet per child outside.

Bottom line: Spot a safety hazard? A missed hand wash? Keep looking.

Visit and Ask Questions
If you visit a good interactive kindergarden for an hour or two, you may come away thinking that the center only lets the children play and not learn - especially if you have a traditional learning experience (which many of us were exposed to).

A good Preschool lesson plans and activities strategy is not easily detected by parents who do a one day visit to a good Preschool center.Good preschool lesson plans and activities will only be proven over time. The best way to know is to ask different parents of their views and experiences. Ask the right questions to parents and to the principal of the school, trying to draw out the philosophy and dynamics of the Preschool.

Display of Arts and Crafts
Look around the Preschool classroom. Are there displays of the children's arts and crafts? Note: Children's art - and not teachers' or parents'. It is easy to detect who the master art designer is. If you see the wall filled with identical near perfect crafts, you know that the kids were stifled and not given ample opportunities to express themselves or that there were too much adult involvement.

Resources:
http://www.preschool-lessonplans-and-activities.com/good-preschool.html
http://www.babycenter.com/0_signs-of-a-good-preschool_6054.bc

Muffins with Mom

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 May 2011 15:46:00 +0000

In honor of Mother's Day, we will host a "Muffins with Mom" on Wednesday, May 4th. Come a bit early before school and sit down for a breakfast with your little ones.

If You Give Mom a Muffin

Author: unknown

If you give a mom a muffin,
She'll want a cup of coffee to go with it.
She'll pour herself some.
Her three-year-old will spill the coffee.
She'll wipe it up.
Wiping the floor, she'll find dirty socks.
She'll remember she has to do laundry.
When she puts the laundry in the washer,
She'll trip over boots and bump into the freezer.
Bumping into the freezer will remind her
she has to plan for supper.
She will get out a pound of hamburger.
She'll look for her cookbook
("101 Things To Do With a Pound of Hamburger").
The cookbook is setting under a pile of mail.
She will see the phone bill, which is due tomorrow.
She will look for her checkbook.
The checkbook is in her purse
that is being dumped out by her two-year-old.
She'll smell something funny.
She'll change the two-year-old's diaper.
While she is changing the diaper, the phone will ring.
Her five-year-old will answer and hang up.
She'll remember she wants to phone a friend for coffee.
Thinking of coffee will remind her
that she was going to have a cup.
And chances are...If she has a cup of coffee,
Her kids will have eaten the muffin that went with it.

Teacher Appreciation Week

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 May 2011 15:11:00 +0000

It's Teacher Appreciation Week! Thank you to ALL our teachers who nurture, love, teach and help raise our children. We appreciate you!

May Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 20:18:00 +0000

Mother’s Day

In honor of Mother’s Day, we will have a “Muffins with Mom” on Monday, May 2^nd. We will have breakfast in the morning. Come a bit early before school starts and have breakfast with your little ones.

Summer Enrollment

The summer session will start on June 13^th through August 10^th. Tuition is $130 per child and will be due on June 13^th and then again on July 11^th. We will be closed on July 4^th.

To enroll your family, fill out the Summer Enrollment form and send $20 PER CHILD for their summer supply fee. There is no enrollment fee due for summer!

Memorial Day

We will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 30^th.

Snack time – Letter “P”

On Monday, May 23^rd, bring a snack to share with your class that starts with the letter Pp. Some ideas include: popcorn, popsicles, pretzels, pineapple, pickles, pasta, pizza, pancakes. Be creative and see if you can think of something other than what’s already listed.

Curriculum Highlights

May 2^nd and 4^th

Mother’s Day, Letter Mm

May 9^th and 11^th

Birds of a Feather, Letter Nn

May 16^th and 18^th

I’m Me! I’m Fantastic!, Letter Ii

May 23^rd and 25^th

In a People House, Letter Pp

May 30^th – No School

June 1^st – Review

School PARTY

To celebrate our last day of the Spring semester, we will be having a pizza party on June 1^st. Please send $3 per child for pizza, fruit, dessert and drinks.

We also want to THANK YOU for being with us through our very first semester. Through your prayers and support, this program will continue to grow in Christ’s name.

Dates to Remember:

· Muffins with Mom 5/9

· Tuition Due 5/10

· Bring a snack that starts with “P” 5/23

· PURPLE Day 5/25

· NO SCHOOL 5/30

· PAJAMA Day 6/1

· Last Day of School 6/1

Kids Bowl FREE

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:46:00 +0000

Want some FREE summer fun? Kids bowl free all summer long! Click HERE for more information. There are tons of locations all over the states.

Shenaniganz in Rockwall is our local bowling alley offering Kids Bowl Free. Our family participated at this location last summer and it was awesome! They were so accommodating and accepting of our passes. You will get your coupons emailed to you weekly. All you do is print and take them with you. You will just have to pay for shoe rentals for those participating. Adults can purchase bowling shoes for around $20 and never have to pay for shoe rentals which makes this deal a little bit sweeter.

Happy Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 15:20:00 +0000

Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again!

Happy Easter from Grace Christian Preschool to your family!

Good Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:51:00 +0000

Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. On this day Christians commemorate the passion, or suffering, and death on the cross of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Many Christians spend this day in fasting, prayer, repentance, and meditation on the agony and suffering of Christ on the cross. It's also important to understand that Jesus clearly understood his mission on earth involved laying down his life as a sacrifice. In other words, Jesus knew it was His Father's will for him to die.

The biblical account of Jesus' death on the cross, or crucifixion, his burial and his resurrection, or raising from the dead, can be found in the following passages of Scripture: Matthew 27:27-28:8; Mark 15:16-16:19; Luke 23:26-24:35; and John 19:16-20:30.

Taken from: http://christianity.about.com/od/holidaytips/qt/whatisgoodfrida.htm

Maundy Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 22:46:00 +0000

Maundy Thursday is observed during Holy Week on the Thursday before Easter. Also referred to as "Holy Thursday" or "Great Thursday" in some Christian denominations, Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper when Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples on the night before he was crucified. In contrast to joyful Easter celebrations when Christians worship their resurrected Savior, Maundy Thursday services are typically more solemn occasions, marked by the shadow of Jesus' betrayal.

While different denominations observe Maundy Thursday in their own distinct ways, two important biblical events are the primary focus of Maundy Thursday solemnizations:

Before the Passover meal, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. By performing this lowly act of service, the Bible says in John 13:1 that Jesus "showed them the full extent of his love." By his example, Jesus demonstrated how Christians are to love one another through humble service. For this reason, many churches practice foot-washing ceremonies as a part of their Maundy Thursday services.

During the Passover meal, Jesus took bread and wine and asked his Father to bless it. He broke the bread into pieces, giving it to his disciples and said, "This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." Then he took the cup of wine, shared it with his disciples and said, "This wine is the token of God's new covenant to save you--an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you." These events recorded in Luke 22:19-20 describe the Last Supper and form the biblical basis for the practice of Communion. For this reason, many churches hold special Communion services as a part of their Maundy Thursday celebrations. Likewise, many congregations observe a traditional Passover Seder meal.

What does "Maundy" mean? Derived from the Latin word mandatum, meaning "commandment," Maundy refers to the commands Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper: to love with humility by serving one another and to remember his sacrifice.

Taken from http://christianity.about.com/od/easter/qt/maundythursday.htm.

Easter Party!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:05:00 +0000

We celebrated today with an Easter egg hunt and an Easter lunch - ham, green beans, carrots, macaroni and cheese and bananas. And of course juice and cookies as well! We had SO MUCH FUN! Here are just a few pictures. To see them all, click HERE.

Homemade Resurrection Rolls

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:26:00 +0000

This is a simple way to share the message of the cross with your children and family and end up with a yummy treat! This recipe serves 24.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup warm water
1 large egg
3 cups flour
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp sugar
6 tbs butter
3 tbs dry milk
1 1/2 tsb yeast
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 tbs cinnamon
24 marshmallows

Combine first 8 ingredients. Let rise until double. Divide into 24 balls and flatten. Rolled dough represents the tomb.
Mix sugar and cinnamon together.

Dip rolls in melted margarine, then into sugar mixture. Wrap roll around a marshmallow, covering completely. Marshmallow represents Jesus’ body. Rolling each roll in butter and then in the sugar mix represents the oils and spices the body was anointed with upon burial.

Dip once more into butter, and again into sugar. Place rolls in a large greased pan and allow to rise till double (about 35 minutes). Rapping the tomb around the body and seal it tightly represents rolled a stone over the tomb to secure it.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes, or until done. Rolls should be completely empty when cooled…like the empty tomb. Jesus is ALIVE!

Homemade Resurrection Eggs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:48:00 +0000

What a terrific way to share the Easter story of Jesus's resurrection with your children. You will need a dozen plastic Easter eggs, an egg carton, and the items listed to go along with the scripture. Each egg is to contain the item along with the paper describing the verse. When you are all done filling the eggs you can even decorate a the egg carton!

PLEASE NOTE: Some of these items are very small and adult supervision is necessary for the little ones.

1. (Bread) Matthew 26:26
"While they were eating Jesus took a piece of bread,
gave a prayer of thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples.
'Take and eat it,' He said, 'This is My body.'"

2. (Coins) Matthew 26: 14-15
"Then  one of the twelve disciples, named Judas Iscariot, went to
the chief priests and asked, 'What will you give me if I betray
Jesus to you?'  They counted out thirty silver coins and gave 
them to him."

3.  (Purple cloth, representing a purple robe) Mark 15:17
"They put a purple robe on Jesus. . ."

4.  (Thorns) Matthew 27:29
"Then they made a crown out of thorny branches and placed it on
His head, and put a stick on His right hand; then they knelt
before Him and made fun of Him.  'Long live the King, of the 
Jews!' they said."

5. (Scourge-a small piece of rope or thick string)  Mark 15:15
"Pilate wanted to please the crowd, so he set Barabbas free for
them.  Then he had Jesus whipped and handed Him over to be
crucified."

6.  (Cross) John 19: 17-18a
"He went out, carrying His cross, and came to 'The Place of the
Skull,' as it is called.  (In Hebrew it is called "Galgotha.") There
they crucified Him."

7.  (Nails) John 20:25b
"Thomas said to them, 'Unless I see the scars of the nails in His
hands and put my finger on those scars and my hand in His
side, I will not believe.'"

8.  (Sign) Luke 23:38
"Above Him were written these words:  THIS IS THE KING OF 
THE JEWS."

9.  (Sponge) Matthew 27:48
"One of them ran up at once, took a sponge, soaked it in cheap
wine, put it on the end of a stick, and tried to make Him drink it."

10.  (Spear) John 19:34
"One of the soldiers plunged his spear into Jesus' side, and at
once blood and water poured out."

11.  (Rock) Matthew 27:59-60
"Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a new linen sheet, and
placed it in his own new tomb, which he had just recently dug
out of solid rock.  Then he rolled a large stone across the
entrance to the tomb and went away."

12.  (Empty) Matthew 28:6
"He is not here He has risen just as He said."

Easter Egg Hunt and Class Parties

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:38:00 +0000

To celebrate Easter, we will have our class Easter Egg Hunt on Monday, April 18^th. Please bring 12 FILLED plastic eggs to school. We will make an Easter Bag and they will return home with 12 eggs they found on their hunt. Please make sure that the items in the plastic egg will not melt. You may also send a camera to school and we will take their picture for you. And of course you are always welcome to join us for our class parties.

We’ll also have a special lunch on this day. Please send $3 per child to cover their special lunch – ham, turkey, cheese, fruit, veggies and juice. We will cook this for them and all eat together in honor of Easter.

April Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:53:00 +0000

Spring Pictures

Holly Reyna Photography will be here Wednesday, April 6^th to take the kids’ Spring pictures. A price sheet will go home soon! If you have multiple children, they can have their pictures taken together and/or individually. You will need to make a check out to Grace Christian Preschool. A portion of your child’s pictures will go back to the preschool; we thank you for taking your child’s pictures here at the school.

Holly Reyna Photography

214-577-0626

holly.reyna@hotmail.com

reynaphotos.blogspot.com

Fall Enrollment

Fall enrollment begins March 28^th for current GCP families. Enrollment will open April 4^th for church members and April 11^th for new families. Fill out the Fall Enrollment form and attach the $50 enrollment fee to reserve your child’s spot. Refer your friends for discounted rates!!

Summer Enrollment

Summer Enrollment begins March 28^th. There will be classes for infants through 5^th grade. The summer session will be in progress from June 13^th through August 10^th. Tuition is $130 per child and will be due on June 13^th and then again on July 11^th.

To enroll your family, fill out the Summer Enrollment form and send $20 PER CHILD for their summer supply fee. There is no enrollment fee due for summer!

Curriculum Highlights

April 4^th and 6^th

At the Zoo, Letter Zz

April 11^th and 13^th

A Rainbow of Colors, Letter Aa

April 18^th and 20^th

Happy Easter, Letter Ll

April 25^th and 27^th

Let’s Go Camping, Letter Gg

Easter Parties

Dates to Remember:

· PICTURE DAY!! 4/6

· Tuition DUE 4/10

Summer Enrollment

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:01:00 +0000

Summer Dates:
June 13th - August 10th
Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30-2:30
Infants through 5th Grade

Due Upon Enrollment:
$20 Supply Fee per Child
There is NO Enrollment Fee for Summer

Tuition is $130 and due June 13th and then again on July 11th. >

Fall Enrollment

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:56:00 +0000

2011-2012 School Year
First Day of School: August 22, 2011
Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30-2:30

Enrollment Dates:
March 28, 2011 for current families
April 4, 2011 for church members
April 11, 2011 for new families

Due Upon Enrollment:
$50 Annual Enrollment Fee (per family)
$50 Supply Fee (per child) due on the first day of school
Tuition begins September 2011

Picture Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:27:00 +0000

Holly Reyna Photography will be here Wednesday, April 6th to take the kids’ Spring pictures. A price sheet will go home soon! If you have multiple children, they can have their pictures taken together and/or individually. You will need to make a check out to Grace Christian Preschool. A portion of your child’s pictures will go back to the preschool; we thank you for taking your child’s pictures here at the school.

Holly Reyna Photography
214-577-0626
holly.reyna@hotmail.com
You can also find her on Facebook!

Teaching Kids to Worship

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:08:00 +0000

“Out of the mouths of babes and infants thou hast ordained perfect praise”

There are few moments in Children’s Ministry more precious than being a witness to a group of children who have tapped into true worship in the presence of God. He is touching them, healing them and ministering to them in ways that no human being would ever be able to do. He can do more for them in those few minutes, than you could ever hope to do through object lessons, skits, or bible lessons. So how do you lead a group of rambunctious children into the presence of God?

It does not happen overnight and the following principles need to be in place in order for it to be possible.

-Gain an understanding of the importance of Praise and Worship
-Believe that praise and worship is important and will make a difference in the lives of the children.
-Don’t miss the whole point. If you see praise and worship simply as an activity that helps get the wiggles out and takes up time during service then you’ve missed the whole point.
-Gain an understanding of the purpose of Praise and Worship and the vital role it plays in our walk with the Lord in order to effectively lead children in it.
-Take some time to study what the bible says about praise and worship and what part it plays in the life a Christian. (There are many good resources and books available on this subject. One that I would recommend is titled “How to Praise the Lord” by Charles Trombley, © 1976, first published by Fountain Press, Inc.)
-Ask God to teach you and help you find the resources or books that are right for you.

Lead by example: Make praise and worship a way of life. Once you understand the power available through praise and worship you will find yourself lifting praises to God on a daily basis. When you are faced with hard times and tough issues that are beyond your control, It will come natural to “cast your cares on Him for He cares for you” and spend time worshiping Him (which opens up the gates of heaven and gives God access to move in your life), instead of grumbling and complaining (which hinders God from moving and steals your peace and joy). Be comfortable with being able to freely express your heart to the Lord in front of the children during praise and worship. (This may mean that you would be willing to dance, shout, or raise your hands as you sing praises to His name or He may prompt you to kneel before Him during a time of worship with the children. If you have not come to a place where you can freely do this in your own private times of worship with God then it will be very hard for you to do in front of a group of children. The more you praise and worship Him in your own quiet time the more comfortable you will become expressing your heart to Him when praising Him with a group of children.)

Tips if you dont have a live band and will be using CD's: Make a master CD of various songs (maybe 8 to 10) you will be singing with the kids every quarter. Get permissioin to make copies of your CD to hand out to kids so that they can listen to the songs at home. When we did this I was amazed by the number of familes that would listen to the CD in the car. If you cant afford to by the DVD's that come with power points of words or video's that inlcude lyrics make your own using microsoft power point. Once you've made them you can use them over and over again. I would pick about 5 songs for each month and rotate them in differnt order so that the kids were familar with them. We never learned more than two new songs a month. when we did learn a new song we'd listen through once with me singing it, then sing it all together, then sing it and learn the motions. It normally took about 3 weeks for kids to become comfortable with a new song. When teaching a new song be prepared for them to stand and watch you the first two weeks without much interaction on their part. If they still dont pick up on it or begin singing with you the song is either boring or too hard for them to learn.

Remember that they are still children: Be balanced in your expectations of them. They are still children and do not have the ability to spend more than 15 to 20 minutes singing songs. Structure your praise and worship to where there are 2 or 3 short praise songs and 1 or 2 worship songs. Make sure the children understand what they are singing and that the songs are simple and easy to remember.
Explain what they are about to do. Take a few minutes each time you are about to enter into praise and worship to teach a little. They need to understand that praise is a time of expressing our joy and thankfulness to God for all He is and all He does. Let them know it’s much more important to please God. They need to learn that they will miss out on receiving from Him if they are concerned with what others around them may think of their actions. Help them to understand that Worship is a time to love on God and to let Him love on them. Encourage them to close their eyes during worship time and imagine that they are before His throne. There may be times during worship that you will sense the Lord leading you to be still and wait in His presence. Let the children know there will be a few moments of silence and that God is wanting to speak to them, then give God the freedom to move.

Follow your heart: Teach the children about the different ways people praised and worshiped God in the bible. Let them know that there are many ways to express our thanksgiving and love towards God, they just need to listen to their heart. Following are a few examples:

TOWDAH- TO SACRIFICE – Psalms 50:23
YADAH- TO LIFT YOUR HANDS- 2 Chronicles 20:19-21
BARAK- TO KNEEL OR BOW – Psalms 95:6
SHABACH- TO SHOUT – Ezra 3:11
ZAMAR- TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT – Psalms 150/1 Chron. 15:16
HALAL - TO RAVE AND BOAST – Psalms 44:8
TEHILLAH- ALL OF THE ABOVE – Psalm 22:3
(The word for praises in this verse is plural of tehillah. It is in this particular kind of praise that God manifests Himself.)

Most children will not “fake” praise and worship. There will be a few that will imitate you simply because they love you and want to please you. Let them know that their focus needs to be on the Lord and not on others. Encourage them to follow their heart and do whatever it leads them to do. They may feel like jumping during a praise song or raising their hands during a worship song. Give them the freedom to express what they feel in their hearts, without the fear of being laughed at. There will always be some that resist and others that try to take advantage. There will always be some children that resist entering into praise and worship and others that try to take advantage of the “freedom” given. When this happens have trained volunteers in place to help keep order. Have them very politely remind the child that their focus should be on God and not on playing around, and if they choose not to be a part of praising and worshiping Him then they need to sit down. Never approach a child in a harsh condemning way, always leave room for them to examine their behavior and decide what they would like to do from that point. You may even ask them “Who are you doing this for? Make sure it’s for the Lord.” The Lord will teach you how to discern weather or not they are sincere or just fooling around.

Let God be God - Learn to be sensitive to His promptings and obedient to His leading. When He decides to take over a service and it seems to be going in a direction that is different from your lesson plan, submit to what He wants to do. Get out of the way. When God begins to “inhabit the praises of His children” let Him have His way. Teach the children to "be still" for a few minutes to allow God to speak to their hearts. There may be times where He will choose to use children to minister, he may give them something to share, or prompt them to pray for someone or something. If you sense this to be true ask the children if anyone has anything the Lord would like them to share or pray about. Be careful not to rush things when He wants to move. If He is leading you to spend some time in silence, waiting in His presence, don’t be afraid to let the children know that there will be a time of waiting on God, and then be willing to simply wait on Him. It is during these times that He wants to bring healing to the children, love on them, and minister to them. Don’t not to prolong things when He is finished. Unless you have a specific leading to say or do something, don’t try to add to what God has done. Simply thank Him for what He has done and go on with the service. Remember that God is a God of order, so although you may not be in control of what He is doing you are still there to help keep order. If you sense that someone is doing something that is not from God, you need to step in and explain that this may not be the right time for that action or behavior.

Never Give Up! Praise and Worship is one of the most powerful weapons we have as believers and our advisory, the devil, is fully aware of this. (He once held the position of Praise and Worship Leader in heaven.)

Be prepared for a battle when you start to take steps to teach children how to enter into true praise and worship. Stay prayed up and full of the word and be encouraged, the rewards gained will be well worth the “good fight of faith”.

1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

One of your biggest obstacles may be music. Find a way to have a time of praise and worship in your service, even if you have to use tapes that have been pre-recorded with the songs in order of how you want to sing them. Another obstacle will be when you face times of disappointment and times where you wonder if the children are “getting it”. Stay faithful to what you are doing and remember that if your heart is right God will take care of the rest! God delights in the praises of His people. See it as a journey that you are taking them on. You may never see the end result or influence your efforts will have on the children you teach. Just know that God will honor what you do for Him.

Taken from: creativeforkids.com.

Lent Season Activities

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:14:00 +0000

What is Lent? Lent is the season of 40 days beginning Ash Wednesday (March 9, 2011 this year) until East Sunday. It is observed by Christians as a season of fasting, penitence and spiritual discipline in preparation for Easter. The purpose is to set aside time to reflect upon Jesus Christ and his suffering, sacrifice, life, death, burial and resurrection.

What can you do to celebrate Lent this season with your family?

* Resurrection Eggs - The eggs tell the story of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. Your family can open one egg a day for the 12 days leading up to Easter. Each day, review the previous eggs you've opened and on the final day review them all together. Click HERE for a great craft idea for Resurrection Eggs. Thank Kendra!

*Make a Playdough Mountain, to tell the story of Jesus. Click HERE for directions.

*Make Easter Story Cookies - To be made the evening before Easter.

You need:
1 c. whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
Pinch salt
1 c. sugar
Zipper baggy
Wooden spoon
Tape
Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested the Roman soldiers beat him. Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1-tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1-c. sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read ISA.1: 18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matt. 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matt. 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matt. 28:1-9.

HE IS RISEN!

Capturing Kids Through Storytelling

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:27:00 +0000

Capturing Kids through Storytelling
By Michele' Triplett

Would you like to have every kid in class not only hearing you tell the bible story but actually wanting to listen to what happens next? Here are 10 tips to keep in mind the next time you share a bible story in class.

1. Make sure you are familiar with your story. You cannot tell a captivating story if you don’t know the story by heart. It’s kind of like telling a joke… and forgetting the punch line. One way to get a story into your memory and heart is to read through your story once, then read it through again out loud. On the third read through put some emotion into it and on the fourth read through try to tell it from memory with dramatic emphasis. It helps to believe in your story because then you will tell it from your heart not your head.

2. Change it up:

Change direction if the story calls for it.

Change level if the character sits down or kneels or lay’s down.

Change tempo + speed if you are talking about slowing down or running away.

Change facial expressions depending on the emotional content of the story.
Change body gestures if the story relates. Waving, covering face, making fists, hands on hips, etc.

Change your voice level depending on the context of the story.
Change your voice level depending on the context of the story.
Emphasize certain words. Whisper when the story talks about how quiet it was. Jump up and down or dance if the story calls for a celebration. Show sadness if you are talking about something sad.

3. Don’t feel like you have to tell it word for word according to the way it is written in the lesson. Make sure you’ve noted the main points and key information about the story. Trust the Holy Spirit then to bring it back to your memory because you have prepared and it’s in your heart.

4. When telling the story think about the setting. What was it like to live in that world, time, and environment? What was going on in the culture, hearts, and minds of the characters? When you understand your characters environment you can make your story even more engaging. Include some interesting props or facts that might have been a part of the setting at the time.

5. When telling the story get into character. Imagine what it was like to be going through or experiencing what the character was experiencing at the time. Think about how they might have felt or how they might have responded. If possible dress up to emphasize their character. Bring in sound effects and use them at unexpected times.

6. Don’t forget audience participation! Find ways to involve your audience. Include ways they can participate that appeal to their senses and imaginations. If at all possible bring them into the story. They could be a character or involve them with props, sound, or events happening at the time.

7. Add some music! Have you ever watched an intense or moving scene in a movie with the sound muted? The right music played at the right time can make the scene and help the audience connect to the story in an even deeper way.

8. Think creatively… If your budget doesn’t allow for props and costumes don’t give up! There is always a way to created more excitement and sound. If a scene calls for a buzzer and you have no buzzer, recruit a human buzzer and a tapper (child). Each time you need the buzzing sound have the tapper tap the human buzzers head which prompts a buzzing sound. Need waves? Use material! No wind, rain or thunder and lightning…. Several kids blowing and clanging or crinkling paper will do the trick!

9. Keep them guessing. One of the best ways to get kids to remember your story and even talk about it on the way home or at school the next day is to bring variety and the element of surprise into your story. Ask yourself, what can I do to shock them, catch them off guard, and surprise them? If your story has a snake in it… why not include a real one. Does your story include water? Why not let them experience the feeling of how wet it really was!

10. Have fun! The more relaxed and into the story you are the more your audience will enjoy listening to it. Be dramatic!

Taken from creativeforkids.com.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:03:00 +0000

This week we are celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday! Theodor Seuss Giesel was born March 2, 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was a college professor, magazine cartoonist, children's author, and an American poet.

Dr. Seuss wrote his first children's book, upon learning he and his wife could not have children, in 1931. It never found a publisher. And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street was his first book, written in 1937. The Cat in the Hat was Seuss’s thirteenth children’s book written in 1957.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dr. Seuss! Thank you for your brilliant words that have enchanted minds for so many years!

Pajama Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:35:00 +0000

We had so much fun at our Valentine parties! Thank you for all of our wonderful goodies :)

Wednesday (2/16) is pajama day!! Wear your pj's and slippers to school, teachers too!

Grace Christian Preschool

Water Day

Vacation Bible School

Forney - Summer Reading Program

"P" Week

What to look for in a good preschool?

Muffins with Mom

Teacher Appreciation Week

May Newsletter

Mother’s Day

Memorial Day

Snack time – Letter “P”

Curriculum Highlights

School *P*A*R*T*Y*

Dates to Remember:

Kids Bowl FREE

Happy Easter

Good Friday

Maundy Thursday

Easter Party!

Homemade Resurrection Rolls

Homemade Resurrection Eggs

Easter Egg Hunt and Class Parties

April Newsletter

Spring Pictures

Fall Enrollment

Summer Enrollment

Curriculum Highlights

Easter Parties

Dates to Remember:

Summer Enrollment

Fall Enrollment

Picture Day!

Teaching Kids to Worship

Lent Season Activities

Capturing Kids Through Storytelling

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

Pajama Day!

School PARTY