Mrs. Wellmann's Sunday School Class

Shining Jack-o-Lantern Paper Plate Craft

2012-10-28T10:41:00.001-07:00

Happy Sunday!

With this being the Sunday before Halloween we created these paper plate Shining Jack-o-Lanterns to remind us that God shines His light through us. It was a perfect opportunity to explain to the kids that Halloween is about fun times and use it as a teaching moment.

To give the jack-o-lantern the 3D effect glue or staple each plate backwards (to give sort of a bubble or open area between the plates).

Every year my students love making these Shining Jack-o-lanters. So Fun!

Paper plates are one of my favorite materials to craft with. I usually pick them up at the dollar store to keep on hand for crafting with my students.

Supplies:

paper plates

black marker

yellow card stock or construction paper

brown construction paper or cardstock

glue

stapler

orange crayon

Glue yellow circle on paper plate opposite of face; attach/glue brown stem in place. Attach face with glue or staple for additional hold.

Creation Story ~ God Gives Us Animals (A Treat for the Birds)

2012-10-21T10:10:00.003-07:00

As we continue our lessons on the Story of Creation this week we learn that God Gives Us the Animals to fill the beautiful earth. At the beginning of Creation we already learned that God created The World, The Sun, Moon & Stars and also divided the world into Land & Sea. This week we learn that God gave us Animals. Animals can be soft, furry, tall, short, fat or skinny. Some animals are our pets at home or we go to visit them at the zoo, beach, farm or other fun places.

Lesson - God Gives Us Animals
Snack - Animals Crackers
Craft - A Treat for the Birds & Paper Bag Animal Puppets
Coloring Page - Animals

We had 2 crafts this week including making a Treat for the Birds to hang outside and we also created Paper Bag Animals -- and made puppets out of them.

A Treat for the Birds
Supplies:

bagels
peanut butter
birdseed
string

We dumped a little birdseed out on a paper plate. Tie string through the hole of the bagel and knot at the top for hanging. Spread peanut butter on one or both sides of the bagel and dip into the birdseed. Place outside on a tree limb or other hanging spot as a special treat for the birds.

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I found some free Paper Bag Puppet printables {here} and printed out several ones of the face (for time purposes). I let the children could choose which one they would like.

Paper Bag Animal Puppets
Supplies:

brown lunch bags
paper bag printable from here
crayons
scissors
glue

Color animal, cut out and assemble animal accordingly.

Creation Story ~ God Gives Us Land (Fun Foam Plant Pokes)

2012-10-14T12:48:00.003-07:00

The creator of Fun Foam is a pure genius because it is one of the best craft materials for small children (in my humble opinion) You can find Fun Foam in the craft section is a variety of colors and designs. Its color doesn't fade and it's easy to cut, glue and make cute little projects with. Perfect for little hands to manipulate. Since I have a class of boys and girls I had both flowers and sport balls for the children to choose from to make their plant poke. Of course, all of the girls chose the flowers and most all of the boys chose the sports ball. So funny!

When planning a craft project for my students I've found it helpful to have everything ready to go where they only have to do up to 2 more steps during class. Last night I decided to add a cute smiley face to the center of the flower and my Peachy Keen faces were the perfect choice. To ensure it wouldn't smear if it gets wet I used Black Staz On ink. I stamped the faces onto fun foam and then used my Martha Stewart Circle Cutter to cut out the faces. The fun foam is too think for a circle punch. :( I had everything ready to go where all the children had to do was pick 2 flowers or balls for their plant poke.

I gave them each a paper pennant to color and cut out for their stick.

{freebie} - right click and save to your computer.
Insert as a picture into a document as many times as you need to. Print and cut. :)

Here are other crafty ideas I did with my students: Creation Day 1 ~ Paper Plate World (God Created the World) Creation Day 2 ~ Paper Plate Sun (God Gives Us Light) Creation Day 3 ~ Water Bottles (God Gives Us Water)

Thank You God for Water ~ {Bottle Labels} Free Printable

2011-10-02T04:38:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be a fun idea to give each child a bottle of water to drink as we continue our lesson on Creation and explore the world as God made it. Every living thing needs water and God gives us this precious gift. Without water all living things will die. These labels wrap around a bottle nicely -- secure around bottle with tape or adhesive. I purchased the Nestle Pure Life Juniors and these are a perfect size for little hands. I added blue curly ribbon to the top of the bottle because every gift needs a bow right? Enjoy!!

{FREE PRINTABLE}

click to open in new window -- right click and save on your computer -
open a blank document -- insert as a picture onto a 8 1/2 x 11 and print

God Made the Sun Paper Plate Project!

2011-09-25T19:04:00.000-07:00

As our class continues to learn about Creation we learned that God divided the darkness calling the daytime "light" and the darkness "night". The sun provides daytime light and the moon and stars provide night time light. This is one of my favorite projects I do with my students and I'm happy to share it with you.

My "big" boy is a great helper with my class! The kids just love him!!!

My sweet boy -- he definitely loves craft projects! :)

Supplies

paper plates
yellow yarn
yellow construction paper
face for sun -- see below for template
scissors
glue
hand held hole puncher

- for triangles (sun rays) - cut triangles out of yellow paper. How many will depend on how many you want to put around each sun.

- punch 2 holes at the top of paper plate and attach yellow yarn.

- ask each child to color the face yellow before they attach to the paper plate (cut out the sun)

- attach yellow triangles (sun rays) to the plate and then glue on the sun's face.

*extra tip* You can also add yellow crepe paper (2 strips) on the bottom of the sun (just staple to the bottom of the plate). I've done this in the years past but didn't have any yellow crepe paper on hand.

Enjoy!

click to enlarge - then right click and save to your computer. Print and make copies for your class.

God Made the Whole World Project

2011-09-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our first project here at Mrs. Wellmann's Sunday School Class…..

Here is a great project you can do with your students (or kids) -- to remind them that God made the whole world and He made all things in it.

If you have a cricut machine, Give a Hoot cartridge has the perfect land designs for the globe/earth. If you do not I found a template here you can cut out with scissors and trace onto green paper.

Supplies:

paper plates
green card stock or green construction paper
glue
blue crayon
Give a Hoot cricut cartridge - page 50 or use this template here.

Have each child color the plate with blue crayon to signify water

Glue "land" pieces onto paper plate.

Write "Thank you God for the World!" on bottom of plate.

Encourage the children to write or draw things on the back of the plate
that they like to see in the world. This helps us remember to
thank God everyday for these gifts.

Even more Craft ideas here!

How to Teach Sunday School Tips!

2011-09-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

I found these awesome tips from Ministry-to-Children.com and thought I'd share. Sometimes I find myself over planning or under planning. The most important thing I've learned is to be prepared and keep their little minds active. This is one reason I started this blog was to help myself as a Sunday School teacher and share ideas with others.

As shared on the website {here}….

“Sunday Schools” were first established in the 1700′s in Britain to educate poor children on how to read and write. These children worked six days a week, were very poor and many were starving.

Today, public school systems teach our kids the “three R’s” but little about God or His Word. Enter the Sunday School teacher!

If you’ve decided to become a Christian educator, you are joining the ranks of a long, proud line of selfless servants who love God and kids. If you are learning how to teach Sunday School, there are some practical keys you should know. Once you have the basics, read our next article on becoming an awesome Sunday School teacher.

1. Know the ages of your children. The curriculum may cover several ages or grades but to really grab kids’ attention, you’ll need to apply the “Minute Rule.” If you teach 8-year olds, you have eight minutes to cover each section. If you teach 6-years, you’ll have 6 minutes. Keep the material appropriate for the age of the children.

2. Use the Bible translation preferred by your church. Some churches may prefer King James Version others may like teachers to use the New International Version. Double-check before you begin teaching.

3. Prepare ahead of time. Kids that see their teacher unprepared and unorganized will translate that to “She really doesn’t care about the class, or me.” Don’t wait till the night before or the morning of class to go over your listen. You’ll need time to gather your supplies and pray over the lesson.

4. Include a variety of activities. Don’t plan to talk the entire time. Kids need interaction, they like stretching their muscles. Include a section for physical movement, crafting and expressions of worship. This should be part of your weekly curriculum.

5. Promote attendance by using special charts or posters. Place star stickers next to each child’s name when they attend Sunday School. Use incentives for attendance like small prizes or fun activities.

6. Arrange the room in a kid friendly manner. Kids need the appropriate tables and chairs for comfort. Also, decorate with bright colors that draw kids’ eyes. Use cut out decorations like scenes from the Bible on a bulletin board or taped to the walls. Have Bible puzzles and coloring materials on tables waiting for kids who are early.

7. Use music. Play music softly in the background during the welcome portion of your Sunday School class. This sends a signal that class is about to begin.

8. Stick to the curriculum. Some Sunday Schools teach the same subject to all grades at the same time. Don’t “go rogue” if you are having difficulties. Communicate with your Sunday School Superintendent. Let someone know if the curriculum is inappropriate.

9. Pray before the class and in the classroom. Incorporate an opening prayer and closing prayer into the lesson.

Sunday School is a wonderful way to educate children about God and His Word. Take some time to get to know the children and build relationships with each one. Kids love the teachers that love them!

Read more about Mimi at her website, Encouragement for Christians.

Jesus Loves Children

2011-09-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

Kindergarteners know a lot -- believe me but there are many things they don't know or understand. Like, how can God know our every thought, know when we are sad or happy, how does He know when we make a mistake or tell a lie? Hmm…one of the most important things I teach my class is to know that God is with us everyday -- all.day.long! Morning, noon, and night. At school, home, in the car, at the movies, riding our bike, and even when we are sleeping, yes, God is watching over us. When we make a mistake we say we are sorry. When we hurt someone we say we are sorry. We try everyday to do our very best and that makes God very happy.

Image courtesy of Turn Back to God

One of the first things I ask them in class is what if Jesus walked into the room right now -- what would you say to Him? What would He say to you? Do you know He would know your name. Yes, He would. What do you think He would be wearing? (answers are funny), what do you think He would ask to eat? (more fun!). Jesus Loves Children! In fact, there was a time when He lived on earth just like you and me. Yes, He walked everywhere (this is when I tell them that there were no bikes, skateboards, cars, airplanes, or buses). Yes, Jesus was a kid and grew up to be a strong man. He would walk around telling crowds of people all about God's love. Many people would hear that Jesus would be speaking and would crowd around him. Then I ask them if they have every gone to a concert, maybe a mall, a rodeo, somewhere where there are large groups of people. That is what happened when Jesus would speak. Crowds of people would come from everywhere -- yes, just to listen to Him speak. WOW! But you know what?
Jesus loved having all of the big people (adults) come and listen to Him speak but one day there were lots of children that came to hear Him speak and some men said:

"Go away. Jesus is too busy!"
What did Jesus say? What did Jesus do?
Jesus said "Let the children come to me."
Jesus smiled.
Jesus hugged the children and He blessed all of the children.

Jesus wants us to come to Him. He wants you to talk to Him and He wants to bless you.

Image courtesy of Turn Back to God

Jesus watches over us when we sleep!

Class Notes for Parent's Information

2011-09-15T08:08:00.001-07:00

One of the things I like to do is send home a class note in each child's folder. This class note is just a quick over view of what we did in class so the parents will have an idea as well as a little information to ask their child questions about. As parent we all get the "I don't know" or "nothing" answer when we ask our children "what did you learn in sunday school today? This note just keeps the parents involved as well as informed of what we're learning about.

Since I am a procrastinator I usually handwrite in the spaces while the children are doing their lesson but you can definitely type up the notes, have them printed and ready before class begins.

graphics by Scrappin' Doodles

Thank You Prayer!

2011-09-15T08:05:00.001-07:00

As I was browsing Pinterest I spotted this wonderful prayer which led me to the French Toast Girl blog that is sharing it….. :)

Welcome!

2011-08-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

Another school year also means another Sunday School year for the youth of our parish (church). I've been teaching religious education for about 10 years now which over the years included (kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade) but my passion is the little ones…..so I've settled with the kindergarteners for now.

I really enjoy teaching the kindergarteners about God, the World, Creation, and the gifts He has given to us.

Beginning in a few weeks (September 18th) our class will meet every Sunday morning for 1 hour so I have to keep things simple and quick. I'll be telling you more about our Circle time, this is where we thank God for our blessings, pray for those in need and share good news. We then have a quick lesson and finish with a crafty project that ties into the lesson of the day. There are times we do have a quick snack because lots of the kids go to Mass afterwards with their parents so I don't want those little tummies to be hungry while sitting in church.

I started this blog because I wanted to share my love of teaching Sunday School to our children and show you some of the things I do to share God's love.
I hope you find some inspiration too.

I also have a great selection of Sunday School crafts I found over at Pinterest -- you can check out what I've been pinning {here}.