Christmas Poem

This month our toddler and preschool classes are going to be learning the Christmas story, and you can practice at home with your child. The poem comes from the reThink First Look curriculum that we utilize in all our nursery classrooms.  If your house is ever like mine was, than this could be a great distraction to stop your kid's grandma and aunt from fighting over politics.

Week 1

The angel came down (make a flying motion)

from God to say (cup hands around mouth like you want to say something)

that Mary will have a baby (pretend to rock a baby in your arms) on Christmas Day.

His name will be Jesus (make a ‘V’ with both arms up and fists closed),

God’s only Son (point a finger and arm straight up).

He will show that God loves everyone. (Hug yourself.)

Week 2

“Mary and Joseph traveled far, far away. (Walk in place.)

When they got to Bethlehem, they had no place to stay. (Hold your hands out and shake your head ‘no.’)

God gave them a barn filled with cows and sheep. (Use your arms to make a pretend roof over your head.)

Jesus was born (pretend to hold a baby in your arms);

in hay He did sleep (fold your hands under your head like you’re sleeping).

Week 3 

“The shepherds were watching their sheep at night. (Put your hand above your eyes like you’re looking for something.)

An angel cam and caused a fright! (Put your hand over your mouth and make a scared face.)

‘Don’t be afraid. Shake and wave your hands ‘no.’)

I have good news! (Give two thumbs-up.)

Jesus is born (use your arms to make a ‘V’ above your head)

for you and you and you!’ (Point to different people.)

The angels sang! (Pretend to hold a microphone.)

The shepherds ran! (Run in place.)

All to the see the baby (pretend to hold a baby)

God sent to man!” (Point both thumbs to your chest.)

Week 4

“The wise men came following a special star. (Wiggle your fingers overhead.)

All the way to Jesus (make the sign for Jesus by pointing to the center of each hand with your middle fingers),

they came from afar. (Put your hand above your eyes like you’re looking out.)

They knocked on His door (pretend to knock),

then they knelt on the floor (kneel down on both knees)

and gave their gifts to Jesus.” (Hold your hands out like you’re giving a gift.)

Gratitude

This month we've been learning about Gratitude.  It's really been an awesome experience, our kids have been showing gratitude at church this month, and I hope at home too!
So far this month our key points have been;
1. You always have something to be grateful for.
2. Check your attitude and change it to gratitude.
3. Take time to say thank you.
Those sound awesome don't they?  We want our kids to be able to pause and check their attitude and realize that they have a lot to be grateful for even if they don't always get their own way.

What I've found this month is that this one hits a lot closer to home than most of our topics do.  The other day I was getting ready to leave the house and I was just in a funk, as I stepped out the front door I saw our 93 year old neighbor in the front lawn.  He had fallen and his wife was trying to help him up.  I got my husband and as we helped the man to his feet suddenly my problems didn't seem so big.  I continued my day and when I ran into a friend I found out that her husband had just lost his job, while in comparison my husband had just started his new job the day before.  In that moment I was humbled, my problems weren't so big and I had a lot to be grateful for. May God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving and may you have a clear focus of the many things we truly have to be grateful for this year.  What are you giving thanks for this year?