Archive for May, 2010

What is the key to making a success of your life? What is the key to making a mess? By choosing random key pictures, and reading the  scenario on the back, the kids are encouraged to think about the consequences of their actions.

This game goes really well with any story where the character makes a mess, or is tempted to do something wrong. For example, Joseph showing off ; David not attacking Saul in cave; Abraham getting a son his own way instead of trusting God’s promise, the disciples turning away the children, Peter cutting off the man’s ear, etc.

In schools, the practical and moral message of the scenarios is appreciated very much.

The download is a single PDF file, which contains the images, suggested scenarios and full instructions.

Download the Key to Success or a Mess Review Game

Another game we featured recently may be of interest to you.
You can find the Helping or Hurting Hands review game in a previous post.

Now available: the POWERPOINT VERSION!!!

**CLICK HERE FOR the POWERPOINT VERSION of Key to Success or a Mess.

Who would have thought that a sink plunger could be so useful to a puppeteer?

This cheap and readily available object makes a great stand for small half-body puppets.  James, over at CMMonthly.com has found that the plungers keep the puppets upright and clean.

I can imagine that they would be ideal, not only in a store room situation, but also on a table behind the staging, during a performance. It will be much easier to spot and lift the right puppet at the right time with them standing in a row.

And just think of the satisfying **Schlurp** sound when you detach them after the show!

For details, visit this post on James’ site.

This book brings together 33 authors from amongst the leaders in the fields of children’s and family ministry.  Each author was asked to define, in one word, “What Matter’s Now in Children’s Ministry.”  They were then asked to expand on that one word with a short (200 words or less) explanation of their choice. 

This is a quote from an excellent in-depth review by Wayne Stocks of a new free resource of interest to everyone in kid’s ministry.  You may have seen the information elsewhere on the web, but in case you haven’t, we thought you’d like a link to the review and download.

If you would like to find out more before downloading the e-book, visit Wayne’s site for his full and thorough review. There are links there to the download.

Or download using this link (Left-click to read online in a new window, or Right-click and save to your hard drive):
What Matter’s Now in Children’s Ministry

Do you have a child in your family or group that has special needs? I have  been very impressed at the regularity and quality of posts on
Our Out of Sync Life.

The author, Momma C. sums up her site like this:

God has blessed us with three beautiful children – one with Sensory Processing Disorder, a very Strong Willed middle child, and a Spirited Little Man. Follow us as we learn to train up our children to love the Lord with all of their heart, soul, and mind.

Even if right now there are no children in your care with special needs, you will still find this blog very uplifting and illuminating. There are heaps of ideas for crafts, and other learning opportunities.

Momma C is a trained educator  and she also runs a companion site , ABC Jesus Loves Me.   This is a pre-school Bible curriculum, free for use in the home. It is especially helpful for children with developmental delays.

I’d encourage you to check out these wonderful sites.

This free printable game is ideal to help your kids review the story of Joseph and the harvests he stored. Surprise bonus scores are on the back of the sacks – but watch out for the mice! They might destroy what you have gathered in!

This game can be played in a way similar to the Treasure Chest game featured in an earlier post. It is an exciting game which “isn’t over till it’s over” and can sometimes have a surprising outcome!

To download the file, Right-Click on the link below and save to your hard drive

Download the Sacks in the Store review game (PDF)