Have you ever been so sick that no one really wanted to be near you? Others thought they might 'catch' what made you sick and, in turn, they would get sick, too.
Jesus and his disciples were passing by a certain city when they heard men crying out, "Jesus, please make us well." These men, ten in all who had heard about Jesus healing other people from all sorts of bad stuff, were lepers. And now they called loudly to him, for they stood far off. (When one 'caught' leprosy which is a very very bad skin disease, s/he had to live outside the city's gates until they either got well or died. Leprosy back then was very contagious!) They cried out, "Jesus, master, have mercy on us!" And Jesus heard their cries.
Always willing to help those who earnestly call out to HIM and obey HIS commandments, Jesus stopped and called back to the lepers, "Go into town and show yourselves to the priests." Moses had commanded every leper to do this when the afflicted one was healed. The ten lepers understood what Jesus meant, and they started at once to go to the priests for an examinations. And as they went the leprosy left their bodies and they were made every bit well.
One of these lepers stopped and turned back just as soon as he saw that his leprosy had gone from him. He ran to Jesus and fell down before him, worshiping him and thanking him for the miracle he had perform. And this man was not a Jew, but a Samaritan.
The other men, however, hurried on their way, never stopping to thank the great healer.
And Jesus said to the disciples, "Were there not ten lepers who were made well? But where are the nine? There is none turned back to give thanks except this stranger who is a Samaritan." Then he said to the man kneeling at his feet, "Rise up and go your way, for your faith has made you well."
Luke 17:11-17
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Math-to-a-TEE Number Lines
Skills: Forming a set, counting on, ordering numerically
Materials: a large bag of golf tees - lots of color please! , 10-12 inch long strips of posterboard with 10 holes punched equal distances apart on one side, marking pens, containers to hold number lines and golf tees
Preparation:
1. Cut 10-12 inch by 4-6 inch strips from the posterboard. Fold lengthwise in halves like a longhouse tent.
2. On one side, punch ten equally spaced holes. Draw a line through to connect the holes. Then label above each hole with the numers 1-10.
3. On the opposite side, write numerical equations like 9 + 1 = 10 or 10 - 9 = 1.
Have your child count out and count on. Adapt if necessary using picture stories or rebuses for preschool (Child shows 1 tee on the line, counts out nine more and then counts on by adding the nine tees to the number line to demonstrate the equation 1 + 9 = 10) or open ended 'mental math equations' for your abstract thinkers....Mental math is just as its name implies - calling out the sentence with more than three procedures to be accomplished before displaying the sentence concretely....10 - 9 (pause in speech) + 6 (pause) - 4....now show me your answer (3 tees in sequence on the number line).
Materials: a large bag of golf tees - lots of color please! , 10-12 inch long strips of posterboard with 10 holes punched equal distances apart on one side, marking pens, containers to hold number lines and golf tees
Preparation:
1. Cut 10-12 inch by 4-6 inch strips from the posterboard. Fold lengthwise in halves like a longhouse tent.
2. On one side, punch ten equally spaced holes. Draw a line through to connect the holes. Then label above each hole with the numers 1-10.
3. On the opposite side, write numerical equations like 9 + 1 = 10 or 10 - 9 = 1.
Have your child count out and count on. Adapt if necessary using picture stories or rebuses for preschool (Child shows 1 tee on the line, counts out nine more and then counts on by adding the nine tees to the number line to demonstrate the equation 1 + 9 = 10) or open ended 'mental math equations' for your abstract thinkers....Mental math is just as its name implies - calling out the sentence with more than three procedures to be accomplished before displaying the sentence concretely....10 - 9 (pause in speech) + 6 (pause) - 4....now show me your answer (3 tees in sequence on the number line).
Modeling Manners of the Heart
"Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them leaves an impression." Haim Ginott
How true!! Statistically, I can improve the frequency of my child's genuine outward display of gratefulness by actively practicing the saying "Thank you for ...." or the writing of thank you notes. (I also firmly believe that thank yous should be 'gift-specific' with an added note of why/how the gift is important Example: "Thank you, Momma, for the chocolate chip cookies. They are my favorite because you made them with love.")
I should show my children that I am appreciative of even the smallest kindness by verbally expressing Thank you often and with heartfelt meaning. Even the smallest toddler can see through insincerity!!
I practiced saying thank you to my kiddos for services they provided (activities they needed to perform for health's sake). My Hubby would get tickled and call it 'reverse child psychology'. "Thank you, Hayley, for brushing your hair this morning. You did a great job AND saved me some time!" "That outfit looks nice one you, Cameron, because there are no holes in the knees. Thank you for changing and bringing to my attention that I need to mend your other pair of pants." "Trae, I know you must feel better now that you have blown your nose. Thank you for picking up and disposing of the dirty tissues. You are preventing the spreading of your cold."
I thanked them for gifts - "Cameron, those roly-poly bugs make me smile. Thank you for sharing the little interesting things GOD made." I thank them for smiles, hugs, car washings, etc., anything that would leave an impression that their actions and thoughtfulness were IMPORTANT to me!
And I DID NOT WAIT for my three to spell and write sentences before teaching them how to 'write' thank yous. We personalized -everything possible - with hand prints, footprints, fingerprints as our 'signature' and confirmation of gratefulness. I made sure that each of my children had a very special place to plan, organize, and and create his/her own thank yous. (I believe I might be the "Adam" of scrap booking...each special place was stocked up colored pencils and or unusual writing utensils; pretty papers that were saved from gifts, comic sections, ends of wrapping paper rolls; glue sticks, tape, etc. Sometimes my creativity is most passionate in the wee morning hours and I wanted each of them to be creative whenever the 'mood' hit!) Helping them address envelopes and mail their creations was the culmination. It was so much fun to be thankful that I could (should) have started my own Hallmark Store!
If we are to raise thankful children, we must be thankful for the blessings of innocence and honesty, too. Your children are watching. Although it is comical, the following snippet is true.
A five-year-old said grace at family dinner one night. "Dear God, thank you for these pancakes..." When he concluded, his parents asked him why he thanked God for pancakes when they were having chicken. He smiled and said, "I thought I'd see if He was paying attention tonight."
Only 10% of the lepers had been trained and genuinely conveyed thankfulness to our LORD. And Jesus the great Mathematician was paying attention!
How true!! Statistically, I can improve the frequency of my child's genuine outward display of gratefulness by actively practicing the saying "Thank you for ...." or the writing of thank you notes. (I also firmly believe that thank yous should be 'gift-specific' with an added note of why/how the gift is important Example: "Thank you, Momma, for the chocolate chip cookies. They are my favorite because you made them with love.")
I should show my children that I am appreciative of even the smallest kindness by verbally expressing Thank you often and with heartfelt meaning. Even the smallest toddler can see through insincerity!!
I practiced saying thank you to my kiddos for services they provided (activities they needed to perform for health's sake). My Hubby would get tickled and call it 'reverse child psychology'. "Thank you, Hayley, for brushing your hair this morning. You did a great job AND saved me some time!" "That outfit looks nice one you, Cameron, because there are no holes in the knees. Thank you for changing and bringing to my attention that I need to mend your other pair of pants." "Trae, I know you must feel better now that you have blown your nose. Thank you for picking up and disposing of the dirty tissues. You are preventing the spreading of your cold."
I thanked them for gifts - "Cameron, those roly-poly bugs make me smile. Thank you for sharing the little interesting things GOD made." I thank them for smiles, hugs, car washings, etc., anything that would leave an impression that their actions and thoughtfulness were IMPORTANT to me!
And I DID NOT WAIT for my three to spell and write sentences before teaching them how to 'write' thank yous. We personalized -everything possible - with hand prints, footprints, fingerprints as our 'signature' and confirmation of gratefulness. I made sure that each of my children had a very special place to plan, organize, and and create his/her own thank yous. (I believe I might be the "Adam" of scrap booking...each special place was stocked up colored pencils and or unusual writing utensils; pretty papers that were saved from gifts, comic sections, ends of wrapping paper rolls; glue sticks, tape, etc. Sometimes my creativity is most passionate in the wee morning hours and I wanted each of them to be creative whenever the 'mood' hit!) Helping them address envelopes and mail their creations was the culmination. It was so much fun to be thankful that I could (should) have started my own Hallmark Store!
If we are to raise thankful children, we must be thankful for the blessings of innocence and honesty, too. Your children are watching. Although it is comical, the following snippet is true.
A five-year-old said grace at family dinner one night. "Dear God, thank you for these pancakes..." When he concluded, his parents asked him why he thanked God for pancakes when they were having chicken. He smiled and said, "I thought I'd see if He was paying attention tonight."
Only 10% of the lepers had been trained and genuinely conveyed thankfulness to our LORD. And Jesus the great Mathematician was paying attention!
As A Child
And while you're at it, remember to put on your 'shopping list' the following inexpensive or free toys that please nearly all children everywhere!- Capes made from towels
- Squeeze bottles for tub toys
- Arm sling made from dish towel
- Pretend grocery store that's stocked with clean empty boxes, cans, etc., and register receipts
- Binoculars made from two towel cardboard rolls taped together - put pieces of celophane from large windowed envelopes for realistic effect!
- Puppets made from stray socks that are piling up in the laundry room
- Sewing cards made from washed meat trays and old shoelaces
- Pretend post office stocked with junk mail
- Bottles of bubbles - refill with 1/3 dish soap 2/3 water solution as needed
- And, above all else - a free library card of his/her very own!!
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Reflecting the Inner child in Me
Picture this: Jesus surrounded by children of all shapes and sizes: Big kids, little kids, "Angel-kissed nosed" kids, sad and happy children, kids with black hair or brown hair or red hair, Children from towns nearby and far away! Jesus wanted the little children to come near so that HE could teach adults what Christians were supposed to be like.
As HE was teaching the grown-ups about love, Jesus asked the Mommies and Daddies to bring their children to be close to HIM. Friends and followers said to make the children stand back or go away. We think HE's just too busy for the kids. But Jesus said, "Oh no! Let the Little Ones COME TO ME!"
Imagine how comfortable and secure each child must have felt as Jesus hugged one, brushed the hair out of another's eyes, patted some on the shoulders, and told the adults that unless you become as one of these, you cannot go through the gates of my Kingdom.
Why did Jesus want the little children to come to HIM? Because just as we sing, Jesus LOVES the little children - ALL THE CHILDREN of the WORLD! And HE knows that the Little Ones LOVE HIM too!
Matthew 19:13-14
As HE was teaching the grown-ups about love, Jesus asked the Mommies and Daddies to bring their children to be close to HIM. Friends and followers said to make the children stand back or go away. We think HE's just too busy for the kids. But Jesus said, "Oh no! Let the Little Ones COME TO ME!"
Imagine how comfortable and secure each child must have felt as Jesus hugged one, brushed the hair out of another's eyes, patted some on the shoulders, and told the adults that unless you become as one of these, you cannot go through the gates of my Kingdom.
Why did Jesus want the little children to come to HIM? Because just as we sing, Jesus LOVES the little children - ALL THE CHILDREN of the WORLD! And HE knows that the Little Ones LOVE HIM too!
Matthew 19:13-14
Pajama Ride
Today's suggestions for lessons plans will involve adult participation in a very active way. The story of Jesus surrounded by children conjures up in my mind activities that will enlighten me to become more childlike, better fit for the Kingdom. The following idea I read from another and since my children are grown, I can hardly wait for my granddaughters to come visit to experience this one firsthand! Please share your experiences when you've tried this one for yourselves!
One night, after the children are in their pajama and tucked into bed, wait about 10 minutes, race into their rooms, flip on the lights, and call out, "Pajama ride!" Wrap a blanket around each child, buckle them in their car seats, and go to your favorite drive-through ice cream joint. (Ours is DQ!) Order sundaes for all! Your kids will love the memory, they'll get to see Mom and Dad (Mimomma and Granddaddy) act crazy, and you'll have a wonderful opportunity to talk with them about what's going on in their lives.
One night, after the children are in their pajama and tucked into bed, wait about 10 minutes, race into their rooms, flip on the lights, and call out, "Pajama ride!" Wrap a blanket around each child, buckle them in their car seats, and go to your favorite drive-through ice cream joint. (Ours is DQ!) Order sundaes for all! Your kids will love the memory, they'll get to see Mom and Dad (Mimomma and Granddaddy) act crazy, and you'll have a wonderful opportunity to talk with them about what's going on in their lives.
The Five Best Surprises A Kid Ever Had
Along with emphasizing how important we teach our children that GOD loves us and wants only the best for each of us, I thought it would be 'fun' to rediscover the 'child' in myself. That's an excellent way to demonstrate to my offspring that I can have fun and be a little crazy (in a good sense) while still following GOD's way. It's also a way to reconnect with the qualities GOD wants me to possess in order to enter HIS eternal Kingdom.
There are numerous methods of achieving this; I've collected a few here to share in the place of ordinary lesson plans and learning strategies as posted earlier.
1. Build a fort - Take time to build something with your kids...a tree house, a backyard tent, or even a living room fort made from couch cushions. There is something about the memory of working together and building something that stays with children.
2. Water fights - When was the last time you asked the children to help wash the car and and everyone ended up in a huge water fight? Is it dumb? A little silly? You BET! And an absolute riot!! The chance for t hem to see their parents have fun WITH THEM makes it memorable.
3. Scavenger hunt - Wake up the kiddos one morning and announce they've got an important task. After breakfast, they will have (include yourself, too) two hours to find everything on a random list (the sillier the better - a red button, a yellow, an Ace from a pack of playing cards, a coin from the 70s, a mattress advertisement, etc) The fun is in the hunt - and in the chance to let everyone tell their stories at the end of the game.
4. Surprise party - Throw a surprise party. Hang decorations; bake a cake; send invitations to friends, but tell them not to tell! Make it truly a surprise - not for any special event such as a birthday or graduation - just a SURPRISE party. Just the thought of you going to all the trouble of creating a surprise will be enough to make i t memorable.
5. Kids-in-Charge night - Put the children "in charge" some Saturday. Let them choose what will be done in the afternoon. Ask them to prepare simple recipes for dinner, set the table, and clean up afterwards. (Use easy menus like pancakes or spaghetti - the lessons learned will be worth the messes created!) After dinner, guide them through the common Saturday evening chores, i.e. washing dishes, sorting laundry, sewing buttons on, emptying trash cans. During these activities discuss the importance of fulfilling responsibilities and obligations.
Have fun! Please send in other ideas that can be passed on to readers. Strengthening family cohesiveness and remembering to nurture the kid in us will help us to remember 'how' to be like the little children that were brought to Jesus!
There are numerous methods of achieving this; I've collected a few here to share in the place of ordinary lesson plans and learning strategies as posted earlier.
1. Build a fort - Take time to build something with your kids...a tree house, a backyard tent, or even a living room fort made from couch cushions. There is something about the memory of working together and building something that stays with children.
2. Water fights - When was the last time you asked the children to help wash the car and and everyone ended up in a huge water fight? Is it dumb? A little silly? You BET! And an absolute riot!! The chance for t hem to see their parents have fun WITH THEM makes it memorable.
3. Scavenger hunt - Wake up the kiddos one morning and announce they've got an important task. After breakfast, they will have (include yourself, too) two hours to find everything on a random list (the sillier the better - a red button, a yellow, an Ace from a pack of playing cards, a coin from the 70s, a mattress advertisement, etc) The fun is in the hunt - and in the chance to let everyone tell their stories at the end of the game.
4. Surprise party - Throw a surprise party. Hang decorations; bake a cake; send invitations to friends, but tell them not to tell! Make it truly a surprise - not for any special event such as a birthday or graduation - just a SURPRISE party. Just the thought of you going to all the trouble of creating a surprise will be enough to make i t memorable.
5. Kids-in-Charge night - Put the children "in charge" some Saturday. Let them choose what will be done in the afternoon. Ask them to prepare simple recipes for dinner, set the table, and clean up afterwards. (Use easy menus like pancakes or spaghetti - the lessons learned will be worth the messes created!) After dinner, guide them through the common Saturday evening chores, i.e. washing dishes, sorting laundry, sewing buttons on, emptying trash cans. During these activities discuss the importance of fulfilling responsibilities and obligations.
Have fun! Please send in other ideas that can be passed on to readers. Strengthening family cohesiveness and remembering to nurture the kid in us will help us to remember 'how' to be like the little children that were brought to Jesus!
