follow me! {current FAVS}

for the month of january, at willow chicago, we're teaching lessons titled: Follow Me (stories of people who followed Jesus). i LOVE these lessons for so many reasons -- TOP of the list: we have the opportunity to show children that ALL people had + have access to jesus. following Him, being part of His inner circle is not limited to your race, gender, social class, etc. nothing better!

a few of my current favorite things from this unit:

Fishing Set --- we wanted a great fishing toy for our kids, given that many of the people who followed jesus were fishermen. and, let's be honest, land of nod has the best EVERYTHING for kids. so, when this toy went on sale, i scooped it up! if we had the right place to put a fishing curtain, i would have bought this, too!

Foam Stacking Blocks w/Photo Pockets --- i'm LOVING the addition of these photo blocks in our preschool classes. we're currently teaching lessons on people who followed jesus, and we were having trouble finding non-white disciple images. and then, THESE! we added our art to the pockets of the blocks -- thus making the toys a match with the curriculum!

and, this is what it looks like when you combine all the toys to make a new activity. disciples fishing in a giant pond made of brick walls. naturally. 

Kerplunk --- we made these kerplunk games as a small group activity. (they're simple utensil canisters!) after children had quiet time to reflect on how jesus was asking them to follow Him, they played kerplunk. each child had a turn to share how jesus was leading him/her, and then took out a straw. a fun way for kids to share!

 

Wikki Stix --- have you tried these? SUPER fun! last sunday, the kids shaped the stix to create the crowds that followed jesus. a great way to imagine what the people who followed jesus looked like. 

 now it's your turn---what are your current favorite things? SHARE! we all need new ideas!