the jews celebrate • lesson 13 bible point god has special...

189Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Pre-K & K, Ages 5 & 6

Bible Point

The Jews Celebrate • Lesson 13

God has special plans for us to worship him.

Bible Verse“The Lord will work out his plans for my life” (Psalm 138:8a).

Growing Closer to JesusChildren will n discover why the Jews worshipped and celebrated, n learn about the Jewish festival of Purim, n discover that God wants us to worship him, and n thank and praise God.

Teacher EnrichmentBible Basisn The Jews celebrate.

After Haman’s humiliation and death, events turned so strongly in the Jews’ favor that numbers of people throughout the land “became Jews themselves” (Esther 8:17). The meaning of this statement in the Hebrew is debated. Most likely it does not mean they genuinely converted to faith in the one true God. Rather, it likely means that people were either claiming to be Jews themselves in order to get some benefit, or that they became very loyal friends to the Jews in their area.

Jews today begin recognizing Purim on the 13th of the month with a day of fasting. In the Old Testament, fasting was often a measure taken to make one’s desperate need known to God. It also encouraged Queen Esther, who was about to risk her life in order to save the lives of her people. She therefore called on all Jews in the land to join her in a three-day fast before she would approach the king (Esther 4:16). Originally, however, the festival began on the 14th of the month (Esther 9:20-22).

During the reading of the book of Esther on the 14th of Purim, Jews today boo and make other hostile noises whenever Haman’s name is read. Throughout their troubled history, Jewish people have used the festival of Purim to remind themselves of God’s faithfulness and the wisdom and bravery of their Jewish ancestors in times of persecution. For Christians, too, we can take consolation in who God is, knowing that he is faithful and true and will never let the forces of evil snuff out the people who bear his name. That is reason to celebrate every day.

Prayer• Read Psalm 21:13.• List five things God has done in your life that are worthy of celebration.• Pray: God, throughout the ages you have shown yourself faithful to each generation. Help the children I teach

understand that knowing you is reason to celebrate by…

Esther 8:17; 9:18-23

Lesson 13

190 Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Pre-K & K, Ages 5 & 6

This Lesson at a GlanceWhat Children Will Do Classroom Supplies Learning Lab Supplies

Welcome Time

Welcome!—Receive name tags, and be greeted by the teacher.

“Stone Tablet Name Tags” (p. 27), markers, pins or tape

Let’s Get Started

Direct children to one or more of the optional activities until

everyone arrives.

Option 1: Celebration Preparations—Decorate the room for a praise party.

Crepe paper streamers, balloons, yarn, CD of upbeat music, CD player, masking tape, scissors

Option 2: Balloon Bop-Along—Relay balloons to each other.

Balloons

Option 3: Gragers—Create traditional Purim noisemakers.

Foam cups, crayons or markers, bowl of dry beans, masking tape, plastic spoons

Pick Up Our Toys—Sing a song as they pick up toys, and gather for Bible Story Time.

CD player

Bible Story Time

Setting the Stage—Work together to make a praise poster.

Tempera paint, markers, newsprint, paper towels, pie tin, tape

Bible Song and Prayer Time—Sing a song, bring out the Bible, and pray together.

Bible, construction paper, scissors, CD player, basket or box

Hear and Tell the Bible Story—Listen to the story from Esther 8:17; 9:18-23, and wave streamers, shake gragers, and give high fives to celebrate.

Bible, crepe paper streamers, gragers from Option 3

Do the Bible Story—Enjoy a praise parade.

Crepe paper streamers, gragers from Option 3, CD player

Closing Gimme a G!—Praise God with Pockets’ cheer.

Worship Prayer—Use an action prayer to worship God.

Before the Lessonn Collect the necessary items for the activities you plan to use. Refer to the Classroom Supplies and Learning Lab Supplies

columns to determine what you’ll need.n Make photocopies of the “Today I Learned…” handout (at the end of this lesson) to send home with your children.n Pray for the children in your class and for God’s direction in teaching the lesson.

*See the end of this lesson for extra-time ideas and supplies.

The Jews Celebrate


Welcome Timen Welcome!SUPPLIES: “Stone Tablet Name Tags” handouts (p. 27), markers, pins or tape• Bend down and make eye contact with children as they arrive.• Greet each child individually with an enthusiastic smile.• Thank each child for coming to class today.• As children arrive, ask them how they put last week’s lesson into practice. Ask

questions such as “How did Queen Esther help the Jewish people?” or “Who did you or your family help this week?”

• Say: Today we’re going to learn that God has special plans for us to worship him.

• Hand out the stone tablet name tags children made in Lesson 1, and help children attach the name tags to their clothing. If some of the name tags were damaged or if children weren’t in class that week, have them make new name tags using the photocopiable handout at the end of the first lesson.

• Direct children to the Let’s Get Started activities you’ve set up.

Let’s Get StartedSet up one or more of the following activities for children to do as they arrive. After

you greet each child, invite him or her to choose an activity.Circulate among the children to offer help as needed, and direct children’s

conversation toward today’s lesson. Ask questions such as “How can we thank and praise God?” or “Why do you think God likes to hear our praises?”

n Option 1: Celebration PreparationsSUPPLIES: crepe paper streamers, balloons, string or yarn, CD of upbeat music, CD player, masking tape, scissors

Set out crepe paper streamers, scissors, and masking tape. Play a CD of lively music, and invite children to decorate the room for a celebration. Have adults blow up balloons, and let children use string or yarn to tie the balloons to chairs. As children decorate, explain that the Jews celebrated when God worked through Esther to save them from Haman’s wicked plan.

n Option 2: Balloon Bop-AlongSUPPLIES: balloons

Before class, blow up a few balloons. Have children form a single line stretching across the room with about five feet of space between each child. Give the first child in line a balloon, and have him or her bop it to the next person in line. Have children continue bopping the balloon down the line until it reaches the last child. Instruct that child to hold the balloon and skip to the front of the line to start the relay again. Every few seconds, add another balloon to the relay. Encourage children to work together

It’s important to say the Bible Point just as it’s written in each activity. Repeating the Bible Point over and over throughout the lesson will help kids remember it and apply it to their lives.

WARNING:CHOKING HAZARD— Children under 8 yrs. can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Adult supervision required. Keep uninflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once. Balloons may contain latex.

Lesson 13


to keep all the balloons in the air at once. Tell children that today they’ll hear about a special message that Mordecai sent out and that men on horses relayed the message throughout the kingdom.

n Option 3: GragersSUPPLIES: foam cups, crayons or markers, bowl of dry beans, masking tape, plastic spoons

Set out crayons or markers, plastic cups, wide masking tape, plastic spoons, and a bowl of dry beans. Have each child pour a spoonful of beans into a cup and then set the rim of a second, empty, overturned cup on top of the first cup’s rim. Help children securely tape the rims together to seal the gragers. Allow children to decorate their noisemakers with crayons or markers. As children shake the gragers, explain that Jewish people today use these noisemakers to celebrate a holiday called Purim. Tell children that during the festival of Purim, Jewish people remember the way God worked through Queen Esther to save them from Haman’s evil plan.

When everyone has arrived and you’re ready to move on to the Bible Story Time, encourage the children to finish what they’re doing and get ready to clean up.

n Pick Up Our ToysSUPPLIES: CD player

Lead children in singing “Pick Up Our Toys” (track 2) with the CD to the tune of “Skip to My Lou.” Encourage the children to sing along as they help clean up the room.

If you want to include the names of all the children in your class, sing the song without the CD and repeat the naming section. If you choose to use the CD, vary the names you use each week.

We will pick up our toys.We will pick up our toys.We will pick up our toysAnd put them all away.

There’s [name] picking up toys.There’s [name] picking up toys.There’s [name] picking up toys,Putting them all away.

(Repeat.)

If you don’t choose Option 3, you’ll need to make a simple grager for each child or bring in other noisemakers, such as party horns, rattles, maracas, or pots and pans. Children will use the noisemakers later in the lesson.

track 2

The Jews Celebrate


Bible Story Timen Setting the StageSUPPLIES: tempera paint, markers, newsprint, paper towels, pie tin, tape

Before this activity, make a poster by writing, “We Worship God” with markers on a large sheet of newsprint. Then make a paint pad by setting several layers of paper towels in a pie tin and pouring a few spoonfuls of bright tempera paint on the paper towels. Dampen additional paper towels for use in wiping fingers after the activity. Set the poster and paint pad aside.

Tell the children you’ll clap your hands to get their attention. Explain that when you clap, the children are to stop what they’re doing, raise their hands, and focus on you. Encourage children to respond quickly so you’ll have time for all the fun activities you’ve planned. Have children form a circle, and then ask:

• What’s your favorite holiday? (Christmas; my birthday; Thanksgiving; Easter.)• What makes holidays so fun? (We get presents; we have parties; I get to see my

grandma.)Say: Jewish people celebrate a holiday called Purim. On Purim they

remember how God worked through Queen Esther to save the Jewish people from Haman’s wicked plan. Today we’ll learn how the people rejoiced and praised God. God has special plans for us to worship him. Let’s start today by making a praise poster.

Place the poster in the middle of the circle, and hold up the star sponge. Show children how to pinch the back of the star and dip the front in the paint pad. Then press the painted side of the star anywhere on the poster while completing the sentence, “God, thank you for…” Pass the star and paint pad to the child on your right, and have him or her press a star anywhere on the poster and complete the sentence. Continue around the circle until everyone has had a turn. Distribute damp paper towels to children who need to wipe paint off their fingers.

Say: God likes to hear us thank and praise him! Let’s hang up our poster and then learn how the Jewish people worshipped God when they learned that Esther had saved them.

Tape or pin the poster to a wall or bulletin board. If you have an adult helper, have him or her rinse out the sponge and throw away the paint pad.

n Bible Song and Prayer TimeSUPPLIES: Bible, construction paper, scissors, basket or box, CD player

Before class, make surprise cards for this activity by cutting construction paper into 2x6-inch slips. Prepare a surprise card for each child, plus a few extras for visitors. Fold the cards in half, and then stamp the crown stamp inside one of the surprise cards. Bookmark Esther 8:17; 9:18-23 in the Bible you’ll be using.

Have the children sit in a circle. Say: Now it’s time to choose a Bible person to bring me the Bible marked with today’s Bible story. As we sing our Bible song, I’ll pass out surprise cards. Don’t look inside your surprise card until the song is over.

If you have more than 10 children in your class, you may want to let half of the children decorate the praise poster with the crown stamp and ink pad.

track 3

Lesson 13


Lead the children in singing “Read God’s Book” (track 3) with the CD to the tune of “The Muffin Man.” As you sing, pass out the folded surprise cards.

Now it’s time to read God’s book,Read God’s book, read God’s book.Now it’s time to read God’s book.Let’s hear a Bible story.(Repeat 3x.)

After the song, say: You may look inside your surprise cards. The person who has the picture of a crown stamped inside his or her card will be our Bible person for today.

Identify the Bible person, and then have the rest of the children clap for him or her. Ask the Bible person to bring you the Bible. Help the Bible person open the Bible to the marked place and show the children where your story comes from. Then have the Bible person sit down.

Say: [Name] was our special Bible person today. Each week we’ll have only one special Bible person, but each one of you is a special part of our class! Today we’re all learning that God has special plans for us to worship him.

Let’s say a special prayer now and ask God to help us worship him. I’ll pass around this basket. When the basket comes to you, put your surprise card in it and say, “God, help us to worship you.”

Pass around the basket or box. When you’ve collected everyone’s surprise card, set the basket aside, and pick up the Bible. Lead children in this prayer: God, thank you for the Bible and all the stories in it. Teach us today that you have special plans for us to worship you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

n Hear and Tell the Bible StorySUPPLIES: Bible, crepe paper streamers, gragers from Option 3

Point to the Bible and say: Our Bible story today comes from the book of Esther. Hold up the Bible Big Book: Esther. Our Bible Big Book shows us pictures of our Bible story. First let’s see what you remember about the story of Esther. I’ll tell you parts of the story we’ve heard so far. If I say something that’s not true, stomp your feet and say “no!” If I say something that’s true, clap your hands and say “yes!”

As you read the following statements, show children the pictures in the Bible Big Book.

Page 1:• Esther was a kangaroo. (No.)• Esther was a beautiful girl who became queen. (Yes.)Page 2:• Mordecai wouldn’t give Haman a piggyback ride. (No.)• Mordecai wouldn’t bow to Haman. (Yes.)Page 3:• Mordecai told Esther about Haman’s plan to kill the Jews. (Yes.)

The Jews Celebrate


• Hathach rode a skateboard as he carried messages between Mordecai and Esther. (No.)

Pages 4-5:• Esther risked her life when she approached the king without being

invited. (Yes.)• When the king held out his baseball cap, Esther knew everything would

be OK. (No.)Pages 6-7:• Esther took Haman and King Xerxes to McDonald’s. (No.)• Esther told the king that Haman was planning to kill the Jews. (Yes.)Say: I couldn’t fool you! You’re too smart! Now help me worship and

celebrate as we learn what happened next.Help children form three groups, and instruct each group to celebrate in a different

way whenever they hear the words “Jewish people.” Give each member of Group 1 a 24-inch length of crepe paper streamer to wave. Give each member of Group 2 a grager from Option 3 to shake. Have members of Group 3 celebrate with high fives.

Encourage children to worship and celebrate at the appropriate times as you read the following story.

When King Xerxes learned about Haman’s wicked plan, he became furious. Since Esther was a Jew, Haman was accused of plotting to kill the queen. The king ordered that Haman be put to death immediately.

But the king’s decree that the Jewish people should die couldn’t be taken back because it had been marked with the king’s seal—even the king himself couldn’t change the decree. But King Xerxes could issue a new law. And that’s just what he did. He told Mordecai to make a new law and stamp it with the king’s seal.

The new law said that Jewish people could defend themselves against anyone who tried to hurt them. The law gave Jewish people throughout the kingdom of Persia permission to destroy their enemies.

Show children page 8 of the Bible Big Book.Messengers on horseback took the new law all over the land so everyone

would know about it. And whenever the proclamation was read, God’s people rejoiced because they knew they were saved! The Jewish people held a joyous holiday with feasting and celebration! They gave presents and food to the poor. They danced and sang because God had worked through brave Queen Esther to save them.

Mordecai knew this was a special day his people should always remember. So he declared this special day a holiday to be celebrated every year. He told the people to remember the day they’d been saved from their enemies.

Every year since that time long, long ago, Jewish people have celebrated and praised God during the festival of Purim to remember the day they were saved.

Have children set their praise items in front of them. Put the Bible Big Book away and ask:

• What did Mordecai’s new law say? (That the Jews could fight against the bad people; that his people could defend themselves.)

• How did the Jewish people feel when they heard the new proclamation? (Happy; excited; glad.)

Lesson 13


• What did they do to celebrate? (Had a feast; made it a holiday; gave gifts to the poor.)

Say: The Jews worshipped God because they were saved. Mordecai wanted the Jewish people to remember that special day with the holiday called Purim. That makes me think of our Bible verse for today, which comes from Psalm 138:8a: “The Lord will work out his plans for my life.” God worked out his special plans for the Jewish people, and they thanked God by worshipping him. God will work out his plans for us, and God has special plans for us to worship him, too. Let’s celebrate and worship God right now!

n Do the Bible StorySUPPLIES: crepe paper streamers, gragers from Option 3, CD player

Say: God has special plans for us to worship him. We can worship in many different ways. In our Bible story, the people praised God and celebrated his goodness by having a feast and sharing gifts with each other. For our celebration right now, let’s have a praise parade!

Distribute gragers from Option 3 and crepe paper streamers to the remaining children who do not have praise items. Use the groan tube as a baton as you lead children in singing “Esther’s Song” (track 19) to the tune of “Ten Little Indians” with the CD. Encourage children to march around the room, shake their gragers, and wave their streamers.

When Mordecai told me the newsThat Haman planned to kill the Jews,I knew right then that I must chooseTo do a scary thing!

I bowed before King Xerxes’ feetAnd asked if he would come and eatA feast with Haman and with me,And the king said he would come.

I told the king of Haman’s planTo kill the Jews in all the land.Guards took away the wicked man,And my people were saved that day!

After the song ends, stop the CD player and say: Let’s continue our praise parade with a song about God’s plans. Have children continue marching around the room as they sing “God’s Plans” (track 16) to the tune of “This Old Man” with the CD. Lead children in the motions indicated in the song.

God has plansThat we’ll see—Special plansFor you and me.Jump up, clap three times (jump up, and then clap three times),Now slap on your knees! (Pat hands on knees.)Celebrate God’s plans with me.

tracks 16 & 19

The Jews Celebrate


Special plansFor work and playAnd helping friends along the way.Jump up, clap three times (jump up, and then clap three times),Now let’s shout, “Hooray!” (Raise arms and shout, “Hooray!”)Celebrate God’s plans today!

After the song ends, turn off the CD player, and collect the streamers and gragers. Have children form a circle and ask:

• What does it mean to worship God? (To tell him we love him; to thank him; to say good things about him.)

• How do we worship God? (By singing songs; by praying; by learning what the Bible says.)

• Where can we worship God? (In church; everywhere!)• When can we worship God? (Anytime; all the time!)

Say: God has special plans for us to worship him. God likes to hear our words of thanks and praise. We can praise God at home, at church, or at school. We can worship God when we’re alone or with our friends. Another way we worship God is by thanking him for sending us his Son, Jesus. When we believe in Jesus and are sorry for our sins, Jesus becomes our forever friend who is with us all the time and everywhere. And Jesus helps us remember to praise God all the time, everywhere. Being friends with Jesus is the best celebration of all! That reminds me—Pockets must wonder what all the happy music is about. Let’s call her. Pockets, are you there?

Closingn Gimme a G!SUPPLIES: none

Bring out Pockets the Kangaroo, and go through the following script. When you finish the script, have kids wave goodbye and then put Pockets away and out of sight.

Pockets: (Cheering) I love God! Yes, I do! I love God! How ’bout you?

Teacher: That’s a great cheer, Pockets. What are you cheering for?

Pockets: I’m cheering for God to show how much I love him.

Teacher: Oh, so you’re worshipping God.

Pockets: I am? I thought I was just cheering for him.

Teacher: Well, that’s sort of what worship is.

Lesson 13


n Worship PrayerSUPPLIES: none

Say: God has special plans for us to worship him. There are lots of ways to worship God. We’ve worshipped him by singing to him, by thanking him, and by learning what the Bible says. Now let’s worship God by praying.

Lead children in the following action prayer.

Oh, God, you made the starry sky. (Flick fingers in air like twinkling stars.)You made the mighty sea. (Wave arms like ocean waves.)You took care of your people (spread arms wide),And you take care of me. (Hug yourself.)

Thank you, God, for the starry sky (flick fingers in air)And for the mighty sea. (Wave arms like ocean waves.)Thanks for loving your people (hold arms in a heart shape),And thanks for loving me. (Hug self.)Amen.

Repeat the rhyme, and then say God has special plans for us to worship him. We can thank God, admire the great things he’s done, or simply tell him how great he is. This week, try to worship God in a new way each day.

Pockets: Don’t you have to be quiet and still when you worship God?

Teacher: Of course not! God likes to hear our worship lots of different ways. In fact, God has special plans for us to worship him. Today we learned how the Jewish people worshipped God in the story about Esther.

Pockets: Did they cheer for him like I am? Did they say, “Two! Four! Six! Eight! We think God is really great!”?

Teacher: I don’t think they said it that way, but they did celebrate and tell God how wonderful he was. Children, who can tell Pockets how the Jewish people worshipped? (Allow children to explain to Pockets that the Jews gave gifts, feasted, and celebrated to show their praise to God.)

Pockets: Wow! There sure are lots of ways to worship. I think I like cheering the best.

Teacher: Maybe you can teach us one of your cheers so we can all worship together.

Pockets: OK. How ’bout this one? God, God, he’s got a plan! Let’s give God a great big hand! Yeah! (Have Pockets lead children in the cheer and in clapping for God.)

Teacher: Cheering is a super way to worship God. Thanks for teaching us.

Pockets: You’re welcome. Well, I’m going to go make up more cheers. See you next week!

Permission to photocopy this handout from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum®, Pre-K & K, granted for local church use. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Avenue, Loveland, CO 80538. group.com

The Jews Celebrate


Growing closer to Jesus extends beyond the classroom.Photocopy the “Today I Learned…’’ handout (at the end of this lesson) for this week, and send it home with your children. Encourage parents to use the handout to plan meaningful family activities to reinforce this week’s topic.

Lesson 13


n Lively Learning: Story ReviewFor a fun review of this module’s Bible story, invite children to listen to the

entire Bible Big Book: Esther with the CD. Choose two children to hold the Bible Big Book and turn the pages at the chimes. The entire story is recorded on track 20 on the CD.

n Make to Take: MegillahBefore this activity, photocopy enough “Megillah” handouts (at the end

of this lesson) for each child to have one. Set out crayons, transparent tape, the handouts, paper-towel tubes, and 12-inch lengths of yarn. Explain that on Purim, Jewish people read the story of Esther from the Megillah (muh-GIL-uh), a scroll containing the book of Esther. As children color their

handouts, have them tell you the story of Esther. Then help children tape the left side of their handouts to paper-towel tubes and roll the handouts around the tubes to make a scroll. Tie a length of yarn around each scroll to keep the scrolls from unrolling.

n Treat to Eat: Purim TreatsHamantaschen are traditional Purim treats. Roll out refrigerated sugar cookie dough

on a floured surface. Let the children cut circles from the dough with a biscuit cutter or cookie cutter. Then allow children to take turns placing a spoonful of apricot jam or a few raisins in the center of each circle. Children may help fold up three edges on each circle to form a triangle. Show children how to pinch the edges together tightly so the jam doesn’t leak out. Bake the treats until golden brown according to the directions on the package.

n Story Picture: The Jews CelebrateHand each child a photocopy of the “Today I Learned…” handout. Set out crayons, glue sticks, and shiny

wrapping paper. Have children color their pictures, and then allow them to glue bits of wrapping paper to the gifts pictured on the handout. Tell the children that our worship is like a gift to God and that God has special plans for us to worship him.

For Extra Time If you have a long class time or want to add additional elements to your lesson, try one of the following activities.

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Verse to Learn“The Lord will work out his plans for my life” (Psalm 138:8a).

Ask Me…l Why did the Jews celebrate?

l How can you worship God?

l How can our family celebrate and worship God?

Family Funl Make simple praise instruments to use during a family

worship time. Shake cups of dried beans or rice, bang pots and pans, and tap wooden dowels. Make joyful noises!

l Read Psalm 100 aloud from an easy-to-understand translation of the Bible, such as the Hands-on Bible. Assign each family member a verse or two, and have him or her act out the assigned passage. Family members may draw, sing, speak, or dance their praises.

Today your child learned that God has special plans for us to worship him. Children learned how God’s special people worshipped God when Esther saved them from Haman’s wicked plans. Children explored ways we can thank and praise God, too.

Lesson 13

The Jews Celebrate (Esther 8:17; 9:18-23)

God has special plans for us to worship him.

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Jesus taught with hands-on lessons and illustrations. The Hands-On Bible uses the same experience-based learning to communicate God’s Word in an active, understandable way. With hundreds of fun, memorable activities (a “Do-It” activity in EVERY feature!) and the full New Living Translation text, the Hands-On Bible is packed with activities and experiences that invite kids to crawl inside the Scriptures and “do” God’s Word!

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CASE QUANTITY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE – visit group.com for details!

Permission to photocopy this handout from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum®, Pre-K & K, granted for local church use. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Avenue, Loveland, CO 80538. group.com

Buy a set of 4 hardcovers—SAVE $20!SET121002 • $79.97

In Canada $87.99 Buy a set of 4 softcovers—SAVE $16!SET121003 • $63.97

In Canada $70.49

Get kids of ALL ages into the Bible!

My First Hands-On BibleTM

Thanks a Million!The first Hands-On Bible for elementary-aged kids sold more than a half-million copies. That’s more than half a million kids reading, doing, living, and loving God’s Word! My First Hands-On Bible gives younger kids (ages 3–6) the same chance to experience the Bible in a way that’s just for them. One-point lessons, beautifully illustrated Bible stories told with real Scripture (the easy-to-read NLT), and fun activities make a lasting impression on preschoolers’ thoughts and hearts. Teachers and parents love the Hands-On Bible because it helps kids see the “Jesus Connection” throughout the whole Bible. Plus it helps them see the best connection of all—the one to their own lives. When you get a copy or two for every classroom, you’re planting seeds that will grow for the rest of your preschoolers’ lives!

HARDCOVER • 978-1-4143-4830-8 $16.99

CASE QUANTITY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE—visit group.com for details!

Get kids into the Bible...with the Hands-On Bible and My First Hands-On Bible.Order them for each classroom and child today at group.com or from your favorite Christian retailer.

Hands-On Bible®(Revised and Updated)

Jesus taught with hands-on lessons and illustrations. The Hands-On Bible uses the same experience-based learning to communicate God’s Word in an active, understandable way. With hundreds of fun, memorable activities (a “Do-It” activity in EVERY feature!) and the full New Living Translation text, the Hands-On Bible is packed with activities and experiences that invite kids to crawl inside the Scriptures and “do” God’s Word!

HARDCOVER • 978-1-4143-3768-5 $24.99

SOFTCOVER • 978-1-4143-3769-2 $19.99

CASE QUANTITY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE – visit group.com for details!

Order today! Visit group.com or your favorite Christian retailer.

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ALSO AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN’S MINISTRY:

[A] Attention-Grabber Throw & Tell Ball

[B] Prayer Throw & Tell Ball

[C] Life-Application Throw & Tell Ball

[D] All About Me Throw & Tell Ball

[E] This…or That? Throw & Tell Ball

Preschool Throw & Tell® BallIt’s fun. It’s super-easy. It’s bouncy. And it’s GUARANTEED to get your preschoolers to open up and interact! This new Throw & Tell ball is the top teacher’s tool to get preschoolers talking. With 24 age-appropriate picture prompts, it’s perfect for play, connecting kids, and fi lling extra time.

The Preschool Throw & Tell Ball gives you:■ An inexpensive, no-prep, fl exible time fi ller.■ An easy way to get to know your children better.■ An eff ective way to get even the youngest kids talking about Jesus.■ A safe way for kids to have fun and share what’s on their hearts.

You’ll want one for each preschool classroom!

ISBN 978-0-7644-7613-6 • $9.99 In Canada $10.99 24” Inflated. For age 3+ only.

Fun for the little ones!Fun for the little ones!

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Kids love crafts! And teachers love to use crafts that connect with Bible stories. This hefty and handy volume offers approximately 200 craft options for nearly every major Bible story! Great add-on item for curriculum.

• 200 (give or take a few) field-tested crafts for every book of the Bible in one easy-to-use, jumbo volume! Proven to work and to delight children.

• Crafts will help children connect with Bible truths even more memorably.

• Handy indexes help you find just the right craft for the Bible story or Bible book you are teaching on.

ISBN 978-0-7644-2395-6 • $29.99

The Encyclopedia ofBible Craftsfor Children

Order today! Visit group.com or your favorite Christian retailer.

Also Available:

The Encyclopedia of Bible Crafts for Preschoolers

ISBN 978-0-7644-2621-6 $29.99

BiBle Story CraftSNearly 200

to choose from!

just got better!

the

More great reasons to subscribe to Children’s Ministry Magazine... the #1 magazine in children’s ministry is now digital!

Get the new digital subscription delivered straight to your computer or iPad! This fully loaded magazine now has even MORE when you get it digitally, too!

Subscribe today to Children’s Ministry Magazine and get both the print and digital edition for just $29.99. Go to

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Everything is linked up, so as you read, you can also learn more…check out movie trailers, listen to songs, visit websites, and more!

Get bonus devotions just for you, to feed your soul. Hear from the

editor and authors, get in-depth answers that go beyond the printed pages, learn new “how-to’s,” and discover more with these exclusive, interactive video extras.

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