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A lesson for SPROUTS ages 2-6. Did you know you are created in the image of God?
PURPOSE
My children will understand that they were specially made in God's image
and that they are valuable.
MATERIALS
SENSORY: Stamp pads, paper
ACTIVITY: Mr. Potato Head toy
CRAFT: Printer, coloring utensils
INSPIRATION:
"We are all supposed to be the bodies of God. As the Bible says, we are made as the temples or dwelling places of God... When we are born as children of God then we would certainly resemble God and be in His image and likeness." -Sun Myung Moon
"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." -Genesis 1:27
"Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." -Genesis 2:7
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." -Psalm 139:13-14
SENSORY ACTIVITY
Use stamp pads to let children create some fingerprint art! Press your child’s thumb or finger (older children can do this alone) into a stamp pad and then press onto paper! Talk about how each person’s fingerprints are totally unique and unlike anyone else’s! God made each of us different! Have fun creating simple images found in Creation together. Ex: flower, tree, ocean, sun, bird
INTRODUCTION
God created you with a plan in mind. He knew exactly how he wanted you to look, think, feel and act. He loves you exactly the way you are.
*TEACHING MOMENT*
Read this script to your child like a story time.
God spent a very long time planning exactly how your mind and body will look and function! He paid special attention to all your details and used all His love and care to make you! You are not like anyone else! You are the only YOU there is! Your body functions so beautifully. Everything has a place, a purpose, and a job to do.
Do you know what your main body parts are? Let’s go over them together starting from the top - our head! God gave us our head and face to take in all the important information around us! We have two eyes, two ears, a mouth, and a nose. Next, we have our neck which connects to our shoulders and chest. Our shoulders lead to our two arms. And aren’t we lucky we have two hands that can feel a splash of cool water on a hot day and enjoy petting a fuzzy, warm kitten! Our chest carries our ribs which protects our beating heart. Next, we have our bellies that help us break down the yummy foods we eat that make us big and strong! Then, God gave us our very own special private parts. You may have your own name for it- the proper terms are a vagina for girls and a penis for boys. These special private parts help us to go potty. It’s important to keep them clean and covered. Our bottoms also help us go potty and give us the ability to sit nice and comfy! Further down, we have our two strong legs and our feet that help us to walk, run and jump. Isn't our body amazing? God is so creative. It's important to take good care of ourselves: wash our hands, brush our teeth and take baths. You'll learn even more about your body and its many functions as you grow up.
The thing that makes us the most special is that God created us in His image, meaning He created us to be like Him! He made us and we belong to Him. What’s awesome is that God didn’t only give us a body but also a heart and a soul. We are His children and He loves us so much! God also gave us human beings a mission: to take care of all the rest of His awesome Creation. This includes all your favorite animals and plants!
DISCUSSION
What makes human beings different from animals?
What makes you special? What makes you different from your other siblings and friends?
Which unique part of God is reflected in you?
Did God make you a boy or a girl?
What's special about being a girl? What's special about being a boy?
What are some things you are great at? (Hobbies, talents, interests etc.)
When do you feel God’s love?
CONCLUSION
God made all of our body parts for a special reason. Our bodies work well and we are blessed to have them! We should treasure our bodies and take care of them as God wants us to.
PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for making me so special! Thank you for giving me a body with important parts that all work perfectly together! Please help me to take good care of my body and use it to praise you and honor you.
Use these activities together with your child over the next month to create ongoing conversations on God's special design for boys and girls! Click on the blue links!
STORIES
SONGS
VIDEOS
COLORING PAGES
ACTIVITIES
For younger children:
DANCE
Dance along to this song together:
MR POTATO HEAD
Practice putting together all of his body parts!
ACTIVITIES
For older children:
CERTIFICATE
Create a certificate of acknowledgment together! Ask children to write out a list of things that make them oh-so-unique and special, then put on a congratulatory stamp or sticker, sign it, and write Congratulations!
GAMES
“GOD LOVES YOU"
Play the traditional game of “Duck Duck Goose” but instead of “Duck, Duck, Goose”, use “God loves, God loves, God loves YOU” tagging the next child on the word “You”.
PICTIONARY
Players are assigned body parts:( eyes, ears, shoulders, knees, feet, etc.) to draw and have others guess! Can play with teams or as one group.
"WHO AM I?"
Requires 6 or more players (minimum of 3 people in each animal group). Each child is told that they are to act like a certain animal. For children who can read, write the animal name on a paper to show to them or for younger children simply whisper the animal name in their ear. Tell children how many other people are in their group and that they need to find. On the count of “Ready, Set, Go!”, have players mill around making the sounds of their animal and moving like their animal. Tell children that the object of the game is to observe those around them and find others acting like them. When children (and adults! Depending on who is playing!) find others who are acting out the same animal as them, they are to stay together in a group. The group of animals who all find each other first wins! Suggested Animals: Bears, Elephants, Dogs, Cats, Snakes, Mice *Note* Each animal group must have the same number of animals for this to work fairly. Or, as an alternative, to level the playing field when both younger children and older children are playing, make the younger childrens’ animal group(s) smaller - say 3 or 4 children, and the older childrens’ animal group(s) larger - say 5 or 6 children. Teaching Point: God made humans, you and I, the only ones who can speak! Animals can’t speak like you and I can. Aren’t we lucky?!