Ten Things to Do on a Snowy Day

Off school because of the snow? It is just raaaainy? Here are some tried and true ideas for fun things to do inside.

1. Send drawings for the Doodle Race. Right now, you can send doodles (drawings) for this race. It is FREE! And. . . your drawing just might get published in a book by Zonderkidz! Here are the deets.
2. Play a board game. Don't be bored! Pull out some of those Christmas gifts or the games stored in the closet. Want more? How about a tournament? Think kids vs. adults.
3. Make cookies. Check out the goodies in the kitchen. Make a treat. Decorate some cookies. It's not just for Christmas, you know! Yum!
4. Make a pizza. Lunch time? Make a pizza. Remember, you can make substitutions for lots of the traditional pizza ingredients.For example, use a jar of spaghetti sauce instead of pizza sauce and ANY KIND of cheese makes a great topping!
5. Read a book. Raid the family library. Download books. Read at the same time (cuddled up on the couch), read together (taking turns reading aloud), or read to your pet. Seriously.
6. Write a letter. Think paper and pencil - not a text, not an email. Go for it. 
7. Make a tent with blankets. Fun! Make a place to read or just to chat. It is a toasty way to spend part of the day.
8. Plaaaay dough. You know you love it. Salt dough is easy to make.  Dress it up with food coloring and scents (flavorings) from the kitchen cupboard. Vanilla or peppermint anyone?
9. Make a video. Use technology for family fun. Make a video for fam and send it to them. The video might be like a Skype time (but recorded so it can be replayed), a music video, or even a play.
10. What are your ideas? What inside fun are you having as a family?

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Notes from Carol

I am super excited about my books. . .

Dare U 2 Open This Book - 90 ways to rock your faith

Just Sayin' - 90 ways to rock your faith

Coming from Zonderkidz in October 2014!

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

The Reason for the Season

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Notes from Carol

I have the awesome responsibility of writing two tween devos for Zonderkidz. They will be available in time for Christmas next year - Yay! Read all about them here.

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore
 

Bible Games for Beginning Readers

A few weeks ago, I bought a package of cards at the local Dollar Tree Store. I was excited to think of the possibilities (Sunday school gifts, Operation Christmas Child enclosure, stocking stuffers, fun games to keep on hand for visitors, etc.) since the package contained three sets of cards. I also marveled at how many games a beginning reader group would be able to play with them.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Matching (picture to picture OR picture to printed card)
• Tell a story (sequence)
• Name the Bible person (aloud or matching to the print name)

Maybe you don't have cards like these. No problem! Reuse old Sunday school curriculum pictures and create your own game sets.

What goodies have you found as you Christmas shop? How would you use them to tell the Good News of the Bible?

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Notes from Carol

I have the awesome responsibility of writing two tween devos for Zonderkidz. They will be available in time for Christmas next year - Yay! Read all about them here.

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore
 

Encourage Young Bible Readers

Children who are just learning to read are eager to practice their skills. They are looking for an audience! While kids can read to anyone or anything (think fave stuffed animal or family pet), they LOVE to read to their parents, grandparents, and caregivers.

What better reading material for a new reader is there than a Bible for beginning readers? Listening to a child read Bible stories has many benefits. Here are three biggies.

• Children learn from reading the same story again and again. It boosts confidence and increases fluency (the smoothness of their reading).
• They learn from exposure to the same story. (If she reads/hears material repeatedly, she is more likely to remember the message.)
• Children learn to come back to God's Word in times of joy and times of sorrow. By listening to a young reader, you are telling her that she is important AND that she is reading a Book of great, great value.

Guess what? It is not only the beginning readers who are looking for an audience. The tween crowd (ages 9-12) enjoy the challenge of finding a particular Scripture passage and soak up that attention from Mom or Dad, too.

Blessings on your reading time with the young Bible readers in your care!


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Notes from Carol

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you will come back often! Let's connect on Twitter and Facebook too!



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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

To the House of the Lord

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Notes from Carol

• I am having a Doodle Race on my blog (here). 
• Kids (and adults) can submit a doodle (simple drawing) for the race. 
• Zonderkidz is offering prizes to two winners (a free book and publication in my devos). . . Thanks, Zonderkidz! ! !

I'd be honored if you share the race with your fam and friends. Post it on your facebook, website, or blog. It is going to be fun! 

Here is a link you can share:

http://carolmcadamsmoore.blogspot.com/p/hey-everyone-doodle-race-begins-today.html 


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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

FREE Reward Ideas for Sunday School

Sooo. . . you are teaching kids and you want to reward their efforts. BUT you don't want to spend a ton of money. Here are 10 FREE reward ideas!

Great for children's ministry workers and homeschoolers!

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Notes from Carol

• I am having a Doodle Race on my blog (here). 
• Kids (and adults) can submit a doodle (simple drawing) for the race. 
• Zonderkidz is offering prizes to two winners (a free book and publication in my devos). . . Thanks, Zonderkidz! ! !

I'd be honored if you share the race with your fam and friends. Post it on your facebook, website, or blog. It is going to be fun! 

Here is a link you can share:

http://carolmcadamsmoore.blogspot.com/p/hey-everyone-doodle-race-begins-today.html 


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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

Name that Story - Bible Lesson Review Game

Looking for a fun game for kidmin? Play "Name that Story" to review recent Bible stories.It takes only a few minutes to prepare. All you need is recent Sunday School take home papers or printed lesson materials.

1. Cut one picture from each of the previous lessons to be reviewed.
2. Cut out the title of each lesson.
3. Display the pictures where the kids can easily see them.
4. Give each child a title, and have them match the title to the corresponding pic.

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Notes from Carol

I have the awesome responsibility of writing tween devos for Zonderkidz. Right now we are having a Doodle Race on my blog (here). Kids (and adults) can submit a doodle (simple drawing) for the race. . . Zonderkidz is offering prizes to two winners (a free book and publication in my devos). . . Thanks, Zonderkidz! ! !

I'd be honored if you share the race with your fam and friends. . .Post it on your facebook, website, or blog. It is going to be fun! 

Here is a link you can share:

                                          Doodle (Drawing) Race for Kids


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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

Back to School Mini-Mission

Kids are headed back to school. It is a time of excitement and happy anticipation for many kids, but it is a not so happy time for others. Lots of students will go back to school without the needed supplies. Sure, there are lots of free backpack events that offer fully stocked backpacks, but not every child has the opportunity to attend one of those.

Challenge the kids in your church class (or your own children) to do a mini-mission.

1. Display a variety of school supplies on the table.
2. Ask the kids if they have noticed another student who is missing a particular needed supply.
3. Allow the kids to choose an item that fills the need.
4. Then, have them write a short, anonymous note to go with the chosen item.
5. Explain that the Bible teaches that we should help others in need, but we should not make a show of our work before others.
6. Encourage the kids to secretly place the item on the needy child's desk without being seen.

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Notes from Carol

• I am having a Doodle Race on my blog (here). 
• Kids (and adults) can submit a doodle (simple drawing) for the race. 
• Zonderkidz is offering prizes to two winners (a free book and publication in my devos). . . Thanks, Zonderkidz! ! !

I'd be honored if you share the race with your fam and friends. Post it on your facebook, website, or blog. It is going to be fun! 

Here is a link you can share:

http://carolmcadamsmoore.blogspot.com/p/hey-everyone-doodle-race-begins-today.html 


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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

Back to Sunday School Time

It's Back-to-Sunday-School time! Yep. In my church, we call Sunday School  - KidsLife. I think as long as I live I will refer to it both ways. (Not to compare it to a soft drink, but I still say soda-pop when I am with friends who have a strong preference one way or the other.)

I have been thinking about motivators for my class. I def want to use the Every Penny Counts idea to keep them interested in answering questions and to foster a habit of giving to missions.

I have also been thinking of how I can stay in touch with the kids between Sundays. Here is one idea I want to try:

Question Postcards

I went to my local Christian bookstore and purchased these (created by Tina Ledbetter - available from Universal Designs).

My plan is to jot a postcard (on Sunday afternoon) to each student in the class. The message will be short, but will include two things:

• Great to see you / We missed you
• A fill-in-the-blank or question based on the upcoming lesson

Kids who bring back the cards with the answer will get a small reward (candy, bookmark, other reward trinket).

My Confession

I have for a long, long time been drawn to writing notes and letters on Sunday afternoons. BUT family members can tell you - She (ME) can write great notes and letters, but ummm. . . doesn't do it as often as she should.

Two Questions

• Will you pray that I am consistent in writing notes and letters this year?
• Will you share with us some of your Back-to-Sunday-School (KidsLife) ideas?

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Notes from Carol

I have the awesome responsibility of writing tween devos for Zonderkidz. Right now we are having a Doodle Race on my blog (here). Kids (and adults) can submit a doodle (simple drawing) for the race. . . Zonderkidz is offering prizes to two winners (a free book and publication in my devos). . . Thanks, Zonderkidz! ! !

I'd be honored if you share the race with your fam and friends. . .Post it on your facebook, website, or blog. It is going to be fun! 

Here is a link you can share:

http://carolmcadamsmoore.blogspot.com/p/hey-everyone-doodle-race-begins-today.html 


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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore