Preschool Leader Guides
Hannah and Samuel
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 183
PRESCHOOL LEADER GUIDE
Hannah and Samuel (1 Samuel 1:9-27)
ure Big Pictiew Overv
Visit www.sparksundayschool.org for more Spark content. Watch a short Lesson Prep Video that will prepare you and give you confidence to explore this Bible story with the kids you are leading. You will also find 6 Coloring Pages to use during Gather Time and a downloadable Family Page for this rotation’s story filled with ideas for families to use to explore this story and live out their faith at home.
WEEK 1
Praying
Gather (10 minutes)
Activate Faith (25 minutes)
CENTER TIME: Kids pretend with baby dolls and color Bible
GAME — THIS IS HOW I CAN PRAY: Kids play an imitation game.
story pictures. CIRCLE TIME: Kids are welcomed by name and learn the ASL
ART — PRAYING HANDS: Kids mix modeling dough and make
sign for pray.
praying handprints.
PRAYER TIME: Kids pray an echo prayer with actions.
SNACK — SCOOPING PRAYERS: Kids fill up scoop chips with
prayers and fun ingredients.
Open the Bible (10 minutes) HANNAH PRAYS FOR A CHILD STORYTELLING: Kids hear today’s story, wonder about sad prayers, and pray like Hannah.
Send (5 minutes) GOOD-BYE TIME: Kids sing a closing song about today’s focus.
PRAYER TIME: Kids gently pass around a baby doll, and pray.
WEEK 2
Happiness and Babies
Gather (10 minutes) CENTER TIME: Kids pretend with baby dolls and color Bible
Activate Faith (25 minutes)
story pictures.
MUSIC — GET UP AND DOWN TO PRAY: Kids follow the music directions to act out Hannah’s story.
CIRCLE TIME: Kids are welcomed by name and show happiness over baby dolls.
ART — BABY BLANKETS: Kids decorate small baby blankets and remember baby Samuel.
PRAYER TIME: Kids pray an echo prayer with actions.
SNACK — FEELING FACES AND FROSTING: Kids decorate one happy face cookie and one sad face cookie.
Open the Bible (10 minutes) HANNAH PRAYS FOR A CHILD STORYTELLING: Kids hear today’s story, think about answered prayer, and do an answered prayer happy dance.
Send (5 minutes) GOOD-BYE TIME: Kids sing a closing song about today’s focus.
PRAYER TIME: Kids gently pass around a baby doll, and pray.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 185
PRESCHOOL LEADER GUIDE
ure Big Pictiew Overv
WEEK 3 Gather (10 minutes)
Gifts Activate Faith (25 minutes)
CENTER TIME: Kids pretend with baby dolls and color Bible
GAME — WAKE UP, SAMUEL!: Kids take turns waking up Samuel
story pictures.
and being Samuel.
CIRCLE TIME: Kids are welcomed by name and have a baby
ART — GIFT WRAPPING PAPER: Kids make wrapping paper for
shower.
gifts.
PRAYER TIME: Kids pray an echo prayer with actions.
SNACK — SURPRISE GIFT MUFFINS: Kids make muffins for gifts
and for themselves with a hidden surprise inside.
Open the Bible (10 minutes)
Send (5 minutes)
HANNAH PRAYS FOR A CHILD: Kids hear today’s story, wonder about promises, and count gifts in today’s story.
GOOD-BYE TIME: Kids sing a closing song about today’s focus.
PRAYER TIME: Kids gently pass around a baby doll, and pray.
WEEK 4
Sleeping
Gather (10 minutes)
Activate Faith (25 minutes)
CENTER TIME: Kids pretend to sleep in their classroom, use
MUSIC — I’M GONNA LISTEN: Kids sing a traditional American
kitchen timers or alarm clocks to wake up, and color Bible story pictures.
spiritual with new words.
CIRCLE TIME: Kids are welcomed by name and hunt for sleepy
time items.
ART — BEDTIME STORYBOOK: Kids dictate this week’s stories into a bedtime story as a group and illustrate it.
PRAYER TIME: Kids pray an echo prayer with actions.
SNACK — BEDTIME SNACK: Kids eat a bedtime snack.
Open the Bible (10 minutes)
Send (5 minutes)
GOD CALLS SAMUEL STORYTELLING: Kids hear about Samuel and
GOOD-BYE TIME: Kids sing a closing song about today’s focus.
Eli, wonder what happens next, and roll out blankets. PRAYER TIME: Kids gently pass around a baby doll, and pray.
186 — Preschool Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
PRESCHOOL LEADER GUIDE
Hannah and Samuel (1 Samuel 1:9-27)
WEEK 5
ure Big Pictiew Overv
Waking Up
Gather (10 minutes)
Activate Faith (25 minutes)
CENTER TIME: Kids pretend to sleep in their classroom, use
GAME — THIS IS HOW I CAN PRAY: Kids play an imitation game.
kitchen timers or alarm clocks to wake up, and color Bible story pictures. CIRCLE TIME: Kids are welcomed by name and pretend to be
Samuel waking up Eli.
ART — MILK CARTON MEGAPHONES: Kids decorate milk carton megaphones and practice waking up Samuel.
PRAYER TIME: Kids pray an echo prayer with actions.
SNACK — MIDNIGHT SNACK: Kids wake up, look in the
refrigerator, and eat a midnight snack.
Open the Bible (10 minutes)
Send (5 minutes)
GOD CALLS SAMUEL STORYTELLING: Kids hear today’s story, remember their own waking-up times, and count wake-up times.
GOOD-BYE TIME: Kids sing a closing song about today’s focus.
PRAYER TIME: Kids gently pass around a baby doll, and pray.
WEEK 6
Hearing Ears
Gather (10 minutes)
Activate Faith (25 minutes)
CENTER TIME: Kids pretend to sleep in their classroom, use
MUSIC — GET UP AND DOWN TO PRAY: Kids follow the music
kitchen timers or alarm clocks to wake up, and color Bible story pictures.
directions to act out Hannah’s story.
CIRCLE TIME: Kids are welcomed by name and think about
ART — STILL LIFE EARS: Kids draw pictures of ears by observing
different ways of calling people.
a friend’s ear.
PRAYER TIME: Kids pray an echo prayer with actions.
SNACK — SAMUEL’S NOISY SNACKS: Kids listen for the different
sounds that crunchy snacks make.
Open the Bible (10 minutes) GOD CALLS SAMUEL STORYTELLING: Kids hear today’s story,
Send (5 minutes) GOOD-BYE TIME: Kids sing a closing song about today’s focus.
wonder how God calls people today, and call each other on a telephone. PRAYER TIME: Kids gently pass around a baby doll, and pray.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 187
PRESCHOOL LEADER GUIDE
Hannah and Samuel (1 Samuel 1:9-27)
At-An o s s e L Chart Glanceek 1 We
Lesson Focus: Praying
Gather (10 minutes) Center Time Kids pretend with baby dolls and color Bible story pictures.
Circle Time
Spark Resources
Supplies
Coloring Page Hannah Prays for a Child A
Small table, battery-powered tea candles, small tablecloth, baby dolls, baby doll clothes, baby blankets, baby stroller, baby bottles, bibs, cradles, blank paper, markers or crayons
None
Wedding bell or other wedding decoration Various invitations to parties, showers, weddings, graduations, etc.
None
None
Kids are welcomed by name and learn the ASL sign for pray.
Prayer Time Kids pray an echo prayer with actions.
Open the Bible (10 minutes) Hannah Prays for a Child Storytelling
Spark Resources
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
None
Kids hear today’s story, wonder about sad prayers, and pray like Hannah.
Activate Faith (25 minutes) GAME — This Is How I Can Pray
Spark Resources
Supplies
None
None
Spark Story Bible
Thick shampoo, washable tempura paints in skin tones, glue, flour, mixing bowl, waxed paper, measuring cups, newspaper, masking tape, paint shirts
None
Scoop corn chips, shredded cheddar cheese, mild salsa, cottage cheese, serving bowls, serving spoons, small plates, napkins, cups, water or milk
Kids play an imitation game. ART — Praying Hands
Kids mix modeling dough and make praying handprints. SNACK — Scooping Prayers
Kids fill up scoop chips with prayers and fun ingredients.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 189
Lesson At-A-Glance Chart Week 1 Send (5 minutes) Good-bye Time
Spark Resources
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
None
Family Pages
Baby doll
Kids sing a closing song about today’s focus.
Prayer Time Kids gently pass around a baby doll, and pray.
Visit www.sparksundayschool.org for more Spark content. Watch a short Lesson Prep Video that will prepare you and give you confidence to explore this Bible story with the kids you are leading. You will also find 6 Coloring Pages to use during Gather Time and a downloadable Family Page for this rotation’s story filled with ideas for families to use to explore this story and live out their faith at home.
190 — Preschool Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
PRESCHOOL LEADER GUIDE
Hannah and Samuel
Week 1
(1 Samuel 1:9-27)
Gather (5 minutes) Center Time You may choose to set up one or both of these creative play centers where kids can play as they arrive in your classroom. Have helpers in each center to help children with the activities. Kids can stay in one center or travel to more than one. Happy Babies Set Up: Set up a small altar or devotional table with a tablecloth and lighted battery-powered tea candles. Gather the baby dolls and the baby supplies and create a nursery near the devotional table. The first week, kids enjoy free play at this center. You may introduce the story of Hannah Prays for a Child this first week. Our story today is about a woman who prays for a baby. By the second week, kids may begin to reenact the story of Hannah without prompting. See how kids incorporate their own ideas into a reenactment. Notice and comment if kids bring elements of the story into their play. Your playing sounds like our story about Hannah. By the third week, deliberately ask the kids to reenact the story. Their reenactment will tell you how well they know the story and what parts of the story are still unclear to them. Coloring Center Provide copies of Coloring Pages Hannah Prays for a Child A, blank paper, and markers or crayons for each kid. Be sure to write their names on their drawings before they move to Circle Time.
Spark Resources Coloring Page Hannah Prays for a Child A
Supplies Small table Battery-powered tea candles Small tablecloth Baby dolls Baby doll clothes Baby blankets Baby stroller Baby bottles Bibs Cradles Blank paper Markers or crayons
When all kids have arrived and have had time to participate in at least one center, say to the kids, Clap your hands and sing, “It’s Time to Hear a Story” to the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush.” It’s time to hear a story, A story, a story, It’s time to hear a story, So let’s clean up.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 191
Circle Time Sit in a circle on the floor and use this welcome ritual song each week to welcome everyone to your group. Sing this song to the tune of “She’ll be Coming ‘Round the Mountain” while clapping with spirit.
Spark Resources
Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone. Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone. Welcome to our class today, Where we’ll sing and dance and pray. Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone.
Wedding bell or other wedding decoration Various invitations to parties, showers, weddings, graduations, etc.
None
Supplies
Spoken. Welcome, all my friends. Welcome, welcome. Today we welcome [Name], [Name] , and [Name]. Today we welcome [Name], [Name] and [Name]. Continue until everyone in the room is welcomed. Reserve a special welcome for visitors and new kids. We have a [or some] new friend(s) today. Today we welcome our new friend(s) [Name(s)]. After welcoming all to your group, talk about today’s story. Our story today is called Hannah Prays for a Child. I wonder what happens in Hannah Prays for a Child. Pause to hear kids’ thoughts. A woman named Hannah prayed for a baby. Show me how you pray. Watch and listen as kids show you folded hands, kneeling, or recite popular table prayers. We can use our hands to pray. Fold your hands. Some people get ready to pray by folding their hands. Make the ASL sign for pray. My hands just said pray in sign language. Make the sign again. Let’s all have talking hands that say pray. Make the sign again. I bet it’s time to pray!
Prayer Time It’s time to pray! Make the ASL sign for pray. Listen and repeat my words—this is an echo prayer. Make the ASL sign for thank you before you make each of the actions.
Spark Resources
Thanks for listening to prayers when we’re sad. Thanks for listening to prayers when we’re happy. Thanks for calling us, Thanks for calling us, Thanks for calling us, Again and again and again! Amen.
None
Make a sad face. Make a happy face. Use hand as a telephone. Repeat (with other hand). Repeat (change hands again).
None
Supplies
Pray
Thank You
192 — Preschool Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Open the Bible (10 minutes) Hannah Prays for a Child Storytelling Set Up: Have your Spark Story Bible and any kids’ Bibles ready and available in the storytelling area. Mark your Bible with a bookmark to easily find today’s story.
Spark Resources
Take out your Spark Story Bible and open to Hannah Prays for a Child on pages 118–121. Read the story out loud and point to the corresponding pictures. Look for Squiggles, the caterpillar, in each picture. Ask kids what they think Squiggles is feeling or doing. Encourage them to make a face or move like Squiggles.
Supplies
Spark Story Bibles
None
Show kids page 119 in your Spark Story Bible. Look at Hannah praying. What was Hannah praying for? (a baby) What is Hannah doing in this picture? (crying, praying) How do you think she feels? (She is sad because she could not have a baby.) In this picture, Hannah is kneeling as she prays. We can use our bodies in all kinds of ways to pray. What are some ways we can move our bodies to pray? Pause for kids’ responses. Let’s make our bodies look like Hannah in this picture. Kneel with outstretched arms. Tears are optional. If kids are comfortable doing so, let them remain in a prayer posture while you read the story from the Spark Story Bible. Ask the following questions, allowing time for kids to answer: Why was Hannah sad? (She didn’t have a baby.) God answered Hannah’s prayer. When has God answered your prayers?
Activate Faith (25 minutes) game:
This Is How I Can Pray
Gather kids in a circle standing up. Choose one kid to stand in the middle of the circle. As the group chants, the kid in the middle chooses a way to pray. This prayer idea may be serious, silly, typical, or brand new. The rest of the kids imitate this way to pray. When the chant is finished, the kid in the middle picks someone new to lead the chant. Remind kids to choose someone who hasn’t had a turn yet.
Spark Resources None
Supplies None
This is how I can pray. See if you can pray my way. This is how I can pray. Who will be the next to play?
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 193
art:
Praying Hands
Set up: Cover a table with newspaper. Tape the newspaper down so that it does not move around as kids work. Tear off pieces of waxed paper for each place at the table. Place all ingredients and the mixing bowl on the table.
Spark Resources
Invite kids to put on paint shirts. Introduce this art project by holding up the Spark Story Bible open at page 119. We have a picture of Hannah praying. She is using her hands to pray. How is Hannah using her hands? Pause to see kids demonstrate. Today we are going to make praying hands using art clay. This art clay is made from shampoo! Pause for kids’ reactions. We will mix shampoo, paint, glue, and flour together. Who would like to help measure and mix the clay’s ingredients? Make sure every kid plays a role in creating today’s art clay. Here’s the basic recipe. Double or triple it to meet your group’s needs.
Thick shampoo Washable tempura paints in skin-tone colors Glue Flour Mixing bowl Measuring cups Waxed paper Newspaper Masking tape Paint shirts
• • •
Flour, ¾ cup (180 ml) White glue, ¼ cup (60 ml) Shampoo, ¼ cup (60 ml)
Spark Story Bible
Supplies
When the clay is mixed, ask kids to scoop up a ball of clay and put it in a small bowl. Next, help kids choose a paint to match their skin tone by holding up their hand against various paint bottles to find the one that is the closest match. Whatever color kids choose, show them how to put a squirt or two on the art clay and work the paint into the ball by kneading, squishing, and pounding the clay. Then help kids make clay hands. Write kids’ names on their waxed paper, and set the hands on a shelf or table to begin drying. Drying will take a few days. Hands may be left at church for the week or sent home to dry.
snack:
Scooping Prayers
Before serving any food, always check with caregivers for kid who have food allergies. Provide an alternative if necessary.
Spark Resources
Set up: Set out ingredients and supplies.
Supplies
Gather at the snack table. Explain today’s scooping snack. Today we have to do some scooping. First we need to get our scooping supplies ready. Here are your jobs today: table setters, drink deliverers, chip helpers, scoop helpers. Assign jobs to groups of kids. Each group or two should have an adult helping them if possible. Have kids set the table with small plates and napkins, deliver drinks to each place, and fill a serving bowl with chips. Salsa, cottage cheese, and the shredded cheddar cheese need serving bowls, as well as serving spoons. Have kids place all the serving bowls at the end of the table.
Scoop corn chips Shredded cheddar cheese Mild salsa Cottage cheese Serving bowls Serving spoons Small plates Napkins Cups Water or milk
None
Gather kids at the table. Before we begin scooping, let’s pray. Say a well-known table grace. Then begin passing the chips. Everyone, take a handful of chips. Then pass the salsa, cottage cheese, and cheddar cheese. Put some of these yummy toppings on your plates. Then you can use your scooping chips to scoop up the 194 — Preschool Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
toppings. Wait for kids to fill their plates. Let’s all try scooping together and when we do, let’s give our scoop a prayer. Show kids what you mean. I’m scooping up salsa and thanking God for my mom. Crunch. Crunch. Let’s all try scooping up a prayer!
Send (5 minutes) Good-bye Time Use this Good-bye Time song as a ritual every week. Sing to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
Spark Resources
Gather kids together on the floor. Let’s remember something about our story today. Pause for kids’ thoughts. Our story today had a lot about prayer.
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
None
Here’s a song about our story. Listen first and then sing with me. Sing the verses once through, then have kids repeat. When I’m sad, I can pray, I can pray, I can pray. When I’m sad, I can pray. I can pray today! When I’m thankful, I can pray, I can pray, I can pray. When I’m thankful, I can pray. I can pray today!
Prayer Time Gather kids together on the floor, sitting in a circle if possible. Cradle the baby doll in your arms. We will each have a turn to cradle the baby. When it’s your turn to cradle the baby, I want you to tell us and God one thing you are thankful for. I’ll go first. Cradle the baby doll, and thank God for someone or something. Pass the baby doll gently to your circle neighbor. Gently cue your neighbor to cradle the baby and share a blessing. When everyone in the circle has had a turn, end with a quiet Amen.
Spark Resources Family Pages
Supplies Baby doll
If your group hasn’t received this rotation’s Family Page, send one home with each family.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 195
PRESCHOOL LEADER GUIDE
Hannah and Samuel (1 Samuel 1:9-27)
At-An o s s e L Chart Glanceek 2 We
Lesson Focus: Happiness and Babies
Gather (10 minutes) Center Time Kids pretend with baby dolls and color Bible story pictures.
Circle Time
Spark Resources
Supplies
Coloring Page Hannah Prays for a Child B
Small table, battery-powered tea candles, small tablecloth, baby dolls, baby doll clothes, baby blankets, baby stroller, baby bottles, bibs, cradles, blank paper, markers or crayons
None
Baby dolls
None
None
Kids are welcomed by name and show happiness over baby dolls.
Prayer Time Kids pray an echo prayer with actions.
Open the Bible (10 minutes) Hannah Prays for a Child Storytelling
Spark Resources
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
None
Kids hear today’s story, think about answered prayer, and do an answered prayer happy dance.
Activate Faith (25 minutes) MUSIC — Get Up and Down to Pray
Spark Resources
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
None
None
Plain flannel or fleece material, preschool scissors, adult scissors, wide bric-a-brac, wide lace, glue, glue pots, assorted paintbrushes, assorted baby blankets
Spark Story Bible
Sugar cookies, squeeze-tube frosting in assorted colors, milk or milk substitute, small plates, napkins, clean-up towels, cups
Kids follow the music directions to act out Hannah’s story. ART — Baby Blankets
Kids decorate small baby blankets and remember baby Samuel.
SNACK — Feeling Faces and Frosting
Kids decorate one happy face cookie and one sad face cookie.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 197
Lesson At-A-Glance Chart Week 2 Send (5 minutes) Good-bye Time
Spark Resources
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
None
Family Pages
Baby doll
Kids sing a closing song about today’s focus.
Prayer Time Kids gently pass around a baby doll, and pray.
Visit www.sparksundayschool.org for more Spark content. Watch a short Lesson Prep Video that will prepare you and give you confidence to explore this Bible story with the kids you are leading. You will also find 6 Coloring Pages to use during Gather Time and a downloadable Family Page for this rotation’s story filled with ideas for families to use to explore this story and live out their faith at home.
198 — Preschool Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
PRESCHOOL LEADER GUIDE
Hannah and Samuel
Week 2
(1 Samuel 1:9-27)
Gather (5 minutes) Center Time You may choose to set up one or both of these creative play centers where kids can play as they arrive in your classroom. Have helpers in each center to help children with the activities. Kids can stay in one center or travel to more than one.
Spark Resources
Happy Babies Set Up: Set up a small altar or devotional table with a tablecloth and lighted battery-powered tea candles. Gather the baby dolls and the baby supplies and create a nursery near the devotional table.
Supplies
The first week, kids enjoy free play at this center. You may introduce the story of Hannah Prays for a Child this first week. Our story today is about a woman who prays for a baby. By the second week, kids may begin to reenact the story of Hannah without prompting. See how kids incorporate their own ideas into a reenactment. Notice and comment if kids bring elements of the story into their play. Your playing sounds like our story about Hannah. By the third week, deliberately ask the kids to reenact the story. Their reenactment will tell you how well they know the story and what parts of the story are still unclear to them.
Coloring Page Hannah Prays for a Child B
Small table Battery-powered tea candles Small tablecloth Baby dolls Baby doll clothes Baby blankets Baby stroller Baby bottles Bibs Cradles Blank paper Markers or crayons
Coloring Center Provide copies of Coloring Pages Hannah Prays for a Child B, blank paper, and markers or crayons for each kid. Be sure to write their names on their drawings before they move to Circle Time. When all kids have arrived and have had time to participate in at least one center, say to the kids, Clap your hands and sing, “It’s Time to Hear a Story” to the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush.” It’s time to hear a story, A story, a story, It’s time to hear a story, So let’s clean up.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 199
Circle Time Sit in a circle on the floor and use this welcome ritual song each week to welcome everyone to your group. Sing this song to the tune of “She’ll be Coming ‘Round the Mountain” while clapping with spirit.
Spark Resources
Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone. Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone. Welcome to our group today, Where we’ll sing and dance and pray. Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone.
Baby dolls, 1 per every 3 kids
None
Supplies
Spoken. Welcome, all my friends. Welcome, welcome. Today we welcome [Name], [Name], and [Name]. Today we welcome [Name], [Name], and [Name]. Continue until everyone in the room is welcomed. Reserve a special welcome for visitors and new kids. We have a [or some] new friend(s) today. Today we welcome our new friend(s) [Name(s)]. Hold a baby doll in your arms. Smile lovingly at the baby doll. Sing to the baby doll. We will read about Hannah again today. Hannah waited a long time for baby Samuel. When baby Samuel came, Hannah was so happy she kissed him. She sang to him. Hannah held Samuel while he slept. Let’s take turns holding some baby dolls. Let’s see how you can show your happiness and love to the babies. Pass around the baby dolls so each kid has a turn to hold a baby doll. Some kids may need prompting.
Prayer Time It’s time to pray! Make the ASL sign for pray. Listen and repeat my words—this is an echo prayer. Make the ASL sign for thank you before you make each of the actions.
Spark Resources
Thanks for listening to prayers when we’re sad. Thanks for listening to prayers when we’re happy. Thanks for calling us, Thanks for calling us, Thanks for calling us, Again and again and again! Amen.
None
Make a sad face. Make a happy face. Use hand as a telephone. Repeat (with other hand). Repeat (change hands again).
None
Supplies
Pray
Thank You
200 — Preschool Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Open the Bible (10 minutes) Hannah Prays for a Child Storytelling Set Up: Have your Spark Story Bible and any kids’ Bibles ready and available in the storytelling area. Mark your Bible with a bookmark so that you can easily find today’s story.
Spark Resources
Take out your Spark Story Bible and open to Hannah Prays for a Child on pages 118–121. Read the story out loud and point to the corresponding pictures. Look for Squiggles, the caterpillar, in each picture. Ask kids what they think Squiggles is feeling or doing. Encourage them to make a face or move like Squiggles.
None
Spark Story Bible
Supplies
Show kids page 120 in your Spark Story Bible. How do you think Hannah is feeling? (happy) How about baby Samuel? (he’s happy, too) Baby Samuel is God’s answer to Hannah’s prayer for a baby. God listened to Hannah’s prayers back then, and we know that God listens to all of our prayers today. Sometimes God answers prayers in ways that we hope for. Sometimes God answers prayers in ways we do not expect. When God listens to your prayers, how do you feel? (happy, smiley, etc.) When God listens to my prayers, sometimes I just want to dance. Pause. I have an idea. Let’s all dance a prayer happy dance. Get up and start dancing. Dance for a few minutes, and then collapse on the floor. Hannah’s baby made her happy. I wonder what makes you happy. Pause to hear kids’ thoughts. Now let’s listen to Hannah’s story with a happy ending from our Spark Story Bible. Ask the following questions, allowing time for kids to answer: Who was the priest who saw Hannah praying at the temple? (Eli) Where is a place that you like to pray?
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 201
Activate Faith (25 minutes) music:
Get Up and Down to Pray
Gather kids together on the floor. Make sure you have enough safe floor space for this activity. Open your Spark Story Bible to page 119. Hold up the page for kids to see. Hannah is down on her knees crying and praying to God for a child. Let’s get down on our knees and sing a movement song about praying. Follow my actions. Sing this song to the tune of “Go In and Out the Window.” Get down and up to pray, Get down and up to pray, Get down and up to pray, Like Hannah did before.
Begin on your knees and then stand up. Begin on your knees and then stand up. Begin on your knees and then stand up.
Shed a tear and pray, Shed a tear and pray, Shed a tear and pray, Like Hannah did before.
Kneel and pretend to cry. Kneel and pretend to cry. Kneel and pretend to cry.
Laugh and dance and praise, Laugh and dance and praise Laugh and dance and praise, Like Hannah did before.
Stand, dance, and praise God with open arms. Stand, dance, and praise God with open arms. Stand, dance, and praise God with open arms.
202 — Preschool Leader Guides
Spark Resources Spark Story Bible
Supplies None
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
art:
Baby Blankets
Set up: Cut fabric into squares. (Size depends on how much fabric is available.) Set up two tables. On one, place fabric and decorative ribbon supplies. On the other, pour glue into pots and place them between places so that a glue pot is accessible to every two kids. Scatter the paintbrushes in the middle of the table. Gather kids at the supply table. Show them the baby blankets. Discuss their baby blankets at home. If you have a story about one of the blankets, share it. Then talk about today’s story. Hannah prayed for a child. Hannah had a baby boy. The baby boy made her very happy. He was a gift from God. Pause for kids’ thoughts. Babies receive gifts when they are born. What do you think would be a good baby gift? Pause for kids’ responses. The gifts can be something the baby plays with like a toy, or it could help keep the baby warm, like a blanket. Today let’s make some little baby blankets to remind us of God’s gift of Samuel. Show kids how to cut a piece of material or decorative ribbon. Then show kids how to use the paintbrush to attach the ribbon to material as an edging or as a decoration. Let the blankets dry on a labeled piece of construction paper. Kids can keep the baby blankets for their dolls at home or give as a decorative gift to a family with a new baby.
snack:
Spark Resources None
Supplies Plain flannel or fleece material Preschool scissors Adult scissors Wide bric-a-brac Wide lace Glue Glue pots Assorted paintbrushes Assorted baby blankets Marker
Feeling Faces and Frosting
Before serving any food, always check with caregivers for kid who have food allergies. Provide an alternative if necessary.
Spark Resources
Set up: Set each table place with a small plate, napkin, and cookie. Set the frosting tubes in the middle of the table.
Supplies
Gather at the snack table and sit down. Hold up a cookie. Today we are making cookie faces. I’m going to make a face right now that looks like Hannah when she was sad. Quickly make a sad face on your cookie using frosting. Hold it up for kids to see. Hannah was sad, but then she was happy because baby Samuel came. I wonder how I can make my cookie face happy. Pause to hear kids’ thoughts. Then wipe off the mouth of your cookie and set the frosting aside for eating later. I’m going to make a smiling, happy face now. Use the frosting to make your cookie smile, and show the kids. Happy and sad are feelings. We all have feelings. Sometimes we are sad, and sometimes we are happy. Let’s all make some feeling faces with frosting now. As kids work, pour today’s beverage. Deliver the beverage with help as kids finish their work. Be prepared for kids to sample the cookie and the frosting. When most kids are done, say table grace and eat! As you eat, talk about all the different feelings in today’s story.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Spark Story Bible
Sugar cookies Squeeze-tube frosting in assorted colors Milk or milk substitute Small plates Napkins Clean-up towels Cups
Hannah and Samuel — 203
Send (5 minutes) Good-bye Time Use this Good-bye Time song as a ritual every week. Sing to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
Spark Resources
Gather kids together on the floor. Let’s remember something about our story today. Pause for kids’ thoughts. Our story today was full of happiness and babies.
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
None
Here’s a song about our story. Listen first and then sing with me. Sing the verses once through, then have kids repeat. When I’m sad, I can pray, I can pray, I can pray. When I’m sad, I can pray. I can pray today! When I’m thankful, I can pray, I can pray, I can pray. When I’m thankful, I can pray. I can pray today!
Prayer Time Gather kids together on the floor, sitting in a circle if possible. Cradle the baby doll in your arms. We will each have a turn to cradle the baby. When it’s your turn to cradle the baby, I want you to tell us and God one thing you are thankful for. I’ll go first. Cradle the baby doll, and thank God for someone or something. Pass the baby doll gently to your circle neighbor. Gently cue your neighbor to cradle the baby and share a blessing. When everyone in the circle has had a turn, end with a quiet Amen.
Spark Resources Family Pages
Supplies Baby doll
If your group hasn’t received this rotation’s Family Page, send one home with each family.
204 — Preschool Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
PRESCHOOL LEADER GUIDE
Hannah and Samuel (1 Samuel 1:9-27)
At-An o s s e L Chart Glance k 3 Wee
Lesson Focus: Gifts
Gather (10 minutes) Center Time Kids create with soft modeling clay and color Bible story pictures.
Circle Time
Spark Resources
Supplies
Coloring Page Hannah Prays for a Child C
Small table, battery-powered tea candles, small tablecloth, baby dolls, baby doll clothes, baby blankets, baby stroller, baby bottles, bibs, cradles, blank paper, markers or crayons
None
Assorted baby items, self-adhesive gift bows, baby doll, basket
None
None
Kids are welcomed by name and have a baby shower.
Prayer Time Kids pray an echo prayer with actions.
Open the Bible (10 minutes) Hannah Prays for a Child Storytelling
Spark Resources
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
Gift box, baby doll
Kids hear today’s story, wonder about promises, and count gifts in today’s story.
Activate Faith (25 minutes) GAME — Wake Up, Samuel!
Spark Resources
Supplies
None
None
None
Large rolls of craft paper; assorted paint stamps; washable tempura paint; empty frozen dinner trays; adult scissors; paint smocks or old t-shirts; newspaper, tarps, or plastic coverings; rags
None
Strawberry jam, muffin mix, mixing bowl, mixing spoons, nonstick cooking spray, muffin pans, spoons, small plates, cups, milk, egg, oil, napkins, oven or microwave , water or milk
Kids take turns waking up Samuel and being Samuel. ART — Gift Wrapping Paper
Kids make wrapping paper for gifts.
SNACK — Surprise Gift Muffins
Kids make muffins for gifts and for themselves with a hidden surprise inside.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 205
Lesson At-A-Glance Chart Week 3 Send (5 minutes) Good-bye Time
Spark Resources
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
None
Family Pages
Baby doll
Kids sing a closing song about today’s focus.
Prayer Time Kids gently pass around a baby doll, and pray.
Visit www.sparksundayschool.org for more Spark content. Watch a short Lesson Prep Video that will prepare you and give you confidence to explore this Bible story with the kids you are leading. You will also find 6 Coloring Pages to use during Gather Time and a downloadable Family Page for this rotation’s story filled with ideas for families to use to explore this story and live out their faith at home.
206 — Preschool Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
PRESCHOOL LEADER GUIDE
Hannah and Samuel
Week 3
(1 Samuel 1:9-27)
Gather (5 minutes) Center Time You may choose to set up one or both of these creative play centers where kids can play as they arrive in your classroom. Have helpers in each center to help children with the activities. Kids can stay in one center or travel to more than one.
Spark Resources
Happy Babies Set Up: Set up a small altar or devotional table with a tablecloth and lighted battery-powered tea candles. Gather the baby dolls and the baby supplies and create a nursery near the devotional table.
Supplies
The first week, kids enjoy free play at this center. You may introduce the story of Hannah Prays for a Child this first week. Our story today is about a woman who prays for a baby. By the second week, kids may begin to reenact the story of Hannah without prompting. See how kids incorporate their own ideas into a reenactment. Notice and comment if kids bring elements of the story into their play. Your playing sounds like our story about Hannah. By the third week, deliberately ask the kids to reenact the story. Their reenactment will tell you how well they know the story and what parts of the story are still unclear to them.
Coloring Page Hannah Prays for a Child C
Small table Battery-powered tea candles Small tablecloth Baby dolls Baby doll clothes Baby blankets Baby stroller Baby bottles Bibs Cradles Blank paper Markers or crayons
Coloring Center Provide copies of Coloring Pages Hannah Prays for a Child C, blank paper, and markers or crayons for each kid. Be sure to write their names on their drawings before they move to Circle Time. When all kids have arrived and have had time to participate in at least one center, say to the kids, Clap your hands and sing, “It’s Time to Hear a Story” to the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush.” It’s time to hear a story, A story, a story. It’s time to hear a story, So let’s clean up.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 207
Circle Time Sit in a circle on the floor and use this welcome ritual song each week to welcome everyone to your group. Sing this song to the tune of “She’ll be Coming ‘Round the Mountain” while clapping with spirit.
Spark Resources
Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone. Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone. Welcome to our group today, Where we’ll sing and dance and pray. Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone.
Assorted baby items, 1 per kid Self-adhesive gift bows, 1 per kid Baby doll Basket
None
Supplies
Spoken. Welcome all my friends. Welcome, welcome. Today we welcome [Name], [Name], and [Name]. Today we welcome [Name], [Name], and [Name]. Continue until everyone in the room is welcomed. Reserve a special welcome for visitors and new kids. We have a [or some] new friend(s) today. Today we welcome our new friend(s) [Name(s)]. Set up: Before today’s session, peel off the protective covering of the self-adhesive bows. Have today’s props ready in a basket near you in the Circle Time area. Hold the baby doll in your arms. In our story, Hannah got a gift. Who remembers Hannah’s gift? Pause. Hannah received the gift of a baby, baby Samuel. Pause. Did you know that when people have babies, we give the mommies and daddies and babies gifts? Pause. We shower the baby with gifts. As you talk, give each kid a baby item and a bow. Today let’s pretend to give Hannah and baby Samuel some gifts. Sit down with the baby doll. I’ll be Hannah, and my baby is Samuel. Pause. Let’s put our bows on our baby items and bring the gifts to the baby. Have another adult demonstrate putting a bow on the item and bringing the gift to the baby. As you receive each gift, say, Thank you! Thank you for showering us with baby gifts!
208 — Preschool Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Prayer Time It’s time to pray! Make the ASL sign for pray. Listen and repeat my words —this is an echo prayer. Make the ASL sign for thank you before you make each of the actions.
Spark Resources
Thanks for listening to prayers when we’re sad. Thanks for listening to prayers when we’re happy. Thanks for calling us, Thanks for calling us, Thanks for calling us, Again and again and again! Amen.
None
None
Supplies
Make a sad face. Make a happy face. Use hand as a telephone. Repeat (with other hand). Repeat (change hands again).
Pray
Thank You
Open the Bible (10 minutes) Hannah Prays for a Child Storytelling Set Up: Have your Spark Story Bible and any kids’ Bibles ready and available in the storytelling area. Mark your Bible with a bookmark so that you can easily find today’s story. Place the baby doll inside a gift box wrapped festively.
Spark Resources
Show kids the wrapped gift box. Have you ever received a gift? Tell me about it. Listen to stories about kids’ gifts. Hannah receives a wonderful gift from God. What do you think that gift is? (a baby) Take the baby doll out of the gift box and hold it gently. God gives Hannah a baby—what a precious gift! God knows that Hannah will treat this gift very carefully.
Gift box Baby doll
Spark Story Bible
Supplies
Take out your Spark Story Bible and open to Hannah Prays for a Child on pages 118–121. Read the story out loud and point to the corresponding pictures. Look for Squiggles, the caterpillar, in each picture. Ask kids what they think Squiggles is feeling or doing. Encourage them to make a face or move like Squiggles.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 209
Have you ever made a promise? Tell me about it. Listen to kids’ promise stories. Hannah makes an important promise in today’s Bible story. Hannah promises her son will serve God for the rest of his life. That is quite a promise! Ask the following questions, allowing time for kids to answer: What name did Hannah give to her baby son? (Samuel) What are the names of some babies who you know?
Activate Faith (25 minutes) game:
Wake Up, Samuel!
To play this turn-taking game, make a circle on the floor. Choose an adult to be the first Samuel. Samuel pretends to sleep in the middle of the circle. Clap and sing this piggyback song while trying to wake up Samuel. Chant the words together, or sing the words to the tune of “Goodnight Ladies.”
Spark Resources None
Supplies None
Wake up, Samuel, wake up, Samuel. Wake up, Samuel, God is calling you. If Samuel refuses to wake up, say or sing these words. Who will wake Samuel? Who will wake Samuel? Who will wake Samuel? So he can hear God’s call? Choose a child to gently wake up Samuel by shaking a shoulder or whispering in Samuel’s ear. Then say or sing these words. [Name] will wake up Samuel, [Name] will wake up Samuel, [Name] will wake up Samuel, so he can hear God’s call. Play until everyone who wants one to be Samuel has had a turn.
210 — Preschool Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
art:
Gift Wrapping Paper
Set up: You will need lots of floor space for today’s activity. If your room is carpeted, arrange to use a tile-floored room, or else provide tarps, newspaper or plastic coverings for the floor. Cut craft paper into sheets large enough for wrapping a medium-sized gift. Make individual painting areas by placing newspaper on the floor with a piece of craft paper on top of the newspaper. Make sure each painting place has space to walk around it. Nearby, set up a kid-sized paint center with paint bottles, stamps, rags, trays, and smocks. Gather kids at the paint center. Ask everyone to put on a paint shirt. We’ve been talking about gifts today. Samuel was a gift to Hannah. Today, let’s make some wrapping paper to wrap gifts in. Here’s how we can do it. Begin by showing kids how to pour the paint into the trays. Show kids how to use one tray compartment per color. Then demonstrate how to use the paint stamps. Put the stamp in the paint tray. Lift the stamp out of the paint and press it on the paper. Lift up the stamp and stamp again. When you are done with a stamp, use a rag to wipe it off, and place it back on the table for other kids to use.
Spark Resources None
Supplies Large rolls of craft paper Adult scissors Assorted paint stamps, 2 per kid Washable tempura paint Empty frozen dinner trays, 1 per kid Newspaper, tarps, or plastic coverings Paint smocks or shirts, 1 per kid Rags, a few per kid
Send kids off to work. Be ready to support their work in various ways. Leave paper on the floor to dry if possible.
snack:
Surprise Gift Muffins
Before serving any food, always check with caregivers for kid who have food allergies. Provide an alternative if necessary.
Spark Resources
Set up: Prepare the table for making today’s muffins by setting out all the ingredients. If using an oven, warm it up to the temperature indicated on the muffin mix package. Make sure you have an adult who can take the muffins to the kitchen and bake them. Plan to play a game or a music activity during the baking time.
Supplies
Gather at the snack table. Baby Samuel was a gift to his mother, Hannah. In our story today, God kept waking up Samuel, and Samuel kept waking up Eli. Samuel and Eli were confused and then surprised and then amazed. God is surprising in many ways. Today we are going to make some surprise muffins so we can remember that God sometimes surprises us with amazing gifts! With kids, mix up the muffin mix according the package’s directions. Spray the muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray. Show kids what the surprise is. The surprise gift in our snack is that in the middle of each muffin will be some yummy strawberry jam. Let me show you how to make the surprise. Fill one muffin form only halfway with muffin batter. Take a spoonful of jam and drop it on top of the batter. Cover the jam with some more batter. Support kids taking turns spooning the batter into the muffin tins, adding the surprise, and adding some more batter. When all pans are full, send the muffins off for baking. While muffins are baking, wash hands again, especially if you used raw egg. Also, clean up the snack table with kids’ help. When the table is clean again, ask kids to set
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
None
Strawberry jam Muffin mix Ingredients listed on muffin mix such as milk, water, egg, and oil Mixing bowl Mixing spoons Nonstick cooking spray Muffin pans Spoons Small plates Cups Napkins Oven or microwave Water or milk
Hannah and Samuel — 211
the table with small plates, napkins, and cups of water or milk. Wash hands again if necessary. Pass the warm muffins around, share a table blessing, find the surprise gift inside, and talk about how God’s gifts can be surprising!
Send (5 minutes) Good-bye Time Use this Good-bye Time song as a ritual every week. Sing to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
Spark Resources
Gather kids together on the floor. Let’s remember something about our story today. Pause for kids’ thoughts. Our story today was about gifts.
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
None
Here’s a song about our story. Listen first and then sing with me. Sing the verses once through, then have kids repeat. When I’m sad, I can pray, I can pray, I can pray. When I’m sad, I can pray. I can pray today! When I’m thankful, I can pray, I can pray, I can pray. When I’m thankful, I can pray. I can pray today!
Prayer Time Gather kids together on the floor, sitting in a circle if possible. Cradle the baby doll in your arms. We will each have a turn to cradle the baby. When it’s your turn to cradle the baby, I want you to tell us and God one thing you are thankful for. I’ll go first. Cradle the baby doll, and thank God for someone or something. Pass the baby doll gently to your circle neighbor. Gently cue your neighbor to cradle the baby and share a blessing. When everyone in the circle has had a turn, end with a quiet Amen.
Spark Resources Family Pages
Supplies Baby doll
If your group hasn’t received this rotation’s Family Page, send one home with each family.
212 — Preschool Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
PRESCHOOL LEADER GUIDE
Hannah and Samuel (1 Samuel 1:9-27)
At-An o s s e L Chart Glance k 4 Wee
Lesson Focus: Sleeping
Gather (10 minutes) Center Time Kids pretend to sleep in their classroom, use kitchen timers or alarm clocks to wake up, and color Bible story pictures.
Circle Time
Spark Resources
Supplies
Coloring Page God Calls Samuel D
Sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, preschool-size cots, wind-up alarm clocks or kitchen timers, teddy bears, flashlights, blank paper, markers or crayons
None
Travel eyeshades, blanket, pacifier, glass of water, night-light, storybooks, pillow, stuffed animal, pajamas, bathrobe, toothbrush
None
None
Kids are welcomed by name and hunt for sleepy time items.
Prayer Time Kids pray an echo prayer with actions.
Open the Bible (10 minutes) God Calls Samuel Storytelling
Spark Resources
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
Blankets, sleeping bags
Kids hear about Samuel and Eli, wonder what happens next, and roll out blankets.
Activate Faith (25 minutes) MUSIC — I’m Gonna Listen
Spark Resources
Supplies
None
None
Spark Story Bible
Whiteboard or chart paper, markers and crayons, stapler, oil crayons (optional)
Spark Story Bible
Crispy rice cereal, milk or milk substitute, spoons, bowls, napkins
Kids sing a traditional American spiritual with new words. ART — Bedtime Storybook
Kids dictate this weeks stories into a bedtime story as a group and illustrate it. SNACK — Bedtime Snack
Kids eat a bedtime snack.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 213
Lesson At-A-Glance Chart Week 4 Send (5 minutes) Good-bye Time
Spark Resources
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
None
Family Pages
Baby doll
Kids sing a closing song about today’s focus.
Prayer Time Kids gently pass around a baby doll, and pray.
Visit www.sparksundayschool.org for more Spark content. Watch a short Lesson Prep Video that will prepare you and give you confidence to explore this Bible story with the kids you are leading. You will also find 6 Coloring Pages to use during Gather Time and a downloadable Family Page for this rotation’s story filled with ideas for families to use to explore this story and live out their faith at home.
214 — Preschool Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
PRESCHOOL LEADER GUIDE
Hannah and Samuel
Week 4
(1 Samuel 1:9-27)
Gather (5 minutes) Center Time You may choose to set up one or both of these creative play centers where kids can play as they arrive in your classroom. Have helpers in each center to help children with the activities. Kids can stay in one center or travel to more than one.
Spark Resources
Good Night and Good Morning Set Up: In a cozy corner of the room, set up a sleeping area with today’s supplies.
Supplies
As kids investigate these props, wonder aloud what kind of props these are. I wonder what we should do with these sleeping bags, books, alarm clocks, and everything else. See what kids think should be happening, and then support their play by playing along with them and retrieving additional props. As kids sleep, wake up, and make up their own stories, remind them of the stories you are reading. In our story today about Samuel, Samuel, and Eli wake up a lot. I wonder how we can use today’s story in our pretend play.
Coloring Page God Calls Samuel D
Sleeping bags Pillows Blankets Preschool-size cots Wind-up alarm clocks or kitchen timers Teddy bears Flashlights Blank paper Markers or crayons
Coloring Center Provide copies of Coloring Pages God Calls Samuel D, blank paper, and markers or crayons for each kid. Be sure to write their names on their drawings before they move to Circle Time. When all kids have arrived and have had time to participate in at least one center, say to the kids, Clap your hands and sing, “It’s Time to Hear a Story” to the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush.” It’s time to hear a story, A story, a story. It’s time to hear a story, So let’s clean up.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 215
Circle Time Sit in a circle on the floor and use this welcome ritual song each week to welcome everyone to your group. Sing this song to the tune of “She’ll be Coming ‘Round the Mountain” while clapping with spirit.
Spark Resources
Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone. Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone. Welcome to our group today, Where we’ll sing and dance and pray. Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone.
Travel eyeshades Blanket Pacifier Glass of water Night-light Storybooks Pillow Stuffed animal Pajamas Bathrobe Toothbrush
Spoken. Welcome, all my friends. Welcome, welcome. Today we welcome [Name], [Name], and [Name]. Today we welcome [Name], [Name], and [Name]. Continue until everyone in the room is welcomed. Reserve a special welcome for visitors and new kids. We have a [or some] new friend(s) today. Today we welcome our new friend(s) [Name(s)].
None
Supplies
Set up: Before circle time today, place the supplies around the room for kids to find. After today’s welcome ritual, pretend to sleep, and then wake up. Oh! I was sleeping. Yawn. I want to go back to sleep. I need my blankie, though. I wonder where it is. Hmmm . . . Pause. What do you need to go to sleep? Pause to hear kids’ thoughts. I have an idea—let’s find sleeping stuff. Let’s stand up and go find things we need for sleeping. Go on a mini scavenger hunt. Gather items, and go back to the circle time area and talk about all the things we use for sleeping or getting ready to sleep. Then talk about today’s story. Today we will hear two stories—the story about Hannah and a story about how Samuel was sleeping.
Prayer Time It’s time to pray! Make the ASL sign for pray. Listen and repeat my words—this is an echo prayer. Make the ASL sign for thank you before you make each of the actions.
Spark Resources
Thanks for listening to prayers when we’re sad. Thanks for listening to prayers when we’re happy. Thanks for calling us, Thanks for calling us, Thanks for calling us, Again and again and again! Amen.
None
Make a sad face. Make a happy face. Use hand as a telephone. Repeat (with other hand). Repeat (change hands again).
Thank You 216 — Preschool Leader Guides
None
Supplies
Pray
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Open the Bible (10 minutes) God Calls Samuel Storytelling Set Up: Have your Spark Story Bible and any kids’ Bibles ready and available in the storytelling area. Mark your Bible with a bookmark so that you can easily find today’s story. Create a circle using folded blankets and rolled up sleeping bags.
Spark Resources
Take out your Spark Story Bible and open to God Calls Samuel on pages 122–125. Read the story out loud and point to the corresponding pictures. Look for Squiggles, the caterpillar, in each picture. Ask kids what they think Squiggles is feeling or doing. Encourage them to make a face or move like Squiggles.
Sleeping bags Blankets
Spark Story Bible
Supplies
Invite kids to sit on the blankets and sleeping bags. Hold up page 123 of the Spark Story Bible. Samuel and Eli are sleeping on the floor. We are sitting on some blankets and sleeping bags. Now let’s sleep on the floor like Samuel and Eli. Roll out blankets and sleeping bags and get comfy. When everyone is lying on their tummies or sides, continue the conversation about today’s story. I wonder whether Samuel will wake up soon. What do you think? Pause for kids to respond. I wonder whether Eli will wake up soon. What do you think? Listen and discuss kids’ thoughts on the story of Samuel. Kids may continue lying down, or sit up if they prefer, as you read today’s story from the Sparks Story Bible. Ask the following questions, allowing time for kids to answer: Who did Samuel wake up after he heard his name called? (Eli) Who calls your name and wakes you up?
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 217
Activate Faith (25 minutes) music:
I’m Gonna Listen
Gather kids together on the floor. Who learned to listen in our story today? (Samuel) Samuel learned to listen to God. Today I want you to listen to this listening song and then sing it with me. Ready, set, listen! Sing the song through once. Then repeat it, welcoming kids to join you. I’m gonna listen when the Spirit says listen! I’m gonna listen when the Spirit says listen! I’m gonna listen when the Spirit says listen! And obey the Spirit of the Lord!
Spark Resources None
Supplies None
Point to your ears. Repeat. Repeat. Lift your hands and arms up to the sky.
Repeat adding new adverbs such as “sing,” “pray,” and “sleep.”
art:
Bedtime Storybook
Set up: Have coloring supplies ready for kids to use on the floor. Set up the chart paper in the storytelling area. Have the Spark Story Bible handy.
Spark Resources
Gather kids in a circle on the floor. Hold up pages 122–123 of the Spark Story Bible for all to see. Today we’re going to make a big Bedtime Storybook. Let’s remember today’s story. Tell me about our story. Encourage kids to recall today’s story, God Calls Samuel. Do not reread the story. What happened first in today’s story? Write down kids’ words as they say them. This method is called story dictation. Do not change the words kids give you. Write one or two sentences on a page before flipping the chart to the next page. Write the sentences either on the top of the page or the bottom so there is plenty of room for illustrations. Then what happened in our story today? Again, write down kids’ words and flip the chart over to the next page. Keep asking what happens next until kids retell the entire story in their own words. Reread what you have written.
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
Whiteboard or chart paper Markers and crayons Stapler Oil crayons (optional)
Our story is wonderful! It’s missing something, though. Do you know what? Pause for kids’ responses. It’s missing pictures! Pass out markers and crayons, or use oil crayons for a more polished look. I have some coloring supplies here. Find a friend or two. I’ll give each group of friends a page of our story and you can draw the pictures that match the words. As you hand each group their sheet of paper, read the words so that each group knows what to draw. If you have tile or a hardwood floor, have kids work on the floor. Use kid-sized tables if you have carpeted floors. When kids are finished, put the story together and staple it. Have kids lie down and listen while you read it aloud, and then pretend to fall asleep.
218 — Preschool Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
snack:
Bedtime Snack
Before serving any food, always check with caregivers for kid who have food allergies. Provide an alternative if necessary.
Spark Resources
Set up: Place all snack supplies on the table.
Supplies
Gather at the table with washed hands. Ask for a few helpers to set the table, giving each kid a bowl, spoon, and napkin. I think it’s time for a bedtime snack. I wonder if Samuel ever had a bedtime snack before going to sleep. Pause for kids’ thoughts. Hold up the cereal box. I have some cereal today for a bedtime snack. This cereal is special because if we listen, we will hear cereal sounds. Pour the cereal in each bowl with some milk or milk substitute. Ask kids to listen to their cereal while they wait for everyone to be served. Say a table grace. Reread Hannah Prays for a Child and God Calls Samuel as bedtime stories while kids enjoy their bedtime snack.
Spark Story Bible
Crispy rice cereal Milk or milk substitute Spoons Bowls Napkins
Send (5 minutes) Good-bye Time Use this Good-bye Time song as a ritual every week. Sing to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
Spark Resources
Gather kids together on the floor. Let’s remember something about our story today. Pause for kids’ thoughts. Our story today was about sleeping.
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
None
Here’s a song about our story. Listen first and then sing with me. Sing the verses once through, then have kids repeat. Samuel was a listener, Listener, listener. Samuel was a listener. He heard God calling him. We can listen like Samuel, Samuel, Samuel. We can listen like Samuel. We can hear God’s call. [Name] can listen like Samuel, Samuel, Samuel. [Name] can listen like Samuel. He/She can hear God’s call.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 219
Prayer Time Gather kids together on the floor, sitting in a circle if possible. Cradle the baby doll in your arms. We will each have a turn to cradle the baby. When it’s your turn to cradle the baby, I want you to tell us and God one thing you are thankful for. I’ll go first. Cradle the baby doll, and thank God for someone or something. Pass the baby doll gently to your circle neighbor. Gently cue your neighbor to cradle the baby and share a blessing. When everyone in the circle has had a turn, end with a quiet Amen.
Spark Resources Family Pages
Supplies Baby doll
If your group hasn’t received this rotation’s Family Page, send one home with each family.
220 — Preschool Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
PRESCHOOL LEADER GUIDE
Hannah and Samuel (1 Samuel 1:9-27)
At-An o s s e L Chart Glance k 5 Wee
Lesson Focus: Waking Up
Gather (10 minutes) Center Time
Spark Resources
Supplies
Coloring Page God Calls Samuel E
Sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, preschool-size cots, wind-up alarm clocks or kitchen timers, teddy bears, flashlights, blank paper, markers or crayons
Spark Story Bible
None
None
None
Kids pretend to sleep in their classroom, use kitchen timers or alarm clocks to wake up, and color Bible story pictures.
Circle Time Kids are welcomed by name and pretend to be Samuel waking up Eli.
Prayer Time Kids pray an echo prayer with actions.
Open the Bible (10 minutes) God Calls Samuel Storytelling
Spark Resources
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
None
Kids hear today’s story, remember their own waking-up times, and count wake-up times.
Activate Faith (25 minutes) GAME — This Is How I Can Pray
Spark Resources
Supplies
None
None
None
Empty plastic milk cartons, adult scissors, thick rubber bands, foam stickers, self-sticking pompoms, assorted ribbon, preschool scissors, permanent marker
None
Oatmeal cookies, milk or milk substitute, cups, small plates, napkins, flashlights, large empty box or play kitchen refrigerator
Kids play an imitation game. ART — Milk Carton Megaphones
Kids decorate milk carton megaphones and practice waking up Samuel.
SNACK — Midnight Snack
Kids wake up, look in the refrigerator, and eat a midnight snack.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 221
Lesson At-A-Glance Chart Week 5 Send (5 minutes) Good-bye Time
Spark Resources
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
None
Family Pages
Baby doll
Kids sing a closing song about today’s focus.
Prayer Time Kids gently pass around a baby doll, and pray.
Visit www.sparksundayschool.org for more Spark content. Watch a short Lesson Prep Video that will prepare you and give you confidence to explore this Bible story with the kids you are leading. You will also find 6 Coloring Pages to use during Gather Time and a downloadable Family Page for this rotation’s story filled with ideas for families to use to explore this story and live out their faith at home.
222 — Preschool Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
PRESCHOOL LEADER GUIDE
Hannah and Samuel
Week 5
(1 Samuel 1:9-27)
Gather (5 minutes) Center Time You may choose to set up one or both of these creative play centers where kids can play as they arrive in your classroom. Have helpers in each center to help children with the activities. Kids can stay in one center or travel to more than one.
Spark Resources
Good Night and Good Morning Set Up: In a cozy corner of the room, set up a sleeping area with today’s supplies.
Supplies
As kids investigate these props, wonder aloud what kind of props these are. I wonder what we should do with these sleeping bags, books, alarm clocks, and everything else. See what kids think should be happening, and then support their play by playing along with them and retrieving additional props. As kids sleep, wake up, and make up their own stories, remind them of the stories you are reading. In our story today about Samuel, Samuel and Eli wake up a lot. I wonder how we can use today’s story in our pretend play.
Coloring Page God Calls Samuel E
Sleeping bags Pillows Blankets Preschool-size cots Wind-up alarm clocks or kitchen timers Teddy bears Flashlights Blank paper Markers or crayons
Coloring Center Provide copies of Coloring Pages God Calls Samuel E, blank paper, and markers or crayons for each kid. Be sure to write their names on their drawings before they move to Circle Time. When all kids have arrived and have had time to participate in at least one center, say to the kids, Clap your hands and sing, “It’s Time to Hear a Story” to the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush.” It’s time to hear a story, A story, a story. It’s time to hear a story, So let’s clean up.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 223
Circle Time Sit in a circle on the floor and use this welcome ritual song each week to welcome everyone to your group. Sing this song to the tune of “She’ll be Coming ‘Round the Mountain” while clapping with spirit.
Spark Resources
Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone. Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone. Welcome to our group today, Where we’ll sing and dance and pray. Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone.
None
Spark Story Bible
Supplies
Spoken. Welcome, all my friends. Welcome, welcome. Today we welcome [Name], [Name], and [Name]. Today we welcome [Name], [Name], and [Name]. Continue until everyone in the room is welcomed. Reserve a special welcome for visitors and new kids. We have some [or a] new friend(s) today. Today we welcome our new friend(s) [Name(s)]. Hold up page 122–123 of the Spark Story Bible for all to see. Point to Samuel waking up Eli. Samuel is waking up Eli. Pause to hear what kids’ notice. Then, lie down and whisper. Let’s pretend I’m Eli. Choose a kid to be Samuel. [Name], would you please pretend to be Samuel, and wake me up? Lie down and pretend to sleep until you are woken up. Repeat, if time allows, with different kids playing the roles of Eli and Samuel. Samuel wakes up Eli a lot in our story today.
Prayer Time It’s time to pray! Make the ASL sign for pray. Listen and repeat my words—this is an echo prayer. Make the ASL sign for thank you before you make each of the actions.
Spark Resources
Thanks for listening to prayers when we’re sad. Thanks for listening to prayers when we’re happy. Thanks for calling us, Thanks for calling us, Thanks for calling us, Again and again and again! Amen.
None
Make a sad face. Make a happy face. Use hand as a telephone. Repeat (with other hand). Repeat (change hands again).
None
Supplies
Pray Thank You
224 — Preschool Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Open the Bible (10 minutes) God Calls Samuel Storytelling Set Up: Have your Spark Story Bible and any kids’ Bibles ready and available in the storytelling area. Mark your Bible with a bookmark so that you can easily find today’s story.
Spark Resources
Take out your Spark Story Bible and open to God Calls Samuel on pages 122–125. Read the story out loud and point to the corresponding pictures. Look for Squiggles, the caterpillar, in each picture. Ask kids what they think Squiggles is feeling or doing. Encourage them to make a face or move like Squiggles
None
Spark Story Bible
Supplies
Have you ever woken up in the night many times? Pause to hear about kids’ wake-up stories. Maybe it was because someone else was making noise, or because there was a storm, or because you were really excited for the next morning. Samuel woke up many times in this story. Each time he thought was Eli, until Eli told him to do something. How many times do you think God wakes up Samuel in this story? Let’s count them as we read the story together. As you read these parts of the story, keep track on your fingers of how many times Samuel is called on. Ask the following questions, allowing time for kids to answer: How many times did God wake up Samuel? (four) What would you do if you heard someone’s voice calling you in the middle of the night?
Activate Faith (25 minutes) game:
This Is How I Can Pray
Gather kids in a circle standing up. Choose one kid to stand in the middle of the circle. As the group chants, the kid in the middle chooses a way to pray. This prayer idea may be serious, silly, typical, or brand new. The rest of the kids imitate this way to pray. When the chant is finished, the kid in the middle picks someone new to lead the chant. Remind kids to choose someone who hasn’t had a turn yet.
Spark Resources None
Supplies None
This is how I can pray. See if you can pray my way. This is how I can pray. Who will be the next to play?
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 225
art:
Milk Carton Megaphones
Set up: Before this activity, cut the bottom off clean milk jugs. If you want a cleancut line, place a thick rubber band around the bottom of the jug and cut next to the rubber band. Place the jugs, preschool scissors, ribbon, pompoms, and stickers in the middle of a kid-sized worktable. Gather kids around the worktable. Hold a milk jug to your lips from the cap end. Announce today’s activity. Today we are making megaphones. Pause. Tell me about megaphones. Pause to hear kids’ thoughts and giggles. A megaphone helps us to hear. Pause. I am using a megaphone made from a milk jug. Continue speaking through the megaphone. In our story today, who woke up? (Eli, Samuel) God kept calling Samuel, and Samuel woke up. Samuel kept calling Eli, and Eli woke up. Pause. Sometimes we need help waking up and hearing. Invite kids to share ways in which they are helped to wake up. Sometimes we need an alarm clock to wake up. Sometimes we need our mom to gently shake us or kiss us so we wake up. And, sometimes we may need a megaphone! Pause. Let’s make some megaphones. Help kids make their own megaphones. Decorate with ribbon hanging from the milk carton jug handle and covering the megaphone with pompoms and stickers. Write kids’ names on their megaphones using a permanent marker. Then have fun waking each other up!
snack:
Spark Resources None
Supplies Empty plastic milk jugs Adult scissors Thick rubber bands Foam stickers Self-sticking pompoms Assorted ribbon Preschool scissors Permanent marker
Midnight Snack
Before serving any food, always check with caregivers for kid who have food allergies. Provide an alternative if necessary.
Spark Resources
Set up: Place supplies in the pretend refrigerator.
Supplies
Gather kids in the Circle Time area. If possible, dim or turn off the lights. Eli and Samuel woke up in the middle of the night. When I wake up in the middle of the night, sometimes I feel hungry. How about you? Pause to hear kids’ thoughts. If I eat in the middle of the night, I call it a midnight snack. Pause. I wonder if Eli or Samuel was hungry the night God woke up Samuel. Pause. Let’s all pretend to sleep. Lie down. Now let’s pretend to wake up. Yawn and stretch. Oh! I’m hungry. Where’s my flashlight? Turn on your flashlight. Pause. I know! Let’s go get a snack. Get up. I need to wash my hands first. Take kids to a nearby sink and wash hands together. Use your flashlight to find your way. Try to whisper a lot as if other people are sleeping in the house. Let’s go to the refrigerator. Travel to the “refrigerator.” Open the refrigerator. Yummy! There’s some cookies and milk in here. Let’s eat some cookies and milk. With kids help, set up a snack table, and sit down to eat your midnight snack. Whisper a table grace such as Thank you, God, for waking us up! Enjoy your snack. Talk about God waking up Samuel, and Samuel waking up Eli.
226 — Preschool Leader Guides
None
Oatmeal cookies Milk or milk substitute Cups Small plates Napkins Flashlights Large empty box or play kitchen refrigerator
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Send (5 minutes) Good-bye Time Use this Good-bye Time song as a ritual every week. Sing to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
Spark Resources
Gather kids together on the floor. Let’s remember something about our story today. Pause for kids’ thoughts. Our story today was about waking up.
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
None
Here’s a song about our story. Listen first and then sing with me. Sing the verses once through, then have kids repeat. Samuel was a listener, Listener, listener. Samuel was a listener. He heard God calling him. We can listen like Samuel, Samuel, Samuel. We can listen like Samuel. We can hear God’s call. [Name] can listen like Samuel, Samuel, Samuel. [Name] can listen like Samuel. He/She can hear God’s call.
Prayer Time Gather kids together on the floor, sitting in a circle if possible. Cradle the baby doll in your arms. We will each have a turn to cradle the baby. When it’s your turn to cradle the baby, I want you to tell us and God one thing you are thankful for. I’ll go first. Cradle the baby doll, and thank God for someone or something. Pass the baby doll gently to your circle neighbor. Gently cue your neighbor to cradle the baby and share a blessing. When everyone in the circle has had a turn, end with a quiet Amen.
Spark Resources Family Pages
Supplies Baby doll
If your group hasn’t received this rotation’s Family Page, send one home with each family.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 227
PRESCHOOL LEADER GUIDE
Hannah and Samuel (1 Samuel 1:9-27)
At-An o s s e L Chart Glanceek 6 We
Lesson Focus: Hearing Ears
Gather (10 minutes) Center Time
Spark Resources
Supplies
Coloring Page God Calls Samuel F
Sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, preschool-size cots, wind-up alarm clocks or kitchen timers, teddy bears, flashlights, blank paper, markers or crayons
None
Telephone, dinner bell, megaphone
None
None
Kids pretend to sleep in their classroom, use kitchen timers or alarm clocks to wake up, and color Bible story pictures.
Circle Time Kids are welcomed by name and think about different ways of calling people.
Prayer Time Kids pray an echo prayer with actions.
Open the Bible (10 minutes) God Calls Samuel Storytelling
Spark Resources
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
Assorted old telephones, basket
Kids hear today’s story, wonder how God calls people today, and call each other on a telephone.
Activate Faith (25 minutes) MUSIC — Get Up and Down to Pray
Spark Resources
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
None
None
Construction paper, pencils, clipboards
None
Large fish crackers, apple slices, large pretzel sticks, small plates, napkins, serving bowls, water, cups, apple slicer or table knife, cutting board
Kids follow the music directions to act out Hannah’s story. ART — Still Life Ears
Kids draw pictures of ears by observing a friend’s ear. SNACK — Samuel’s Noisy Snacks
Kids listen for the different sounds that crunchy snacks make.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 229
Lesson At-A-Glance Chart Week 6 Send (5 minutes) Good-bye Time
Spark Resources
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
None
Family Pages
Baby doll
Kids sing a closing song about today’s focus.
Prayer Time Kids gently pass around a baby doll, and pray.
Visit www.sparksundayschool.org for more Spark content. Watch a short Lesson Prep Video that will prepare you and give you confidence to explore this Bible story with the kids you are leading. You will also find 6 Coloring Pages to use during Gather Time and a downloadable Family Page for this rotation’s story filled with ideas for families to use to explore this story and live out their faith at home.
230 — Preschool Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
PRESCHOOL LEADER GUIDE
Hannah and Samuel
Week 6
(1 Samuel 1:9-27)
Gather (5 minutes) Center Time You may choose to set up one or both of these creative play centers where kids can play as they arrive in your classroom. Have helpers in each center to help children with the activities. Kids can stay in one center or travel to more than one.
Spark Resources
Good Night and Good Morning Set Up: In a cozy corner of the room, set up a sleeping area with today’s supplies.
Supplies
As kids investigate these props, wonder aloud what kind of props these are. I wonder what we should do with these sleeping bags, books, alarm clocks, and everything else. See what kids think should be happening, and then support their play by playing along with them and retrieving additional props. As kids sleep, wake up, and make up their own stories, remind them of the stories you are reading. In our story today about Samuel, Samuel and Eli wake up a lot. I wonder how we can use today’s story in our pretend play.
Coloring Page God Calls Samuel F
Sleeping bags Pillows Blankets Preschool-size cots Wind-up alarm clocks or kitchen timers Teddy bears Flashlights Blank paper Markers or crayons
Coloring Center Provide copies of Coloring Pages God Calls Samuel F, blank paper, and markers or crayons for each kid. Be sure to write their names on their drawings before they move to Circle Time. When all kids have arrived and have had time to participate in at least one center, say to the kids, Clap your hands and sing, “It’s Time to Hear a Story” to the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush.” It’s time to hear a story, A story, a story. It’s time to hear a story, So let’s clean up.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 231
Circle Time Sit in a circle on the floor and use this welcome ritual song each week to welcome everyone to your group. Sing this song to the tune of “She’ll be Coming ‘Round the Mountain” while clapping with spirit.
Spark Resources
Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone. Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone. Welcome to our group today, Where we’ll sing and dance and pray. Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone.
Telephone Dinner bell Megaphone
None
Supplies
Spoken. Welcome, all my friends. Welcome, welcome. Today we welcome [Name], [Name], and [Name]. Today we welcome [Name], [Name], and [Name]. Continue until everyone in the room is welcomed. Reserve a special welcome for visitors and new kids. We have a [or some] new friend(s) today. Today we welcome our new friend(s) [Name(s)]. Set up: Gather today’s supplies for easy access during Circle Time. In our story today, Samuel is called by God. The voice of God called Samuel. I wonder if there are other ways for people to be called. Spread today’s supplies out in front of you. I brought some calling things with me today. Pick up the telephone. Do you think God calls on the telephone? Pause. Here’s a bell. We could use a bell to let everyone know it’s time for Circle Time. Pause. Here’s a megaphone. Speak into the megaphone. That’s a way of calling people and getting their attention. We can even be called with hands. Show the ASL sign for “call.” This is the sign language sign for “call.” Let’s all try saying “call” with our hands. Say and sign “call” several times. God’s voice called Samuel. What are some ways in which God might call us? Pause to hear kids’ thoughts. Call
232 — Preschool Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Prayer Time It’s time to pray! Make the ASL sign for pray. Listen and repeat my words—this is an echo prayer. Make the ASL sign for thank you before you make each of the actions.
Spark Resources
Thanks for listening to prayers when we’re sad. Thanks for listening to prayers when we’re happy. Thanks for calling us, Thanks for calling us, Thanks for calling us, Again and again and again! Amen.
None
Make a sad face. Make a happy face. Use hand as a telephone. Repeat (with other hand). Repeat (change hands again).
None
Supplies
Pray
Thank You
Open the Bible (10 minutes) God Calls Samuel Storytelling Set Up: Have your Spark Story Bible and any kids’ Bibles ready and available in the storytelling area. Mark your Bible with a bookmark so that you can easily find today’s story. Place telephones in a basket.
Spark Resources
Take out your Spark Story Bible and open to God Calls Samuel on pages 122–125. Read the story out loud and point to the corresponding pictures. Look for Squiggles, the caterpillar, in each picture. Ask kids what they think Squiggles is feeling or doing. Encourage them to make a face or move like Squiggles.
Several old telephones (landlines and mobile) Basket
Spark Story Bible
Supplies
When I hear the word “call,” I think of phones. How many of you talk on the phone with someone who calls you and your family? Pause for kids’ responses. In today’s story, God called Samuel—although God didn’t use a telephone! Bring out the basket of telephones. Let’s have some fun pretending God is calling us on the telephone. Pass out the telephones. Help kids enter this pretend play by making telephone ringing noises and pretending to listen and talk to God on the telephone.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 233
Then tell kids to hang up and gather round to listen as you read the story from the Spark Story Bible. Ask the following questions, allowing time for kids to answer: Who called Samuel? (God) What would you do if God called you on the phone?
Activate Faith (25 minutes) music:
Get Up and Down to Pray
Gather kids together on the floor. Make sure you have enough safe floor space for this activity. Open your Spark Story Bible to page 119. Hold up the page for kids to see. Hannah is down on her knees crying and praying to God for a child. Let’s get down on our knees and sing a movement song about praying. Follow my actions. Sing this song to the tune of “Go In and Out the Window.” Get down and up to pray. Get down and up to pray. Get down and up to pray, Like Hannah did before.
Begin on your knees and then stand up. Begin on your knees and then stand up. Begin on your knees and then stand up.
Shed a tear and pray. Shed a tear and pray. Shed a tear and pray, Like Hannah did before.
Kneel and pretend to cry. Kneel and pretend to cry. Kneel and pretend to cry.
Laugh and dance and praise. Laugh and dance and praise. Laugh and dance and praise, Like Hannah did before.
Stand, dance, and praise God with open arms. Stand, dance, and praise God with open arms. Stand, dance, and praise God with open arms.
234 — Preschool Leader Guides
Spark Resources Spark Story Bible
Supplies None
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
art:
Still Life Ears
Gather kids in a circle on the floor. Add a piece of paper to a clipboard. Ask for a kid volunteer who will sit very still in the middle of the circle. Today we are going to make some pictures. These are very special pictures called still life pictures. Our still life picture today is of a friend’s ear. Demonstrate how you look at the volunteer’s ear and try to draw it on your paper. First I look at [Name’s] ear. What do I see? Pause. I see an ear shape. It’s kind of oval. I think I’ll draw an oval shape on my paper. Draw an oval shape. What else do I see? Pause for comments for the group. I see some lines or ridges inside [Name’s] ear. I wonder how I can draw those ridges on my paper. I’m going to try it. Add some details to your drawing. Finish your drawing and hold it up for all to see. This is my still life drawing of an ear. Ears are so important. What do we do with our ears? (hear, listen) We hear and listen with our ears. Ears are important for us to hear God’s call. Let’s get started on our still life drawings of hearing ears.
Spark Resources None
Supplies Construction paper, 2 per kid Pencils, 1 per two kids Clipboards, 1 per 2 kids
Kids work in pairs today. Remind kids that each one will have a turn drawing and sitting still. Help kids find a friend and give the pair a pencil, paper, and a clipboard. Circulate as kids begin working. Make sure kids remember to change roles. Mark their drawings with both names, indicating who is drawing and who is sitting still. Be prepared for a variety of detail. Some kids will be very detailed, and some kids will draw only the basic shape.
snack:
Samuel’s Noisy Snacks
Before serving any food, always check with caregivers for kid who have food allergies. Provide an alternative if necessary.
Spark Resources
Set up: Place snack supplies on the table.
Supplies
Gather together at the snack table. Today we have a hearing ears snack. What do you think a hearing ears snack is? Pause for kids thoughts. Let’s get ready for a snack and find out more about our hearing ears snack. With kids’ help, set the table with cups of water, napkins, and small plates. Pour the crackers into one serving bowl and the pretzel in another. Kids may help you cut up the apple slices. When ready, sit down and thank God for food and ears. Begin passing the food. Ask kids to put apples, pretzels, and fish on their plates. Let’s listen for the sound these snacks make when we bite into them. Let’s try the crackers first. Tell me what you hear when you munch on the crackers. Pause for munching, thinking, and discussion. Continue in the same manner with the apples and then the pretzels. Ask some comparison questions. Which snack is the loudest? Which snack is quiet? What else do you hear?
None
Large fish crackers Apple slices Large pretzel sticks Small plates Napkins Serving bowls Water Cups Apple slicer or table knife Cutting board
Connect this listening exercise to today’s focus and story. Who did Samuel think he was hearing when God called him the first time? (Eli) Who did Samuel think he was hearing when God called him the second time? (Eli) Who helped Samuel figure out that he was hearing God? (Eli) Eli helped Samuel. Eli told Samuel to say “God, I hear you.” Today we are practicing hearing. Let’s hear our snacks again. Continue munching, hearing, and discussing.
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
Hannah and Samuel — 235
Send (5 minutes) Good-bye Time Use this Good-bye Time song as a ritual every week. Sing to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
Spark Resources
Gather kids together on the floor. Let’s remember something about our story today. Pause for kids’ thoughts. Our story today had a lot about listening ears.
Supplies
Spark Story Bible
None
Here’s a song about our story. Listen first and then sing with me. Sing the verses once through, then have kids repeat. Samuel was a listener, Listener, listener. Samuel was a listener. He heard God calling him. We can listen like Samuel, Samuel, Samuel. We can listen like Samuel. We can hear God’s call. [Name] can listen like Samuel, Samuel, Samuel. [Name] can listen like Samuel. He/She can hear God’s call.
Prayer Time Gather kids together on the floor, sitting in a circle if possible. Cradle the baby doll in your arms. We will each have a turn to cradle the baby. When it’s your turn to cradle the baby, I want you to tell us and God one thing you are thankful for. I’ll go first. Cradle the baby doll, and thank God for someone or something. Pass the baby doll gently to your circle neighbor. Gently cue your neighbor to cradle the baby and share a blessing. When everyone in the circle has had a turn, end with a quiet Amen.
Spark Resources Family Pages
Supplies Baby doll
If your group hasn’t received this rotation’s Family Page, send one home with each family.
236 — Workshop Leader Guides
Preschool Leader Guides, Hannah and Samuel Rotation Leader Guide. Spark™ Sunday School © 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for local use only.
