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TMTeaching Plans1 East Bode Road Streamwood, IL 60107-6658 U.S.A.(630) 213-2000 awana.org 2013 Awana Clubs International. Pages marked reproducible may be reproduced only by churches registered with Awana.1 2 3 4 5 6 18 17 16 15 14 13
Cubbies AppleSeed Teaching PlansTable of ContentsIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Apple Acres Entrance BookletBear Hug A, Parent Night; Cubbies Key Verse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Bear Hug B, Cubbies Motto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Handbook AppleSeed TrailBear Hug 1, A Is for All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Bear Hug 2, C Is for Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Unit 1: God Is CreatorBear Hug 3, Creation: Days One and Two . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bear Hug 4, Creation: Days Three and Four . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bear Hug 5, Creation: Days Five and Six (Animals) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bear Hug 6, Unit 1 Review; Day Six (People) and Day Seven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44526068Unit 2: God’s Word Is TruthBear Hug 7, Adam and Eve Live in a Beautiful Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76Bear Hug 8, Adam and Eve Don’t Listen to God’s Truth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84Bear Hug 9, Adam and Eve Must Leave the Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92Bear Hug 10, Unit 2 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100Unit 3: God Keeps His PromisesBear Hug 11, God Tells Noah to Build an Ark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bear Hug 12, God Keeps Noah and His Family Safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bear Hug 13, God’s Rainbow Shows His Promise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bear Hug 14, Unit 3 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108116124132Unit 4: God Is MightyBear Hug 15, Abraham’s Family Grows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bear Hug 16, God Sends the First Nine Plagues to Egypt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bear Hug 17, The 10th Plague and the Exodus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bear Hug 18, Unit 4 Review; Red Sea Crossing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140148156164Unit 5: God Is in ChargeBear Hug 19, The Israelites Disobey God’s Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bear Hug 20, God Chooses David as King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bear Hug 21, Future King David Defeats Goliath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bear Hug 22, Unit 5 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172180188196Unit 6: God Sent the SaviorBear Hug 23, Jesus Is Baptized and Says No to Satan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bear Hug 24, Jesus Calls His Disciples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bear Hug 25, Jesus and the Storm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bear Hug 26, Unit 6 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .204212220228Special DaysThanksgiving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Easter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236244252260
Introduction to Cubbies AppleSeed Teaching PlansIntroduction to Cubbies AppleSeed Teaching PlansWELCOME to the exciting world of Awana Clubs Cubbies . Get ready for the boundless energy,curious questions, teachable hearts and simple faith of the preschoolers in your club. As you get toknow them, you will share in their love, wonder and silliness. You may also share in their sorrow over alost toy or a parting with Mom or Dad at the door. These little ones will surely keep you on your toes— and on your knees in prayer! But here’s the most exciting part: you will witness God’s work firsthandin their lives and yours.WHAT IS CUBBIES?Cubbies is a weekly Awana club designedfor children who are in the two years prior toentering kindergarten. The Cubbies programfeatures Scripture memorization and ageappropriate, hands-on Bible learning in a settingthat fosters love and respect for God. Parentsare central in Cubbies! The Cubbies handbooksencourage and equip parents to actively nurturetheir child spiritually. At club, Cubbies leadersreinforce the teaching parents do in the home.In this way, parents and club leaders work as ateam to spiritually nurture Cubbies children.THE PURPOSE OF CUBBIESAs preschoolers take the firststeps in their walk with God,they form core beliefs andattitudes that can shape theirfaith for years to come. Cubbiesbuilds a foundation of faith inpreschoolers (3- to 5-year-olds)by nurturing their respect forGod, His Son and His Word.and holiness, resulting in humble,reverent obedience. Because werespect God, we want to loveHim and do His will.By fear, the psalmist did not meana timid, shrinking kind of fear, butrather an awe of God’s greatnessIt is Christ-centered.God’s Son, Jesus Christ, is thecornerstone of Cubbies club.The Cubbies curriculum teachesrespect for God, His Son and HisWord in several important ways:It is God-focused. Each lesson and unit highlights a key asA child’s spiritual journey mustpect of God’s character (such asstart with a respect for theHis love, faithfulness or power).awesomeness and authority ofSince Cubbies learn best throughGod. Without this initial respectfor God and His standards, a child stories, the character trait isusually presented through a Biblecannot understand the need forsalvation or make wise life choices. story. In Cubbies, we emphasizethat all stories from the Bible aretrue and not make-believe. GodThe fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understand- teaches us about Himself as wesee Him relate to real people ining have all they that do Hisreal, historical settings.commandments (Psalm 111:10)4Christ is the only way to theFather (John 14:6) and thecentral message of the Scriptures(Luke 24:27). From Genesis toRevelation, the Bible unfoldsGod’s plan to redeem the worldfrom sin through the work of Hispromised Savior. Each club year,the first four lessons in Cubbies(Bear Hugs A, B, 1 and 2) explainthe gospel in a simple way. Therest of the lessons cover keyOld and New Testament Biblestories. The teacher connectsBible stories, even the OldTestament ones, to Christ. Forexample, when teaching thestory of Noah and the ark, theteacher explains that just as Godpromised to save Noah andhis family from the flood (thepunishment for sin), God haspromised to save us from thepunishment for sin through HisSon, Jesus Christ. Yes, Christ isthe cornerstone of Cubbies club!Cubbies AppleSeed Teaching Plans
It is built on the Bible.We show respect for God bymemorizing and obeying whatHe says. Each week, Cubbiesmemorize a Bible verse or aBible-based Core Truth. (CoreTruths are explained later inthis introduction.) Leaders andparents are urged to open theBible when they are teaching,whether they are paraphrasingor reading verses directly. Wealso recommend showingCubbies where their memoryverse is found in the Bible. Froman early age, Cubbies must learnthat the Bible is different fromany other book. God talks tous through the Bible, and all HisWords are true. The Cubbiesprogram helps children respectand treasure God’s Word.It prioritizes the home.The Bible designates parents asthe primary spiritual teachers oftheir children (see Deuteronomy6:4-9, Proverbs 6:20-23 andEphesians 6:4). Cubbies probablywon’t gain a foundational respectfor God through two hours aweek at club. Instead, most oftheir learning about God willhappen indirectly as they watchthe lifestyle and attitudes of theirparents or guardians, the peoplethey see every day. The Cubbiesprogram makes every effort tomotivate and equip parents tobe strong, biblical role modelsand teachers. Cubbies leaderssee their role as reinforcing theteaching parents do in the home;however, leaders also recognizethat the Cubbies who do notcome from Christian homes (orwho have uninvolved parents)will need extra support andattention.It promotes loving,respectful relationships.To learn respect for God,Cubbies must experience anenvironment of respect andsee respectfulness modeledby the people who take careof them. Leaders and parentsmust be loving authority figureswho show Cubbies how torespect not only God butother authority figures, peersand even the church buildingand the grounds. Love andteaching respect go hand-inhand, because when Cubbiesfall short (as we all do) they canrest in the truth that we lovethem no matter what! Pray thatCubbies know and feel God’slove through all of your wordsand actions.Nurturing respect for God is abig job. Leaders and parents mustpray daily, asking for God to givethem wisdom (and patience) asthey convey His awesomenessand authority to impressionablepreschool children.WHO’S WHO IN CUBBIESThe Awana commanderoversees Cubbies and otherAwana clubs in your church.The Cubbies director leadsand manages the Cubbiesclub, ministering primarily toCubbies leaders. Read theCubbies Director Role Book fordetailed information.Cubbies leaders serve invarious aspects of the club,ministering primarily toCubbies and their parents.Read the Cubbies Leader RoleBook for detailed information.The Secretary Role Book and Game Director Role Book may also be helpful resources.Cubbies AppleSeed Teaching Plans5
Introduction to Cubbies AppleSeed Teaching PlansCORE CUBBIES MATERIALSThank you for purchasing the Cubbies AppleSeed Teaching Plans. If you have not already done so, you willneed to purchase the Cubbies AppleSeed Teaching Cards as visuals to accompany your lessons. Thesecolorfully illustrated cards are also available in digital format to use with a projector or computer.Consult the Awana Ministry Catalog or visit awana.org to order thesecore materials for your Cubbies and their families.WELCOME TOApple Acres Entrance BookletOrder one for each Cubbie.Both first- and second-yearCubbies complete this at thebeginning of each new clubyear. Visitors must completethis booklet before receivinga handbook.Parent Welcome BookletOrder one for eachCubbies family. Thisbooklet introducesparents to the vision ofAwana and the variousAwana programs for kidsand teens (ages 2 to 18).AppleSeed HandbookOrder one for each Cubbie. Cubbiesall work in the same handbook atthe same pace. Handbooks alternateeach year, so if Cubbies completethe AppleSeed handbook this year,they will complete the HoneyCombhandbook next year.NOTE: Always order extra supplies. Preschoolers are known to misplace items, and you may havenewcomers after the first week of club.CUBBIES UNIFORM AND AWARDSRewards are biblical andmotivating, but they caneasily become a distractionor a source of competitionamong kids. When Cubbiesmemorize a verse, affirmthe spiritual value of whatthey are doing: They areshowing love and obedienceto God. They are learningimportant truths that will helpthem every day. Show equalexcitement about every child’sprogress. Never comparechildren to each other.After completing the AppleAcres entrance booklet andthe AppleSeed Trail in thehandbook, Cubbies whoconsistently complete BearHugs will receive an awardabout every four weeks.Consult the Cubbies DirectorRole Book or Cubbies LeaderRole Book for details on theCubbies awards and awardsystem. The resource CDfor the AppleSeed TeachingPlans includes a diagram of a6Cubbies vest and award emblemsfor your reference. If you findthat many parents do not sewon the awards, use the adhesiveBadge Magic Sheets availablein the Awana Ministry Catalog orgive parents directions for ironingon the awards. The pocket onthe vest is a convenient place forCubbies to store awards as theytravel home from club.Cubbies AppleSeed Teaching Plans
Introduction to Cubbies AppleSeed Teaching PlansHOW CUBBIES LEARNHave you ever realized that thelonger you stand up and talkto a group of preschoolers, themore they tune you out? That’sbecause preschoolers are “fivesense” learners — they learnbest when they see, hear, taste,smell and touch. They also needlots of repetition of the sametruth in different ways.Total Time Teaching (TTT)is a positive, creative teachingapproach that stimulatesrepetition and five-senselearning in Cubbies. In orderfor TTT to work, the majorityof the materials and activities,both at home and at club, mustbe coordinated to reinforcethe lesson theme. TTT is mostsuccessful when it is a teameffort among ALL Cubbiesleaders and parents.The Cubbies AppleSeed handbook and coordinated teachingplans have been written withTTT built-in. Here’s how itworks in a typical week: Thechild is first introduced to abiblical truth, such as “Godcreated animals,” at homewhen his parents read the BearHug from the handbook andwork with him on the memoryverse and activities. When thechild comes to club, the leadersreinforce the truth from theBear Hug in each club segment.For example, the child makesan animal mask in Coming In,watches a puppet show aboutthe animals who live on AppleAcres farm, listens to a lesson(with pictures) about Godcreating the animals, eatsanimal crackers and playsa game in which childrenpretend to move like animals.In all these various sensoryactivities, the teacher repeatsand discusses the truth thatGod created animals.Implementing TTT is easybecause each weekly lessonplan includes several activityoptions that all coordinatewith the lesson theme. Evenbetter, most of the activitieshave been suggested and/or tested by real Cubbiesleaders! Choose and adaptthe activities that work bestfor your situation.PREPARING FOR THE CLUB YEARStep 1: Set Your ScheduleFirst, the Awana commanderand Cubbies director mustdecide on a starting and ending time for the Cubbies club.Most Cubbies clubs meet for 90minutes (one hour and a half) totwo hours. We do not recommend meeting for less thanthis. If your club meets for theshorter 90 minute time-frame,you may want to eliminate theSnacks or the Songs segments.Do not eliminate the LessonTime or the Handbook Time,since these are central to themeeting. Be sure to allow fiveminutes in your schedule fortransitions to another room.Cubbies AppleSeed Teaching PlansThe commander and directormust also decide on a calendarschedule for the Cubbies clubthat coordinates with otherAwana clubs and church events.The teaching plans include 28Bear Hug lessons (includingBear Hugs A and B) and fourSpecial Day lessons. This givesyou a total of 32 lessons. TheSpecial Day lessons are optionaland can be plugged in at anytime during the club year. Ifyour club meets for less than 32weeks, we recommend skippingBear Hug B and the reviewlessons in Bear Hugs 6, 10 and/or 14, since these are familiarBible stories.7The resource CD for theAppleseed Teaching Plansincludes sample club calendarand a template for creatingyour own calendar. Giveparents a copy of the clubcalendar at the beginning of theyear. You may want to attachthe calendar to the inside coverof each child’s handbook forthe parents’ easy reference.Step 2: Prepare YourLeadersThe Cubbies director shoulddecide who will be in charge ofeach segment of the meeting.The director may actively leadeach segment, or the director
Introduction to Cubbies AppleSeed Teaching Plansmay assign roles to otherleaders and oversee their roles.For example, some directorsdesignate puppet leaders,Bible lesson leaders, craftleaders and game leaders. Allleaders should be screenedin accordance with yourchurch’s policy and completeGetting Started training fortheir role in Cubbies. Talkto your commander aboutthis training and the leadercertification process.In advance, the director shouldgive each leader a copy ofthe first page of the BearHug lesson for the upcomingweek. (These can be printedeasily from the resource CD.You may want to give leaderspages for more than onelesson at a time.) This pagecontains the lesson theme,memory verse, prayers andgoals for Cubbies, devotionalinsights and practical ministrytips. This page will promote aunified teaching approach andhelp leaders prepare spirituallyfor club. Encourage leadersto memorize the same verseApple Acres Entrance BookletBEARHUGAParent NightCubbies Key VerseI John 4:10Memory Seed: 1 John 4:10: God loved us and sent His Son The Big Apple: God loves us very much! He sent His Son to be our Savior.SOW THE SEEDSRead: Matthew 13:3-9; 18-23; 1 John 4:7-10Memorize: 1 John 4:10Pray that the Holy Spirit would workthrough this lesson so Cubbies:Imagine a seed planter (sower) heading down a dustypath toward his field — a field he’s prepared for planting.But on the way, some of his seed falls along the roadsideand waiting birds swoop down for a tasty lunch. Otherseed blows onto rocky ground and the sprouts quickly diebecause their roots had nowhere to grow.1. Realize God loves them morethan anyone else does.The sower continues walking. Again, seed falls to theground and blows into a patch of thorns. For awhile, theseseeds seem to be doing well, but soon the thorns chokethe fledgling plants.The only seeds that prosper are those planted in thefield that is richly prepared with soil and water. Noticethat the seed is the same in all four scenarios. Only theenvironment is different.As Cubbies leaders, we all have the same seed — theWord of God. First, we pray that the “field” of our ownhearts would be richly prepared to receive God’s Word.Then we pray for the hearts of our Cubbies. We praythat God would give our Cubbies hearts with “good soil”so they can grow by spiritual leaps and bounds this year.Finally, we pray for the “field” of our classroom. A richly prepared club environment nurtures healthy spiritualgrowth. Pray for:2. Hear God’s declaration of love forus in His special book, the Bible.3. Sense sadness that they havedisobeyed God.4. Feel happy because God still lovesus even though we disobey. Hesent His Son to be our Savior.5. Know that the Lord Jesus died forour sin. When we trust Him asSavior, we learn how to love andobey God, because God helps us.6.7.(Add the goals the Holy Spirit bringsto your mind and heart as you prayfor Cubbies.)1. A place that is welcoming, loving and safe.2. Leaders who show love and respect for God in bothword and action and who understand the age characteristics of the children.3. Parents who are included in club activities and supported as they spiritually nurture their sons and daughters. 2013 Awana Clubs International This page may be reproduced only by churches registered with Awana.12Cubbies AppleSeed Teaching PlansCubbies memorize. Leadersshould always learn thecomplete Bible verse.The director should also giveeach leader the handbookleader sheet that correspondsto the weekly Bear Hug.(These can also be printedfrom the resource CD. Someclubs may choose to copythis sheet on the back of thedevotional page mentionedpreviously.) This sheet contains helpful discussion questions, tips and activity ideasfor helping Cubbies duringHandbook Time.Step 3: Plan theClub MeetingThe Cubbies Director RoleBook and Cubbies Leader RoleBook give you detailed information on the purposes andpractices of each segment ofclub. Here are some aspectswe want to highlight.The Memory Seed is theCubbies’ weekly memory verseor phrase. Cubbies all workon the same verse at the sametime. However, most Bibleverses will have a short and longversion. This allows Cubbies tolearn the verse at a level thatmatches their ability. (Cubbieswho learn the long version mustalso learn the Bible reference.)In the handbook, parents notethe version they worked on withtheir child. Since the Cubbies canlearn the verse at either level, itis usually best for the leader torepeat the long version of theverse and reference during clubactivities and let Cubbies chimein on the part they know. In thisway, you reinforce both groups.8In each lesson, The Big Applesummarizes the lesson theme(main idea) in one or twosentences. Each unit (Units1–6) has a Core Truth.The Core Truth is a simplestatement about God’scharacter that is repeated ineach lesson of a unit (God isCreator, God’s Word is truth,God keeps His promises, etc.).Although each unit lessonstill has a specific memoryverse and lesson theme (TheBig Apple), these themesand verses all reinforce andcoordinate with the largerCore Truth about God. Inthe fourth lesson of each unit,Cubbies recite the Core Truthas part of their handbooksection. Cubbies also recitethe first verse of the unit again(which is a summary versefor the unit). Since the fourthlesson in each unit is a built-inreview for all Cubbies, there isno separate handbook reviewsection on these weeks.Coming In is the 10 to 15minutes prior to the officialstart of club when childrencheck in. As soon as Cubbiesarrive, leaders should engagethem in a hands-on activitythat reinforces what theylearned from the handbookat home and prepares themfor what they will learn inclub. Each Bear Hug suggestsseveral activity ideas forComing In. Choose or adaptthe idea that works best foryour club. If desired, choosemore than one idea and setthe various activities up atcenters (or tables) around theroom. Station a leader at eachCubbies AppleSeed Teaching Plans
Introduction to Cubbies AppleSeed Teaching Planscenter and let Cubbies choosea center or rotate groups ofCubbies among the centers.To reinforce learning, the samecenters can be set up, withslight variations, for an entirefour-week unit. The resourceCD contains patterns to usewith some activities. If desired,activities and centers fromComing In may be continuedduring or after HandbookTime. Some clubs chooseless-structured activities forComing In, such as free playwith toys, puzzles or readingBible storybooks. Leaders talkwith Cubbies and try to guideconversations naturally into thelesson theme.During the Puppet Show,children come to know andlove the three Cubbies animalcharacters. You can purchaseCubbie Bear, Luvie Lamb andKatie Collie puppets fromthe Awana Ministry Catalog.The puppet scripts can beperformed easily by oneleader, since no more thantwo puppets appear at anyone time in the script. If moreleaders are available, youcould set up a puppet stageand assign a puppet to eachleader. The puppet storiesintroduce the lesson theme inan interactive and entertainingway. However, since childreneasily confuse reality and makebelieve, Awana recommendsthat you avoid situationswhere these fictional puppetcharacters explicitly teachbiblical truths.Snacks are optional. Many clubsadd them in after HandbookCubbies AppleSeed Teaching PlansTime or after Play Time. EachBear Hug suggests snack ideasthat fit the lesson theme.Please note that food allergiesare becoming more commonamong children. (See Safe SnackGuidelines on the resource CD.)Ask about allergies and otherfood restrictions when theCubbies register each year andbe sure leaders are informed.Also consider posting adescription of the weekly snackin a visible place for parents tosee when they drop off theirchild. Many clubs display asnack sign-up sheet during clubregistration and invite parentsto take turns bringing snacks.Cubbies also may enjoy assistingtheir parent with the snack.and digital images come witha numbered list of visuals foreach lesson for your reference.Some teachers find it easier topost cards on the wall or displaycards on a music stand, chair oreasel instead of holding themwhile teaching. Laminate thecards for extra durability.As you prepare for LessonTime, be sure to read theScripture passages listed inSow the Seeds. Let God’sWord teach and transformyou before you teach it toCubbies. Pray about the goalslisted in See Them Sprout!and add any goals the HolySpirit brings to mind for yourCubbies. Remember, theHoly Spirit is the best teacher.Always ask Him to show youways to adapt and personalizeyour lesson so you canpartner with what HE wantsto do through you and in yourspecific Cubbies club. Finally,it’s a good idea to practiceusing your visuals (teachingcards or digital images) beforeyou teach. Cubbies easily losefocus if you are constantlyfumbling around for cardsor trying to figure out howto work the projector. TheAppleSeed Teaching CardsPlay Time is an energetic,motion-filled time of noncompetitive games thatreinforce the lesson theme.The teaching plans includeseveral game ideas that canwork with various club sizesand spaces. You will also finda list of anytime games on theresource CD. Anytime gamesare perfect for the weeks whenCubbies finish planned gamesearly. Remember, preschoolerslove repetition, and they oftenneed to play a game severaltimes to learn it. Do not beafraid to repeat the samegame, or a slightly modifiedversion, for several weeks. Youcan usually adapt games to fitthe new lesson theme.9In Handbook Time, Cubbieswork with a leader in smallgroups to discuss and apply theBible lesson, recite memorywork and complete an activitythat reinforces their learning.Cubbies complete one BearHug handbook section eachweek. The Review and Underthe Apple Tree sections areoptional for each week.Going Home is a great time toclean up, lead Cubbies in lowenergy review activities andconnect with parents.
Introduction to Cubbies AppleSeed Teaching PlansTHE TWO Ps: PRAYER AND PARENTSIt is important to prepare foryour club year by following allthe steps listed. We urge youto organize your schedule, trainyour leaders and plan yourclub meetings with excellence.However, you can do allthese things and still not havea successful club year. Why?Because you need the two Ps!The first and most importantP is prayer. This basic Christiandiscipline tends to be the mostneglected, especially whenwe are worrying about all thelogistics of club: Do I haveenough leaders tonight? Whereis my Luvie Lamb puppet?Did someone forget the craftsticks? Expect that prayer willget pushed out of your ministryunless you make a constant,diligent and unified effort. Dowhatever you have to do tomake prayer the heartbeatof your ministry. Without thepresence and power of Godthrough His Word and Spirit,your ministry will have littlemore spiritual impact than achild’s daycare center.The second P is parents. A keytheme of your prayers shouldbe the parents of your Cubbies.Remember, the Bible designatesparents, not church leaders, asthe primary spiritual teachersof their children. Parents will beat various levels in fulfilling theirGod-given role, so you mustmeet them at their level. Pray forunsaved parents to trust Christas Savior — many parents havecome to faith while working onhandbook sections with theirchild. Pray that parents new tothe faith will mature as disciplesdo not come from traditionaland gain the vision and basic toolstwo-parent homes. Cubbiesfor teaching their children. (Themay be raised by a singleCubbies handbook is a perfectparent, grandparent, fostertool for parents because it givesparent, stepparent or othera simple, fun and age-appropriaterelative. Cubbies may alternateformat for teaching the Bibleliving between two parentsto their child.) Pray that maturewho are divorced. Be sensitiveChristian parents will renew andand accommodating to eachdeepen their commitment tofamily situation.spiritual training in the home. Build relationships withPray also for those parents,parents. Talk with parents atwhether saved or unsaved, whothe start or end of club, visitare disengaged with their child’stheir home, contact them byCubbies experience.phone or email and connectYou should put at least as much,at special parent or churchif not more, effort into involvingevents through the year. Useparents as you put into planningtheir child as a springboard fora club meeting. Remember, yourconversation: share their child’sclub meetings are meant toprogress, positive personalityreinforce the teaching parentstraits or memorable questionshave already done in the home.and quote
6 Introduction to Cubbies AppleSeed Teaching Plans NOTE: Always order extra supplies.Preschoolers are known to misplace items, and you may have newcomers after the first week of club. Thank you for purchasing the Cubbies AppleSeed
