Hindered

May 18, 2005 kensapp Leave a comment

Activity
Two pairs participate in this activity. Each pair stands hand in hand with their adjoining hands tied together. With their free hands (one with the right hand and other with the left one) they must wrap up the package, bind the rope round it and tie it a bow. The pair which finishes the task the first is the winner.

Other options are:
* Threading a needle
* Putting on shoes and tying the shoe laces
* Making a sandwich
* Putting a puzzle together
* Folding a paper airplane
* Buttoning up a shirt

Application
In this activity we are free to accomplish the task, but even though free, that freedom is restricted. Because of this we are not as effective as we could be. This is similar to the sins and habits that bind us in life. Because of their influence we are not able to be as effective as we could be. Only when Jesus frees us are we able to be truly free and be most effective in our Christian life. John 8:31-36

MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…

Game Ideas

Scatterball

May 17, 2005 kensapp 1 Comment

Materials a couple soccer balls or whiteboard erasers

Activity
Start by finding a ball which won’t hurt you too much if you get hit in the head with it. Let the youth scatter about a large open area with clearly defined boundaries. If you are inside, use a room as your play area. To start Scatterball, just throw the ball against any old wall or roll it to the center of the play area. The first person to get the ball must plant a foot and pivot around on that foot (like in basketball) looking for someone to hit. They may not walk/ run around once they have possession of the ball. (If successful in hitting their target, that person sits down on the ground in the spot they were hit. The thrower, no longer in possession of the ball is free to move again. The person just hit is not out of the game. As long as they remain seated in their spot, they may grab any ball that is rolling by and hit someone who is still in the game. If any person catches the ball on the fly, the thrower of the ball is dead and must sit down. If an attempt to catch the ball is unsuccessful, but the ball is touched, it is considered a a kill so the person is out and must sit at that spot. Dead players may roll the ball to other alive or dead players. Kids usually try to go for their friends and, of course, the leaders. The ground will eventually be covered with sitting youth. In essence this is dodgeball with a twist, instead of going out of the game, you can still eliminate others. The winner is the last person standing.

Variation 1 Play the game with partners. If either you or your partner gets hit you are both down. Also, you can pass the ball to your partner if your partner has a better shot at someone.

Variation 2 When the person that got you out gets hit then you are able to get back up again.

Variation 3 Play with partners, but holding hands. Partners are out if they break thier grip. Both partners must be hit before they are frozen and must sit down together. But while there is still one of the pair unfrozen, the frozen partner can act as a shield, deflecting the ball.

Variation 4 If you are sitting and manage to throw the ball and knock someone else out of the game you may get up again.

Take it to the Next Level

God lifts us up – When everyone is sitting down except one. Go and help all the kids up. Talk about how life and people knock us down but God comes around and helps us back up! Sometimes when it seems like life is knocking us down, God is there to pick us up.
Fallen NatureOnce we have fallen due to mistakes, sin, circumstances in life, only God can pick us back up. In our own efforts, we are unable to break free from the oppressions in our lives. Jesus must set us free. John 8:31-36

Icebreakers Ahead: Take It To the Next Level

This 170 page resource not only provides 52 of the world’s most popular group icebreaker activities and games, but also includes lesson ideas and discussion questions to smoothly transition into conversations about the issues common to most groups.

Click here to find out how to get your hands on this incredible resource!

Game Ideas

Freeze Tag

May 16, 2005 kensapp Leave a comment

Freeze Tag
This common game of tag, forces a person to freeze in place, when tagged. Other people who are not frozen can unfreeze a person by tagging them.

Application
A game of freeze tag serves as an active visual illustration of the fact that we are unable to break free from the oppressions in our lives. In a sense we are also stuck, frozen, unable to break free from the oppressions in our lives. Only when Jesus frees us are we able to be truly free. Unfortunately, sin often touches our lives again and we find ourselves back in the same condition. Jesus says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:31-36) True freedom comes from being set free by Jesus Christ. True freedom is freedom to be myself as God made me and meant me to be. This freedom comes only when we completely surrender ourselves to Jesus and invite Him to be our Lord and Master of our life.

Icebreakers Ahead: Take It To the Next Level

Click here to find out how to get your hands on this incredible resource!

Object Lessons

Taking the heat

May 15, 2005 kensapp Leave a comment

Materials
1 cm diameter and 6+ cm length of copper tubing or copper pipe, a couple sheets of ordinary paper cut to a length slight short than the copper pipe, cigarette lighter, matches, or a lit candle.

Activity
This is a simple demonstration from physics in that some materials conduct heat more efficiently than others. Take a strip of paper and place it in a flame. Within seconds it will catch fire and burn. Yet wrap an identical piece of paper tightly around a length of copper tubing or copper pipe and you can place it in the flame indefinitely without it catching fire. This is because copper is a better conductor of heat than paper and the copper tube dissipates the heat so that it never reaches the combustion point. (The easiest way to do this is to cut 4 or 5 cm wide strips from a piece of a4 size paper. Place the copper pipe in the middle of the strip of paper then hold the two ends of the paper together so that it grasps the pipe)

Application
When we are on our own and placed over the fire we are toast! We can’t take the heat. But when our lives are wrapped tightly around God he takes the heat for us. God helps us deal with the difficult times in life by taking the heat off of us.

MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”
200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.
Learn More…

Creative Teaching Ideas

Pass it On

May 13, 2005 kensapp Leave a comment

Materials
A variety of objects of various sizes. Try to include objects that represent things in life people pursue such as a basketball or bowling ball – sports, a wallet or coins – money, a power tool might represent power, etc. Make sure the items you choose cannot be damaged if dropped and that thay will not cause damage to a person if dropped. Other ideas are a fireman’s helmet, a police badge, a judge’s gavel, a steering wheel, a bicycle tire, car kets, house keys, a door knob, a poer cord, loaf of french bread, pillow, name brand jeans, wedding ring, lipstick, hair color dye, diet coke, name brand shoes, Bible, trophy, cross, jewelry, crown, computer, a family picture, baby doll, photo of Christ, mechanics wrench, rose, light bulb, a watch (time), a TV set, a game boy, an encyclopedia. The objective is to use things that represent pursuits and goals people set for themselves in life. (If this were used with youth you might also use a condom to represent sex.)

Activity
The entire group forms a circle. Everyone is given an object which can be large, small or any shape (i.e.: bowling ball, trash can, shoe, etc.). On a signal, every one passes his object on the right, keeping the objects moving at all times. When a person drops any object, he must leave the game, but his object stays in. As the game progresses, more people leave the game making it harder and harder to avoid dropping an object since there are more objects than people. The winner is the last person remaining.

Application
At the end of the game, have children or youth explain what objectives in life the various objects might represent. Which objective is most worthwhile? Which are most important?

Christ and the Bible of course are the only two things that will last forever.

MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

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Improving Your Teaching, Object Lessons

How to Use Object Lessons

May 12, 2005 kensapp Leave a comment

Choose the idea you want to illustrate and find an object that can represent that idea.
Plan every step for using the object lesson carefully in advance.
—Make an outline of the required steps.
—Keep the demonstration simple.
—Do not digress from the main ideas.
Practice using the object to illustrate the truth until it is smooth.
Rehearse your demonstration with a “guinea pig” if possible. Try to find someone around the same age as the intended audience.
Tell a story the listener can relate to along with the object lesson. Stories have an emotional impact on the listener and provide a means by which younger children, who think in very concrete terms can identify with the truth.
Be sure every member of class can see demonstration.
Check frequently to make sure the demonstration is understood.
Keep summarizing as you go along.
Don’t hurry the lesson or drag out the lesson.
Keep the punch line to the very end and build the suspense if you can. Make sure your draw the connection between the object and the idea.
Resist the temptation to explain all the deep symbolism you’ve been able to uncover. The power of an object lesson is in its simplicity. One of the quickest ways to ruin an object lesson is try to make it more than it is. Make just one truth visible to your students – that’s enough. Be sure that all details are authentic.
Remember that it’s the Holy Spirit, not your object lesson, that instructs and changes students. Never use a visual aid because you are caught short. They must work for you, not instead of you. Remember: They are a means to an end, not an end in themselves

Improving Your Teaching, Object Lessons

Advantages and Disadvantages of Object Lessons

May 11, 2005 kensapp Leave a comment

ADVANTAGES

Objects attract and hold the attention of observers
Objects can help simplify complex ideas and concepts.
The high interest level extends to all age groups even though they are usually used with children.
Retention is very good due to the high interest as well as the identification of the truth with the object.
Object lessons turn people’s “eyes into ears.” Because people think in terms of words and images, objects help them recall what is taught.
Object lessons are fairly easy to use in a class and elaborate equipment is not necessary
The student is given first-hand experience by coming into contact with the object
Because of nature of object lessons, the teacher will develop the habit of graphic, colorful portrayal of truth which will make all teaching more powerful.

DISADVANTAGES

The time is usually short so must be used as a part of a class. Usually as an introduction or an illustration or conclusion.
Thinking of object lessons is very hard for many people. Keep your mind open to possible object lessons in your everyday life.
Objects may obscure the truth rather than clarify and simplify.
Small objects do not work well with large groups.
There is a danger that students may become more interested in the object than the lesson that is being presented.

Improving Your Teaching

Object Lessons for Children, Youth, and Adults

May 10, 2005 kensapp Leave a comment

What is an Object Lesson?

An object lesson is the use of objects – insects, fruits, vegetables, animals, coins, thermometers, tools, weapons – to teach intellectual and spiritual truths. More than just a visual, an object lesson draws a truth from something you are showing or doing. Real objects, places and happenings can make learning come alive for children, youth, and adults.

The Bible Is Full of Object Lessons
The potter’s house, the fig tree and sheep were used by God to teach his people truths in ways they could understand, remember, and share with others. Lessons can be found not only the things of nature, but in the sacrificial service and observances of the Bible. The Scriptures themselves were given to reveal God. All of nature reveals the thought of God, but we often fail to see him through his creation. (Romans 1:20)

Jesus’ Use of Object Lessons
Jesus often used the objects at hand around him to teach people about God and His Kingdom. When he was by a well, He used water. After He fed 5000 people, He taught them about the bread of life. When He was on a fishing boat, He said the Kingdom was like a fishing net. He told his listeners to consider the lilies, the sparrows, and the hairs on their head. Jesus referred to a fig tree, a mustard tree, yeast, salt, a vineyard, money and other things from everyday life to reveal spiritual truth. When He spoke of a vineyard, He was probably by a vineyard. When He said, “consider the sparrows,” there were probably sparrows flying around.

In Christ’s teaching, the unknown was illustrated by the known; divine truths by earthly things, the spiritual by the natural, the difficult by the simple. He used the things with which the people were most familiar, the things of the earth to teach them the things that were unfamiliar, the things of heaven. Object lessons speak to the eyes and other senses so that they are received into the heart. In fact the more senses that are involved, the greater the learning that takes place. Christ’s teaching using object lessons was targeted at adults, not children, but everyone can learn truths from a simple lesson involving the senses.

Game Ideas

Mother’s Day Games

May 8, 2005 kensapp Leave a comment

Fun for Mother’s Day!

Whose Kiss?
Blindfold the mother, then have a couple of the children in attendance kiss her on the cheek. Give each child a number and have the mother guess which number her child is. Give a few Hershey’s Kisses to the mother-child who guesses correctly.

Mother – Child
All mothers stand in a circle. Then all children form a circle around them. The inner and outer circles contain an equal number of people. Each mother should be with their child. Mothers begin walking clockwise while the children walk counterclockwise. A leader then interrupts by calling out “Birdie on a perch” At that moment, both circles stop and children must find their mother. The mother must place the child on her knee. The slowest mother and child to assume the designated position is eliminated. Continue until one couple is left.

Variation
Instead of calling out “Birdie on a perch” call out two body parts and in a position couples must assume. For instance, one might call out, ”Wrist to nose!” or “Knee to elbow”.

Silhouettes
Set up a sheet so that if someone is standing behind it you can’t see them, only their shadow. You can then place mothers behind the sheet and have children try to identify their mother, or vice-versa.

Holiday Collection
Games and Activities in Celebration of common Holidays.

Creative Holiday Ideas has over 300 pages of ideas to help you plan your next New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween or Fall Festival, and Thanksgiving event. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re going to do for all these holidays and how you’re going to do it, this resource is for you.

=> Tell me more about the Holiday Collection

Game Ideas

Sock Guess

May 8, 2005 kensapp Leave a comment

Materials
Purchase several pairs of tube socks (at least four). Gather the same number of items that relate to mothers — lipstick, pacifyer, ring, kitchen utensil, etc. Be sure objects are not fragile. Place one item in each sock, tie it closed, and pin a number on it.

Activity
Children and Youth have to feel each sock using their FEET ONLY and try to guess what is in the sock. Write down each guess by number on a sheet of paper. Whoever guesses the most items correctly wins a prize.

Variations
Obtain interesting objects belonging to various individual mothers or have the children bring a “show and tell” item relating to his/her mother. For a mother-child activity you can also put items belonging to the children in a sock.

Application
Just as there are numerous items related to mothers, the things that mothers do for us are also numerous. But the true glory of a mother is not found in the things she owns but in the child she nurtures. Her children are her greatest treasure.

This game for Mother’s Day reminds children and youth of the numerous roles that mothers play in our lives

Holiday Collection
Games and Activities in Celebration of common Holidays.

=> Tell me more about the Holiday Collection

Creative Youth ideas: 1700+ Resources for youth leaders, pastors, ministers to help plan camps, retreats, and meetings using games, illustrations, Children's Worship, Bible Studies, object lessons, sermons, creative ideas,creative activities