Week 18 - Christmas - 4th Week of December
Items Needed: Bible
Colors: Green, Red, Orange
Worksheets: Star Poster, Wise Men Templates, Christmas Tree Poster, Wise Men Coloring Sheet
Books: Foot Book
Activities: Stuffed animal, ABCJLM Christmas Ideas, yellow paint, glitter, string, cookies or cupcakes with frosting and decorations, paint, zip-top bags, food coloring, vinegar, macaroni, craft decorating supplies, bubbles and wand, crayons, popsicle sticks
Bible Theme: Happy Birthday, Jesus
Lesson: Wise Men Worship Jesus
Bible Story: Wise Men Worship Jesus
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-21
The Beginner's Bible for Toddlers: pg 93-95
Read and Share Toddler Bible: pg 142-143
Through the Bible in Felt: pg 157
Verse: I Thessalonians 2:13 - Give thanks to God.
Tune: It's Raining
Give thanks to God
Give thanks to God
I Thessalonians 2:13
Give thanks to God
Bible Song: Away in a Manger (Traditional)
Away in a manger (rock baby in your arms)
No crib for a bed (shake head "no")
The little Lord Jesus (point up)
Laid down His sweet head (place hands beside head to "sleep")
The stars in the sky (flick fingers in the air)
Looked down where He lay (place hand on forehead and "look")
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay (place hands beside head to "sleep")
Poem: Five Little Bells (Original author unknown)
Five little bells hanging in a row; (Fingers hanging down)
The first one said, "Ring me slow." (Wiggle thumb)
The second one said, "Ring me fast." (Wiggle index finger)
The third one said, "Ring me last." (Wiggle second finger)
The fourth one said, "I'm like a chime." (Wiggle third finger)
The fifth one said, "Ring me at Christmas time." (Wiggle fourth finger)
Colors: Green, Red, Orange
Letters: Q-S
Numbers: 1-5
Shape: Star
Information: Mom's Name
Self-care and Manners: Washing body in the shower or tub
Book of the Week: 
Ideas:
• Book of the Week:
- This book focuses on opposites. While the child may not be ready to understand this concept, introduce the word and talk about it throughout the week.
- Act out the book while reading.
- Draw around the child's feet. Cut out several prints and make a path with the child's footprints.
- Paint the bottom of the child's feet. Have him/her walk on a large piece of paper. Use green, red, and orange paint.
• Happy Birthday, Jesus Preschool Bible Story Activities & Coloring Sheets:
- Crafts:
My Christmas Book: Using the Wise Men Templates, glue the three Wise Men on a piece of construction paper.
Wise Men Coloring Sheet
Make Wise Men and star puppets. Using the Wise Men Templates and the Star Poster, cut and color each and place on popsicle sticks. Show the Wise Men following the star. 
Macaroni Star - Place a few macaroni noodles in a zip-top plastic bag. Add 1 teaspoon of vinegar and 4-5 drops of food coloring. Mix to distribute the color. Dye more macaroni in separate bags. Open the top of the bag and let dry. Using the Star Template, place a thin layer of glue on the paper. Add the colored macaroni to create a colorful macaroni star.
Decorate the Christmas Tree Poster. Use craft decorating supplies - sequins, pompoms, glitter, stickers, etc.
- Ideas:
Be a Wise Man - Without the child watching, hide several stars around the room. Tell the child that he/she is to be like the Wise Men and find the star that led them to Baby Jesus. Help the child dress the par with a robe and a towel around his/her head (use a belt, safety pin, or robe to hold the towel on.
• Self-care and Manners:
With a lathered luffa or body sponge, a child can wash his/her body pretty well. Teach the child to start at the top and work down washing the top and bottom. Once shampoo is put in the child's hair, help them rub in the shampoo using their fingertips. When the child is done have fun blowing bubbles in the bathtub or shower.
• Star Activities:
- Sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" while doing this craft.
• Color Activities:
- Make cookies or cupcakes. Frost and decorate with green, red, and orange colors.
• Fine Motor Skill:
Make crayon rubbings - Using various flat objects and shapes, place a piece of paper over the item and have your child color. They will have a surprise when they finish.
• Gross Motor Skill:
Play catch with a stuffed animal.
