Thursday, November 20, 2014

Advent with Kids

Recently the Covenant MoMs group enjoyed a presentation on ways to celebrate Advent with young kids. Below are a few of her great ideas.
 
Paper Chains
free printable courtesy of Small Fry blog
http://www.smallfryblog.com/2012/11/29/christmas-countdown-2/
 
Life Made Lovely's paper chain incorporates daily readings from the Jesus Storybook Bible and is also a free printable.
 
 
Jesse Tree
Does your family make a Jesse Tree? Do you want to start one? Here are a set of Jesse Tree ornaments for purchase. Also, a free one.
 
Christmas Countdown
Tomfo gives out the great Santa Christmas Countdown as a free printable. Even the smallest kids could get into this one.
 
 
Little Family Fun made a countdown using letters. Check it out the ABC Christmas Countdown.
 
Service Opportunities Advent Calendar
Advent is a great time to speak with children about kindness. Below are some ideas that incorporate acts of service into your countdown.
 
The Imagination Tree has a really cute take on a service countdown that is also an alternative to the Elf on the Shelf. If you already take part in the Elf on the Shelf tradition, maybe your elf can leave these service suggestions in addition to their usual antics of climbing the curtains or fishing in the toilet. :)
 
This family did acts of service in lieu of a gift exchange and it really warms the heart to read their story.
 
Thirty Handmade Days did a beautiful acts of kindness list that has many ideas for you to incorporate into your own Advent calendar.
 
 
And even more ideas can be found here.
 
Jesus Storybook Bible
This beautiful free printable includes numbers for envelopes and readings for the envelopes. It's a very easy Advent calendar.
 
Advent Wreath

Light a candle each Sunday to mark the countdown to Christmas. This wreath can also be used during Lent.
 
Nativity Scenes
Pretty and bright nativity figures can be found at the Caravan Shoppe. An adorable peg people version can be found here.  And the simplicity of this black and white version is beautiful.
 
Hopefully you will find an idea in this list that works with the way your family celebrates Advent.
 
 

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Daniel

During this week before Thanksgiving break the bible unit is Daniel and His Friends/In Furnace/Lion's Den (Daniel 3;6). The Bible verse is "God will help you" (1 Chronicles 12:18).



Make and Take!!!
Our amazing and creative parents have come up with another fantastic Make and Take. Available in the 2nd floor lobby Wednesday, November 19 and Thursday, November 20. The Make and Take is a holiday snake.
 
 
Save the Date
Monday November 24-Friday November 28 - SCHOOL CLOSED for Thanksgiving
Monday, December 1-Friday, December 5 - Scholastic Book Fair
 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

David and Goliath

Welcome back after the long weekend! This week in chapel the children will hear the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). The Bible concept is "God will help you"



Save the Date
Wednesday, November 19 and Thursday, November 20 - Make and Take in the lobby
Monday, November 24 - Friday, November 28 - SCHOOL CLOSED for Thanksgiving Break
December 1 - 5 - Scholastic Book Fair



Thursday, November 6, 2014

Holiday (Free) Fun

Whether you are the type to put off your shopping until December 24 or you already have the presents wrapped waiting for the tree, the holiday season is upon us. While hitting the stores and checking off everyone on your list may be occupying your mind, there are many free events in Austin this month to get everyone feeling in the spirit. Check out this list of free November events from Free Fun in Austin for all the details.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Moses - the Ten Commandments

This week's bible unit is Moses - the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19-20) and the Bible verse is "God has been good to me." (Genesis 33:11)
 
Save the Date
Thursday, November 6 & 7 - Speech and Language Screening - If you are interested in a screening for your child, click here and register!
Tuesday, November 11 - Veterans Day: School is CLOSED
 
A Moon of My Own
We had a great author reading of A Moon of My Own last week. If you'd like to order a signed copy for your home or as a great gift idea with the holidays quickly approaching, please return your forms this week. If you need another form, please see Christy or Emily in the office.