The attendance chart for the fall quarter is a pattern that can be found on the Pattern Page. Enlarge and copy for each student and have extras available for visitors. As each child arrives, give him an individual attendance chart. Allow each student to color his chart with crayons or markers. This week each student will add a heart sticker to his chart. Introduce the How To Be Saved Visual.

Choose one or more:

Cut out a small heart pendant from red foam for each student and using a permanent marker write, “(Student’s name) loves God.” Punch a small hole at the top. Attach each heart pendant in the middle of a cord long enough to make a necklace. A variety of cord types are available at craft stores in the jewelry supply department. These should be prepared before class. Allow students to lace colored rigatoni pasta onto the cord to complete the necklace. Leave enough cord on each end to tie the necklace together. (To color the pasta place the pasta in a plastic bag with food coloring and rubbing alcohol until the desired color is reached. Spread pasta on wax paper to dry.)

Use poster board and the pattern provided on the Pattern Page to create heart lacing cards. You will need to enlarge and copy on poster board while students lace the cards using shoestrings or cording discuss the meaning of love. Talk about the difference between loving their parents and loving candy. Talk about the difference in our love and God’s love.

Teachable Snacks: Any time the lesson is on love you can provide heart-shaped teachable snacks. Suggestions: Heart-shaped candy, cookies, brownies or mini cupcakes with heart-shaped decorations.

Pray time should always be initiated with a transition signal. The Prayer Song is a great option:

Little children, little children, Time to pray, time to pray. We can talk to Jesus. And God our Heavenly Father, Come, let’s pray, Come let’s pray.

Ringing a bell or playing a tone on a child’s xylophone are good options for signals. The signal needs to be taught and practiced so that the students know the teacher’s expectations.

This lesson is about loving God. Let each child have an opportunity to tell God, “I love You.” Keep the prayer simple for preschoolers.

Use your Bible and today’s Scripture text or page 1 of the student leaflet to share today’s biblical narrative.

Choose one or more:

Assemble the teaching cube using the tabs. During class, share the narrative. Before class, prepare the Lesson 1 Learn Visual to review the life of David beginning with David’s life as a shepherd. Continue the retelling of David’s life sharing how David was anointed by Samuel to be the king of Israel. Then remind students of David’s victory over Goliath, the giant Philistine who mocked God’s people. David became the object of Saul’s jealousy. David was forced to run for his life for many years as Saul wanted to kill David. Discuss how Saul became jealous of David and sought to kill him. Complete the lesson by sharing how once David finally became king of Israel he desired to build a house for God. However, God revealed to the prophet Nathan that David’s son would be the one to build God’s house. Nathan also shared God’s promise to David that his family would be established forever. David responded to this promise by pouring out his heart to God in a prayer. David loved God throughout his whole life.

After sharing today’s narrative, sing “Little David Play on Your Harp.”

After sharing today’s narrative, have students color the memory verse poster on page 2 of the student leaflet. As students work, explain the memory verse was written by David. He wrote many psalms to praise God and expressed his love to God. Explain Lord is another name for God. Direct students to add the heart sticker to page 2 of the student leaflet. Have students echo or repeat the words of the verse.

Review the life of David and his love for God on page 3 of the student leaflet. Students can match the pictures of David’s life by tracing the dashed lines.