Say hello to my trusty Bible people. My mum knitted all of these from an Alan Dart pattern for a nativity Available from Amazon set. They are perfect for telling stories at Toddler Group. Although I don’t use them every week (as variety is good), I wouldn’t want to be without them! They are very versatile and a good size – 31cm/12in tall. They can easily fit in a story bag and everyone can see them during story time. All of these knitted dolls were make with Stylecraft Special DK which comes in loads of colours and is a reasonably priced acrylic yarn.
It’s worth noting that these knitted dolls aren’t toys and so it’s advisable to let toddlers look but not touch. I’ve never had any problem with this rule.
For the Bible story we used Luke 7:36-46. This is a difficult story to tell as it probably seems strange to us that someone would anoint a persons feet. You need to explain that in those days people would wash their feet when they went into a home as they would be dusty and hot. But when Jesus went for a meal at this man’s house he wasn’t given any water to wash his feet. Explaining this helps to make sense of what happens when the woman pours the expensive ointment or perfume on Jesus’ feet. The man didn’t really like Jesus all that much but the woman knew that he could forgive her and she showed how grateful she was.
I used a story bag to tell the story- the perfume bottle is a miniature dove moisturiser!
The craft was perfume pictures – collect lots of collage material – tissue paper shapes, wool etc and beforehand spray with perfume. Put in a sealed container until needed. The collage material is then used to make pictures that are scented. I had some flower pot and flower shapes left over from a previous craft but you could use any shapes. It’s the scent that you want!
Alternative craft with playdough idea can be found here and an alternative story idea and craft here
The Bible Story illustrates that God is everywhere! He is the God that sees us. Do you ever feel overlooked or unnoticed? God sees us all of the time. He knows what is happening in our lives. Have a read of this blog post full of encouragement for us when we feel unseen.
The craft idea reminds children that God is everywhere. This is obviously different to god seeing but slightly easier for young children to comprehend I think.
We told the story about Hagar (Genesis 16) to teach children that God is everywhere. There is a simple craft to accompany the story.
Who was Hagar?
Hagar was Sarah’s slave and Ishmael’s mother. When we meet her in Genesis 16 she is expecting a baby (Abraham’s son) and is showing contempt for Sarai, Abraham’s wife who has been promised a son but has taken matters into her own hands and given Hagar, her servant to Abraham as a surrogate. Sadly, things were difficult for Hagar and she ran away. But God knew where she was and spoke to her. Things changed for Hagar when God made her a promise about the son she would give birth to. She responds with the acknowledgement that ‘You are a God of seeing. Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.’
We can never be somewhere that is away from God. Wherever we go, God is there. God is everywhere!
God is Everywhere Story Idea
To tell the story to young children you will need
A story bag with a doll to represent Hagar.
God is everywhere – Hagar
Begin by taking ‘Hagar’ from the bag and introducing her to the children (say hello to Hagar – children wave)
Hagar was very sad. Can you pretend to be sad?
She decided to run away. Pretend to run by tapping hands on knees or run on the spot. Get the children to join in.
Then she sat down. No other people were there.
But, God knew where Hagar was. God is everywhere. Wherever we go God is there. God sees us!
He talked to her. Hagar, where have you come from and where are you going?
‘I’m running away’, Hagar replied.
‘It will all be alright Hagar.The baby you will have will one day have a large family. Go back home’.
Hagar listened. She knew God could see where she was. She knew that God is everywhere.
‘You are the God who sees me. You are the God who looks after me.’ she said.
Now Hagar was happy again. She went back home. A little while later her baby son was born and he was called Ishmael. God saw Hagar, he cared about her.
God sees you too, and cares for you wherever you go. Wherever you go God is there.
God is Everywhere Craft Idea
The following is a simple craft to go with the story – ‘Wherever I go, God is there’. It is a reminder that God is everywhere. Print as many as you need. The children can add colour and people. I used some stickers for the people on the bus.
God is everywhere craft – free to print – see the link
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