We’re Going to Bethlehem
Photo by hyperscholar
In our homeschool we packed up our donkey and took a trip to Bethlehem to register. You guessed it! We read about Mary and Joseph’s trip to Bethlehem. This is a fun activity for a preschooler who is a kinesthetic learner.
Supplies
Your favorite Christmas book
Period “Costumes”
“Props”
Your imagination
Bible Verses
Luke 2:1-5Luke 2:1-5
English: World English Bible - WEB
2
1 Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.
2 This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;
5 to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant.
Activity
~Read a simple Christmas story. Pay particular attention to mention of the trip to Bethlehem.
~Explain that Mary and Joseph had to take a trip to Bethlehem. Explain that the king, Caesar Augustus, was counting all of the people who he was ruler of. People had to go back to their home towns to be counted, and Joseph was from Bethlehem.
~Discuss the preparations people take before going on a long trip. Have your children name things that they have brought on a trip in the past. Reminisce about what it was like to go a long distance on a car trip. What did it feel like? How did you feel while you were driving there?
~Compare your experiences to what it must have been like for Mary and Joseph. They didn’t have a car. They had a donkey to help them carry things and for Mary to ride on. How would they pack for their trip? What would they feel like after walking and riding a donkey for a long time? What is the weather like in the desert?
~Act out going to Bethlehem. Pack up your things and start your walk. Talk about what kinds of things may have happened on the trip – thirsty, tired, hungry, hot, etc.
“The Perfect Christmas Gift” Homeschool Advent Devotion
Today in our homeschool we learned that Jesus is the perfect Christmas gift. This is an easy activity for your toddler or preschooler as is, but you can modify it to suit older children as well.
I used the Bible Lesson from Bible Kids Fun Zone called “The Best Christmas Gift of All”. I skipped the part about sin and salvation for my purposes, but you could certainly include that in your own lesson.
~Supplies: Coloring Page of Baby Jesus, scissors, wrapping paper, tape, small gift box, Jesus in a manger (I used the Little People figure. You could use the baby Jesus from your creche.)
~Scripture: John 3:16John 3:16
English: World English Bible - WEB
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
~Discuss the ideas in the first two paragraphs of the devotion, I talked about the joy of getting gifts on Christmas morning and how sometimes you get a gift that you didn’t expect and don’t really think is right. God also gives us a gift on Christmas.
~Put the gift box with the baby Jesus in a manger in it in front of your child. “This is from God.” Have your child open it. “The perfect gift that God gave us on Christmas is Jesus! Christmas is Jesus’ birthday. God gave Him to us, and we celebrate His birth on Christmas Day.”
~Have your child color the picture of baby Jesus. Then wrap the picture. I had my children cut a piece of wrapping paper the size of the picture and tape the paper at the top of the picture. You can lift the paper and see baby Jesus.
Filed under Devotions, Holidays, Homeschooling Life, How to, Lesson Plans | Comment (0)A Mexican Christmas Folktale Unit Study
Have you read any folktales in your homeschool lately? I Have a great one for you to read this Advent and some activities to go along with the book.
The Miracle of the First Poinsettia: A Mexican Christmas Story by Joanne Oppenheim is beautifully illustrated book that retells the Mexican folktale about a girl, Juanita, who has nothing to offer to baby Jesus at church on La Noche Buena, Christmas Eve. Her father lost his job, and her family doesn’t even have enough money to have a feast during Las Posadas. Her family goes to the midnight mass that night, and Juanita lingers outside. What happens to her next is a miracle!
Activities:
- Read other retellings of this same folktale. Compare the different versions.
- Learn about las posadas, the re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for a room at an inn.
- Learn a Christmas song in Spanish. This one is “Arre Borriquito”. Here are the lyrics, too.
- Create a map of Mexico.
- Make a poinsettia craft. Here is another poinsettia craft.
- Grow your own poinsettia plant.
Have fun with this gorgeous book!
Filed under Holidays, Lesson Plans | Comments (2)Do You Hear What I Hear? – Bing Crosby!
Who doesn’t love Bing Crosby? This video matches the classic Christmas carol, “Do You Hear What I Hear”, sung by Crosby with images from the night Jesus was born. Your children are sure to love it! Share this video in your homeschool.
Filed under Holidays, Homeschooling Life | Comment (0)A Heavenly Host of Angels
Learn more about the Christmas story with this fun homeschool Advent activity. This is great for preschool children. Older kids will like the video.
Supplies
Coloring Page
Crayons
Scissors
Popsicle Sticks or Straws
Tape
YouTube Video
Bible
Lyrics to “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
Angels Pattern
Objectives
~To understand what a “host of heavenly angels” is.
~To visualize the Bible scene with the angels and the shepherds.
Bible Verses
Luke 2:8-20Luke 2:8-20
English: World English Bible - WEB
8 There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
11 For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.”
13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
On earth peace, good will toward men.”
15 It happened, when the angels went away from them into the sky, that the shepherds said one to another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough.
17 When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child.
18 All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.
Kids’ Activity
~Sing “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and watch the video below.
~Read the story of the angels announcing Jesus’ birth to the shepherds.
~Make your own heavenly host with the angel pattern. Cut out the angels and decorate as you like. Secure them to the popsicle sticks or straws to make them into puppets. Re-enact the Bible scene using the puppets.
Family Activity
~Send Christmas cards to announce Christ’s birth.
~Complete the coloring page of the angels with the shepherds.
A Few of My Favorite Christmas Titles
During Advent, my family reads lots of books about the true meaning of Christmas. I think that reading these books helps the kids internalize the”Good News”. Each book also acts as a springboard for discussions about Jesus and the story of His birth. Here are a few of my favorite titles that help establish the foundation of the true meaning of Christmas:
- God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren is one of my favorite books because it explains that Christmas is a gift from God. The book does not ignore the fact that many families keep Santa as part of their Christmas tradition, though. It stays true to the greatness of God and the miracle of Jesus.
- I love the simplicity and the authenticity of The Story of Christmas by Patricia A. Pingry. This book is bilingual, English and Spanish. It is easy enough for the youngest of readers to understand.
- The Christmas Story by Patricia A. Pingry is another book that tells about Jesus’ birth in an easy to understand format. The story is accurate as well.
- Another favorite Christmas tale is How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. I love how the Grinch learns that Christmas is not about the gifts. Instead, he finds that Christmas is about family and love.
Advent Memory Verses for Your Homeschool
Photo by carulmare
I am looking for more memory verses to use in our homeschool as I prepare for Advent. We will study the Christmas story as found in Luke. I want to emphasize how miraculous Jesus’ birth really is and how God keeps His promises. I found two verses that are perfect.
Mary was told that she would give birth to Jesus even though she was still a virgin. Mary did not think that would be possible, but the angel, Gabriel, reassured her. He reminded her that it seemed impossible for Elizabeth to have a baby, but she was.
For nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37Luke 1:37
English: World English Bible - WEB
37 For everything spoken by God is possible.”)
I want my children to have this reassurance. God is big enough to do anything. He is in control of everything. He creates each of us out of nothing. He is amazing!
After Jesus was born, Mary was visited by the shepherds. This must have been another truly awesome experience for Mary. God kept His promise and Mary gave birth to a child, Jesus. God also told everyday people about Jesus’ birth in a fantastic way – through the angels. After meeting baby Jesus, the shepherds had to share the good news, but Mary had a lot to consider now.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19Luke 2:19
English: World English Bible - WEB
19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.)
This verse is a good reminder to ponder Jesus’ birth on our own. Think about the miracle of Jesus. Think about the way that God used everyday people in this story. What does that mean to each of us?
Filed under Devotions | Comments (4)Christmas Memory Verses
This Christmas I want C4 to memorize Scripture about Jesus’ birth. I think the experience will add to our homeschool devotion time and help her understand the Christmas story a little better. I also hope she holds the memory verses she learns close to her heart. One verse that I am considering is Luke 2:11Luke 2:11
English: World English Bible - WEB
11 For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord..
11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11Luke 2:11
English: World English Bible - WEB
11 For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
The scene with the angels visiting the shepherds is a beautiful picture. You can find in Luke 2:8-15Luke 2:8-15
English: World English Bible - WEB
8 There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
11 For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.”
13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
On earth peace, good will toward men.”
15 It happened, when the angels went away from them into the sky, that the shepherds said one to another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”. I am considering a few ways of presenting this piece of the Christmas story.
- I will present a puppet show of the scene using our Little People ™ or dolls.
- Act out the scene. I’ll have C4 assume the different roles each time we act it out. We’ll make our props, too.
- Make a diorama of the scene. I think this project will open up a conversation about each of the elements of the scene – the shepherd and their attire, where the angels are and what they look like, etc.
- Draw/paint a picture of the scene. This might make a beautiful piece of art work worthy of a frame.
- Listen to the Hallelujah chorus. We might also watch a video of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing the Hallelujah chorus.
- Read Christ is Born by Layne Haacke. This book includes illustrations for the Christmas story found in Luke.
My Christmas Tradition: Reading the Christmas Story
Photo by krisdecurtis
This is the first in a series of posts about Christmas traditions.This is one tradition that my family has started.
My husband and I, for the most part, are the only Christians in our family. We are trying to be salt and light to our families, especially around Christmas. It is important to us that our children understand that the reason for Christmas is Christ’s birth and not Santa Claus coming to our house.
On our third Christmas together as a family I decided that I wanted a very real way to express the reason for Christmas.
I actually got the idea for how to bring Christ into our Christmas from a powerful Christmas celebration put together by the church we were attending at the time. During this celebration, the entire Christmas story was read from the Bible as the orchestra played and the choir sang Christmas songs. There were even dancers behind a screen using creative movement to express the meaning. After seeing that, I decided that we were going to read the Christmas story in its entirety from the Bible. Unfortunately, I cannot provide the same kind of presentation that our church had, but at least my family can marvel at Christ’s birth every year.
I used Bible Gateway to locate all of the Scriptures. Then I printed them out and made booklets for each person in the family. I also added a nativity scene on the front cover. We took turns reading a few verses at a time. It was the first time my extended family had heard the real Christmas story. They always felt like they knew it, but after reading the actual story from the Bible, they realized that they were missing pieces. I felt like it was a huge success!
This will be the fourth Christmas that we read the whole story together. As the children get older, I hope that they grow to love hearing this story and anticipate it every year.
Filed under Devotions, Homeschooling Life | Comment (1)Family Traditions
My family has survived planning and hosting yet another birthday bash – this time for a two year old. We really had a great time at the party, though! This whole process got me thinking about family traditions. We are a relatively young family, and we’re still developing our family traditions. I can’t help but think of one of the many talks that I have heard at Mom-to-Mom, a local ministry for mothers, about this very topic. Jo-Anne, the administrator, has spoken about how families form traditions and create memories along the way. I hope that the traditions that my family establishes now will make a life time of memories! There are a few family traditions that we have established that are worth mentioning.
Fall is our favorite season, and every fall my family goes to Stowe, VT to see the foliage. My husband and I actually started this tradition when we got married as we went there for our honeymoon weekend. We just love visiting this quaint town and taking some time to enjoy God’s creation. The cooler weather is great for hiking and biking. We love the slower pace of the area, too. We also take our family apple and pumpkin picking in the fall. We have a particular farm we visit every year that has animals and great picking. It is also centrally located so that many other families can join us. I love how the kids see the reality of where their food comes from. I love watching them try to find the best fruit and how they love climbing high up with Daddy. My father and nephew also join us on the adventure. The kids eat apples in the wagon and we scurry to finish filling the bags. My dad loves the apple pie there, too! We spend time baking and freezing our apples, too.
Then there are Christmas traditions that we are trying to build. I must say that we have not perfected the Christmas season like we have the fall season! We do pick out our Christmas tree at the same place every year. I never had a live tree growing up, so I really want this for my own family. We also take our extended families to church with us for Christmas performances and on Christmas Eve. We have tried several scenarios for Christmas day, and when it works out perfectly, I’ll let you know! One tradition that I am trying to keep is to read the Christmas story together every year. I have the complete story printed out in a little booklet so no one has to leaf through the Bible to find the scriptures. I think that this act speaks volumes about what Christmas is actually about, the birth of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
That brings me to the birthday traditions that are so important to me and the whole reason for this particular post. Birthdays are a celebration of life, and I really want my family to feel like we are living life to its fullest. For every birthday I bake a cake related to the theme of the party. I am not a trained pastry chef. I have never taken a cake decorating class. I use a box mix for the cake, but the decorating is the part that I spend time on. I think that the cake is the most memorable part of the party for kids. I want my children to remember that Mommy made the cakes that they wanted. It is an expression of my love. I also want the children to be surrounded by their closest family and friends. A birthday only comes once a year, and I want each child to feel like a star on that day! We try to do everything possible to make that happen. The parties are carefully planned with the components that each child wants included. I try to get extended family involved in the party in some way, too. My dear husband also takes millions of photos to commenmorate the day. This particular party had a garden theme. My dad and I made homemade games to fit the theme: butterfly bowling, pin-the-petal on the flower, catch the bubble, paint a butterfly magnet, & garden hopscotch. Kids filled their own goody bags with bugs, flower rings, and/or ladybug stickers after playing each game. I made a flower shaped cake out of cupcakes, and the kids decorated their cupcakes. The day was fun for us and the kids. I know that we made some very special memories at that party and in preparation for the party.
Family traditions are special since they provide activities that involved the entire family. Everyone looks forward to (or dreads, I suppose!) those special traditions. Traditions also define your family, so when your children look back on their growing up years, they will remember those times the most – even if they don’t continue those same traditions. Make a few memories this year!
