As we dive into the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum, I’d love to share some of the ways we’re making it work for our family, specifically how we’re supplementing the (amazing!) curriculum for our younger kids.
These activities supplement: New Testament Come Follow Me Week 2: Matthew 1; Luke 1
Personal Thoughts on Come, Follow Me
But before I share this week’s activities, I have to make a quick comment on how much I LOVE the Come, Follow Me curriculum! Our family had the opportunity to “pilot” the program several months before it was released, and it really changed the way we approached scripture reading with our kids. So we were beyond thrilled when the announcement came that we’d begin using it as a world-wide church.
My 2019 word of the year is CULTIVATE and I know if we’re willing to put in the work, this curriculum will help my family “cultivate” a deeper connection to the scriptures in our daily lives.
Nothing Shall Be Impossible
We started this week’s New Testament study with Matthew 1 and Luke 1 — covering the important events that occurred in preparation for Jesus Christ’s birth.
We read/talked about Mary’s visit by angel Gabriel and though I’ve probably read/heard this story a hundred times — the significance of the “impossible” being possible (through God) made an extra impression on me this time.
We memorized the scripture (Luke 1:37), sat around the kitchen table with colored pencils and talked about things that feel impossible in our own lives and how we might allow God to make them possible.
Better health, kicking a bad habit, change of attitude, forgiveness, teaching your kids the gospel . . . what’s something that feels “impossible” to you?
Angels Announced the Birth of Jesus
Mary and Joseph were each visited by angels to announce the birth of Jesus. While we read a simplified version of these stories, the kids “acted out” the events with storytelling props. I usually print and laminate these, but it’s also fun to iron the images on felt and then tell on a flannel board.
We also watched a few versions of the events.
Video suggestions:
- An Angel Foretells Christ’s Birth to Mary (older kids + adults)
- Mary and the Angel
- Joseph and the Angel
Angel Craft
As a coordinating art/craft project we created angels from a printable cut-and-paste template. My kids are ALL about any opportunity to paint! But if you love the idea of crafting and don’t want to deal with the potential mess of tempera paint — try paint sticks or crayons.
Zacharias and Elisabeth
Another important event/miracle leading up to Jesus Christ’s birth is the story of Zacharias and Elisabeth. Again, we read a simplified version of these stories, acted them out with story props, and then watched some coordinating videos. When it comes to teaching and learning the scriptures, I feel like it’s important that kids learn the stories (well), and then they’ll naturally begin to apply the principles to their lives.
Video suggestions:
- Elisabeth and Zacharias
- John the Baptist is Born
- The Naming of John the Baptist (older kids + adults)
Our kids who can read/write enjoyed reviewing this story with a fill-in-the-blank crossword puzzle. They were encouraged to use the Bible to find answers — introducing and reinforcing the idea that answers can be found in the scriptures (even if in this case, it’s just to complete an activity).
Some Blessings Come Soon
The story of Zacharias and Elisabeth has always been special to me for personal reasons. Although you’d never guess it by the size of our family now. . . there was a difficult period of “unexplained infertility” at the beginning of our marriage.
Our four years of “trying” + three miscarriages may not be significant next to Elisabeth’s barren state, but it was the trial I was given — and it was painful for me at the time. There were times I cried and plead and wondered if we’d be able to have a family. And Jared stood by — sometimes feeling helpless (as I’m sure Zacharias must have felt), trying to be a support and comfort, reminding me to have faith and trust in God’s timing.
Even if you don’t relate to infertility — Elisabeth’s story of continued faithfulness teaches so much about patience as we wait for blessings. As does this quote:
Coloring with kids presents a natural opportunity for discussion, and we talked about the significance of staying faithful even when you think blessings aren’t coming . . . because we’re operating on God’s timeline, and not our own.
My Prayers are Answered
What does the story of Zacharias and Elisabeth teach us about prayer? We brainstormed ideas, and it was amazing to hear the insights our kids had. Sometimes they teach me more than I think I teach them.
This discussion provides a natural opportunity to share experiences of our own answered prayers! We did some journaling on this, and what a treasure for a keepsake box! I often try to point out when my prayers are answered so they’ll hopefully get in the habit of noticing when theirs are too.
Teaching the Steps of Prayer
I think a lot about ways to encourage my kids to be more thoughtful in their prayers. It’s such an abstract concept, and sometimes I’m not the best example as it can be so easy to fall into the same pattern of thanking and asking for the same things over and over.
I wanted to brainstorm some things we can include in our prayers so I created an open-ended “sorting game” for the little ones and it created some great discussion! There are no right/wrong answers and the images can be interpreted different ways, especially depending on your needs at the time. So this activity is one that can be used over and over.
The prayer activity can be printed/laminated and turned into a game, or used as a cut-paste worksheet.
How We’re Implementing Come, Follow Me
We’ve chosen to have a longer family lesson on Sunday afternoons where we’ll read/tell/review the stories in preparation for the rest of the week. Then each night before bed (when we typically have family scripture time) we read a few verses or do an activity, and talk about how the principles apply to us. So far, it’s going well for our family, but the beauty of this program is that it’s easy to adapt to YOUR life situation and needs.
If you’d like to try these printable activities as a standalone lesson or to supplement New Testament Come Follow Me Week 2, you can find them at Teachers Pay Teachers, or I’ll send them to you FREE with any purchase from my Usborne Books & More shop. I suggest a Bible reader! 😉
