“For unto us a child is born… his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
For the past few weeks, the toddlers have been learning about the Christmas story. Not only did they have a chance to hear the story of our Saviour’s birth, they used props, role play and costumes to retell and be a part of the experience.
We started the story with the angel, Gabriel, appearing to Mary. He told her that she was going to give birth to a very special child, Jesus, from God.
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. Then Joseph went to Bethlehem to register with Mary who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, Mary gave birth to baby Jesus. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available to them.” Luke 2:1-7
We shared that Jesus is the most wonderful and greatest gift from God.
The toddlers were excited to open this gift. They were happy and delighted to find “Baby Jesus” lying in the hay! They rocked and patted “Baby Jesus” gently!
Next, the toddlers learned about the shepherds.
” And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’” Luke 2:8
The shepherds were filled with joy and spread the good news. All who heard it were amazed at what they said to them.
The toddlers dressed up in shepherd costumes, held a staff and played with stuffed sheep as if they were shepherds visiting baby Jesus. This dress-up play encouraged creative thinking and communication skills!
Finally, the toddlers learned about the Magi.
“…the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:9b-11
To reinforce the learning, the toddlers were engaged in an activity – hot potato. They passed a gift to the one sitting next to them until the music stopped, whoever held the gift opened it!
In addition, the toddlers took part in a sensory activity. They scooped up Christmas coloured pom poms in a bin. The activity strengthened their fine motor skills. Other toddlers were interested in decorating the Christmas tree by hanging up their favorite ornaments. They also engaged in stacking up and knocking down gift boxes, which brought a lot of giggles and laughter!
To conclude, may all of us received Jesus – the greatest gift of all and at the same time, may we share the gift of Jesus to everyone we know! Amen!
Merry Christmas!