Knowledge in September

 It is “Back to School” time.  As kids are growing in their academic knowledge, we will be studying knowledge during the month of September at K-1 RACE.  Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.  James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

THIS MONTH

Godly Character Trait: Knowledge  

Definition: Gaining an understanding (point to head) of the Truth (point up)

Memory Verse: Fear of the Lord is the foundation (make a “rock” on hand) of wisdom (point to head). Knowledge of the Holy One (open arms up in a ‘V’) results in good judgment (point to head). (Proverbs 9:10)

Homeruns:

Week 1, September 2 – Know God: Read the Bible

Week 2, September 9 – Know God: Memorize Scripture

Week 3, September 16 – Know God: Pray

Week 4, September 23 – Know God: Service & Worship

Week 5, September 30 – Worship Sunday

AT HOME IDEAS:

Know God: Read the Bible

-          Jesus Storybook Bible is a great way to help your child understand the big love story of the Bible.  Each story “whispers Jesus’ name”.  

-          Do you have a regularly scheduled time to read the Bible with your child?  Be intentional and consistent about reading God’s Word with your child.  While getting back into a routine for school, be sure to make a routine for study of His Word.

-          Record God’s promises as you read.  A mom shared with me that she and her daughters record God’s promises as they read.  They are keeping a “track record” of His promises.  What an encouragement for any age!

-          Here is a fun way to learn the books of the Bible!

-          Secret Spot! Make a special place to read the Bible – in a tent, under the bed – get creative.  Your child will be excited to have a special Bible reading spot. 

Know God: Memorize Scripture

-          Stay Up Late!  A super K-1 RACE mom lets her children stay up late to memorize Scripture.  What children don’t want to stay up late?  And what would be a better reason to stay up? 

-          Make it fun!  Create motions to go with the verse.  It helps your child remember the verse and it makes it much more fun.

-          Paint Scripture!  

-          Make it a game.  Write the verse you are memorizing on a chalkboard.  Read the verse together, erase a word and see if you can still say the verse.  Continue until you can say the verse with no words on the chalkboard.

-          Get creative!  Write your verse with sidewalk chalk, in shaving cream, with a dry erase marker on the mirror, etc.

-          Make a placemat.  Let your child illustrate the verse.  Laminate the placemat and say it before and after you eat.

-          Sing a song.  Use the words of the verse to create a new song.  You can change the words to a melody you already know, or you can make your own.

-          Funny accents.  Practice the verse in different accents (robots, ant, monster, etc.)

Know God: Pray

-          Make a Prayer Pail of family members and important people to pray for.

-          Newspaper Prayer – have each member of the family take a page of the paper and circle items that need to be prayed for.  Pray together as a family. 

-          Make a prayer chain

-          Record your requests and God’s answers in a prayer journal.  It is amazing to see how God answers prayer.

-          Play high/low as a family.  Share the “high” best part and the “low” toughest part of your day.  Pray to God praise for the highs and ask for help with the lows. 

Know God: Service & Worship

-          Serve one another.  Allow each child a chance to “serve” the family during dinner.  Take turns, show gratitude, and remind them that Jesus came to serve.

-          Sing praise and worship songs together as a family.  Get out your instruments or pots and pans and make a joyful noise to the Lord. 

-          Even better - sing praise songs as you work together and serve one another while cleaning up your house.

-          Make a list of ways to serve others in your neighborhood.  Pick one and serve together.

-          Join Watermark, Second Saturdays, etc. and serve others in our community.

-          Clean out your clothes and toys and give them to a family in need. 

-          Secret servant.  Allow each person in the family to pick a family member’s name out of the hat.  Make it your mission to serve that person all week – keep it a secret, could they tell it was you?

I would LOVE to hear all the great ways you are teaching these truths at home – email me back and share your ideas!

Let me know if there is anything I can do for your family!

Mary McGuire mmcguire@watermark.org