KID STUFF - Winter 98/99

resources for effective children's ministry

     Most of the time the resources in this area are ones for children to enjoy, and while they will certainly enjoy the resources reviewed in this issue of "About the Children's Department", I wanted to focus on ways we as parents and teachers could utilize these resources to help our children develop traditions and learn important lessons!  The following resources are ones for families (and classes) to utilize together to help them begin or continue to build strong, happy families who love God!

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    This little journal is one that has the potential of becoming one of your most cherished possessions.  It is ideal for dad and daughter to fill out together - over the years and when it is finally finished, you will have something that is uniquely yours.  I recommend buying two copies - one for dad to keep and one for daughter.

favorite features:

lots of room to write special memories, so they are not forgotten and lost forever

section for dad to write his special memories and messages to his daughter from when she was first born through childhood, teen years and even as she has her own children

section for daughter to write her special memories and messages to her dad

room for photos

    This is the perfect tool to open and expand the lines of communication between a dad and a daughter - dad's schedule regular times to take your daughter out to breakfast to add to your journals.  It is vitally important that dads build strong, fun relationships with their daughters - this book is an excellent tool to help you do that!  Extremely well done Bob, Terri and Word!

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    There are many character qualities we want our children to learn - one of them, faithfulness is taught in this delightful new book from Mary Rice Hopkins.  In our times where sadly unfaithfulness seems to be the norm, as parents we need to strive to help our children understand what being faithful means by modeling it in our own lives as well as by utilizing resources like this book.

favorite features:

note from the Author to parents - excellent insight into Noah and information for parents

five discussion questions for parents to use with their children - great "talk starters"

story emphasizes that Noah was faithful

story emphasizes trusting God

doesn't add "pretend" elements to the true account of Noah

beautiful, colorful illustrations

    It is so important to surround our children with quality books they can enjoy and that also give us opportunities to build their faith as well.  I gave a copy of this book to my niece and a few days later my sister-in-law told me that Katie loved the book and whenever you asked her about Noah, she would say, "Noah was a faithful man"!  Even a 2 1/2 year old can learn the message from this excellent book!  This book would make an excellent addition to a family or church library and to a classroom.  Extremely well done Mary, Wendy and Crossway Books!

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    This is another excellent book for parents to utilize in teaching their young children about Jesus and how to live like Jesus wants them to.

favorite features

16 examples of everyday life and how kids can make choices to do what Jesus would do

each example includes a Bible verse to help teach the principle

sturdy board book

sized for little hands

colorful, fun illustrations

    Each everyday example in this book opens the door for opportunities for parents to help their children learn about and choose to develop character.  Very nicely done Helen, Nancy and Gold 'n' Honey Publishers!

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    This is another excellent book, written by Max Lucado, for parents to read to their children.  I recommend reading this as a favorite bedtime story, when your child has a birthday or when your child has a rough day.  And when you read this book take the time to reaffirm and express your love for your child!

favorite features:

puts into words what parents feel and sometimes do not take the time to express about their child

excellent book to open important conversations between parent and child

beautiful, colorful illustrations

    I highly recommend this book for every family and strongly encourage them to read it often.  Consider involving your family to put together your own, personalized version of this book with drawings by everyone in your family and photos - it could be an amazing opportunity to build your family and generate opportunities to talk about your faith with your children!  It would make a thoughtful and meaningful baby gift.  Extremely well done Max, Toni and Tommy Nelson!

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    So often we look at books like this and say, they are just for kids and while this is clearly a book for young children, it is also an excellent tool for parents to utilize with young children to help them begin to learn about God!

favorite features:

unique book includes small, stuffed toy dog

board book - great for young children

colorful, fun illustrations

each page has an activity for kids to do

story teaches about thanking God

story teaches about being helpful

    This book provides opportunity for parents to talk to their children about what it means to be thankful and what their family has to be thankful for!  Very nicely done Muff, Amy and Standard Publishing!

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    Playing games together is a great way for families to grow together and build strong ties to each other.  This unique resource is an excellent tool for families!

favorite features:

six different board games in one book

packaged as a large board book - makes it sturdy and portable as well as easy to store

2 to 4 players for each game

no reading required

each game includes a verse

each game includes directions

each game tells about getting along

colorful, fun illustrations

teach playing fair and taking turns

    This is an excellent resource for parents to use with their young children.  Use each game's theme to talk with your children about how to apply and live that in their own life!  Very well done  Diane, Jodie and Standard Publications!

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Table of Contents

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About The Children's Department - Volumn 2, Edition 4
 

Copyright © Lynda Freeman

Last Updated Dec. 2, 1998

Web Page by Lynda Freeman

Send an e-mail to Lynda at lynda.freeman@usa.net