SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 9, MARK 2, LUKE 5
CHRIST CONNECTION: Jesus can forgive sins and heal people because Jesus is God.
KEY PASSAGE PHRASE:  Shine your light so others see your good works and give glory to God.
(From Matthew 5:16)

GOSPEL GEMS:

• Many people came to hear Jesus. So many people came; no one else could get inside.
• Four men lowered their friend, who could not walk, on a mat through the roof. 
• Jesus told the man, “Your sins are forgiven!” Jesus healed the man, and the people praised God.

TEACHING STYLE:
Play, exploration, repetition and consistency help build a safe and fun environment for our Toddlers to learn about God's love. Consistency helps our littles know what to expect when they enter the classroom, they look for their favorite toys, know that they will always have time to play, sing songs, do a craft, go for a walk, and hear stories. Focusing on foundational Bible stories using visual and experiential learning to show that God is creator, loving, and sends Jesus. Gospel and Bible story vocabulary are introduced. Repetition through language and song help plant seeds in their little hearts. 

Directions:
Give each child one printout and set of happy face stickers, assist them in placing one sticker in each circle. When they are done they can color the sheet.

Say:
Four men brought their friend who couldn’t walk to see Jesus! Jesus told the man, ‘Your sins are forgiven!’ Jesus healed the man, and the people praised God. Who forgave the man’s sins? Yes! Jesus can forgive sins and heal people because Jesus is God.  

Directions:
Depending on how many kids are in the class you may have to split them up into groups of no more than 4. Place the doll on the pillowcase, and with the assistant, demonstrate how to carry the pillowcase and then lower it down to the ground without allowing the baby to fall off. Then have the groups of littles take turns doing this around the rug.

Say:
Four men brought their friend who couldn’t walk to see Jesus! Jesus told the man, ‘Your sins are forgiven!’ Jesus healed the man, and the people praised God. Who forgave the man’s sins? Yes! Jesus can forgive sins and heal people because Jesus is God.  

Directions:
After story time has happened, place the cards around the room at a height the toddlers can reach.  (You can ask them to close their eyes while you do this).  Then have them go around the room and find all the cards. Once all the cards have been found, retell the story.

Say:
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Directions:
Have the kids stand up and follow you walking around the rug. Then have them follow you doing different things they can do with their feet. Tip-toe, run, jump, hop, stomp, walk sideways.  Then have the kids sit down.

Say:
We can do many things with our feet! Today we learned about a man who had something wrong with his legs and feet. But Jesus healed the man, and the people praised God.