Friendship Unit teacher Guide

Maybe you’re new to this type of teaching, maybe your class is brand new, maybe you have a mix of kiddos who have been together and some who are just reaching the preschool age. I think you’re going to have some fun.

Friendship Unit

The ability to be a good friend and make good friends will carry your children throughout their entire life journey.

TIP: I like to begin classes with letting the kids talk a little. This way, later, when they're getting chatty you can remind them that it's your turn to speak -- not theirs -- and that they already had a turn. it's also a fun way to get to know the kiddos and let them get to know each other. The questions each week are suggestions. If you other things going on, feel free to substitute relevant questions, just keep them short.

Memorize the Friendship verse!

The song for the Friendship unit is called “Be a Good Friend.” Know the song well before introducing it to your class. Sing confidently and they will respond. If you have an in-class accompanist, that’s awesome. If not, see if you can have someone make a piano recording for rehearsals.

Week 1

Jesus Session: Week 1 is based on the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12. Basically, treat other people the way you want to be treated. Be kind. If teaching Bible lessons is new to you, just follow the script. If you’re an “old pro,” go ahead and personalize the lesson.

Art Session: Sharing Bracelets are this week’s craft. Emphasize the sharing aspect and how sharing is kind and friends are kind.

Music Session: Teach the song Be a Good Friend.

Week 2

Jesus Session: Friends are peacemakers. Jacob and Esau did not start off well, definitely not peacemakers. They waited a long time being offering forgiveness and making peace. Emphasize that forgiving quicker leads to more time in peace.

Art Session: Some classes have lots of racial diversity and some just a little, but there’s still lots of skin tone differences, even if they’re just minor. Adding too much black can quickly ruin the color so let them know only to add a tiny bit at a time.

TUTORIAL: If you have older kids, you can start with mixing primary colors to get your brown and then add white or black. Watch here.

Music Session: Focus on correctly combining the melody and lyrics.

Week 3

Jesus Session: Friends are patient. Abraham and Sarah were not always patient. They tried to do things their own way. It worked out much better when they were patient for God’s way.

Art Session: Use the same paints as the previous week but premix yourself. Only give them a tiny bit of paint. Remind them about being patient.

TIP: while this week we're requiring patience, One of the reasons we have art as the middle session, not the last, is to allow projects to dry. 

Music Session: Kids soak up information like a sponge. See if they have any of the song memorized.

Week 4

Jesus Session: Friends are good. Esther was good even when it was really scary to be good.

Art Session: Use judgement depending on what your class can handle and how much help you have. You may prefer to cut out hand shapes ahead of time.

Music Session: It’s time to start getting your class used to the idea of singing on stage. Show them how they might stand (depending on class size and stage layout). Show them good posture and where you want their hands — to the side, folded in front, folded in back.

Week 5

Jesus Session: Friends are gentle. Emphasize being gentle in our words. We don’t say mean things or yell when we’re angry.

Art Session: You can either buy or collect rocks or have the kids bring them in.

TIP: Paint pens work really well on this project.

Music Session: Make certain your class knows when and where to meet next week and what to wear for singing in church.

TEMPLATE: Click here for a take-home reminder.

Week 6

Some flexibility may be required this week. Depending on the timing, lessons may be shortened or lengthened.

Jesus Session: Friends are faithful. If you have extra time, show this video of Ruth and Naomi.

Art Session: This can be as quick or long as you want. Stickers and crayons keep things neat.

Music: Have fun!