Love Unit Teacher Guide

Love

This unit is all about love. Specifically it’s about the five love languages. If you’re not familiar with this, check out this website or read the book “5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman. It helps determine what ways you like to give and receive love.

Week 1

Jesus Session: Week 1 goes through I Corinthians 13 and talks about what love is. We’re not talking Hallmark movie stuff; we’re talking age-appropriate ways to express love.

Art Session: Each week we’ll be making hearts using different methods. Week 1 is sun catcher hearts with wax paper and tissue paper.

Music Session: We introduce our song: Languages of Love.

Week 2

Jesus Session: The first love language we talk about is time. Making time, spending time, these mean a lot to some people. Jesus spent time in unexpected ways, including when he told the disciples to let the kids hang out with him.

Art Session: This is beginning sewing. It’s so good for manual dexterity.

TIP: Tape the ends of the yarn to make them thread easier.

Music Session: Work separately on notes and lyrics. Then bring them together.

Week 3

Jesus Session: Gifts is the next love language. Zacchaeus spent most of his time stealing and swindling so when he gifted back more than he took, he was really showing love to Jesus. Gifts do not have to be expensive. Picking a bouquet of weeds, I mean flowers, for grandma might just be what makes her day.

Art Session: This week’s hearts piggyback on the idea of giving. Each child will give a heart to everyone else and then everyone makes a page with their friends hearts. You might want to make some ahead of time to give out as well.

Music Session: See how much they have memorized.

Week 4

Jesus Session: Acts of service is some people’s favorite expression of love. We’ll talk about the widow who served Elisha. She made food for him even though it was the last of her food. Like many acts, this could fall into more than one category (gifts, time, …), but we’ll stick with service.

Art Session: This week’s heart is done with coffee filters. It reminded me of the people who volunteer at church — the greeters, ushers, and coffee servers.

Music Session: Familiarize your kiddos with the idea of singing on stage. Show them how they will line up.

Week 5

Jesus Session: Touch. Safe touch: hugs, high-fives, fist bumps, pats on the head (Quick note: never touch a Black person’s hair without permission, and, really there’s no need to do that.), and kisses (probably).

TIP: Be clear about this one. There is Safe touch and Unsafe touch and I will give parents resources on this. You may have had to take a class and you may be a mandated reporter so review that material frequently.

Art Session: Remember to save the cutouts for next week.

Music Session: let the parents know what to expect next week with this reminder template.

Week 6

Jesus Session: Words of affirmation, my personal fave, is this week’s language. It costs nothing to say good job. So do it. Lots.

Art Session: Make a card for someone you love! Use the hearts from last week and any other fun supplies you have to make cards.

Music Session: Have fun singing!

What's your love language??