Nativity Unit Teacher Guide

In this unit, we move from Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Years. Whew. You may need to move your schedule around based on involvement in services so just switch lessons around to make sense for you. Remember to learn the verse and the song for this unit.

Week 1

Jesus Session:

Art Session: Salt paint is fun. And easy. Here’s a great tutorial if you’ve never done salt paint before.

Music Session: We’ll introduce our Christmas song: Gift to You.

Week 2

Jesus Session: Mary and Joseph were prepared to listen when God sent a message. With the craziness of the season, we need to prepare to hear God’s voice.

Art Session: This is a favorite! There are actually templates and instructions for the whole nativity. Just Mary and Joseph are planned, but if you have extra days of services and need more crafts you can use these. Or you can have different people make different characters.

Music Session: Which is your class better at – words or melody? Concentrate on their weak spots then put it all together.

Week 3

Jesus Session: Hope is the key here. The wisemen were hopeful and they acted on it.

 TIP: Wisemen, magi, three kings - whichever you are comfortable with can be used.

Art Session: Crowns are always a hit with kids. Who doesn’t want to feel like royalty?? If you want to get fancy, there are a bunch of crown templates here.

Music Session: See how they’re doing on memorization.

Week 4

Jesus Session: The angels — goodness, what a sight that must have been! — brought a lot in their message. This week we’re focusing on peace on earth.

Art Session: Angels. This one is kind of tricky, but doable. Here’s my tutorial on it.

Music Session: Let the kiddos know what to expect as far as singing on stage, lining up, being in front of people.

Week 5

Jesus Session: Joy! The shepherds were probably freaked out at first, but then they were filled with joy.

Art Session: Fluffy Sheep Mask. Here’s a variation I thought was pretty cute.

Music Session: Keep working on the song so they feel comfortable. Here is a reminder to send home to the parents.

Week 6

Jesus Session: This is it, the big moment! The birth of Jesus and all the love that represents. God loves us. That’s the good news. If you have extra time, you can show this video.

Art Session: Calculate your usual Christmas attendance when figuring out supplies. Some classes typically go way up and some way down. If you’re new, ask around. Click here for a tutorial.

Music Session: Have a dance party. Use the playlist and sing and dance. Use rhythm instruments if you have them.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!