Ministry-to-Children.com » Helpful Video Clips

The Difference Between Kids Arts and Crafts

Tony Kummer — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 03:39:38 +0000

I’ve always wondered about the difference between arts and crafts. Often these two words are joined in one phrase but are actually different concepts. Cullen has posted a simple explanation of these two words on her YouTube channel.

Basically, kids crafts are more directed by the adults and aim at a specific project outcome. The goal is for the finished craft to look like the teachers example.

Children’s art projects are more kid directed and focus on the process. The goal is for the children to express an idea or emotion in the final outcome.

This is just a general distinction between arts & crafts, but it was new to me. I had always thought of the two as roughly synonymous. There is also a discussion of the terms arts and crafts on Wikipedia.

When it comes to children’s ministry, there is a continuum between arts and crafts. Many lesson plans call for simple crafts that can be completed in a short time span with little mess. But more involved Art projects often need more than one time period and can not be sent home immediately.

Sojourn Kids has done some good work integrating art to help children respond to the truth of the Gospel. This comes out in their Vacation Bible School which is called “Sojourn School of Word and Art.” Here is a video about the program.

“How To Make an Easter Basket” Craft Idea

Tony Kummer — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:05:43 +0000

Here is another craft idea from Cullen’s Abc’s. Watch the video below for her full instructions for making an Easter basket with your children. You will need white paper sacks (lunch bag size), decorative scissors, colored construction paper, and stickers or markers for decorating. For a more advanced option you can use paint and cookie cutters for stencils.

I would recommend adding some scripture quotes about Easter to the bag, especially if your using this craft at church. “He is not here, He is risen!” Luke 24:6. This would be a great Easter Sunday School craft leading up to an egg hunt at church.

You can also watch this Easter craft video directly on YouTube. Be sure to check out the rest of Cullen’s Easter Craft & Song Ideas.

Need More Ideas? Browse our full list of Easter ideas for children’s ministry. You can also find a “He is Alive” lesson from our friends at Sojourn Kids.

The Veggie Tales History of St. Patrick’s Day

Tony Kummer — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:23:29 +0000

Do you want to teach your kids the Christian message behind St. Patrick’s Day? Then try this short video from Veggie Tales. It originally appeared on their DVD titled “The Sumo of the Opera.” The clip is also available on the new DVD “Lessons from the Sock Drawer” from Big Idea. It does a great job of telling the story of Saint Patrick in a way that children can appreciate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TCB5QhHVJA

The video is about 8:32 minutes long, which may push the attention span of younger children. Most kids will really enjoy the story and love learning about Saint Patrick from this video clip. It is presented in 2D storyboard animation, but has very engaging narration. The story ends with this pronouncement, he was “a great man who loved Ireland and loved God.” This story could easily lead into a talk about missions or loving our enemies.

The people at Veggie Tales did a good job of telling the story of Patrick in a way that all Christian groups could embrace. He is recognized as several Christian traditions. The Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, and Lutherans all esteem him officially. Other protestant groups often appreciate him as a missionary pioneer from the early church.

When is St. Patrick’s Day?

This traditional holiday comes on March 17th of each year. In 2010 that falls on a Wednesday, so it might be a good time to do something special in your children’s ministry program.

Need More Information?

Check out the St. Patrick’s Day article on Wikipedia. You can also read the about Patrick and Ireland on the History Channel’s website.

Video: The Creation Bible Story for Preschoolers With Felt Board

Tony Kummer — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:36:31 +0000

Your preschool children will enjoy Cullen’s telling of the Creation Story using a felt board for illustrations. This video could be watched at home with your children or even shared with a preschool aged group of children. If you are a preschool Sunday School teacher, then you might benefit from watching her example of storytelling. Don’t miss Cullen’s other videos on YouTube.

Felt Board Creation Story for Preschoolers

In the video she walks the children through the first seven days, as told in Genesis chapter one. For each, there is an illustration and a brief explanation of what God made. Cullen has also posted several other Christian songs for children you might enjoy.

Need More Ideas? Then browse our preschool lesson plans or other teaching material about the biblical creation story.

Preschool Song Demonstration “I’ve Got Peace Like a River”

Tony Kummer — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:21:01 +0000

Here is another helpful worship song for preschoolers from Cullen’s ABCs. It is a classic song with hand motions that make it fun for younger children and preschoolers. Depending on your setting, older children might enjoy the song as well. Watch the video clip below to learn the song, then try it with your preschool Sunday School class. As always, you can find more videos like this on Cullen’s YouTube channel.

“Peace Like A River” Song Lyrics

I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.

I’ve got love like the ocean,
I’ve got love like the ocean,
I’ve got love like the ocean in my soul.

I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.

Video: How Do You Teach the Bible to People Who Can’t Read?

Tony Kummer — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:51:45 +0000

I just caught this video on YouTube from John Piper about Bible teaching with non-literate people groups. I think the topic has a strong connection to children’s ministry and how we relate God’s Word to younger children who haven’t learned to read yet.

Dr. Piper goes into many details related to missions work, but there is an obvious connections with kids ministry. It reminded me of the importance of story telling as a mode of teaching kids. When children internalize the Gospel stories, they are equipped to tell their peers about Jesus. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section.

“Christ the Savior Is Born” Video Storybook

Tony Kummer — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:23:54 +0000

Here is another Christmas resource to share with children at your church. You can download and show this video or watch it directly from YouTube. Enjoy this video presentation of the Biblical Christmas story. This is offered free from the Christian Tools of Affirmation website.

Video Description

16-page full-color softcover picture book tells the traditional story surrounding Jesus’ birth with beautiful watercolor illustrations and a gentle rhyme. This warm and poetic story invites listeners and readers to join the shepherds in welcoming the newborn Savior. Also includes a note for grownups to help them share the message of Christ with their children and a FREE goodie bag. Recommended for ages 3-8. Written by Tim Wesemann, illustrated by Mary Ann McCool, narrated by Nicolaus Braun.

Story of Christmas Video Part 5 “Thank You God”

Tony Kummer — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:53:33 +0000

Watch this final episode of Cullen’s interactive Christmas story videos. These were first designed for preschool or younger elementary children, but they should appeal to any aged child. Cullen does a great job of telling the Biblical Story of Christmas in a way that’s fun to watch. I’ve been watching these to pick up ideas for storytelling in my children’s church lessons. Parents could also watch along with their children at home.

If you enjoyed this video, remember you can browse all Cullen’s Christmas Story Series over at YouTube, as well as other christmas songs for children.

Don’t miss our Christmas materials for children’s ministry including a free printable Christmas story booklet and kids Sunday School lessons about Christmas.

Story of Christmas Video Part 4 “Birth of Jesus at Christmas”

Tony Kummer — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:50:55 +0000

I’m really enjoying these video stories from Cullen about Christmas. They are full of helpful ideas for teaching children about Jesus’ birth. Here is part 4 of 5 in the series. These would be excellent to watch along with your preschool aged children at how. I am reviewing them as part of my preparation for teaching children’s church lessons during the Advent Season.

If you enjoyed this video, remember you can browse all Cullen’s Christmas Story Series over at YouTube, as well as other christmas songs for children.

Don’t miss our free resources for Christmas including a list of Christmas craft ideas and our printable Christmas story booklet.

Christian Christmas Story Video Part 3 “Jesus is Born”

Tony Kummer — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:09:33 +0000

Here is the next part of Cullen’s videos telling the story of Christmas. Like the others, this would be a good way to prepare yourself for teaching a Christmas Bible lesson. Even if you don’t have a puppet friend like Gator, you can learn from Cullen’s storytelling techniques. If you have younger elementary or preschool children, this would be a good video to watch together during the Advent season.

If you enjoyed this video, remember you can browse all Cullen’s Christmas Story Series over at YouTube, as well as other christmas songs for children.

Don’t miss our free resources for Christmas including a list of Christmas craft ideas and our printable Christmas story booklet.