November Storyline Teacher Guide

Nov. 4 - Storyline Chapel - Thankful - David

Nov. 11 - Veteran's Day Assembly

Nov. 18 - Connection Groups

Nov. 24 (Tuesday) - TK-8 Thanksgiving Chapel @ 2:35

This month in Connection Groups we will introduce (or review) a method of prayer called "Praying in Color" that can be practiced throughout the year. This month we will focus on prayers of thanksgiving. Below is both a video and a document with written instructions that describe this method. For more information and additional templates go to the Praying in Color website.

Connection Group Steps:

• Make sure that every student has markers or colored pencils.
• Gather/copy plain paper or templates. Suggested templates are here, here , or here. Here is a pumpkin template, or a template specifically for Thanksgiving. You may want to use larger white paper if you are not using the template. Each student needs their own paper/template. I will let you print your own templates.
• Remind students that this will be a time of quiet reflection and prayer
• (Opt.) Watch the introductory video below and here.
• Distribute paper or templates and have students begin their prayers. They can do it individually or with a partner.
• Students begin by writing a name for God in the middle of the paper and then spending a minute or two coloring/doodling around that name. While they color/doodle encourage them to be quietly talking with God
• If using plain paper, students draw a shape outside the center, and write something they are thankful for. They connect it with a line and then spend a minute or two praying (doodling/coloring) around that shape. Repeat with more shapes and connecting lines. If using a template, the shapes and lines have already been drawn.
• (Opt.) A few minutes before dismissal, have them share with a partner or whole class the prayers on their paper. They do not have to share if they prefer to keep their prayer private.
• Teacher closes in prayer.

• How to read the Psalms from the Bible Project - 5th-8th
• Devotions for 5th-8th on the Kings - recommended by Nate B
• David the Priestly King video - 5th-8th
• Write your own Psalm - 5th-8th - here and here
• Write your own Psalm - 2nd-8th - here
• David and Goliath Video - The Biggest Story - TK-4
• Psalm 23 - The Biggest Story - TK-8
• The Young Hero and the Horrible Giant - TK-3
• Read the story of David being chosen by God in 1 Samuel 16
• Make a classroom Thankfulness "Quilt" - This was a Connection Group activity we used as a school last year....but you could use the templates it in your own class or as a grade level.
• Lesson plan on Psalm writing for middle school - used as an exploratory class a few years ago
• Coloring sheet that connects with the Storyline Skit for November
• Here are 10 Gratitude Drawing prompts for children (TK-4)
• 30 Day Gratitude Challenge
• 5 Ways to Grow Grateful Kids
• 15 Songs to Get Into the Groove of Gratitude
• Devotion/reflection on Gratititude (5-8)
• Blank Thank You cards that you can print and have students write/draw/ send to others
• Gratitude nature scavenger hunt

Here are some Scripture passages that can be used throughout this month that connect well with the theme of thankfulness:

Phil. 4:11-12

1 Thess. 5:16-18

Psalm 107:1-3

Phil. 4:6-7

Psalm 95:2

Eph. 5:18-20

Early Elementary

• Look around outside or think about your day. What is one thing God made that you want to thank Him for right now?
• We learned that Psalms are songs! What is your favorite song to sing when you want to feel happy or give thanks to God?
• How can saying "thank you" to a teacher, parent, or friend make their day better today?

Upper Elementary

• David was just an ordinary kid sitting out in the fields before God used him in big ways. What is one ordinary skill or trait you have that God can use to help others?
• David wrote psalms even when he made mistakes or felt sad (laments). Why do you think God wants us to tell Him the truth about how we are feeling, instead of hiding it?
• What is a way we can "count our blessings" even on a bad or frustrating day?

• How does shifting our focus toward thankfulness change how we react to stress, peer pressure, or difficult circumstances at school?
• David wrote songs of regret when he messed up. What is the difference between feeling guilty/stuck and taking your regret to God like David did?
• If you were to write a "Psalm" summarizing what God has brought you through this past year, what would the main theme or chorus be?

It is always helpful for the students to have listened to the chapel songs ahead of time. Besides the song for this month, here is a youtube playlist with all of the songs we will be learning this year. Please have your students listen to these songs in your classroom when it is appropriate. For those of you who would like the sheet music, follow this link for a pdf of the music for this year.