Day 1
Book of Books
Bible passages
The Bible is One-of-a-Kind (Selected Scriptures)
Bible Gem
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God . . . .” 2 Timothy 3:16
Treasure Point Lesson Focus
The Bible is the coolest book on the planet! It’s completely unique in many ways, including being written by God Himself.
Animal Pal
Blizzard the Polar Bear 
Apologetics focus
Did you know the Bible isn’t like any other “religious” book?
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Copy Cats
Touch Table: Let it Snow!
Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Coloring Corner: 2 Timothy 3:16
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
That’s Unique!
Teach It!
Part 1: Puppet Pal—It’s a Superstar!
Part 2: How the Bible Came to Be
Apply It!
Part 1: Bible Gems
Part 2: Go and Do
Optional Song 1: “Book of Books”
Optional Song 2: “The B-I-B-L-E”
Review Time: BIBLE Handshake
Preparing for the Lesson 
Read Psalm 19 and Psalm 119 several times. Marvel at this one-of-a-kind book.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
For more information on how the Bible is unique and how it came to be, visit answersvbs.com/oafaq.
Pray.
Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource kit
Theme Verse poster
Day 1 Memory Verse poster
Day 1 Fun Phrase poster
Arctic Circle poster
Coolest Book poster
From Resource dvD-ROM
Exploration Station Names signs 
Day 1 memory verse coloring sheet (Expl. Station)
2 copies of today’s puppet script
Optional: photocopies of How the Bible Came to Be drawings
"The B-I-B-L-E" and "Book of Books" songs (also available on a separate CD, 11-5-141)
Other Materials
Exploration Station supplies (see back cover)
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders (teachers)
Treasure chest
Any children's picture book
Boy or girl puppet (in costume) and puppet stage
Clipboard
Star stickers
Large whiteboard and dry erase marker (or chalkboard and chalk)
Paper
Mounting putty or tape
Apply It! section supplies
Memory verse music CD and player
Student extras
Student guides (11-5-073, 11-5-134), 1 per child
Explorer Guides (11-5-090, 11-5-138), 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides (11-5-093)
Blizzard bookmarks (11-5-078, 11-5-140), 1 per child
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Copy Cats
Materials
Note: Use any or all of the following—whatever you want to gather. Or check the Super Simple Idea below for an alternate option.
Small, flat rocks
Styrofoam meat trays and craft sticks (“stylus”)
Copy paper
Vellum (to simulate papyrus)
Parchment (scraps of suede) stretched/taped onto corrugated cardboard rectangles
Quill pens (see directions below)
Washable markers
Index cards
Pre-prep
Gather whatever supplies you are using. Write the word “God” on one index card and “Bible” on another. Make a few quill pens, using inexpensive stick pens, feathers, and black masking tape. 
First, take the lid off the pens. Next, starting above the point, wind the black masking tape halfway up the barrel of the pen. Place the feather against the barrel of the pen and continue winding the black tape to the top.
Directions
Explorers use the various writing implements to copy the words “God” and “Bible” on the various materials.  
Teaching Tie-In
The Bible has been written or copied on many different kinds of materials over the years: rocks (think about the Ten Commandments!), clay, parchment, papyrus, and paper. The original writings were perfect! We can trust every word of the Bible because every word comes from God, who cannot lie. We know the Bible is true!
Super Simple Idea: Use just paper and markers. Write out Bible words ahead of time and have the explorers carefully copy them, like the scribes carefully copied the books of the Bible. The youngest explorers may want to just copy the “B” for “Bible.”
Touch Table: Let it Snow!
Materials
Under-the-bed storage container, small wading pool, or “official” touch table
Tarp or plastic tablecloth
“Snow”: coarse sea salts with cut-up tinsel mixed into it
Plastic little people (like Fisher-Price® or DUPLO® people) 
Pre-prep
Cover the floor under the touch table with a tarp or plastic tablecloth. This will be used all week. Mix the salts and the tinsel in the touch table. 
Directions
Explorers play with the “snow.”
Teaching Tie-In
Isn’t it fun to play in our pretend snow? It’s amazing to think that when snowflakes fall outside, every one is different and unique. Each is one-of-a-kind, and so is the Bible! It’s the coolest, most unique book ever because it’s written by God Himself and it’s perfect! No other book is like it!
Note: There are commercial instant snows you can buy that just require water. There are also tutorials online of various ways to make your own fake snow for kids. You may want to try some of them as well as this option, making sure they are nontoxic and safe.
Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Materials
Exploration Company backdrop with bear looking in the window (see Decorating Decisions)
Scarves, mittens, boots, and other cold weather dress-up clothes
Possible Props: sleeping bags and blankets rolled up, plastic sled, skis, snowshoes, kids' table and chairs, play camera, play first aid kit, backpack on a frame, water bottles, play cell phone, play ski goggles, camping pots and pans, play binoculars, (Day 2) flashlights and/or play lanterns, (Day 3) play food, tin cups, canteens, white paper plates, (Day 4) pretend "mail"/mailbags, (Day 5) play brooms and other play cleaning supplies
Pre-prep
Put up the backdrop of the inside of the exploration company. This will be used all week. Gather the costumes, which will also be used all week. Gather whatever suggested props you want, which can be borrowed, made, or bought from thrift stores, garage sales, or online companies like Oriental Trading Company or Rhode Island Novelties. 
Put out some but not all of the gathered props. Add something new each day. Possible suggestions for what to put out when are included in the Days 2–5 write-ups.
Directions
Pretend to be explorers in the Arctic getting ready to set out on an exploration.
Teaching Tie-In
Did you see the bear looking in the window—Blizzard our polar bear? Polar bears are unique Arctic animals. They don’t live in the wild anywhere else in the world. But they’re not the only thing that’s unique. The Bible is unique, too. There’s no other book like it because it’s written by God!
Coloring Corner: 2 Timothy 3:16
Materials
Bear den supplies (see Decorating Decisions—paw prints, stuffed animal bears, etc.)
Day 1 memory verse coloring sheet (Resource DVD-ROM)
Markers or crayons
Optional for marker and crayon storage: galvanized metal pail with snowflake stickers or fun foam snowflakes on it
Optional: Additional supplies to glue on, glue sticks, and stickers
Pre-prep
Photocopy the coloring sheet, 1 per child. Make or gather the decorating supplies and set them up. These will be used all week. Gather additional supplies to glue on if desired, such as cotton balls for "clouds" or blue cellophane pieces for "sky."
Directions
Color the sheet. Add additional supplies if desired.
Teaching Tie-In
Practice saying the memory verse on the sheet. Discuss its meaning.
Additional Exploration Station Ideas
Super Snow—Using coffee filters and child-safe scissiors, let the kids make snowflakes with which to decorate the room. They'll enjoy making it "snow!"
Cozy Book Nook—Make a cozy reading spot by making a pretend fireplace. Put some blankets by the fireplace. Add books about people of the Arctic, animals of the Arctic, snow, ice, etc. Also make sure to have children’s picture Bibles or books with individual Bible accounts in them.
Letter of the Day—Provide activities that have to do with the letter of the day (Day 1—B; Day 2—I; Day 3—B; Day 4—L; Day 5—E). Have them trace the daily letter in trays of salt ( “snow”) and say, for example, “B is for Book of Books.” 
Books of the Bible—Write the names of the books of the Bible on cups or the sides of cereal boxes or the sides of empty match boxes and have the kids try to put them in order. Use the Books of the Bible poster (Teacher Resource Kit) as a help. Try to do just the New Testament books, just the Old Testament, or just another smaller category, such as the first five books, rather than all 66 at one time.
Building Site—Provide LINCOLN LOGS™ to make mini log cabins, and/or have bigger boxes to build bigger cabins or snow forts with.
Animal Puppets—Have a small puppet stage along with Arctic animal puppets for the kids to play with. These may include any of the following: polar bear, brown bear, Arctic fox, Arctic hare, beluga whale, humpback whale, blue whale, moose, reindeer (caribou), snowy owl, Siberian husky.
Glittery Snow Dough—Make uncolored play dough and add iridescent or silver glitter to it. Set up a station with the glittery snow dough, cookie cutters, play rolling pins, etc. It’s particularly nice to have snowflake cookie cutters if possible.
How to Make Snow Dough
2 c. flour
1/2 c. salt
2 c. warm water
4 t. cream of tartar
2 t. oil
Iridescent or silver glitter
Mix the first five ingredients in a saucepan, blending well. Stir over low to medium heat until the dough is formed and is no longer sticky. Remove from the pan and knead until smooth, adding the glitter. After it has cooled, store in an airtight container. 
Introduce It! 
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders (teachers)
Arctic Circle poster (Teacher Resource Kit)
Treasure chest
Any children's picture book
Day 1 Fun Phrase poster (Teacher Resource Kit)
Mounting putty or tape (for hanging posters)
Pre-Prep
Prepare your costumes. 
Put Bible in the treasure chest.

 IMPORTANT NOTE: As you read these lessons, you will notice many opportunities throughout the week to present the Gospel. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as to which of these opportunities to use. 
That’s Unique! (5 minutes)

Be familiar with the lesson, but don’t memorize it. Place it on a clipboard to use as a reference. You may want to decorate the back of your clipboard (the side the kids will see as you hold it) with snowflake stickers.
The Bible and mounting putty or tape are usually listed just once in each day’s lesson, but plan to use them throughout.

 As the explorers come in and get settled, say something like the following:
Exploration Leader One: Welcome, explorers! My name is ___, and I’m one of your exploration leaders here at the Arctic Circle Exploration Company.
Exploration Leader Two: And I’m ___, your other exploration leader. We really enjoy taking young explorers on exciting explorations, and we’re glad you signed up for the Operation Arctic exploration trip.
Exploration Leader One: Show the Arctic Circle poster. The Arctic is a cold place at the very top of the world. It’s beautiful and unique, which means extra special and one-of-a-kind. 
Exploration Leader Two: Yep, it is beautiful and super cold in the Arctic! Do you like snow? Do you like icicles? Do you like polar bears? Well, those are some of the fun things at the Arctic! 
Exploration Leader One: Let’s take a minute to get ready. Since it’s cold, let’s pretend to put on our winter coats. Do so.
Exploration Leader Two: We’re going to need hats and gloves, too. Let’s pretend to put them on. Do so. 
Exploration Leader One: And we can’t forget our warm boots! Put on your boots, explorers! Do so.
Exploration Leader Two: Now we’re ready to start exploring! The Arctic is a one-of-a-kind, unique place as we said, but we’re actually going to start our exploring with something else that’s one-of-a-kind and unique. It’s a special, special book. Does anybody know the name of the most special book in the world?
Exploration Leader One: Slowly open the treasure chest and pull out the Bible. While doing so, Exploration Leader Two should get in place behind the puppet stage. Did you say the Bible? It’s the greatest treasure ever. It's not like any other book. Pull out another book. It can be any children's story book—maybe even Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? Here's a different book. See the words and pictures inside? It's a nice book, but it's not the most special book like the Bible because it isn't written by God! No other book is written by God. That makes it the most special book ever. In fact, our animal pal Blizzard reminds us the Bible is the Book of books! Show the Day 1 Fun Phrase poster. What letter is Blizzard showing us? Take responses. Right, a B. B stands for "Bible" and "Book of books." Let’s meet our puppet pal, and he’ll tell us more about this special, superstar Book!
Teach It!
Part 1: Puppet Pal—It’s a Superstar! (5 minutes)

Boy or girl puppet (in costume) and puppet stage
Clipboard
Star stickers
Coolest Book poster (Teacher Resource Kit)
2 copies of today’s puppet script (Resource DVD-ROM)
"The B-I-B-L-E" song (Resource DVD-ROM)
Pre-Prep
Photocopy the script. Tape one inside the puppet stage and place the other one on the clipboard.
Dress the puppet in a mini VBS T-shirt and/or a hat and scarf.
One teacher should be in front of the puppet stage with the clipboard and one should be behind it ready to work the puppet.

 Each day, the puppet pal will be used to teach or reinforce the lesson. If you don’t have a teaching assistant or co-teacher, enlist someone (a guide or other volunteer) ahead of time to work the puppet each day. If you’re alone, have the puppet come up from behind a snow mound.
You can use either a boy or a girl puppet. Use a consistent voice for the puppet all week. Speak clearly and exaggerate words and expressions. For instance, draw out certain words for emphasis, or make an exaggerated action for things like groaning, turning its head, or sneezing. Use your free hand to do things with the puppet’s hands or arms. For example, if the puppet is “thinking,” put the puppet’s hand on its chin. When the puppet is talking, make sure the mouth is open. (This is the opposite of what people often do!) In other words, the mouth should be open on most syllables. You don’t have to open very wide, which will help you move the mouth faster and more naturally. 
Your puppet should come out of the half door on the ACE cabin. (See Decorating Decisions.) When entering, hold your arm back and down and have the puppet take three steps forward, getting higher each time, until the puppet is out and visible.  When exiting, turn the puppet toward you and take three steps down until out of sight.
Puppet:  Hey there, everybody!
Teacher: Hi, Kai! Boys and girls, let’s say, “Hi, Kai!” to our puppet pal. Do so. Can you tell us something you like to do, Kai?

The name “Kai” rhymes with “Hi!”

 Puppet: Well, I like to go exploring with Dad on my dogsled with my dogs. But I also love to explore something else—my Bible!
Teacher: The Bible sure is a treasure!
Puppet: Yep. It’s one-of-a-kind. That makes it extra special. 
Teacher: It’s a one-of-a-kind book all right, written by God! In fact, it deserves a star! Slap a star sticker on Kai’s shirt. God wrote us a book! Let’s sing about that Book. Sing "The B-I-B-L-E" song from the Resource DVD-ROM. 
The B-I-B-L-E (Remain sitting, putting hands together to form a closed book.)
Yes, that’s the book for me (Form an open book.)
I stand alone on the Word of God (Stand up.)
The B-I-B-L-E (Bounce on each letter.)
The BIBLE! (Shout it enthusiastically.)
Puppet: But that’s not all. Did you know the Bible is true? God can’t tell a lie (Titus 1:2), so since He wrote the Bible, that means every word is true! 
Teacher: Wow! Here’s another star for being true. Stick a star on Kai’s arm.
Puppet: And did you know more people have read the Bible than any other book in the whole world?
Teacher: Another star for being the most read book. Put a star on Kai’s other arm.
Puppet: And guess what? God changes people’s lives as they read the Bible! 
Teacher: God sure has used the Bible to change my life! I love God’s Word. Hug your Bible. That deserves a star. Put a star on Kai’s forehead.
Puppet: And the Bible will never go away. The Bible says: 
Read Matthew 24:35, which talks about heaven and earth passing away but God's words never passing away.
Teacher: I think we could go on and on, Kai, but at this point, I’m sure the boys and girls see that the Bible is different than every other book. It’s a superstar! Place the last star on Kai’s mouth.
Puppet: Talk in a muffled voice. It’s the Book of books! Well I’ve gotta show my mom these stars! See you later!
Teacher: See you later, Kai! Let’s see if we can remember some of the special things about the Bible. Pull out the Coolest Book poster and read the statements one at a time, having them say, shout, or whisper them back to you.
Part 2: How the Bible Came to Be (10 minutes)

Large whiteboard and dry erase marker (or chalkboard and chalk)
Paper to cover drawings at the end
Day 1 Fun Phrase poster (again)
Optional: photocopies of the "How the Bible Came to Be" drawings if not drawing them yourself (Resource DVD-ROM)
Pre-Prep
Ahead of time, practice making the drawings on the marker board so you will be quick at it when doing it with the kids.

 Okay, now stand up! Let’s see if you can remember any of the things the Bible got a star for. Do you think the Bible got a star for being the best book ever? If you think so, jump up high! Do so. 
Good! Now jump up if you think the Bible will never go away. Do so. 
Jump up if you think it’s completely true. Do so. 
Jump up if you think God wrote it! Do so. 
Wow, the Bible sure is a one-of-a-kind book! But, did you ever wonder how this unique book got to be written in the first place? I mean, did God sit up in heaven and type it on a jumbo computer? No! But it is unique in how it came to be. Let me tell you the exciting and true story of how the Bible ended up looking like it does now, as a book.
As you tell about this, Teacher Two sketches the simple drawings that go with each section.
Drawing 1—People/Cloud
Teacher Two: Quickly sketch two stick people and a cloud with a voice coming from it (see sidebar) on the whiteboard or chalkboard at Teacher One talks.

An alternate idea is to hold up the pictures (printed from DVD-ROM) rather than drawing them. It's not quite as engaging, but it's simpler and faster. Or partially draw each one and just complete it while the other teacher is talking.

 About 6,000 years ago, at the beginning of time, we learn from the Bible that the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, lived in the Garden of Eden. At that time, God talked right to them. He talked to other people, too, like Noah and Abraham. Let's say the first two people's names. Do so.
Drawing 2—Ten Commandments
Teacher Two: Quickly sketch the outline of the Ten Commandments.
God chose a man named Moses to write the first part of the Bible. God even wrote some of the words Himself, including the Ten Commandments, on a stone tablet. Let's count to ten for the Ten Commandents. Do so.
Drawing 3—Scroll
Teacher Two: Quickly sketch a scroll.
Moses wrote God’s words on scrolls. Scrolls weren’t paper because paper as we know it wasn't around yet. Scrolls were animal skins or plants that were sewn together, written on, and rolled up.
Moses wrote God’s words for the first five books of the Bible and also some of the psalms.
Drawing 4—Clay Tablets
Teacher Two: Quickly sketch a clay tablet with a wooden stick.
After that, God chose other men to write down His words—around 40, in fact. These men had different jobs. They were fishermen, kings, shepherds, farmers, teachers, and a doctor, to name a few. Most of them didn’t know each other. In fact, they lived in different places at different times and spoke different languages. They wrote on different materials. Some wrote on clay tablets with wooden sticks. Some wrote on animal skins. Some wrote on something called papyrus. Each book was God’s words carefully written down.
Drawing 5—Quill Pen
Teacher Two: Quickly sketch a quill pen.
Over time, 66 smaller books were collected into one larger book. Men called scribes hand-copied each book in the first part of the Bible, called the Old Testament.  The Old Testament is this part right here. Show the Old Testament section of the Bible.
Drawing 6—Bible
Teacher Two: Quickly sketch a Bible.
Then a man named Johannes Gutenberg made a great machine that allowed the Bible to be copied faster than by hand. Now people could make copies of the Bible on a machine called the printing press.
This allowed Bibles to be printed and taken to places all over the world. This was great news because people everywhere could now have Bibles to read. 
When you read it, you’ll find it has the most wonderful, true account in the whole world. It tells us how God created the world, how people messed up the world, and how God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from our sin. It tells us how much God loves us and how we can becom
Gospel presentation

e part of His family. 
Explain that, according to the Bible, sin is disobeying God’s commands. And we have all disobeyed God’s commands. (We have lied, been unkind, disobeyed our parents.) This sin separates us from our holy God, and the penalty for sin is death and eternal separation from God’s goodness forever. We need someone to pay the penalty for our sin. To receive the gift of eternal life with God, we must repent of our sins (admit) and believe in Jesus. Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, died on the Cross to pay for our sins, and then rose from the dead. We can receive the gift of eternal life. 
I love the Bible and trust it completely. I hope you do, too. Remember—it’s not like any other book. It’s the Book of books! Show the Fun Phrase poster again.
Do the following to review if you have time. 
Now let’s see if you can remember any of the drawings. I’m going to cover them up. I’ll tell you a little about it again and see if you can remember what the drawing is under there!

Memory verse music CD and player
Simple songs from Resource DVD-ROM 
Student guides and supplies for Part 1 and Part 2
Explorer Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides
Blizzard bookmarks, 1 per child
Day 1 Memory Verse poster (Teacher Resource Kit)
Theme Verse poster (Teacher Resource Kit)

 Apply It!
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly. 
Pass out the Blizzard bookmarks, one per child, or have guides do so at the end of the day. Put a stamp in the Explorer Guides (or do so at snack time), and/or review the student guides.
Part 1: Bible Gems
Today’s Verse: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God . . . .” 2 Timothy 3:16
Explain the following words.

You may want to make up motions not only today, but every day, to the key words of the verse.

All—All means all. Every single word in the Bible is from God.  
Scripture—Scripture is another name for the Bible. 
Inspiration—Inspiration means men wrote down the words as God put them in their minds (2 Peter 1:21).
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the memory verse CD and using the Memory Verse poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.
Challenge: Make up motions to key words in this verse and do them as you say it.
Tomorrow’s Verse: “Your word is a . . . light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
Try the challenge again, this time using tomorrow’s verse. You may also want to practice the week’s theme verse, using the Theme Verse poster as a reference.
Part 2: Go and Do
Every person in the Bible was a real person who lived a long time ago. Draw a picture of what you think one of them looked like.
Talk to God (that’s prayer!) and ask Him to help you love Him and love His Word more.
Ask an adult who follows Jesus to show you her Bible and read Genesis 1 from it. What does she love about it?
With an adult, check answersvbs.com/oakids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Do I have a Bible at my home?
Optional Song 1: “Book of Books”

Simple sing-along versions of the songs listed here are available on the Resource DVD-ROM. Download them to an MP3 player and use them as accompaniment to your song time. They are also available for purchase on a CD (11-5-141).
You may want to use all the songs suggested this week (found at the end of each day’s lesson), or just repeat the same one or two all week long. There are lots of options! 

 Here’s a fun song to incorporate into any part of your day. Sing this one to the tune of “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.” 
The Bible is the Book of books 
(Make a Bible with your hands.)
Book of books! 
(Fist pump and shout on “Book of books!”)
The Bible is the Book of books 
(Make a Bible with your hands.)
Book of books! 
(Fist pump and shout on “Book of books!”)
Written by God, come take a look 
(Point up, then beckon to “come!”)
The Bible is the Book of books 
(Make a Bible with your hands.)
Book of books! 
(Fist pump and shout on “Book of books!”)
Optional Song 2: “The B-I-B-L-E”
The B-I-B-L-E 
(Remain sitting, putting hands together to form a closed book.)
Yes, that’s the book for me 
(Form an open book.)
I stand alone on the Word of God 
(Stand up.)
The B-I-B-L-E 
(Bounce on each letter.)
The BIBLE! 
(Shout it enthusiastically.)

End each day’s Treasure Point Lesson with prayer!

 Review Time: BIBLE Handshake
The BIBLE handshake will be a big hit with the kids. Some of our pilot church teachers introduced the new letter at the beginning of each lesson then reviewed them at the end.
Today, explorers learn the first letter of the BIBLE handshake, B. Each day, they’ll add another letter. For today, form thumb and index finger into a circle and link them with another explorer’s fingers, forming a B with the two circles together. Say, “Book of books.”  Remind them that we will be spelling the word "Bible" this week, and the B is the first letter in the word "Bible."
Check YouTube.com/AnswersVBS for a video demonstration of the BIBLE handshakes!
Day 2
Incredible Impact
Bible passage
Saul’s Life is Changed (Acts 9:1-22)
Bible Gem
“Your word is a . . . light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
Treasure Point Lesson Focus
The Bible’s message has had an incredible impact on earth.

Animal Pal
Snowball the Arctic Hare
Apologetics Focus
Did you know the Bible's teachings have positively influenced cultures around the world?
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Caterpillar/Butterfly
Touch Table: Bunny Tails
Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Coloring Corner: Psalm 119:105
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
Northern Lights
Teach It!
Part 1: Saul/Paul
Part 2: Puppet Pal—Changed!
Apply It! 
Part 1: Bible Gems
Part 2: Go and Do
Optional Song 1: “B-I-B-L-E” (BINGO Version)
Optional Song 2: “This Little Light of Mine”
Review Time: BIBLE Handshake
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Acts 9:1–22 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
For more information on how the Bible has impacted the earth and transformed lives, visit answersvbs.com/oafaq.
Pray.

Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource kit
Day 2 Memory Verse poster
Days 1–2 Fun Phrase posters
Northern Lights posters
Paul Transformed posters
From Resource DVD-ROM
Picture cards of caterpillars and butterflies (Expl. Station)
Pictures of an Arctic hare (Expl. Station)
Day 2 memory verse coloring sheet (Expl. Station)
2 copies of today’s puppet script
"B-I-B-L-E" (BINGO version) and "This Little Light of Mine" songs
Other Materials
Exploration Station supplies (see back cover)
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders (teachers)
Treasure chest
Piece of paper and tape
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Mounting putty or tape
Apply It! section supplies
Memory verse music CD and player
Student Extras
Student guides (11-5-073, 11-5-134), 1 per child
Explorer Guides (11-5-090, 11-5-138), 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides (11-5-093)
Snowball bookmarks (11-5-078, 11-5-140), 1 per child
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Caterpillar/Butterfly
Materials
Picture cards of caterpillars and butterflies (Resource DVD-ROM)
Pre-prep
Photocopy and cut out the caterpillar and butterfly cards. You many want to laminate them.
Directions
Explorers try to figure out which caterpillar turns into which butterfly by matching the numbers on the cards. 
Teaching Tie-In
Isn’t it amazing how God designed caterpillars to turn into butterflies? They look like a whole new creature! On the outside, a person may not look much different—certainly not like that big change caterpillars make when becoming butterflies! But when a person becomes God’s child, he (or she) will be changed in how they act. Over time, God will teach His children to be more loving and kind and patient. 
Touch Table: Bunny Tails
Materials
Lots of cotton balls
Tongs
Mittens
Optional: plastic Arctic animals and/or small plastic baggies
Pictures of an Arctic hare in summer and in winter (Resource DVD-ROM)
Pre-prep
Take out yesterday’s supplies and put in today’s, filling the touch table at least one layer deep with cotton balls.
Directions
Explorers see how many “bunny tails” (cotton balls) they can pick up with the tongs while wearing mittens. Another idea is to make a game out of it by seeing who can fill a small plastic baggie with the most cotton balls in the allotted time. They must wear mittens and use tongs as they do so.
Teaching Tie-In
Look at all these bunny tails! Did you know our animal pal today is part of the rabbit family? It’s an Arctic hare, and it changes colors depending on the season. When it’s summer, the Arctic hare is brown. When it’s winter, it’s white. 
God changes us in ways, too. We don’t change colors! (Can you imagine if we did?) But if we’re part of God’s family, God is working inside us all the time to help us become more and more like His Son, Jesus, in the way we act.
Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Materials
Day 1 supplies
Flashlights and/or play lanterns
Pre-prep
Add in flashlights or play lanterns if you have them.
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be Arctic explorers.
Teaching Tie-In
Explorers in the Arctic need strong lights because it’s very dark, even during the day. But a light makes all the difference! The Bible tells us that it is like a light, too. That doesn’t mean it’s an actual light, but that when people read the Bible, they see how life should be. It lights the way!
Coloring Corner: Psalm 119:105
Materials
Day 2 memory verse coloring sheet (Resource DVD-ROM)
Markers or crayons
Optional: Additional supplies to glue on, glue sticks, and stickers
Pre-prep
Photocopy the coloring sheet, 1 per child. Gather additional supplies if you want them.
Directions
Color the sheet. Add additional supplies if desired.
Teaching Tie-In
Practice saying the memory verse on the sheet. Discuss its meaning.
Introduce It! 
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders (teachers)
Day 1 Fun Phrase poster (Teacher Resource Kit)
Northern Lights posters (Teacher Resource Kit), cut in 2
Treasure chest
Mounting putty or tape

 Northern Lights (5 minutes)
Welcome back, explorers! Hey, does anybody remember our animal pal's name and the letter of the day from yesterday? Take reponses. Show the Day 1 Fun Phrase poster. Yep, our animal pal was Blizzard, and Blizzard showed us the B, which stands for "Bible" and "Book of books." We also learned the first letter of the BIBLE handshake, the B. Find a partner and see if you can remember how to do it. Do so.
Today, we’re going to talk about how the message of the Bible has had an incredible impact on the earth, but first I need to ask you a question. Have any of you ever been in a really, really dark place, like a forest at night? Take responses. What if you were camping in the woods on a pitch black night and you needed to get up to go to the bathroom? Would you use a light while you walk there? Take responses. 
Show the Northern Lights poster 1. Sometimes in the Arctic it gets dark for a long time! But there’s this really cool thing that happens sometimes during the darkness that’s called the Northern Lights. It changes the sky and brings light!
Show the Northern Lights poster 2. You know, the Bible is like a light, too. When I say that, I don’t mean it’s actually a light, but that it works like a light.  The Bible says: Your Word is a light to my path. 

You may want to use a flashlight and a few "obstacles" on a path to illustrate how it would show the way. 

Just like a light lights our way so we can see the good things and the bad things on the path, the Bible shows us bad things to avoid and good things to do.
Take the Bible out of the treasure chest. We’re going to learn about a Bible person who actually saw the light of God and was completely changed. His name was Saul. Let’s check it out!
Teach It!

Paul Transformed posters (Teacher Resource Kit), cut in 2
Piece of paper and tape
Day 2 Fun Phrase poster (Teacher Resource Kit)
Pre-Prep
Cover the Paul Transformed poster 2. This will be removed part way through this account.

 Part 1: Saul/Paul (10 minutes)
Have the kids stand. Tell the following account in Acts 9:1–22 and have everyone do or say the following actions. 
Show the Paul Transformed poster 1 (Saul). There was this guy named Saul and he was one mean dude. Make a mean face. Do so.
Well, he was going around hurting people who loved Jesus. He was throwing them in prison or even killing them. Say, “No, no, Saul!” Do so. 
Well, one day, he was on a journey and all of a sudden, a bright light shone around him from heaven. Act like you're seeing a really bright light. Do so. You may also want to shine a bright flashlight.

An alternate way to tell this account is to have one teacher dress up in a Bible time costume to be Saul. He can either tell the account in first person, or the other teacher can tell or read the account from a simple children's Bible as Saul acts it out. Use sunglasses for being blind and a walking stick for going to the city.

 When this happened, Saul fell to the ground. Let’s fall to the ground. Do so, and have them stay down.
Then Saul heard a voice from heaven, which was God, saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you hurting Me?” And Saul said, “Who are You, Lord?” Let’s say, "Who are You, Lord?" as we look up to heaven. Do so.
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus.” Well, by now, Saul was scared and surprised. Let’s act like we’re scared and surprised. Do so.
Saul said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” And the Lord told him to get up and go into the city. Let’s all get up and pretend we’re going into the city, which is over here. Point to where your “city” is, and have them stand up and stay in place for now.
So Saul got up, but he couldn’t see. He had been blinded by the light. So his friends led him to the city. Let’s cover our eyes like we're blind and walk to the “city.” Do so.
Then God sent a man named Ananias to Saul. Ananias said, “Saul, the Lord Jesus sent me that you may receive your sight." Immediately, something like scales fell from his eyes and he could see again! Act excited to be able to see again! Give someone a high five. Do so.
Right away, he went out and started telling everyone about Jesus. Let’s turn to someone near us and say, “Jesus is Lord!” Do so.
Everyone who heard him was amazed. They were amazed because Saul had changed! Remember, he had been so mean and nasty, throwing Christians into prison and even killing them. He hated God’s people. But then God changed him. Saul quit being mean to Christians. In fact, he became a child of God. Let’s give a thumbs up sign. Do so.
Uncover and show the Paul Transformed poster 2 (Paul). Here is Saul after God changed him into a child of God. He doesn't look different on the outside, does he? But God changed him on the inside. And God even chose Saul, whose name eventually changed to Paul, to write down some of the books of the Bible as God breathed the words to him. Let’s pretend we’re writing a book of the Bible. Do so, then cover the Paul poster again. Look at the Saul poster again and review. See if they can remember anything about Saul, then uncover the Paul poster and see if they can remember anything about Paul.

Gospel presentation

 God promises to change each of His children. God isn’t going to change your name like Paul's did, but He does promise to change each of His children. You become a child of God if you repent of your sins (turn from them) and believe in Jesus. Paul was involved in murder and hurting other people. Those were sins before God. We may not have murdered anyone, but each one of us has sinned before God. We have disobeyed God’s commands. And even one sin is enough to separate us from God. The punishment for sin is death and eternal separation from God's goodness forever. God is truth and wants us to be truthful all the time. If we have told a lie even once, we are sinners and in need of salvation. We need to repent of our sins and believe that Jesus was the one who paid the penalty for sin on our behalf by dying on the Cross and rising from the dead. When we do that, we can become a child of God. He then promises to change you over time so you become more like His Son Jesus.
Show the Day 2 Fun Phrase poster and introduce them to Snowball, the Arctic hare. Explain that Snowball's fur changes from dark to light. She's a good reminder of how people can change, or be incredibly impacted, by God and the Bible. 
Now let me tell you how God and the Bible have changed me (or why I love the Bible). 
Tell a little of your testimony here, sharing that you were a sinner needing God to forgive you. Be sensitive and age appropriate, not going into gory details of past sins. 
Then share how much God and the Bible mean to you. The following are a few examples of possible ways God may have changed/helped you after you became His child. 
You used to worry, but now God has calmed your fears. You memorize verses about not being afraid, and that helps.
You used to watch whatever you felt like on TV. Then you read in Philippians 4:8 that God wants us to think on true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good, and praiseworthy things. You decided those shows weren’t good and lovely things to think about, so you quit watching them.
You didn’t enjoy reading the Bible, but you prayed and asked God to give you a love for the Bible, and He did.
Let's pray and thank God for the Bible. Do so as the other teacher slips behind the puppet stage.
Part 2: Puppet Pal—Changed! (5 minutes)

Boy or girl puppet (in costume)
Clipboard
2 copies of today’s puppet script (Resource DVD-ROM)
Pre-Prep
Tape one script inside the puppet stage and place the other one on the clipboard.
One teacher should be positioned in front of the puppet stage and one behind it with the puppet.

 Teacher: Explorers, let’s call for Kai. Ready? Here we go. Kai! Kai! Where are you?
Puppet: Come up shaking your head back and forth. Wow! That was weird! I just talked to someone I hadn’t seen for, like, a year. He used to live next door, and then he moved away.
Teacher: That’s cool that you got to see him again! Why was it weird?
Puppet: Well, he just seemed different. 
Teacher: How was he different? Did he look different?
Puppet: No, he looked pretty much the same.
Teacher: Then what was so weird about it?
Puppet: Well, he just seemed different. Not on the outside, but on the inside.
Teacher: What do you mean?
Puppet: He used to bully me a lot. I guess I’d have to say he was mean.
Teacher: So what changed?
Puppet: He was nice to me today! He was actually nice to me!
Teacher: Do you think it’s just because it's been awhile since you talked?
Puppet: Noooo, that’s not it. 
Teacher: Do you think he was just putting on an act?
Puppet: Nope. I truly think something’s changed, and I bet I can guess what it is.
Teacher: What?
Puppet: Well, he told me he’s been reading his Bible since he left, and he found out about God as he read—God who is loving and kind. God who sent Jesus to earth to save us from our sins.
Teacher: That sounds like a big deal.
Puppet: Yeah, he said he asked God to forgive him of the wrong things, the sins, he had done. And because he believes in Jesus, he asked God if he could be God’s child, and now he’s part of God’s family. He said as he reads the Bible, God is teaching him and changing him.
Teacher: Oh, so that’s why he’s more kind and loving.
Puppet: Yep! Of course, he’s not perfect, but I can tell God is working in him.
Teacher: You know, God is in the business of changing people’s lives. Little by little, year after year, God the Holy Spirit changes His children to be more like Jesus. Just read about some of the people in the Bible who were changed, like Saul, and you’ll see what I mean!
Puppet: Yeah, Saul was mean and sinful, too. But God changed Saul into a great man of God.
Teacher: Yep! Isn’t it cool to know we can read the Bible and pray to God and ask Him to change us to be more like Him? God can and does do it!
Puppet: He sure does! In fact, I think I’m going to go read my Bible right now and talk to God! 
Teacher: Sounds good, Kai. While you’re doing that, we’re going to learn our Bible verse, so we’ll see you later!

Memory verse music CD and player
Simple songs from Resource DVD-ROM
Student guides and supplies for Part 1 and Part 2
Explorer Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides
Snowball bookmarks, 1 per child
Day 2 Memory Verse poster (Teacher Resource Kit)

Apply It!
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly. 
Pass out the Snowball bookmarks, one per child, or have guides do so at the end of the day. Put a stamp in the Explorer Guides (or do so at snack time), and/or review the student guides.
Part 1: Bible Gems
Today’s Verse: “Your word is a . . . light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the memory verse CD and using the Memory Verse poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.
Challenge: Find a flashlight and go into a dark room (bathroom, closet) or make a fort. Use the flashlight to light up your dark space and say your verse. Now turn off the flashlight and see if you can remember it.
Tomorrow’s Verse: “. . . A wise man . . . built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24
Try the challenge again, this time using tomorrow’s verse. 
Part 2: Go and Do
From the Bible, we learn that God is loving and kind, so we are to be loving and kind. Ask an adult who loves Jesus to read Ephesians 4:32 to you. Pray and ask God to help you to be loving and kind. What can you do today to show someone God’s love and kindness? Go and do it!
Talk to God and ask Him to change you to be more and more like Him as you read and learn from the Bible.
Ask an adult who follows Jesus to share a favorite Bible verse or Bible account. How has it impacted him?
With an adult, check answersvbs.com/oakids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Do I want to be more like Jesus?
Optional Song 1: “B-I-B-L-E” (BINGO Version)
Sing this to the tune of “B-I-N-G-O.”
There is a book that comes from God
The Bible is its name-OH 
B-I-B-L-E 
B-I-B-L-E 
B-I-B-L-E 
The Bible is its name-OH
There is a book that comes from God
The Bible is its name-OH 
(Clap)-I-B-L-E 
(Clap)-I-B-L-E 
(Clap)-I-B-L-E 
The Bible is its name-OH
Note: Substitute claps for the first two letters on the next verse, three on the next, four on the next, and all five on the last verse.  
Optional Song 2: “This Little Light of Mine”
Introduce this song by reminding the explorers that just as the Northern Lights light up the dark sky and make it beautiful, when we are God’s, we shine our light for Him and light up the world with His love!
This little light of mine 
(Twirl pointer finger around.)
I’m gonna let it shine 
(Twirl pointer finger around.)
This little light of mine 
(Twirl pointer finger around.)
I’m gonna let it shine 
(Twirl pointer finger around.)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine 
(Twirl pointer finger around.)
Hide it under a bushel 
(Cup one hand over the pointer finger of the other hand.)
No! I’m gonna let it shine 
(Pull cupped hand away and twirl pointer finger around.)
Hide it under a bushel 
(Cup one hand over the pointer finger of the other hand.)
No! I’m gonna let it shine 
(Pull cupped hand away and twirl pointer finger around.)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine 
(Twirl pointer finger around.)
Shine all over _______
(Insert name of your town here, and move pointer finger in a wide sweeping arc.)
I’m gonna let it shine 
(Twirl pointer finger around.)
Shine all over  _______
(Insert name of your town here, and move pointer finger in a wide sweeping arc.)
I’m gonna let it shine 
(Twirl pointer finger around.)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine 
(Twirl pointer finger around.) 
Review Time: BIBLE Handshake
Today, explorers learn the I handshake. Hold up your hand with fingers together. Put your straight palm against another explorer's. Say, “Incredible Impact.”  Review the first two handshakes. (Use the Fun Phrase posters to help with this review.)
Day 3
Bedrock Base
Bible passage
The Wise Man Builds His House on the Rock (Matthew 7:24–29)
Bible Gem
“. . . A wise man . . . built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24
Treasure Point Lesson focus
The Bible is the bedrock base we build our lives on. It is the ultimate and final authority in all matters.
Animal Pal
Spike the Narwhal
Apologetics Focus
Did you know science, history, and fulfilled prophecies confirm the Bible?
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: This Rocks!
Touch Table: No Stand in the Sand
Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Coloring Corner: Matthew 7:24
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
Floating on Thin Ice
Teach It!
Part 1: Wise Man/Foolish Man
Part 2: Puppet Pal—Respect and Obey
Apply It!
Part 1: Bible Gems
Part 2: Go and Do
Optional Song 1: “The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock”
Optional Song 2: “The B-I-B-L-E”
Review Time: BIBLE Handshake
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Matthew 7, 8, 26:36–43, and Mark 5:21–43 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. 
For more information on the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God, visit answersvbs.com/oafaq.
Pray.

Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource kit
Day 3 Memory Verse poster
Days 1–3 Fun Phrase posters
Top of the World poster
Wise Man/Foolish Man posters
From Resource DVD-ROM
Day 3 memory verse coloring sheet (Expl. Station)
2 copies of today’s puppet script
"The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock" and "The B-I-B-L-E" songs
Other Materials
Exploration Station supplies (see back cover)
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders (teachers)
Treasure chest
Paper and tape
Interlocking bricks and base
2 transparent containers
Pitcher or watering can of water
Play sand
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Mounting putty or tape
Apply It! section supplies
Memory verse music CD and player
Student Extras 
Student guides (11-5-073, 11-5-134), 1 per child
Explorer Guides (11-5-090, 11-5-138), 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides (11-5-093)
Spike bookmarks (11-5-078, 11-5-140), 1 per child
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: This Rocks!
Materials
Variety of rocks/gemstones (these can be real or fake)
Nonbreakable magnifying glasses
Pre-prep
Set out the supplies. (Oriental Trading Company has faux rocks/gems. Just make sure they are nontoxic and not a choking hazard.)
Directions
Explorers check out the different rocks/gemstones with the magnifying glasses. 
Teaching Tie-In
How do you like all these rocks, explorers? There are lots of valuable rocks and treasures that Arctic explorers look for, like gold and diamonds. But you know what? Nothing's a greater treasure than the Bible. It's the greatest treasure on earth! 
Touch Table: No Stand in the Sand
Materials
Play sand
Plastic little people
DUPLO®
Pre-prep
Take out yesterday’s supplies and put in today’s.
Directions
Explorers build a house on the sand and play there.
Teaching Tie-In
Do you think it would be a good idea to build a real house on sand? Wouldn’t it be better to build it on something that doesn’t move or change? One thing that never changes is God’s Word—the Bible. It’s like a rock—we can count on it!

Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Materials
Day 1 supplies
Play food, tin cups, canteens
White paper plates/paper
Painter's tape
Pre-prep
Add in play food, cups, canteens, and paper plates/paper. Make a hopscotch board on the floor and place the paper plates/paper in some of the squares, but not all.
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be Arctic explorers. Pretend the paper plates/paper are chunks of ice. The explorers try to hop through the hopscotch course without touching any "ice" (paper plates/paper).
Teaching Tie-In
When you go on your exploring mission today, be careful to stay on solid ground and not walk on the cracking, breaking ice! That’s dangerous! It’s always shifting and changing. It’s cool to know that the Bible never changes. God doesn’t change His mind and put different meanings in the Bible. If He said something, it will always be true forever. It’s like solid ground—it stays steady!
Coloring Corner: Matthew 7:24
Materials
Day 3 memory verse coloring sheet (Resource DVD-ROM)
Markers or crayons
Optional: Additional supplies to glue on, glue sticks, and stickers
Pre-prep
Photocopy the coloring sheet, 1 per child.
Directions
Color the sheet. Add additional supplies if desired.
Teaching Tie-In
Practice saying the memory verse on the sheet. Discuss its meaning.
Introduce It! 
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders
Top of the World poster (Teacher Resource Kit)
Days 1–3 Fun Phrase posters (Teacher Resource Kit)
Treasure chest
Mounting putty or tape

 Floating on Thin Ice (5 minutes)
Hi again, explorers!! Let’s review our BIBLE handshakes. What does the first B stand for?  Book of Books. How about the I? Incredible Impact. Find a partner and practice the B and the I.
Show the Top of the World poster. All right, now do you remember how we talked about the top of the world being the Arctic Ocean? There’s no land up there—just ocean with a sheet of ice over it. It’s always moving around, breaking, and very dangerous. It’s not a steady base to walk on or build a house on. Let’s pretend we’re explorers walking around on that moving ice! Do so.  
Those explorers have to feel so glad when they’re back on solid ground. Let’s pretend we’re jumping off the ice onto solid ground. Do so. Now let’s sit down. Do so.
Well, unlike the top of the Arctic, which has no base, the Bible is a rock-solid base for us to build our lives on. It’s like bedrock. That’s what our next letter is—B—and it stands for “bedrock base.” Show the Day 3 Fun Phrase poster and introduce them to Spike the narwhal. Spike has a B that stands for "Bedrock Base." Using the first three Fun Phrase posters, show how we now have the letters B-I-B as we are spelling the word B-I-B-L-E. 
The word “bedrock” has the smaller word “rock” in it, and that’s because it’s the solid rock that’s under the ground. So it’s a firm foundation, just like the Bible is a firm foundation. Pull the Bible from the treasure chest. This Book never changes. The Bible never lies.The Bible is never wrong about anything. We can trust it completely because it’s a bedrock base. Let’s see what the Bible has to say about its sturdy base. 
Teach It!

Wise Man/Foolish Man posters (Teacher Resource Kit), cut in 2
Paper and tape
Interlocking bricks and base
2 transparent containers
Pitcher or watering can of water
Play sand
Pre-Prep
Cover the Foolish Man poster. This will be removed part way through this account.
Build the brick house on the base, leaving just a couple  bricks off to finish it during this demonstration.

 Part 1: Wise Man/Foolish Man (10–15 minutes)
Do the following as a large group demonstration, with Teacher One telling the Bible account and Teacher Two demonstrating. Show the Wise Man/Foolish Man posters at the appropriate time, uncovering the Foolish Man poster when getting to that part. 
Teacher One: Read Matthew 7:24–25, explaining that a wise man (or woman) is a person who does what God tells him to do in the Bible. 
Teacher Two: Snap the brick house on a brick base as Teacher One talks about building his house on the rock. When done, put it in the bin and pour some water on it. (It needs to remain intact! Practice this first!)

Or use Jenga® blocks and a cookie sheet for the wise man part. Build the "house" with the blocks on the cookie sheet, the good foundation. Then for the foolish man part, use a bin with a mound of sand and try to build on the sand. Have the kids gather around as you do it so they can see.

 Teacher One: Read Matthew 7:26–27, explaining that a foolish person doesn't do what God says. He ignores the Bible. 
Teacher Two: Move the brick house off the base and into a bin that has a heap of sand. Place the house on top of the mound of sand. Pour water on the sand. The house should fall off the sand mound. Practice this first!

You may want to discuss these questions as you go through the Bible passage. 

 What happened to the house on the rock?
What happened to the house on the sand?
The Bible says when we hear God’s words and do them, we’re like a wise man whose house is on a rock, but when we hear God’s words and don’t do them, we’re like a foolish man whose house is on the sand. It’s not enough to recognize that the Bible can be 100% trusted. God wants us to be wise and obey His Word, too. Can you think of any commands the Bible tells us to live by? You may want to read all or part of Colossians 3:8–17 as an example.
Can you think of any commands you have trouble obeying? For examples, see the passage in Colossians.
Let’s pray and ask God to help us love and obey His Word. We can’t do it on our own. God must give us the power to do so through the Holy Spirit who lives in His children! You may want to share the gospel with your kids briefly. You become a child of God if you re
Gospel presentation

pent of your sins (turn from them) and believe in Jesus. Each one of us has sinned before God. We have disobeyed God’s commands. And even one sin is enough to separate us from God. Review the Colossians passage for a list of sins they may have done. The punishment for sin is death and eternal separation from God's goodness forever. We need to repent of our sins and believe that Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, and paid the penalty for sin on our behalf by dying on the Cross and rising from the dead. When we do that, we can become a child of God. And God gives His children the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us love Him and obey Him. 
Take time to pray. Teacher Two should get behind the puppet stage at this point. 
Part 2: Puppet Pal—Respect and Obey (5 minutes)

Boy or girl puppet (in costume)
Clipboard
2 copies of today’s puppet script (Resource DVD-ROM)
Pre-Prep
Tape one script inside the puppet stage and place the other one on the clipboard.
One teacher should be positioned in front of the puppet stage and one behind it with the puppet.

 Teacher: Okay, so we’ve been talking about how the Bible is our bedrock base. We can trust it. Well, guess what? We also need to obey it. Let’s have Kai come and chat with us a little more. Hey, Kai, you around?
Puppet: Come up. Hey there! What’s happenin’?
Teacher: We’re just talking a bit about obeying. Did you know the Bible tells us to obey our parents? Read Ephesians 6:1.
Puppet: Yeah, well, I don’t always feel like doing what they say to do. 
Teacher: I know, but God wants you to respect and obey them since He put them in charge of you. And guess who else God wants you to respect and obey?
Puppet: Ummm . . . maybe my teacher and pastor? 
Teacher: Yep! The Bible tells us to respect and obey the people God puts in charge of us. Read Romans 13:1. And of course, the most important person to obey is God!
Puppet: How do we know what He wants us to do?
Teacher: He wrote us a book—the Bible! The Bible is God’s very words, so He wants us to obey them. And God gives His children help in obeying His commands through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
Puppet: The Bible really is the Book of books, isn’t it? It’s not like any other book!
Teacher: Yep! Coolest book ever! Hope you grow to love it as much as I do!
Puppet: Well, my mom asked me to clean my room, so I’m going to obey her and do it. See you later!
Teacher: See you, Kai! Let’s say, “Bye, Kai!” Do so.

Memory verse music CD and player
Simple songs from Resource DVD-ROM
Student guides and supplies for Part 1 and Part 2
Explorer Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides
Spike bookmarks, 1 per child
Day 3 Memory Verse poster (Teacher Resource Kit)

 Apply It!
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly. 
Pass out the Spike bookmarks, one per child, or have guides do so at the end of the day. Put a stamp in the Explorer Guides (or do so at snack time), and/or review the student guides.
Part 1: Bible Gems
Today’s Verse: ". . . A wise man . . . built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the memory verse CD and using the Memory Verse poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.
Challenge: Act out this verse. Pretend you are building a house on a large, sturdy rock while saying it.
Tomorrow’s Verse: ". . . Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Try the challenge again, this time using tomorrow’s verse. 
Part 2: Go and Do
Find building blocks and make a sturdy house. Or, draw a picture of a sturdy house. How does it make you feel knowing God’s word is a rock-solid base that never changes?
Ask an adult to read Matthew 24:35 and John 17:17 with you. Talk to God and thank Him that every word of the Bible is true.
Talk to an adult about things that have changed during his or her lifetime (e.g., transportation, technology, news headlines, scientific theories). How is God’s Word different from all that?
With an adult, check answersvbs.com/oakids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Do I trust and believe every word of the Bible?
Optional Song 1: “The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock”
The wise man built his house upon the rock (Hammer, then bump your two fists together, right on top of left.)
The wise man built his house upon the rock (Hammer, then bump your two fists together, right on top of left.)
The wise man built his house upon the rock (Hammer, then bump your two fists together, right on top of left.)
And the rains came a’tumblin’ down (Wiggle fingers and move them from above your head on down.)
The rains came down and the floods came up 
(Move wiggling fingers down, then back up.)
The rains came down and the floods came up 
(Move wiggling fingers down, then back up.)
The rains came down and the floods came up 
(Move wiggling fingers down, then back up.)
And the house on the rock stood firm (Bump fists together twice, then level your hands.)
The foolish man built his house upon the sand (Hammer, then wiggle fingers sideways.)
The foolish man built his house upon the sand (Hammer, then wiggle fingers sideways.)
The foolish man built his house upon the sand (Hammer, then wiggle fingers sideways.)
And the rains came a’tumblin’ down (Wiggle fingers and move them from above your head on down.)
The rains came down and the floods came up 
(Move wiggling fingers down, then back up.)
The rains came down and the floods came up 
(Move wiggling fingers down, then back up.)
The rains came down and the floods came up 
(Move wiggling fingers down, then back up.)
And the house on the sand went splat (Bump fists together twice, then clap on the word “splat!”)
So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
(Hammer, then point up to heaven.)
So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ (Hammer, then point up to heaven.)
So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ (Hammer, then point up to heaven.)
And His perfect, holy Word 
(Make a Bible with your hands.)
Optional Song 2: “The B-I-B-L-E”
The B-I-B-L-E (Remain sitting, putting hands together to form a closed book.)
Yes, that’s the book for me (Form an open book.)
I stand alone on the Word of God (Stand up.)
The B-I-B-L-E (Bounce on each letter.)
The BIBLE! (Shout it enthusiastically.)
Review Time:  BIBLE Handshake
Today, explorers add another B to their handshake. Form thumb and index finger into a circle and link them with another explorer’s fingers, forming a B with the two circles together. Say, “Bedrock Base.” Review the B, I, B handshakes. (Use the Fun Phrase posters to help with this review.)
Day 4
Letter of Love
Bible passage
The Gospel is a Message with Love (Selected Scriptures)
Bible Gem
“. . . Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Treasure Point Lesson focus
The Bible has a thrilling theme running throughout its pages—God loved us so much He sent His Son to die for sinners that we might be saved.
Animal Pal
Shaggy the Musk Ox
Apologetics Focus
Did you know the earth didn’t start out with polar ice caps? 
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Letters Galore
Touch Table: Ice Cold
Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Coloring Corner: Romans 5:8
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
The Big Chill
Teach It!
Part 1: Gospel Presentation
Part 2: Puppet Pal—Love in Action
Apply It!
Part 1: Bible Gems
Part 2: Go and Do
Optional Song 1: “Jesus Loves Me”
Optional Song 2: “B-I-B-L-E” (BINGO Version)
Review Time: BIBLE Handshake
Preparing for the Lesson
Read the following passages in order: Genesis 1, 3, 6–8, 11:1–9; Luke 2:1–7, 23:26–24:12.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. 
Read “Leading a Child to Christ” found on the inside back cover of this guide. 
For more information on the Ice Age, visit answersvbs.com/oafaq. 
Pray.
Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource Kit
Day 4 Memory Verse poster
Day 4 Fun Phrase poster
Polar Ice Caps poster
Cross in Color posters
From Resource DVD-ROM
Day 4 memory verse coloring sheet (Expl. Station)
Cross pattern, 1 per child
2 copies of today’s puppet script
"Jesus Loves the Little Children," Jesus Loves Me" and "B-I-B-L-E" (BINGO version) songs
Other Materials
Exploration Station supplies (see back cover)
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders (teachers)
Treasure chest
Crayon bundles (see text)
2 dark squares (see text)
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Mounting putty or tape
Apply It! section supplies
Memory verse music CD and player
Student Extras
Student guides (11-5-073, 11-5-134), 1 per child
Explorer Guides (11-5-090, 11-5-138), 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides (11-5-093)
Shaggy bookmarks (11-5-078, 11-5-140), 1 per child
Optional: gospel bookmarks (11-5-076), 1 per child
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Letters Galore
Materials
Variety of blank paper and cards
Variety of envelopes
Variety of writing implements, such as markers, colored pencils, and crayons
Heart stickers
Sample pattern that says: God loves you!
Pre-prep
Set out the supplies. Make the sample pattern page that says, “God loves you!”
Directions
Explorers write a letter to someone to tell them God loves them.
Teaching Tie-In
From the very beginning of the Bible to the very end, we see God loves us and sent His Son, Jesus. Let’s write someone a letter to share that good news about the Bible’s message of love!
Touch Table: Ice Cold
Materials
Ice Cubes
Frozen blocks of ice (pre-frozen in milk cartons or 9x13 metal pans)
Squirt bottles with water
Small, plastic/rubber Arctic animals (whale, seal, walrus, polar bear, porpoise)
Pre-prep
Freeze the ice cubes or buy one or more bags of ice. Freeze the plastic animals in the milk cartons or metal 9x13 pans. Fill the squirt bottles with water.
Directions
Explorers play with the cold supplies.
Teaching Tie-In
Brrr! It sure is cold in the Arctic! But did you know when God first made the world, the Arctic wasn’t super cold like it is now?

Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Materials
Day 1 supplies
Pretend “mail” including letters (envelopes, paper, etc.) 
Optional: mailbags (little tote bags)
Pre-prep 
Put letters in the mailbag(s) or just around the area. Pretend to be delivering or receiving mail.
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be Arctic explorers. 
Teaching Tie-In
Isn’t it fun to receive a letter? It’s especially exciting to people living in the Arctic because mail doesn’t come every day like it does to us. But they still can have the most important letter ever—the Bible. The Bible is like a letter of love that God wrote to all of us. It tells us how God loved the world so much He sent His only Son Jesus to die, that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life (John 3:16). That’s the best news a letter could ever have!
Coloring Corner: Romans 5:8
Materials
Day 4 memory verse coloring sheet (Resource DVD-ROM)
Markers or crayons
Optional: Additional supplies to glue on, glue sticks, and stickers
Pre-prep
Photocopy the coloring sheet, 1 per child.
Directions
Color the sheet. Add additional supplies if desired.
Teaching  Tie-In
Practice saying the Bible verse on the page. Discuss its meaning.

Introduce It! 
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders
Day 4 Fun Phrase poster (Teacher Resource Kit) 
Polar Ice Caps poster (Teacher Resource Kit) 
Treasure chest
Mounting putty or tape

 The Big Chill (5 minutes)
Hi again, explorers! Let’s review our BIBLE handshakes. What does the first B stand for? Book of books. How about the I? Incredible impact. How about the second B? Bedrock base.  Find a partner and practice the B, I, and B. 
Review how to make each letter and help them practice these, and then show the Day 4 Fun Phrase poster and introduce them to Shaggy the musk ox. Shaggy's letter is an L that stands for "Letter of Love." The Bible is a letter of love from God to us!
This week, it’s been fun exploring this letter of love, the Bible. And it's been fun exploring the cold Arctic! But did you know the earth didn’t start out being super cold in the Arctic? Show the Polar Ice Caps poster. When God first made the earth, it was kind of like a rain forest all over. It was warm! Fan yourself with your hand for a second. Do so. Then, Adam and Eve sinned and later the Flood happened and that changed the whole earth, bringing in a time called the Ice Age. It went from warm to cold. Act like you’re cold and say, “Brrr!” Do so. 
It’s not the Ice Age any longer, but we still see leftovers from that time, like the ice caps at the top and bottom of the world. A lot has happened before then and since then. We’re gonna take a little tour through the Bible to hear about it. Pull the Bible out of the treasure chest. 
Teach It!
Part 1: Gospel Presentation (10 minutes) 

Cross in Color posters (Teacher Resource Kit) 
Cross pattern, 1 per child (Resource DVD-ROM)
Crayons, 4 per child, 1 of each of these colors: green, black or dark gray, red, yellow
2 dark squares cut to the same size as the Cross in Color squares
Pre-Prep
Photocopy the cross pattern, 1 per child, and cut apart the Cross in Color posters.
Organize the crayons into bundles. No crayon will be used for the color white.

 Color 1—Green
Explorers, what color is this?
Hold up the green section of the Cross in Color posters.
Look around the room. Do you see anything that’s green? Take answers. Right here in the Bible (point to Genesis 1), we read that in the beginning, God made the earth and planted a beautiful GREEN garden. He also made the first two people in His image, Adam and Eve, and placed them in the beautiful garden. Everything was very good in the garden in the beginning.
I’m going to give you a piece of paper with the shape of a cross on it. Let’s color the very top square green like this. Demonstrate, then have them do so. Put up the green square. Place it so it will be the top square of a cross shape. As you continue, you will be adding one square after another until they form the shape of a cross.
Color 2—Dark
What color is this? 
Hold up the dark section of the Cross in Color posters.

You may want to add the puppet to this gospel discussion and have Kai interact with the teacher and kids.

 Look around the room. Do you see anything that’s dark? Take answers. Remember that in this green garden, everything was very good. But then something bad happened. We’ll use this dark paper to remind us of something bad. The devil, in the form of a serpent, played a bad trick on Eve to get her to eat a piece of fruit God told her not to eat. 
Eve ate the fruit and gave some to Adam. And the beautiful world changed. Adam and Eve had disobeyed God's commands. This is called sin. And then they had children, and guess what? Their children sinned, and their children sinned, and this continues today. The Bible tells us all of us have sinned (Romans 3:23). We all don’t obey God’s commands. For example, have you ever lied? Have you ever not obeyed your mom or dad? Have you ever gotten mad? All of these, and many more things, are sin. God said that the punishment for sin is death (Genesis 2:17). When we die, we will be separated from God’s goodness forever in a terrible place (Matthew 10:28). 
Let’s get our dark crayons and color the three boxes going across dark to remind us of the darkness of sin. Demonstrate, then have them do so. Place the dark square below the green square. Place two other dark squares of approximately the same shade on either side of it. This will complete the crossbar.
But there was hope in this darkness. God promised to one day send someone who would be the Savior from sin (Genesis 3:15). 
Color 3—White
What color is this? 
Hold up the white section of the Cross in Color posters.
Look around the room. Do you see anything that’s white? Take answers. As time went on, all people continued to sin (disobey God's commands). Because we’re sinners, we aren’t allowed to live in God’s perfect heaven. But God had a plan to save us. It says right here (point to Luke 1) that He sent Jesus, His Son, from heaven to earth. Jesus is the one God promised to send to save us. Jesus came to earth and was born as a baby—a perfect baby.
We’re not going to color the next square. Let’s leave it white to remind us of Jesus, who was perfect and never sinned. As He grew up, He always obeyed God's commands.
Place the white square below the middle dark square.
Color 4—Red
What color is this? 
Hold up the red section of the Cross in Color posters.
Look around the room. Do you see anything that’s red? Take answers. Did you know blood is red? Jesus gave His blood when He died on a cross made of wood. And you know why He did that? To take the punishment for sin.
After Jesus died, something amazing happened. He came back to life! He did all this because He loves you and wants you to be part of His family. But to be in God’s family, you have to admit you have sinned (not obeyed God), believe that Jesus died to take your punishment, and ask to be in His family. Show the Admit, Believe, Forever Receive poster, but don't put it in the cross shape.
Let’s color the next square after the white one red to remind us of Jesus’ blood, which He gave for our sins. Remember—don’t color the white one. Demonstrate, then have them do so. Place the red square below the white one.
Color 5—Yellow
What color is this?
Hold up the yellow section of the Cross in Color posters.

As time allows, review by giving each child a bag with M&M's® in green, dark (brown), red, and yellow, plus a mini marshmallow for white. Go through the colors again and help them share what each stands for as they munch. Double check that nobody has a peanut allergy since M&M's® are made in a facility with nuts.

 Look around the room. Do you see anything that’s yellow? Take answers. This last square reminds us of heaven with its streets of gold, where there won’t be anything sad or bad! It will be a beautiful, perfect, very good place once again, and all the children of God will live there forever. And God, who loves you more than you can ever imagine, will be there with you! We know all this because it’s found right here (point to Revelation) in the Bible, God’s letter of love to us! 
Let’s color the last square at the bottom yellow. Demonstrate, then have them do so. Place the yellow square below the red one. 
While they are finishing, Teacher Two should get behind the puppet stage. 

Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
2 copies of today’s puppet script (Resource DVD-ROM)
"Jesus Loves the Little Children" (Resource DVD-ROM)
Pre-Prep
Photocopy the script. Tape one inside the puppet stage and place the other one on the clipboard.
One teacher should be behind the puppet stage with the puppet script.

 Part 2: Puppet Pal—Love in Action (5 minutes)
Teacher: Now let’s have Kai join us. 
Puppet: Hey!
Teacher: Hi, Kai! How’s your day going?
Puppet: Well, something unusual happened.
Teacher: What?
Puppet: My dad asked me to pick up my toys, and I didn’t obey.
Teacher: So did you get in trouble?
Puppet: I was about to. Dad was going to punish me and take away my toys for a day. But he didn’t.
Teacher: Why?
Puppet: Well, that’s what was unusual. Just when Dad was about to take my toys from me, my brother came in and offered to take the punishment for me.
Teacher: Did your brother deserve to be punished?
Puppet: No! When my dad asked him to pick up his toys, he did. He didn’t deserve to get in trouble. But then he ended up getting his favorite toys taken away because of me!
Teacher: Wow, that’s really something! He took your punishment even though he didn’t deserve it. He must love you a lot.
Puppet: I guess he does.
Teacher: You know, that reminds me of what Jesus did for us. Jesus never did anything wrong, and yet, He died on a cross and took our punishment because He knew we had sinned (not obeyed God). 
Puppet: Wow, it’s not just my brother who loves me. I guess Jesus loves me, too.
Teacher: He sure does. He loves all the little children. Let’s sing about it!
Puppet: Okay!
Sing “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” then say bye to Kai and tell them if anyone has more questions about becoming a child of God, to make sure to talk to their parent or teacher or leader about it.

Memory verse music CD and player
Simple songs from Resource DVD-ROM
Student guides and supplies for Part 1 and Part 2
Explorer Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides
Shaggy bookmarks, 1 per child
Optional: Gospel bookmarks, 1 per child
Day 4 Memory Verse poster (Teacher Resource Kit)

 Apply It!
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly. 
Pass out the Shaggy bookmarks, one per child, or have guides do so at the end of the day. Put a stamp in the Explorer Guides (or do so at snack time), and/or review the student guides. If giving each a Gospel bookmark, show at this time, and then have guides give them out at the end of the day.
Part 1: Bible Gems
Today’s Verse: “. . . Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the memory verse CD and using the Memory Verse poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.
Challenge: Find an envelope and a piece of paper. Write the verse on the paper and decorate it. Put it in the envelope and “mail” it to someone. (Either really mail it, or leave it for them somewhere they will find it.)
Tomorrow’s Verse: “. . . Your word . . . great treasure.” Psalm 119:162
Try the challenge again, this time using tomorrow’s verse. 
Part 2: Go and Do
With an adult’s help, see if you can find the first book of the Bible. How about the last?
Talk to God and ask Him to help you remember that He loves you! You have a heavenly Father who loves you! Thank Him!
Ask an adult if he ever received a love letter from someone. Has he ever thought of God’s Word as a letter of love from God for him?
With an adult, check answersvbs.com/oakids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Is the Bible my greatest treasure?
Optional Song 1: “Jesus Loves Me”
Jesus loves me this I know (Make the word “Jesus” with left middle finger touching the palm of the right hand and then vice versa, then put hands over your heart.)
For the Bible tells me so (Put hands together to form a Bible.)
Little ones to him belong (Put your hands down low as if patting a short child.)
They are weak but He is strong (Act weak, then strong.)
Yes, Jesus loves me (Make “yes” motion, then the word “Jesus” with left middle finger touching the palm of the right hand and then vice versa, then put hands over your heart.)
Yes, Jesus loves me (Make “yes” motion, then the word “Jesus” with left middle finger touching the palm of the right hand and then vice versa, then put hands over your heart.)
Yes, Jesus loves me (Make “yes” motion, then the word “Jesus” with left middle finger touching the palm of the right hand and then vice versa, then put hands over your heart.)
The Bible tells me so (Put hands together to form a Bible.)
Optional Song 2: “B-I-B-L-E” (BINGO Version)
Sing this to the tune of “B-I-N-G-O.”
There is a book that comes from God
The Bible is its name-OH
B-I-B-L-E 
B-I-B-L-E 
B-I-B-L-E 
The Bible is its name-OH
There is a book that comes from God
The Bible is its name-OH
(Clap)-I-B-L-E 
(Clap)-I-B-L-E 
(Clap)-I-B-L-E 
The Bible is its name-OH
Note: Substitute claps for the first two letters on the next verse, three on the next, four on the next, and all five on the last verse.
Review Time: BIBLE Handshake
Today, explorers learn the L handshake. Form thumb and index finger into an L. Put your L next to another explorer's L and say, “Letter of Love.” Review the first four handshakes. Use the Fun Phrase posters to help with this review. Show them how it spells the first four letters of the word BIBLE when put together.
Day 5
Exciting to Explore
Bible passage
Mary Loves to Soak in God’s Words (Luke 10:38–42)
Bible Gem
“. . . Your word . . . great treasure.” Psalm 119:162
Treasure Point Lesson focus
The Bible is exciting to explore. It’s the words of God Himself speaking to us! There’s nothing better than to learn it, love it, and live it!
Animal Pal
Dash the Siberian Husky
Apologetics Focus
Did you know we need the Holy Spirit to help us understand the Bible?
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Dogsled Team
Touch Table: Ultimate Treasure
Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Coloring Corner: Psalm 119:162
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It! 
Exciting to Explore
Teach It!
Part 1: Puppet Pal—Picnic Time
Part 2: Mary and Martha
Apply It!
Part 1: Bible Gems
Part 2: Go and Do
Optional Song 1: “Mary and Martha”
Optional Song 2: “Oh Dear, What Can the Matter Be?”
Review Time: BIBLE Handshake
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Luke 10:38–42 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. 
Pray.

Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource Kit
Day 5 Memory Verse poster
Day 5 Fun Phrase poster
Dogsled poster
Mary and Martha poster
From Resource DVD-ROM
1 laminated mini Bible pattern
Day 5 memory verse coloring sheet (Expl. Station)
2 copies of today’s puppet script
"Mary and Martha" and "Oh Dear, What Can the Matter Be?" songs
Other Materials
Exploration Station supplies (see back cover)
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders (teachers)
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Blanket
Picnic basket with play food
Optional: small baggies with pretzels, 1 per child
Mounting putty or tape
Apply It! section supplies
Memory verse music CD and player 
Student Extras
Student guides (11-5-073, 11-5-134), 1 per child
Explorer Guides (11-5-090, 11-5-138), 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides (11-5-093)
Dash bookmarks (11-5-078, 11-5-140), 1 per child
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Dogsled Team
Materials
Play sled(s)
Empty boxes to load onto sled(s)
Pre-prep
Put the supplies out.
Directions
Explorers pretend to load the sled with supplies and pull it to a destination. Some may even want to pretend to be the dogs in front of the sled!
Teaching Tie-In
There’s lots of exploring that goes on in the Arctic, and the explorers often use sleds pulled by dogs to get around. These dogs are really fantastic! They’re always eager and ready to go. It’s hard to stop them! They’re a great example to us when we think about exploring the Bible. We should be eager and excited to see what treasures are inside.
Touch Table: Ultimate Treasure
Materials
Play sand
1 laminated mini Bible pattern (Resource DVD-ROM)
Play money
Play gems
Pre-prep
Photocopy the mini Bible pattern onto cardstock, then cut out 1 Bible, and laminate. Hide the mini Bible, play money, and play gems in the play sand.
Directions
Explorers go on a treasure hunt through the sand to find the one Bible. When they find it, make a big deal out of the Bible being our one true treasure. 
Teaching Tie-In	
Which do you think is the greatest treasure, the money, the jewels, or the Bible? The Bible is the most precious treasure. I wouldn't trade it for all the money or jewels in the world! Isn’t it amazing that God wrote us a book?  
Dramatic Play: ACE (Arctic Circle Exploration) Company
Materials
Day 1 supplies
Play brooms, dust rags, or other play cleaning supplies
Pre-prep
Add in the play cleaning supplies.
Directions
Explorers dress up and pretend to be Arctic explorers. They can pretend to be busy tidying up the inside today.
Teaching Tie-In
Explorers are busy. They're out exploring, and they also have to keep their cabins clean. In the midst of all their busyness, they need to make time to explore the most important thing of all—the Bible. Today, our Bible lesson tells about a lady named Mary who remembered to spend time hearing God’s words.
Coloring Corner: Psalm 119:162
Materials
Day 5 memory verse coloring sheet (Resource DVD-ROM)
Markers or crayons
Optional: Additional supplies to glue on, glue sticks, and stickers
Pre-prep
Photocopy the coloring sheet, 1 per child.
Directions
Color the sheet. Add additional supplies if desired.
Teaching Tie-In
Practice saying the Bible verse on the page. Discuss its meaning.
Introduce It! 
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for exploration leaders
Dogsled poster (Teacher Resource Kit)
Day 5 Fun Phrase poster (Teacher Resource Kit)
Mounting putty or tape

 Exciting to Explore (5 minutes)
Good day, explorers! Have you enjoyed exploring the Arctic this week? It’s an amazing place filled with treasure! Many explorers have come over the years to look for treasure or just to have a thrill. It’s so exciting to explore!  
Show the Dogsled poster. And lots of explorations have used dogs and dogsleds to get around to explore. I love learning about dogs that pull dogsleds because they are so excited and eager to explore! They’re always ready to go!
As you leave this last day, we hope you feel excited to explore, too—explore the Bible! Show the Day 5 Fun Phrase poster and introduce them to Dash, the Siberian husky. Dash has an E that stands for "Exciting to Explore!" Let's say that together. Do so. The Bible is the coolest, most exciting book on the planet. We want to learn it, love it, and live it! Let’s say, “Learn it! Love it! Live it!” Do so. But to learn it, you have to open it up, don’t you? Let’s talk to Kai a little more about this. 
Teacher Two should get behind the puppet stage sometime during the intro.
Teach It!
Part 1: Puppet Pal—Picnic Time (5 minutes)

Boy or girl puppet (in costume)
2 copies of today's puppet script (Resource DVD-ROM)
Clipboard
Blanket
Picnic basket with play food
Optional: small baggies with pretzels, 1 per child
Pre-Prep
Put the play food and the pretzel baggies in the picnic basket. (Make sure nobody is allergic to pretzels.)

 Puppet: Pop up. Hey, everybody! What’s going on out here?
Teacher: I was thinking about going on a picnic. Wanna come?
Puppet: That sounds awesome! I love picnics!
Teacher: All right, then, it’s settled. Spread out a blanket and have the kids sit on it. Make sure each child is facing the puppet stage. Put the picnic basket in the middle and unpack it. Give each child a small baggie of pretzels if doing that, but tell them to wait to eat. Okay, there you go. A nice healthy snack. Let’s pray then we can dig in. Dear God, thank you for this wonderful day and for this wonderful food. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Puppet: Time to eat!
As everyone munches, continue.
Teacher: Picnics are fun. Did you get enough food, Kai?
Puppet: Sure did! 
Teacher: That’s good to hear because that snack has to last you for one week.
Puppet: Throw a fit and act melodramatic. One week! That’s seven whole days! You’ve got to be kidding! I’ll starve! I’ll collapse! I’ll never make it!
Teacher: Sorry, you only get to eat once a week around here.
Puppet: Who made that rule? I want my mommy!
Teacher: Actually, I was just kidding, Kai. You don’t have to wait a week. You can have more food when you’re ready.
Puppet: Ha, ha! Very funny. Wow, am I glad you were just kidding! I wouldn’t want to eat just once a week.
Teacher: That would be miserable, wouldn’t it? You would be so unhappy, and you wouldn’t stay healthy, either.
Puppet: That’s for sure. I’d be in bad shape before I knew it.
Teacher: Well, you know what, Kai? Some people treat their Bibles sort of like that.
Puppet: What do you mean?
Teacher: Some people just read or listen to their Bibles once in a while. A lot of time goes by before they get it out again to read or listen to.
Puppet: So? What does that have to do with eating?
Teacher: Well, reading the Bible is sort of like taking in food. It’s our spiritual food. Learning and loving and living the Bible keeps us strong in the Lord, just like good food can keep us strong in our bodies.
Puppet: Oh, I get it. Just like we need to eat food each day to stay physically healthy, we need to “eat” our spiritual food each day, too, to stay spiritually healthy.
Teacher: You got it! The Bible shouldn’t be sitting on a shelf. It’s a treasure to explore and use! Learn the Bible—try to find out all you can and listen when your parents or others teach from it. Love the Bible—it’s God’s special love letter to you! And live the Bible—obey what it says! Let’s say Learn it! Love it! Live it! together one more time. Do so. 
Puppet: That’s a great reminder. I’ll learn it, love it, and live it! Thanks for sharing that tip!
Teacher: You’re welcome, Kai! Let’s say bye to Kai. Do so.

Mary and Martha poster (Teacher Resource Kit)

 Part 2: Mary and Martha (5–10 minutes)
Now let’s meet someone from the pages of the Bible who wanted to spend time with Jesus, listening to His every word. She sure did learn and love and live God’s Word!
Have the explorers act out parts of the account as directed below. Read the account of Mary and Martha, found in Luke 10:38–42. Have your Bible open so they realize it’s coming from there. You may want to have the girls do the Mary and Martha parts and the boys do the Jesus and his friends part, or just have all of the kids do everything.

Use props if you want to act it out yourself for the kids—a pan, a spoon, a dust cloth, a mop.

 Now it happened that Jesus and his friends came to a certain town, and a woman named Martha lived there. Wave to Martha, everyone. Do so.
Martha welcomed Jesus into her house. Act like you’re welcoming Jesus and his friends into your house. Do so.
Martha had a sister called Mary. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to what He was saying. Let’s pretend we’re also sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to every word. Do so.
But Martha was busy with so much to do. Let’s pretend we’re also busy with much to do. First, let’s sweep. Do so.
Next, let’s dust. Do so.
Now, let’s cook. Do so.
Martha came to Jesus and said, “Lord, tell Mary to help me.” Hmmm . . . Martha was upset. Let’s make a face that looks like we’re upset. Do so.
Jesus said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things.” Let’s make a face that looks like we’re worried. Do so.
Jesus then reminded Martha that Mary had chosen wisely by sitting and listening to His words. 
Show the Mary and Martha poster and say:
Now boys and girls, which person in this picture do you think is Martha? Right! Martha is the one who was busy helping and doing good things, which is great. We are supposed to work hard and help. But Jesus shows us that it’s even more important to spend time with Him. Martha forgot to listen to Jesus. That’s what she did wrong. Which one do you think is Mary? Right! In this account, Mary wanted to spend time with Jesus. Let’s cheer for Mary. Do so.
God wants us to spend time every day learning from the Bible and talking to Him in prayer. When we become a child of God, He will give us a desire to read and study His Word. Remember, we can become a child of God if we repent of our sin. This means we tell God that we're sorry for disobeying His commands. When we tell a lie, or disobey our p
Gospel presentation

arents, or are unkind to someone, these are all sins. The punishment for sin is death and eternal separation from God's goodness forever. Sin separates us from God. But the good news is that God loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for our sin. Perfect Jesus died on the Cross, even though He had done nothing wrong. And then He rose from the dead! When we tell God we are sorry for our sins and believe that Jesus saved us from our sin, we can forever receive the gift of eternal life and become a child of God. He helps His children to love His Word. Even when you get older and you get busy, remember to spend time with God first!
Apply It!

Memory verse music CD and player
Simple Songs (Resource DVD-ROM)
Student guides and supplies for Part 1 and Part 2
Explorer Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Explorer Guides
Dash bookmarks, 1 per child
Day 5 Memory Verse poster (Teacher Resource Kit)

 In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly. 
Pass out the Dash bookmarks, one per child, or have guides do so at the end of the day. Put a stamp in the Explorer Guides (or do so at snack time), and/or review the student guides.
Part 1: Bible Gems
Today’s Verse: “. . . Your word . . . great treasure.” Psalm 119:162 
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the memory verse CD and using the Memory Verse poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.
Challenge: Try some silly survival skills as you say your verse.
Lick your elbow while saying the verse.
Stand on one foot while saying the verse.
Do a split while saying the verse.
Rub your head and pat your tummy while saying the verse.
Part 2: Go and Do
Can you remember the five letters that spell the word “Bible”? What does each letter stand for? Do the BIBLE Handshake if you remember it!
Talk to God and ask Him to help you learn it, love it, and live it (the Bible) more and more!
Ask an adult about what she likes to read in the Bible and where and when she likes to do so. Ask her to read Psalm 119 with you.
With an adult, check answersvbs.com/oakids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Is the Bible my greatest treasure?
Optional Song 1: “Mary and Martha”
Sing to the tune of “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush.”
Martha Verses: 
This is the way she cleans the house, cleans the house, cleans the house 
(Pretend to dust and sweep.)
This is the way she cleans the house, she’s busy, busy, busy 
(Pretend to dust and sweep.)
This is the way she makes the food, makes the food, makes the food 
(Pretend to cook.)
This is the way she makes the food, she’s busy, busy, busy
(Pretend to cook.)
Mary Verses: 
This is the way she learns from God, learns from God, learns from God
(Sit down and sit still.)
This is the way she learns from God, she’s not too busy, busy 
(Sit down and sit still.)
This is the way she loves God’s Word, loves God’s Word, loves God’s Word
(Hug yourself, then make a pretend Bible.)
This is the way she loves God’s Word, she’s not too busy, busy
(Hug yourself, then make a pretend Bible.)
Optional Song 2: “Oh Dear, What Can the Matter Be?”
Oh dear, what can the matter be? 
(Put hands on sides of face, then shrug shoulders.) 
Oh dear, what can the matter be? 
(Put hands on sides of face, then shrug shoulders.)
Oh dear, what can the matter be? 
(Put hands on sides of face, then shrug shoulders.)
Martha is worried and busy 
(Wring hands.)  
Oh yay, one chose a better way 
(Victory fist in the air, then three claps on “better way.”)
Oh yay, one chose a better way 
(Victory fist in the air, then three claps on “better way.”)
Oh yay, one chose a better way 
(Victory fist in the air, then three claps on “better way.”)
Mary spent time with the Lord (Make a Bible with your hands.)
Review Time: BIBLE Handshake
Today, explorers learn the E handshake. Cup hand to form a C. Another explorer puts his flat hand in the middle of the C to make it into an E. Say, “Exciting to Explore.” Review all handshakes. (Use the Fun Phrase posters as a help.)