This file is provided for those who want to modify the lessons to suit their time frame. This is not meant to be used as a printed copy of the teacher guide. Digital copies of the guides are available through Digital Pro (myanswers.com).
Day 1
The Wonder of His Birth
Bible passages
Jesus Is Born
Matthew 1–2; Luke 2
Lesson Focus
The baby King’s birth was a wonder. What amazing happenings surrounded it?
Apologetics Content
Is Jesus the most important person ever born?
Memory verse
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. John 1:14
Names of Jesus
Creator, Immanuel
Animal Pal
Tiny the Cougar Kitten
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Special Birth Seek & Find 
Wet Touch Table: Wash the Babies
Dry Touch Table: Christmas Fun
Dramatic Play: Old West Dress-Up
Coloring Corner: John 1:14
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce it!
Wonder Junction Train Depot and Chapel
Teach it! 
Puppet Pal—Wonder of Jesus’ Birth
Song 1: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Jesus’ Star”
Song 2: “Go Tell It on the Mountain” 
Apply It!
Part 1: Animal Pal Review
Part 2: Gold Mine Memory Time
Part 3: Go and Do
Preparing for the Lesson 
Read Matthew 1–2 and Luke 2 several times. 
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. 
For more information on Jesus’ birth, visit AnswersVBS.com/wonderfaq.
Pray.
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Special Birth Seek & Find
Materials
Nativity Cards or nativity set pieces (a manger, shepherds, angel, star, and wise men) 
Three small boxes to cover nativity pieces
prep
Place the nativity pieces and the three boxes on the table. If using the Nativity Cards, print and cut one set.  
Directions
Ask the children to choose one nativity piece. Cover it with one box, then line up all three boxes. Slide each box around a few times, keeping them on the table. Ask the children which box has the chosen object. Lift the box they choose to see if the object is there. If not, give one more guess. Play several times, using each of the objects. 
Teaching Tie-In
Jesus’ birth was different than anyone else’s birth. Point to each item on the table. He had angels, shepherds, wise men bringing gifts (after he had grown a little), and even a star! It was so special when Jesus was born because Jesus is God. He was in heaven—a beautiful, perfect place, but he wanted to come to our world because he loves us.
Wet Touch Table: Wash the Babies
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Water
Waterproof dolls and baby bath supplies such as plastic cups, play soap or baby bath, bath toys, washcloths, and towels
prep
Partially fill the touch table with water. Add the items to the touch table.
Directions
Students enjoy giving the babies a bath.
Teaching Tie-In
Do you think Jesus ever needed a bath when he was a baby? Pause for responses. Jesus got dirty just like we do, because he was not only God but also a person, just like us. We all were babies at one time and so was Jesus! But there’s one big difference. He was the most special baby ever born because he is also God!
Dry Touch Table: Christmas Fun
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Generic filler (crinkle shred or Easter grass—red and green would be fun today)
Plastic, safe Christmas items such as plastic nativity pieces, nonbreakable ornaments, Christmas cookie cutters, etc. 
prep
Put the filler in the table along with the Christmas items. 
Directions
Students play with the Christmas items.
Teaching Tie-In
When do we use these items? Christmas. At Christmas! But what does Christmas have to do with Jesus? Pause for responses. We celebrate Jesus’ birthday at Christmastime. It’s a wonder that God came down to earth in the form of a person, Jesus!
Dramatic Play: Old West Dress-Up
Materials
This station can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Leave it set up all week. Add in new items each day. Choose from the following or add in your own ideas. Make sure all items are safe for toddlers. 
Clapboard house interior backdrop as listed in Decorating Decisions
Old West house items (e.g., small wooden table and chairs, barrels, baskets, lanterns, play food [eggs, cheese, bread, etc.], stick horses, tin plates, bowls, cooking utensils, broom, blankets, play tools, family Bible—note: it could get damaged)
Old West dress-up items (e.g., bandanas, boots, cowboy hats, flannel shirts, pioneer bonnets, dresses, aprons, vests (see toddler crafts for vest instructions)
Day 1 items: baby cradle, baby dolls, and old-fashioned baby supplies
prep
Set up the area to look like the inside of an Old Western house. Add some Old West house items, dress-up items, and Day 1 items. 
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be living in the Old West. Provide dolls to play with today to coordinate with the teaching.
Teaching Tie-In
Jesus came to earth as a baby. Do any of you have baby brothers or sisters? What do you need to do to take care of them? Jesus had to be fed and rocked and cared for, too, even though he was God! What a wonder!
Coloring Corner: John 1:14
Materials
Day 1 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet
Decorating supplies to make a train as listed in Decorating Decisions
Markers or crayons in small galvanized buckets
Optional supplies: glue sticks, stickers, and items to glue onto the coloring sheet (e.g., cotton balls, pompoms, feathers, sandpaper, and tissue paper)
prep
Set up the Old West train decorations. Print the Memory Verse coloring sheet, 1 per child. Gather the decorating supplies and set them out to use all week.
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
Campfire Reading—Make a fake campfire with seating around it. Place a basket or pail nearby with a variety of children’s books, including children’s picture Bibles and accurate books about creation, Jesus, and the Old West.
Old West Animals—Borrow or buy stuffed or plastic animals and free play with them. See a possible list on the Old West A to Z page in the Director Guide.
Flannel Board Fun—Provide a flannel board with people and items from each day’s Bible lesson, along with animals and Old West items.
Panning for Gold—Place a wading pool with a tarp underneath on the floor. Add play sand, gold coins, and other trinkets. Have kids “pan for gold” using sand sifter/sieve beach toys. 
Weigh the Gold—Gather various gold and silver items, such as play coins, painted rocks, jewelry, etc., along with a pan balance (available online or at teacher stores or search online for “how to make a balance scale”). Kids have fun weighing items and trying to get them to balance. 
Texture Trays—Provide various textures for kids to trace words or pictures with their fingers. Use key words of Bible concepts they’re learning about. Possible textures include shaving cream or hair gel in zippered baggies (duct-taped shut), burlap, trays of salt, thick fleece, magic slates, or chalkboard and chalk. Supervise carefully and make sure they know not to put their hands in their mouths. You may want to put out different textures on different days. Provide wipes for cleanup.
Play Dough—Play dough is always a favorite, so feature a station with it all week, adding thematic supplies (e.g., cookie cutters and plastic toys) that have to do with the day’s teaching, such as nature items on Day 1 (Jesus is Creator); construction items on Day 2 (Jesus is a carpenter); boats, fish, and storm/weather items on Day 3 (Jesus is almighty; hearts and crosses on Day 4 (Jesus is Savior); and crowns on Day 5 (Jesus is King of kings).

Play Dough Recipe
2 c. flour
1/2 c. salt
2 c. warm water
4 t. cream of tartar
2 t. oil
Food coloring
Optional: glitter
Mix the first five ingredients in a saucepan. After blended, mix in food coloring. 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 if using it. After it has cooled, store in an air-tight container.

Introduce It!

Wonder Junction Poster
Old West Pictures 
Bible
Old West costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape for posters
Optional: train whistle
Baby doll

 Wonder Junction Train Depot and Chapel
At the start of each lesson, you will introduce the kids to a new place in Wonder Junction, using the Wonder Junction Poster.  
Prep: Print the Old West Pictures. Prepare your costumes. Hide the baby doll so it is partially visible. 

Think of fun names for yourselves: Cactus Kate, Cowboy Joe, Prospector Pete, Rattlesnake Rachel, or Doc Henry.
The Bible is listed just once daily in the supply list but is used throughout, so keep it handy and marked to the correct passages ahead of time.
Be familiar with the lesson, but don’t memorize it. Place it on a clipboard to use as a reference.
If working as co-teachers, decide daily which parts of the lesson each of you will be responsible for.
The mounting putty is listed just once in the supply list but will be used whenever you hang up posters. Hang them up as you talk or just hold them up while teaching and hang them up after class.

 Teacher 1: Well howdy, y’all! It sure is good to meet ya. I’m ___, and this here is ___. This week we’re going to pretend we’re living in the Old West. Let’s think about what the Old West was like. 
Teacher 2: Show the Old West pictures. There were small towns with houses and stores. There were cowboys and big farms with lots of cows. A lot of people went there to look for gold. 
Teacher 1: Yes, and most towns had a sheriff to catch the bad guys who tried to steal the gold.
Teacher 2: People used horses and wagons to go places. They didn’t have any cars back then.
Teacher 1: But they did have trains! Let’s all pretend to take a ride on the train to a town called Wonder Junction. 
Teacher 2: Next stop, Wonder Junction! Have everyone line up. Say, “All aboard!” and chug around the room, blowing the train whistle if you have one, and coming to a screeching halt in front of the puppet stage, where they can sit down.
Teacher 1: We’re here, way out west in Wonder Junction. Look at the map of the town. Show the Wonder Junction Poster and point to the train depot. This is where the train let us off. Isn’t it nice? 
Teacher 2: Yes, it is. But why is it called Wonder Junction? What does wonder mean? 
Teacher 1: We use the word wonder when we talk about something that is surprising, awesome, amazing, or wonderful. 
Teacher 2: So something that’s a wonder might make me say, “Wow”?
Teacher 1: Yep! Kids can you say, “Wow”? Have them do so, then continue to say it along with you. 
Teacher 2: Wow! It’s a wonder to see new places in the West with all its gold and beautiful land. 
Teacher 1: But you know what? We’re gonna be talkin’ about something that’s even more wonderful, the wonder of Jesus!  
Teacher 2: Have y’all ever heard of Jesus before? Pause for nods. Our first wonder about Jesus is that he is God.  
Teacher 1: Another wonder of Jesus is that he came to earth as a baby. Look around the room. Can you find a baby doll? Have them point to it. Get the doll and hold it up.  
Teacher 2: You mean Jesus is God, but he became a little baby who cries and needs to be fed and changed and cared for?
Teacher 1: Yes, siree! It’s a wonder, for sure. 
Teacher 2: Jesus was a baby and God at the same time. Wow! Looking around. Hey! I think I hear my friend Sam. Maybe he’s in there. I’ll go see. Move to the back of the puppet stage, calling for Sam and prepare the puppet. 
Teacher 1: Calling out to Teacher 2. Did you find your friend? 
Teacher 2: Yep, sure did. But I’m trying to get him to come out and say howdy to y’all. He’s kinda shy.
Teacher 1: Kids, maybe we should invite Sam out here. Let’s say, “Please come out, Sam!” Do so.  
Teach It!

Wonder-Filled Birth Poster 
4 sheets of copy paper and tape 
2 copies of Day 1 Puppet Script 
Boy or girl puppet and clipboard 
Mini pickax or shovel

 Puppet Pal—Wonder of Jesus’ Birth
Prep: Cover each picture on the Wonder-Filled Birth Poster with sheets of copy paper. Tape one Puppet script inside the puppet stage and attach the other copy to a clipboard for reference. Tape the mini shovel or pickax to the puppet’s hand. Dress the puppet in either a VBS T-shirt (see Teaching Tip in the sidebar) or in an Old West costume such as a mini vest and a little bandana. Cover each section of the poster with a sheet of copy paper.
Each day, the puppet pal will teach part of the lesson, so try to include it even if you have to cut something else. 
Decide which of you will be the puppet and take note of the instructions to leave the previous teaching so you will be positioned in time for the start of the puppet pal time.
If you don’t have a teaching assistant or co-teacher, enlist someone ahead of time to work the puppet each day. If you’re alone, have the puppet come up from behind a suitcase with the lid flipped up or just stand and work the puppet. (It’s fine if your lips move. No need to be a ventriloquist.)
You can use either a boy or a girl puppet named Sam (short for Samuel or Samantha). 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 up in the chapel window or from an outcropping of rocks. (See Decorating Decisions.) When the puppet is entering, hold your arm back and down and have the puppet take three steps up, 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: Come out acting dejected with a mini tool taped to the hand. 
The puppet can be dressed in a small VBS T-shirt. To make a small T-shirt, print, cut out, and laminate a color copy of the logo and tape it to a baby-sized T-shirt.
If you want to get snazzy, use a quick musical introduction and exit when it’s time for the puppet to come and go.

Teacher: Well, hello there. You must be Sam. 
Puppet: Acting sad. Yup, that’s me. I’m Sam. It’s short for Samuel (Samantha).
Teacher: Is something wrong? You seem sad.
Puppet: My friend was supposed to go digging for gold treasure with me at the gold mine. But now he’s too busy.
Teacher: Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.
Puppet: He promised he’d come.
Teacher: That’s bad news. People should keep their promises. But sometimes they don’t. But I can tell you some wonderful news!
Puppet: Acting more excited. Really? Did you find gold treasure?
Teacher: Nope, I found a treasure much better than gold. It’s someone who always, always, always keeps his promises. His name is Jesus, and he’s a treasure for sure.
Puppet: I’ve read about Jesus in the Bible. Will you tell us the wonders of Jesus? 
Teacher: First of all, the Bible tells us that Jesus is God. He’s the Creator who made the whole world.
Puppet: You mean Jesus made the whole world and the sun and moon and stars? Be ready to make noises for each creature mentioned next. 
Teacher: Allow time for the puppet to make noises as you name each creature. Yes. He made  everything, like birds, fish, frogs, sheep, monkeys, dinosaurs, and people. Then, many years later, Jesus came down from heaven to live with us. 
Puppet: Wow! That is a wonder! I know a name for Jesus that means “God with us.” It’s Immanuel. Say that with me, kids. Do so.
Teacher: Jesus came from heaven, and some wonderful things happened when he was born. 
Puppet: I love to hear about Jesus being born. My family even has a big party at Christmas to celebrate his birthday. 
Teacher: Lot’s of people celebrate Christmas. But I’m going to tell you some special wonders about Jesus’ birth. 
Puppet: Ooh, great!
Wonder 1. Angel 
Teacher: First, an angel came to a young woman named Mary. Can you imagine all of a sudden if an angel from heaven was in a room with you? 
Puppet: Yikes! I think I’d be scared. What about you kids? Show us your scared face. Do so. 
Teacher: The angel told Mary not to be afraid because God had chosen her to be Jesus’ mother. Uncover the Wonder-filled Birth Poster: Angel.
Puppet: Wow! What a wonder!
Teacher: Mary and her husband, Joseph, went to a city called Bethlehem. While they were there, it was time for baby Jesus to be born. 
Puppet: Because their family’s home was filled with people, they were given an area in the lower level of the home that sometimes had animals in it. Let’s make sounds like donkeys and goats. Do so. 
Teacher: Baby Jesus was born, and Mary laid him in the animals’ feeding stand—called a manger. 
Wonder 2. Shepherd
Puppet: Tell us what happened to the shepherds that were taking care of the sheep.  
Teacher: It’s the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to any shepherd! 
Puppet: Let’s make an excited face, kids. Do so.
Teacher: The night Jesus was born, the shepherds were out in the fields watching over their sheep, when suddenly there was an angel. He said that Jesus, the Savior, was born!
Puppet: Let’s clap and shout, “Hooray!” Do so. 
Teacher: Then guess what happened next? Uncover the Wonder-Filled Birth Poster: shepherds. A whole bunch of angels filled the sky, celebrating Jesus’ birth! What a wonder! 
Wonder 3. Wise Men and a Special Star
Puppet: I know another wonder about Jesus when he was young. Some wise men came from far, far away to visit Jesus. 
Teacher: God put a special star in the sky. When they saw it, they followed it, and that star moved right over the house where Jesus was so they could find him.
Puppet: Wow! The wise men worshipped Jesus and gave him gifts. Uncover the Wonder-filled Birth Poster: wise men with gifts/special star. 
Teacher: Jesus was a very special baby. He even had his own special star! 
Puppet: Hey kids, let’s sing a song about that. Lead the kids in singing and dancing.
Song 1: Twinkle, Twinkle, Jesus’ Star

“Twinkle, Twinkle, Jesus’ Star” song 
“Go Tell it on the Mountain” song
MP3 download or Simple Songs CD (1221410)
Device to play songs

 Twinkle, twinkle, Jesus’ star 
(Wiggle fingers above head.)
Wise men followed from afar 
(Walk in place.)
Up above the world so high 
(Raise arms in a circle.)
Like a diamond in the sky 
(Raise loose fist, then point up.)
Twinkle, twinkle, Jesus’ star 
(Wiggle fingers above head.)
Wise men followed from afar 
(Walk in place.)
Repeat
Wonder 4. Jesus Came!
Puppet: Great singing! When Jesus was born, it was different than anyone else’s birth. He had angels, shepherds, wise men bringing gifts, and even a star. 
Teacher: It was so special because God himself, Jesus, wanted to come. Remember, he was in heaven in a beautiful, perfect place, and he left that for our world. Uncover the Wonder-Filled Birth Poster: mansion.
Puppet: He came because he loves us, right?
Teacher: Right. Jesus cares about us, and he never fails. People may let you down, like your friend who didn’t keep his promise. But Jesus always keeps his promises.
Puppet: Wow! Jesus is a much better treasure than finding gold. 
Teacher: He’s the greatest treasure of all—because he loves each one of us. Jesus is a wonder. 
Puppet: I’d like to go tell my friends about Jesus’ wonderful birth. Let’s sing about that. 

There are two songs introduced in each lesson. If some of the songs seem too long, or you're running short on time, you may want to repeat the favorites. Also consider playing the songs in the background during other activities so they become familiar.  

 Song 2: Go Tell It on the Mountain
Chorus
Go tell it on the mountain
(Make a mountain shape with arms.)
Over the hills and everywhere 
(Move hand up and down over hills.)
Go tell it on the mountain
(Make a mountain shape with arms.)
That Jesus Christ is born (Rock a baby.)
Verse 1
While shepherds kept their watching
(Put flat hand above eyes as if searching.)
Over silent flocks by night (Put finger to lips and turn head back and forth.)
Behold throughout the heavens 
(Raise arms up and open wide.)
There shone a holy light (Raise one arm with hand open, then pull down.)
Repeat Chorus
Verse 2
Down in a lowly manger (Bend down and move hand back and forth.)
The humble Christ was born (Rock a baby.)
And God sent us salvation (Point up for “God,” point to yourself for “us,” then cross hands over heart for “salvation.”)
That blessed Christmas morn
(Clap four times with the beat.)
Repeat Chorus
Puppet: That was wonderful singing! Well, I think I’m going to try to dig up some gold treasure on my own just for fun. But I’ll remember—Jesus is the best treasure ever. He’s a wonder!
Teacher: Bye for now, Sam! See you tomorrow. 
Puppet: Bye y’all. Exit. 
Apply It!

If you don’t have time to play the review game, skip to the Nugget of Truth question, ending with this important thought. Try to include it even if you must cut something else.  

 Part 1: Animal Pal Review

Day 1 Animal Pal Poster
Wonder Junction Maps and Tiny stickers (1220780), 1 per person

 Take a couple minutes to summarize the lesson today using the Day 1 Animal Pal Poster, using any or all of the questions below. Pass out the Wonder Junction Maps and Tiny stickers (available to purchase from AnswersVBS.com), one set per child. This week, children will add one animal pal each day as they learn about them.
Let’s take a look at our animal pal poster to remember what we talked about today. What kind of animal is our animal pal? Cougar kitten. Cougars are a kind of wildcat. What’s our cougar’s name? Tiny. She’s a tiny baby, isn’t she? We talked about a tiny, baby person today. Who was that? Jesus. Because Jesus is God, what special things happened when he was born? Answers will vary.
Continue reviewing with the following questions. Be sure to give the correct answer for any “no” questions. Have the kids meow like a cougar kitten if the answer is yes and pretend to sleep if it is no. 
Is Jesus God? Yes—meow.
Did Jesus make the world? Yes—meow.
When Jesus came from heaven to be born as a baby, did angels tell the shepherds about it? Yes—meow.
When the wise men came to see Jesus, did they follow the moon in the sky? No—sleep. They followed a star.
Does Jesus keep his promises? Yes—meow.
Nugget of Truth
Ready for an important question? Yes or no: Should we always be in wonder when we think of Jesus? Yes! Jesus is amazing! He knows exactly how many hairs are on your head right now! He knows what you’ll be doing when you’re five years old! He knows how you’ll be feeling tomorrow morning. You can talk to him. He is with everyone that trusts in him. Remember, the name Immanuel means “God with us.”
Part 2: Gold Mine Memory Time

Theme and Day 1 Memory Verse Posters
Optional: Memory Verse music and player
Optional: Student Guides
Supplies for “Go and Do” activities 

 Today’s Verse: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. John 1:14
Practice the verse several times by using the day 1 memory verse poster as a reference and the Memory Verse music if you have it. You might want to make up simple hand motions to teach the children. 
Challenge: Move like a baby while saying the verse. First, roll over and over and over while saying it, then crawl around while saying it.
Try the challenge again, this time with tomorrow’s verse. You may also want to practice the week’s theme verse, using the Theme Memory Verse Poster as a reference.

The front page of each day’s student guide is an overview of today’s lesson. The back page matches this section. 

 Part 3: Go and Do
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. These are also on the Toddler Student Guides and can be done at home.  
Jesus is Creator of the universe. Go on a walk with a grown-up and find at least five things Jesus created. What a wonder! 
Ask a grown-up who has taken care of babies (maybe even you!) what they needed to do to care for the babies. Isn’t it a wonder to think of the care Jesus would have needed as a baby, yet now he cares for you and the entire universe?
Thank Jesus for leaving heaven and coming to earth as a person yet still God. Thank him for loving you that much.
With someone’s help, check AnswersVBS.com/wonderkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: What is my favorite part about Jesus’ birth?
Day 2
The Wonder of His Childhood
Bible passage
Jesus at the Temple
Luke 2:39–52
Lesson Focus
The young King’s childhood was a wonder. What was he like as a child and teen?
Apologetics Content
Is Jesus God or man—or both?
Memory Verse
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor. Luke 2:52
Name of Jesus
Carpenter
Animal Pal
Junior the Wolf Pup
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: My Family 
Wet Touch Table: Family Trip
Dry Touch Table: Build-It-Yourself Woodworking
Dramatic Play: Old West Dress-Up
Coloring Corner: Luke 2:52
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce it!
Wonder Junction Schoolhouse
Song 1: “Jesus Was a Child, Jesus Is God”
Teach it!
Puppet Pal—Jesus at the Temple
Song 2: “Jesus Is a Wonder”
Apply it!
Part 1: Animal Pal Review 
Part 2: Gold Mine Memory Time
Part 3: Go and Do
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Luke 2:39–52 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. 
For more information on Jesus’ childhood, see AnswersVBS.com/wonderfaq.
Pray.
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: My Family
Materials
Family Cutouts
Crayons 
Construction paper
Glue sticks
Optional: stapler
prep
Print and cut apart several sets of the Family Cutouts. Place them on the table with the other materials. 
Directions
Have kids choose the cutouts that represent their family (mom, dad, big brother, baby, etc.). Color and glue the strips to a sheet of construction paper or staple the strips together to take home.
Teaching Tie-In
Jesus grew up in a family. Did you know he had brothers and sisters? Take responses. Do any of you have brothers or sisters? Take responses. Sometimes we aren’t as nice as we should be to our family members, but Jesus would always have been perfectly nice. What a wonder!
Wet Touch Table: Family Trip
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Water
Plastic family toy figurines
Plastic boats and cars 
prep
Partially fill the touch table with water. Add the figurines, boats, and cars. 
Directions
Play in the water with the toys.
Teaching Tie-In
What is this family doing together? Take responses. Some families go on trips together to play and have fun. Jesus’ family took a trip together for a celebration. They went to a city called Jerusalem. 
Dry Touch Table: Build-It-Yourself Woodworking
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Safe play woodworking supplies, such as smooth wood pieces in various small sizes, building blocks, and egg cartons (flipped upside-down)
Play hammers, screwdrivers, and woodworking tools
Play tool belt or carpenter’s apron
prep
Put the assorted supplies in the table.
Directions
Explain what a carpenter is. Instruct the kids to pretend to be a carpenter and build something.
Teaching Tie-In
Jesus’ earthly dad was a carpenter. He may have taught Jesus a lot about building things. Jesus learned how to be a carpenter too. What kinds of things do you think Jesus made out of wood or stone? Take responses. Do you think it would be fun to be a carpenter? Take responses. Jesus was a real person like you. But he was also God. What a wonder!
Dramatic Play: Old West Dress-Up
Materials
Items from the previous day
Wooden or fabric, old-fashioned-looking toys (e.g., animals, tops, train, blocks)  
Carpenter aprons with tool pockets
prep
Use previous day items. Add in the wooden toys and aprons.
Directions
Kids dress up and play with the items.
Teaching Tie-In
Kids during Jesus’ time would have had some chores to do, but they would have played a little too. Same with kids in the Old West. What do you like to play? Take responses. I wonder what Jesus liked to play?
Coloring Corner: Luke 2:52
See directions for Day 1 but use the Day 2 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.

Wonder Junction Poster
Bible 
Old West costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape 
Carpenter’s apron with pockets
Props for the apron: Hammer and paper rolled like ancient scroll

 Introduce It!
Wonder Junction Schoolhouse
Prep: Use a simple carpenter’s apron with pockets to hold the props (hammer and scroll) and posters, including those for the puppet pal section (cut into two posters). Check Walmart for a “Hyper Tough Cotton Canvas 2 Pocket Apron.”  
Teacher 1: Howdy again, partners! Glad to see y’all back at our town, Wonder Junction. Today we’re in the schoolhouse where we’re going to learn a lot! Show the schoolhouse on the Wonder Junction Poster. Remember that a wonder is something that makes us say, “Wow!”
Teacher 2: Yesterday, we talked about Jesus the Creator. He came to the earth he made to be born as a baby, like one of us. 
Teacher 1: How many of you have seen a baby? Well, after a bit, that newborn baby grows into a little kid, like you! You were all babies once, but now you’re growing up.
Teacher 2: Let’s think of some ways Jesus was like you. Clap your hands if you like to eat yummy food. Do so. Stand up if you like to play. Do so. If you like to get a nice hug, turn around and sit back down. Do so. Jesus would have liked these things too.
Teacher 1: But there was something very special about Jesus: he wasn’t just a kid—he is also God! That made his life very different than anyone else’s. I’m going to put on this carpenter’s apron to tell you more about Jesus’ childhood because guess what job Jesus’ dad had? Take responses. He was a carpenter! Someone who can build things. Take a hammer out of the apron pocket and have them all pretend to hammer something. 

The word carpenter (texton in Hebrew) refers to a craftsman, so Jesus may have worked with wood, metal, and/or stone.

 Teacher 2: Now, stand up if you’re a boy. Do so. What’s something you like to do? Take quick responses or give some suggestions. Well, Jesus would have been a normal boy in many ways. He may have liked to do some of the same things you like. 
Teacher 1: The Bible tells us Jesus grew and became strong and knew the right things to do (Luke 2:40). Let’s all sing a song about Jesus. Stand up, here we go. Sing the following song together while Teacher 2 moves behind the puppet stage and prepares the puppet.
Song 1: Jesus Was a Child, Jesus Is God

“Jesus Was a Child, Jesus Is God” song
“Jesus Is a Wonder” song 
MP3 download or Simple Songs CD (1221410)
Device to play songs

 Sing to the tune of “Farmer in the Dell.”
Verse 1
Jesus was a child (Point up, then with open palm facing down, pat up and down.)
Jesus was a child (Repeat.)
Hi, ho, the derry-o (Clap four times.)
Jesus was a child (Repeat first motion.)
Verse 2
He ate like you and me (Pretend to eat.) 
He ate like you and me (Repeat.)
Hi, ho, the derry-o (Clap four times.)
He ate like you and me (Repeat first motion.)
Verse 3
He laughed and cried and slept (Pretend to laugh and cry and sleep.) 
He laughed and cried and slept (Repeat.)
Hi, ho, the derry-o (Clap four times.)
He laughed and cried and slept (Repeat first motion.)
Verse 4
Jesus is God’s Son (Point up, then raise and open both hands.)
Jesus is God’s Son (Repeat.)
Hi, ho, the derry-o (Clap four times.)
Jesus is God’s Son (Repeat first motion.)
Verse 5
He always does what’s right (Point up, then thumbs up.) 
He always does what’s right (Repeat.)
Hi, ho, the derry-o (Clap four times.)
He always does what’s right (Repeat first motion.)
Teach It! 
Puppet Pal—Jesus at the Temple

Jesus at the Temple Posters 
2 copies of Day 2 Puppet Script 
Boy or girl puppet and clipboard
Play-food cracker (or other food that’s not pizza)
Tape

 Prep: Tape one Puppet script inside the puppet stage and attach the other to a clipboard for reference. Get the play food ready with a piece of tape on the back but don’t tape it on the puppet’s hand yet. 
Teacher: Great job singing! The Bible says Jesus is God and was born as a baby and grew as a child. But guess what? The Bible only tells us one thing that Jesus said when he was a child. This happened when he was 12 years old. Hey! Let’s do something silly and call for Sam 12 times. Do so while counting on your fingers. 
Puppet: Come up a little grumpy. I hear you! I’m here, I’m here. You can stop calling now. 
Teacher: Uh-oh! What’s the problem, Sam? You don’t seem happy today.
Puppet: I’m not. I’m just sooo hungry. And being hungry makes me grumpy.
Teacher: Well, how about a cracker? Would that help?
Puppet: Oh, yes, thank you! Put it in the puppet’s hand so the tape will stick to it. The puppet nibbles on it while the conversation continues. What are y’all talking about today?
Teacher: We’re learning about Jesus as a child. 
Puppet: Oh! That sounds interesting. But why were you calling me, like 100 times? 
Teacher: Ha-ha! We only called 12 times because I’m going to tell everyone what the Bible says Jesus did when he was 12 years old. 
Puppet: Hmm. What did he do when he was 12? 
Teacher: Well, it happened when Jesus’ family went to a festival in a city called Jerusalem. Lots of people had to travel a long way to get there. Take the Jesus at the Temple Poster 1 out of your apron pocket and show it. 
Puppet: I like festivals. They’re like a big party with lots of games and yummy food. Ooh, would I love a pizza right about now! I wonder if Jesus ever ate pizza. 
Teacher: I don’t think they had much pizza in those days, but he would’ve needed something to eat. Even though Jesus was completely God, he was also completely human, so he got hungry too.
Puppet: Did Jesus ever get tired? He had to walk a long way to the festival. 
Teacher: The Bible tells us there were lots of times Jesus was tired. 
Puppet: Wow! Jesus got tired and hungry, just like me? That’s a wonder. 
Teacher: While Jesus’ family was at the festival, they went to the temple, which is kind of like our church. There were teachers there.
Puppet: They must have been really smart people. 
Teacher: Yes. They read and taught God’s Word, the Bible. Show a Bible and the scroll from your apron. Back in Jesus’ time, it was called a scroll. But now the Bible is a book. The shape is different, but the words that we read are still the same. 
Puppet: So did Jesus listen to the teachers? 
Teacher: Yes. But he also taught them some things, even though he was only 12! 
Puppet: Wow! Jesus taught the teachers about God? That’s a wonder! 
Teacher: The Bible says they were completely amazed. Finally it was time to go home. Jesus’ family headed down the road with a group of friends. But guess what? After a while, Jesus’ parents couldn’t find him in their traveling group.  
Puppet: Jesus wasn’t with his parents? Yikes! They must have been worried about him. 
Teacher: They were. They looked all around and searched high and low for him. But they couldn’t find Jesus! 
Puppet: Was Jesus scared? I know I would be. 
Teacher: No, Jesus wasn’t afraid. He was safe and sound back in the temple. Take the Jesus at the Temple Poster 2 out of your apron pocket and show it.  
Puppet: Peering at the poster. You mean Jesus was still listening to the teachers and teaching them?  
Teacher: Yes! It took his parents three days to find Jesus. 
Puppet: Wow! Three days, that’s a long time to be looking for someone. 
Teacher: When Jesus’ parents finally found him back in the temple, they said, “We’ve been searching everywhere for you. We were so worried about you.” 
Puppet: What did Jesus say? Did he get in trouble? 
Teacher: No. Jesus told his parents he was doing what his Father, God in heaven, wanted him to do. You see, even when Jesus was a child, he knew he was on a special mission from God.  
Puppet: I would never want to be lost like that. It would be scary for me and for my parents.  
Teacher: Yes, it would. But because he is God, Jesus is perfect. He never got scared or acted grumpy.
Puppet: Wow! I know I’m not perfect. I get scared and grumpy, and sometimes I fuss and whine when my parents tell me no. Jesus never did that, huh?
Teacher: Nope. Jesus is God, and he always obeyed his parents and did the right thing.
Puppet: Kids, that’s amazing, so let’s say “Wow!” Do so. 
Teacher: But the most amazing thing is that although Jesus was a child, he was also King of the whole world. 
Puppet: Wow! Jesus made the whole world and he’s the King? Jesus sure is a wonder! 

Gospel Opportunity: You can talk about our need for God (Jesus). Becoming one of his children is the first step to loving, adoring, and obeying him.

 Teacher: Yes, King Jesus is someone we should love and obey! 
Puppet: Hey, I know a song about Jesus. Let’s all stand up and sing it together. 
Song 2: Jesus Is a Wonder
Sing to the tune of “Froggy Went a Courtin’.”
Verse 1
Jesus is a wonder, yes he is 
(Point up, then nod head.)
Uh-huh, uh-huh 
(Look left, then look right.)
Jesus is a wonder, yes he is (Repeat motion.)
Uh-huh, uh-huh 
(Look left, then look right.)
Jesus is a wonder, yes he is (Repeat motion.)
That’s J, E, S, U, S, it is
(Put up one finger with each letter.)
Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh 
(Look left, then look right, then center.)
Verse 2
Jesus taught the teachers, yes he did (Open hands like a book, then nod head.)
Uh-huh, uh-huh 
(Look left, then look right.)
Jesus taught the teachers, yes he did (Repeat motion.)
Uh-huh, uh-huh 
(Look left, then look right.)
Jesus taught the teachers, yes he did (Repeat motion.)
That’s J, E, S, U, S, it is
(Put up one finger with each letter.)
Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh 
(Look left, then look right, then center.)
Repeat Verse 1
Puppet: Hooray, nice job! But . . . uh-oh.
Teacher: What’s wrong?
Puppet: My stomach is rumbling. I better go and get some lunch. See y’all! Exit. 
Teacher: See ya, Sam!
Apply It! 

If you don’t have time to play the review game, skip to the Nugget of Truth question, ending with this important thought. Try to include it even if you must cut something else.  

 Part 1: Animal Pal Review

Day 2 Animal Pal Poster
Wonder Junction Maps and Junior stickers, 1 per person

 Share the day 2 Animal pal poster to summarize the teaching of the day. Pass out the Wonder Junction Maps and Junior stickers to each person and have them put on today’s animal pal. 
What kind of animal is our animal pal today? Wolf pup. And what’s our wolf pup’s name? Junior. Junior is not a grown-up yet. He reminds us there was a time when Jesus was a child. Do you see Junior’s dad in the picture? What does it look like they’re doing together? Howling at the moon. Wolf fathers teach their young pups lots of things. Jesus’ dad taught him lots of things, too, about carpentry and God. 
Continue reviewing with the following questions. Be sure to give the correct answer for any “no” questions. Have kids pretend to lap up water like a wolf if the answer is yes and howl if it is no.
Was Jesus always a grown-up? No—howl like a wolf. Jesus was a baby and then a child. He grew like we do.
Was Jesus God and man at the same time? Yes—lap up water.
Was Jesus’ dad a carpenter? Yes—lap up water.
Did Jesus ever do something wrong, like disobey his parents? No—howl like a wolf. Jesus is God; he is perfect, so he cannot do anything wrong (sin).
Did Jesus’ parents get worried when they couldn’t find him? Yes—lap up water.
Nugget of Truth
Ready for an important question? Yes or no: Should we forget about Jesus? No! Jesus is very special and amazing! He is God, but he also became a person—he even had a belly button! And he is the only perfect person ever. Always keep thinking of things that make you say, “Wow!” about Jesus.
Part 2: Gold Mine Memory Time
Today’s Verse: And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor. Luke 2:52
Practice the verse several times by using the day 2 memory verse poster as a reference and the Memory Verse music if you have it.  
Challenge: Play the Popcorn Game. Squat and say the first word of the verse. Pop up (“grow”) as you say the next word. Continue squatting and growing through the whole verse. Get taller each time you “grow” up.
Part 3: Go and Do

Day 2 Memory Verse Poster 
Optional: Student Guides and supplies
Optional: Memory Verse music and player

 I
Supplies for this section are not listed in the supply list on the back cover since they vary depending on the activities you choose. 

n the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. These are also on the Toddler Student Guides and can be done at home.  
Jesus was taught the Word of God when he was young like you. What special book tells us about Jesus? The Bible. Can you count how many Bibles are in your classroom or in your home?
Jesus always obeyed God. How can you obey God today?
Tell God what you learned about Jesus as a child that makes you say, “Wow!” Ask him to help you to love him and his amazing Bible more each day.
Check AnswersVBS.com/wonderkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: What have I learned about Jesus as a child?
Day 3
The Wonder of His Ministry Years
Bible passages
Selections from the book of Mark
lesson Focus
The grown-up King’s ministry years were a wonder. What astonishing things occurred?
apologetics content
Has anyone else had the power to raise himself from the dead?
Memory verse
Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. John 21:25
Name of Jesus
Almighty
Animal Pal
Mighty the Bison
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Power over Sickness/Sight
Wet Touch Table: Power over Nature
Dry Touch Table: Power over Death
Dramatic Play: Old West Dress-Up
Coloring Corner: John 21:25

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce it!
Puppet Pal—Wonder Junction General Store
Song 1: “What a Mighty God We Serve”
Teach it!
Wonder-Working Power!
Song 2: “Jesus Is a Wonder” (extended version)
Apply it!
Part 1: Animal Pal Review
Part 2: Gold Mine Memory Time
Part 3: Go and Do
Preparing for the Lesson
Read all or part of Mark 1–6.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
For more information on Jesus’ wondrous ministry years, see AnswersVBS.com/wonderfaq. 
Pray.
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Power over Sickness/Sight
Materials
Bandana or dish towel for blindfold
Pillowcase or burlap sack filled with safe items to feel (e.g., hairbrush, spoon, doll, plastic cup, toothbrush, marker, pacifier)
prep
Put the items in the sack. If you have lots of kids, you may want to fill more than one sack.
Directions
Have the kids take turns putting on the blindfold, pulling an object out, and trying to guess what it is. 
Teaching Tie-In
You had a bandana on and couldn’t see for a minute. Some people can’t see all the time. In the Bible, we read how Jesus healed the eyes of some people who couldn’t see so they could see. Jesus has so much amazing power!
Wet Touch Table: Power over Nature
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Toy boats
Plastic toy people 
prep
Put the toy boats and toy people in the water.
Directions
Play with the people and boats. Have the children reenact the Bible account (Mark 4:35–41) of Jesus calming the storm by making waves in the water. Then have them stop at the appropriate time.  
Teaching Tie-In
Jesus has so much amazing power! He is so powerful, even the wind and sea and all of nature listens to him. One time, he told a storm to be still, and it stopped!  
Dry Touch Table: Power over Death
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Play sand or soil
Plastic toy people
Plastic play shovels
prep
Put the play sand in the table and “bury” the plastic people.
Directions
Find and “unbury” the people.
Teaching Tie-In
Jesus has so much amazing power! He has power over death. The Bible tells us that Jesus used his power to bring some people who died back to life. 
Dramatic Play: Old West Dress-Up
Materials
Materials from previous days  
Play doctor kit or stethoscope
prep
Use previous items. Add in the doctor kit items.
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be doctors helping sick patients in the Old West.
Teaching Tie-In
Life in the Old West was hard. A lot of people never even made it to the West because they got sick and died along the way. Can you imagine if Jesus had been traveling with them? While he was on earth, he healed every single person who came to him for healing. Now that’s power! No one else can do that. Only Jesus.
Coloring Corner: John 21:25
See directions for Day 1 but use the Day 3 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.  
Introduce It!
Puppet Pal—Wonder Junction General Store

Wonder Junction Poster
2 copies of Day 3 Puppet Script 
Bible
Old West costumes
Mounting putty or tape
Boy or girl puppet and clipboard
Little book and tape

 Prep: Tape one Puppet script inside the puppet stage and attach the other to a clipboard for reference. Tape the little book to the puppet’s hand.
Teacher: Welcome back, partners! Come on in and sit for a spell. 
Puppet: Come up holding a little book. Oh, hey, everyone!
Teacher: Hi, Sam. Whatcha doin’ today? 
Puppet: I’ve got a question for the kids. 
Teacher: Okay, what is it? 
Puppet: Come here. Whispers loudly in the teacher’s ear. I want to ask them what job they want to do when they grow up.
Teacher: That’s a great question. Go ahead and ask them. 
Puppet: Ask them what? 
Teacher: The Question . . . you know, about when they grow up.
Puppet: Oh, yeah! Okay, kids, I’ve got a question for you. What do you want to be when you grow up? Take a few responses.
Teacher: Those things sound exciting! How about you, Sam? What would you like to do when you grow up?
Puppet: I’d like to be . . . umm. Hmm. I think I’d like to . . . I don’t know what I’d like to do. I’m having too much fun just being a kid. 
Teacher: Well, maybe you’ll think of something another day. It’s good that you enjoy being a kid for now. By the way, where did you get your book?
Puppet: Oh, it’s from the library. It’s about the Old West. 
Teacher: That sounds neat. What kinds of things have you read about the Old West?
Puppet: Well, there were a lot of cowboys. Most of them were young guys who worked on big farms called ranches, and they rode horses around to make all the cows go the right way. 
Teacher: That would have been cool to have your own horse!
Puppet: Pretends to ride a horse. Yes, it would be super cool to ride around the hills and the towns. 
Teacher: If you lived in the Old West, what do you think you would want to be? 
Puppet: Maybe a cowboy (or cowgirl), or a sheriff or maybe a gold miner. I could dig for gold in the rocks and dirt. But . . . hmm, not so sure I like that idea. 
Teacher: Mining for gold is really hard and dirty work. 
Puppet: Hey, I know! I could own the general store.
Teacher: That’s a big job too. 
Puppet: But at least it wouldn’t be like mining in the dirt. 
Teacher: That’s true. The owner of the general store has to make sure the store has everything people need. Show the general store on the Wonder Junction Poster. Here’s the general store in Wonder Junction. Mr. Percy Jones is the owner. Good ol’ Percy; he’s always ready to help ya out. 
Puppet: Yep. He supplies lots of things. If you’re sick, he has medicine. If you need food, he has flour and sugar to make pancakes and beans to make chili and other stuff to cook with. If you need to make some clothes, he has everything you need to sew with. 
Teacher: All those things are very helpful. But I know of somebody who was even more helpful. Whatever you needed, he could supply it ’cause nothin’ is too difficult for him!
Puppet: Let me guess. You mean Jesus, don’t ya? 
Teacher: That’s right. It’s a wonder how Jesus was able to care for people in lots of ways while he was on earth. Jesus is our mighty God. Mighty means powerful. 
Puppet: Jesus can do anything. Hey kids, let’s sing a fun song about that. Make the puppet dance and sing along. 
Song 1: What a Mighty God We Serve 

“What a Mighty God We Serve” song
“Jesus Is a Wonder” extended version song 
MP3 download or Simple Songs CD (1221410)
Device to play songs

  Sing this three times: slow, then regular, then fast.
What a mighty God we serve 
(Make big muscles, then raise arms up.)
What a mighty God we serve (Repeat motion.)
Angels bow before him (Bow.)
Heaven and earth adore him
(Point up, then raise arms in a circle.)
What a mighty God we serve 
(Repeat first motion.)
Repeat
Puppet: That’s a great song about our great God, Jesus. He can do anything. 
Teacher: Jesus did so many great things! The Bible says if we tried to write books about all the amazing things Jesus did, the books might fill up the whole world.
Puppet: Wow! That’s a lot of books. Uh-oh, speaking of books, I need to take this one back to the library—fast! Bye y’all. Exit.  
Teach It!
Wonder-Working Power! 

Wonder-Working Power Poster
4 sheets of copy paper and tape
Towels, 1 or 1 per person 
Optional: damp paper towels, 1 or 1 per person
2 flashlights
Pan and spoon
Spray bottle with water

 Prep: Cover each picture on the wonder-working power poster with sheets of copy paper.Review and bookmark any Scripture verses used in today’s lesson. Reading them aloud is optional for this age group; be prepared to paraphrase.
These three accounts reflect three categories of Jesus’ power that demonstrate he is God. Plan at least five minutes for each role-play. Do as many as time allows. If you don’t have time for role-play, read the teachers’ parts in between each one. Then move to the ending paragraph and sing the song. 
Teacher 1: Jesus is all-powerful! He could help people with anything they needed. Sometimes the people were hungry, and Jesus fed them. Sometimes people were sick, and he healed them. And sometimes Jesus raised people from the dead. 
Teacher 2: You mean he made a dead person come back to life? 
Teacher 1: That’s right! Uncover the wonder-working power poster: Death. Jesus worked wonders that showed everyone he is mighty God. Jesus said he is God, and then he showed he is God with his power to work wonders. 
Teacher 2: Is that what people mean when they say “wonder-working power”? 
Teacher 1: Yes, indeed. Let’s act out some different ways Jesus showed his wonder-working power while he lived here on earth. 
Wonder-Working Power 1—Power over Sickness (Mark 1:29–31): Choose one child to come up front or give each child a towel to lie on and (optional) a damp paper towel “cloth.” Have them lie down as if they’re sick. Discuss what it would be like if their mom came in and said, “Fever, go away right now!” Would it go away? Read or paraphrase Mark 1:29–31, uncovering the wonder-working power poster: sickness, and have them get up at the appropriate time. 
Teacher 1: Jesus has power to heal sickness. That’s a wonder! Right, kids?
Teacher 2: Wow! Nobody else has power like that. Only Jesus—he is God the Son!
Wonder-Working Power 2—Power over Nature (Mark 4:35–39): Have all the kids sit close together as if in a boat. Turn the lights off and flash the flashlights on and off for lightning, bang a pan for thunder, lightly spray mist for waves crashing, and have them gently blow to simulate the wind blowing. Tell the Bible account, uncovering the wonder-working power poster: nature. Have the kids act scared of the storm, then get completely still at the right times. 
Teacher 1: Jesus has power over nature! Nobody else has power over the wind and rain and storm and waves! Only Jesus does, ‘cause he is God and he created them all!
Wonder-Working Power 3—Power over Sin (Mark 2:1–12): Choose one child to come up front or give each child a towel to lie on. Explain what it means to be paralyzed and have them lie down, trying not to move at all. Tell the Bible account, showing the wonder-working power poster: sin, and have them pick up their “mats” and walk at the appropriate time. Discuss how Jesus forgave the man of his sins.

Gospel Opportunity: We all need forgiveness because we are all sinners and sin separates us from God.

 Teacher 1: This time Jesus worked his power two ways: he healed the man so he could walk, then Jesus forgave the man of all the wrong things he had done, called sin.
Teacher 2: The Bible tells us Jesus is God. He can help people with anything they need. But he is also the only one who can forgive our sins. 
Teacher 1: Nobody else has power like Jesus. He even had power to come back to life from the dead! He was dead, and then he was alive! Wow! Let’s sing about the wonder of Jesus’ power. 
Song 2: Jesus Is a Wonder (extended version)
Sing to the tune of “Froggy Went a Courtin’.” 
Verse 1
Jesus is a wonder, yes he is 
(Point up, then nod head.)
Uh-huh, uh-huh 
(Look left, then look right.)
Jesus is a wonder, yes he is (Repeat motion.)
Uh-huh, uh-huh 
(Look left, then look right.)
Jesus is a wonder, yes he is (Repeat motion.)
That’s J, E, S, U, S, it is
(Put up one finger with each letter.)
Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh 
(Look left, then look right, then center.)
Verse 2
Jesus taught the teachers, yes he did (Open hands like a book, then nod head.)
Uh-huh, uh-huh 
(Look left, then look right.)
Jesus taught the teachers, yes he did (Repeat motion.)
Uh-huh, uh-huh 
(Look left, then look right.)
Jesus taught the teachers, yes he did (Repeat motion.)
That’s J, E, S, U, S, it is
(Put up one finger with each letter.)
Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh 
(Look left, then look right, then center.)
verse 3
Jesus calmed the storm, oh yes he did (Make waves with hands, then nod.)
Uh-huh, uh-huh
(Look left, then look right.)
Jesus calmed the storm, oh yes he did (Repeat motion.)
Uh-huh, uh-huh 
(Look left, then look right.)
Jesus calmed the storm, oh yes he did (Repeat motion.)
That’s J, E, S, U, S, it is
(Put up one finger with each letter.)
Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh 
(Look left, then look right, then center.) 
verse 4
Jesus raised the dead, oh yes he did 
(Stretch forearm horizontally and raise it up straight, then nod.)
Uh-huh, uh-huh 
(Look left, then look right.)
Jesus raised the dead, oh yes he did
(Repeat motion.)
Uh-huh, uh-huh 
(Look left, then look right.)
Jesus raised the dead, oh yes he did
(Repeat motion.)
That’s J, E, S, U, S, it is
(Put up one finger with each letter.)
Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh 
(Look left, then look right, then center.)
Apply It!

If you don’t have time to play the review game, skip to the Nugget of Truth question, ending with this important thought. Try to include it even if you must cut something else.  

 Part 1: Animal Pal Review

Day 3 Animal Pal Poster
Wonder Junction Maps and Mighty stickers, 1 per person

 Share the Day 3 Animal Pal Poster to summarize the teaching of the day. Pass out the Mighty stickers and have the kids add today’s animal pal. 
What kind of animal is our animal pal today? A bison. And what’s our bison’s name? Mighty. Why do you think our bison is named Mighty? Bison are powerful, mighty animals. Jesus is the most powerful, mighty person—ever. He’s even called the Almighty. Nothing is too hard for God. How did Jesus use his mighty power to help people? Answers will vary.
Continue reviewing with the following questions. Be sure to give the correct answer for any “no” questions. If the answer is yes, have the kids run in place fast. (Bison can run faster than horses!) If it is no, have them say “moo.” (Bison are from the same animal kind as cows.)
Did Jesus have trouble healing people? No—moo. Because he is God, he has all power to heal.
Could Jesus stop a storm with his power? Yes—run in place fast.
Is anything too hard for Jesus? No—moo. Jesus is Almighty. He is God and he can do anything he pleases.
Does Jesus have the power to forgive people of their sins, the wrong things they do? Yes—run in place fast.
When Jesus told a dead girl to get up, did she stay dead? No—moo. She came back to life and got up right away.
Nugget of Truth
Ready for an important question? Yes or no: Is anything too hard for Jesus to do? No! Jesus is almighty! Is it too hard for him to keep the world spinning? No! To know what you are doing? No! To make a storm start or stop? No! Always keep thinking of things that make you say, “Wow!” about Jesus.

Day 3 Memory Verse Poster 
Optional: Student Guides and supplies
Optional: Memory Verse music and player

 Part 2: Gold Mine Memory Time
Today’s Verse: Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. John 21:25
Practice the verse several times by using the day 3 memory verse poster as a reference and the Memory Verse music if you have it.
Challenge: Get an armful of books. Add a book as you say each word, making a tower. Can you make it to the end of the verse before the book tower falls over? All the books in the world can’t tell all the amazing things Jesus has done if they were all written down.
Part 3: Go and Do
I
Supplies for this section are not listed in the supply list on the back cover since they vary depending on the activities you choose. 

n the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. These are also on the Toddler Student Guides and can be done at home. 
Draw a before-and-after picture—first, Jesus in the boat asleep while it stormed, and then, the storm calming down at Jesus’ command. Tell someone about what Jesus did. 
Have someone read Mark 6:34–44. Jesus used his power to take care of people. Name one way he cares for you.
Pray (talk to God) and praise him for being mighty—nothing is too hard for him!
Check AnswersVBS.com/wonderkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: How do I feel knowing Jesus has power over everything?
Bible passage
Jesus Dies and Lives Again
Select verses; Matthew 27–28
lesson focus
The risen King’s death and resurrection were a wonder. How were they like no other?
Apologetics content
Was Jesus completely dead?
Memory Verse
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. John 20:31
Name of Jesus
Savior
Animal Pal
Champ the Grizzly Bear
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Remember Jesus Play Dough
Touch Table Water: Easter Eggs
Dry Touch Table: Snakes in the Sand
Dramatic Play: Old West Dress-Up
Coloring Corner: John 20:31

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce it!
Wonder Junction Gold Mine
Song 1: “What a Mighty God We Serve”
Teach it!
Puppet Pal—Truth Hunt Gospel Presentation
Song 2: “Did You Know?”
Apply it!
Part 1: Animal Pal Review 
Part 2: Gold Mine Memory Time
Part 3: Go and Do
Preparing for the Lesson
Read “Leading a Child to Christ,” found on the inside back cover of this guide.
Read Matthew 27–28 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
For more information on Jesus’ death and resurrection, see AnswersVBS.com/wonderfaq.  
Pray.
Day 4
The Wonder of His Death & Resurrection
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Remember Jesus Play Dough
Materials
Play dough 
Cookie cutters in flower, star, heart, and cross shapes
Play rolling pins
prep
Make or purchase play dough. (See recipe on page 26.) 
Directions
Help the kids roll or press the play dough and use the cookie cutters to make shapes, then discuss how they remind us of Jesus.
Teaching Tie-In
What shape is this? Flower, star, heart, or cross. What does it have to do with Jesus? Take responses. The flower reminds us that Jesus is God, who created everything. The star reminds us of Jesus’ birth when he was born as a baby. The heart reminds us that Jesus loves us. The cross reminds us that Jesus died to forgive our sins, then rose from the dead. Isn’t it a wonder that Jesus didn’t stay dead? He came back to life and is alive in heaven now!
Wet Touch Table: Easter Eggs
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Water
Plastic Easter eggs
Fun foam or rubber crosses that fit in the eggs
Tongs
Baskets
prep
Partially fill the touch table with water. Place the crosses in the eggs and put the eggs in the water.
Directions
Use tongs to retrieve the eggs out of the water. Open them up to find the crosses. Put them in the baskets.
Teaching Tie-In
Let’s see what we can find in the Easter eggs. Do so. Who does a cross remind us of? Take responses. Jesus died on a cross, but then he came back to life. He’s in heaven now and will come back someday to take his children to heaven. All those who trust in him to forgive their sins can become his child. 
Dry Touch Table: Snakes in the Sand
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Play sand or soil (whatever you used yesterday) 
Play rubber snakes
Play shovels and pails 
prep
Put the snakes in the sand. Add the shovels and pails.
Directions
Play with the items.
Teaching Tie-In
Out west, there are rattlesnakes. They’re called that because their tails make a rattling noise. Who made snakes? Take responses. God created snakes when he made the other animals. But Satan used a snake to trick Eve. Adam and Eve disobeyed God, and that’s called sin. We all sin when we don’t obey God. That’s why we need Jesus!
Dramatic Play: Old West Dress-Up
Materials
Materials from previous days
Play gold coins or yellow Easter eggs
Pillowcases or small burlap bags
prep
Use previous items. Spread the coins or eggs around, partially hiding them. Add the pillowcases or bags. 
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be gold miners by collecting the hidden “gold” in the pillowcases or bags. 
Teaching Tie-In
Wouldn’t it be great if you could be a miner and collect a bag of gold? That would be a neat treasure. Well, I know an even better treasure. Jesus is the best treasure ever! He loves you and wants you to be his child!
Coloring Corner: John 20:31
See directions for Day 1 but use the Day 4 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.
Introduce It!
Wonder Junction Gold Mine

Wonder Junction Poster
Bible
Old West costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape

 Prep: Bookmark all the Scripture verses used in today’s lesson.
Teacher 1: Welcome back to Wonder Junction! You know, Wonder Junction is a mighty special town (point out each place on the Wonder Junction Poster), with the train depot, the bank, the school, and of course the church! I’m so glad we get to learn more about Jesus.

You may want to get headlamps and/or helmets to put on while telling your mining story. Embellish a little if desired.

 Teacher 2: Point to the gold mine on the poster. Hey, have any of you hiked out to the old gold mine? Pause for responses. It’s way over yonder. That was quite an exciting place a while back when people were finding gold in there! Until a man named Carson got stuck. 
Teacher 1: Oh, I remember that. It was a beautiful, sunny day, but down in the mine, it was cold and dark. Carson went into the mine, lit his lamp, and started digging for gold. Suddenly, a bunch of big rocks fell down, and Carson was stuck for three days—all by himself—waiting for someone to rescue him.
Teacher 2: Thankfully, Fearless Abner took the dangerous trip into the mine and saved Carson. There was a lot of celebrating that night! The whole town came out to the party. Carson was lost and in trouble, but then he was found! What a rescue!
Teacher 1: Today, we want to tell y’all about another rescue mission. This rescue has to do with Jesus. He’s our Savior because he can save us from sin. The Bible, which is always true, tells us about this. Point to Matthew 27–28 in your open Bible.
Teacher 2: We’ve already talked about how Jesus came to earth as a baby, grew into a man, and lived a perfect life. Jesus is our mighty God. Let’s sing about that. 
Song 1: What a Mighty God We Serve 
Sing this three times: slow, then regular, then fast.
What a mighty God we serve 
(Make big muscles, then raise arms up.)
What a mighty God we serve (Repeat motion.)
Angels bow before him (Bow.)
Heaven and earth adore him
(Point up, then raise arms in a circle.)
What a mighty God we serve 
(Repeat first motion.)
Repeat

“What a Mighty God We Serve” song
“Did You Know” song 
MP3 download or Simple Songs CD (1221410)
Device to play songs

 Teach It!

Nuggets of Truth Poster Set
Wild West Bad Guys Poster
2 copies of Day 2 Puppet Script 
Boy or girl puppet and clipboard
Mini star-shaped sheriff badge for puppet 
Permanent marker
7 large gold plastic eggs 
Visual clues that fit in the eggs: leaf, play snake, star, tiny boat, cross, or pictures/stickers of each

 Puppet Pal—Truth Hunt Gospel Presentation 
Prep: Cut apart the Nuggets of Truth Poster Set. For the “nuggets,” gather seven large, gold plastic eggs. Gather the visual clues or use pictures or stickers. Put one visual clue in each egg and number the eggs 1–6 with a permanent marker. Leave the sixth egg empty to represent the empty tomb. The seventh will be shown as a sample. Hide the eggs so they are partially visible. Tape one Puppet script inside the puppet stage and attach the other to a clipboard for reference. Have the sheriff badge ready backstage to attach to the puppet during the skit. Place the sixth egg (empty) in the puppet’s hands as he comes out.
Teacher: Great singing! Now let’s hear more about Jesus’ rescue mission to save sinners. To help us do that, we’re going to look for some gold in these here parts. Hold up an extra egg. When I say go, you will look for these eggs. We’ll pretend they’re gold nuggets. If you find one, don’t open it. Bring it to me, then sit back down. Ready? Go! Direct the children as they search the room. Teacher 2 moves behind the puppet stage and prepares the puppet. When all eggs are found and children are seated, bring the puppet up holding the empty egg.
Puppet: Hi, y’all! Look what I found. 
Teacher: Howdy, Sam. It looks like you found one of our gold nuggets. 
Puppet: Oh boy! Can I open it? Pretty please? 
Teacher: Wait a minute. It has the number six on it. That’s the last one to open. Let’s wait for the right time. Add it to the other eggs to open later.
Puppet: Okay. Do you have one with number one on it? Can we open that? I’m so excited! Jump up and down.
Nugget 1: Leaf (God Created)

You can open each egg or call someone up to do it. Someone who didn’t find an egg may be a good choice. 

 Teacher: Yes, indeed! Let’s open up nugget 1. Hold up the leaf. Jesus is God the Son, and he made the world and everything in it.
Puppet: Jesus made everything, including the animals, people, and plants. Kids, what did God make that has leaves? Take responses.
Teacher: The leaf reminds us of God’s wonderful creation—all the things he made. Do you know the names of the first two people God made? 
Puppet: Yes, Adam and Eve. God gave them a good and beautiful place to live in. It was called the garden of Eden. Show the garden poster.  
Teacher: But God gave them a rule. He told them not to eat fruit from one special tree in the garden. If they ate from that tree, they would die.
Nugget 2: Snake (Eve Was Tempted)
Puppet: Let’s clap two times, then we’ll open nugget 2. Have the puppet clap with the kids. 
Teacher: Open the egg and show the snake. 
Puppet: Yikes! Jump back and shiver. 
Teacher: Satan used a snake in the garden to trick Eve into eating the fruit she was told not to eat. Then Adam disobeyed God and ate some too. Show the snake poster.  
Puppet: That’s called sin when we disobey God. 
Teacher: That’s right. When they did that, they ruined the perfect world God had made.
Puppet: Is that why we get sick and things get broken and we have bad storms and stuff—because there’s sin in the world? 
Teacher: Yep, because of sin, the good and beautiful world is also bad and sad. And everyone does things that are sinful. It’s like we’re lost and stuck in sin.
Puppet: Kinda like Carson was lost and stuck in the dark gold mine. He needed someone to save him. 
Nugget 3: Star (Jesus Came)
Teacher: We all need someone to save us from sin. And God promised he would send a Savior to save people from sin. Let’s open another nugget. 
Puppet: What comes after two? Pause for responses. Let’s clap and count to three. Do so.
Teacher: Open the egg and show the star. The Savior is Jesus. He came as a baby. Jesus was God and a person at the same time. What a wonder that was! This star reminds us of Jesus’ special birth with a special star. Toddlers don’t use poster 3 (the hourglass), so show the baby in a manger poster.  
Nugget 4: Tiny Boat (Jesus Did Miracles)
Puppet: What comes after three? Pause for responses. Let’s clap four times, then we’ll open the next one. 
Teacher: Open the egg and show the tiny boat. Jesus had power to do wonderful things called miracles to show people that he was God. One miracle showed his power over nature, like rain and wind and thunder. 
Puppet: When Jesus and his friends were in a boat during a terrible storm, Jesus told the storm to stop—and it did! Toddlers don’t use poster 5, so show the calming the sea poster.   
Teacher: Wow! What a wonder.
Nugget 5: Cross (Jesus Died)
Puppet: What comes after four? Pause for responses. Yes, five! Let’s clap five times. Do so. 
Teacher: Open the egg and show the small cross. Even though Jesus never did anything wrong, some men hung him on a cross to die. Jesus went through great pain and sadness. He died to save us from the punishment for all the bad things we do. 
Puppet: That reminds me of something. Wait right there! Puppet leaves, then comes back wearing a sheriff star badge and pretending to ride a horse.
Teacher: Sam, what are you doing? 
Puppet: You were talking about being punished for bad things we do. I’m pretending to ride my horse and catch a bad guy. 
Teacher: What bad guy?
Puppet: There was a bad guy named Billy the Kid who really lived in the Old West times. He stole things from people and robbed banks. I’m the sheriff, so I’ve got to catch him and punish him. 
Teacher: God says not to steal. Hold up Wild West Bad Guys Poster. Billy the Kid stole things, and so did these other guys—Jesse James and Butch Cassidy. But you know what?
Puppet: What? Stop riding pretend horse.
Teacher: All of us have the same problem Billy the Kid had. Billy the Kid was a sinner, and so are we.
Puppet: Act shocked. But I don’t rob banks!
Teacher: Thankfully, you don’t! But the Bible tells us nobody is born good. We all sin.
Puppet: Uh-oh. Is it a sin when I get grumpy or take two cookies when Mom said I could only have one? 
Teacher: Yes. God says children are to obey their parents. You didn’t obey your mom. That’s sin.
Puppet: Sometimes, when my mom says I can’t play outside, I throw a fit and cry. I guess that’s wrong, too, isn’t it? 
Teacher: Yep. You aren’t obeying your mom. You may not rob a bank like Billy the Kid and Jesse James, but you have sinned because you have disobeyed God. And the Bible says we should all be punished with death. 
Puppet: That sounds bad. Who can save us and help us stop doing wrong things? 
Teacher: Jesus! Show the cross poster. He died on a cross to take our sin away so God won’t have to punish us. Only Jesus can rescue you from sin so you can be with him in heaven someday. 
Puppet: That’s why he came to the world, right? But what happened after Jesus died? 
Nugget 6: Empty (Jesus Rose)  
Teacher: The answer to that is in your nugget. 
Puppet: It is?! Can I open it now? 
Teacher: Yes, you may. 
Puppet: Open the egg to find it empty. Hey! It’s . . . empty. Ahh. I thought it would have something wonderful in it. 
Teacher: Well, actually, even though it’s empty, it reminds us of something really wonderful. When Jesus died, his friends put his body in a tomb and went away feeling very sad. They knew Jesus wasn’t just asleep. He was completely dead, and that was that. But something amazing happened! Jesus came back to life and walked out of the tomb. Show the empty tomb poster. So the tomb is empty! Now Jesus lives forever and can be our Savior forever.  
Puppet: Wow! Jesus is alive? That’s wonderful. 
Teacher: Now our sins can be forgiven, and we can be with Jesus in heaven someday. When we’re truly sorry for our sins, we can tell God we’re sorry and believe that Jesus took the punishment for our sin. Then we can tell God we want to be his child and trust in him.  
Puppet: You’ll still be your parents’ child. But this means you’ll also have God as your Father in heaven, and you’ll be part of his family.
Teacher: That’s the most important nugget of truth ever.
Puppet: Before I go, let’s celebrate this wonderful news with a song. Everybody stand up and sing with me! 
Song 2: Did You Know?
Sing this to the tune of “Did You Ever See a Lassie?”  
Verse 1
Did you know that Jesus died 
(Point to head.)
He died, he died 
(Hang head, look sad.)
Did you know that Jesus died 
(Point to head.)
Well, that’s not the end (Smile and clap four times on last four words.)
Verse 2
Did you know that he was buried 
(Point to head.)
Was buried, was buried 
(Close one cupped hand over the other.)
Did you know that he was buried 
(Point to head.)
Well, that’s not the end 
(Smile and clap four times.)
Verse 3
Did you know he rose again 
(Point to head.)
Again, again 
(Open hands and move upward.)
Did you know he rose again (Point to head.)
Well, that’s the best news 
(Smile and clap four times.)
Verse 4
And now he is alive 
(Cup hands, then open.)
Alive, alive 
(Raise up open hands.)
And now he is alive 
(Repeat motion.)
Yes, that’s the best news 
(Smile and clap four times.)
Teacher: I love to sing about Jesus, don’t you?
Puppet: I sure do. But I better get going now. See y’all tomorrow. Bye! Exit. 

Day 4 Animal Pal Poster
Wonder Junction Maps and Champ stickers, 1 per person

 Apply It! 

If you don’t have time to play the review game, skip to the Nugget of Truth question, ending with this important thought. Try to include it even if you must cut something else.  

 Part 1: Animal Pal Review
Share the Day 4 Animal Pal Poster to summarize the teaching of the day. Pass out the Wonder Junction Maps and Champ stickers and have the kids add today’s animal pal. 
What kind of animal is our animal pal today? A grizzly bear. And what’s our grizzly bear’s name? Champ. Champ stands for the word champion. Why do you think our bear is named Champ? Champ is a champion. He’s the king of the forest. During cold months, he sleeps in a cave, and in the spring he wakes up and comes out. Jesus is a champion. He died and was put in a tomb (like a cave), but he was not just asleep like Champ. He was dead and came back to life. Nobody else can do that—only Jesus! He’s the ultimate champion. He is the Son of God. What can you tell me about Jesus dying and coming back to life? Answers will vary.
Continue reviewing with the following questions. Be sure to give the correct answer for any “no” questions. Have the kids put their arms up to look like a big bear if the answer is yes and pretend to sleep if it is no.
Is Jesus God? Yes—arms up like a big bear.
Did Jesus come to the world as a grown-up? No—pretend to sleep. He came as a baby. 
Is Jesus the only one who can save us from the punishment for our sins? Yes—arms up like a big bear. Remind them that all people sin, and all need Jesus.
Did Jesus do miracles (special things to show that he’s God)? Yes—arms up like a big bear.
When Jesus died on the cross and his friends put his body in a tomb, did Jesus stay dead? No—pretend to sleep. Jesus came back to life!
Nugget of Truth
Ready for an important question? Yes or no: Does Jesus love you? Yes! Other people love you, too, but nobody loves you as much as Jesus. Think about how amazing that is—the God who made everything loves you! He loves you so much, he even died for you! Always keep thinking of things that make you say, “Wow!” about Jesus.
Part 2: Gold Mine Memory Time

Day 4 Memory Verse Poster 
Optional: Student Guides and supplies
Optional: Memory Verse music and player

 Today’s Verse: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. John 20:31
Try the challenge using the day 4 memory verse poster as a reference and the Memory Verse music if you have it.
Challenge: Make a gold nugget by crumpling a yellow piece of paper. Find a spoon. Put the nugget on the spoon and walk across the room, saying your verse the whole way. 
If the nugget falls off before you finish the verse, start over. Can you make it the whole way through the verse before it falls off?

Supplies for this section are not listed in the supply list on the back cover since they vary depending on the activities you choose. 

 Part 3: Go and Do
In any remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. These are also on the Toddler Student Guides and can be done at home.
Ask a grown-up to hide five objects around the room, then look for them. Each time you find one, tell Jesus “thank you” for something he’s done (coming as a baby, loving us, dying for us, coming back to life).
Talk to God and thank him for sending Jesus to be the Savior who can save us from the punishment of sin so we can go to heaven someday.
Tell a friend how Jesus died to save us from sin and then came alive again.
Check AnswersVBS.com/wonderkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Do I want to be a child of God?
Day 5
The Wonder of His Return
Bible passages
Jesus Is Coming Back
Select verses; Matthew 25:14–29
LESSON Focus
The return of the King of kings will be a wonder. What should we be doing in the meantime?
apologetics content
How will Jesus return?
Memory verse
Your kingdom come, your will be done. Matthew 6:10
Name of Jesus
King of Kings
Animal Pal
Mission the Horse
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Count & Sort
Wet Touch Table: Practicing Kindness
Dry Touch Table: Coming in the Clouds
Dramatic Play: Old West Dress-Up
Coloring Corner: Matthew 6:10

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
Wonder Junction Bank
Song 1: “This Little Light of Mine”
Teach It!
Puppet Pal—Parable of the Talents
Song 2: “On a Mission”
Apply It!
Part 1: Animal Pal Review 
Part 2: Gold Mine Memory Time
Part 3: Go and Do 
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Matthew 25:14–29 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. 
For more information on Jesus’ return, see AnswersVBS.com/wonderfaq.  
Pray.
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Count & Sort
Materials
Play cash register
Play money—coins and bills
Plastic containers to sort the bills/coins
prep
Gather the materials. Set them out on the table.
Directions
Kids can play with the money. Have them practice counting and sorting the bills or coins. 
Teaching Tie-In
In our Bible lesson today, two of the servants worked hard to make more money for their master. But the servant with one coin buried his and didn’t get any more. This reminds us to work hard for God and use our talents and skills to please him.
Wet Touch Table: Practicing Kindness
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Plastic toy people
Optional: play accessories that go with the toy people
prep
On this last day, dry out the touch table and put the plastic people in.
Directions
Share the teaching tie-in and have the kids play with the people, taking care of each other, saying kind words, and telling each other about Jesus.
Teaching Tie-In
Jesus is in heaven right now. While we wait for him to come back, we can love others by showing kindness and caring for them. We can speak kindly and tell them about Jesus.
Dry Touch Table: Coming in the Clouds
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Tons of cotton balls
One figure or picture to represent Jesus 
Optional: assorted tongs, spoons, scoops, buckets, baskets
prep
Put the cotton balls in the table, along with the other items. Use either a laminated picture of Jesus or something like a clothespin with a face drawn on it to represent a grown-up Jesus.
Directions
Students play with the items, trying to find “Jesus.” Continue to hide him throughout the play time, or they can do so.
Teaching Tie-In
After Jesus rose from the dead, he went back to heaven by going up in a cloud. Someday he will come back to earth in the same way! We can be busy working for him while we’re waiting. Let’s pretend the cotton balls are clouds, and you can look for Jesus in the clouds. 
Dramatic Play: Old West Dress-Up
Materials
Materials from previous days
Any items you want to add in
prep
Use previous materials. Add in any last items you held back.
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be out west.
Teaching Tie-In
It’s been an amazing week at Wonder Junction. Who can tell me something they learned about _____ this week? Fill in the blank with specifics for kids to comment on, such as Jesus, the animal pals, the Old West, how Jesus forgives sin, etc. 
Coloring Corner: Matthew 6:10
See directions for Day 1 but use the Day 5 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.
Introduce It!

Wonder Junction Poster
Jesus Returning Poster
Bible
Old West costumes
Mounting putty or tape
One nugget (plastic egg) from yesterday

 Wonder Junction Bank
Prep: Bookmark Matthew 25 to show in today’s lesson. Fold the Jesus Returning Poster in half to show one side at a time.
Teacher 1: Well, here we are, partners, on our last day at Wonder Junction. It sure has been a mighty fine time! Yesterday, we were looking for gold nuggets, like this one (show an egg from yesterday), to help us learn how Jesus came to save sinners.  
Teacher 2: In the Old West, real gold nuggets came from a gold mine. And when miners found gold, they took it to the bank. Show the bank on the Wonder Junction Poster. Mr. Daly is our banker. He counts the gold, then puts it in the big safe so no one can steal it. 
Teacher 1: Finding gold is one way to make money in our town. But there are other ways, too! Some people know how to run the store or do laundry or run the train! People can learn how to do these things. If they work hard, they can make more money than when they started.
Teacher 2: Today, we’ll be talking about talents and skills God gives each of us. Talents are things you can do easily, like playing the piano, drawing pictures, or playing soccer. 
Teacher 1: He also gives us skills that we can learn to do, like writing, reading, or doing math. As we wait for Jesus to come back, God wants us to use those skills and talents to please him. 
Teacher 2: Did you know Jesus is going to come back? He came the first time as a baby, but when he grew up, he died to save sinners. Then he came back to life and went up to heaven. Show the first scene in the jesus returning poster.  
Teacher 1: That’s where Jesus is now. But he promised to come back down to earth. We don’t know when (Matthew 24:36), but we do know he’ll come in a cloud just like he went up (Matthew 24:27, 30). Show the second scene in the jesus returning poster. What a wonder that will be! 
Gospel Opportunity: Are you ready?

Teacher 2: While we’re waiting for him to come back, the Bible tells us we should be on a mission to let others know who Jesus is. It’s kind of like shining a light so people can find their way to Jesus. 
Teacher 1: We’ve got a song about that. Let’s stand up and sing it together. Do so while Teacher 2 moves to the puppet stage and prepares the puppet to enter after the song. 

“This Little Light of Mine” song
“On a Mission” song 
MP3 download or Simple Songs CD (1221410)
Device to play songs

 Song 1: This Little Light of Mine
Verse 1
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine (Use index finger as a candle moving in a circular motion.)
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine (Circular motion.)
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine (Circular motion.)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine 
(Continue circular motion.)
Verse 2
Hide it under a bushel? No! 
(Cup one hand over index finger. Pull hand away and shout, “No!”)
I’m gonna let it shine 
(Move index finger in a circular motion.)
Hide it under a bushel? No! 
(Cup hand, then pull away.)
I’m gonna let it shine (Circular motion.)
Hide it under a bushel? No! 
(Cup hand, then pull away.)
I’m gonna let it shine (Circular motion.)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
(Continue circular motion.)
Verse 3
Shine all over ______ (Name of your town—move index finger in a big circle.)
I’m gonna let it shine  
(Move index finger in a smaller circular motion.)
Shine all over ______ (Name of your town—move index finger in a big circle.)
I’m gonna let it shine (Circular motion.)
Shine all over ______ (Name of your town—move index finger in a big circle.)
I’m gonna let it shine (Circular motion.)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
(Continue circular motion.)
Teach It!
Puppet Pal—Parable of the Talents
 
2 copies of Day 5 Puppet Script
Boy or girl puppet and clipboard
3 play people (e.g., Duplo, Playmobile, Lego, or Ken-type dolls)
Optional: Bible-time costumes for the play people 
Real or play coins
Small bowl filled with play sand or soil 
Mini pickax and shovel
Mini hat

If you have a large class or large space, you may want to act out the parable instead of using play people.

Prep: Tape one Puppet script inside the puppet stage and attach the other to a clipboard for reference. Make a mini pickax and shovel from foil and attach to the puppet’s hands. Make a mini puppet hat for the story. Optional: make Bible-time costumes for the play people.
Teacher: Let’s call Sam and talk to him about our mission to tell others about Jesus. Do so. 
Puppet: Hi, everybody! Puppet enters carrying his pickax and shovel.
Teacher: I see you have your mining tools, Sam. What are you up to?
Puppet: I’m on a mission.
Teacher: What kind of mission?
Puppet: A mission to find some gold.  
Teacher: Have you found any gold nuggets in the mine?
Puppet: Yes! I have three nuggets from the last time I looked for gold. I’ve got pretty good digging skills. So I think if I work hard, I can find three more.
Teacher: That reminds me of a story Jesus told to his friends. He wanted them to understand their mission. They needed to know what they should do every day for Jesus. 
Puppet: I’ve always got time for a story, especially if Jesus told it.
Teacher: Great! It’s right here in the Bible. Open your Bible to Matthew 25 and show the kids. It’s about a man who went on a long trip and left some money for his servants.
Puppet: That sounds interesting. Tell me more. 
Teacher: Jesus said there was a master who was going on a journey, and he wanted his servants to take care of his stuff. So he called his servants together. 
Puppet: Ooh! Can I be the master? Let me go get my special hat. Exit. Remove the tools and place the hat on the puppet’s head. Enter. 
Teacher: Hey! Your hat is perfect to be the master. And these are your servants. Set the play people out on the table—Servant 1, Servant 2, and Servant 3. Now, Master Sam, tell me how many coins to give to each servant. 
Puppet: I’ll give one servant five coins. Kids, can you count to five with me? Do so.
Teacher: Place the coins in front of Servant 1 on the table while kids count. 
Puppet: The next servant can have two coins. Let’s count to two, kids! Do so.
Teacher: Place the coins in front of Servant 2 on the table while kids count. 
Puppet: And I’ll give one coin to the last servant. Let’s count to one, everybody. Do so.
Teacher: Place one coin in front of Servant 3. Then the man went away on his journey.
Puppet: Oh, does that mean I have to leave? I want to hear the rest of the story. 
Teacher: You can stay. But Jesus said that the master went away for a long time. While he was gone, Servant 1 got busy. Make Servant 1 look busy. He worked hard and earned five more coins. Count out five more coins in his pile.
Puppet: Did Servant 2 do the same thing? 
Teacher: Yes. He worked hard and earned two more coins. Count out two more coins for him.
Puppet: What about the last guy? Did he earn another coin like the others? 
Teacher: Actually, he dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. Dig a hole in the play sand and cover the coin. 
Puppet: What? He didn’t do anything? The coin just sat there in the dirt? 
Teacher: That’s right. After a long time, the master came back. 
Puppet: Hey, that’s me. Exit, then come back up, waving hello. 
Teacher: Here he comes! Let’s say hi to the master! Do so. Servant 1 came and said, “Master, you gave me five coins, and I’ve made five more.” 
Puppet: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Let’s say that together. Do so.
Teacher: Next, Servant 2 came and said, “I was given two coins, and here’s two more!”
Puppet: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Say it with me, kids. Do so.
Teacher: Finally, Servant 3 came. Kids, do you remember what he did with his coin? Pause for responses. The third servant told his master, “I buried the coin you gave me.” Do you think the master was happy about that? Pause for responses. 
Puppet: I’m not happy about that. He should have at least put it in the bank where it could have made a little more money. I’m giving his coin to Servant 1.  
Teacher: Take the coin from the play sand and put it in Servant 1’s pile. Before the master left on his trip, he gave each servant some money so they could work hard and make more money. That was their mission.  
Puppet: Two of them worked hard and did what they were supposed to do. But does Jesus want us to make money for him? 
Teacher: No. But if we love and trust Jesus, then he’s our Master. While we wait for him to come back, we should use our talents and skills in a good way to do what Jesus wants us to do. 
Puppet: That’s our mission for Jesus!
Teacher: That’s right. The first part of our mission is to get to know God. We need to become part of his family by turning away from our sins and trusting Jesus to save us. Then we get to know Jesus by reading and listening to the Bible.
Puppet: What’s the second part of our mission?  
Teacher: The second part is to grow to love Jesus more and more each day and to love other people like he does.
Puppet: So we need to get to know him, grow to love him and love others, and then what? 
Teacher: Then go. 
Puppet: Go?! Go where? 
Teacher: Go tell others about him. And use your talents and skills to show others you care. 
Puppet: I want to do that. I want to tell people about Jesus and show others I care, just like Jesus does.
Teacher: Good. You can show others how wonderful Jesus is! Like shining a light for everyone to see. 
Puppet: Wow! When I think of all that we’ve learned about Jesus, I want to tell everyone that he’s truly a wonder!
Teacher: That’s our mission. Let’s get out there and share the good news about how wonderful Jesus is.  
Puppet: Let’s sing about our mission: to know, grow, and go. Lead the kids as the puppet sings and dances to the music. 
Song 2: On a Mission 
Sing this to the tune of “Oh My Darling, Clementine.”
On a mission (March to the left.)
On a mission (March to the right.)
On a mission for the Lord 
(March to the center and point up.)
Get to know him (Open hands for Bible.)
Grow to love him (Cross arms over heart.)
Go and tell about the Lord (Put hands to mouth and move outward.)
Repeat
Puppet: This has been super fun to be with you this week at Wonder Junction! Don’t forget to know Jesus better so you can grow to love him, then go tell people how wonderful Jesus is. Bye y’all!
Apply It! 

NOTE: If you don’t have time to play the review game, skip to the Nugget of Truth question, ending with this important thought. Try to include it even if you must cut something else.  

 Part 1: Animal Pal Review

Day 5 Animal Pal Poster
Wonder Junction Maps and Mission stickers, 1 per person 
Optional: Bookmarks

 Share the Day 5 Animal Pal Poster to summarize today’s teaching. Pass out the Wonder Junction Maps and Mission stickers so kids can add today’s animal pal. They can take these home today. You may want to show them the bookmarks that are available if you plan to give these out. 
Our animal pal today is a horse. What’s his name? Take responses. Why do you think he’s named Mission? Take responses. Circuit riders came to towns in the Old West to share the good news of Jesus. They would ride on their horses from town to town to tell people about Jesus and to care for people’s needs. They were on a mission, and we should be too!
Continue reviewing with the following questions. Be sure to give the correct answer for any “no” questions. Have the kids gallop in place like a horse if the answer is yes and whinny like a horse if it is no.
Will Jesus come back to earth someday? Yes—gallop.
Did Jesus tell a story about a master and his three servants? Yes—gallop.
Did all three servants work hard and get more coins? No—whinny. Two of them did, but the third one didn’t.
While we are waiting for Jesus to come back, should we use our talents in a bad way? No—whinny. We should use everything he gives in a good way by doing the work Jesus wants us to do.
Is our mission to know Jesus, grow to love him more, and go tell others about him? Yes—gallop.
Nugget of Truth
Ready for a super important question? Yes or no: Is Jesus the King of kings? Yes! Jesus is not only a king, he’s the King over all other kings. Jesus is the King over the whole universe! Think of the best king ever—one who is loving, kind, and forgiving. Jesus is the best! Keep being in wonder of Jesus!

Day 5 Memory Verse Poster 
Optional: Memory Verse music and player
Optional: Student Guides and supplies

 Part 2: Gold Mine Memory Time
Today’s Verse: Your kingdom come, your will be done. Matthew 6:10
Try the challenge using the day 5 memory verse poster as a reference and the Memory Verse music if you have it.
Challenge: Get ready to gallop! Start at one side of the room and gallop across the room. Can you say the verse perfectly before reaching the other side?
Part 3: Go and Do
In any remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. These are also on the Toddler Student Guides and can be done at home.
Ask family members to act out the story Jesus told in Matthew 25. Use coins as the money that the master gave to his servants. If you were a servant, what would you do with the money your master gave you?
God made you wonderfully with talents and skills. What do you like to do—draw pictures, build things, play with cars, play sports, bake cookies, count numbers? We can learn to use our talents and skills to please Jesus.
Jesus is our master. He wants us to obey him in everything we do. Ask God to show you how to use your talents and skills to please him.  
Check AnswersVBS.com/wonderkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: I’ve said, “Wow!” about Jesus this week. Now how can I live to please him?