Day 1
The Beginning of Life 
Made in God’s Image
Bible PASSAGEs
Creation of Man
Genesis 1:26–28, 2:7–23
Apologetics content
They can’t make a monkey out of me!
(Ape-men Frauds)
Fair Dinkum Verse
So God created man in his own image. Genesis 1:27
AREA OF AUSTRALIA
Outback Life—Uluru
ANIMAL PAL
Jumpin’ Jack the Kangaroo
lesson focus
The Creator of the universe created you. You didn’t evolve from an apelike creature.
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Let’s Hear It for Ears!
Touch Table Water: Baby Care
Touch Table Sand: Monkeys and Man
Dramatic Play: Doctor’s Dress-Up
Coloring Corner: Genesis 1:27

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time
Part 1: Destination Outback—Uluru
Part 2: Genesis 1–2
Part 3: Puppet Pal
Song Time
Song 1: “Oh, Be Careful Little Ears”
Song 2: “God Made Adam, God Made Eve”
Memory verse and review time
Part 1: Fair Dinkum Verses
Part 2: Go and Do
Part 3: Wrap-Up Review—Happy Face, Sad Face
Preparing for the Lesson 
Watch Three Ways to Make an Ape-Man DVD by Dr. David Menton.
Read Genesis 1–2 about the creation of man.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
Visit AnswersVBS.com/zrfaq for more information on ape-men frauds.
Pray.
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Let’s Hear It for Ears! 
Materials
Non-transparent plastic cups with lids or foil secured by rubber-bands
Small items such as paper clips, jingle bells, beans, pebbles, crayons, keys, coins
Pre-prep
Place a few pieces of the same type of item into two cups and cover them (e.g., two cups with paper clips). Repeat with other items. When finished, you should have five to eight sets of matching items (10–16 total cups).
Directions
Shake each cup to find matching sets by how they sound.
Teaching Tie-In
God made our ears to hear, and they’re a wonderful creation. From the outer shape of them that catches sounds, to the ear wax inside that keeps them clean, God thought of everything! Read Proverbs 20:12.
Touch Table Water: Baby Care
Materials
Under-the-bed storage container, small wading pool, real baby bathtub(s), or “official” touch table
Water
Tarp
Waterproof baby dolls (not precious keepsakes!)
Baby washcloths, mitts, scrubbies
Baby bath towels
Soap (can be in a pump bottle with mostly water and just a tiny bit of soap or a pretend bottle)
Empty small baby powder bottle
Pre-prep
Place a tarp on the ground under the touch table. Partially fill the touch table with water. Today’s supplies will be used all week with additional items being introduced each day so the fun stays fresh. Ask parents or grandparents for donations or check garage sales and second-hand stores.
Note: It would be great to have baby dolls with different shades of skin. Also, if you have enough dolls, you may want to swap them out for different ones throughout the week.
Directions
Wash and care for the babies. Monitor water play carefully.
Teaching Tie-In
You were a baby when you were little, weren’t you? Everyone in the world started as a baby, except the first two people. Who knows their names? Adam and Eve. God made Adam and Eve as grown-ups, and they were the smartest people ever. They were never babies like you and me. But they had babies of their own! 
Let’s take care of these babies!
Touch Table Sand: Monkeys and Man
Materials
Under-the-bed storage container, small wading pool, or “official” touch table
Tarp or plastic tablecloth
Play sand, available from hardware stores (make sure it’s marked play sand, not regular sand)
Water for wetting down sand
Wet wipes for cleanup
Little plastic people, such as Fisher Price people
One container of Barrel of Monkeys
Small opaque plastic or foam cups
Pre-prep
Cover the floor under the touch table with a tarp or plastic tablecloth. This will be used all week. Put the play sand in the table and wet it down a bit. Place some plastic people on the sand and cover each one with a cup. Do the same with the monkeys. 
Directions
Take turns uncovering the people and monkeys. Decide if each is a person or an animal and put them in two separate piles—all the people in a pile, and all the monkeys in a pile.
Teaching Tie-In
The Bible is the true account of how people came to be. It tells us that God made us! But some people don’t listen to the Bible, and they say people didn’t start as people but as apelike creatures, like these monkeys. Remember—God made apes as apes and people as people. What the Bible says is true, and it tells us God created us! They can’t make a monkey out of me! 
Dramatic Play: Doctor’s Dress-Up
This station, which will be a big hit, can be as low-key or as elaborate as you’d like. (See Decorating Decisions for specifics on the suggestions below.)
Materials
Choose from the following, depending on your situation. These will be used all week. 
Note: Put out only part of the doctor and waiting room supplies the first day and add in new items each day. Or, set up just the doctor’s office the first two days and then add in the waiting room on Day 3.
Doctor’s office set up, including a small exam table (see Decorating Decisions for an illustration)
Doctor’s office supplies (e.g., play stethoscopes, bandages, old X-ray files, clipboards, small flashlights, white shirts for doctor or nurse costumes, play doctors’ kits, plastic bowls and spoons to feed patients, baby dolls [patients], small blankets, non-breakable magnifying glasses and mirrors)
Waiting room supplies (e.g., receptionist desk with an old telephone, an old computer keyboard, clipboards with “forms,” chairs for “patients” to sit on, a table with magazines)
Pre-prep
Set up the doctor’s office and waiting room, and gather the other supplies.
Directions
Dress up and play doctor’s office, using the baby dolls as patients.
Teaching Tie-In
Do any of you want to be a doctor or nurse when you grow up? Doctors and nurses take care of sick people. They have to study and train for many years to learn about our bodies. Our bodies are very detailed and amazing! But there is someone who knows everything about our bodies—God! That’s because he made us! He even knew all about us before we were born!
Coloring Corner: Genesis 1:27
Materials
Day 1 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet
Christmas decorations (e.g., a Christmas tree, red and green garland, and other seasonal decorations)
Markers or crayons
Optional: red or green basket or bucket for marker and crayon storage
Optional: glue sticks, stickers, and additional supplies to glue on
Pre-prep
Make or gather the decorating supplies and set them up. (See Decorating Decisions for more information.) This will be used all week. Photocopy the Day 1 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet (one per child). Gather additional supplies to glue on to the coloring sheet if desired, such as cotton balls for “clouds” or blue cellophane pieces for “sky.” 
Directions
Color the sheet. Glue or stick on additional items, if desired.
Teaching Tie-In
Explain to the mates that in Australia, people often celebrate Christmas in July because that’s their winter.  Christmas is a special time all over the world when we celebrate the most special baby ever—Jesus. 
As the mates visit this spot and color, they can practice saying the memory verse on the sheet. Discuss its meaning.
Additional Exploration Station Ideas
Body Part Art—Trace the kids’ hands or feet or get butcher paper on a roll and cut out a pattern of a whole body, one per child. Figure out where various parts go on the pattern. For instance, place a construction paper heart on the left, crumpled up tissue paper for the tummy, yarn for the intestines, etc. (This could also be done in miniature with an 8.5x11-inch body pattern and smaller versions of body parts to glue on or use stickers.) Emphasize how amazing our Creator God is to have perfectly designed each part.
You may want to buy a 3D organ apron (a favorite at one test church), a squishy human body, or My Body posters—all available online—for fun visuals.
Beach Book Nook—Because Australia has over 10,000 beaches and is surrounded by water, make an exciting beach spot for reading by putting down some beach towels and beach umbrellas. Use beach tote bags to hold books such as sensory books that kids can feel, smell, hear, and see, along with books about how God made our bodies. Gather others about Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection.
Flannelboard Fun—Provide a flannelboard with people and items from each day’s Bible lesson, along with animals and items from Australia. Or use your flannelboard to emphasize different people and how special each one is.
A to Z Australia—Have magnetic ABC letters attached to a cookie sheet. Teachers name an animal that lives in Australia, and the kids find the first letter of that animal’s name. For example, if the teacher says “koala,” the child finds a K. Emphasize that God is the one who makes all life. For a list of Australian animals A to Z, check the Director Guide.
People Puzzles—Find puzzles that show different people. Emphasize that God made each person special and unique. In addition, use simple children’s puzzles that show different parts of our bodies.
Texture Trays—Provide various textured surfaces where kids can trace words or pictures of key Bible concepts they will learn about. Possible textures include burlap, trays of salt, thick fleece, magic slates, chalkboard and chalk, or shaving cream or hair gel in zippered baggies that are duct-taped shut (color the hair gel bright yellow for fun). You may want to put out different textures on different days. Supervise carefully and make sure the mates know not to put their hands in their mouths. Provide wipes for cleanup.
Play Dough—Play dough is always a favorite, so you may want to feature a station with it all week. Add thematic supplies that have to do with the daily Australian region, such as kangaroo cookie cutters for Day 1, pipe cleaners to stick into the play dough to simulate coral for Day 2, people cookie cutters and wiggle eyes for Day 3, koala cookie cutters and leaves to press into the play dough for Day 4, and play gems to press into the play dough for Day 5. (Monitor carefully.) You may also want to make scented play dough. Make sure to monitor it carefully with the toddlers. 
Note: Gluten-free play dough is available on Amazon.
How to Make Play Dough
2 c. flour
1/2 c. salt
2 c. warm water
4 t. cream of tartar
2 t. oil
Food coloring
Optional: essential oils
Mix the first five ingredients in a saucepan, blending well. Stir over low to medium heat until a dough forms and is no longer sticky. Remove from the pan, add the food coloring, and knead until smooth. For scented play dough, add a few drops of different essential oils to each batch. After it has cooled, store in an airtight container.

Day 1 Destination Poster with arrow, preferably laminated
Day 1 Animal Pal Poster
Bible or children's Bible
Costumes for teachers (see #8 on page 5)
Mounting putty or tape for hanging posters
Piece of dark paper that is at least 17x22 inches

NOTE: The approximate time each section will take is listed below. Depending on your schedule, go slower if necessary or speed up by skipping something.
Lesson Time
Part 1: Destination Outback—Uluru (5 minutes)
 Pre-prep: Put up the Australia backdrop and any other decorations. (See Decorating Decisions for details.) Gather your Aussie tour guide costumes, which you’ll wear all week. This can be a Zoomerang T-shirt and hat or add an Aussie vest or “sunnies” (sunglasses). Laminate and hang the Day 1 Destination Poster next to the big map or actually on it at Uluru (Ayers Rock), and cover it with a dark piece of paper. Cut out and laminate the “You are here!” arrow and have it handy to put on the map when noted. Put the Bible nearby.
TG1: It’s time for our Land Down Under Lesson now, little mates. Are you ready to go to our first Australian destination? You need to fan yourself because it’s really hot today in the outback where we’re going! Do so.
TG2: Okay, let’s fly on over to the outback and land at today’s spot. Have everyone pretend to fly around a little and then sit down. Here we are at a famous place called Uluru (oo·lar·oo). Let’s say that together. Do so. Uncover the day 1 destination poster and place the “You are here!” Arrow by it.
TG1: Uluru is a gigantic rock—the biggest single rock in the world! It’s in the outback. And look at the animals in the outback! Show pictures on the day 1 destination poster. 
TG2:  Show the day 1 animal pal poster. Jumpin’ Jack lives in the outback, and he’s hopping by to remind us that God is the maker of all people. People aren’t like rocks or animals. We’re a special creation of God’s! Let’s hear more about that from our special book, the Bible. Is there someone who would like to carefully bring me the Bible? Have someone do so, treating it as a treasure and reminding them it is not like any other book. It’s the only book written by God himself.  
TG1: Okay, are you ready to hear how people came to be? You need to help us, so do you have your listening ears on? Pretend to put them on.
TG2: Awesome! Let’s begin!
Part 2: Genesis 1–2 (10 minutes)

Made in God’s Image Poster
Container of dirt
Wet wipes

 Pre-prep: Get the container of dirt ready.
TG1: We hear about the first people in the book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, right here. Show where Genesis is. Let’s put up one finger to remind us of the first book of the Bible. Do so. Genesis tells us about the very beginning of time, when God created the world and everything in it in six days. Let’s stand and bounce and count to six. Do so.
TG2: During those six days, God made light, the sky (let’s wave our hands in the sky), the sea (let’s make waves), the dry land, the plants (let’s grow like a plant), the sun (let’s make a big sun), the moon, and the stars. He also made the fish (be a fish!), the birds (be a bird!), and the animals (be an animal). Everything he made was good. Let’s sit down and give a thumbs-up sign. Do so.
TG1: God wasn’t finished yet, though. God wanted to make people. God said, “Let us make man in our image” (Genesis 1:26). That means he wanted to make us special, different from the animals. 
Show the made in God’s image poster.
TG2: Shake your heads to answer this question. Can animals write books? Shake heads no. Can animals cook food for people? No. Can animals drive cars or play the piano? No. Animals are a wonderful creation from God, but they aren’t like people. God made people in his image so he could have relationships (friendships) with us.
TG1: Do you know the name of the first person God made? If a few say “Adam,” ask “Who?” until all are answering Adam.
Yes. The first person’s name was Adam. The Bible tells us God made Adam from the dust of the ground. Bring out the container of dirt. Feel this ground. Imagine this becoming a person! Do so, then use the wet wipes to clean off hands.
TG2: Let’s have everyone lie down on the ground to act this part out. Once they are all down and very still, say: At just the right time, when I breathe on you, pretend you’re coming to life. Read Genesis 2:7. Pretend to breathe on each child and have them sit up. 
TG1: Wow! That’s amazing! God created a person! After God made Adam, he planted a garden in a place called Eden, and he put Adam there. Adam’s job was to take care of the garden (Genesis 2:1–15). Let’s pretend we’re taking care of a garden. Do so.
TG2: Then God told Adam that it wasn’t good for him to be alone. God would make a good helper for Adam. 
TG1: So God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam. Let’s get down on the floor and pretend we’re in a deep sleep. Don’t move or squirm or talk at all. See how still you can be because it’s a deep sleep. Do so and continue to say the next paragraph as they “sleep.” Tour Guide 2 can get behind the puppet stage at this time.
When Adam was in the deep sleep, God took a rib (a bone) from Adam. Then he made the rib into a woman. And God brought the woman to Adam (Genesis 2:18–25). Her name was Eve.
Let’s wake up from our sleep now and imagine seeing the first woman. Do so.
Adam was so happy! He said: Read or paraphrase Genesis 2:23.
And God blessed them. Then God said his creation was very good (Genesis 1:28–31).

Monkey-to-Man Poster, laminated
Day 1 Puppet Script (2 copies)
Puppet (girl or boy) in costume
Clipboard
Dry erase marker

Part 3: Puppet Pal (3 minutes)
Pre-prep: See Decorating Decisions to set up the puppet stage. Tape one puppet script inside the puppet stage and place the other on the clipboard. Dress the puppet in a mini VBS T-shirt (use a baby-sized T-shirt and a laminated color copy of the logo that has been cut out and taped to the shirt), a mini khaki vest made from felt, a visor, or something else Australian-inspired. 
Each day, the puppet pal will be used to teach or reinforce the lesson. It’s always a favorite, so try to include it even if you have to cut something else.  
Decide who will be the puppet and allow time to get in place. If you don’t have a teaching assistant or co-teacher, enlist someone (a group guide or other volunteer) ahead of time to work the puppet each day. If you’re alone, have the puppet come up from behind a suitcase with the lid flipped up or just stand and work the puppet. 
You can use either a boy or a girl puppet. Use a consistent voice for the puppet all week. Speak clearly and exaggerate words and expressions. For instance, draw out certain words for emphasis or make an exaggerated action for things like groaning, turning its head, or sneezing. Use your free hand to do things with the puppet’s hands or arms. For example, if the puppet is “thinking” put the puppet’s hand on its chin. When the puppet is talking, make sure the mouth is open. (This is opposite of what people often do!) In other words, the mouth should be open on most syllables. You don’t have to open very wide, which will help you move the mouth faster and more naturally. 
Your puppet should come out from behind the puppet stage. 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: Pop up immediately following the end of the last section. Did you say the first person’s name was Adam?
Teacher: Oh, g’day, Sydney. Yes, I did. I just finished telling the mates about Adam.
Puppet: Was Adam smart?
Teacher: He was very smart.
Puppet: Could he talk?
Teacher: Of course he could talk. He even had the important job of naming all the animals.
Puppet: Jump around doing a monkey imitation. Did he come from an apelike creature?
Teacher: Absolutely not! The Bible tells us the truth, and it says God made him from the dust of the ground. Adam didn’t come from an ape. Where’d you get that idea?
Puppet: When I go to the zoo, the monkey cage says that the apes are my relatives and that I came from them. And some of my books show drawings of ape-looking men. In fact, here’s a picture right here. Hand the monkey-to-man poster to the teacher.
Teacher: Hold up poster. Sydney, I want you to remember something. Ready to hear it?
Puppet: I’m ready!
Teacher: There’s no such thing as an ape-man, an ape turning into a man. When you see those drawings or hear people saying that, just remember it’s not true. God’s Word is true, and it tells us exactly how people came to be. Use the dry erase marker to draw an X over the poster. Erase after each class.
Puppet: God himself made them from the dust of the ground and breathed life into them, right?
Teacher: That’s right. God’s Word tells us the truth about the past, so we know it’s right.
Puppet: Well, I feel better. They can’t make a monkey out of me!
Teacher: Hey, that’s a pretty good saying, “They can’t make a monkey out of me.” Let’s all say that together. Do so. Remember, you didn’t come from animals. You’re special people made by God and for God, and you’re precious to him.
Puppet: That’s right, mates. See you tomorrow!
Teacher: Bye! Boys and girls, let’s wave good-bye to Sydney. 
Song Time
Song 1: “Oh, Be Careful Little Ears”  

“Oh, Be Careful Little Ears” song 
“God Made Adam, God Made Eve” song
MP3 or CD player
Songs are also available on Simple Songs CD (11-9-141)

 Remind the mates that they must always be careful to examine what they hear and see in light of what the Bible says.
Verse One
Oh, be careful little ears what you hear (Cup your ears.)
Oh, be careful little ears what you hear (Cup your ears.)
For the Father up above is looking down with love (Point up to the Father and pretend to look down.)
So be careful little ears what you hear (Cup your ears.)
Verse Two
Oh, be careful little eyes what you see (Point to your eyes.)
Additional Verses
Oh, be careful little feet where you go (March in place.)
Oh, be careful little mouth what you say (Cup your mouth.)
Song 2: “God Made Adam, God Made Eve”
Sing to the tune of “London Bridge.”
Verse 1
God made Adam, God made Eve (Flip your hand over to the left, then the other hand to the right.)
God made you, God made me 
(Point to the kids, then to yourself.)
 He’s Creator, we can see (Swirl your arm up toward heaven.)
Let’s praise God! 
(Clap your hands three times to the beat.)
Verse 2
From the dust was Adam made (Hold your hands together and act like you are “sifting” dust.)
Adam made, Adam made 
(Continue that motion.)
From the dust was Adam made (Continue that motion.)
Let’s praise God! 
(Clap your hands three times to the beat.)
Verse 3
God made Adam, God made Eve (Flip your hand over to the left, then the other hand to the right.)
God made you, God made me 
(Point to the kids, then to yourself.)
 He’s Creator, we can see (Swirl your arm up toward heaven.)
Let’s praise God! 

Day 1 Student Guides, 1 per child
Adventure Journals, 1 per child
Stamp for Adventure Journals

(Clap your hands three times to the beat.)
 Memory Verse and Review Time
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. You won’t have time to do them all, but these ideas are also on the back of the Student Guides. Send the Student Guides home each day as a fun review, and also encourage the mates to do the practical ideas (the Go and Do sections) that 
Theme Verse Poster and Day 1 Memory Verse Poster
Memory Verse Music and player

apply today’s lesson to real life. They’re important!
Put a stamp in the Adventure Journals or have group guides do so as the kids first arrive at VBS each day.
Part 1: Fair Dinkum Verses
Pre-prep: Cue the memory verse song. Hang up the day 1 memory verse poster and the theme verse poster.    
Today’s Verse: So God created man in his own image. Genesis 1:27 
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the day 1 memory verse poster as a reference. Then try the following Challenge.
Challenge: Check Your Hearing—Say the verse first in a loud voice. Then, say it a little softer. Continue to say it softer and softer until you are just whispering it. 
Tomorrow’s Verse: I am . . . wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
 Try the Challenge again, this time with tomorrow’s verse. You may also want to practice the week’s theme verse, using the theme verse poster as a reference.

Another idea for learning memory verses is to make up motions to the key words of the verse. This can be done with any verse, any day.

Part 2: Go and Do
Look up Isaiah 64:8 and Psalm 100:3 with an adult. Who made you? Get some play dough and form it into something. You are the maker of that item (which isn’t alive). How is God’s making of you so much greater than what you made out of play dough?
Talk to God (that’s prayer!) and tell him what an amazing Creator (Maker) he is!
With an adult, think of some things people can do that animals can’t. Here’s one to get you started: animals don’t enjoy a sunset and other beautiful things, but people do. God made people special, in his image!
With an adult, check 
Construction paper happy face and sad face
Tape

AnswersVBS.com/zrkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Have I thanked God for making me just the way I am?
Part 3: Wrap-Up Review—Happy Face, Sad Face

End each day’s Land Down Under Lesson with prayer!

Pre-prep: Make the happy and sad faces and tape them on opposite walls before the class begins.
 As the mates prepare to leave, do this quick and fun review. Have the kids stand in the middle of the room. Ask yes or no review questions from today’s lesson and have the kids hop like a kangaroo to the happy face on the one wall (yes) or the sad face on the other (no).
The name of the first man was Adam. Yes—happy face. 
We came from monkeys. No—sad face.
God made you. Yes—happy face.
God made all the world. Yes—happy face.
People are just another animal. No—sad face.
Our Bible verse tells us we are made in God’s image. Yes—happy face.
Day 2
The Wonder of Life 
Made with Amazing Design
Bible PASSAGE
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Psalm 139
Apologetics Content
God thought of everything!
(Design Features of Our Bodies)
Fair Dinkum Verses
I am . . . wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
AREA OF AUSTRALIA
Great Barrier Reef Life
ANIMAL PAL
Shimmer the Coral
lesson aim
You are fearfully and wonderfully made, with a body full of awe-inspiring design features.
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Touch Time
Touch Table Water: Baby Care
Touch Table Sand: Bare Bones
Dramatic Play: Doctor’s Dress-Up
Coloring Corner: Psalm 139:14

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time
Part 1: Destination—Great Barrier Reef
Part 2: Parts of the Body
Option 1: Bones
Option 2: Nose
Option 3: Hands
Option 4: Eyes
Part 3: Puppet Pal
Song Time
Song 1: “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”
Song 2: “My God Is So Great”
Memory Verse and Review Time 
Part 1: Fair Dinkum Verses
Part 2: Go and Do
Part 3: Wrap-Up Review—All Thumbs
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Psalm 139 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
For more information on the amazing design of the human body, visit 
AnswersVBS.com/zrfaq.
Pray.
Exploration Stations.
Discovery Center: Touch Time
Materials
Pillowcase or sack (not see-through)
Various small, safe items (e.g., children’s toys, a toothbrush, a small stuffed animal, a plastic cup, a washcloth, a ball)
Pre-prep
Put the items in the pillowcase or sack.
Directions
Children have fun feeling each object and trying to guess what it is just by touching it.
Teaching Tie-In
God made our hands and our fingers so they can feel really well. He gave us nerves that send messages to our brains to let us know what we’re touching. The brain gets the message and says, “Oh, that’s a hot stove!” or “Ouch, that was a prickly thornbush.” God thought of everything when he gave us the sense of touch.
Alternative Discovery Center Idea
Use children’s books with different textures to feel.
Touch Table Water: Baby Care
Materials
Day 1 touch table materials
Small cups or jugs for scooping water and rinsing the babies
Bath toys, stacking cups, and waterproof baby books
Rubber duckies
Pre-prep
Add in the small cups or jugs, bath toys, stacking cups, waterproof baby books, and rubber duckies.
Directions
Wash the baby dolls and take care of them.
Teaching Tie-In
God made you as a precious baby. He made your eyes, your ears, your hair, your body, and every part of you while you were in your mommy’s tummy. You’re very special to God and to us. In fact, every person is precious to God, whether they haven’t been born yet or they have lived a long life and are now old. God loves every person no matter what age they are, what they look like, or what they can or can’t do, and so should we! Life is precious. We should handle every person with care!
Touch Table Sand: Bare Bones
Materials
Day 1 touch table set-up materials
Skeleton Station Pattern, laminated 
Cotton swabs 
Fun foam small circles
Pre-prep
Hide the swabs and fun foam circles in the sand. 
Directions
The mates find the “bones” (cotton swabs) and “heads” (fun foam circles) in the sand and work together to make a skeleton, according to the pattern.
Teaching Tie-In
God thought of everything when he made our bones. They are super strong, but they aren’t heavy. It would be hard for us to walk or run if we had heavy bones! God made them so they heal themselves if they break. Our bones make up our skeleton. Here’s a picture of a skeleton. We’re going to try to cover the skeleton picture with play bones and a head.
Dramatic Play: Doctor’s Dress-Up
Materials
Day 1 dramatic play materials
Any items you want to add in
Pre-prep
Add in any supplies today you may have held back.
Directions
Dress up and play doctor’s office with the baby doll patients. Particularly pretend to check patients for tummy aches today.
Teaching Tie-In
Have you ever had a tummy ache? Sometimes you might get sick or eat something that makes your stomach hurt. But usually, people’s tummies feel just fine. That’s because God designed each part of your body to work in a special way, including your tummy. God put a kind of juice in your tummy that breaks up your food. This juice is so strong it could even break up metal! Your stomach would break up, too, with this strong juice. But God thought of everything, and he made your tummy with a special lining that becomes a new lining every few days. That keeps your tummy healthy and well. Isn’t God amazing?
Coloring Corner: Psalm 139:14
See Day 1 directions, but use the Day 2 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.

Day 2 Destination Poster with arrow, preferably laminated
Bible or children's Bible
Costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape
Piece of dark paper at least 17x22 inches
Spray bottle with water

Lesson Time
 Part 1: Destination—Great Barrier Reef (5 minutes)
Pre-prep: Put water in the spray bottle and set to “mist.” Move the Day 1 posters to a side panel or wall. Hang the Day 2 Destination Poster next to or on the big map at the Great Barrier Reef and cover it with a dark piece of paper. Have the “You are Here!” arrow handy. 
Welcome the mates as they enter and get settled.
TG1: Yesterday, we flew to the outback where many kangaroos live. Let’s hop like kangaroos. Do so. Now, are you ready to go to our next Australian destination? It’s really wet where we’re going, so I’m going to squirt a little water! Do so, giving a couple sprays above the children but not directly on them.
TG2: Okay, time to fly to the wet and wild ocean where the Great Barrier Reef is. Have everyone pretend to fly around a little. Next, instruct them to pretend to swim around like a fish, because there are lots of fish in the Great Barrier Reef. Have them sit down. Uncover the day 2 destination poster and place the “You are here!” Arrow by it.

God has wonderfully created us. Yet, in this sin-cursed world, we experience much sickness and suffering. As you point out the incredibly designed features we have, be mindful of those who may not have a particular feature; for example, some are unable to feel pain, some may not be able to smell, some may have trouble hearing. As questions arise, gently teach the truth about why such things exist in God’s creation. For more information, see answersingenesis.org/articles/hcalg/.

TG1: There are many incredible ocean animals that live in the Great Barrier Reef, but one that’s super cool is coral. It can grow into all kinds of crazy shapes. Twist yourself around into a funny shape as a reminder of coral! Do so.
TG2: Who do you think made coral? Pause for responses. Yes, God! God made each plant and animal. But I’ve got another question for you. Who made all the people? Pause for responses. Yes, God!
 TG1: Yesterday, we talked about how God made the very first people. Shout out their names if you remember them. Adam and Eve. 
What did God make Adam out of? The dust of the ground. He breathed into him the breath of life. 
Did Adam and Eve start out as apes and over time, turn into people? No!
They can’t make a monkey out of me! God made us people from the very beginning.
TG2: Open your Bible to Psalm 139:14. The Bible tells us we’re wonderfully made. Read the verse. Today, we’re going to talk about some parts of our bodies and see how that’s true.
Part 2: Parts of the Body (10 minutes)
 NOTE: There are four options listed below. Choose as many as time allows. The materials and preparation directions are listed with each option. Decide which parts each tour guide will do. Allow time for Tour Guide 2 to get behind the puppet stage at the end of this section.

Parts of the Body Poster—Bones
Rag doll
Grain of rice

Option 1: Bones
Show a rag doll and emphasize how floppy it is. Have the kids pretend to be a rag doll, then have them stand up straight and tall.
Rag dolls can’t stand up straight and tall like we can, can they?
Have kids hold their arms out to their sides for a few seconds.
Rag dolls can’t hold their hands out to their sides, can they?
Have kids hold their arms straight up in the air over their heads.
Rag dolls can’t hold their hands over their heads, can they?
We can stand straight and tall and hold our arms out to our sides and over our heads because God made bones inside us.
Our bones are like a frame that holds us up. We’d be like a floppy doll without them.
All our bones together make our frame, which is called a skeleton.
Have students feel their knees, elbows, and hips. Explain that those hard places are their bones. Have them stoop over and feel their spine.
Hold up the Parts of the Body Poster—Bones.

Fun optional ideas include bringing in clean chicken bones, picture books, a play model skeleton, or an X-ray to look at.

God thought of everything when he made our bones. They are super strong, but they’re not heavy. Bones come in many different shapes and sizes and do different jobs. 
We have teeny tiny bones as small as this grain of rice (show), and we have large bones, like our leg bones. Have them feel their leg bone.
There’s no way your bones just happened. God made your bones, and God thought of everything! Let’s say that together, “God thought of everything!” Do so.

Parts of the Body Poster—Nose
4–6 zippered baggies or condiment cups with lids
4–6 cotton balls
4–6 of the following scents: pickle juice, lemon extract, coffee, peppermint extract, pineapple juice, vanilla extract, or essential oils

 Option 2: Nose
Pre-prep: Dip each cotton ball in one of the suggested scents or use various essential oils on each cotton ball and put into a snack-sized zippered baggie or condiment cup with lid. Double check that the smell is strong enough in each cup. If not, put more in. Don’t prep too early in advance or the smell may dissipate.
Pass one baggie or cup around at a time and have kids try to guess the mystery smell. Then say:
Our bodies have a part that allows us to smell. What part of the body is it? Have them touch their nose. 
Hold up the Parts of the Body Poster—nose. God thought of everything. God gave us a nose, and it does a great job of smelling. In fact, did you know . . . 
Your nose can tell as many as a trillion different smells. 
Being able to smell protects you from danger—just think if you couldn’t smell smoke. 
There are tiny hairs inside your nose that keep out dirt and germs so they don’t pass down into your body.
If you didn’t have a nose, your lungs would be breathing in cold air. Brrr! Your nose warms the air you breathe so your lungs don’t freeze.
There’s no way your nose just happened. God made your nose, and God thought of everything. Let’s say that together, “God thought of everything!” Do so.

Parts of the Body Poster—Hands
Ball(s)

Option 3: Hands
Have two teens or adults come up, put their hands behind their backs, and try to pass a ball using any part of their bodies but their hands. 
Hold up the Parts of the Body Poster—hands.
Your hands are a wonderful invention of God. Did you know . . . 
God designed your hands with many special features. They can bend easily. Have everyone flex their hands. They can feel hot, cold, and pain. Just think if they couldn’t feel a hot pan. What might happen? Take responses.
Your fingers have special skin on them called friction skin that helps them grip and hold on. Have the kids feel the tips of their fingers. And they have fingernails at the tips, which protect the fingers from getting injured. Have kids feel their fingernails. 

Parts of the Body Poster—Eyes
1 small, nonbreakable mirror for every 1–2 children (or a big mirror they can all look in)
Onion, knife (adult use only), and cutting board

Next, have students bend their thumbs inward so they are touching their palms. Try to do something without using thumbs, such as drawing or tying a shoe. Your thumbs are quite unique. They help you build and move things around. They allow you to do tiny jobs, like threading a needle, or big, tough jobs, like picking up heavy bricks.
There’s no way your hands just happened. God made them, and God thought of everything! Let’s say that together, “God thought of everything!” Do so. 
Option 4: Eyes
Read Proverbs 20:12. Have everyone blink their eyes. Your eyes are incredible.  
Pass out the small, nonbreakable mirrors. Look at your eyes in the mirror. Did you know . . .
Your eye is like a camera, but it can do much more and perform much better than any camera. Your eye takes pictures way faster than a camera ever could.
The clear part of your eye is called the cornea. It’s like a window to look through. Did you know it’s really part of your skin? God made this little patch of skin to be clear so you can see through it.
Do you see the little dark circle in the center of your eye? That’s called the pupil. This is the part of your eye that lets light in. If it’s really bright, the pupil gets smaller, because it doesn’t want all that bright light in. If it gets really dark, the pupil gets bigger so as much light as possible can shine through. 
Now flex one of your muscles. Do so. Did you know your eyes have muscles? God designed the eye muscles to move together so you can see what you’re looking at. Move your eyes from side to side. Do so. You have eye muscles that are like the reins of a horse, perfectly directing your eyes to move from side to side. Now move them up and down. Do so. You have other muscles that move the eyes up and down. Now move them around. Do so. You have muscles that rotate the eyes, sort of like how a doorknob turns.
If time, cut up the onion and have any who wants to smell it. Try to get the tears flowing! Then tell them the following information about tears:

Gospel opportunity: As you have time, talk to the kids about the time in the future when God will wipe away all our tears and there will be no more sorrow, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4). That time is for those who have received the gift of eternal life.

Tears are an amazing invention, just like all the other parts of your body. God put liquid in your eyes to keep them clean and to protect them from getting sick. This liquid also keeps your eyes smooth so you can see well. Without it, you would go blind. 
Hold up the Parts of the Body Poster—eyes.
There’s no way your eyes just happened. God made them, and God thought of everything! Let’s say that together, “God 
Day 2 Puppet Script (2 copies)
Puppet and clipboard

thought of everything!” Do so.
Part 3: Puppet Pal (3 minutes)
 Pre-prep: Tape the script in place.
Start with the puppet loudly singing “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” before he/she can be seen. Don’t worry if you can’t sing; the kids won’t care. Have the puppet slowly rise and continue singing. The words are at the end of this lesson.
Teacher: Oh, that’s a fun song. Let’s have the boys and girls sing along, too, Sydney. Do so. After everyone is settled again, continue.
Puppet: God made her head. Point to a girl.
Teacher: Yes, he did, and it’s a great head.
Puppet: God made his shoulders. Point to a boy.
Teacher: That’s right, and they’re awesome shoulders.
Puppet: God made knees and toes.
Teacher: And they’re beautiful (smell your toes), but pee-u! Stinky!
Puppet: Point to various kids in the class as you say this list. And God made her brain and his heart and her lungs and his fingers and her nose and his eyes and her ears and his tongue and her arms and your neck and . . . 
Teacher: Interrupt during this long list. Sydney. Sydney! SYDNEY!
Puppet: Calmly. Yes?
Teacher: God made every part of us, and the Bible tells us we’re fearfully and wonderfully made.
Puppet: Say with a shaking voice. You’re fearfully made? That sounds scary. 
Teacher: It’s not. It just means we can praise God for making us.
Puppet: Wilt with relief. Oooohhh, that’s nice.
Teacher: And the Bible also says we’re a marvelous work.
Puppet: Fling yourself around like a movie star. Marvelous? Everyone’s marvelous? Pause. What’s marvelous?
Teacher: It means absolutely terrific! And yes, all the kids in this classroom are marvelous. Name the kids in the class, such as “Abby’s marvelous, and Lucas is marvelous.”
Puppet: All of God’s works are marvelous.
Teacher: That’s right. Being a marvelous work isn’t something for us to be proud of as if we’re big shots. After all, we didn’t make ourselves—God did! But we can be thankful that God made us special. And he wants us to use that special body to please him.
Puppet: We are thankful, right, mates? And we do want to please God.
Teacher: I’m glad to hear it, Sydney. Boys and girls, before Sydney goes, let’s practice today’s verse because it talks about being wonderfully made. Let’s try it now. Do so, then say good-bye to Sydney.
Song Time

“Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” song  
“My God Is So Great” song
MP3 or CD player
Songs are also available on Simple Songs CD (11-9-141)

 Song 1: “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”
Touch each part as it is named. Go faster each time you repeat the song. Remind kids that God made their head, shoulders, knees, and toes.
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees and toes
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees and toes
Eyes and ears and mouth and nose
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees and toes
NOTE: Another fun song for this theme is “Dry Bones” with the lyrics, “The foot bone’s connected to the leg bone, the leg bone’s connected to the knee bone . . . .” (Search for “Children’s Song Dry Bones” online for full lyrics.)
Song 2: “My God Is So Great”
Remind the kids that God is so great and is the one who made the whole world, every person, and every person’s amazing body.
My God is so great 
(Stretch arms wide open.)
So strong and so mighty 
(Make strong man muscles.)
There’s nothing my God cannot do 
(Shake your head and pointer finger “no.”)
Repeat.

The oceans are his 
(Make a rippling wave motion with your hand.)
The mountains are his 
(Bring your hands together to form a mountain peak.)
The stars are his handiwork, too 
(Point up to the stars.)
My God is so great 

Day 2 Student Guides, 1 per child
Adventure Journals, 1 per child
Stamp for Adventure Journals

(Stretch arms wide open.)
So strong and so mighty 
(Make strong man muscles.)
There’s nothing my God cannot do for you 
(Shake your head and pointer finger “no,” then point to the kids on “you.”)
 Memory Verse and Review Time
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. Remember to send home the Student Guides and encourage the mates to complete them!
Put a stamp in the Adventure Journals or have group guides do so as kids first arrive at VBS.
Part 1: Fair Dinkum Verses
Pre-prep: For Check Your Sight, gather the materials as described below in the Challenge section. Cue the memory verse song. Hang up the Day 2 memory verse poster.

Day 2 Memory Verse Poster 
Mirror or cell phone camera
Memory Verse Music and player

 Today’s Verse: I am . . . wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the day 2 memory verse poster as a reference. Then try the Challenge.
Challenge: Check Your Sight—Look at yourself in a mirror or a cell phone camera and say the verse. 
Tomorrow’s Verse: And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Luke 6:31
Try the Challenge again, this time with tomorrow’s verse. 
Part 2: Go and Do
Get up and do a happy dance. How many parts of your body can you move or use? God made them all!
Pick one or more parts of your body and thank God in prayer for something each part can do. Here’s an example: “Thank you, God, for my nose so I can smell pizza and flowers.”
Do you know someone who is sick or has a special need? Use your amazing hands to draw them a picture. Write “God loves you!” on it and give it to them.
With an adult, check AnswersVBS.com/zrkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: How can I use my mouth (my words) to share kind words with someone today?

Day 2 Animal Pal Poster 
Day 2 Memory Verse Poster

Part 3: Wrap-Up Review—All Thumbs
 Ask yes or no review questions from today’s and yesterday’s lessons. The kids can make a thumbs up sign if it is yes (true) or a thumbs down sign if it is no (false). Remind them about their amazing thumbs, hands, and bodies.
I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Show the Day 2 memory verse poster. Yes—thumbs up.
God forgot something when he made our noses. No—thumbs down.
Our animal pal today is Shimmer the coral. Show the Day 2 animal pal poster. Yes—thumbs up. Shimmer reminds us that God designed each animal with special features, but then he made his most amazing creation of all—people!
God thought of everything when he made our bodies. Yes—thumbs up.
Our eyes are like a camera, except even better. Yes—thumbs up.
Our hands aren’t special. No—thumbs down.
Day 3
The Value of Life 
Made with Worth
Bible PASSAGE	
Jesus’ Birth and Herod’s Reaction 
Matthew 1–2; Luke 2
Apologetics content
Be a defender of the defenseless!
(Protecting and Respecting Life)
Fair Dinkum Verse
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Luke 6:31
AREA OF AUSTRALIA
Coastal Life
ANIMAL PAL
Bill the Platypus
lesson aim
God values you greatly. In fact, each and every person—young, old, healthy, sick—is a priceless treasure.
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Do You See What I See?
Touch Table Water: Baby Care
Touch Table Sand: Fun Faces
Dramatic Play: Doctor’s Dress-Up
Coloring Corner: Luke 6:31

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time
Part 1: Destination—Coast
Part 2: Jesus’ Birth
Part 3: Puppet Pal
Song Time
Song 1: “I Am So Glad That Jesus Loves Me”
Song 2: “Jesus Loves the Little Children”
Memory Verse and Review Time
Part 1: Fair Dinkum Verses
Part 2: Go and Do
Part 3: Wrap-Up Review—Platypus Crossing
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 the preciousness of life and value of each person, visit AnswersVBS.com/zrfaq. 
Pray.
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Do You See What I See?
Materials
Seven baby items, such as a brush, rattle, spoon, bottle, sippy cup, baby book, and diaper
Tray
Baby blanket
Optional: additional baby items (e.g., baby food, barrette, baby picture, bib)
Pre-prep
Start with seven items and arrange them on a tray. 
Directions
Tell the kids to take a quick picture with their eyes of the items on the tray. (“Open your eyes wide and then click!”) Then tell them to keep their eyes closed while you remove one item. Have the kids look again and try to figure out which item is missing. Continue in this manner, eventually adding in new items if kids want to keep playing.
Teaching Tie-In
Aren’t you glad God made your eyes? It’s like he gave you the best camera ever right on your face to take instant pictures of everything. Thank him for all the wonderful things you see!
Alternative Discovery Center Idea 
Play “Eye-Spy.” Use your eyes to spy an object. Give a clue,  such as what letter it starts with or its color. Let the rest of the group guess what the object is.
Touch Table Water: Baby Care
Materials
Days 1–2 touch table materials
Baby clothes
Preemie diapers, wipes, and changing pad
Real or pretend baby lotion (messy, but a favorite)
Baby blankets
Pre-prep
Add in the baby clothes, diapers, wipes, changing pad, baby lotion, and baby blankets.
Directions
Wash the babies and take care of them.
Teaching Tie-In
We’ve been talking about babies this week, but did you know that God the Son became a baby? God the Father and his Son, Jesus, live in heaven, but at just the right time, God sent his Son, Jesus, to earth. Every year at Christmas we take time to remember when Jesus came to earth. Jesus was the most important and special baby ever born!
Touch Table Sand: Fun Faces
Materials
Day 1 touch table set-up materials
Cartoon Faces Pattern 
Craft sticks
Pre-prep
Put the craft sticks near or sticking up in the sand table. You may want to laminate a few cartoon face patterns. 
Directions
Using the patterns as a guide, draw various faces in the sand with craft sticks to symbolize different people.  
Teaching Tie-In
Isn’t it fun to draw different faces? Every person on earth has his or her own special face. That’s because God made each person special, and he cares for each one. And because God loves each person, we should love and take care of each other, too—including people who may need help, like babies, sick people, older people who can’t take care of themselves, people who use wheelchairs, ladies whose husbands have died, and so on.  
Dramatic Play: Doctor’s Dress-Up
Materials
Days 1–2 dramatic play materials
Any items you want to add in
Pre-prep
Add in additional supplies today that you may have held back.
Directions
Dress up and play doctor’s office with the baby doll patients.
Teaching Tie-In
Doctors make a very serious promise that they will always do their best to care for and protect each person they treat. Even if we’re not a doctor, God wants us to be loving and caring to all people, too.
Coloring Corner: Luke 6:31
See directions from Day 1, but use the Day 3 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.
Lesson Time
Part 1: Destination—Coast (5–10 minutes)
Day 3 Destination Poster with arrow
Day 3 Animal Pal Poster
Bible or children's Bible
Costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape
Piece of dark paper at least 17x22 inches
Baby doll with play items such as baby bottle, pacifier, and blanket

Pre-prep: Move the Day 2 posters to a side panel or wall. Hang the Day 3 Destination Poster next to or on the big map at Sydney Harbour, and cover it with a dark piece of paper. Have the “You are Here!” arrow handy.
Welcome the mates back.
TG1: Our first day at VBS, we went to the outback, where the kangaroos live. Let’s hop like a kangaroo. Do so. Then we went to the Great Barrier Reef, where fish and other ocean animals live. Let’s swim around like a fish. Do so. Now, are you ready to go to our next Australian destination? There are lots of people where we’re going, so look around and say, “G’day, mate!” (which means “hi!”) to the people sitting near you. Do so. 
TG2: Okay, let’s fly on over to the coast. Have everyone pretend to fly around and then sit down. Uncover the day 3 destination poster and place the “You are here!” Arrow by it.
TG1: Most of the people in Australia live along the coast, which means they live near the ocean. Would you like to live near the ocean? Take responses.
TG2: There are people in Australia who are young and old, healthy and sick, as well as people who come from many different countries. And guess what? God made them all, and God thinks every one is precious. Every person is unique, as our animal pal, Bill the platypus, reminds us. Show the day 3 animal pal poster.  
TG1: Did you know God wants us to take good care of each unique person? Let’s take babies, for instance. Do any of you have baby brothers or sisters? Pause for responses. Babies need special care. I brought a baby doll today, along with some baby items. Can anyone think of something we use to take good care of a baby? As they name things, pull the items out or just agree with them if it is an item you don’t have.
TG2: Does anyone know how to hold the baby? Let them take turns holding the baby. Emphasize how gently and carefully a baby must be held.
TG1: Babies are very precious, just as all people are. They should be treated with care. Life is precious—handle with care! Let’s say that together. Do so.
TG2: Today’s Bible lesson is about a time when God sent a precious little baby to earth—the most precious baby ever. Do you know who that little baby was? Let’s hear more about him.
Part 2: Jesus’ Birth (10 minutes)

Baby Jesus/Young Jesus Poster Set, preferably laminated

 Pre-prep: Cut apart the pieces from the Baby Jesus/Young Jesus Poster Set and laminate them. Decide which part each tour guide will do. Allow time for Tour Guide 2 to get behind the puppet stage at the end.
Open your Bible to the book of Luke.
Scene 1: Manger (Luke 2:1–7)
The Bible tells us in the book of Luke of a time about 2,000 years ago when everyone had to go to his hometown to be counted. A couple named Mary and Joseph went to their hometown of Bethlehem. Mary was going to have a precious baby (Luke 2:1–5). Every baby is precious, but this one was especially so—the most precious baby ever. 
Show Joseph and Pregnant Mary to everyone, then put them near the manger scene. 
And while they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have the baby. Let’s say, “Waahh! Waahh!” like a baby. Do so. And she gave birth to her son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, which was a feeding place for animals, like cows. Let’s pretend to wrap baby Jesus in cloths. Do so. Mary and Joseph were likely staying in the larger lower room of the house of a relative, the place where the animals typically stayed for the night. The family gave Mary and Joseph this larger area because the rest of the house was full of people who were there for the census (Luke 2:6–7).  
Put baby Jesus in the manger and place the donkey next to it. Take away Pregnant Mary and get out the other Mary. Move Mary and Joseph into the middle of the manger scene on either side of Jesus.
Scene 2: Field (Luke 2:8–12, 16)
There were shepherds in the field nearby watching over some sheep. 
Put the shepherds and sheep on the field scene. 
An angel of the Lord came and told them he was bringing great news—Jesus had been born! 
Put the angel on the field scene. 
The angel told the shepherds they would find Jesus wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger (Luke 2:8–12). The shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, just as the angel had said (Luke 2:16).
Move the shepherds and sheep to the manger scene.
Scene 3: House (Matthew 2:1–3, 8–16)
Now fast forward a year or two. Jesus and his parents were living in a house at this time. 

Bring in a nativity set with all the key people except King Herod to accentuate the point.

Put Mary, Joseph, and young Jesus on the house scene. 
Some wise men from the east came to town asking a mean king named Herod if he knew where Jesus was. Let’s make a mean face like King Herod. Do so. 
 The wise men had seen a special star and had followed it to see Jesus. King Herod told them they would find Jesus in Bethlehem and to come back after they had found him because Herod wanted to know where he was. You see, Herod wanted to kill Jesus! He realized Jesus was somebody special, and he only wanted one special person around—himself! Do you think God liked the idea of Herod wanting to hurt Jesus? Let’s shout, “No! No! No!” Do so. God always wants us to love and care for children, never to hurt them.
The wise men followed the special star. 
Put the star in the window of the house scene.
They found Jesus inside. They gave him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. 
Put the wise men with their gifts on the house scene.
God warned the wise men in a dream not to return to King Herod, so they went home another way. 
Take them back off the house scene.
God also warned Joseph and Mary to take Jesus somewhere else because King Herod decided to search for Jesus to hurt him. So they left for Egypt. 
Take Mary, Joseph, and Jesus off the house scene.   
After this, Jesus and his parents came back from Egypt, and Jesus grew up. We’ll hear more about him tomorrow after he was all grown, but right now, let me ask you a question.
Do you think God was glad Herod wanted to hurt Jesus? Take responses. This was a horrible thing Herod wanted to do! God is the giver of life, and no person should hurt another person. Each person is so special to God. Let’s go check on Sydney and talk a little more about this. 
Part 3: Puppet Pal (3 minutes)

Hope Hanger Craft
Day 3 Puppet Script (2 copies)
Puppet and clipboard
Prepared door hanger

 Pre-prep: Tape the script in place. Prepare the Hope Hanger (door hanger) from the Digital Resources. See the Toddler Craft section for instructions.
Teacher: On the count of three, let’s yell, “Sydney!” One, two, three—Sydney!
Puppet: Come up with a door hanger attached to your arm. Oh, g’day, mates!
Teacher: What’s that you have there, Sydney?
Puppet: It’s a door hanger to take to my grandpa. He’s in a nursing home, and I want to put it on his doorknob to brighten his day.
Teacher: That’s so nice of you! Do you visit your grandpa very often?
Puppet: Yes, I do.
Teacher: What’s he like?
Puppet: Well, he’s really old, and he can’t really talk anymore or feed himself. When we visit, we sing to him and help feed him his dinner and hold his hand.
Teacher: Do you like doing that?
Puppet: I sure do. Mommy says that even though Grandpa can’t talk to us anymore, he is loved by God and by us. God wants us to take good care of him, just like God takes good care of us.
Teacher: That sounds like an important job—to care for those who can’t care for themselves.

Gospel Opportunity

Puppet: It really is. The Bible tells us to love one another as God loved us.
Teacher: That’s a lot of love. God loved us so much he sent his Son, Jesus, to earth. He was just a little baby when he came—a baby who couldn’t even take care of himself.
Puppet: I know. We should also love Grandpa and others who can’t take care of themselves.
Teacher: I know a young boy who isn’t able to take care of himself. He’s in a wheelchair, and he can’t talk or feed himself.
Puppet: I sure hope he has some good people who are loving him and caring for him.
Teacher: He does. You know, people who are part of God’s family should always value and care for others.
Puppet: It shouldn’t matter if the person is rich or poor, healthy or sick, young or old.
Teacher: That’s right, Sydney. Every life is precious to God, and we should look after each other—especially those who can’t look after themselves. That’s what Jesus’ parents did. They protected him and cared for him. And that’s what we should do. 
Puppet: Isn’t God good to put us here to look out for each other?
Teacher: God is good. Let’s thank him right now for being the awesome Creator of life.
Dear God, thank you for all the different people you’ve made—from the tiny baby to those who are very old. Every person—whether sick or healthy—is precious to you and loved by you. Help us to care for others the rest of our lives. It’s what you want us to do. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Puppet: Well, I think I hear my mom calling. It’s time to go and visit Grandpa. Bye!
Teacher: Bye, Sydney! Tell your grandpa we said “hi,” and we’ll see you tomorrow!
Song Time
Song 1: “I Am So Glad That Jesus Loves Me”

“I Am So Glad That Jesus Loves Me” song
“Jesus Loves the Little Children” song
MP3 or CD player

 I am so glad that Jesus loves me
(Sway a little, then point up, then hug yourself.)
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me 
(Point up and hug yourself and repeat.)
I am so glad that Jesus loves me 
(Repeat motions.)
Jesus loves even me (Point to yourself.)
Song 2: “Jesus Loves the Little Children”
Sing this or any of the past songs from this week. Remind the children that Jesus loves all the children—and all the people—of the world. Each one is valuable and precious to God. Also, mention that people’s skin isn’t really red or yellow, black or white as this song says. People are really all brown—various shades of brown.  
Verse One (adapted)
Jesus loves the little children (Make the Jesus sign [middle right finger touches left palm, then vice versa], then cross arms over your heart, then rock a baby.) 
All the children of the world 
(Make a world.)
Shades of brown from dark to light (Point around.)
They are precious in his sight (Point to your eyes.) 
Jesus loves the little children of the world (Repeat first motions.)
Memory Verse and Review Time

Day 3 Student Guides, 1 per child
Adventure Journals, 1 per child
Stamp for Adventure Journals

 In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class.
Put a stamp in the Adventure Journals or have group guides do so as kids first arrive to VBS.
Part 1: Fair Dinkum Verses
 Pre-prep: Cue the memory verse song. Hang up the Day 3 Memory Verse Poster.

Day 3 Memory Verse Poster
Memory Verse Music and player

Today’s Verse: And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Luke 6:31 
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the Day 3 Memory Verse poster as a reference. Then try the Challenge.
Challenge: Check Your Touch—Say the verse while touching your elbow to your knee, your hand to your foot, your nose to your leg, and your thumb to your back.
Tomorrow’s Verse: Jesus said . . .”I am the resurrection and the life.” John 11:25
Try the Challenge again, this time with tomorrow’s verse. 
Part 2: Go and Do
Have an adult read the account of Jesus healing the paralyzed man in Mark 2:1–12. Do you think this man had good friends who cared for him?
Do you know anyone who is sick, who uses a wheelchair, who is lonely, or who lives in a nursing home? Talk to your parent or guardian about ways you can get to know them and help them.
Talk to God and ask him to help you be on the lookout to help others and show them Jesus’ love.
With an adult, check AnswersVBS.com/zrkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: How can I be a friend to someone who is lonely, sick, sad, or living with disabilities?

Day 3 Memory Verse Poster
Day 3 Animal Pal Poster
Blue plastic tablecloth

Part 3: Wrap-Up Review—Platypus Crossing
 Pre-prep: Put the tablecloth out, folded in half lengthwise. Fold it again and again so it’s long and very skinny. The kids should be able to step over it easily in one step.
Ask the kids review questions from today’s or past days’ lessons. If they get the answer correct, they can all try to cross the coastal river (step over the blue tablecloth), pretending to be a platypus swimming from one side to the other. Continue stepping back and forth with each correct answer.
Who is today’s animal pal? Bill the platypus. Show the Day 3 animal pal poster. Bill reminds us that we are each unique and greatly valued by God. 
Today’s verse says: As you wish that others would do to you, do so to ___. Them.  Show the Day 3 Memory Verse poster.
Who is the most special baby ever born? Jesus.
Who was the wicked king who wanted to kill Jesus? King Herod.
Would God ever want us to hurt a baby or a child? No. 
Does God want us to be kind to everybody? Yes. 
Day 4
Eternal Life 
Made for Relationship
Bible PASSAGEs
Gospel Presentation 
Select Scriptures
apologetics content
SMYLE! God loves you!
(Only One Way to Eternal Life)
Fair Dinkum Verse
Jesus said . . . “I am the resurrection and the life.” John 11:25
Area of australia
Forest Life
Animal Pal
Paula the Koala
lesson aim
God loves you! He loves you so much he sent his only Son to die for you. 
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Smell-a-Thon
Touch Table Water: Baby Care
Touch Table Sand: Craft Stick Cross
Dramatic Play: Doctor’s Dress-Up
Coloring Corner: John 11:25

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time
Part 1: Destination—Eucalypt Forest
Part 2: Gospel Presentation
Part 3: Puppet Pal
Song Time
Song 1: “Jesus Loves Me”
Song 2: “Oh, How I Love Jesus”
Memory Verse and Review Time
Part 1: Fair Dinkum Verses
Part 2: Go and Do
Part 3: Wrap-Up Review—Whisper Wonder
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Genesis 3; Romans 3:23, 6:23; and John 1:14 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
Read “Leading a Child to Christ,” found on the inside back cover of this guide.
For more information on Jesus being the way–the only way–to eternal life, visit AnswersVBS.com/zrfaq.
Pray.
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Smell-a-Thon
Materials
Mini cups covered with foil
Toothpick
Various baby foods 
Apple juice 
Baby shampoo
Baby powder
Sunscreen
Pickle slices
Onion
Pre-prep
Put 6–8 of the items listed above into separate mini cups and cover with foil (containers should not be transparent). Poke holes in the foil with a toothpick. 
Directions
Children take turns trying to guess the smells without being able to see the items. Give clues, such as “something green and sour that you might put on a hamburger.”
Teaching Tie-In
God gave you a nose to smell with. From the yummy smell of pizza to the beautiful smell of a rose, your nose can smell thousands of different smells. It helps you breathe and keeps bad germs from going into your body, too. It also warns you of dangers, like smoke. God thought of everything when he made your nose!
Alternative Discovery Center Idea
Have kids smell scratch-and-sniff stickers, smelly markers, or scented play dough.
Touch Table Water: Baby Care
Materials
Days 1–3 touch table materials
Baby toothbrushes (no toothpaste)
Baby bottles, bowls, spoons, cups, and play food
Pre-prep
Add in the baby toothbrushes, baby bottles, bowls, spoons, cups, and play food.
Directions
Wash the babies and take care of them.
Teaching Tie-In
Do you remember the name of the most special baby who was ever born? Yes, his name was Jesus. After baby Jesus was born, he grew up and lived a perfect life, then died on a cross to take the punishment for all the wrong things we do. He rose from the dead on the third day! He is and always will be the most important person ever. And he loves you and cares about you!  
Touch Table Sand: Craft Stick Cross
Materials
Day 1 touch table set-up materials
Craft sticks, small and large 
PRE-PREP
Put the craft sticks near or sticking out of the sand. 
Directions
Use the craft sticks to make the impression of a cross in the sand by first pressing the large stick into the sand vertically, then picking it up. Next, press the smaller stick in the sand horizontally to make the crossbar. Model this so the children know what to do.
Teaching Tie-In
We talked about Jesus growing up, living a perfect life, and dying on a cross, like the ones we’re going to make in the sand today. He did this because he loves you. Can you draw a heart in the sand using your craft stick to remind you of God’s love? Now let’s try to make a cross.
Dramatic Play: Doctor’s Dress-Up
Materials
Days 1–3 dramatic play materials
Any items you want to add in, including bandages, gauze, or other items used to cover cuts
Pre-prep
Add in additional supplies today, including bandages, gauze, or other items to cover cuts.
Directions
Dress up and play doctor’s office with the baby doll patients.
Teaching Tie-In
Have you ever had a cut? Do you still have it? God made our bodies so they can fix themselves. Isn’t it amazing how our cuts heal on their own and disappear after awhile? God thought of everything.
Coloring Corner: John 11:25
See the directions for Day 1, but use the Day 4 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.
Lesson Time

Day 4 Destination Poster with arrow
Day 4 Animal Pal Poster
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape
Piece of dark paper at least 17x22 inches
Eucalytpus leaves (teacher use only)

 Part 1: Destination—Eucalypt Forest (5 minutes)
Pre-prep: Move the Day 3 posters to a side panel or wall. Hang the Day 4 Destination Poster next to the big map or actually on it at the eucalypt forest under Sydney Harbour, and cover it with a dark piece of paper. Have the “You are Here!” arrow handy. 
Welcome the mates back.
TG1: On our first day of VBS, we went to the outback, where the kangaroos live. Let’s hop like a kangaroo. Do so and remind kids that God made them special. They are not animals. Then we went to the Great Barrier Reef, where fish and other ocean animals live. Let’s swim around like a fish. Do so. Remind them that they are God’s most wonderful creation. Then we traveled to the coast where most Australians live. Let’s say, “G’day, mate!” Do so and remind them that every person is of great value to God. Now, are you ready to go to our next Australian destination? Pause for responses.
TG2: Okay, let’s fly on over to the eucalypt forest. Have everyone pretend to fly around a little and then sit down. Uncover the day 4 destination poster and place the “You are here!” Arrow by it.
TG1: I brought a piece of eucalyptus so you can see it and smell it. Let me bring it around. Do so. Only the teacher should touch it. Just let the kids smell it without touching, as eucalyptus is poisonous to humans if ingested. In Australia, there are whole forests of eucalyptus trees. And guess what animal lives in them? Pause for responses. Yes, the koala! 
TG2: The mama koala, like Paula the koala (show the day 4 animal pal poster), is a great parent. But her creator is God the Father. And he’s the most loving and kind father ever. Let’s talk some more about that now.

Gospel Poster Set (pictures 1–7)
Small gift-wrapped box (lid separate) 
Red dry erase marker
Overhead transparency 
Tape

Part 2: Gospel Presentation (5 minutes)
Pre-prep: Cut apart the Gospel Poster Set (pictures 1–7). Gift wrap a small box, wrapping the lid separately. Tape the overhead transparency on top of Picture 6 (the face) and draw red spots on it to look like chicken pox. 
TG1: We’re going to use some pictures, and these pictures are going to turn into a special shape. See if you can figure out what it is.
NOTE: The seven pictures will make a cross.

Consider giving different kids the posters/pictures to bring up at the right time.

Picture 1: Adam and Eve 
Put Picture 1 at the top of the cross. 
TG1: When God made Adam and Eve, the first people, he said everything was very good.
God put Adam and his wife, Eve, in a beautiful garden and gave them rules to follow. Hold up a number one with your finger when you hear the word one. One rule was that they were not allowed to eat from one tree in the garden. There were many wonderful trees they could eat from, but they were not to eat from that one tree. God warned them that if they ate from that one tree, they would die.
Well, guess what happened? They ate from that one tree. Let’s pretend we’re eating a piece of fruit from a tree. Do so. After they did that, everything changed. They had sinned. Sin is when we don’t obey God’s commands. The Bible tells us we all sin (Romans 3:23). When you’ve been mean, you’ve hit someone, or you don’t obey your mommy, that’s sin. And the punishment for sin is death (Romans 6:23). That’s sad news. Let’s all make a sad face. Do so.
Picture 2: Jesus as a Baby
Put Picture 2 at the left side of the horizontal crossbar.
TG2: But we don’t have to stay sad because God sent his Son, Jesus, to earth. Jesus is the only one who never sinned. He came as a baby—the most special baby ever. Let’s pretend to rock a baby. Do so. It’s amazing to think that God put on a body and came to earth! He had fingers and toes and eyes and ears just like we do!
Picture 3: Jesus as a Man
Put Picture 3 in the middle of the horizontal crossbar (under Picture 1).
TG1: Jesus grew into a man—the only perfect man ever. He loved and cared for the people on earth. He healed many of them from sicknesses they had. He made blind people see and deaf people hear. 
Picture 4: Jesus Carrying the Cross
Put Picture 4 on the right side of the horizontal crossbar.
TG2: Then Jesus died on a cross. He did this to take the punishment for the wrong things we’ve done so we wouldn’t have to.
Picture 5: Jesus Rose from the Grave
Put Picture 5 under Picture 3.
TG1: Here’s the good news. Jesus didn’t stay dead! He came alive again. Let’s jump up and down and shout, “Hooray!” Do so.
Picture 6: Chicken Pox Face
Put Picture 6 under Picture 5. Picture 6 should have the transparency on it.
TG2: That’s the best news ever for us, and here’s why. Let’s imagine that this person has a disease called sin. Every one of those red spots stands for something you’ve done wrong or I’ve done wrong, like maybe whining, biting someone, or not obeying your mom or dad. Jesus came to take the punishment for sin and make us well. Lift the overhead transparency with the chicken pox to reveal the clean face. God forgives our sins when we say we’re sorry for them (repent) and believe that Jesus died in our place and rose again. That’s good news. Let’s all make a happy face. Do so.

If a child shows an interest in receiving the gift of eternal life and has a believing parent, talk to the parent about his interest. If he doesn’t have a believing parent, you or a trusted individual can talk with him.

Picture 7: Gift
Put Picture 7 under Picture 6. Tour Guide 2 can get behind the puppet stage during this time.
TG1: Jesus did all this for you. He gave you a family here on earth, but he also wants you to be part of his forever family. Hold up the gift, but don’t open it. You will do that during the puppet skit. That’s the best gift you can ever receive! You see, he came to earth and lived and died and came to life again because he loves you. He wants to forgive you of your sin and care for you forever. That’s why he’s offering you the gift of being in his family.
To receive the gift, you need to admit you’ve sinned (disobeyed God’s commands), tell God you’re sorry for your sins (repent), and believe that Jesus came to take the punishment for sin by dying and then coming back to life!
If you want to talk more about how to be part of God’s family and have eternal life, let us know!
 Now, mates, can you tell what shape the pictures have made? A cross. Whenever you see a cross, remember how much Jesus loves you and wants you to be in his forever family.

Day 4 Puppet Script (2 copies)
Puppet and clipboard
Gift-wrapped box used in the lesson
Gift to put in box

 Part 3: Puppet Pal (3 minutes)
Pre-prep: Tape the script in place. Put a small gift (anything is fine) inside the wrapped gift box that you used in the gospel presentation. 
Teacher: Let’s call Sydney and see what he’s up to. Sydney? Sydney! 
Puppet: Come up holding the gift-wrapped box. G’day, mates!
Teacher: Hey! What’s that you’ve got?
Puppet: My father just gave me this gift. I’m so excited!
Teacher: That’s good news. What is it?
Puppet: I haven’t opened it yet.
Teacher: Why not? What are you waiting for?
Puppet: I don’t know. It looks kind of pretty, so I’m thinking about just letting it sit on my desk instead of opening it.
Teacher: Why would you do that? Don’t you want to see what’s inside?
Puppet: Yes, but I’m really too busy to open it right now.
Teacher: Too busy to open a present? What if it’s the best gift in the whole world? What if it’s a triple-decker, double fudge ice cream sundae?
Puppet: That would be pretty messy to have in a box!
Teacher: Well, what if it’s a wriggly, giggly puppy?
Puppet: Puppies can’t giggle, and I’d be able to hear it in there, anyway.
Teacher: Oohhh! What if it’s gold or jewels?
Puppet: Finally act interested in opening it. I guess it won’t do me any good if it just sits in the box.
Teacher: Right. A gift isn’t any good unless you accept it. In fact, this reminds me about the gift I was just telling the boys and girls about.
Puppet: Did our mates get a gift, too?
Teacher: God offers every one of us a gift—the gift of being part of his family and living with him forever.
Puppet: That sounds like a super special gift.
Teacher: It is. It’s the best gift anyone will ever offer us—way, way better than gold or jewels! But just because someone knows about it doesn’t mean they’ve received it.
Puppet: Sort of like me needing to open the gift and receive it instead of just letting it sit there unopened?
Teacher: Right! I was just telling the kids a few minutes ago that if you want to receive the gift of being in God’s family, then you have to tell God that you know you’ve sinned by disobeying his commands and that you believe Jesus came and died on the cross to take the punishment for you.
Puppet: Jesus must love the boys and girls a lot to do that for them.
Teacher: He does! He gave his life for us. That is great love!
Puppet: Well, I just decided something.
Teacher: What’s that, Sydney?
Puppet: I want to open this gift from my father and receive it!
Teacher: Why don’t you do that right now?
Puppet: I think I will. Teacher helps to open it and take out the gift. Act excited. 
Teacher: You know what? I hope the boys and girls want to talk with me more about how to receive the gift of being in God’s family.
Puppet: I hope they do, too! Well, I’ve got to run, so see you later!

“Jesus Loves Me” song 
“Oh, How I Love Jesus” song 
MP3 or CD player

Teacher: Wow! God’s gift is wonderful, isn’t it, mates? He sure does love us! 
Song Time
Song 1: “Jesus Loves Me” 
 Sing this or any of the songs from previous days.
Jesus loves me, this I know (Hug yourself.)
For the Bible tells me so (Make a Bible with your hands.)
Little ones to him belong (Stoop down to become little.)
They are weak, but he is strong (Act weak, then make muscles.)
Yes, Jesus loves me (Shake your head yes, then hug yourself.)
Yes, Jesus loves me (Repeat prior motion.)
Yes, Jesus loves me (Repeat.)
The Bible tells me so (Make a Bible with your hands.)
Song 2: “Oh, How I Love Jesus”  
Oh, how I love Jesus 
(Make a big “O” with your arms, then make the Jesus sign—touch right middle finger to left palm, then vice versa.)
Oh, how I love Jesus (Repeat prior motion.)
Oh, how I love Jesus (Repeat.)
Because he first loved me (Point up, then hug yourself.)

Gospel bookmarks, 1 per child
Day 4 Student Guides, 1 per child
Adventure Journals, 1 per child
Stamp for Adventure Journals

Memory Verse and Review Time
 In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. 
Put a stamp in the Adventure Journals or have group guides do so as kids first arrive at VBS. Pass out the gospel bookmarks or have group guides do so at the end of the day.
Part 1: Fair Dinkum Verses

Day 4 Memory Verse Poster
Memory Verse Music and player

Pre-prep: Cue the memory verse song. Hang up the Day 4 Memory Verse Poster. 
 Today’s Verse: Jesus said . . .”I am the resurrection and the life.” John 11:25 
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the Day 4 Memory Verse poster as a reference. Then try the Challenge.
Challenge: Check Your Heart—Get your heart pumping while saying your verse. First, say it while jogging in place. Next, try jumping jacks. Finally, kneel down and jump up high as you say the verse. 
Tomorrow’s Verse: For we are his workmanship. Ephesians 2:10
Try the Challenge again, this time with tomorrow’s verse. 
Part 2: Go and Do
Ask an adult to read Luke 2:11. What do you think the word “Savior” means? 
Talk to God and thank him for sending his Son, Jesus. Use John 3:16 to guide your prayer.  
Can you think of someone you’d like to share the good news with about God loving them? 
With an adult, check AnswersVBS.com/zrkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Do I know that God loves me?
Part 3: Wrap-Up Review—Whisper Wonder

Day 4 Animal Pal Poster
Day 4 Memory Verse Poster

 Have the mates whisper each answer.
Our animal pal today is Paula the ___. Koala. Show the Day 4 animal pal poster. Paula is a good mama, but God, our Creator, is a perfect and loving Father! 
Our Bible verse says ___. Read the Day 4 Memory verse poster. 
Who is the most special baby ever born? Jesus.
Who died on the cross for you? Jesus.
Did Jesus stay dead? No. He came back to life! 
Who loves you? Jesus/God.
Who wants you to be in God’s family? Jesus/God.
Day 5
Using Your Life
Made for a REason
Bible passages
Jesus Ascended and Left Us Here for a Reason
Acts 1:6–11; 1 Corinthians 12:12–26
apologetics content
All I want to do is live each day for you!
(Life Has Meaning and Purpose)
Fair Dinkum Verse
For we are his workmanship. Ephesians 2:10
Area of australia
Outback Life—Coober Pedy
Animal pal
Ringo the Dingo
LESSON AIM
You are made on purpose for a purpose. 
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Edible DNA
Touch Table Water: Baby Care
Touch Table Sand: Sandy Work
Dramatic Play: Doctor’s Dress-Up
Coloring Corner: Ephesians 2:10

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time 
Part 1: Destination Outback—Coober Pedy
Part 2: Jesus Goes to Heaven and Gives Us a Job
Part 3: Puppet Pal
Song Time
Song 1: “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush”
Song 2: “Head, Heart, Hands, and Feet”
Memory Verse and Review time
Part 1: Fair Dinkum Verse
Part 2: Go and Do
Part 3: Wrap-Up Review—Hop and Howl
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Acts 1:6–11 and 1 Corinthians 12:12–26 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
For more information on life having meaning and purpose, visit AnswersVBS.com/zrfaq.
Pray.
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Edible DNA
Materials
Cereal that has numerous shapes (see Pre-prep), 1/8 c. per child in snack-sized zippered baggies
Paper towels, 1 per child
Hand sanitizer
Pre-prep
Decide on a cereal that has different shapes within the box such as Rice Krispies Multi-grain Shapes, Trix Fruity Shapes, or Lucky Charms. Or buy different cereals and mix them together to make a concoction with different shapes. Check for allergies.
Directions
Have children use the hand sanitizer, then put their cereal in a long line on their paper towel without looking at anyone else’s. When finished, compare each other’s lines to see if there are any two in the same order (highly improbable), then share the teaching tie-in. 
Teaching Tie-In
Just like you had your cereal (pretend DNA) in a certain order that wasn’t like anyone else’s, God made a special code inside you called DNA. Your hair color, eye color, shoe size, hand size, and many other details about you are all in your special DNA code. When God made you, he thought of everything!
Touch Table Water: Baby Care
Materials
Days 1–4 touch table materials
Play strollers and diaper bags
Pre-prep
Add in the play strollers and diaper bags.
Directions
Wash the babies and take care of them. Pack the diaper bags and take them on a stroll.
Teaching Tie-In
You started out as a little baby like these you’re washing in the water table, didn’t you? But now you’re growing up! And the Bible tells us God has special jobs for each one of us to do now and as we grow. God designed each of you with things you will grow to be good at that you can do for God! 
Touch Table Sand: Sandy Work
Materials
Day 1 touch table set-up materials
Variety of sand toys, molds, spray water bottles, and buckets
Pre-prep
Put the sand toys, molds, spray water bottles, and buckets in the sand table. 
Directions
Play in the sand with the assortment of items.
Teaching Tie-In
It’s fun to have lots of different toys to play with, isn’t it? They all serve a different purpose. What can we do with the sand bucket? Put sand in it. What can we do with the water bottles? Spray the sand. How about the rake? Rake the sand. Each item does its own job, doesn’t it? And you know what? God has special jobs for each of us to do, too. Whether we’re teaching someone, helping someone who’s sick, or visiting another country, whatever we do, we just want to do it for God and tell others about Jesus while we’re at it!
Dramatic Play: Doctor’s Dress-Up
Materials
Days 1–4 dramatic play materials
Any items you want to add in
Pre-prep
Add in additional supplies today that you may have held back.
Directions
Dress up and play doctor’s office with the baby doll patients.
Teaching Tie-In
God has special jobs planned for each of us to do for him. Some may grow up to be doctors or nurses to take care of sick people. Others may grow up to be teachers, missionaries, or cooks. We’re all different, and God has a special plan for each one of us. It’s exciting being a child of God and knowing God has a special job for us!
Coloring Corner: Ephesians 2:10
See directions for Day 1, but use the Day 5 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.
Lesson Time
Part 1: Destination Outback—Coober Pedy (5 minutes)
Day 5 Destination Poster with arrow
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape
Piece of dark paper at least 17x22 inches
Optional: Real opal or picture of an opal and pictures of underground Coober Pedy

Pre-prep: Move the Day 4 posters to a side panel or wall. Hang the Day 5 Destination Poster next to the big map or actually on it at Coober Pedy and cover it with a dark piece of paper. Have the “You are Here!” arrow handy.
Optional: Gather a real opal or opal picture and the pictures of underground Coober Pedy. 
TG1: On our first day of VBS, we went to the outback, where the kangaroos live. Let’s hop like a kangaroo. Do so. Then we went to the Great Barrier Reef, where fish and other ocean animals live. Let’s swim around like a fish. Do so. Then we traveled to the coast, where most Australians live. Let’s say, “G’day, mate!” Do so. Then we went to the eucalypt forest, where the koalas live. Let’s pretend to climb up a tree like a koala! Do so. Now, are you ready to go to our next Australian destination? Pause for responses.
TG2: Okay, let’s fly back over into the outback, but this time, we’ll stop at a place called Coober Pedy (Coo-ber Pete-y). Have everyone pretend to fly around and then sit down. Uncover the day 5 destination poster and place the “You are here!” Arrow by it.
TG1: Coober Pedy is a place where something beautiful called an opal is mined from down in the earth. Here’s what an opal looks like. Show either a real opal or a picture of an opal. Isn’t that pretty? But what’s even more interesting about Coober Pedy is people work underground, and they also live underground. It’s very hot above ground, so they built their town down there. Show pictures if you gathered them. There’s a hotel, a bank, a restaurant, a library, several churches, and many homes.
TG2: Would you like to live in an underground town? Briefly discuss. Down there, everybody has a job to do to make it work. There are people who run the hotel, people who work at the bank, people who make food, and so on.
TG1: And just like Coober Pedy, where everyone works together, God has given each of us a purpose and a job to do for him. Let’s talk about how Jesus went back to heaven and left us here to do God’s work.
Part 2: Jesus Goes to Heaven and Gives Us a Job (10 minutes)

Gospel Poster Set 
Body Poster
Balloons, one helium and 5–6 regular
Table or TV tray
Tape
Stepladder (adult use only)
Pillowcase

 Pre-prep: Get one helium balloon and blow up several regular balloons. (Check for latex allergies.) Tape the regular balloons on a table or TV tray and set up the stepladder beside it. Have the full Gospel Poster Set handy. Pictures 1–7 will be put back up today, but not in a cross shape. Cut out the body parts and put them on the Body Poster.
TG2: Let’s first see if we can remember what we learned about Jesus yesterday. 
Review using yesterday’s posters. Give different posters to different kids. Ask the rest of the class to help those with posters to stand in the right order. Put the posters up in a horizontal line (rather than in a cross shape). Next, show Picture 8 from the Gospel Poster Set. Explain that after Jesus rose from the dead, he showed himself to many people for 40 days. Then it was time for him to go back to heaven where he had been before coming to earth.
TG1: Let’s have this helium balloon stand for Jesus, and these other balloons will stand for Jesus’ friends. This pillowcase will be a cloud. Jesus gathered together his disciples (point to the other balloons) right before it was time for him to go, and he told them he had an important job for them to do after he left. They were supposed to tell others about Jesus. Then, as they watched, Jesus went up to heaven. Have TG1 get on the stepladder holding the pillowcase “cloud.”  TG2 lets go of the helium balloon and TG1 catches it in the “cloud.” (Show Picture 9.) Two angels then told his friends that Jesus would come back some day just like he left—in the clouds. But for now, while Jesus is in heaven (show Picture 10) and we’re here on earth, Jesus left us all with important jobs—work to do—so people can learn about him.
TG2: Let’s look at this picture. Show the body poster with the pieces attached. Now let’s take the heart away. Do so. Would our bodies still work right if we didn’t have our heart? Take responses. What would happen? Continue on, taking other parts away and asking what would happen without a brain, lungs, or a stomach.
TG1: Each part of the body has an important job to do. And every person in God’s family, all who are believers in Jesus, also has an important job to do to make sure others hear about Jesus. Maybe someone can sing really well, and they can sing songs about Jesus. Maybe someone likes to cook, and they can help make meals for others to show them the love of Jesus.
While TG2 gets behind the puppet stage, TG1 can take a minute to read or paraphrase some of 1 Corinthians 12:12–26. Then discuss with the kids what they like to do and how God has given each of them special and different abilities. Explain that when everyone works together, using whatever abilities they have, they can share Jesus and his love with the world.  
Part 3: Puppet Pal (3 minutes)

Day 5 Animal Pal Poster
Day 5 Puppet Script (2 copies)
Puppet and clipboard

 Pre-prep: Tape the script in place.
Puppet: Enter looking dejected.
Teacher: What’s wrong, Sydney?
Puppet: I heard you telling the kids about having special abilities, and now I feel sad.
Teacher: Perplexed. Why does that make you feel sad?
Puppet: Because I don’t have any special talents that God can use. I’m just ordinary, old me.
Teacher: Wait just a minute. Did you know the Bible tells us that if you’re part of God’s family, God does have special jobs planned for you to do?
Puppet: What do you mean by special jobs?
Teacher: Well, our Bible verse says we are his workmanship. That means God made each of us special. We’re a masterpiece! And God made us for good works that he prepared for us to do.
Puppet: Are you sure some of those works, or jobs, are for ordinary kids?
Teacher: Oh, yes! If you’re part of God’s family, he has special jobs for you!
Puppet: But a kid could never do some of the jobs people in the Bible did, like Moses leading people through the Red Sea or Solomon building a special temple for God.
Teacher: The nice thing is, you don’t have to. Those were God’s special plans for Moses and Solomon. He has a different plan for each of us.
Puppet: Like what?
Teacher: Time will tell, but I know that God specially created each boy and girl here to carry out his plan. Maybe someone here will be a great cook, and God will use them to help make food for people. Or maybe someone will be kind and caring and take care of sick people. Or maybe somebody will want to travel across the world and tell others about Jesus.
Puppet: You know what my favorite thing to do is?
Teacher: What?
Puppet: Act embarrassed. Oh, I probably shouldn’t tell you. You’ll tease me.
Teacher: I won’t tease you.
Puppet: Promise? 
Teacher: I promise.
Puppet: In a loud whisper. I like to clean.
Teacher: That’s fantastic! God has special plans for believers who like to clean.
Puppet: Ooohh! That would be exciting! They could help clean the church. Mmmm! I can just smell the dusting wax now.
Teacher: Or maybe they could help clean at an orphanage or a hospital. That would be a great way to care for people—and tell them about Jesus.
Puppet: Well, a while ago I felt sad, but now I feel glad. I understand that our mates don’t need to compare themselves to other people. They just need to do the special jobs God has for each one of them.
Teacher: That’s right, Sydney. Just like Ringo the dingo (show the Day 5 Animal Pal poster) has a special place in the animal world, those who trust in Jesus have a special job—to live for God and love others! 
Puppet: Live for God and love others. That’s a good thing to remember.
Teacher: I agree. Well, it’s time for Sydney to go now, so let’s say, “G’day, mate!” Do so.

“Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush” song
“Head, Heart, Hands and Feet” song
MP3 or CD player

 Song Time
Song 1: “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush”
Remind the mates that every job we do we can do for God, no matter what it is.
Verse 1
Here we go ’round the mulberry bush 
(Walk around in a little circle.) 
The mulberry bush, the mulberry bush (Continue walking.)
Here we go ’round the mulberry bush  
(Continue walking.)
On a cold and frosty morning 
(Hug yourself and shiver.)
Verse 2
This is the way we wash our clothes 
(Pretend to scrub clothes.)
Verse 3
This is the way we sweep the floor
(Pretend to sweep.) 
Verse 4
This is the way we bake our bread
(Pretend to knead bread.)
Verse 5
This is the way we go to church
(Walk in time to the music.)
Song 2: “Head, Heart, Hands and Feet”
This song is sung to the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.” 
Remind the kids that God made every part of the body, and we can use all of it to do special jobs for him. We can use our head, our hands, our feet, our mouths, etc.
Verse 1
Head, heart, hands, and feet 
(Touch each part as you name it.)
Use them for the Lord 
(Touch them in reverse order.)
Care for others, love them well 
(Hug yourself.)
And tell them of God’s Word 
(Make an open Bible with your hands.)
Memory Verse and Review Time

Day 5 Student Guides, 1 per child
Adventure Journals, 1 per child
Stamp for Adventure Journals
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made bookmarks, 1 per child

 In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. 
Put a stamp in the Adventure Journals or have group guides do so as they first arrive at VBS. If giving out the bookmarks, do so.
Part 1: Fair Dinkum Verse
Pre-prep: Cue the memory verse song. Hang up the Day 5 Memory Verse Poster.

Day 5 Memory Verse Poster 
Memory Verse Music and player

 Today’s Verse: For we are his workmanship. Ephesians 2:10
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the Day 5 Memory Verse poster as a reference. Then try the Challenge.
Challenge: Check Your Balance—Say your verse while standing with both feet on the ground. Now try to say it while balancing on one foot and then while balancing on the other. Can you make it the whole way through before losing your balance?
Part 2: Go and Do
Have an adult read Proverbs 17:17. How can you be a good and caring friend?
With an adult, who can you say hello to today that seems sad or lonely?
Ask an adult to share a time when someone helped them in a special way.
With an adult, check AnswersVBS.com/zrkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: What special jobs might God have for me to do?
Part 3: Wrap-Up Review—Hop and Howl
Have the mates hop like a kangaroo if they think the answer is “yes.” Have them howl like a dingo if they think it is “no.” All the answers are “yes.”
Am I a one-of-a-kind creation of God’s?
Does God love me?
Does God have special jobs planned for me?
Can I help others now while I’m still a child?
Can I trust God’s Word, the Bible?
Can I be a kind friend?