Catch that Word!

Picture Book Summary: Young Elbert overhears a terribly ugly word during a gathering of grown-ups. Just as children imitate what they see, Elbert just can't seem to help himself as, when he becomes frustrated, that ugly word bubbles up from him. A kind teacher helps him transform the bad into the good, and Elbert learns some self-control.

Preschool Themes: Bad thoughts, bad words, behavior, baking, parties, social learning, dealing with frustration.

Christian Themes: Dealing with bad words and bad thoughts, sin, God's grace and guidance, choosing good thoughts and good words, discipline, self-control.

Opener: Bring in some honeycomb. Show it to the children. Let them feel its texture and smell it. Discuss their findings. Ask the children whether they've ever tasted honey before, or honeycomb. Explain that, since ancient times, people have loved honey and honeycomb for its sweetness. In Luke 24:42, the Bible even tells about Jesus eating honeycomb!

Story: Read Elbert's Bad Word by Audrey Wood. Take some time after the story to discuss the children's responses. Explain that, like Elbert sought help from the gardener, we are to seek help with our sin from Jesus. And He is kind and loving enough to give us what we need to overcome our bad words and bad thoughts.

Song: "Take Every Thought and Catch It," by Colin Buchanan, from his "Super Saviour" CD

Bible Verse Bracelets:(Print out, on a brightly-colored sheet of paper, today's verse repeated down the page. Cut between each verse so that you have 10-15 strips, (make as many as you anticipate needing,) each with the verse printed on it. Ask the children to form a line, and using tape to stick the ends together, wrap a "Bible Verse Bracelet" round each little wrist. Some children do not want to wear it; in that case, hand it to them and tell them to use the verse as a bookmark. The children love these, and come to expect them at each session! The verses also find their way home to parents and siblings, and help to spread the news about the storytime topic.)

Psalm 119: 102-104 (NIV) "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
Explain to the children that reading the Bible and thinking about what it says helps us replace the ugly words and thoughts we have with the good words from God's Word. Help the children pray for help in catching their bad words and thoughts and replacing them with good.

Art: honeycomb prints. Let the children dip any hexagon-shaped mold or texture pattern into paint and make "honeycomb" prints. Discuss the hexagonal shape with the children as they make their art. How many sides are there? Explain that shapes have names, and a six-sided shape is called a "hexagon." Use this opportunity to talk about the wonders of bees making such intricate patterns for theirs homes. Isn't God amazing?!