Planning tools

Every character trait lesson provides two blank planning cards. As you review the idea options for each lesson, use a planning card to note the ones you would like to try. This will be your framework for your lesson and serves as a reminder during the week. Use either the point form or calendar form of the planning card – whichever suits your needs best.

Parents' prayer

The parents’ prayer section will help you make personal prayer your priority. At the start, and throughout each lesson, pray that God will work in your children through your lesson activities. Aim to regularly pray through the parents’ prayer of your choice, or use these ideas as a guideline for your personal prayer.

Kids talk with God

The kids talk with God section will help kids learn to pray and to invite the Holy Spirit to help them change their attitudes and actions. As problems come up during the day, suggest talking to God about them.

Speak a blessing

Changing old habits is hard work, and your child will need encouragement. This section will remind you to affirm your child when you see him or her choosing God-honouring actions.

Memory verses

We suggest that you choose at least one verse of Scripture to memorize early in your lesson. Aim to review it at least once every day.

Kick-off craft

Once you have selected your memory verse, try to complete the kick-off craft early in the course of your lesson, since the activity is a good way to introduce your chosen character attribute. The resulting artwork will provide a focal point and a reminder of your theme for the remainder of your lesson.

Bible stories

As you read your preferred Bible story, try to bring the story to life for your children. Here are some ideas you can try:

• Use toys to act out the story. Then, have your kids act out the story themselves as you read it once more.
• Select one or two props for an object lesson. For example, have each child hold a rock as you read about hard-heartedness.
• Read with exaggerated expression, projecting intense excitement or quiet tenderness, as appropriate.
• Try different times of the day for your Bible story. Kids who are tired at bedtime may quickly forget the details.

Creative discipline

Even young children need to be taught the truth about sin and its consequences, and the rewards God promises for those who repent and make better decisions in the future. The Scripturally-based ideas in this section will help you convey the message, "I love you and God loves you, but we cannot put up with your sin." They'll also help you to ensure your child understands what they did wrong, and to stress forgiveness and affirmation.

Hands-on options

The activities listed in the hands-on options section help you turn everyday situations and tasks into fun, creative lessons for your children. Every lesson presents at least eight hands-on options for you to choose from; some lessons have many more. If you are viewing lesson content on the website, you can filter the hands-on activities if you wish. For example, you can filter the hands-on options to view only “physical activities.” (Filtering capability is not available within the PDF provided for each lesson.)

Recommended resources

Each character trait lesson includes a list of books, DVDs and CDs you may wish to use to reinforce the trait you are studying. Of course, there are many such resources available, but you can be confident that the titles in this short list convey messages that are consistent with Biblical truth. If you are viewing the lesson content online, you'll find the list of recommended resources on the lesson contents page.