names that go with sibling names

7 CREATIVE AND FUN WAYS TO MEMORIZE THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE: FREE PRINTABLE INCLUDED!

Remember back in the day when Sunday school and vacation Bible school teachers taught kids songs and rhymes to help them memorize the order of the books of the Bible? Knowing that order came in handy during “sword drills” when we raced to find passages quickly.

Recently, while working with a 6th grader at our church to find a specific verse for a lesson, I began singing the books of the Bible as she flipped through the pages. She giggled and looked at me like I was a little strange.

You might be wondering the same thing she was at that moment: Why memorize the order of the books of the Bible when there’s a list right at the beginning of every Bible?

You might be surprised to learn that memorizing the books of the Bible is about more than just winning a sword drill trophy during VBS.

While it’s true that we can always flip back to the table of contents, nothing helps us understand how the Bible fits together quite like memorizing the books. Knowing their order provides a general understanding of how the Bible connects with history and showcases God’s work throughout time. This foundational knowledge offers your kids a starting point as they grow spiritually.

But can memorizing be fun? Absolutely! Let me show you how! We’ve created a free Books of the Bible printable to help your kids enjoy memorizing the books and make meaningful connections within God’s Word.

Find Your Way: Old Testament Maze

As your kids navigate through the Books of the Bible maze, they’ll visually connect the order of the Old Testament books with symbols and stories from each book! This visual association will help them understand how the many Bible stories they’ve heard fit into the larger narrative of the Bible they hold in their hands.

Put Them in Order: Books of the Bible Stack-Up Game

If you have kids who are motivated by competition, we’ve got just the activity for them! Use the provided list of books to label Styrofoam cups with the names of the books of the Bible for a timed challenge. Then, encourage your kids to race against the clock to stack the books in order. They can compete with siblings, friends, or even try to beat their own time!

If your family enjoys games, take your family game nights to the next level with our Books of the Bible Game! This card game allows kids to play 13 different games, ranging from familiar favorites like “War” to exciting new challenges like “Bible Place Race.”

Use the Clues: Books of the Bible Crossword Puzzle

While I may not always enjoy memorizing, I find that learning new information makes it easier to recall simpler details, like a list of names, especially when I have interesting connections to associate with them. As your kids engage with this crossword puzzle, they’ll not only expand their knowledge but also strengthen their understanding of the books of the Bible by linking new details to what they already know.

Search It Out: New Testament Word Search

Many of the New Testament books are named after their authors or the individuals to whom they were written. However, with so many names, it can be challenging to distinguish between people in the Bible and the actual books themselves. The New Testament word search included in the Books of the Bible printable will help your kids engage with each book as they search for it! Plus, word searches provide a fun way to improve spelling skills.

Which Testament: Books of the Bible Sorting Game

Even if you’re not sure where a specific book is located in the Bible, it’s helpful to at least narrow it down to the Old Testament or the New Testament! Our Books of the Bible coloring page invites your kids to identify where each book fits—whether in the Old Testament or the New Testament. As they color-code each book accordingly, they’ll become more familiar with these various texts, and a hidden image will be revealed!

Organize the Shelf: Books of the Bible Sorting Game

While memorizing the names of all 66 books in order may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be! One effective way to memorize anything is by breaking it down into smaller, manageable chunks. As your kids cut out each book of the Bible and categorize them by genre, they’ll gain insight into how different books fit together. This approach allows them to focus on memorizing smaller groups, making the task feel much more achievable!

Find It First: Books of the Bible Scavenger Hunt

Finally, our Books of the Bible Printable features an exciting scavenger hunt that encourages your kids to put their memorization skills to the test! They’ll have the chance to dig into their Bibles and search for specific items or passages based on the scavenger hunt prompts. Be sure to refresh your Bible trivia knowledge, as your kids might enjoy quizzing you on what they discover! They’ll love sharing their finds with you, adding a fun and interactive element to their learning experience.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, memorizing the books of the Bible can be a fun and enriching experience for kids when approached creatively. With engaging activities like mazes, word searches, coloring pages, and scavenger hunts, children can not only memorize the order of the books but also deepen their understanding of the stories and connections within the Scriptures. These interactive methods encourage teamwork, healthy competition, and a love for learning, making the journey of memorization enjoyable and memorable. By incorporating these techniques, we can help foster a lifelong appreciation for the Bible in our children, equipping them with foundational knowledge that supports their spiritual growth. So gather your materials, dive into these activities, and watch as your kids embark on this exciting adventure through the books of the Bible!

OPEN HOUSE IDEAS AND FREEBIES FOR PRESCHOOL, PRE-K, & KINDERGARTEN 

An open house is a fantastic opportunity for parents and potential students to get a glimpse into your preschool, pre-K, or kindergarten classroom. It’s a chance to showcase your program’s unique features, meet your staff, and create a positive first impression. To make your open house a memorable event, consider incorporating engaging activities, providing helpful information, and offering enticing freebies. In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of ideas to help you plan a successful open house that will leave a lasting impression.

THE TABLE SETUP

Organize a table with essential items for families. If you have desks or designated student spots, you can also place each student’s items on their respective desks. On the table, include folders, an open house scavenger hunt, treats for students, pens, and Post-it notes. Next, provide clear instructions for families on what they need to do at the table. This way, while you’re engaging with one family, others will know how to proceed without having to wait.

SCAVENGER HUNT

This scavenger hunt is designed to help families familiarize themselves with the classroom and the morning routine in an engaging way. It provides a fun activity that allows everyone to explore the classroom and practice what to expect on the first day of school. By participating, families will walk in feeling confident and prepared, making the start of the school year smoother and more enjoyable.

OPEN HOUSE FOLDER

What’s in the Open House Folder? Each family receives a personalized folder filled with handouts designed to help them understand the classroom environment, our routines, rules, procedures, and what to expect throughout the school year.

  • Event Calendar: An overview of important dates and events for the school year.
  • Class Rules Parent Note & Mini Rules Poster: Information about our classroom rules, including options for displaying the rules at home.
  • Green and Red Choices Handout: An explanation of our behavior management system to help families understand our approach.
  • Daily Schedule: A detailed outline of our daily schedule, including what students will be learning. (Editable freebie!)
  • Meet the Teacher & Meet the Team Information Page: Introduces the teacher and support staff to families.
  • Getting to Know You Student Information Page: A form for families to fill out and return, helping us learn more about their child. (Freebie!)
  • Gift Ideas Handout: Suggestions for gifts that align with our classroom needs. (Freebie!)
  • Family Handbook: Essential information and forms required to operate a state-licensed home preschool.

STUDENT TREATS AND FREE TAGS

Treat each student to a delicious snack and attach a charming tag as a fun gift during open house! Encourage students to sign in at the event. Here are some creative ideas, hacks, and freebies for preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten open houses, along with first day of school printables. #preschool #prek #openhouse

PRACTICE MORNING ROUTINE

Include all the steps of the morning routine in the class scavenger hunt so families and students can practice during open house. This will help students feel more secure on the first day of school, as they’ll know exactly what to do and where to go.

The morning routine includes:

  • Putting items away in their cubby
  • Answering the Question of the Day
  • Signing in at their level (some may scribble, while others write letters or their full names)
  • Saying goodbye to their family
  • Engaging in a table time activity

By practicing these steps, students will be well-prepared for their first day!

FAMILY SIGN-IN AND FAMILY BOARD

In the scavenger hunt, include a stop for families to locate the sign-in sheet and verify that their child’s name is spelled correctly. Names are incredibly important, and I want to ensure every child’s name is accurate. This also provides families with an opportunity to notice the family bulletin board, where I will share important information throughout the year.

CENTER ACTIVITIES

I want each child to engage in a quick, simple activity at every center for two main reasons: first, to allow students to play in each area, and second, so families can familiarize themselves with the names of the centers and see some of the activities available. Since students learn through play, it’s important for families to witness the types of activities their children will be doing.

Tip: Keep messy activities to a minimum during open house! With siblings present, there will be even more people in the classroom. While I love having families see their child’s classroom, I make sure to put away items like slime, play dough, and paint to reduce cleanup after the event.

PRACTICE HAND WASHING

Absolutely! Including handwashing as an item on the classroom scavenger hunt is essential. This allows students to practice an important routine before the first day of school. It also informs parents that their children will be expected to wash their hands and use the bathroom independently. This promotes a sense of responsibility and confidence in the students as they prepare for the school year.

FAMILY PHOTOS AND NAME TAGS

At the end of the scavenger hunt, I take a photo of each family! I use these photos to create student name tags. Additionally, students can wear their family necklaces, which help them feel close to their loved ones if they miss them or feel sad. This thoughtful gesture fosters a sense of connection and comfort as they transition into the school environment.

ALL ABOUT US CLASS BOOK PAGE

Sometimes, I have students select a page for our favorite class book, All About Us!, during open house (or occasionally on the first day of school). At the activity table, I provide various colors of cardstock along with a directions page. Students can choose any color they like for their page, and I display my own page as an example to inspire them. This activity encourages creativity and gives students a fun way to contribute to our class community!

BULLETIN BOARDS

Bulletin boards are a fantastic way to enhance your open house and engage families. Create a vibrant welcome board that greets visitors and sets a positive tone for the event. Consider featuring a family bulletin board with important information, upcoming events, and community announcements to keep everyone informed. Additionally, showcase student work to celebrate their creativity and give families insight into classroom activities. A visual schedule of the daily routine can also help parents understand what their children will experience each day, fostering a sense of connection and excitement about the year ahead.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PREP

First Day of School Prep! After the open house, I ensure everything is ready for the first day of school, as it can be quite hectic. These FREE Cool Cat First Day of School Certificates are perfect for sending home with students on their first day. I print them on blue paper and fill in each student’s name, so they’re all set to go. You can grab them HERE!

Additionally, I print and cut out First Day of School Hats for students to color and wear on their first day. They can use markers, crayons, or paint sticks to decorate their hats. Alternatively, you could print them on colored paper for students to wear right away.

CONCLUSION

A successful open house is more than just showcasing your school; it’s about building relationships and creating a positive first impression. By incorporating engaging activities, providing valuable freebies, and fostering a welcoming atmosphere, you can effectively attract new students and strengthen your school’s reputation.

Remember to tailor your open house to your specific audience and highlight your unique selling points. By doing so, you’ll create a memorable experience that leaves parents eager to enroll their children in your preschool, pre-K, or kindergarten program.