Engages children with multiple learning styles using a familiar medium—LEGO® bricks
Building Faith Brick by Brick offers a culturally relevant, hands-on way to explore faith stories with a broad range of ages. It grew out of one congregation’s realization that there was a large group of first-grade boys who needed to engage in a new way of interacting with the biblical story. Knowing how much Lego® bricks continue to be popular with children, the author dug deep into the well of creativity and an enormous bin of little plastic building bricks to meld together a new way of teaching the stories of God.
This book offers the methodology as well as 30 Old Testament and 24 New Testament stories with lesson plans.
Engages children with multiple learning styles using a familiar medium—LEGO® bricks
Building Faith Brick by Brick offers a culturally relevant, hands-on way to explore faith stories with a broad range of ages. It grew out of one congregation’s realization that there was a large group of first-grade boys who needed to engage in a new way of interacting with the biblical story. Knowing how much Lego® bricks continue to be popular with children, the author dug deep into the well of creativity and an enormous bin of little plastic building bricks to meld together a new way of teaching the stories of God.
This book offers the methodology as well as 30 Old Testament and 24 New Testament stories with lesson plans.
Building Faith Brick by Brick: An Imaginative Way to Explore the Bible with Children
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Building Faith Brick by Brick: An Imaginative Way to Explore the Bible with Children
128eBook
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Overview
Engages children with multiple learning styles using a familiar medium—LEGO® bricks
Building Faith Brick by Brick offers a culturally relevant, hands-on way to explore faith stories with a broad range of ages. It grew out of one congregation’s realization that there was a large group of first-grade boys who needed to engage in a new way of interacting with the biblical story. Knowing how much Lego® bricks continue to be popular with children, the author dug deep into the well of creativity and an enormous bin of little plastic building bricks to meld together a new way of teaching the stories of God.
This book offers the methodology as well as 30 Old Testament and 24 New Testament stories with lesson plans.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781606741931 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Church Publishing |
| Publication date: | 09/01/2014 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 128 |
| File size: | 2 MB |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
Building Faith Brick by Brick
An Imaginative Way to Explore the Bible with Children
By Emily Slichter Given
Morehouse Education Resources
Copyright © 2014 Emily Slichter GivenAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-60674-193-1
CHAPTER 1
The Six Days of Creation: The First of Two Creation Stories Genesis 1:1–2:4
Welcome the Group
Lay the Foundation
* Where is this story found in the Bible?
Old Testament
* What is its place in the Bible story?
first story of the Bible, before Cain and Abel
* Who is the author?
Moses and others(Some scholars believe three or more people helped to write the book we call Genesis.)
* Who are the main characters?
Adam, Eve, and God
* Where in the biblical world did it happen?
everywhere!
* Where is this in today's world?
everywhere!
Find the full description of Lay the Foundation on page 15.
Did You Know?
[check] The word Genesis comes from the Greek word for "beginning" or "to be born."
[check] The word Eden comes from the Aramaic word for "fruitful" or "well watered."
[check] There are two stories of creation in the Bible.
Pray
Dear God, you are the creator and lover of all things and all people. Thank you for the many creations you have made in this world and in our lives. We ask you to help us to use them in right ways and to your glory. Amen.
Suggested prayer methods are outlined on page 15.
Share the Story
Suggestions for storytelling are detailed on page 16.
Respond to the Story
Invite each member of the group to use bricks and figures to respond to the story. This can be done individually or in small groups. Suggestions for how to support this form of theological reflection can be found on page 16.
Ask Building Questions
* I wonder what it felt like in the darkness?
* I wonder why God didn't create the world all at one time?
* I wonder what it was like to see the first light?
* I wonder what the earth smelled like when it was new?
* I wonder if God ever made anything God thought wasn't good?
* I wonder if there is anything that God forgot to create?
* I wonder what part of creation was God's favorite?
* I wonder what part of creation is your favorite?
* I wonder if God is finished creating things?
* I wonder what things we can create with God's help?
* I wonder what God does to rest?
* I wonder what it means to be created in the image of God?
* I wonder how we are like God?
Suggest Blueprints(if needed)
* God
* darkness
* water
* land
* animals
* birds
* water creatures
* creepy crawlies
* day
* night
* stars
* heaven
* rest
* the first people
Share Responses
Encourage each group member to share the creations they have made in response to the story. More details about sharing can be found on page 17.
Share a Snack
* blue gelatin with candy fish
* graham cracker "dirt" crumbles with gummy worms
* animal crackers
* goldfish
* rice cereal treats or cookies in shape of stars, moon, animals, birds, or insects
Continue the Story
One way to deepen the learning experience and create a link between group learning and faith formation in the home is to have builders show their creations to the adults who pick them up after class.
For additional study and conversation at home, consider different ways to share the Bible verses as well as some of the Building Questions. Possible methods of communication are texts, social media, e-blasts, website posts, and take-home sheets.
CHAPTER 2Adam, Eve, and the Snake: The Second of the Two Creation Stories Genesis 2:4–3:24
Welcome
Lay the Foundation
* Where is this story found in the Bible?
Old Testament
* What is its place in the Bible story?
after the seven days of creation; before Cain and Abel
* Who is the author?
Moses and others(Some scholars believe three or more people helped to write the book we call Genesis.)
* Who are the main characters?
Adam, Eve, snake and God
* Where in the biblical world did it happen?
unknown
* Where is this in today's world?
unknown
Find the full description of Lay the Foundation on page 15.
Did You Know?
[check] The Bible never mentions that the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge was an apple.
[check] The name Adam comes from the Hebrew word for "ground" or "dirt."
Pray
Dear God, thank you for loving us even when we make wrong choices or do things we regret. Help us to always know you are with us in all the places of our lives. Amen.
Suggested prayer methods are outlined on page 15.
Share the Story
Suggestions for storytelling are detailed on page 16.
Respond to the Story
Invite each member of the group to use bricks and figures to respond to the story. This can be done individually or in small groups. Suggestions for how to support this form of theological reflection can be found on page 16.
Ask Building Questions
* I wonder why there are two different stories in the Bible about how God created the world?
* I wonder what the breath of God feels like when it touches us?
* I wonder what God used to plant the first garden?
* I wonder what it was like to talk with God?
* I wonder how God dreamt up all of creation?
* I wonder how Adam decided to name the animals?
* I wonder why God didn't want Adam to eat from the Tree of Life?
* I wonder if you have ever done anything you regretted?
* I wonder if you have ever disobeyed anyone?
* I wonder what it would feel like to be naked and not be embarrassed?
* I wonder what it would feel like to be separated from God?
* I wonder what it was like to leave the Garden of Eden?
* I wonder if you have ever felt separated from God?
Suggest Blueprints(if needed)
* Adam
* Eve
* garden
* snake
* animals
* God
* outside the garden
* first clothing
* Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil
Share Responses to the Story
Encourage group members to share the creations they have made in response to the story. More details about sharing can be found on page 17.
Share a Snack
* green gelatin
* gummy "snakes"
* animal crackers
* fruit
* leaf-shaped cookies
* broccoli "trees" with dip
* graham cracker or cookie "dirt" crumbles with yogurt
* cheese cut with animal shaped cookie cutters
Continue the Story
One way to deepen the learning experience and create a link between group learning and faith formation in the home is to have builders show their creations to the adults who pick them up after class.
For additional study and conversation at home, consider different ways to share the Bible verses as well as some of the Building Questions. Possible methods of communication are texts, social media, e-blasts, website posts, and take-home sheets.
CHAPTER 3Cain, Abel, and Seth Genesis 4:1-26
Welcome the Group
Lay the Foundation
* Where is this story found in the Bible?
Old Testament
* What is its place in the Bible story?
after the fall of Adam and Eve; before Noah
* Who is the author?
Moses and others(Some scholars believe three or more people helped to write the book we call Genesis.)
* Who are the main characters?
Cain, Abel, Adam, Eve, Seth, and God
* Where in the biblical world did it happen?
possibly Iran or Iraq
* Where is this in today's world?
possibly Iran or Iraq
Find the full description of Lay the Foundation on page 15.
Did You Know?
[check] The name Abel means "breath" or "vapor" in Hebrew. This could be because his life was so short lived.
[check] Cain means "acquired" in Hebrew.
[check] Seth means "appointed one."
[check] This story is the origin of the phrase, "Am I my brother's keeper?"
Pray
God of all people, we thank you for the gift of families. We ask your blessing on our families that they may be a place of love, mercy, and joy. Amen.
Suggested prayer methods are outlined on page 15.
Share the Story
Suggestions for storytelling are detailed on page 16.
Respond to the Story
Invite each member of the group to use bricks and figures to respond to the story. This can be done individually or in small groups. Suggestions for how to support this form of theological reflection can be found on page 16.
Ask Building Questions
* I wonder if Adam and Eve told their children about the Garden of Eden?
* I wonder why God wasn't pleased with the offering from Cain's flock?
* I wonder what it would feel like if we thought God wasn't pleased with us?
* I wonder what would make someone so angry that s/he would kill someone?
* I wonder how Cain felt after he killed his brother?
* I wonder what God was thinking and feeling when Cain killed Abel?
* I wonder if you have ever been really angry?
* I wonder if you have ever felt that God was angry with you?
* I wonder if you have felt the love of God?
* I wonder what made Adam and Eve want another child?
* I wonder if there is any way to hide from God?
* I wonder if you have ever felt like you wanted to hide from God?
* I wonder if you have ever felt protected by God?
Suggest Blueprints(if needed)
* Cain
* Abel
* Adam
* Eve
* God
* death of Abel
* God talking with Cain
* offerings: meat and vegetables
Share Responses to the Story
Encourage group members to share the creations they have made in response to the story. More details about sharing can be found on page 17.
Share a Snack
* fruit
* vegetables
* rolled meat slices
* beef jerky
* lentil soup
* pita bread and hummus
Continue the Story
One way to deepen the learning experience and create a link between group learning and faith formation in the home is to have builders show their creations to the adults who pick them up after class.
For additional study and conversation at home, consider different ways to share the Bible verses as well as some of the Building Questions. Possible methods of communication are texts, social media, e-blasts, website posts, and take-home sheets.
CHAPTER 4Noah, the Flood, and God's Promise Genesis 6:1–9:29
Welcome the Group
Lay the Foundation
* Where is this story found in the Bible?
Old Testament
* What is its place in the Bible story?
after Cain, Abel, and Seth; before the Tower of Babel
* Who is the author?
Moses and others (Some scholars believe three or more people helped to write the book we call Genesis.)
* Who are the main characters?
Noah, Shem, Ham, Japheth, their wives, animals, and God
* Where in the biblical world did it happen?
Mesopotamia
* Where is this in today's world?
Mount Ararat, Turkey
Find the full description of Lay the Foundation on page 15.
Did You Know?
[check] The Bible states that Noah lived to be 950 years old.
[check] A cubit is an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to 18". It was often measured by the length from the top of the forearm to the tip of one's fingers.
[check] The ark was described as being 450' long, 45' tall, and 75' wide.
[check] The only two times the Bible uses the Hebrew word teba is for Noah's ark and baby Moses' basket set afloat in the Nile.
Pray
Dear God, who loves and cares for all creation, help us to always be gentle and loving when it comes to the earth. Show us the right ways to live, and how to be thankful for all you have created. Your beauty and wonder is more than we can even imagine. Thank you, God. Amen.
Suggested prayer methods are outlined on page 15.
Share the Story
Suggestions for storytelling are detailed on page 16.
Respond to the Story
Invite each member of the group to use bricks and figures to respond to the story. This can be done individually or in small groups. Suggestions for how to support this form of theological reflection can be found on page 16.
Ask Building Questions
* I wonder how God felt to see all the wickedness in the world?
* I wonder what the voice of God sounded like to Noah?
* I wonder if you would do something important if God asked you?
* I wonder if you have ever done something that people thought was strange?
* I wonder if you have ever been in a large boat?
* I wonder if you have been near a big body of water?
* I wonder if God has ever made a promise to you?
* I wonder what it was like to be closed up in a boat with all those animals?
* I wonder what it was like to be outside of the boat?
* I wonder how God showed God's love for the people outside the boat?
* I wonder if Noah and his family ever questioned their faith in God?
* I wonder if you have a symbol that reminds you of God?
* I wonder what symbol you would create if you were God?
* I wonder how you show you are thankful to God?
Suggest Blueprints(if needed)
* ark
* rainbow
* water
* flood world
* storms
* mountain
* Noah and his family
* animals
* construction
* God
* dove
Share Responses to the Story
Encourage each group member to share the creations they have made in response to the story. More details about sharing can be found on page 17.
Share a Snack
* pretzel logs
* animal crackers
* blue gelatin
* rainbow colored cookies
* colored candy to create rainbows
* graham cracker boats
Continue the Story
One way to deepen the learning experience and create a link between group learning and faith formation in the home is to have builders show their creations to the adults who pick them up after class.
For additional study and conversation at home, consider different ways to share the Bible verses as well as some of the Building Questions. Possible methods of communication are texts, social media, e-blasts, website posts, and take-home sheets.
CHAPTER 5The Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1-9
Welcome the Group
Lay the Foundation
* Where is this story found in the Bible?
Old Testament
* What is its place in the Bible story?
after Noah; before Abraham and Sarah
* Who is the author?
Moses and others(Some believe three or more people helped to write the book we call Genesis.)
* Who are the main characters?
God and the generations of people following the flood
* Where in the biblical world did it happen?
Plain of Shinar
* Where is this in today's world?
Iraq
Find the full description of Lay the Foundation on page 15.
Did You Know?
[check] The word babel doesn't mean "to talk a lot." (That would be "babble.") It actually is the Hebrew word for "confusion."
Prayer
Dear God, we ask you to make all our words and actions pleasing to you. Teach us how to listen. Help us to build up the kingdom of God and not our own selfish desires. Help us to do our best to understand others different than us, and help us make friendship our goal. Amen.
Suggested prayer methods are outlined on page 15.
Share the Story
Suggestions for storytelling are detailed on page 16.
Respond to the Story
Invite each member of the group to use bricks and figures to respond to the story. This can be done individually or in small groups. Suggestions for how to support this form of theological reflection can be found on page 16.
Ask Building Questions
* I wonder if a tower could really reach all the way to heaven?
* I wonder who was the first person to think of making the tower?
* I wonder what the people thought they would see at the top of the tower?
* I wonder what God was thinking as the tower was being built?
* I wonder why the people didn't like living in the small villages?
* I wonder how God thought up all the different languages?
* I wonder what it would feel like if we couldn't understand each other?
* I wonder what it felt like to be at the Tower of Babel?
* I wonder if the unfinished tower is still there today?
* I wonder if you could think of other ways to be close to God?
* I wonder if God has ever come close to you?
* I wonder what we do to try to be too much like God?
* I wonder if kids were allowed to help with building the tower?
* I wonder what the world would be like if everyone spoke the same language?
Suggest Blueprints(if needed)
* tower
* people
* small villages
* tools
* God
* construction site
* big city
* heaven
Share Responses to the Story
Encourage each group member to share the creations they have made in response to the story. More details about sharing can be found on page 17.
Share a Snack
* tower of rice cereal treats
* packs of graham crackers in a tower
* fruit snacks in letter shapes
* tower of pudding or applesauce cups
* gelatin jiggler bricks
* marshmallow "clouds" or building blocks
Continue the Story
One way to deepen the learning experience and create a link between group learning and faith formation in the home is to have builders show their creations to the adults who pick them up after class.
For additional study and conversation at home, consider different ways to share the Bible verses as well as some of the Building Questions. Possible methods of communication are texts, social media, e-blasts, website posts, and take-home sheets.
CHAPTER 6Abraham, Sarah, and the Visitors Genesis 18:1-15
Welcome the Group
Lay the Foundation
* Where is this story found in the Bible?
Old Testament
* What is its place in the Bible story?
before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah; after family struggles between Sarai and Hagar
* Who is the author?
Moses and others (Some scholars believe three or more people helped to write the book called Genesis.)
* Who are the main characters?
Abram (Abraham), Sarai (Sarah), angelic visitors, and God
* Where in the biblical world did it happen?
trees of Mamre
* Where is this in today's world?
Abraham's life was spent in what is modern day Israel, Jordan and Iraq.
Find the full description of Lay the Foundation on page 15.
Did You Know?
[check] Abraham is from the Family of Shem, one of Noah's sons.
[check] God gave Abraham a name change that meant "Father of Many Nations."
[check] Abraham lived to be 175 years old.
Pray
Oh God, your Word is filled with promises and truth. We ask you to come into our lives and create wonder and joy. Help us when we doubt, and be patient when we aren't very patient. Thank you for being with us always. Amen.
Suggested prayer methods are outlined on page 15.
Share the Story
Suggestions for storytelling are detailed on page 16.
Respond to the Story
Invite each member of the group to use bricks and figures to respond to the story. This can be done individually or in small groups. Suggestions for how to support this form of theological reflection can be found on page 16.
Ask Building Questions
* I wonder what it would be like to be visited by God?
* I wonder what it would be like to always live in a tent?
* I wonder what important people have visited your home?
* I wonder if you think there is anything too hard even for God to do?
* I wonder what makes you laugh?
* I wonder if you remember a time when a baby was born?
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Building Faith Brick by Brick by Emily Slichter Given. Copyright © 2014 Emily Slichter Given. Excerpted by permission of Morehouse Education Resources.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
The Beginning,A Case for Wondering,
A Few Words About Boy Faith,
Finding Your Own Words: The Gift of Retelling the Story,
Reading Scripture with Children,
The Building Faith Brick by Brick Method,
Frequently Asked Questions,
OLD TESTAMENT STORIES,
The Six Days of Creation: The First of Two Creation Stories,
Adam, Eve, and the Snake: The Second of Two Creation Stories,
Cain, Abel, and Seth,
Noah, the Flood, and God's Promise,
The Tower of Babel,
Abraham, Sarah, and the Visitors,
Abraham and Isaac,
Jacob and Esau,
Jacob and the Angel,
Joseph's Dreams,
Moses and Pharaoh's Daughter,
The Burning Bush and a Helper for Moses,
The Plagues,
The First Passover,
Parting of the Red Sea and Songs of Joy,
The Ten Commandments,
The Tabernacle, Ark of the Covenant, and All the Holy Gear,
The Ten Commandments Are Given Again,
Rahab and the Spies,
The Walls of Jericho,
Hannah and Her Promise,
Samuel, Eli, and God's Call,
Jonah and the Big Fish,
Solomon's Temple,
David and Goliath,
Queen Esther,
Valley of the Dry Bones,
Fire in the Furnace,
King Darius, Daniel, and the Lions,
NEW TESTAMENT STORIES,
Mary and Elizabeth,
The Birth of Jesus,
The Wise Men and the Escape to Egypt,
John the Baptist and Jesus,
Jesus Calms the Sea,
Feeding the Masses,
Jesus Walks on the Water,
Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead,
The Transfiguration,
The Parable of the Good Samaritan,
The Parable of the Lost Sheep,
The Parable of the Prodigal Son,
The Widow's Offering,
The Temptation of Jesus,
Jesus Enters Jerusalem,
Jesus Cleans House,
A Dinner in the Upper Room,
The Crucifixion,
The Resurrection,
The Road to Emmaus,
The Ascension,
Pentecost,
Saul's Vision,
Paul and Silas in Prison,
What People are Saying About This
"Building Faith Brick by Brick is a dynamic and palpable approach for children to encounter stories of faith in a rich new way. This acclaimed hands-on method of Christian Formation invites children’s imaginations to take flight and when this happens, the stories soon become real…block by block."
—Roger Hutchison, author of The Painting Table