Excellent Literature for Children (that supports their learning in the trinityKids classroom)

As a child, I felt that information was validated and solidified if I read it in a book. I was a bookworm early on, and found that seeing information in black & white provided a level of confidence for me. It also provided a place that I could return to again and again and each time learn a bit more. Even still, I look to literature and nonfiction to further deepen my understanding of God and his story. In the past months, trinityKids teachers have been incorporating literature that supports the Biblical stories that are being shared. Books are shared during Worship Days as well and children are encouraged to embrace the opportunity to be with God through stories, art, and through acting out the events in a story. These books are chosen with care so that they complement the Scripture, rather than distracting from it. If you are interested in purchasing your own, they should be available on amazon.com and at your local library. Here are a few that have been wonderful:God’s Paintbrush by Sandy Eisenberg, If the World were a Village by David J. Smith, and Miracles and Wonders by Eric Kimmel.

Celebrating Lent with Children

Lent is a precious and sacred time in the church year. It is a season for preparation and focus on the miracle of the Resurrection; a time to draw closer to the mystery of God’s love and compassion for us. It is difficult for children to fully realize the incredible gift that was given when God gave his only son as a sacrifice for our sin. Children can, however, be encouraged to think deeply about and speak openly about God and Jesus through story telling, worship, and prayer.

There are many ways to help children enter in to the season of Lent thoughtfully and in a way that feels right for them. Consider speaking frankly with your child about sacrifice. Perhaps they could “give up” something during the weeks of Lent in order to experience sacrifice in a small way. Or as a family, you could spend more time in prayer or in reading from the Bible daily. There are many picture books that can also be read to elicit conversation and better understanding for children. We will be discussing these themes in the trinityKids classrooms and worship times; I encourage you to talk with your child at home as well and help them to acknowledge and participate in the season of Lent as we look forward to the Resurrection.

"Embracing Different Learning Styles" Class

trinityKids will be offering a class for parents, teachers, and volunteers at Trinity. The primary theme of the class will be Howard Gardner's "multiple intelligences", or learning styles. All children (and adults) learn in their own special way. When instruction only addresses one or two of these styles, children can become frustrated, apathetic, or disillusioned. When multiple learning styles are addressed in an educational environment (at school, church, home, or elsewhere), children feel validated, encouraged, motivated, and hopeful.

Learn more about Howard Gardner at: http://www.edutopia.org/howard-gardner-interview.

In this class, you will consider the various ways that children learn and grow. You will learn how to encourage the "multiple intelligences" in your children (or those that you work with) and the children here at Trinity. The material for the class is based on my 7 years of experience in teaching Elementary school, as well as some of my Master's coursework in Curriculum & Instruction. I will try to make it as accessible as possible for parents and teachers alike. It is going to be a fun and active class. I will be offering this class on Wednesday, March 10th (6:30- 9:00 pm) & Wednesday, March 31st (6:30- 9:00 pm) as well. Please just respond with a comment if either of those dates work better for you! :)

*the class is free!

trinityKids Community Night

On February 19th, trinityKids will be hosting a Game Night from 6:30- 8:30 pm!!

Come play board games, & fellowship with other kids, and have fun!

(Pizza will also be sold for $1 a slice.)

Friends are welcome! :)

Please sign up in the Gathering Room so we can be sure to have enough for all to enjoy. Thanks!

(Parents are welcome to stay and enjoy some time for fellowship as well,

but trinityKids volunteers will be overseeing all of the activities.)

*Kindergarten- 5th grade students only*

Children & Baptism

The season of Lent brings with it an atmosphere of sacrifice, refinement, and preparation. As we try to realize that depth of love that led to Christ’s crucifixion, we may draw near to the disciplines of study & meditation. As we seek to refine ourselves and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, perhaps we aspire to spend more time in fasting and silence. During the weeks of Lent, children will be invited to spend time in preparation as well. Through a series of focused lessons and discussions, children who are interested will have the opportunity to ready themselves for Baptism. Children will explore the importance of Scripture & the Ten Commandments, will be guided through the Lord’s Prayer, and will learn more about Prayer. This preparation class is called “Catechism.” Catechesis is simply “an education in the faith of children, young people and adults which includes especially the teaching of Christian doctrine imparted, generally speaking, in an organic and systematic way, with a view to initiating the hearers into the fullness of Christian life” (from Catechism of the Catholic Church).

If your child has expressed interest in Baptism, I encourage you to talk frankly and honestly with them and pray fervently for the Lord’s guidance about whether or not to join the Catechism class. The Apostle Peter wrote, “and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21).

At Trinity, children will be meeting during the 11:30 service with a trinityKids teacher in lieu of their regular class time. Please sign in as usual, letting the Administrator know that your child will be attending the Catechism class. The class will begin on March 7^th and will continue until March 28^th. Baptisms will take place through immersion on Easter Sunday during the 11:30 service. It is expected that catechumens will attend all four classes.

The Lord's Prayer

Children in preschool through fifth grade will be spending a significant period of time over the coming months learning about and memorizing the Lord’s Prayer. The trinityKids teachers and volunteers will be working with them weekly to practice and understand the prayer; your thoughtful attention at home is appreciated as well!

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be Thy name.

Your kingdom come, your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever.

Amen.