A Little Introduction:
Many years ago when I was an early childhood teacher in a public school setting, I soon realized that many children in my classroom were not having anything special done at home to celebrate their birthday. When I was growing up, my sisters and I got to pick out the kind of cake and ice cream you wanted and your favorite meal was served. Everyone was nice to you. The family sang "Happy Birthday to you" and of course there were presents. My husband and I had made birthdays special for our daughters, too. I could not imagine anything different.
Children Needed a Celebration
I soon found out that was not so for many in my classroom. From this was born the idea of birthday in a bag. On the day a child had a birthday, he or she took home a decorated canvas bag. Inside it was a simple cake and icing mix, a wrapped gift which was a book, a birthday pencil and a few other small things. Every child was thrilled to receive the Birthday bag. Throughout the last month of school, summer birthday children took turns taking the bag home as well. No one was forgotten.
Bags at School
From that idea, sprang other Take Home Bags; The Kite bag, The Popcorn bag, The ABC bag, etc. Each bag contained a book about the theme, an activity and something fun. Children would check out the bag, read the book, do the activity, then write about their experience using the enclosed journal and return the bag so I could restock and let someone else take it home. The bags were hugely popular. There were 30 bags in circulation.
Bags at Bible Class
A couple of years ago, Ms. Kris suggested I start "The Learning in the Bag" program with my Bible classroom. This was a terrific idea. We are sharing the ideas of each bag with you. I want to suggest having a check out sheet for your bags in circulation. When the items are returned, make sure you restock your bags. Any items that are non-consumables that will be re-used must be sanitized before they go into another home. I also make management easier by having items ready to restock for each bag before I begin circulation of the bag. I usually have 6 sets ready to go. As always, give yourself time and ask for help if you need it.
Joseph Bag
Instruction Book
Each bag contains a folder with instructions and a list of materials. Please read the attached file so you understand how this bag and system work.
Bag
A decorated canvas bag works well with this project and can be found at most large discount stores or arts and craft stores. Labeling the bag with the class and congregation name encourages others to return if it is lost. The bags are usually washable and can be decorated with fabric markers.
Joseph Doll
This is a special doll found on-line. His coat is reversible from plain to colorful. Children love having a prop to hold when hearing a book read.
Joseph Coat Sticker Activity
This sticker craft activity is found at Oriental Trading and works well for the younger age.
Joseph Sequencing Activity
On the Twinkl membership site I chose 6 cards sequencing cards.
Joseph and His Brothers Book
Each bag needs a Bible story book or script that can be shared with the child. Read each of these carefully before you send them home to make sure they are Biblically accurate. The whole purpose of this activity is sharing God's Word just a little more with the children in your life.
Joseph Popsicle Puppets
These stick puppets are great to use and simple to make. Look at Twinkl's website to find some great activities such as Joseph's Masks and Joseph Brad Assembly found below. These are great for story retelling and acting out the story. The children find them fun, too.
Masks Activity
These role playing masks are great for retelling the Bible story.
Joseph Assembly Activity
These brad stick puppets are located on the Twinkl site along with other Bible Heroes.
Coat Dot Painting
Do a Dot Paints are a great material to have in any Bible classroom. They are low mess materials and can be used for many projects. Add these to your Joseph bag for creating a beautiful coat of many colors. Children will love creating their own coat of many colors for Joseph using the paints. Take a look on Pinterest for line or unlined coat designs. It will be a fun, creative activity.
To go with your Joseph Learning is in the Bag, check out our full 2-3 year old Bible class on Joseph!
