Away In A Manger

The song of the month for December is the classic, 'Away In A Manger'. Have fun singing this great song with your child! Below you will find the lyrics and hand motions, and you can listen to the song in the music player at the bottom of this page!

 Away In A Manger

Verse 1 (Acoustic - Campfire feel)
Away in a manger, (Right hand out) no crib for a bed (Left hand out)
The little Lord Jesus (Rock a baby) laid down His sweet head (Point to head)
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay (Flick fingers in air above head)
The little Lord Jesus (Rock a baby) asleep on the hay (Tilt head to left and lay on hands like sleeping)

Chorus
Celebrate (Right fist in air), celebrate (Left fist in air), our Lord (Both pointer fingers point up)

Verse 1 (Full Band - Rock Orchestra feel)

Chorus

Verse 2 (Full Band - Rock Orchestra feel)
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask You to stay (Point thumbs to chest)
Close by me forever and love me, I pray (Praying hands in front of chest)
Bless all the dear children in Your tender care (Point to all our friends)
And take us to Heaven to live (Hands in air waving back and forth) with You there (Both pointer fingers point up)

Double Chorus

Repeat Last 1/2 of Verse 1 (Acoustic feel)
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay (Flick fingers in air above head)
The little Lord Jesus (Rock a baby) asleep on the hay (Tilt head to left and lay on hands like sleeping)

Chorus (as Ending)

December

It's December in Critter Street and it's time to celebrate Jesus' Birthday! Our bottom line this month is "Jesus wants to be my friend forever!"

Below you'll find the parent cues, just click on the image for a closer look!

Together

The song of the month for November is 'Together'. Have fun singing this great song with your child! Below you will find the lyrics and hand motions, and you can listen to the song in the music player at the bottom of this page!

Together

Written by Ryan Carson

We can march together like the ants in our backyard (Marching)

We can march, oh, so far - together, together (Stop movement and bring hands together in cheerleader clap)

We can hop together like a bunny in the grass (Hopping)

We can hop, oh, so fast - together, together (Stop movement and bring hands together in cheerleader clap)

Chorus

Together, we can be friends forever (Grab hands with friend and swing arms)

Everything is better, is better (Thumbs up) with a friend like you, (Point to a friend) a friend like you (Point to a friend)

Forever, we can praise God together (Arms up in praise)

Everything is better, is better (Thumbs up)  with a friend like you (Point to a friend)

You-u (Point to a friend) and me (Thumbs to chest) together (Bring hands together in cheerleader clap)

Verse 2

We can swim together like a dolphin in the sea (Swimming motion)

We can swim, you and me - together, together (Stop movement and bring hands together in cheerleader clap)

We can fly together like an eagle in the sky (Flying motion)

We can fly oh, so high - together, together (Stop movement and bring hands together in cheerleader clap)

Chorus

Bridge

We can clap… together… faster! (Clapping)

Chorus

Together (Bring hands together in cheerleader clap)            

You-u (Point to a friend) and me (Thumbs to chest) together (Bring hands together in cheerleader clap)

November Story Time!

Bring your little sweethearts and join us for a delicious story time! Wednesday, November 14th from 9:30-11. It's going to be sweet!

November!

It's November in Critter Street and we're continuing to learn about David! We'll share some of our favorite stories about David while teaching our kids that God has one Big Story, and they are a part of it!

Below you'll find the parent cues, just click on the image for a closer look!

October!

It's October in Critter Street and we're learning about David! We'll share some of our favorite stories about David while teaching our kids that God has one Big Story, and they are a part of it!

Below you'll find the parent cues, just click on the image for a closer look!

Monster Mash!

Bring your little monsters and join us for a Monster Mash story time! Wednesday, October 10th from 9:30-11. Come learn how God is bigger than the boogie man!

Do Big Things

The song of the month for October is 'Do Big Things'. Have fun singing this great song with your child! Below you will find the lyrics and hand motions, and you can listen to the song in the music player at the bottom of this page!

Do Big Things
Written by Yancy

Chorus
David was a kid like (March) you (Point out) and me (Thumbs to chest)
God helped him (Point both hands up) to do big things (Right fist pump in air)
(repeat)

Verse
David was a shepherd boy (March) in the B-I-B-L-E (Hold hands like a book)
He always helped his dad and counted the sheep (March), 1-2-3 (Hold up appropriate fingers)
Each and every day, (March) God helped him (Point both hands up) to do big things (Right fist pump in air) (like what?)

Pre-Chorus
He saved his sheep from a lion (Fan hands by face like lion mane)
He defeated a giant (Stand tall w/ hands on hips)
He became the king (Hands in circle on head like a crown)
That’s a big, big thing! (Jump and right fist pump in air)

Chorus
Verse
Pre-Chorus
Chorus

Bridge
Everybody let’s jump three times - 1, 2, 3 (Jump)
Let’s dance and sing - la, la, la, la (Twirl)
 ‘Cause God loves me (Thumbs to chest)
And God will help me (Point both hands up) do big things (Right fist pump in air)

Ending
Big things - really, really big things! (March and/or clap)
God will help me (March and/or clap) to do big things (Jump and right fist pump in air)
Big things - really, really big things! (March and/or clap)
God will help me (March and/or clap) to do big things (Jump and right fist pump in air)
Big things - really, really big things! (March and/or clap)
God will help me (March and/or clap) to do big things (Jump and right fist pump in air)
Big things - really, really big things! (March and/or clap)
God will help me (March and/or clap) to do big things (Jump and right fist pump in air)

Forever and Ever

The song of the month for September is 'Forever and Ever'. Have fun singing this great song with your child! Below you will find the lyrics and hand motions, and you can listen to the song in the music player at the bottom of this page!

Forever and Ever
Lyrics by First Look team, Music by John Delich

Verse
God (Point to head) made (Point to hips) me (Point to knees) (God made me – repeat motions)
And He loves me (Hug and twist) (And He loves me – repeat motions)
And He wants to be (Pound fists on top of each other) (And He wants to be- repeat motions)
My friend  (Point both thumbs to chest) (my friend – repeat motions)
God (Point to head) made (Point to hips) me (Point to knees) (God made me – repeat motions)
And He loves me (Hug and twist) (And He loves me – repeat motions)
And He wants to be (Pound fists on top of each other) (And He wants to be- repeat motions)
My friend  (Point both thumbs to chest) (my friend – repeat motions)


Chorus
Forever and ever, (Wave hands in the air above head.) He wants to be my friend (Point both thumbs to chest.)
Forever and ever, (Wave hands in the air above head.) He wants to be my friend (Point both thumbs to chest.)
Forever and ever, (Wave hands in the air above head.) He wants to be my friend (Point both thumbs to chest.)
Forever and ever, (Wave hands in the air above head.) He wants to be my friend (Point both thumbs to chest.)

Repeat Verse

Repeat Chorus 2x

Saddle Up!

Round up your Critter's! You don't want to miss the next Critter Street Story Time, Wednesday, September 12th from 9:30-11. The corrals have been built and are ready to go! Fun for everyone! 

Happy September!

It's September in Critter Street! This month our bottom line is: “God loves me.” Our kids will learn how God loves them because He made them, and how He loves them so much that He sent Jesus to be their friend forever!

Below you'll fine the parent cue cards (click on the images for a closer look) with some great home time ideas!

August in Critter Street: Always There

It's August in Critter Street! This month, preschoolers will be joining Moses on the many adventures his life entailed. As they learn about Moses being found in a basket by Pharaoh’s daughter, his leadership of the Israelites out of slavery, the parting of the Red Sea, and even the manna that falls from heaven, they will be learning that God is always with them. God was with Moses, and He is with them too.  What a powerful statement to tuck inside the heart of a preschooler. God is with him. Always. God is with him on the swing going high in the sky. God is with him at the doctor’s office when the nurse comes in with the shot. God is with him when he’s at home, the park or church. God is always there. We are so excited to write this on our children's hearts! Join us every at Critter Street every Sunday in August!

Below you'll fine the parent cue cards (click on the images for a closer look) with some great home time ideas!

Always There

The song of the month for August is 'Always There'. Have fun singing this great song with your child! Below you will find the lyrics and hand motions, and you can listen to the song in the music player at the bottom of this page!

Always There
Written by Jenna Kuykendall

Oh, oh, whoa-oh-oh, oh, oh-oh (Marching and hands to mouth like yelling)
Oh, oh, whoa-oh-oh, oh, oh-oh (Marching and hands to mouth like yelling)

Chorus A
When I am afraid (Bring arms in and shake like scared) I’ll trust in You to help me (Pointer fingers pointing up) be brave (Arms up like strong man)
And when I am scared (Bring arms in and shake like scared) I know that You (Pointer fingers pointing up) are always there (Clap)

Repeat Chorus A

Verse 1
Like Moses at the Red Sea (Stand tall. Hands on hips)
His knees were shakin’ while the waves were crashin’ (Hands on knees and move knees in and out)
Round and round and round (Turn round and round)
But he made it to dry ground, (Stop facing forward) and he said

Chorus B
Oh, oh, whoa-oh-oh I’ll trust in You to help me be brave
Oh, oh, whoa-oh-oh I know that You are always there

Repeat Chorus A

Verse 2
Like Joshua in Jericho (Stand tall. Hands on hips)
His knees were shakin’ while the people were marchin’ (Hands on knees and move knees in and out)
Round and round and round (Turn round and round)
Then the walls came tumblin’ down, (Stop facing forward) and he said

Repeat Chorus B
Repeat Chorus A (2 times)

Oh, oh, whoa-oh-oh, oh, oh-oh (Marching and hands to mouth like yelling)
Oh, oh, whoa-oh-oh, oh, oh-oh, yeah (Marching and hands to mouth like yelling and stop both hands up)

Ready..Set..GO! It's Time to Play!

Ready..Set..GO! The race is on and the finish line is the next Critter Connection play day! Join us Wednesday, August 8th from 10-11:30. Bring your favorite ride-on and a towel to shine it up when we're done!

Creation Station 2!

For July in Critter Street we're continuing our Creation Station theme from June. “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good,” Genesis 1:31, NIV. That is what we will be teaching our preschoolers this month. God created the entire world in seven days, and everything He made was “good.” Below you'll fine the parent cue cards (click on the images for a closer look) with some great home time ideas!

Come and See!

The song of the month(s) for June and July is "Come and See" Have fun singing this great song with your child! Below you will find the lyrics and hand motions, and you can listen to the song in the music player at the bottom of this page!

Come and See What God Has Made
By Casey Darnell & John Delich

Choo, choo! (Pull pretend horn)
All aboard (Hands to mouth like yelling)

Chorus
Won't you come and see (Wave toward yourself) what God (Point up)
has made? (Fist over fist)
Come and see (Wave toward yourself) what God (Point up)
has made. (Fist over fist)
In seven days, seven days, (7 fingers up) God (Point up) made the world (Both hands over head in a circle)

Verse 1
Well God said, "let there be, let there be, let there be" (Slow stomping while rotating bent arms – you’re a train)
God said, "Let there be(Slow stomping while rotating bent arms – you’re a train)…. sunshine!”  (Arms and legs in X and twinkle fingers) And there was sunshine… (Jump and repeat move)
God said, "let there be, let there be, let there be…" (Slow stomping while rotating bent arms – you’re a train)
God said, "Let there be(Slow stomping while rotating bent arms – you’re a train)…. wind!”,  (Wave hands above head) and there was wind… (and rain clouds, too) (Jump and repeat move)

Repeat Chorus

Verse 2
Well God said, "let there be, let there be, let there be" (Slow stomping while rotating bent arms – you’re a train)
God said, "Let there be (Slow stomping while rotating bent arms – you’re a train)…. vegetables!” (Pick and eat veggies) And there were vegetables…. (like beets and broccoli) (Pick and eat veggies)
And God said, "let there be, let there be, let there be" (Slow stomping while rotating bent arms – you’re a train)
God said, "Let there be (Slow stomping while rotating bent arms – you’re a train)…. eagles!”  (Legs in X, arms as wings soaring) And there were eagles…. (soaring way up high) (Jump and repeat move)

Repeat Chorus
In seven days, seven days (7 fingers up) (that’s 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) God (Point up) made the world (Both hands over head in a circle)

Verse 3
Well God said, "let there be, let there be, let there be…" (Slow stomping while rotating bent arms – you’re a train)
God said, "Let there be (Slow stomping while rotating bent arms – you’re a train)…. people! (Arms and leg in X and then jump up and down) And there were people... like you and like me (Point to others and then self)

Chorus/Ending
Won't you come and see (Wave toward yourself) what God (Point up)
has made? (Fist over fist)
Won't you come and see (Wave toward yourself) what God (Point up)
has made? (Fist over fist)
In seven days, seven days, (7 fingers up) God (Point up) made the world (Both hands over head in a circle)
In seven days, seven days, (7 fingers up) God (Point up) made the world (Both hands over head in a circle)
God (Point up) made the world (Both hands over head in a circle)
God (Point up) made the world (Both hands over head in a circle)
God (Point up) made the world (Both hands over head in a circle)
Yeeeeee-haw! (Pump Fist)
 

Hillbilly Lobster Hunt!

What is THAT?! Why that's a Hillbilly Lobster, of course! Join us for a Critter Street Hillbilly Lobster Hunt on Wednesday, June 13th from 10-11:30am. Meet at Stockstill Park to hunt for these critters with YOUR little critters! Siblings welcome!

 

 Check out our video!  Seriously worth the seconds, it's FUNNY! :)

https://vimeo.com/43836529

Creation Station!

Teaching our children about the wonder of creation is one of the most important things we do in preschool world. Understanding that the God of the universe created not only the world, but them. That the same God who put those beautiful colors on the butterflies also chose the color of their hair. Learning about creation is always a magical time, and this year will be no different. For the months of June and July, we invite you and your preschoolers to “Creation Station,” an amazing place where they can learn about each day of creation as a special train car brings it into the station. Below you'll find the parent cue cards for June (click on the images to see them closer) with great ideas for some home time activities!

Do What's Right!

Thank you Miss Stephanie for our great video! 

 

Do what’s right! How often have we heard that in our lives? We are constantly being told by people to do what’s right. And, if we’re honest, we’re constantly telling the little people in our lives to do what’s right. What we need to remember is that they are just learning what is right. We need to help them. We need to teach them. In the month of May, we will be guiding our preschoolers to the Bible where they can “Learn to do what is right,” (Isaiah 1:17, NIrV). Our prayer is that our preschoolers will hear the stories this month and know that God will teach them to do what is right through His Word. And, by doing what is right, by showing obedience to God, they will glorify Him every day.  Below you'll find the parent cue cards for May (click on the pictures to see them closer) to help you follow along and some great ideas for home time activities!

I Can DO (What?!)

The May song of the month is "I Can Do (What?)" Have fun singing this great song with your child! Below you will find the lyrics and hand motions, and you can listen to the song in the music player at the bottom of this page!

I CAN DO (WHAT!?)
Written by Casey Darnell and John Delich

2x Chorus
I can do, I can do (Point both thumbs to chest) What!? (Hands by shoulders and shrug)   
I can do, I can do (Point both thumbs to chest) Oh yeah! (Jazz hands up high)
I can do, I can do (Point both thumbs to chest) What!? (Hands by shoulders and shrug)   
I can do (Point both thumbs to chest) the right thing (Both thumbs up)
I can do, I can do (Point both thumbs to chest) What!? (Hands by shoulders and shrug)   
I can do, I can do (Point both thumbs to chest) Oh yeah! (Jazz hands up high)
I can do, I can do (Point both thumbs to chest) What!? (Hands by shoulders and shrug)   
I can do (Point both thumbs to chest) the ri-iiiiiiiiiiight... (Both thumbs up)

Verse
Thing! My hands, with my hands, (Shake jazz hands in the air) I can do the right thing (Both thumbs up)
My feet, with my feet, (Stomp feet.) I can do (Point both thumbs to chest) the right thing (Both thumbs up)
My mouth, with my mouth, (Point to mouth) I can say (Point both thumbs to chest) the right thing (Both thumbs up)
Every day. (Right jazz hand up) Every night. (Left jazz hand up) I will do (Point both thumbs to chest) what is right. (Both thumbs up)

1x Chorus (Repeat previous motions)
I can do, I can do (What!?)
I can do, I can do (oh yeah!)
I can do, I can do (What!?)   
I can do the ri-iiiiiiiiiiight…

Verse
Repeat 2x Chorus

Thing!
What is right, (Right thumb up) what is true, (Right thumb up) what God says (Fingers pointing up) I will do (Point both thumbs to chest)
What is right, (Right thumb up) what is true, (Right thumb up) what God says (Fingers pointing up) I will do (Point both thumbs to chest)

Repeat 1x Chorus (soft)

Chorus (Repeat previous motions)
I can do, I can do (what!?)   
I can do, I can do (oh yeah!)
I can do, I can do (what!?)   
I can do the right thing

Chorus Ending (Double Time) (Repeat previous motions)
I can do (what!?),  I can do (what!?), I can do the right thing
I can do (what!?),  I can do (what!?), I can do the ri-iiiiiiiiiiiiiiight thing!
 

Story Time!!!

THIS WEDNESDAY!!!  A special Mother's Day Story time is this Wednesday, May 9th! Join us with your preschoolers for a wonderfully fun time of crafts, fun, food and fellowship!

Oh, So Happy Day!

Our song for April is Oh, So Happy Day! Listen to it from the music player at the bottom of this page! Here are the lyrics and hand motions so you can sing and dance with your child. Have fun

Oh, So Happy Day
Written by Kendra Fleming and John Delich

Verse
Did you know? (Right hand up by shoulder) Did you know? (Left hand up by shoulder) Jesus is alive today (Point both fingers up)
He’s alive today, (Point both fingers up) that’s why we say (Hands to mouth like megaphone)
It’s an oh - oh - so (Hands over head to form O and rock back and forth) happy day (Jump up and down while doing jazz hands in air) - hey! (Fist Pump)

Repeat Verse

Chorus
Clap your hands (Clap)
Beat on your drum (Pretend to play drums)
It’s an oh - oh - so (Hands over head to form O and rock back and forth) happy day (Jump up and down while doing jazz hands in air)
It’s an oh - oh – so (Hands over head to form O and rock back and forth) happy day (Jump up and down while doing jazz hands in air) hey! (Fist Pump)

Repeat Verse - Chorus (2 times)

Ending
It’s an oh - oh - so (Hands over head to form O and rock back and forth) happy day (Jump up and down while doing jazz hands in air)
It’s an oh - oh - so (Hands over head to form O and rock back and forth) happy day (Jump up and down while doing jazz hands in air)
It’s an oh - oh -so (Hands over head to form O and rock back and forth) happy day (Jump up and down while doing jazz hands in air)
It’s an oh - oh – so (Hands over head to form O and rock back and forth) happy day (Jump up and down while doing jazz hands in air)
It’s an OH - OH - SO (Hands over head to form O and rock back and forth) happy (march in place)
day! (End in legs spread, arms up cheerleader pose)

(Dance around during music parts – have fun!!!)

A Friend Forever

Jesus wants to be my friend forever. Isn’t that AMAZING? He wants to be MY friend. He wants to be YOUR friend. Jesus wants to be my friend, forever. What a life-changing truth. What a foundational truth. What an awesome thing to put in the hearts of our preschoolers. Easter is the 2nd Sunday of this month, and what a special time this is! Here are the parent cue cards for this month! (click on the picture to see it up close)

Story Time's past: You are Loved!

Our Critter Street Story times are so much fun, we wanted to share some of the great pictures and details on the blog! February's theme was "You are Loved!" We always have the coffee bar open for the grown-ups with complimentary coffee's and latte's, so make sure you don't miss the next one!

We had snacks...(here's the link to a close up of the sign!)

For craft time we had so many fun things to do! We had a fingerprinting craft, made mini bows and arrows out of q-tips, popsicle sticks and dental floss . We also modpodged hearts onto river rocks.



We had a bouncy house...

Getting ready for Story Time! Our book was "God Gave us Love" by Lisa Tawn Bergren and Laura J. Bryant and the kids loved that the puppets told the story!

We sent everyone home with a discussion card to keep the conversation going with their sweet preschoolers and a crayon heart as a gift!

We can't wait for the next one! See you there!

(Special thanks to Anglea Sieg for the wonderful pictures!)