Insights into First & Second Graders

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Insights into First & Second Graders

Understanding the First & Second Grader

In Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin, Christopher Robin faces a painful reality—tomorrow is his first day of school, and he won’t be able to meet Pooh at their special place under the tree in the Hundred Acre Wood. They promise to be friends forever—even when apart. And so, the adventure begins.

Who Are They?

Life for first and second graders is a grand adventure. School is shaping their world, and fun and play now have a new twist—order. Letters become words, pictures tell stories, shapes form patterns, and colors combine to make new ones. Their minds are overflowing with new ideas and how to use them.

  • Key to remember: order
    Second graders, in particular, become masters of order. They read and write with more confidence and face a new adventure—relationships. They identify, compare, and contrast, unlocking new patterns and puzzles. They not only learn the relationships between letters and numbers, but also begin building their own friendships.
  • Key to remember: relationships
Who Is God?

For young first graders, God is good, loving, and strong. He is Jesus' father and loves children. God wrote the Bible and wants children to obey what it says. He loves to hear them pray and wants everyone to be happy. Children this age have a firm faith in God's goodness and are starting to relate to Him personally.

  • Key to remember: God is good

For second graders, whose identity is shaped more by friends and others’ opinions, God is becoming relational. They begin to think in terms of cause and effect, and may start questioning God. They are sensitive to what others think—and also to what God thinks of them. They need reassurance of God’s love, especially when they feel they’ve failed.

  • Key to remember: God loves me
Who Are You?

You are a teacher, a role model, a friend, and a living example of Jesus. Children will first see you as their teacher, feeding their hungry minds with exciting new ideas and adventures. For children from homes where one parent is not a disciple, you are an adult role model. How you treat them and others will bring the Bible to life in ways they may not see elsewhere.

For those struggling with relationships at school or in the community, you are a friend. And above all, you are Jesus to each of them as you help them see God in ways they will never forget.

  • Key to remember: Be like Jesus
What to Remember?
  • Fun-loving is my nature; it’s really quite true!
  • I’ve got such imagination; I’ll share it with you.
  • Responsibility is something I need you to teach me.
  • Singing is fun, and I’ll try hard if you lead me.
  • Teacher, I’ll give you all that I’ve got.

 

  • Since I’m older and wiser, you’ll see what I mean.
  • Eager to please; I’m a speed machine!
  • Channel my energy; I need self-control.
  • Only please be gentle, or to despair I may fall.
  • Never give up on your part.
  • Develop in me a love-for-God heart!

 

First & Second Grades Lesson

First and Second Grade is the third and final cycle of the Kingdom Kids preschool/primary curriculum, Seeds of Faith. This cycle introduces two new activity centers: Scripture Memory and Bible Skills. The lessons transition first and second graders from the "fun and games" of preschool and kindergarten into a more skills-oriented approach. Children will enjoy activities that help them memorize scripture, recognize key words, order books of the Bible, pray with others, talk about their feelings, and apply Scripture to their lives.

Activity Centers

Each week, children will participate in six learning centers:

  • Core Lesson:
    • Bible Story
    • Craft
    • Scripture Memory
  • Supplement Lesson:
    • Life Application
    • Game
    • Bible Skills
Bible Story & Life Application

Children will participate in a weekly Bible Story that is fun and relevant to their lives, as they master key words and concepts. In the supplemental lesson, the Bible Story is reviewed and applied in the Life Application center, helping children make real-life connections. Both lessons are scripted to ensure age-appropriate language and concepts, making it possible for anyone prepared to lead an exciting and life-changing class.

Craft

Always a favorite, crafts serve as a tangible memory of the child’s experience. Step-by-step instructions and diagrams are provided so that teachers can succeed, even without an art background. Children will create crafts to share with others at home and school.

Scripture Memory

This new center helps children memorize scripture through games and fun activities. They not only learn precious truths from God's Word, but also build friendships as they work and play together. Inspired by language-teaching techniques, this center lays a foundation of scripture memory that will last a lifetime.

Game

From musical chairs to blindfolded fun, children will enjoy playing games that reinforce key concepts and review Bible knowledge. Friendships deepen through teamwork and healthy competition.

Bible Skills

This center uses reading, writing, ordering, and identification activities to help children navigate the Bible. Designed to prepare them for more intensive Bible study, these activities are based on target academic skills and help children get familiar with the structure and content of the Bible.

What’s Next?

By the end of this two-year cycle, children will be familiar with the books and significance of both the Old and New Testament. They will have memorized about 100 scriptures and learned key Bible study skills like locating verses and using a concordance. These children will not only have vivid memories of Bible stories, but also real-life applications of many passages. They will be ready to enter the next class, Generation: Next, for a comprehensive survey of Bible history, events, and personalities.