Activities, lessons, songs, and stories bring the Foothills Children’s Program to you!
November 23, 2020
Music to enjoy
Hymns of Thanksgiving (YouTube video)
Relaxing and peaceful, this lovely collection of Thanksgiving hymns on piano could help create a gentle start to your day, or make a soothing transition to bedtime. Click the link and you will be taken to YouTube. Just hit play to hear the whole album. Below the beautiful fall image, click SHOW MORE and you will see a list of all 15 pieces. To select a piece to listen to, move your cursor over the beautiful autumn image and a red line appears at the bottom. Hover over the line to see the name of each piece. Click the start of that section of red line to hear that song. Or just sit back and listen to them all and see how many you can name. Happy Thanksgiving.
Lessons with Teacher Laura
The Story of Advent – Part One – The Prophets
The Story of Advent – Part Two – The Holy Family
Story Time with Andrew
The Earth and I by Frank Asch
“This appealing story gets right to the heart of a child’s experience with nature . . . Delightful.”–Booklist
Ages 4-7
Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey
“The adventures of a little girl and a baby bear while hunting for blueberries with their mothers one bright summer day. All the color and flavor of the sea and pine-covered Maine countryside.”—School Library Journal, starred review.
Ages 3-7
November 16, 2020
Sing Along!
Thankful by Mark Burrows
(YouTube video with sheet music)
This gentle song from our Elementary Choir repertoire begins with original text about the wonders of God’s creation, and includes part of “All Things Bright and Beautiful.” Make this song a lovely part of your celebration of gratitude this November.
November 8, 2020
Sing Along!
We Are the Day by Mark Burrows
(YouTube video with sheet music)
Conversations with fourth grade students inspired the lyrics of this stirring song. Children and adults alike will enjoy its driving rhythm and hopeful message.
Lessons with Teacher Laura
The Story of Sarah
The Story of Jacob
Joseph and the Rainbow Coat
Story Time with Andrew
The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson
“Along with providing a resonant environmental message, the story lightly demonstrates that friendships come in all shapes and sizes.”—Publishers Weekly
Ages 4-7
Draw Me a Star by Eric Carle
“A remarkable, quintessentially simple book encompassing Creation, creativity, and the cycle of life within the eternal.” —Kirkus Reviews
Ages 3-5
Children of the Earth… Remember by Schim Schimmel
A tender lesson of sharing and protecting the Earth, enhanced with stunning artwork.
Ages 5-9
November 3, 2020
Sing Along!
Peace Like a River traditional, performed by CJ and Friends
Get the wiggles out and jazz up your spirit with this super-happy song with movement!
October 25, 2020
Sing Along!
Turn Turn Turn by Pete Seger & Toshi Seger, performed by Dan Zanes & Elizabeth Mitchell
A relaxing and comforting version of this folk standard, with new family-friendly verses.
Lesson with Teacher Laura
The story of Rebekah
Story Time with Andrew
The Great Realization by Tomos Roberts
In the face of adversity there are still dreams to be dreamt and kindnesses to be shared and hope.
Preschool to Grade 3
Elephant and Piggie – Waiting is Not Easy by Mo Willems
Friends Elephant and Piggie learn about waiting.
Kindergarten to Grade 2
October 19, 2020
Sing Along!
I Will Be Your Friend by Guy Davis
American roots musician Guy Davis performs his heartfelt song about being a friend to those in need.
October 12, 2020
Sing Along!
Michael Row the Boat Ashore traditional, performed by Eric Bibb
(YouTube video)
Michael, row the boat ashore – Hallelujah! (2x)
Sister, help to trim the sail – Hallelujah! (2x)
Jordan River is chilly and cold – Hallelujah! Chills the body, but not the soul – Hallelujah!
Jordan River is deep and wide – Hallelujah! Milk and honey on the other side – Hallelujah!
Michael, row the boat ashore – Hallelujah! (2x)
Michael’s boat is a music boat – Hallelujah! (2x)
Michael, row the boat ashore – Hallelujah! (2x)
Lessons from Teacher Laura
Sukkot Lesson
Halloween Lesson
Story Time with Andrew
The Trouble with Trolls by Jan Brett
A Scandinavian girl uses her wits to outsmart the trolls who want her dog.
Ages 3-8
A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni
A chameleon learns to accept and embrace his nature.
Ages 2-5
October 5, 2020
Sing and Dance Along!
This week let’s have some fun with the wonderful song “Love Train“. Written by the legendary team of Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff, it was a hit single for the O’Jays in 1972.
First, watch this video from the music and dance TV show Soul Train. Click SHOW MORE below the video to see the lyrics. Sing and dance along!
Then, watch the official video to see the visuals the O’Jays wanted to share for this song.
Finally, mellow out with this version:
Love Train recorded by Keb’ Mo’ in 2001
Celebrate and spread love for all people.
September 27, 2020
Sing Along!
Let There Be Music by Jerry Estes
(YouTube video with sheet music)
Introducing a spirited anthem celebrating the power, beauty and joy of music. Here’s a mini-lesson plan for learning this song:
1) Play the song and just listen and enjoy
2) Play the song again, and watch the sheet music, focusing on the part you would like to sing (I is the melody/high part)
3) The third time, try singing along!
Lesson with Teacher Laura
Moral Dessert
Story Time with Andrew
The Galaxy Needs You, by Caitlin Kennedy
Discover along with Rey that you have everything inside of yourself that you need to succeed. All you have to do is reach for it….
Grades K-3
Monkey Puzzle, by Julia Donaldson
Monkey is lost in the jungle, so he asks Butterfly to help him find his mum. However, Butterfly cannot seem to understand that Monkey and his mum look alike, so attempts to reunite Monkey with an elephant, a parrot and even a bat!
Ages 3-8
What Do You Do With A Chance? by Kobi Yamada
A child who isn’t sure what to make of a chance encounter discovers that when you have courage, take chances, and say yes to new experiences, amazing things can happen.
Ages 3-8
September 21, 2020
Story Time
Rosh Hashanah Story
Told by Laura Click
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
Read by Andrew Davis
“I think I can!” The power of positive thinking.
Ages 3-5
The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Paul Galdone
Read by Andrew Davis
The three goat brothers brave the terrible troll in a colorful version of the classic tale.
Ages 4-7
I’m In Charge of Celebrations by Byrd Baylor
Read by Andrew Davis
A girl shares her love for desert life as she tells of treasured experiences.
Ages 6-9
Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner
Read by Isabelle Schoeppler
Amusing adventures of a Siamese cat.
Ages 3-5
Fish is Fish by Leo Lioni
Read by Isabelle Schoeppler
This charming tale of sticking together and imagination shows how powerful friendship can be.
Ages 3-7
September 15, 2020
Sing Along!
Share the Love, written and performed by John Stevens (guitar) and Luke Stevens (drums)
(YouTube video with lyrics)
Lift your spirits with this uptempo song that continues our theme of “love one another”.
Bible Stories with Teacher Laura
Community Needs
Plus three animated stories created just for you!
An Illustration of Time
The Tabernacle Part One
The Tabernacle Part Two
September 8, 2020
Sing Along!
Magic Penny, by Malvina Reynolds
(YouTube video)
Lyrics
Pastor Chris’ Sunday sermon “The Labor of Love” brought to mind the song “Magic Penny” (Love is Something if You Give it Away), the first verse of which has long been a staple of the Foothills Children’s Program. Sing along with this 1967 recording by the songwriter herself – the great Malvina Reynolds, an American folk/blues singer-songwriter and political activist.
August 31, 2020
Sing Along!
I Love You Because You’re You, by Andy Z
(YouTube video with lyrics)
Kids and parents alike love local family music artist Andy Z. This catchy tune brings the message of inclusivity to life.
August 23, 2020
Sing Along!
Here’s To the World We Love, by Raffi
(YouTube video)
Lyrics
A tuneful prayer for our world.
Free to Be, You and Me, Music by Stephen J. Lawrence, Lyrics by Bruce Hart, performed by The New Seekers (YouTube video)
Lyrics
A perennial favorite with the 2nd grade-and-up class, this is the title song to the book (1972) and TV special (1974) created by Marlo Thomas to teach kids that it was “acceptable to refute or reject the gender stereotypes expressed in children’s books of the period.”
August 17, 2020
Sing Along!
Just Like the Sun, by Raffi
(YouTube Video)
Lyrics
Nature’s gifts are for everyone!
Bible Stories with Laura
Solomon and the Two Mothers
Jesus Feeds the 5000
Story Time
Dora’s Box, by Anne-Jeanette Campbell, illustrated by Fabian Negrin
Read by Andrew Davis
Dora’s parents want to protect her, so they put anything that might frighten or hurt her into a box and tell her never to open it, but when she eventually does, her life is enriched by what she finds.
Ages 5-8
Strega Nona, an old tale, retold and illustrated by Tomie dePaola
Read by Andrew Davis
When Strega Nona (“Grandma Witch”) leaves him alone with her magic pasta pot, Big Anthony is determined to show the townspeople how it works in this classic Caldecott Honor book.
Ages 4-8
Stone Soup, by Marcia Brown
Read by Andrew Davis
Clever soldiers outwit greedy townspeople with the creation of a special soup in this cherished classic, a Caldecott Honor book.
Ages 4-8
Alexander and the Wind Up Mouse, by Leo Lionni
Read by Isabelle Schoeppler
A sweet fantasy about friendship (Caldecott Honor book).
Ages 6-9
Put Me in the Zoo, by Robert Lopshire
Read by Isabelle Schoeppler
This book for beginning readers assures that there’s a special spot for everyone.
Ages 3-6
August 10, 2020
Sing Along!
This Little Light of Mine, traditional, performed by Laurel, Cindy, and Richard Anderson
(YouTube video)
Shine your light and share a laugh with this terrific video from the Anderson family.
August 3, 2020
Sing Along!
Thanks A Lot, by Raffi
(YouTube video)
To see the lyrics, look for the comment below the video from Seaweed Hero, and click “Read more”.
Focus on gratitude with this gentle song.
All ages.
July 27, 2020
Sing Along!
If I Had a Hammer, by Pete Seeger & Lee Hays, performed by Peter, Paul & Mary
(YouTube video)
Click on SHOW MORE beneath the video for the lyrics, and join in on this lively call to social justice, hope, and love.
Story Time
Two Stories: Muslim and Buddhist
Told by Laura Click
An Extraordinary Egg, by Leo Lionni
Read by Andrew Davis
A silly story of mistaken identity.
Ages 3+
The Real Story of Stone Soup, by Ying Chang Compestine, illustrated by Stephanie Jorish
Read by Andrew Davis
Born and raised in China, the author shares an origin story of a traditional dish from southeast China.
Ages 5-8
Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest, by Gerald McDermott
Read by Andrew Davis
A Native American tale about the birth of the sun.
Ages 4-7
July 20, 2020
Sing Along!
We Are Called, by David Haas, performed by John Stevens
(YouTube video with lyrics)
Another answer to the question “what does the Lord require of you?” May this stirring song inspire and uplift you.
July 15, 2020
Parables with Laura
The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, The Prodigal Son
July 11, 2020
Story Time with Andrew, Isabelle and Laura
God Got A Dog, by Cynthia Rylant and Marla Frazee
Read by Laura Click
Poems about God trying out different things.
Age 10+
The Trellis and the Seed, by Jan Karon and Robert Gantt Steele
Read by Isabelle Schoeppler
A book of encouragement for all ages.
The Shoemaker’s Dream, by Masahira Kasuya, Mildred Schell, and Leo Tolstoy
Read by Isabelle Schoeppler
A shoemaker dreams of having Jesus as his guest, and shows his love by his kindness to strangers.
Ages 4+
Bible Story: The Story of Esther
Told by Laura Click
The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors, by Drew Daywalt & Adam Rex
Read by Andrew Davis
“Purely absurd, sidesplitting humor.” —Booklist (starred review)
Ages 4-8
July 8, 2020
Sing Along!
All Are Welcome by Marty Haugen (YouTube video with sheet music)
Sung to the Two Oaks hymn tune written in 1950, these simple yet powerful lyrics bring a vision of hospitality for all.
Grades 2+
June 28, 2020
Sing Along!
I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me (YouTube video by John Stevens, with lyrics)
Here’s a rhythmic and lively version of a favorite spiritual from our hymnal. Celebrate God working through our lives “anytime and anywhere.”
Grades 1+
June 22, 2020
Father’s Day Story with Laura >
Story Time with Andrew
Papa, Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse
Set in Africa and featuring the Maasai culture, with beautiful watercolor illustrations, it’s the story of the universal love between a father and child. Ages 5-6
Little Beaver and the Echo by Amy MacDonald
Little Beaver thinks he hears a friend across the pond and goes to search for him.
Ages 4-8
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
Separated from her mother before she is old enough to fly, the little fruit bat Stellaluna meets unexpected friends who show her a surprising new way of seeing the world.
Ages 4-7
I Wish I Were A Butterfly by Ed Young
The Wise Old One teaches the littlest cricket that being special has nothing to do with flashy colors or shimmering wings.
Ages 4-7
Story Time with Isabelle
Mama Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse
A child tests the limits of independence and comfortingly learns that a parent’s love is unconditional and everlasting.
Ages 2-4
The Donkey’s Dream by Barbara Helen Berger
A story of the Nativity.
Ages 3-7
Thank You, God by Holly Bea
An exuberant reminder of the power of appreciation.
Ages 3-7
Feeding the Sheep by Leda Schubert
This warm story describes work throughout the seasons on a farm.
Ages 3-6
June 20, 2020
Sing Along!
There’s a Spirit in the Air
“May the Spirit fill our praise,
guide our thoughts and change our ways;
God in Christ has come to stay,
Live tomorrow’s life today.”
(YouTube video with lyrics. Music: Jim and Jean Strathdee © 1993 Desert Flower Music Text: Brian Wren, © 1979 Hope Publishing Co. Reprinted under ONE LICENSE #732109-A)
Grades 2+
June 13, 2020
Bible Stories with Laura
The Garden of Eden
Jonah and the Whale
Story Time with Isabelle
The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle.
A classic story of the life cycle of a flower told through the adventures of a tiny seed.
Ages 3-8
A Special Trade by Sally Wittman
As the years go by, a little girl is able to help an old man as he helped her when she was very young.
Ages 4-8
What Kind of Bird Is That? by Mirra Ginsburg
Adapted from a Russian story, this is a sweet and funny tale about self-acceptance. An envious goose trades his various features for those he admires on other animals until he becomes a strange, unrecognizable bird.
Ages 4-8
Sky Tree: Seeing Science Through Art by Thomas Locker
Exquisite paintings are paired with questions about nature, making science comes alive through art.
Ages 4-8
June 6, 2020
Bible Story with Laura
The Parable of the Leavened Bread
June 1, 2020
Sing Along!
“Dona Nobis Pacem” (YouTube video)
You’ll recognize the friendly face and beautiful singing voice(s) in this video – it’s Foothills’ own Mike Ellard (x3!) singing this timeless canon (or round) from the Elementary Choir repertoire. “Grant us peace.” Amen.
May 31, 2020 ~ Pentacost
Sing Along!
“We Lift Up Our Hearts” by Richard Bruxvoort Colligan (YouTube video with lyrics)
Rev. Matt Broadbent introduced this song to Foothills years ago, and we’ve sung it in Children’s Program (grades 2+) ever since. The strong beat and repeating lyrics make it really easy to sing along. Open your mind to “the Spirit’s wind” of Pentacost.
May 24, 2020
Sing Along!
“The More We Get Together” (YouTube video)
We often sing this well-known song in the Kindergarten-1st grade class. How can you get together with friends as we shelter-in-place? Phone calls, Face Time, Skype and Zoom are all great ways to get together. Another way to be “with” someone is to send them a card or letter. Everybody loves to get mail!
May 20, 2020
Sing Along!
“Psalm 100 (Make a Joyful Noise all the Earth)” by Linnea Good is a lively song of praise from our Children’s Program (grades 2+). Here are two different YouTube videos to try:
– an instrumental version, with lyrics and the notes of the melody line
– Linnea Good’s recording with a fun piano accompaniment
After you sing or listen to this psalm you might enjoy comparing it to the text in your bible, or go to BibleGateway.com to explore different versions.
May 13, 2020
Sing Along!
“The Ha Ha Song – In the Beginning Was the Word” by Linnea Good
(YouTube video)
Stories of creation; Sarah; Shadrach, Meechach and Abednigo; and Lazarus with a chorus of laughter! We sing this in Children’s Program, grades 2+.
May 6, 2020
Story time
“God In Between” by Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso and Sally Sweetland
Read by Andrew
This story teaches that God can be found where we are: within all of us and the relationships between us.
Ages 5-10
“Brother Eagle, Sister Sky” by Susan Jeffers
Read by Andrew
A story that eloquently captures the central belief of Native Americans: that this earth and every creature on it is sacred.
Ages 4 and up
“The Ten Commandments for Children”
Read by Isabelle
“Ten Little Rabbits” by Sylvia Long and Virginia Grossman
Read by Isabelle
A counting book. Each number introduces a facet of traditional Native American culture, such as Pueblo corn dances or Navajo weaving, and the simple, rhyming text is enhanced by a brief afterword on Native American customs.
Ages 3-5
Bible Story with Laura
The Mustard Seed
April 28, 2020
Sing along!
“Go Make a Difference” by Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek (YouTube video with lyrics)
Here’s an uplifting song with a great beat. We sing the chorus of this song in Children’s Program with grades 2 and up. As you listen or sing, think about how we can make a difference in the world even as we shelter-at-home.
Bible Stories with Laura
Doubting Thomas
A story about the importance of asking questions.
Story Time with Andrew
“Does God Know How To Tie Shoes?”
by Nancy White Carlstrom and Lori McElrath-Eslick
Katrina wants to know more about God: “Mama, what does God wear? Does God like to paint? Does God ever cry, Papa?” Her parents’ responses, based on the Psalms, help Katrina to know God in ways that are very real to her.
Ages 4-8
Part 1 Part 2
April 22, 2020
Sing along!
“Garden Song” by David Mallett, performed by Pete Seeger (YouTube video)
Join beloved icon Pete Seeger on this wonderful family-friendly song, a relatively new folk standard (written in 1975). The lyrics display in the video.
April 16, 2020
Sing along!
“You Are Welcome Here” by Mark Burrows, sung by Anna (audio file) Copyright © Choristers Guild. Used by permission.
A song of grace and belonging from our Children’s Program (grades 2+).
Lyrics
Am I welcome here? Am I safe to sing or laugh or shed a tear?
Will I be loved the way I am? Will friends be near?
Am I welcome here? Am I welcome here?
You are welcome here. You are safe to sing or laugh or shed a tear.
We love you just the way you are, so have no fear.
You are welcome here. You are welcome here.
This is a place, of peace and grace,
where all God’s children have a home.
For you for me, this place will be
where all are loved and no one stands alone.
All are welcome here. All are safe to sing or laugh or shed a tear.
God loves us just the way we are, so have no fear.
All are welcome here. I am welcome here.
April 12, 2020–Easter
- Easter Story (Godly Play Lesson with Laura)
- A story about spring and how Easter, Passover, and Ramadan share similar themes (with Laura)
- Easter egg dying with Andrew
2. Blown Eggs
3. Making Dye
4. Hard Boil
5. Finishing Hard Boil
6. Decorating
7. Finishing Up - Decorating Easter eggs without eggs (painting) with Laura
- “Happy Easter, Curious George” by H. A. Rey and Mary O’Keefe Young, read by Isabelle. Part 1 Part 2
Ages 4-7
April 5, 2020–Palm Sunday
“Enter He, Triumphantly” by David Davenport (publisher’s audio file)
To listen to the song, click the little arrow in the dark box on the left side, below the image of the sheet music.
Before shelter-in-place, Foothills kids and youth in grades 2 and up were preparing to sing this anthem for Palm Sunday with the adult choir. When we were learning this song in Children’s Program one Sunday, one of the youth remarked “That song is in a minor key! I like it, but isn’t that strange?” Another chimed in, “Yeah, shouldn’t church songs sound happy?” So we talked about how this song expresses that Palm Sunday carries with it both the joy and excitement of Jesus’ triumphant processing into town, and the foreboding of what is to come for him just a few days later.
March 2020
- “God is Always There” by Toni Sullivan (YouTube video with sheet music)
Elementary Choir was scheduled to sing this song in church on March 8. Enjoy these reassuring words of God’s presence in our daily lives. - “Shout with Joy” by Mark Patterson (publisher’s audio file)
Click the picture of the sheet music to listen.
A lively selection from Elementary Choir’s planned March 8 program. - “Like a Rock” by Linnea Good (YouTube video)
This song is sung in all our Children’s Program classes. Here is a lovely recording by Linnea herself, which includes the words so you can sing along. Children’s Program kids and youth can show you the hand motions! Linnea also adds a lovely verse in Gaelic. - “Jesus and the Twelve Dudes Who Did” by Mindy Macdonald, read by Isabelle. Part 1 Part 2
Ages 2-4 - “The Peace Book” by Todd Parr, read by Isabelle.
Positive and hopeful messages of peace and the importance of friendship, caring, and acceptance.
Ages 3-6 - “On Noah’s Ark” by Jan Brett, read by Andrew.
Told from the perspective of Noah’s granddaughter.
Ages 4-8
Part 1 Part 2 - “Red: A Crayon’s Story” by Michael Hall, read by Andrew.
About being true to your inner self and following your own path despite obstacles that may come your way.
Ages 4-8 - “Curious George’s Dream” by H. A. Rey and Margaret Rey, read by Isabelle.
After a long day at the fair George is frustrated. It seems he is always too small! But when George falls asleep and wakes up BIG, he discovers being too large can be difficult, too, and maybe he’s the right size after all.
Ages 4-7 - “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson, read by Andrew.
Ages 3-5 - “The Three Questions” by Jon J. Muth, read by Andrew.
Nikolai is a boy who believes that if he can find the answers to his three questions, he will always know how to be a good person.
Ages 5-9