Day 4: Thursday, August 4th
Today Hiroshi and I decided to up the level of English a bit in our group (3rd grade and up). The kids had to step way out of their normal comfort zone as we changed it up. We started with our introductions as usual where we have kids stand up in pairs and each say "hi, my name is...". We did this yesterday so they were more comfortable with this today! Then Hiroshi and I asked them to stand in pairs and say "(name), you are special" to each other. We did a practice time where everyone practiced. Then we sat down and did each pair one by one. It was precious. We even added "very" and "so" before "special" and the kids liked saying "you are very very very very very.....special" after that. ;)
Today Hiroshi and I decided to up the level of English a bit in our group (3rd grade and up). The kids had to step way out of their normal comfort zone as we changed it up. We started with our introductions as usual where we have kids stand up in pairs and each say "hi, my name is...". We did this yesterday so they were more comfortable with this today! Then Hiroshi and I asked them to stand in pairs and say "(name), you are special" to each other. We did a practice time where everyone practiced. Then we sat down and did each pair one by one. It was precious. We even added "very" and "so" before "special" and the kids liked saying "you are very very very very very.....special" after that. ;)
The adults did it too!! When I paired the kids, I also paired Mineko and Keiko together so they could join the fun. I did not realize at the time, but our two kind, dear helpers/mothers were two of the ones who are non believers. How much more special that they participated! God always knows what He is doing. Please cover these two women in prayer! Mineko asked Yumi questions about the Bible today after VBS ...Yumi was able to share more. Yumi also gently urged Mineko to read/study the Bible. She offered that Hiroshi could help her study if she would be comfortable. God continues to open doors. Praise God for the marvelous work He is doing in the hearts of students and parents at VBS!!
After that, we left their chairs at the craft tables and cleared space to sit in a big circle on the floor. We had a blue ball which we titled our "magic English ball." I asked "what is your favorite thing about summer?" They had to answer me in English as we passed the blue ball around the circle. Answers varied from camping, fishing, swimming, shaved ice, watermelon and other fruits, ball, etc. Then when the ball made its way back to me, I explained that a "noun" is a person, place, or thing... "Now I want you to think of a person, place, or thing." We passed it the other way. While naming a person, place, or thing, answers ranged from various fruits to "socks," "building," "ballet," "Madison," etc. It was adorable and definitely out of their comfort zone...but they were troopers and got the hang of it. ;)
Then I explained "verbs." Verbs are actions. Verbs are things nouns do. I then pointed to my head and ask "what is this?" "Head!!" "Is head a noun or verb?" One child softly answered, "Noun." "What about if I think? Is that a noun or verb?" "Verb," another muttered. "Good!" Then I held up my hand... "what is this?" "Hand!" "Is it a noun or verb?" "Noun." "What if I reach?" "Verb." "Good...ok let's practice verbs/actions!" We had everyone stand up. We proceeded to do "head, shoulders, knees, and toes" a few times followed by a nice "hokey pokey" session. They laughed so hard (someone has a video of the entertaining dance session)!!
(click on photos to enlarge)
(click on photos to enlarge)
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9
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