https://content.lessons.church/files/bundles/VPSWc-qL9Q8/Slides and Printables.zip?dt=1680239009462

Slides and Printables

https://content.lessons.church/files/bundles/AaEHYiiDtXt/Program Videos.zip?dt=1649184974912

Program Videos

Conductor Carl Act 2

Big Story Video

Conductor Carl Act 3

Conductor Carl Act 1

Big Point Video Short

Mia was so excited to go to church, but now she’s upset. Maybe someone said something to her that made her not want to go. Will she stop doing the right thing even if other people try to get her to stop?

Upside Down Week 4

I Won't Back Down

Join Conductor Carl and his friends as they lead your kids on an adventure through God’s word. These imaginative and engaging lessons will have your early childhood kids and volunteers loving every minute of their time at the Train Station. Included are lessons for Kindergarten-3s, 2-year-olds and a story for babies and toddlers. Lessons include videos, graphics, coloring sheets, and both large and small group lessons. The junior lessons tie directly with the corresponding elementary lesson.

Ark Kids Junior

An ongoing curriculum for Early Childhood

3min Countdown

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX1/2GELcCp0x9-/jr-3-minute-countdown.mp4?dt=1631928367659

Countdown Video

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX1/2ziMQiGLFAE/ccf-countdown-video.mp4?dt=1630777422249

1080p

Preschool Clean Up Song

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX1/9ur1wCUIFdP/preschool-clean-up-song.mp4?dt=1630777756678

Conductor Carl Title Slide

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX1/bALs77QD7N5/conductor-carl-title-slide.mp4?dt=1630756004559

7 min countdown

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX1/dnUWSEHiZ5V/Dwayne - JR 7 Minute Countdown.mp4?dt=1663288794338

Rules Video

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX1/eGS32Yho9To/ccf-rules-video.mp4?dt=1630778071576

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/5AMoJA6qd9q/eqXFls2pKT6/UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 1.jpg?dt=1680238859368

UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 1.jpg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/5AMoJA6qd9q/eqXFls2pKT6/UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 2.jpeg?dt=1680238859369

UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 2.jpeg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/5AMoJA6qd9q/eqXFls2pKT6/UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 3.jpeg?dt=1680238859365

UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 3.jpeg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/5AMoJA6qd9q/eqXFls2pKT6/UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 4.jpeg?dt=1680238859362

UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 4.jpeg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/5AMoJA6qd9q/eqXFls2pKT6/UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 5.jpeg?dt=1680238859363

UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 5.jpeg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/5AMoJA6qd9q/eqXFls2pKT6/UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 6.jpeg?dt=1680238859362

UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 6.jpeg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/5AMoJA6qd9q/eqXFls2pKT6/UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 7.jpeg?dt=1680238859358

UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 7.jpeg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/5AMoJA6qd9q/eqXFls2pKT6/UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 8.jpeg?dt=1680238859359

UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 8.jpeg

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/5AMoJA6qd9q/eqXFls2pKT6/UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 9.jpeg?dt=1680238859357

UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 9.jpeg

Big Story Slides

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/5AMoJA6qd9q/eqXFls2pKT6/UD JR L4 Big Story Slides.zip?dt=1680238744066

Title Slide Steam Whistle

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX1/GMhFDhN9F0M/title-slide-steam-whistle-.mp4?dt=1630725126159

Lesson Plan

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/5AMoJA6qd9q/gzs5TbOjZqG/UD 3's L4 Small Groups.docx?dt=1680238019801

docx

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/5AMoJA6qd9q/gzs5TbOjZqG/UD JR L4 Large Group.docx?dt=1680238039746

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/5AMoJA6qd9q/gzs5TbOjZqG/UD PK-K L4 Small Groups.docx?dt=1680238081280

2min Countdown

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX1/HSDgV6a0-Dx/jr-2-minute-countdown.mp4?dt=1648677059976

Big Verse Slide

https://content.lessons.church/files/lesson/5AMoJA6qd9q/JLmva1F0Kqi/UD JR L4 Big Verse Slide.jpg?dt=1680238673834

The Big Do

https://content.lessons.church/files/program/BVLAFRqSzX1/LHtdCIFuzEt/cc-big-do-slide.mp4?dt=1630726373409

The current state of the world is incredibly challenging, especially for the children in our ministries who are growing up in a society where navigating moral and logical inconsistencies has become increasingly difficult. However, it's important to note that they are not alone in facing such circumstances. Drawing inspiration from the story of Daniel and his friends, who were uprooted from their homes and thrust into an unfamiliar world, we can impart timeless principles to help our children understand that it is indeed possible to live with integrity and righteousness even in a world that seems upside down.

Upside Down

In the midst of a challenging and confusing world, this message draws from the life of Daniel to teach kids enduring principles, emphasizing that with God's guidance, it's possible to uphold righteousness and live right-side-up in an upside-down world.

Large Group

Countdown from 10

Leader

Rules

Welcome

**Host** and **Co-Host** enter dressed in overalls. 

**Host**

Welcome to the Train Station, Jr. Conductors! I hope that you are ready for another fun day with Conductor Carl and his friends.



**Co-Host**

We’ve learned a lot this month about how to live right side up for God, even when things around us are upside-down.



**Host**

Let’s play a backward game called backward freeze dance. To play this game, you stand still when the music plays and dance like crazy when the music stops.



**Co-Host**

Can you do it? Let’s see!



Play some music to use in the freeze dance. When the music plays remind the kids to stand still. When the music stops, encourage them to dance energetically.



**Host**

That was confusing! We normally dance when the music plays. A world that does things backward is confusing, too. That’s why we listen to God’s Word. God always tells us the truth. He helps us make wise choices. Let’s  let out a big, “Choo-choo!” 







Hosts

Worship

Engage 1

Write “Yes” and “No” on two posterboards or foam boards.



**Co-Host**

I can’t believe that Mia said that she’s not going to church. She was really looking forward to the church picnic.



**Host**

I wonder if someone said something that made her change her mind. Some people may not like it when we follow Jesus. Those times are the moments when we need to remember this Big Point. Let’s stand and practice the Big Point again, 



**Co-Host**

When you back down from following Jesus, that means you stop following Jesus and doing what He asks you to do. Do you think we should stop following Jesus if someone tells us to stop?



**Host**

We always want to be kind and polite, but it’s okay to tell someone, “No” if they ask you to do something that disobeys God.





**Co-Host**

Look at these posters. Can you read this one with me? The letters are N-O. 

What does that spell? (Pause) Right, it says, “No!” Let’s read the other one. The letters are Y-E-S. What is that word? 



**Host**

It spells, “Yes.” We have some questions for you. It’s your job to answer with a “Yes” or a “No.” 



Hold up the signs as the kids say the answers. Questions follow...



 - Should you stop reading your Bible with your family?

 - Should you pray and chat with God?

 - Should you say mean words?

 - Should you push people who make you mad?

 - Should you go to church?

 - Should you obey your parents?

 - Should you stick your tongue out at your teacher?

 - Should you love God with all your heart?



**Co-Host**

You made the right choices. I’m glad that you said, “Yes” to the right things and, “No” to the wrong ones. That’s exactly how you don’t back down. Let’s see if we can find out why Mia is upset.



Engage 2

**Co-Host**

I can’t believe that Mia’s friends called her a baby because she goes to church. Is she a baby? (Pause) No, going to church is a wise choice.





**Host**

Inspector Nigel showed Mia that she can follow the Big Point, 

**Co-Host**

I like the verse that he shared from the Bible. 

 



**Co-Host**

James 1:12 (NIrV) says, “Blessed is the person who keeps on going when times are hard.”

 



**Host**

Not backing down means that we keep following Jesus, even when it’s hard. Maybe you feel really sleepy on Sunday morning. Let’s stretch our arms out wide and yawn. (Stretch and yawn) Even when we’re tired, we can choose a good attitude and go to church.

**Co-Host**

Maybe you’re so hungry for lunch, and you don’t feel like cleaning up first. Let’s rub our tummies. (Rub your stomach) Even when that happens, we can choose a good attitude and join in to help clean.



**Host**

Let’s play a fun game. We have a hula hoop, and these two Jr. Conductors will stand in the middle of it. When we say, “Go,” (**Co-Host**) and I will try to push them out of the hoop, using these boppers. Let’s see if they can stand strong and keep us from pushing them out.



**Co-Host**

We need everyone to count to ten as we push.





Place two kids in the center of the hula hoop. Using inflatable boppers or boxing gloves, attempt to “push” the kids out as the audience counts to 10. Apply enough pressure for the kids to feel, but not enough to push them out. If time permits, you can play multiple rounds with other kids.





**Host**

You did a great job. You didn’t let us push you out.



**Co-Host**

You kept going, even when it was hard. In our Big Story, we get to hear about a guy named Daniel who wouldn’t back down either.



**Host**

First let’s stand and worship God.





Big Story

Big Story Slides - UD JR L4 Big Story Slide 1.jpg

Let’s use our Big Verse to pray and talk to God. Repeat this prayer after me. “Dear Jesus, (Pause) I’m thankful (Pause) that You can help me (Pause) to keep going.” (Repeat 2x) It’s a good choice to use the Bible to pray. Remember that Jesus can help us keep going and make wise choices, even when other people don’t.



Engage 3

**Co-Host**

I’m glad that Mia decided to go to the church picnic after all.



**Host**

She was brave and invited her friends to visit her church, too. I think Mia is a 

good example of the Big Point. Let’s all practice our Big Point again,



**Co-Host**

Daniel was brave, too. Even when the king made the law that people couldn’t pray to God, Daniel opened his windows and prayed. God protected Daniel from the hungry lions.



**Host**

You can tell your family about Daniel and the lion’s den when you do the Big Do this week. 



**Host**

Play a game of tug of war with your family. You can use a rope, a blanket, or even a towel.



**Co-Host**

Let’s play that now. We have a rope with a flag in the middle and some Jr. Conductors will help us play this game. The goal is to tug and pull the flag to your side but watch out! The other team will try to do the same thing.



**Host**

Let’s see who can keep going.





Play tug of war with the kids. Encourage the audience to clap and cheer for everyone playing.





**Host**

Let’s say our Big Point once more, 



Big Review

 - Did our Big Point say I Will Back Down! Or **I Won’t Back Down?**



 - Let’s pretend to be babies. What kinds of things do babies do? (Pretend to be a baby with the kids) Why did Mia’s friends call her a baby? **Because she went to church** Did Mia decide to never go to church again, or did she change her mind and go? **She went**





 - Let’s see who can stand on one leg the longest. When I say, “Go,” lift one leg up and stay that way. (Play the game) James 1:12 (NIrV) says, “Blessed is the person who keeps on going when times are (easy / **hard**).”



 - Hold up three fingers. Let’s count them. 1, 2, 3. In our Big Story, who prayed to God three times per day? **Daniel** When the king made a rule that people couldn’t pray to God, did Daniel stop praying or keep praying? **Keep praying**



 - Can you roar like a lion? (Roar) Where was Daniel sent because he prayed? **The lions** Did the lions eat him? **No** Who protected Daniel? **God** What is one thing God wants you to keep doing? **Praying, worshipping Him, going to church, obeying my parents**, … 



 - What did Conductor Carl tell us to do in the Big Do? **Play a game of Tug of War and keep going**

Clean Up

Midweek / Classroom

Small Group Split

Begin by splitting the kids into the desired number of Small Groups. Small Group Leaders, take a few moments to welcome your group. Afterwards, go over the rules of the room and talk about the positive reinforcement tool. 







It’s time for us to visit our friends at the Train Station! Let me hear you say, “Choo-choo!” 



Now let’s stand up and count it down with Conductor Carl. After that we get to worship God! 

Icebreaker

Welcome to the Train Station, Jr. Conductors! My name is Engineer (Insert your name). We’ve been discovering how to follow Jesus and live right side up. When we don’t follow Jesus, we live upside down. We don’t want to do that. We always want to follow our Good Leader.



Let’s play Follow the Leader, but this time, do the opposite of me, the leader! If I say, “Stand up,” sit down. If I say, “Run in place,” freeze where you are.









Play Follow the Leader, but have the kids do the opposite of what you say. As you do it, talk about how hard it is to do the opposite. 





You can have a seat on your pockets. That was really hard! When we don’t follow Jesus, it’s like living our life backwards. But the good news is that we can choose to follow Jesus. Living the right way is always better. Mia is learning to do the right thing today. Let’s see if we can help her.



I wonder what happened to Mia. She was so excited to go to church, but now she’s upset. Maybe someone said something to her that made her not want to go. I’m sure the Big Point will help her. Everyone, put your hand to your ear, and let’s say the Big Point together, 

**I Won’t Back Down!**



That Big Point means we won’t stop obeying. When someone backs down from following Jesus, that means they stop following Jesus and doing what God says to do. Others might try to get you to stop doing the things that God wants you to do. But we can read our Bibles, talk to God, go to church, and love others, no matter what anyone says or does. If someone tries to make us stop, we can keep going. 



Let’s practice not stopping or backing down right now in our Small Groups. Everyone, turn to your leader.







Play an endurance game with the kids by giving them a physical task and encouraging them to keep going for 30-45 seconds. These can be jumping jacks, hopping on one foot, etc. Do as many as time allows for. 







Small Group Leader

Is Mia a baby? No, that’s not true. Her friends called her a mean name because she goes to church. I hope she won’t let that keep her from making a right choice. Let’s sing the Big Point again, 



Inspector Nigel is wise to look in the Bible for answers. James 1:12 (NIrV) says, “Blessed is the person who keeps on going when times are hard.” Hard things happen, but God loves to give us strength to keep making wise choices when life gets hard. 



We’ve been learning about Daniel, whose story is found in the Bible. He chose to obey God, even when other people tried to get him to stop. Daniel met some lions - yikes! Let’s make a lion craft, and then we will listen to the story of Daniel and the lions.  





Use the provided materials to help the kids assemble a lion face. The paper plate is the head. Glue the paper around the edge for the mane, attach the googly eyes, and use a marker to draw a mouth. Help write each child’s name on the back, and they can finish during the Big Story, if needed.

I’m so thankful God protected Daniel from the lions. God can do amazing things when we stand strong and keep on doing what honors Him. Let’s take some time in our Small Groups to pray for our friends. Everyone, turn to your leader. 











Let’s use our Big Verse to pray for the friend sitting next to us. Everyone, put your hand on your friend’s shoulder and repeat after me, “Dear God, (Pause) help my friend to keep going (Pause), even when times are hard.” Good job. I’m going to pray for all of us. (Pray) 

Closing

Mia made a wise choice to go to her church picnic. She learned from Daniel that we don’t back down from doing the right thing, even when someone tries to get us to disobey God. You can tell your family about Daniel’s wise choices when you do the Big Do this week. 







Play a game of tug of war with your family. You can use a rope, a blanket, or even a towel. Let’s practice our Big Point one last time, 

Upside Down Week 4: I Won't Back Down

Large Group

Large Group Instructions

Countdown from 10

Rules

Welcome

Engage 1

Engage 2

Big Story

Engage 3

Big Review

Clean Up

Large Group Instructions

Countdown from 10

Rules

Welcome

Engage 1

Engage 2

Big Story

Engage 3

Big Review

Clean Up

About Ark Kids Junior