PARENTS AND KIDS
Welcome!
We are delighted to be able to provide teachings and activities based on progressive Christian thinking and our core values of Humility, (affirming) Community, Generosity and Antiracism.
Our program leaders, Jen Loving and Don Torrance, are certified educators and volunteer their time to care for kids during service, host in-person and virtual groups for parents and a vibrant FB group, and program special activities throughout the year.
They’ve been with Forefront for 3 and 12 years respectively. You and your kids are in good hands!
During this unprecedented period, we are extending their tailored lessons to everyone, every parent, whether living in NYC or elsewhere. Moreover, our virtual doors are open as well. Feel the need to be with other parents and discuss issues, get uplifted, just be calm and pray? Then join the Mom or Dad weekly group. We’re here to help and support.
If you have any questions, we’d be happy to talk with you one-on-one, just email us at: kidstufbk@forefrontnyc.com
The Kidstuf program at Forefront Church is grounded in inclusion for all and the belief that every child and family should be represented in our lessons, activities, and services. While we do pull lessons from established curriculum, we alter lessons so that they are inclusive and representative of our church and our core values.
Below you’ll find three sections:
Community connections and activities
Fun educational tools you can use at home
Game Ideas, always fun but especially useful during stay at home orders
Community Connections and Activities
Private Parent FB Group
Our Forefront Family Group is a one-stop-shop for all things family related within our community. Our community events and virtual meet-ups are posted here as well as the weekly focus for faith at home based on the Sunday lessons. Community members also post tips, ideas and just generally keep in contact with each other on this page.
During the pandemic, we publish various take-home lessons here as well. Come join!
Kidstuf Live!
Thursdays from 12:30pm - 1:00pm
A special quarantine-related event that is happening during this unique time of Kidstuf Live! This is a weekly devotional for kids and families happening at 12:30 every Thursday on FB live.
There is a short message and focus for the week as well as craft and praise time! We hope that everyone can join us for the fun!
Mom’s Group
Sundays from 8:00pm - 9:00pm
The Mom’s group is a close-knit group of Forefront Moms who support each other through the motherhood journey in NYC and around the country.
Dad’s Group
Fridays at 9:00pm - 10:00pm
The Dads group at Forefront get together for conversations, drinks and, sometimes, a movie. In the end, it's a fun time to decompress from the stresses of parenting.
At Home Progressive Christian Lessons
Each one of our lessons for all ages has an arts component (either visual arts, performing arts, music, cooking, games or science) to help solidify understanding of the content and encourage children to engage and express themselves.
Lessons follow this general structure:
Welcome activity that introduces the theme for the day
Bible time where we read a Bible story together and discuss how to apply it to our own lives
An arts activity that deepens understanding and engagement
A closing activity that includes reflection, prayer and a call to action based on the day's lesson
Our Upper Elementary curriculum for grades 4 and above is based on social justice actions and how kids can start to be activists for inclusion in their own schools and communities.
We partner with Sparkhouse Digital for lesson outlines and align our focus with that of the larger church.
Elementary
Children have a blast with this fun creative drama lesson where the lesson comes to life! Children will act out sections of the Bible story and even get to use costumes and props! Children then engage with a discussion about the importance of prayer in our daily lives and that teaches children how to practice this in their daily lives!
Workshop Focus: God understands our prayers. Creative Drama Workshop
Gather and Circle Time
Storytelling
Activate Faith
Goodbye Time
Wrap-up and Prayer
Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:5-15
Click here to download the lesson!
Preschool
This lesson focuses on the importance of prayer and lays the foundation for a lifelong prayer practice for our youngest children. Children learn a memory verse to use at home and learning is solidified through art as children create their own Amen Bells and even play a fun game!
Workshop Focus: Amen!
Bible Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Never stop praying.”
Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:5-15
Click here to download the lesson!
Upper Elementary
This lesson is an introduction to equity vs equality; it is part of a larger unit on the diversity of God's Kingdom. This lesson focuses on how others feel when they are excluded based on race or gender and includes an activity that asks young people to commit to inclusion in their own daily lives at school and in their communities.
Workshop Focus: Diversity demonstrates the goodness, creativity, and splendor of God.
1. Welcome (3-5 min)
2. Opening Activity (5 min)
3. Bible Time (10-12 min)
4. Review Activity (5 min)
5. Application Activity (5-7 min)
6. Closing and Prayer (5-7 min)
Click here to download the lesson!
Game ideas, yes more game ideas!
- Create your own family prayer to use at dinner or bedtime
- Choose your favorite Bible verse and create drawings that represent what it means to you
- Choose a favorite Bible story and act it out as a family
- Research and find a favorite volunteer opportunity that your family could do together
- Create an activism poster based on a societal concern (the environment, fair wages, better schools, etc)
- Play Family Bingo!
- Write your own family story
- Create a "Hope Rainbow" with tissue paper and words that represent what is important to families
- Build a "laser maze" in your hallway at home with tape and string that all family members have to get through!
- Create an obstacle course that all family members have to complete
- Bake a healthy dessert together
- Play hopscotch in your living room
- Blow up a balloon and work together to keep it from hitting the ground
- Play musical chairs or freeze dance
- Write your own family song
- Build a fort
- Make homemade slime
- Do a copycat movement game
Forefront relies solely on your generosity. In the midst of this unique crisis, we ask that you give generously to Forefront. Please click here to financially support our operating costs and Covid-19 related programs.