LHTH’s Rotating Box of Plans

LHTH’s Rotating Box of Plans

This “Inside the Guide” series provides a quick snapshot of Little Hands to Heaven (LHTH)! It’s a handy “how-to” reference, just one box of plans at a time. Have you ordered Little Hands to Heaven from Heart of Dakota? Thank you – so fun! Are you getting excited to start? Totally understandable! Well, here’s your quick-start “Inside the Guide” for…LHTH’s Rotating Box of plans!

Quick Start Info

Time It Takes: 5 minutes

Days It’s On: Days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (five rotating boxes, with each box scheduled one time a week)

Description: LHTH’s Rotating Box of plans can be found on the bottom left side of the daily plans. Though the skills taught in these boxes rotate daily, every box connects to the biblical theme in its own special way. The five rotating boxes of plans include: Art Activity, Math Activity, Devotional Activity, Dramatic Play, and Active Exploration. This rotation allows many skills to be taught within a week and keeps each day fresh with varied things to do. While many preschool programs focus solely on letters and sounds, LHTH’s rotating boxes teach additional skills that prepare children for kindergarten without adding too much time to the day. LHTH takes just 30 minutes a day to do, and it can be taught in 1 year, 1 1/2 years, or 2 years. To read more about these flexible pacing options, click here!

A Handy How-To for LHTH’s Rotating Box of Plans

For the Art Activity, children creatively respond to the Bible story. Hands-on art projects encourage self-expression and teach needed skills. The focus is on the artistic process, rather than creating a perfect product. Common art supplies and household items make these projects quick and easy.

For the Math Activity, children learn basic math concepts via fun, hands-on, concrete activities. These simple math activities reinforce the weekly biblical theme. Common household items make these hands-on math activities quick and easy.

For the Devotional Activity, parents choose either Big Thoughts for Little People (ages 2-4) or My ABC Bible Verses (ages 4-5). Each once-a-week devotion links to the letter studied for the week and emphasizes biblical lessons and Godly character. Each devotion includes a two-page read aloud story, a corresponding Scripture, and an everyday application.

For Dramatic Play, children use play-to-learn skills to respond to the Bible story reading in a creative way. Dramatizations bring history to life, reinforce the Bible reading, and encourage creative expression.

For Active Exploration, children develop thinking skills with game-like activities. These hands-on activities link to the biblical theme help children make connections to the world around them. Children often delve into science and health-related topics through active exploration as well.

General Rotating Box Notes

Since the rotating boxes all link to the Bible story, be sure you’ve read the Bible Story before doing the rotating boxes. Hands-on activities that require supplies really do use common household items and art supplies. LHTH’s plans also often suggest substitutions (i.e. use cereal pieces, chocolate chips, or mini marshmallows).  Click here for a general supply list for LHTH, but keep in mind you can easily make substitutions! Finally, after completing each rotating box, I read aloud the Key Idea in the LHTH guide. It ties the rotating activities to the Bible theme beautifully!

Art Activity Notes

My three little ones varied greatly in fine motor skills like coloring, gluing, cutting, drawing, etc. I made a point to remember the purpose of the Art Activity was to focus on the creative process. I liked to start them off and help them as needed – but NOT take over the whole thing! Then it would have been my art project instead of theirs! I often hung their completed art projects on the fridge with a strong magnetic clip. They loved showing their brothers and my hubby when he came home from work!

Math Activity Notes

The Math Activity box often includes “youngers” and “olders” options. This makes extending the activity for “mathy” or older kiddos easy! My sons LOVED these activities, probably because a fair share of them involve snacks. For this reason, the kitchen table is a great place to do the math activity. Though the activities are fun, keep in mind they are not just ‘fluff’. They teach excellent math skills, and they do a wonderful job of preparing kiddos for kindergarten math. For a scope and sequence of math concepts listed by units, click here and scroll to the Program Components – Math Activity section.

Dramatic Play and Active Exploration Notes

Dramatic Play and Active Exploration were a blast! They taught many skills but in such fun ways that they made it seem like we were just playing. My biggest tip here is to get involved! Be part of the activity instead of just “directing” it. My sons enjoyed these two boxes so much, they often kept doing the activities long after “school” was done. This gave me time to teach my oldest son, so these hands-on boxes were golden!

Devotional Activity Notes

Prior to beginning the Devotional Activity, be sure to read the author’s notes in the front of the devotionals. Kenneth Taylor’s “A word to parents (and grandparents)” shares his purpose in writing Big Thoughts for Little People. It also shares the importance of the artwork! There are surprises in every picture, and they are part of the fun and learning! Likewise, Susan Hunt’s “Dear lover of children” and “Dear little friend” share her purpose in writing My ABC Bible Verses. Take time to read her dedication as well, and have some Kleenexes nearby.

We loved to read and discuss the devotional cuddled up on the couch. Tucking my little one under my arm took away the wiggles and helped him focus on the reading and the pictures better. The questions provide precious opportunities to discuss important things. No matter how busy I was, I tried to slow down and savor those discussions! The Bible verse should be read aloud. The prayer wraps up Susan Hunt’s devotional.

Finally, let’s take a “Look Inside” each of the devotionals. The first set of pictures are from Big Thoughts for Little People, and the second set of pictures are from My ABC Bible Verses. To order these amazing devotionals, click here! To order a complete LHTH package, click here!