The hidden value of using colour

 

The most frequent comments to this site concern colour templates. Some posts have black and white templates, others don’t. While I’m always happy to make up a colourless template if requested, I think we should try to print in colour if possible. Why?…..

colour

number-1 We know, ‘You’re worth it’.
If you were to buy your crafts they would come in colour. Colour is synonymous with worth, and it sends a message of value to the child. It tells them that this is an original, not a photocopy, that this was created for them, and that they are worth the extra. Photocopying has it’s place, but don’t be fooled into thinking that kids and parents don’t notice.

number-2 This resources is worth it
For years I was led to believe colour printing was too expensive. I’d spend a fortune on craft equipment, pens, glue, ribbons, and pipe-cleaners, but not on printing. Finally, I started to do the maths. A colour cartridge (or set) lasts for 100 ink heavy pages on a ink-jet printer or 2000+ on a laser. Buying recycled/refilled ink cartridges makes the price per page surprisingly small.

number-3 Colouring should engage you with the story
If you’ve ever sent a kid home with a half coloured template or watched enthusiastic kids spend an age colouring sides of houses, you may resonate. That is not engagement with the story. If you group loves colouring then give them a colouring page or ask them to draw a picture about the story.

number-4 We value time
Much like the point above, getting kids to do colouring can be a long process, printing in colour gives more time for an extra game, or a longer discussion time, or another craft to explore a different side of the story. The time we have with the youngsters is precious.

number-5 We want this to look good
Call me vain, but when I get my crafts to the stage I can print in colour and make them up I think they look better than the self coloured versions. If we are going to take time creating something let it be the best it can be. Something we are proud to show parents.
 

Notes,
I do use white backgrounds and lighter colours when I can.
Investing in a cheap laser printer is well worth the money.
Find a service that can re-fill (and possibly re-chip) your cartridges.
I realised today that I can print 100 pages of colour for the price of a packet of felt tip pens.
+ Paper is easier to recycle than the pen jackets!

 

Matthew (Matthew 9) | Craft 2

 

Hugely inspired by Mina’s flexagons over on Flame Creative Kids, this craft (a Tetra-tetra Flexagon) uses the same folding out idea to tell a story in 3 pictures.

This one piece of paper construction is lovely and tactile to play with. I’ve left the back plain so you can add a child s name or any other info onto it.

 
…continue reading about Matthew (Matthew 9) | Craft 2

Matthew (Matthew 9) | Craft 1

 

With the use of a Soroban abacus on the worksheet I decided to have a go at crafting a simple one.

This craft can be used for either a Soroban abacus or a more traditional one. There is no template, just follow the instructions. (A template would actually make it harder!)

 
…continue reading about Matthew (Matthew 9) | Craft 1

Matthew (Matthew 9) | Worksheet

 
Matthew
This is a worksheet for older children, I’d recommend not trying to do it with those under the age of 7. There is a mathematical problem, a personal testimony and some passages to look up. It’s quite a heavy worksheet when done alone but would work well in pairs or small groups.

To complete this worksheet the children need need pens or pencils and bibles… they may also appreciate some scrap paper.

The PDF can be downloaded by clicking on the images.

For younger children I’d recommend a simple exercise called ‘still Jesus loves him’. You need one actor to play Matthew. Tell the children that whatever the actor says they must reply ‘still Jesus Loves Matthew’. Using the graphic as inspiration start to try and convince the children that Matthew is too bad for Jesus, stopping every few seconds to ask what they think. At the end of the discussion time say the exercise is over and remind them that whatever they do Jesus will still want to be their friend and welcome them to follow him. Click on the image for higher quality.

Matthew (Matthew 9) | Games

 

Matthew is a wonderfully simple character, he lives a bad life and turns it around when he meets Jesus. Any games that involve maths, discovery, or following links well, as do games linking to the idea of sickness and health. If you have a relevant favourite game already, do consider using that first.
 

Count up – this popular drama game involves counting as a group. Players call out ever increasing numbers, anyone can call the next number but if 2 people call at the same time then you must restart. Surprisingly difficult. Link to counting is easy but working with people can be hard.
 

Coin Hunt – a hide the thimble / egg hunt style game using real coins of a very low value or cardboard coins. Hide at least 2 coins per child and let them keep what they find. At the end of the game ask if the effort was worth the reward. Link to finding the biggest reward in discovering Jesus.
  …continue reading about Matthew (Matthew 9) | Games

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