Toddler Twos - df4tq599m6mt0.cloudfront.netCentral+ToddlerTwos.… · Toddler Twos Headquarters Power-Ups Power Up! Welcome to Hero Central, ... This resource is designed to provide

Toddler TwosContents

Toddler Twos Headquarters Power-Ups .............. 2

Health and Safety Checklist .................................. 3

Session 1Samuel Anoints David ........................................... 4-5

Session 2Abigail Saves the Day ............................................ 6-7

Session 3Jesus Goes to the Temple ..................................... 8-9

Session 4Beatitudes ......................................................... 10-11

Session 5Pentecost .......................................................... 12-13

Bonus Music Time Activities ......................... 14-15

Toddler Two 1

2 Cokesbury’s VBS Hero Central: Discover Your Strength in God

Toddler Twos Headquarters Power-Ups

Power Up!Welcome to Hero Central, VBS Toddler Twos Leader! This resource is designed to provide the tips and tools you need to make VBS Hero Central an exciting and powerful learning environment for your Heroes.

Be PreparedBecoming familiar with the materials is the most important step in successfully navigating VBS with your Toddler Twos Heroes. Don’t try to “wing it!” Read through this book in its entirety, and practice the activities ahead of time with your volunteers. Familiarize yourself with each session’s Bible story and where your activities reinforce the narrative!

Special Needs Heroes

If you will be hosting any special needs students, please also consult the VBS Hero Central for Students with Special Needs resource at cokesburyvbs.com for tips on how to include and encourage all students to participate at their own comfort and ability levels.

Gather Supplies EarlyCollect all decorations and necessary supplies for each session well in advance. Get your congregation involved by publicizing a list of supplies they can donate! If you need Hero Central supplies, order them from cokesburyvbs.com about 4-6 months in advance to ensure availability!

How They Learn A two-year-old’s most basic need is for a safe, loving environment that enhances positive feelings. Two-year-olds respond well to a schedule that is consistent from day to day with a wide range of active and quiet activities. Most two-year-olds are not mature enough to work in large groups, so work with children one-on-one or in small groups.

Here are some tips for navigating VBS Hero Central with Toddler Twos:

Before Class—Welcome Greet children with a smile. Kneel at their eye level and say, “I’m happy that you came today!” Tell each child your name, show your nametag, and invite the child to wear a nametag, too. (You may use a piece of tape with child’s name and stick it to the front or back of the child’s clothing.)

Bible Story Time Twos listen best individually or in groups of 2-3. They need to see/touch the Bible and be close to you.

Music Time Twos may sing together for short periods of time or listen to recorded music. Singing along with the Hero Central Complete Music CD is a great way to do this! Twos also enjoy rhythm instruments and creative music, especially when you repeat the same activities each day. Use scarves and strips of light-weight drapery fabric for creative movement.

Guided Play Create large blocks of time with many choices. Each child’s interest will dictate what will engage that child.

Active Play Twos need big-muscle play outdoors. They need the freedom to play on their own, but should be well supervised so that toys and equipment are used correctly and other children are not hurt. Help children share the toys and take turns.

Connect with usonline for even more VBS

ideas, tips, and tools!

Toddler Two 3

Health and Safety Checklist

Classroom Health Concerns Are there tissues available?

Are toilet and hand-washing facilities nearby or in the room?

Do children and adults wash hands before eating, after blowing noses, and after toileting or diapering?

Are �rst-aid supplies nearby?

Do adults wear disposable gloves when handling food, changing diapers, and cleaning wounds?

Are paper products and soap at hand?

Is the diapering area sanitized and supplied with diapers, baby wipes, plastic bags, disposable paper pad sheets, and a covered, plastic-lined can for soiled diapers?

Has everything been cleaned and air-dried?

Have dress-up clothes and stuffed animals been washed and dried thoroughly?

If you have received information sheets on the children, post information about any allergies where teachers can see it. If you have not received this information, be prepared to check with adults who bring children to class.

Post necessary phone numbers for each child.

Outdoor Safety Is the play area separate from the older children’s play area?

Is the equipment in good repair and appropriate for twos?

Is the foot traf�c area de�ned to keep children from playing in congested areas?

Make sure your playground is safe and ready for children to play.

Indoor Safety Is your adult-to-child ratio 1:4 or better?

Do you have a minimum of 2 adults in the room?

Are all toys and equipment in good repair? Have all broken toys or equipment been removed?

Are hazardous materials stored away from children, preferably locked up?

Have all trip hazards been eliminated?

Do you have an up-to-date list of emergency contact names and phone numbers?

Have you reviewed the �re regulations?

Are the electrical outlets covered?

Have you knelt on the �oor and surveyed the room from a child’s point of view?

Are there any shelves or other top-heavy items a child could pull over?

Is there a place to put dangerous items, such as adult scissors, out of children’s reach?

Bible StorySamuel Anoints David 1 Samuel 16:1-12

Hero CodeGod’s Heroes Have Heart!

Hero Verse“Do good! Seek peace and go after it!”Psalm 34:14b

MaterialsBible Story Time

Bible Bible Story Poster Set

Bible Story Activity Heart-Shaped Template (See the Free Resources section at cokesburyvbs.com.) construction paper pencil or pen cotton balls optional: glue sticks

Music Time Complete Music CD optional: Music Video DVD and scarves/strips of fabric

Teacher TipSee also pages 122-124 of the Deep Blue Bible Storybook for an alternate way to tell this Bible story!

Bible Story Time

SAY SOMETHING LIKE: God told Samuel to select a new king. Samuel needed God’s help to make a good choice. God told Samuel to go visit a man named Jesse. One of his sons would become the new king.

Samuel went to Jesse’s house. Samuel met seven of his sons. Samuel said, “God has not chosen any of these to be the new king. Do you have any more sons?” Jesse said his son David was out in the �elds watching the sheep.

David came to meet Samuel. God said to Samuel, “He is the one!” David did not look as big and strong and as his brothers, but God knew David had a good heart and would be a great king.

God’s Heroes Have Heart!

Repeat the Bible verse with the children. Open the Bible and show them where it is located. Repeat the verse several times.

Music TimePlay the Hero Central song, “One of a Kind.” Teach the children the simple motions, or just have them move around and sing.

(Refer to page 14 for words to this song, and see the Motions Tutorial on the Music Video DVD for creative movement you can teach your Heroes!)

Bible Story Activity Warm, Fuzzy Hearts

1. Trace the Heart-Shaped Template onto any color construction paper.

2. Encourage children to �t as many cotton balls as they can into the heart outline. (Optional: glue the cotton balls in the heart shape.)

3. Talk about David as a shepherd who took care of sheep. Remind them that God chose David because he had a good heart.

4. Repeat the Hero Code for this session three times: God’s Heroes Have Heart!


Bible Story Samuel Anoints David 1 Samuel 16:1-12

Hero CodeGod’s Heroes Have Heart!


MaterialsDiscovery Time

a variety of items that are red, blue, and yellow 3 containers/totes (also red, blue, and yellow, if possible) 3 large mats

Building Time masking tape cardboard/wood blocks

Hero Central Time Stay-Put Glitter Stickers & Craft Theme Stickers crayons a large appliance box

5. Imagination TimeGuessing Game!

Play a guessing game similar to “I Spy.” Leaders select easy items in the room or area for children to guess. Play as long as there is time and interest.

SAY SOMETHING LIKE: At Hero Central, we are learning how to be heroes. I will say “Hero Spies...” and call out the name of something special in the room. Then you �nd it and go point to it!

Building TimeHeart-Shaped BlocksUse masking tape to create the shape of a heart on the �oor. Encourage children to build and stack with the blocks along the tape to make the heart shape.

Remind children of the Bible story and how David was chosen by God to serve because of his good heart. Repeat the Hero Code for this session three times: God’s Heroes Have Heart!

Discovery TimePrimary ColorsGather a variety of blue, red and yellow items. Set one container in the center of each mat. Have children sit on the mats as they sort the items into the correct containers.

SAY SOMETHING LIKE: The colors blue, red, and yellow are our hero colors at Hero Central. They are also called Primary Colors. Say that with me.

Throughout the session, quiz the students on what the primary colors are, and have them point to items that are those colors in the room.

Hero Central TimeDeck the Hero Headquarters!

Set up the appliance box in the middle of the group like a fort with the words “Hero Headquarters” across the entrance. Gather crayons and stickers. Encourage the children to decorate their Hero Headquarters using crayons and stickers.

Talk about their time at Hero Central. Ask what their favorite part was. Repeat the Hero Verse and Hero Code together before they leave.

Toddler Two 5

Activity Centers


Bible StoryAbigail Saves the Day1 Samuel 25

Hero CodeGod’s Heroes Have Courage!



Bible Bible Story Poster Set large box and empty food containers (at least 1 container/child)

Bible Time Activity plastic dishes clean, empty food containers and/or pretend food

Music Time Complete Music CD pots and pans


Bible Story Time

SAY SOMETHING LIKE: In our story we discover a hero named Abigail. Long ago, a leader named David and his men were camping. They were hungry, but they didn’t have anything to eat. Abigail was brave and strong. She used her courage to be a helper. She gathered bread, meat, fruit and something to drink. Then she put these items into baskets and took them to David and his men.

1. Pause and have the children add their items to the container.

Abigail took the food to David and his friends. They said “Thank you for this good food.” Abigail was a hero. She had the courage to do what was right.

God’s Heroes Have Courage!


Music TimeMake a Joyful NoiseUse pots and pans from the kitchen as simple rhythm instruments. Play the VBS Hero Central Complete Music CD while children pat out rhythms using the instruments. Remind children how Abigail was a hero because she brought food to David and his men.

Bible Story ActivitySharing Our Table

1. Set out plastic dishes, spoons, and cups, and clean, empty breakfast food boxes/containers.

2. Suggest children pretend to cook and �x breakfast for others:

3. Talk about Abigail as a hero who took care of the needs of others. Remind them that it took courage for her to serve them.

4. Repeat the Hero Code for this session three times: God’s Heroes Have Courage!


Bible StoryAbigail Saves the Day1 Samuel 25

Hero CodeGod’s Heroes Have Courage!


MaterialsImagination Time

child-safe plastic containers with lids SAFETY TIP: Don’t include any lids that are small enough to be choking hazards!

Building Time blocks

Science Time Stay-Put Glitter Stickers large craft sticks red, yellow, and blue crayons

Hero Central Time Child’s Cape with Logo plenty of hero costume items to share

Imagination TimeMatching Game!

Wash and dry several plastic con-tainers and their corresponding caps or lids. Set them out in random order. Encourage children to match each lid with its correct container.

At Hero Central, we are learning how to be heroes. We are going to practice being heroes by matching these lids to their containers!

Building TimeBlocks City!

Set out several cardboard or wooden building blocks. Encourage the children to build towers that look like a city. Remind the children about Abigail who became a hero by helping others. Talk about ways they can help each other.

Repeat the Hero Code for this session three times: God’s Heroes Have Courage!

Science TimeColors that CareGive each child a craft stick to color with the crayons. Help each child select a couple of stickers to use. Show him/her how to attach the sticker to one end of the stick.

The colors blue, red, and yellow are our hero colors at Hero Central. What else these colors are called?

(Pause to allow them to respond.)

They are also called Primary Colors. Say that with me.

Encourage children to share their bookmarks with someone else.

Hero Central TimeHero CostumesSet out the hero costume items. Encourage children to dress up and pretend they are heroes while playing in their Hero Headquarters box from Session 1.


Toddler Two 7

Activity Centers

Bible StoryJesus Goes to the TempleLuke 2:41-52

Hero CodeGod’s Heroes Have Wisdom!




Bible Time Activity books large container or tote

Music Time Complete Music CD


Bible Story Time

SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Long ago Jesus went on a trip. Step...Step...Step went the feet of Jesus as he walked to the city. Jesus and his parents were walking to the Temple.

Once they arrived at the Temple, Jesus wanted to learn all he could from his teachers. He listened to them. He asked questions. Jesus was listening and reading. He wanted to learn!

Wanting to learn is called wisdom. Let’s say that word together. Wisdom. Good job. Today we are hearing ways we can learn and grow in wisdom. Listening to our teachers and our families will help us have wisdom. We can be heroes and grow in wisdom as Jesus did!


Bible Story ActivityCounting Books

1. Gather several books and place them around the container.

2. Encourage children to count the books as they place them in the container. Prompt them by asking them to �nd three books, then two, and so forth.

3. Talk about Jesus as a hero who grew in wisdom. Remind them that he looked for and listened to people who were wise.

4. Repeat the Hero Code for this session three times: God’s Heroes Have Wisdom!

Music TimeJesus Grew(tune: “London Bridge”) from Bible Songs to Tunes You Know ©1997, Abingdon Press

Jesus grew just like we grow(Clap hands.)

like we grow, like we grow.Jesus grew just like we grow.

See me growing!(Crouch down, then stretch up slowly

to tiptoes with arms overhead.)

We thank God for how we grow(Clap hands.)

how we grow, how we grow.We thank God for how we grow.

See me growing!(Crouch down, then stretch up slowly

to tiptoes with arms overhead.)


Bible StoryJesus Goes to the TempleLuke 2:41-52

Hero CodeGod’s Heroes Have Wisdom!



small suitcases dress-up clothes clean, empty toiletry bottles/items

Building Time cardboard blocks small toy cars

Discovery Time pretend food or pictures of different kinds of foods

Hero Central Time Flame the Red Panda Puppet books �oor pillows

Teacher TipReuse your dress-up costumes from Session 2 for Imagination Time!

Imagination TimeRoad Trip

Gather some small suitcases. Provide simple dress-up clothes and pretend toiletries.

At Hero Central, we are learning how to be heroes. We are going to practice being heroes by pretending to go on a trip as Jesus did with his family! Use your wisdom to tell me what kinds of things you think we should pack in our suitcases!

Building TimeRoad Work

Gather cardboard blocks and small toy cars. Let children make a road with the blocks. Remind children of the Bible story and how Jesus looked for wisdom on his trip.

Repeat the Hero Code for this session three times: God’s Heroes Have Wisdom!

Discovery TimeGrowing with Good Food Have a conversation about how one part of wisdom is making good food choices. Display items from the food groups and talk about how making good food choices and exercising can help us grow like Jesus grew.

Hero Central TimeReading with Flame

Gather some books, �oor pillows, and Flame. Provide an opportunity for the children to look through books and interact with Flame.


Toddler Two 9

Activity Centers

Bible StoryBeatitudesMatthew 4:23-5:12

Hero CodeGod’s Heroes Have Hope!




Bible Story Activity fresh fruits and vegetables a small wash tub vegetable brush hand towel gift basket

Music Time Complete Music CD crepe paper


Bible Story Time

SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Our Bible lesson today is about the Beatitudes. Now that is a long word! Let’s clap it out. (Clap four syllables of the word as you say it.)

Jesus taught us how God wants us to live. To be one of God’s heroes, we are to be helpers and be kind to one another. That is what following the Beatitudes means! (Clap four syllables of the word as you say it.)

We are to say kind words. We are to do kind deeds for others. Then we can be God’s heroes!


Music TimeHope Streamers

Create Hope Streamers for each child by cutting crepe paper into 15-inch segments. Encourage children to wave these streamers as Hero Central music plays.

Bible Story ActivityBasket of Hope

1. Gather a variety of fruits and vegetables, a small tub, vegetable brush, and hand towel.

2. Encourage children to wash the produce. Show them how to use the brush gently, and to make sure they get all sides clean.

3. Dry the produce, then put it in the basket. As you do, talk with children about how sharing this basket of food brings hope to the one who receives it.

4. Repeat the Hero Code for this session three times: God’s Heroes Have Hope!


Bible StoryBeatitudesMatthew 4:23-5:12

Hero CodeGod’s Heroes Have Hope!



blue and red permanent markers sensitive skin shaving gel or cream

(1 set for each child) 10 red buttons 10 blue buttons two large resealable bags

Building Time several large plastic interlocking blocks

Discovery Time sand bucket textured items

Hero Central Time stuffed animals plastic dishes hero costumes

Imagination TimeHero Circles

Draw a red circle on the right-hand side of the exterior of a resealable plastic bag. Draw a blue circle on the left-hand side, close to but separated from the red circle. Open the bag and squirt a generous amount of shaving gel. For leak protection, double the bags. Add the buttons and seal the bags.

At Hero Central, we are learning how to be heroes. We are going to practice being heroes by trying to get all our buttons in the right place. See if you can move all your red buttons to the red circle, and the blue buttons to the blue circle!

Building TimeHero Hope Stacks

Set out several large plastic interlocking blocks. Encourage children to count the blocks as they attach them one to another. Remind children of the Bible story and how Jesus taught us about hope.

Repeat the Hero Code for this session three times: God’s Heroes Have Hope!

Discovery TimeTexture Adventure

Create a sensory sand bucket. Put in it some items that are soft (such as cotton balls or velvet), items that have rough surfaces (sandpaper or a comb), and so forth. One by one, en-courage children to touch the items. Talk about the differences in soft and rough items, and how we can have hope in good and hard times, as Jesus taught us. Hero Central TimeSupper Heroes!

Dress up stuffed animals as heroes. Give them capes, masks, gloves, and so forth. Set the table for supper with plastic table settings and food. Place the animals in chairs around the table. Encourage children to pretend the heroes are having supper together.


Toddler Two 11

Activity Centers

Bible StoryPentecostActs 2:1-41

Hero CodeGod’s Heroes Have Power!


MaterialsBible Storytelling


Bible Verse Younger Elementary Reproducible Fun Pages Bible Story Activity Stickers


Bible Story Time

SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Today for our Bible story, we will pretend we’re going to a party. Let’s get ready. Step...Step...Step go our feet as we walk. As we walk, we see lots of other people walking too. We hear clip-clop, clip-clop as the feet of the animals walk beside us.

(Make a sound like a strong wind.) What was that? Yes, it sounded like a strong wind. Let’s make that sound together. Now a man is talking. “Hello! My name is Peter. I am a follower of Jesus. I believe that Jesus was the Son of God. I was with him at the special meal,” said Peter.

Listen. Listen. Listen. Let’s listen to what else Peter has to say. “I have some wonderful news to tell you. Jesus loves you. Jesus loves everyone,” said Peter.

Many people at the party listened to Peter. They also wanted to believe in Jesus and become followers of him. Some people say that this is the day the church began. We call this day Pentecost.


Music TimeTell Me of Jesus(tune: “Are You Sleeping?”) from Bible Songs to Tunes You Know ©1997, Abingdon Press

Tell of Jesus, tell of Jesus,Here and there, here and there.

We can be his helpers,We can be his helpers,

Everywhere, everywhere.

Bible Story ActivityPower Pantomime

Read this Bible story two or three times. Encourage children to act out the steps and sounds as the story is told. Remind them the story comes from the Bible and show them where the story is located.

Repeat the Hero Code for this session three times: God’s Heroes Have Power!


Bible StoryPentecostActs 2:1-41

Hero CodeGod’s Heroes Have Power!



containers of bubbles

Building Time foam building blocks contact paper masking tape

Discovery Time medium sized plastic ball laundry basket

Imagination TimeSuper BubblesGather several containers of bubbles. Blow bubbles and encourage children to catch them. Have them repeat the Hero Code as they catch bubbles. Make sure everyone has a turn.

At Hero Central, we are learning how to be heroes. We are going to practice being heroes by trying to catch these bubbles before they pop. See how many you can catch!

Building TimePower Towers on the Wall

Provide foam building blocks, contact paper, and masking tape so children can create a cityscape. Cut contact paper to be about 3 feet long. Tape the non-sticky side to a wall. Peel off the cover paper to reveal the sticky side. Encourage children to place foam blocks on the paper to build city skyscrapers.

Repeat the Hero Code for this session three times: God’s Heroes Have Power!

Discovery TimePower Roll!Gather a medium sized plastic ball and a laundry basket. Let children take turns rolling the ball into the basket. See if they can get it to roll in and stay in. Demonstrate what happens if they roll it too hard or soft.

Another word for power is FORCE. If you roll with too much force, the ball will bounce back out. If you roll with too little force, the ball won’t make it in. You have to use just the right amount of force to make your goal!

Hero Central TimeA New BeginningProvide an opportunity for children to play in the Hero Headquarters box they decorated during the �rst session. Remind them that even though this is the end of VBS, it is the beginning of a new adventure as God’s heroes!


Toddler Two 13

Activity Centers

14 Toddler TwoCokesbury’s VBS Hero Central: Discover Your Strength in God 15


Materials Complete Music CD optional: Music Video DVD and scarves/strips of fabric

Bonus Music Time Activities

One of a Kind

Look in the mirror, it’s perfectly clear.We all look different, from the front to the rear.

That’s okay, hey! We’re one of a kind.

You might have hair that stands in the air.You might wear a hat ‘cause there’s nothing there.


God made us special from our head to our toesThe color of our eyes to the size of our nose.God made us special with a special design.

We’re completely, uniquely, super duperly distinctlyGod made us one of a kind.

You might have long arms that reach to the sky.You might have short legs, makes it easy to hide.


You might be shy, but you can be strong.You might feel lonely, but with God you belong.


God made us special from our head to our toesThe color of our eyes to the size of our nose.God made us special with a special design.



Words: Matt Huesmann © 2017 Matt Huesmann Music. Used byMusic: Matt Huesmann permission. All rights reserved.

14 Toddler TwoCokesbury’s VBS Hero Central: Discover Your Strength in God 15


God Loves MeUse as a spoken activity.

God loves me and made me special.

(Hug self.)

God loves you and made you special.

(Point to one another.)

God loves you.(Point to one another.)

God loves me.(Hug self.)

God loves you AND me! Yay!(Hold out hands.)

It’s Time to Listen Together(Tune: “The More We Get Together”)

It’s time to listen together, together, together.

(Open hands and spread out �ngers resembling a star shape. Hold open hands as you move around the room.)

It’s time to listen together

And listen right now

‘Cause we’ll hear a storyThat’s found in the Bible.It’s time to listen together

And listen right now.

Based on a song from More Bible Songs to Tune You Know © 2011 Abingdon Press Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Toddler Twos - df4tq599m6mt0.cloudfront.netCentral+ToddlerTwos.… · Toddler Twos Headquarters Power-Ups Power Up! Welcome to Hero Central, ... This resource is designed to provide