Age 3, age 4, & Pre-K (before December 2, 2011) - Our purpose is to help your children take their first little step on a lifelong journey. In the Bible, parents are instructed to teach their children about God’s Word, little by little, day by day. The Cubbies program is designed to help parents in this critical role.
Fun and Lots of it!
Awana is fun with a purpose - to reach kids and train them for Jesus Christ. Games, puppets, crafts, awards, and other activities transform our program into a lively weekly experience where fun and learning go hand in hand.
Friendly characters and leaders
Cubbie Bear, Luv E. Lamb, Ern. E. Elephant, Zip E. Zebra, and Gigi Giraffe take preschoolers on a thrilling journey through God's Word. Caring, committed volunteer leaders nurture your children spiritually as Christian role models and teachers.
Cubbies Classes
There are two Cubbies classes - one for 3 year olds only and one combined for 4 year olds and Pre-K’s. All children will worship, sing songs, and play games together. However, they will meet separately in their respective classes during story time and snack time.
Class time is broken down into eight areas. All of the areas tie into each other based on the goal of the weekly lesson:
1. Checking-In: Cubbies can be dropped off beginning at 6:45 p.m. When you arrive, please take your child to the restroom first. Then check them in and help them get their nametag. We will begin at 7 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m.
2. Starting Time: Individually recite their memory verses to class leaders. Little bit of play time while other Cubbies recite their verses.
3. Music Time: Prayer and Cubbies music.
4. Game Time: Designated “game guys” will coordinate games in Sonshine Junction.
5. Story Time: Lesson corresponds with their Bible verse for the week.
6. Snack Time: In the patio areas if the weather permits; if not, in their classrooms.
7. Play Time: Playground or in the classroom.
8. Checking-Out Time: Sign-out. Get their bag, vest, and handbook for next week.
Celebrations Handbook
This year our handbook is Hopper handbook (we completed Jumper handbook last year) and it includes memory verses and activities divided into weekly Bear Hugs that teach basic truths about God.
Your child will learn over 25 memory verses this year! Cubbies complete each week’s Bear Hug in advance at home as background for the teaching in class the following Wednesday night. They then repeat the memory verse to their leader in class. Completing every Bear Hug in the book is a requirement for earning Cubbies stickers and patches throughout the year. Each Bear Hug also contains an Under the Apple Tree supplemental section. Under the Apple Tree fun activities are optional and not required for book completion.
If your child misses a week of class, be sure to check the schedule calendar for the current week’s Bear Hug. After completing the current Bear Hug, work on making up any missed Bear Hug.
Requirements for Memory work/Bible verses
Cubbies are allowed two “help” to complete their verse.
Bear Hugs must be recited at one session. If there are two verses in the Bear Hug, both must be recited at one session and in the order they appear.
4 year old and Pre-K children must recite and verse AND reference. 3 year olds are encouraged to recite the reference, if they are capable, but are not required.
Cubbies will recite the verses they have learned at home to their Cubbies leader at the beginning of the night.
Tips on How Parents Can Help
· Help your child learn weekly Bear Hug verses. Repeat the verse over and over to your child. Break the verse up into short phrases. Explain what the verse means. Show them how the verse relates to their life. There are examples in the Bear Hug story in the Celebration Handbook.
· Establish a regular time to work on the Bear Hug with your child
· Check the schedule calendar for what Bear Hug to work on for the next week
· Read each week’s Bear Hug to your child and follow the instructions
· Listen to your child recite the verse and sign your name.
· Only one Bear Hug will be done per week. The Cubbies will all recite the same Bear Hug each week.
Bring Your Child to Class in Uniform
Be sure your child wears the uniform vest to class. The uniform is where their awards are proudly displayed, and it helps motivate them to learn and work on their books. The vest also helps identify the AWANA class to which he/she belongs.
There are 25-35 children in each Cubbies class every week, which means that there are 50-75 Cubbies every week! And while we are excited and thrilled about their participation, we need your help. We are asking a parent/guardian of each child to volunteer in their child’s class once every semester, twice a year. Please see the chart on the Cubbies tables for sign-up sheets.
Take a Turn Supplying A Snack
You can help by providing a snack for the children in our Cubbies Class – this is a favorite part of the night. Suggestions will be given for a snack. Please see the chart on the Cubbies tables for sign-up sheets. Thank you!
If your child has any dietary restrictions, please inform the Class Leader.
Cubbies Bear Buddy Rules
The leaders in the room will be repeating the Cubbies Bear Buddy Rules many times throughout the year and especially during the first few weeks. Please help us and your Cubbie by going over the rules at home.
1. Listen and don’t talk when a leader is talking.
2. Always raise their hand when they have something to say or want to answer a question.
3. Always keep your hands and feet to yourself (no hitting or kicking).
