Fist for rock, open palms over the heart for Lord. Squeeze, release, squeeze, release.
Tuesday's plan
Water and Stone
Water flows around the rock, but the rock remains. God is our steady rock, even when life feels like a rushing river.
Verse
The Lord is my rockPsalm 18:2
Weather
Dry run, weather skipped.
Outside
Skipped.
Hand motions for the verse
Water and Stone Pour
Water and Stone Pour
25 minLogan is at school today. After-school free play resumes around 3 PM, and he can join in if he wants.
Provide a small pitcher of water and a collection of smooth river rocks. Let Caleb pour water over the rocks, observing how the water flows around them. Encourage him to describe what he sees. "Water goes around. Rock stays." Repeat the memory verse hand motions while he pours.
Materials
Words, tap for meaning
For Rachel
Focus on the sensory experience. Let Caleb splash and explore. The goal is to connect the physical sensation of water flowing around a solid object to the concept of God's steadfastness.
Carlton, before you start
Fill the pitcher with water and set it within Caleb's reach. Ensure the water table or tub is stable and positioned for easy access.
Rock Painting
Rock Painting
20 minLogan is at school today. After-school free play resumes around 3 PM, and he can join in if he wants.
Offer Caleb large, smooth river rocks and washable paint. Allow him to paint the rocks freely, exploring colors and textures. This is about process, not product.
Materials
Words, tap for meaning
If the day goes sideways
If the weather is hot or stormy, move the rock painting activity indoors. Spread a large plastic tablecloth over the dining table and let Caleb paint the rocks there. Hum the warm-up verse melody while he paints.
For Rachel
Expect a mess. Caleb will likely paint his hands and the surrounding area. Embrace the mess as part of the learning experience.
Carlton, before you start
Cover the work surface with a protective covering. Prepare the paint and brushes.
Backyard Wonder Walk
Backyard Wonder Walk
15 minLogan is at school today. After-school free play resumes around 3 PM, and he can join in if he wants.
Walk the yard with Caleb and hunt for two things, a small stone and a wet patch of ground (recent watering, dew, or a damp shaded spot). When you find a stone, name it together. When you find water, splash one drop and watch it move. Connect both back to the verse, "rock stays, water goes."
Materials
Words, tap for meaning
For Rachel
Pace it slow. Eighteen-month walks are about pointing and naming, not distance. If Caleb wants to sit down with one rock for ten minutes, that is the lesson.
Carlton, before you start
Quick yard sweep for ant hills or sharp debris before the walk. Have a damp washcloth ready for muddy hands on return.
Wrap-Up and Prayer
Wrap-Up and Prayer
10 minLogan is at school today. After-school free play resumes around 3 PM, and he can join in if he wants.
Bring the painted rock(s) and a collected stone from the wonder walk back to the porch. Recite Psalm 18:2 once more with the same hand motions. Pray together, thanking God for being a rock that does not move when life feels like rushing water. Name one person in our family for whom God has been a steady rock this week.
Materials
Words, tap for meaning
For Rachel
Keep the prayer short and out loud so Caleb hears the cadence. End by letting him hold the painted rock as a tangible take-home of the day.
Carlton, before you start
Have a kitchen towel and a small bowl of water at the porch for hand wipe-down before prayer.
When the day is done
Send a photo from today.
I'll put the recap together tonight.
Open Messages