The Story Of Oatmeal The Polka Dot Reindeer Toddler Sunday School Lesson Plan
The Story Of Oatmeal The Polka Dot Reindeer Toddler Sunday School Lesson Plan. This is a digital download. Nothing is shipped to you. Comes in a PDF. Here is a CUTE lesson plan for your toddlers. Comes complete with an adorable story about Oatmeal The Polka Dot Reindeer. God made each of us unique, just like Oatmeal The Reindeer and His love never changes- no matter how different we feel. Comes with a coloring page and a cutout craft. For Personal And Classroom Use Only. Redistribution Or Resell Is Prohibited. Education And Learning For Kids. Copyrighted© All Rights Reserved. You Do Not Have Permission To Offer Our Images, Printables, Etc On Any Website.
Lesson Title:
Oatmeal the Polka Dot Reindeer: Special and Loved by God
Objective:
To teach children that God loves each of us uniquely, no matter how different we may feel.
Materials Needed:
- A printed script about "Oatmeal The Polka Dot Reindeer"
- Craft supplies: construction paper, crayons, markers, glue, polka dot stickers, carpet floor circle markers to create a polka dot path on the floor which is optional.
- A printed memory verse coloring page (Psalm 139:14: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.")
Lesson Outline:
1. Opening Activity (10 minutes):
Icebreaker Question:
- Ask the children, "What makes you unique? Is it your hair, your laugh, or maybe something you like to do?"
Discussion:
- Encourage a few kids to share. Explain that today they’ll learn about a reindeer who is unique and how God loves him just the way he is.
2. Story Time (15 minutes):
Tell the Story:
- Share the story of Oatmeal the Polka Dot Reindeer.
- Oatmeal feels different from the other reindeer because of his polka dots.
- The other reindeer tease him and make him feel left out.
- One day, Oatmeal learns that his polka dots make him special. When a snowy storm covers the forest, his bright polka dots help guide the way home.
- Oatmeal realizes that God made him exactly as he is, with his polka dots for a purpose.
Discussion Questions:
- "Why did Oatmeal feel different?"
- "What did Oatmeal learn about himself?"
- "How do you think God feels about Oatmeal?"
3. Bible Connection (10 minutes):
Memory Verse:
- Introduce Psalm 139:14: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
- Discuss what it means to be "fearfully and wonderfully made."
Activity:
- Have the children repeat the verse with hand motions to help them remember.
4. Craft Activity (20 minutes):
Oatmeal the Reindeer Craft:
- Provide each child with our cutout coloring page with the memory verse.
- Let them decorate their reindeer with polka dots using stickers, markers, or cutout paper. Have them cut it out and glue to colored construction paper.
5. Application (10 minutes):
Object Lesson:
- Show a variety of objects (e.g., a striped pencil, a polka dot scarf, a plain book).
- Ask: "Are these items different? Are they all useful? How does this relate to how God made us?"
- Explain that just like Oatmeal, God made each of us special for a purpose.
6. Closing (5 minutes):
Prayer:
- Lead the children in a simple prayer:
"Dear God, thank you for making each of us unique and special. Help us to remember that you love us just the way we are. Amen."
Send-Off:
- Encourage the children to share their decorated reindeer and the memory verse with their families.
Oatmeal The Polka Dot Reindeer: Special & Loved By God
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Psalm 139:14
In a snowy forest not far from the North Pole, there lived a reindeer named Oatmeal. Unlike the other reindeer with their smooth brown coats, Oatmeal had bright, colorful polka dots scattered all over his fur. Red, blue, yellow, green, pink, purple, orange—his dots sparkled like confetti against the snowy backdrop. But to Oatmeal, his polka dots were embarrassing.
The other reindeer often stared at him. "Why are you so... spotty?" one of them teased. "You look like a clown!" another shouted, laughing. Oatmeal’s ears drooped, and he turned away, wishing he could blend in like everyone else.
Oatmeal tried to hide his spots. He rolled in snow to cover them and even tied a blanket around his back, but no matter what he did, his polka dots always shone through. Feeling lonely and different, Oatmeal wandered to the edge of the forest and sighed. “Why did I have to be this way?” he whispered.
An Unexpected Encounter
One crisp evening, as the stars twinkled above, Oatmeal heard a soft voice. "Oatmeal, why are you sad?" It was a small bird perched on a nearby branch. Her feathers shimmered in the moonlight.
Oatmeal sniffled. "I’m sad because I’m different. I have these silly spots, and no one else does. I just want to fit in."
The bird tilted her head. "But being different isn’t bad! Do you know the story of how God made us?"
Oatmeal shook his head.
"God made each of us unique," the bird chirped. "Your polka dots weren’t a mistake. They’re part of His special design for you. You just haven’t discovered why yet."
The Snowstorm
The next day, the forest was abuzz with excitement. A big celebration was planned at the center clearing, and all the reindeer were invited. Even though Oatmeal felt shy, he decided to go.
But as the reindeer gathered, dark clouds rolled in, and a fierce snowstorm began. The snow fell so thickly that no one could see more than a hoof’s length ahead. The reindeer began to panic. “How will we find our way home?” they cried.
That’s when Oatmeal had an idea. "Follow me!" he called out.
"But how can you help?" asked another reindeer.
"My polka dots!" Oatmeal exclaimed. “They’re bright enough to guide us through the snow.”
One by one, the reindeer lined up behind Oatmeal. His colorful spots glowed like tiny beacons in the swirling snow. Step by step, he led them safely through the forest and back to their warm dens.
A New Perspective
After the storm cleared, the reindeer gathered around Oatmeal. “You saved us!” they said. “Your polka dots aren’t silly—they’re amazing!”
For the first time,Oatmeal smiled proudly. He realized the bird was right: God had given him his polka dots for a reason.
That night, Oatmeal looked up at the stars and whispered, "Thank you, God, for making me just the way I am. I’ll never doubt Your love again."
From that day on, Oatmeal wore his polka dots with pride, knowing that being different wasn’t something to hide—it was something to celebrate. And whenever he saw someone else who felt different, he’d say, “You’re special, too. Just wait—you’ll see.”
Moral of the Story:
God loves each of us uniquely. Even when we feel different, we are part of His perfect plan.
Here’s a set of activities and games to pair with the story of Oatmeal the Polka Dot Reindeer. These are designed to reinforce the message that God loves us all uniquely and to engage kids in fun and meaningful ways:
1. Polka Dot Relay Race
Purpose: Emphasizes teamwork and celebrates differences.
Materials:
-
Colored polka dot stickers or small cutouts.
-
Buckets or bowls for collection.
Instructions:
-
Scatter the polka dots around the room.
-
Divide kids into teams. Each team must collect the polka dots matching their team’s assigned color.
-
After collecting all the dots, they can decorate an “Oatmeal” cutout or poster as a group.
2. "God Made Me Unique" Craft
Purpose: Helps children appreciate their uniqueness.
Materials:
-
Paper reindeer templates.
-
Crayons, markers, polka dot stickers, glitter, etc.
Instructions:
-
Each child decorates their reindeer with polka dots and other creative touches.
-
Write “God loves me!” on each reindeer.
-
Let kids share what makes their reindeer special.
3. Polka Dot Hunt
Purpose: Interactive reminder of the story.
Materials:
-
Cutout polka dots hidden around the room.
-
Write a fact or message from the story on each dot (e.g., "Oatmeal saved the day!").
Instructions:
-
Kids find the dots and gather around to read the messages aloud.
-
Afterward, discuss how each fact ties into the story’s lesson.
4. "Follow the Dots" Maze
Purpose: Encourages problem-solving and highlights Oatmeal’s guiding role.
Materials:
-
A large maze with colorful dots marking the path to “home.” You can use round dot carpet spot markers that come in different colors that would work great for this.
Instructions:
-
Each child or team navigates the maze, following the dots to guide their reindeer home.
5. Role Play: Oatmeal’s Journey
Purpose: Helps children empathize with Oatmeal.
Instructions:
-
Assign roles: Oatmeal, other reindeer, the bird, etc.
-
Act out key scenes from the story.
-
Discuss how each character felt and what they learned.
6. "Unique Like Oatmeal" Discussion
Purpose: Helps kids reflect on their own uniqueness.
Instructions:
-
Sit in a circle and have each child share one thing that makes them special.
-
End by emphasizing that God loves every unique thing about them.
Closing Prayer
Gather the kids to thank God for making everyone special, just like Oatmeal. Encourage them to remember their unique qualities as a gift from God.
These activities and games make the story interactive and reinforce its valuable message in fun and memorable ways.
