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Tim Lee
Tim Lee has been working with children, youth, and young adults for over 20 years. He is the author of one book, The Boy who Loved Butterflies but Hated Caterpillars (click here for more info) and the former editor of youth and teen resources at Urban Ministries, Inc (UMI) in Calumet City, IL.
A proud graduate of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, Tim Lee is also the founder and senior facilitator of Next Level Enrichment (click here for more info).
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His favorite Bible verse is "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper" (Psalm 1:3).
Dear Teacher,
Thank you for using the Tim Lee & Friends videos in your lessons. I hope they provide supplemental support for your objectives and a bit of entertainment for your students. I am still developing the format of this site, which will serve as a Teacher's Aide. I am excited to hear any suggestions you may have to make this resource one that you can use with more ease and with more frequency. Please send all suggestions, questions and comments to timleeandfriends@gmail.com.
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Thank you for your partnership!
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Tim Lee
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Below, you will find the components of the curriculum. Hope it helps!
the story of Sander the anthill destroyer
SUMMARY
Sander likes to destroy anthills. He gets angry when the ants rebuild their homes immediately. But despite his anger and the possibility of continued destructions, the ants build and build again.
LESSONS/ MORALS
Some of the lessons the story teach include: persevering through difficult times and rebuilding in spite of opposition.
bible/lesson correlate
The story teaches a lesson of perseverance through ants. We learn that they rebuilt their home after a great storm, just to have it knocked down again by a neighborhood bully, Sander. He gets upset that they are rebuilding wonders what these "feeble ants" are doing so diligently? Similarly, in the book of Nehemiah, as the wall was being rebuilt, Sanballat ridiculed the Jews, asking what the "feeble Jews" were doing, rebuilding the wall. He and his associates belittled their efforts but the Jews built anyway, and with their whole hearts.
"So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart." Nehemiah 4:6, NIV
discussion questions
1. How did the anthill get destroyed in today's story?
2. What did the ants do each time their home was destroyed?
3. What was Sander's reaction to the ants rebuilding immediately?
4. The Queen Ant in the story said, "ALL HANDS ON DECK." What does that mean to you?
5. What lesson can we learn from the ants in the lesson for today?
activity suggestions
1. Have you ever destroyed an anthill? If so, pray a prayer of forgiveness and consider making a commitment to respect life in all of the ways it shows up in the world.
2. You can learn from ants. Ants are hard workers and they persevere through tough times. How can you apply those lessons to your life?
3. Have you heard of Mother Teresa? Research a little about her, and look up the whole poem, Do it Anyway.
This work is a labor of love. Support these efforts by subscribing to the YouTube channel or by donating to Next Level Enrichment, the educational platform Tim Lee uses to teach self-confidence through the performing arts.
support
Tim Lee will speak to your class! Send a message to request a day where he will guest teach! Your class can also be featured in one of the stories! Send an email to learn more!
the story of Jessica and her forgotten bookbag
SUMMARY
Jessica forgets her bookbag at home and has to borrow supplies from her friends. But her friends want too much from her and she is left unprepared. Find out why Jessica keeps saying, "That's not fair!?
LESSONS/ MORALS
The theme of this story is economic justice. It teaches lessons about fairness, justice, and balance.
bible/lesson correlate
The story teaches a lesson about fairness and the consequences of economic injustice. Jessica wants to borrow school supplies from her friends, but her friends want her to pay back what she borrowed and more! Jessica decides to be unprepared because she doesn't think their terms are fair. Although we face similarities like this in society, the Bible teaches there is a time to cancel debts among family and friends. The principles of forgiveness, unity, and helping GOD's people are scattered throughout today's lesson.
"At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts... You may require payment from a foreigner, but you must cancel any debt your brother owes you." Deuteronomy 15:1-3, NIV
discussion questions
1. Why was Jessica unprepared for school?
2. What was Jessica's plan to get school supplies?
3. Why didn't Jessica borrow school supplies from her friends?
4. What phrase did Jessica say over and over again? Why?
5. What is economic justice?
6. Without economic justice, what societal issues and disparities arise? Think of as many as you can.
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activity suggestions
1. Without economic justice, the number of homeless people rises. Think of a project you can do with your family, friends, or church family to help people who are living without a home. Help spread GOD's love by implementing the idea.
2. Scales are used as symbols in the courtroom, but so is a blindfolded woman. Do research to find out why the woman is blindfolded. Share it with your friends.
This work is a labor of love. Support these efforts by subscribing to the YouTube channel or by donating to Next Level Enrichment, the educational platform Tim Lee uses to teach self-confidence through the performing arts.
support
Tim Lee will speak to your class! Send a message to request a day where he will guest teach! Your class can also be featured in one of the stories! Send an email to learn more!
the story of the 4th of July Reports
SUMMARY
Larry delivers a report about the 4th of July that's very different from Calab's. The two of them have contrasting views about the fourth. Is the fourth a time to celebrate our freedom as a country, or a time reflect on the contradiction a country wanting freedom for itself but not its slaves?
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LESSONS/ MORALS
Some of the lessons the story teach include: There are two sides to every argument, GOD frees, and all must answer to GOD the Master.
bible/lesson correlate
The story shows two points of view around celebrating the 4th of July. Calab's perspective completely left out the perspective of African-Americans, who did not enjoy the freedom from Britain until nearly 100 years later. When consulting the Bible about slavery and related matters, there are Bible verses that seem to justify slavery. Today's lesson introduces a directives the Bible gives to Slave Masters and unpacks the truth that GOD desires loving treatment of all of creations regardless of social status.
"Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Colossians 4:1-2, NIV
discussion questions
1. What was the assignment that Larry was working on?
2. What was Calab's perspective on the 4th of July and how did that differ from Larry's perspective?
3. Larry and Calab had different opinions in today's lesson. Why is it important to listen to other people's opinions, even if they are different from yours?
4. What video did the teacher show? What lesson did she teach?
5. What is your perspective on the 4th of July?
activity suggestions
1. Consider Larry and Calab's presentation on the 4th of July. Have your parent's or teacher help you use find one fact or idea supporting Larry's presentation and another one supporting Calab's.
2. Paint some rocks with Independence Day themes. Use stars, fireworks, or flags as inspiration. Make sure you paint the rocks white first!
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Video for teachers to help instruct class about painting rocks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmGowKakdPw
This work is a labor of love. Support these efforts by subscribing to the YouTube channel or by donating to Next Level Enrichment, the educational platform Tim Lee uses to teach self-confidence through the performing arts.
support
Tim Lee will speak to your class! Send a message to request a day where he will guest teach! Your class can also be featured in one of the stories! Send an email to learn more!
the story of the Bird that loved the sky
SUMMARY
A bird who loved to fly is suddenly captured by a human and put in a cage.
LESSONS/ MORALS
Some of the lessons the story teach include: freedom, respect for all life, respect for rights of life and GOD-given freedom
bible/lesson correlate
The story gently introduces the concepts of bondage and freedom. And the same way we can feel sympathy for a bird who lost his freedom to explore the skies so can we feel sympathy for humans who were treated worse than the caged birds. Today's lesson includes quotations about freedom from thinkers, leaders, and teachers throughout Black History to acknowledge Juneteenth.
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
John 8: 36, NIV
discussion questions
1. What happened to the bird in the story?
2. How did you feel when you found out the bird was put in a cage?
3. What are the similarities between the bird being put in the cage and African Americans being subjected to Slavery?
4. What was your favorite quotation?
5. Who makes us free? Why is that important?
activity suggestions
1. There were 11 quotations recited in today's video. Did one stand out to you? Which one was it? Write it down and commit it to memory.
2. Marcus Garvey, Malcom X, Martin Luther King, Jr., Lerone Bennett, Jr. were some of the men who made the quotations from today's lesson. Is there someone you've never heard of? Discover more about one of the thinkers and leaders that you've never heard about.
This work is a labor of love. Support these efforts by subscribing to the YouTube channel or by donating to Next Level Enrichment, the educational platform Tim Lee uses to teach self-confidence through the performing arts.
support
Tim Lee will speak to your class! Send a message to request a day where he will guest teach! Your class can also be featured in one of the stories! Send an email to learn more!
curriculum components
Summary and Lessons
This section will summarize the video and provide a few morals/ lessons of the story.
Lesson and Bible Correlate
This section will provide a correlation to the lesson/moral to a scripture in the Bible.
Discussion Question
This section provides five questions for students to contemplate and discuss.
Activity Suggestions
This section will provide at least three activity suggestions. If applicable, songs will be linked.
the story of Brendella and the Fire
SUMMARY
A woman has nightmares because of her childhood mischievousness. She lives in regret and darkness until she prays for GOD to help her rebuild.
LESSONS/ MORALS
Some of the lessons the story teach include: obedience, fasting and praying, and mistakes don't have to punish you forever.
bible/lesson correlate
The story teaches a lesson about mistakes and consequences. But it also teaches a lesson about second chances, rebuilding and restoration. GOD can use anyone to bring order and balance to creation. In fact, we are be ambassadors for GOD's plans and visions for our lives, our families, our communities, and even our pasts. Our pasts can be repaired and rebuilt whether we destroyed them or some other outside force.
"Those from among you
Shall build the old waste places;
You shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach,
The Restorer of [g]Streets to Dwell In.." Isaiah 58: 12, NKJV
discussion questions
1. Why was Brendella unable to rest at night?
2. What lesson did Brendella's parents teach her and her sister when they were young? Did Brendella take heed?
3. What mischievous thing did Brendella do and what were the consequences?
4. Did Brendella turn her life around? If so, how?
5.What good deeds does Brendella do now that she had her prayers answered?
activity suggestions
1. Think of a mistake you mad in the past. Write a prayer asking GOD to forgive you for that mistake. Think of three things you can do differently in the future.
2. Think about the dangers of fire. Ask your teacher or parent to help you find a video on YouTube that will explains fires: how they start, how they spread, and what you can do to prevent them.
This work is a labor of love. Support these efforts by subscribing to the YouTube channel or by donating to Next Level Enrichment, the educational platform Tim Lee uses to teach self-confidence through the performing arts.
support
Tim Lee will speak to your class! Send a message to request a day where he will guest teach! Your class can also be featured in one of the stories! Send an email to learn more!
the story The Magic Notebook
SUMMARY
Amanda is afraid to go to sleep at night because she has bad dreams. An angel appears to her after a prayer and tells her to write the dreams she wants to have in a magic notebook.
LESSONS/ MORALS
Some of the lessons the story teach include: prayer changes things, the power in writing dreams and goals.
bible/lesson correlate
The story teaches a lesson about the power of prayer and the power of visualizing and writing. When you think about it, prayer requires imagination and creativity-- many of the same tools used in writing. When you write down your prayers, your visions, your goals, or your dreams, something inexplicable happens. Not only is it memorialized so that others may read and learn and act, it is concisely expressed in the physical which is one of the early steps in the process of manifestation.
"Then the Lord answered me and said: 'Write the vision and make it plain on the tablets, that he may run who reads it." Habakkuk 2:2, NKJV
discussion questions
1. Have you ever been afraid to go to sleep? Why?
2. Have you ever had a nightmare?
3. What did you do?
4. What did Amanda do after she had hers?
5. After the angel left Amanda, what did she see on her dresser?
6. What did she do with it?
7. Why do you think Amanda had good dreams later that night?
activity suggestions
1. Do you remember a bad dream you had? Write a story or draw a picture about the dream. Then say a prayer asking GOD to protect you from bad dreams. After you say Amen, ball up the picture/story and throw it away.
2. Try keeping a magic notebook of your own. Like Amanda, write down the dreams you want to dream and pray that GOD will send them to you. Email us and let us know the results!
This work is a labor of love. Support these efforts by subscribing to the YouTube channel or by donating to Next Level Enrichment, the educational platform Tim Lee uses to teach self-confidence through the performing arts.
support
Tim Lee will speak to your class! Send a message to request a day where he will guest teach! Your class can also be featured in one of the stories! Send an email to learn more!
the story of the Great Slide
SUMMARY
Jeremy wants to go down the great slide but has trouble getting to the top. He needs his friends to help him have the time of his life.
LESSONS/ MORALS
Some of the lessons the story teach include: friendship and helping each other in times of need.
bible/lesson correlate
The story parallels the story of Jesus healing a paralyzed man because of the faith of his friends. Jeremy wanted to go down a tall slide that came to town but the elevator malfunctioned and he had no way of getting to the top of the stairs in a wheelchair. At first, his friends couldn't help him, but when they had the idea to carry him instead of the chair, he was able to experience a joy he had never felt before. In a similar way, a paralyzed man was healed because his friends were excited to help him experience the teaching and healing power of Jesus.
"Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus." Luke 5:18 NIV
discussion questions
1. Why was Jeremy so excited about the great slide?
2. Why was Jeremy unable to get to the top using the elevator?
3. How did Jeremy get to the top of the slide?
4. Have you ever been in a position where you needed the help of your friends? What was it?
5. If you had a friend like Jeremy would you have helped him or her?
activity suggestions
1. Draw a picture of you and some of your best friends. Especially the ones you would want to go on a slide with.
2. Do you know someone in a wheelchair? Write a letter to them giving them a word of encouragement and let them know you are thinking about them. It may mean more than you know. Be sure to share the love of Jesus.
This work is a labor of love. Support these efforts by subscribing to the YouTube channel or by donating to Next Level Enrichment, the educational platform Tim Lee uses to teach self-confidence through the performing arts.
support
Tim Lee will speak to your class! Send a message to request a day where he will guest teach! Your class can also be featured in one of the stories! Send an email to learn more!
the story of the Bully and the golden rule
SUMMARY
A boy is made fun of because he wears glasses. When the bully learns that he has to get glasses he thinks he will be made fun of.
LESSONS/ MORALS
Some of the lessons the story teach include: treat others the way you want to be treated; and kindness goes a long way.
bible/lesson correlate
The story teaches an age old lesson: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Even though Brandon the Bully treated Nathaniel the way bullies treat people, Nathaniel did not return the poor treatment. He made Brandon feel comfortable with his glasses and even befriended him in such a way the friendship lasted a lifetime. Nathaniel lived the words of the Bible. This had an impact on Brandon, who learned what The Golden Rule was and stopped being a bully.
"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." Matthew 7:12, KJV
discussion questions
1. Why did Brandon make fun of Nathaniel?
2. What kind of doctor did Brandon visit? What did he learn about himself from the doctor's office?
3. How did Nathaniel treat Brandon when Brandon had glasses?
4. Have you ever been made fun of? If so, why? How did that make you feel?
5. Have you ever made fun of people? If so, why? How did that make you feel?
6. What is the Golden Rule?
activity suggestions
1. Write the Golden Rule on a piece of paper and draw a picture to accompany it.
2. Draw a line down the middle of a piece of paper. On one side, make a list of ways you want to be treated. On the other side, make a list of ways you will treat other people.
3. If you have ever been a bully to someone, say a prayer asking for forgiveness. Tell GOD what you will do to change.
This work is a labor of love. Support these efforts by subscribing to the YouTube channel or by donating to Next Level Enrichment, the educational platform Tim Lee uses to teach self-confidence through the performing arts.
support
Tim Lee will speak to your class! Send a message to request a day where he will guest teach! Your class can also be featured in one of the stories! Send an email to learn more!
the story of the kitchen explosion
SUMMARY
Brother and sister duo, Johnny and Sarah want to play with their dad. Because he is too busy, he sends the to play and cook for and by themselves. He never knew the disaster that awaited that decision.
LESSONS/ MORALS
Some of the lessons the story teach include: don't use the stove if you haven't been taught, the beauty of sacrifice, as Christians we have access to the all (resurrection) power of GOD.
bible/lesson correlate
The story eavesdrops on a conversation between a brother and sister about the existence of the Easter Bunny. When Johnny and Sarah are given permission to cook by their negligent father, Johnny sacrifices himself to save his sister. Johnny's selfless deed which reflects the sacrifice of Christ is rewarded with resurrection power. Johnny and his family experience new life, both a gift and a promise of GOD.
"For GOD so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16, KJV
discussion questions
1. What did Johnny and Sarah see when they were playing outside?
2. What did Johnny and Sarah cook for themselves? Why did they cook by themselves?
3. What happened while they were cooking?
4. What idea did Sarah have after she saw Johnny on the ground? What idea did Johnny's father have?
5. What is the meaning of Easter? Why does the Christian Church celebrate it?
6. What lessons do you think Johnny's family learned from the events in the story?
activity suggestions
1. Look up the word resurrection in the dictionary. How does that definition help you understand the story of the day? How does it help you understand Easter?
2. There is nothing too big or too hard for GOD. Make a list of prayers you want GOD to answer. Use this list to pray every night. Remember, you have access to the Resurrection Power of GOD when you pray. Have faith.
3. Draw a picture or write a poem about new life and Spring. Ask your parents to help you send it to timleeandfriends@gmail.com so we can share it!
This work is a labor of love. Support these efforts by subscribing to the YouTube channel or by donating to Next Level Enrichment, the educational platform Tim Lee uses to teach self-confidence through the performing arts.
support
Tim Lee will speak to your class! Send a message to request a day where he will guest teach! Your class can also be featured in one of the stories! Send an email to learn more!
the story of the little red hen
SUMMARY
A folk tale first published in 1874, The Little Red Hen is about a hen that discovers some wheat seeds, plants them, and makes bread out of the wheat. After soliciting help from her friends who constantly refuse her, she does it alone.
LESSONS/ MORALS
Some of the lessons the story teach include: self-determination, the importance of the process, and if you want to enjoy the reward, you've got to work hard.
bible/lesson correlate
The story teaches a lesson of working hard to get a reward verses waiting for a hand-out or for GOD to answer a prayer as a genie grants a wish. The element of sacrifice and working for something is embedded in the story. The Bible Lesson, "Thy Father, which seeth in secret will reward thee openly" (Matthew 6:18 , NIV) displays the fact that GOD will reward the work we do for Him the same way the Hen wanted to reward her friends, had they helped her.
discussion questions
1. What did the little red hen decide to do after she found the seeds?
2. Did she want to do it alone? How do you know?
3. Why do you think her friends didn't want to help her?
4. When did her friends want to help her?
5. Do you think the little red hen did the right thing by not allowing her friends to eat the delicious bread with her? Why or why not?
6. What do you think the lesson of the story is?
activity suggestions
1. Encourage your students to plant a fruit seed to learn the process of growth.
2. Have students imagine what would have happened in the story if the little red hen's friends would have helped her. Get a few volunteers to act out the changes.
3. Have students think about their prayer request for Lent and what they will give up and /or give to show GOD how serious they are.
This work is a labor of love. Support these efforts by subscribing to the YouTube channel or by donating to Next Level Enrichment, the educational platform Tim Lee uses to teach self-confidence through the performing arts.
support
Tim Lee will speak to your class! Send a message to request a day where he will guest teach! Your class can also be featured in one of the stories! Send an email to learn more!