Long before computers, TV’s, radios, or video games were invented, children often used string for enjoyment and fun. Oddly enough, when string games are taught to children nowadays, they often find these ancient string tricks to be just as amusing as the latest computer games available! Most stings figures have a variety of name and can be traced to numerous cultures of long-ago. One popular string figure holds several names:

• Dressing A Skin (Canada)
• Outrigger Canoe (New Caledonia)
• The House (Japan)
• Saki Cup (Japan)
• Cup And Saucer (U.S.A.)

1. Bible
2. Picture of a manger
3. Nativity set
4. One piece of string for each student (about 50 inches long, tied at the ends creating a large loop)

1. Read the Nativity story to the class from either a regular Bible (Lk 2:1-7), or from a story Bible.
2. Reread the part in the story when it refers to baby Jesus lying in a manger.
3. Discuss what a manger is (a feeding trough for livestock), and why Jesus had to use one for a crib
4. Show a picture of a manger, and the manger from the Nativity Set.
5. Using a piece of string, demonstrate and explain the following steps to create “The Manger.”

THUMB-THUMB Put just your thumbs into the string and pull. Make sure the string doesn’t cross.	PINKY-PINKY Scoop your pinkies into the thumb loops and tug till taut.
POINTER-POINTER Bring you right pointer finger (index finger) across to your left palm and scoop up the string that goes across your left palm. Repeat with your left pointer finger.	THUMBS PICK UP FAR POINTERS Reach your thumbs over two strings and scoop up the third … the “Far Pointer” string … the string on the side of your pointer fingers farthest from you.
NAVAJO BOTTOM THUMB LOOPS Your thumbs will now have two loops. You must take the bottom ones off either with your mouth or by twisting your thumbs in, down, and back while keeping the string taut.	DROP PINKIES Drop the loops off your pinkies and pull the strings taut. There is your manger!