TEACHER

Year 2

Teacher book for Preschool Children (4-5 years of age).

Corresponds to year 2 of the 2-year cycle for Preschoolers.

These lessons are adapted from material originally published by WordAction Publications (Kindergarten - Teachers (Volumen 2, Numbers 1,2,3,4).

Preschool Year 2 - Teacher book

Published by:

Mesoamerica Region Discipleship Ministries

www.discipleship.MesoamericaRegion.org

www.SdmiResources.MesoamericaRegion.org

Copyright © 2018 - All rights reserved

ISBN: 978-1-63580-112-5

Reproduction of this material is permitted only for local church use.

All of the scripture verses quoted are from the NIV Bible unless otherwise stated.

Translated from Spanish into English by:

Emily Raquel Gularte Oliva

Printed in the United States

HELP FOR THE TEACHER

INTRODUCTION TO EACH UNIT

In this introduction, you will find the unit Objective, the memory verse, the Word of Faith, and a general guide for all of the lessons.

GENERAL ASPECT OF THE LESSON

Biblical Base

Points out the biblical text from which the lesson was taken. It may refer to one or more books or passages of the Bible. You should read the text and be familiar with it.

Lesson Objective

This gives you a clear goal as to where you should go with your students and what you must accomplish throughout the teaching process.

Memory Verse

It is considered appropriate to use only one Bible memory verse for the whole unit for children of this age, with the purpose to emphasize the central truth.

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH

The second section presents tips for the study of the Biblical text, which will broaden your knowledge on the topic. It also includes the Biblical context and the way children learn at this age. For greater efficiency, take into account the following:

Pray and ask God for guidance.

Read the Bible passage multiple times and note the main ideas you find.

Consult other versions of the Bible, Biblical commentaries, Biblical dictionaries, etc.

Compare your ideas to the ones presented in this book.

Meditate on each one of them and reflect on how to apply the passage to your life, and then to the lives of your students.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE LESSON

Here, the steps of the development of the lesson are identified to obtain a better performance in learning.

ATTENTION

It is the key moment to capture the student’s interest. This gives the child the first ideas about the topic of the lesson. You will also find different activities such as: review questions about basic knowledge or reflection, activities from the student activity book, etc.

BIBLE STORY

The Bible story must be developed with methods in which the students have an active participation. Be sure that the key points are clear in the minds of the children. You may want to practice the presentation of the content to have more confidence in front of the students. Cheer up! It is God’s work and you are the instrument in his hands to carry it out.

CONNECTION

This is the moment to reinforce the lesson and for the student to reflect on his or her daily life. It is the time to guide them to ask themselves how their life compares to what the Bible teaches. In general, these are activities with questions for them to answer personally. Guide the child towards the reflection and do not manipulate his or her answers because they should be sincere and personal. This section contains:

Instructions for the Activity Worksheets from the student book

Memory Verse, games.

Wrap up: moments of prayer and reflection.

Suggestions: Keep in mind that the lesson is not limited to only the day of the class, but prepare for the lesson throughout the week.

• Visit your students at least one time every semester.

• Pray and communicate with the students through letters, phone calls, invitations, and visit them if they stop coming to class.

• Send a note or mention special events in the child’s life, like birthdays, special days, etc.

• Encourage your students through games and activities to motivate and assist them to learn, memorize verses, invite their friends, etc.

• Arrive early to have the classroom ready and greet the students as they arrive.

• As you prepare the lesson, take into consideration the age, needs, and conduct of the students.

EACH LESSON CONTAINS SUGGESTIONS TO USE FOR THE MEMORY VERSE OF SCRIPTURE.

1. WHAT DOES THE VERSE SAY?

Make sure your students perceive it and express it with their senses.

Sight

• In the Bible.

• On flash cards, posters, visual aids or on the board.

Hearing

• Read it out loud.

• Have the children read it out loud.

Voice

• Have the children repeat it after hearing it.

• Have them read it individually.

• Read it as a group.

• Sing it.

Touch

• They can help write the verse on the board, flashcards, or posters.

• They can fill in the blanks and puzzles.

2. WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Explore the definitions

• Let the children express what they understand about the verse.

• Explain the words that the children of that age may not understand.

Comment on the context

• You may help them with biblical comments, dictionaries or by asking others.

• Investigate the background of the verse. Who is speaking and who is their audience?

• Comment on the facts on which it was developed.

Illustrate the verse

• Show drawings or make drawings yourself.

• Use sign language or hand motions.

3. HOW DO I APPLY IT TO MY LIFE?

Comment on the following:

• The application that the verse has on daily life.

• Under what circumstances will it help, and what consequences will it produce in your and the lives of the people around you.

Remember a verse

• When you are tempted.

• When you are in trouble.

• When you encourage others.

THE CHILDREN, THEIR CONDUCT AND THE TEACHER

1. UNDERSTAND YOUR STUDENTS AND ALLOW THEM TO ACT NORMALLY FOR THEIR AGE.

• Children are active and curious.

• They are not miniature adults.

• We should be able to distinguish between bad behavior and immaturity.

2. CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE THAT ENCOURAGES GOOD BEHAVIOR.

• Let the students know that you love them and appreciate them.

• Show interest in what happens to them outside of class.

• Be organized in what you do and in the ways you handle the students.

• Provide a clear and consistent guide that lets the students know what you expect of them.

• Do not show favoritism.

3. ENFORCE YOUR ROLE AS THE TEACHER.

• Be in charge of the class.

• Be an authority figure that your students will respect.

• Become the students’ friend.

• Point out good examples regarding your expectations.

4. USE TEACHING METHODS THAT INCLUDE THE CHILDREN AND CAPTURE THEIR ATTENTION.

• Be prepared and arrive at the classroom before the students.

• Provide a variety of activities that are appropriate for the age of the little ones.

• Use activities that capture their interest and ability.

• Allow them to choose some of the activities.

5. CONCENTRATE ON POSITIVE BEHAVIOR.

• Limit the number of rules.

• After correcting a child, talk later to his or her parents or guardians.

• Ask for help from assistants.

WHAT TO DO WHEN A CHILD IS NOT BEHAVING PROPERLY

1. FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.

• Does the child have learning problems or health problems that prevent proper participation in class?

• Is the student trying to control the class?

• Does the student have special talents or a superior level than the rest that leads him to be bored in class?

• When you identify the cause of the problem, talking to the parents may solve the problem.

2. TAKE CONTROL OF THE SITUATION.

• Ignore behavior that does not interrupt class.

• Include the child in the learning activities.

• Make it known to the child that you see their bad behavior.

• Approach the child.

• Tell him or her in a soft tone what it is you want them to do.

• Show the student the consequences of his or her bad behavior.

3. TALK TO THE CHILD’S PARENTS OR GUARDIANS.

• Start by telling the parents what you appreciate about the child.

• Reveal the issue and discuss the proper solution.

MEET THE PRESCHOOLER

* They are active. Change and new experiences excite them, but they should not be exposed to it excessively.

* Their attention span is limited, especially when it comes to being quiet or still.

* In general, they will have two minutes of attention, which will double every year.

* They are inquisitive, meaning they ask a lot of questions. Their favorites are “how” and “why”.

* They learn better by doing than by listening. Their learning is sensory, meaning it is based on their senses.

* They do not have long term memory. Thus, they do not remember instructions for long periods of time.

* They are often selfish and egocentric, but they are starting to develop socially, such as respecting the rights of others, sharing and waiting for their turn.

* They work better in small groups.

When considering the characteristics of the development stage of your students, we have included some tips to improve the dynamics of your class:

* Change activities every 8 to 10 minutes. Alternate between calm activities and active games.

Also provide periods of rest.

* When the preschooler asks questions, answer him or her with clarity and truth. Do not give them more information than what they asked for.

* Involve your students in experiences that include the direct use of their senses.

* Use repetition, both when telling stories and when giving instructions.

* Use visual aids to stimulate the preschooler’s senses. This will help her remember things easily.

* Organize games and activities that require cooperation.

* Provide a calm environment.

* Remain calm when there is disorder and confusion.

* Give many specific examples of how they can be compassionate, show love to others and share.

* Apply general ideas to specific actions to link biblical knowledge to daily life.

TEACHING RESOURCES

Dear Teacher,

We have prepared this series of teaching resources that will help you enrich the dynamics of your class.

In the activities section of the lessons, we recommend the use of the following materials to stimulate the children’s motor skills and guide them to a more significant learning experience.

RECIPES FOR PLAY DOUGH AND MODELING CLAY

SALT AND FLOUR PLAY DOUGH

Ingredients:

2 - 3 cups of flour

3/4 cup of salt

1/2 cup warm water

Food coloring

Instructions:

Mix the flour and salt, and slowly mix in the warm water while stirring. If you want to add color, add a few drops of food coloring while kneading the dough. The consistency of the dough will depend on the amount of water added. When done, put the dough in a closed container inside the refrigerator

COOKED DOUGH

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

1 cup salt

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

Food coloring

Instructions:

Mix the dry ingredients; then add the water and vegetable oil. Cook the mixture on the stove on low heat until it thickens, constantly stirring. Remove from the stove and let cool. To achieve the wanted color, add drops of food coloring while kneading the mix. It will last about a month if kept in a closed container.

CLAY

Ingredients:

2 cups of dirt.

2 cups of sand.

1/2 cup of salt.

Water.

Instructions:

Mix the dirt, sand, and salt. Then add the water slowly until the wanted consistency is obtained.

FINGER PAINT

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup starch

1/2 cup soap powder

3 cups boiling water

1 tablespoon glycerin

Food coloring or paint

Instructions:

Dissolve the starch in cold water. Then slowly pour it into the boiling water, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the powdered soap and lastly the glycerin. To add color, add food coloring or paint. A non-toxic gelatinous consistency will be obtained. The mix can last days if kept in a closed container.

WHITE GLUE

Ingredients:

4 cups water

1 cup wheat flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup vinegar

Instructions:

Boil 3 cups of water. Meanwhile, in a separate container mix 1 cup of water, the flour, the sugar, and the vinegar. When the water has boiled, slowly add the mix and stir slowly. If there are lumps, you may blend the mixture. If it is too thick, add water. If it is too thin, boil it for a longer period of time. Keep the glue in a jar with a lid.

PAPER FOR CRAFTS

In hot water, soak 6 pages of cut up magazine pages or newspaper.

Blend the paper with 1/2 cup oatmeal, flowers, or bagasse of fruits and vegetables such as carrots or celery.

Strain the mixture, and add 4 tablespoons of glycerin and 6 tablespoons of white glue.

Spread the paste on plastic with a rolling pin or kneading stick until it is thin and even.

Let it dry in the sun for two days.

With this paper you can make cards, bookmarks, letter sheets, etc.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROMOTING STUDENTS TO THE NEXT CLASS

Dear leaders and teachers of Sunday School and Christian education:

As is done for school, it is important for the children of the church to be promoted to the next class each year. As a teacher, it is very important that you are prepared to promote your students at the end of the course, which would be easiest at the end of the school year.

You may prepare a ceremony beforehand and give a certificate to the students who are moving on to the next class. The ceremony can be held at the church so the whole congregation may participate. Invite the parents and family members of the students. It would be a good time to get to know them and for them to attend the remainder of the service and listen to God’s Word.

The teachers of the classes to which the students will be promoted should be present as special participants. It will be a significant moment for everyone when you as the teacher send the students to the next class with a hug, and the next teacher receives them likewise with a welcome embrace.

It would be nice if you had a poster with pictures of the students taken throughout the years they spent in your class. It would also be nice to share memories of the students while they were in your class: special prayers they said, the date they accepted Christ, stories they shared, questions they asked, and moments of joy or sadness they went through while in your class. Explain this to your students so they can agree with what you will share about them. This way they do not get embarrassed in front of the whole congregation.

Speak to the person in charge of Christian education or of the classes, so that at the ceremony, new books can be given to the students for the following year. Encourage families from the church to gift a book to each student, especially to the ones whose parents do not attend the church or to the ones with financial struggles. In each congregation there are families that would gladly gift books to the students.

We wish you blessings in the challenges that the ministry of teaching presents for you and your congregation. May the Lord give you grace and bless your important ministry.

Editorial Team

Year 2 Introduction • Unit I

JESUS TEACHES US

Unit objective: This unit will help preschoolers understand that Jesus wants to teach them how to live.

Memory verse: Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28).

WORD OF FAITH: JESUS: He is the Son of God and he wants to teach us to live wisely.

Unit Lessons:

Lesson 1 Jesus teaches us not to worry

Lesson 2 Jesus teaches us to love others

Lesson 3 Jesus teaches us to share

Lesson 4 Jesus teaches us to be His disciples

What preschoolers will learn from these lessons:

They will learn to depend on God and trust in his care.

They will understand that God wants them to love him and show love towards their neighbors.

They will learn that Jesus wants to teach them to share.

They will understand the importance of being followers of Christ.

This series of lessons offers children the opportunity to learn more about Jesus Christ.

Through the lessons, they will understand that there is no reason to worry- the same God who takes care of the flowers and the birds also takes care of His children.

The topics of these lessons are of vital importance for the development of character and personality in preschoolers. It is precisely during this stage of growth when they need to be guided to love and share, as well as having a personal encounter with Jesus.

As you progress in the study of the unit, carefully observe the change that biblical learning produces in the behavior of the students. Feel free to modify or add activities that fit your class’ particular needs.

Lesson 1

Jesus teaches us not to worry

Lesson Objective: Learn to depend on God and trust in his care.

Biblical base: Matthew 6:25- 34

Memory verse: Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Jesus taught people through objects, everyday situations, stories and illustrations.

We could even call him the best teacher in the art of storytelling. Matthew 6:25-34 shows the ability that Jesus had to use common things such as birds and flowers to teach deep spiritual truths.

Worry, anxiety and stress are not new concepts for our society. Through this parable, we see that people have not changed through the years. The people listening to Jesus had their own worries and anxieties. Life was no doubt just as tricky back then. For example, food decomposed faster and people lived with daily provisions. They did not have a lot of resources and the economic situation was very complicated. Also, consider the oppression of the Roman Empire. If you take into account all the factors, you will understand the fear and anxiety of the people.

Jesus also understood it and therefore told this parable. He wanted people to trust God’s vision and care.

Today, we also need to know this truth. It does not matter how much or little we have, what is really valuable is to learn to depend on the goodness and sovereignty of God. This will free us from worries and anxieties.

Adaptation

The next four lessons will give you the opportunity to teach your students about Jesus, the Son of God. This first lesson deals with worry and anxiety. Many people think that childhood is a happy time and therefore free of anxiety. However, children also worry. They experience bewilderment, anxiety and fear. Sadly, stress is common among children nowadays.

Your classroom should be a quiet and safe place for preschoolers who live in a world of chaos. They need to understand, through your words and specially the teachings about Jesus, that God cares for them.

Maybe they do not fully understand the meaning of the word “worry”, but it is common for them to experience moments of anguish and anxiety.

Have you observed the attitude of a three-year-old when they’re in a strange place and with people they don’t know?

They obviously feel anguish and worry. Therefore, they need to learn that God has everything under control and that he can take care of them in all circumstances.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus your students’ attention on the topic.

Welcome and Introduction

Help each member of your class feel welcome, especially visitors. Give a brief introduction about the content of the unit and sing a song before starting the activities.

Colorful flowers

For this activity, you will need modeling clay or colorful play-doh, tablecloths (or plastic bags), and wooden sticks.

Protect the work area with tablecloths or bags. Distribute the play-doh and ask the children to make flowers of different shapes, colors and sizes.

As they do so, explain that in today’s story they will learn that Jesus teaches us about God’s care for flowers and birds.

When they are finished, place their creations on a table so that parents can see them.

Bird Wings

You need paper of different colors, scissors, glue, colored pencils and a bag of fake feathers. Draw on the paper the figure of a bird for each child. Instruct them to decorate it using colors and gluing the feathers. If you don’t have feathers, have the children simply draw them. As you work, tell them: God gave feathers to birds to protect them from the cold and to fly. In the bible story, we will learn that God not only takes care of birds and flowers, he takes care of us.

Fly birds!

Form a circle and have the children sit on the floor.

Ask them: Do you know what birds use to fly? (wings) Can you move your arms up and down like they’re wings? (Show them how to do it.)

Explain to them that when you say, “Fly birds!”,

They should get up and pretend to fly around the room, and when you say, “Birds to the nest!”, They should come back and sit in the circle.

BIBLE

This activity will help you prepare students to listen to and review the Bible story.

Find the flowers

During the week, draw paper flowers and cut them out. Hide them in different parts of the room before class starts.

Ask the children to look for a flower while you count from one to twenty. After everyone has found a flower, ask them to sit and listen to the Bible story.

BIBLE STORY

Illustrate the narrative using a Jesus figure and photographs or drawings of flowers and birds.

Don’t worry!

One day Jesus told a story to his friends. He wanted them to know about God’s love and care.

Jesus said to them, “When you feel worried, look around. You will understand why you can trust in God and why you should not worry about what you will eat or wear.”

“Look at the birds in the sky” (show the figure of a bird). “God takes care of them, provides them a safe place to sleep and food to eat. They do not have to worry about anything.”

Then Jesus told them about clothes. “Observe the flowers. For example, the lilies of the field do not worry about anything, because God also takes care of them. He gave them petals and leaves that are covered with beautiful colors and shapes. They do not need to worry about how they look.”

Jesus’ friends observed the beautiful flowers that were moved by the wind. Meanwhile, Jesus reminded them, “God loves you much more than flowers and birds. That’s why you must trust that He’ll always be with you and give you what you need.”

Bible review

Have all students sit down in a circle. Show them a paper flower and tell them: Look at this paper flower. Remember what we learned about flowers during the lesson? (God takes care of them.)

Explain that whoever receives the flower should say something they remember about the story, and then give the flower to another child. Once that child says a part of the lesson, they must pass the flower to another member, and so on until everyone has participated.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to relate the truth to the daily lives of your students.

God takes care of us

Cut out the bird prints from page 129 of the student activity book and give a set to each student. Hand out the activity sheets and help each child write their name. Then, explain that in each unit they will study a different word of faith. The word of this unit is JESUS.

Allow time for them to glue the birds to the picture, color the flowers, and trace the numbers and words outlined on the worksheet.

What’s worrying you?

Ask the children to mention the things that concern them and write them on the board. It is common for preschoolers to be worried by situations they do not know, such as the dark or strange noises. However, others will have more real concerns, such as instability in their home or finances.

Be sure to identify the students who are expressing these problems and keep up with their situation.

After all have participated, make it clear that no matter what happens, God takes care of his children. Pray for each student specifically. Then ask that one by one, they come and erase the concern they expressed, and encourage them to place their trust in the Lord.

Memory Verse

Prepare the memory verse in advance. Cut out silhouettes of flowers or birds, and write each word of the text on one of those silhouettes. Tape them in order on a wall and help the students read the verse. After repeating it several times, remove some words and say it again. Repeat this action until all the words are removed and they can say the entire verse by memory.

When you’ve finished, save all the words to use in the next class. If you want to keep them in better condition, you can laminate them.

Remember that preschoolers are starting to read. Be patient and reinforce their learning with the biblical text.

To finish

Sing a song and thank God for his constant love and care. Tell your students to take their work home with them and invite them to next week’s class.

Lesson 2

Jesus teaches us to love others

Bible base: Matthew 22:34- 40

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers learn that Jesus teaches us to love God’s ways.

Memory verse: Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

The Sadducees and the Pharisees were the two most important religious groups in Judaism. They were the leaders of the Jewish community. The Sadducees did not accept the authority of spoken law and did not consider it obligatory; they interpreted the law as specified in the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament). The Pharisees held that the Pentateuch or the Torah had the same authority as that contained in the oral tradition.

The teachings of Jesus represented a threat to both religious groups, not only because of the interpretation he gave to Scripture, but because of the large number of followers he had.

In Matthew 22:23-33, the Sadducees questioned Jesus about the resurrection of the dead. His answer perplexed these teachers of the law. When the Pharisees heard about what had happened, they also sought the opportunity to question Jesus, saying, “Teacher, what is the great commandment in the law?” (V. 36). Jesus answered them using the Greek verb “agapo”, which refers to a kind of deep and sincere love.

This kind of love, born in the heart of God and offered regardless of theprice, was something the Pharisees did not know. They had concentrated so much on keeping and respecting the law that they overlooked the greatest commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself “(Luke 10:27).

Adaptation

Many children have heard about love and have experienced it in their family. However, others have suffered emotional neglect and do not have an adequate perception of love. It is difficult for them to think and accept that God loves them. They do not clearly understand the concept of love or how to demonstrate it to others.

As a Sunday school teacher, you are responsible for demonstrating God’s love to your students, especially those who have suffered neglect or have emotional problems. Through your words and actions, help them understand God’s love for them. When you show affection through a friendly hug, say, “I love you and God loves you too.” This is introducing them to the knowledge of God’s love for them.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use of some of the following activities to capture the attention of your students and introduce them to the lesson.

Catch the ball!

For this activity, you will need a soft sponge or plastic ball. Place the children in a circle and tell them: Jesus, the Son of God, points out many things to us. Can someone tell me what we learned during our last class? (We should not worry because God takes care of us.)

This week, Jesus teaches us about love and tells us that it is important that we love others. This ball will help us learn something very important.

Gently toss the ball to a child so he can catch it, while saying: What does Jesus teach us? They must answer: “Jesus teaches us to love others.” Repeat this action with each student in the circle.

Let’s draw!

On the blackboard or on a large piece of paper, draw a heart and write the word “LOVE” Ask the children to decorate the rest of the drawing. If you wish, also color the heart.

When they are finished, allow time for them to see their work completed and say: In this heart we read the word “LOVE”. This week we will learn what Jesus teaches us about love.

Love calls

For this game you will need a phone. Place the phone on a table and allow each student to make an imaginary call to the person he or she wants and say, “I love you and Jesus loves you too.”

When everyone has participated, remind them that Jesus teaches us to love each other, and prepare them to listen to the Bible story.

BIBLE

The following activity will be useful for introducing children to the lesson.

Love posters

During the week, draw a paper heart for each student in your class. Write the phrase “Jesus loves you” inside. Ask them to color and cut them out. Then provide wooden sticks to glue the hearts to, forming a small “love sign”.

Ask them: Who loves all of us? Tell them to raise and wave their signs in response.

BIBLE STORY

The Pharisees were teachers. They taught the laws and the Jewish religion to the people. They also made sure that everyone knew and obeyed God’s laws. However, many of them did not really love God, nor did they want Jesus around.

One day they met up and went to look for Jesus and asked him this question: “What is the most important rule that we must obey?” They referred to the commandments that God gave to his people to teach them how they should live.

These men thought that Jesus could not answer this question, but Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said to them, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the most important rule; you should always remember and obey it.

But that was not the only thing Jesus answered. He also reminded them: “You must love your neighbors as you love yourselves.” This is also a very important rule.

When you love God and others, you are obeying and keeping the commandments of the Lord.

CONNECTION

The following activities will help you connect biblical truth with the daily life of the students.

Who is…..?

Sit in a circle. Choose a student and ask him: Who of all of us has a (red) colored shirt ...?

Allow them to answer (For example: John has a red shirt). Encourage the rest of the group to say together with you: John, we love you!

Continue this activity until all the children have participated.

Heart Mobile

For this activity you will need scissors, glue, wool/yarn, colored pencils, clothes hangers or plastic hangers or wooden sticks, and a hole puncher.

Distribute the student worksheets and instruct your students to cut out the four hearts. Ask them to think of three people they love and write a name in each heart. If necessary, trace the names with dotted lines so that they can be easily marked.

Make a hole in the upper part of each heart so that they can insert a piece of wool/yarn and secure it with a knot.

Then, hang the hearts on the hook or rod to form the mobile.

Memory verse

Use the cards you created last week to review the verse. Hide them in the classroom before class and let your students look for them again.

When they have all found them, arrange them in order and repeat the memory verse a couple of times.

To finish

Sing a song that speaks about loving God and our neighbor. Mention prayer requests and intercede for each person in your class.

Make sure they take home the work they have done. Then announce the topic of the next lesson to awaken interest in them.

Lesson 3

Jesus teaches us to share

Lesson Objective: That the children learn that Jesus teaches us to share.

Bible Base: Luke 12:13-21

Memory verse: Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

In the midst of the great crowd that followed him, a man approached Jesus to make a special request. This was not unusual. As a teacher, Jesus often had to answer questions, decide disputes, or clarify doubts.

Many of these questions were not simple. However, Jesus had the authority to answer them with wisdom because he knew people’s hearts.

The man in this story wanted Jesus to command his older brother to share their parents’ inheritance with him, because in the Jewish tradition, most of the goods were given to the firstborn. Jesus used this man’s request as an introduction to a parable. We can see that this man’s motivation was selfishness and greed. However, we Christians should not have this type of feeling within us. When Jesus Christ controls our life, our only motivation must be to please the Lord.

The man in the parable chose to satisfy his own desires and despised the most precious thing, his eternal relationship with God. As you prepare the lesson, reflect and ask yourself this question: Does God occupy the first place in all areas of my life?

Adaptation

Young children are possessive and self- centered by nature. They focus on their personal needs before taking into account those of others. This lesson, which deals with the responsibility to share, will give them the opportunity to learn that God is interested in our behavior and attitudes. As they understand that God is aware of how they relate to others, they will show more kindness and begin to share with one another. Remind them often that God wants them to be kind and share. This will motivate them to improve their attitude towards their peers. During this stage, preschoolers hardly share, especially if it is their favorite toy or the attention of a person. Therefore they need to know what God commands in this regard.

Observe them during class; take every opportunity to reinforce the central lesson.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Choose one of the following activities to capture the attention of your students and direct them to the subject of the lesson.

Let’s learn to share

On a table, place a bag of cookies and plates or napkins. Ask a volunteer to serve a portion of cookies to each member of the group. As they do so, let others observe and tell them that during the story they will learn what Jesus teaches about sharing.

The story of a farmer

Have at your disposal different types of grains (corn, beans, rice, etc.) and the shape of a barn.

Show the grains to the children and ask them what they are and what they are used for. Listen to the answers. Then explain that in today’s lesson, they will talk about a rich farmer who had a huge barn (show the illustration) full of grains.

Let’s Build together

For this activity, you will need blocks or plastic cubes or small cardboard boxes.

Put the material in the center of the room and encourage the children to work in pairs to build a barn. As they work, tell them: Sometimes farmers store the grains in warehouses called granaries. These places keep the grains safe and dry until they are used to make foods like bread, noodles and cereal. The bible story today is a parable that Jesus told about a farmer who had a very large barn.

BIBLE

Use the following activity to teach children the biblical truth of today.

Let’s share our grains

For this activity, you will need a container with different types of grains and a paper or plastic bag for each student.

Hand out the bags and place the container on a table. Gather your students around to hear the Bible story and ask them to follow the directions given during the story.

BIBLE STORY

A very rich farmer

One day while Jesus was teaching, a man approached him and said, “Teacher, order my brother to give me the part of the inheritance that belongs to me.”

Jesus replied, “It is not for me to do, and you must not be selfish, having lots of possessions is not the most important thing.”

Then he talked to those who were with him and told them this story: There was a very rich man who had much land. One day he harvested a very abundant crop from his land. He had so much grain! (Have the children take grains from the container and store them in the bags.) He had collected so much, he had no place to store it all.

After thinking for a while, the farmer said, “I know what I will do, I will make huge barns to store all my grain.”

And that’s what he did. He did not want to share his grain with the poor people who had no food. He wanted to keep everything for himself.

The farmer felt very satisfied and thought he had enough grain saved to live happily the rest of his life. But God did not like the attitude of this selfish man and said, “You made a wrong decision. What really matters is that you love me and share with your neighbors.”

The rich man acted wrongfully. However, you can obey God and share what you have with others. (Let them share the grains in their bags.)

CONNECTION

These activities will help the children relate the biblical truth to their daily lives.

What do you want to share?

For this activity, you will need a cardboard box, white paper, colored pencils, and scissors.

Ask the children to draw something they would like to share with their neighbor, and then cut it out. Then tell them to put it in the cardboard box. When everyone is finished, take the drawings out and show them. Give them time to say with whom they want to share what they drew and why.

The barn

For this activity, you will need disposable cups, glue, pencils, crayons, scissors and wheat straw (preferable with the wheat heads still attached) or raw pasta.

Distribute the student worksheets. Allow the word of faith of the unit to be traced, and cut out the figure of the barn. Tell them how to fold the sheet and then glue it to the cup.

Distribute two bunches of wheat or pasta to each child so that they can stick a bunch in their cup and share the second with a partner.

As they work, review the content of the lesson, asking them questions about what they learned in the Bible story.

Share a hug

Form a circle with your students and tell them: We cannot always share many things sometimes, for example, toys and food; but we can always share love and kindness. A hug is something beautiful that we can all share. I’m going to invite you to share a hug with me. Then choose someone from the circle with whom you want to share a hug with.

Memory Verse

Write the memory verse on the board (Luke 11:28) and read it once with your students. Then delete the first and last words and ask for a volunteer to say it. Erase words until the board is blank and everyone can say the text completely by memory. Do not forget that preschoolers are starting the reading process. Be patient with them and help them recognize unknown words or words they cannot pronounce correctly.

To finish

Allow time for the classroom to be cleaned. Gather the students to pray. Ask if they have prayer requests and then choose someone to pray aloud for the requests. Conclude by thanking God for His love and care.

Lesson 4

Jesus teaches us to be His disciples

Lesson Objective: That students learn they can be Jesus’ disciple.

Biblical base: Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 6:12-16

Memory verse: Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

The three previous lessons dealt with specific actions that should be reflected by those who believe in Jesus.

We know that those who have decided to follow Jesus show certain qualities, not because of what they are, but because of the transforming power of Christ who acts in their life. Following Jesus consists of believing that he is the Son of God and developing a personal relationship with Him.

The four characters we will study in this lesson chose to leave their life, their work and even their family to follow the Teacher. On the Sea of Galilee, two men, Simon Peter and Andrew, were pulling their nets to fish. When Jesus saw them, he said, “Come and follow me.” Later on on the seashore, Jesus called two other men, John and James, sons of Zebedee. These four men immediately left what they were doing and followed Jesus.

In Luke 6:12-16, we read how the Lord called his 12 disciples, separating them from the rest of his followers. This group of men committed themselves to follow Jesus and his teachings. But first, Jesus prayed asking God to guide him in this important decision - 11 of them would spread the message of salvation to the whole world.

Adaptation

Your students need to understand that it is not enough to learn from Jesus ... they must also make the decision to follow him.

It is important that they learn that the best way to respond to God’s great love is to serve and love Him and others unconditionally.

Preschoolers may remember some of the stories of Jesus and tell them to their friends. However, it is your responsibility to lead them

to the feet of Christ and to seek their spiritual growth. Use the previous lessons as a basis to present the plan of salvation to your students during the lesson. Help them pray and ask God to help them love Jesus and be obedient to Him.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to capture the attention of your students and guide them through the lesson.

General Review

Sit the children on the floor and form a circle. Give them a ball that they will have to pass from hand to hand while you make some sound (you can use bells, music, etc.). When the music stops, the person with the ball in their hands should stand up and say something they learned in the previous lessons.

Follow the leader

Explain to the children that in this game, you will be the leader and they will be your followers. Have the children form a line and you stand in front of them, guiding them to make different movements that they should imitate. For example, jump on one foot, raise your right hand, raise both hands, etc.

Then choose other “leaders” to guide the row. At the end of this activity, ask them to take a seat. Explain that the Bible story is about a group of faithful followers of Jesus.

BIBLE

Use this activity to teach your students today’s Bible story.

12 important men

Beforehand, write on cardboard strips the names of the twelve disciples in large letters. Show them to the group and allow those who can read to say the names out loud.

Ask them: Do you know whose names these are? (Listen to answers.) If someone answers correctly, congratulate them for their participation. Divide the names among the children to hold while they listen to the bible story.

BIBLE STORY

Ask those who have the strips with the names of the apostles that, when the name they have is mentioned, to raise the strip so that everyone can see it. When the story is finished, stick the strips on the walls of the room.

12 followers of Jesus

Jesus wanted all people to know the love of God. That’s why he went from place to place speaking to people and preaching this message to them. It was a very hard and tiring job, so he needed some helpers for this task.

One day, Jesus was walking on the shores of the Sea of Galilee when he saw two brothers who were fishermen: Simon Peter and Andrew. While fishing with their nets, Jesus told them, “Follow me. Instead of fishing for fish, I’m going to teach you how to gain followers for me.” Jesus wanted Simon Peter and Andrew to help him preach God’s message to people. Immediately these men left their nets and followed him.

Jesus continued walking along the seashore and saw two other fishing brothers: Jacob and John, who were setting up their nets in the boat.

“Follow me,” Jesus told them, and at that moment, James and John went with Him.

Jesus climbed a mountain because he wanted to be alone and pray. He was there all night talking to God. He asked God to give him wisdom to choose twelve special helpers. These helpers would always be with Him to announce the message of salvation. The next day he called his followers and chose twelve of them, whom he called disciples. These men spent a lot of time with Jesus, learning about the kingdom of God and teaching people the message of God.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to relate biblical truth to the daily lives of preschoolers.

I CAN BE A DISCIPLE!

For this activity you will need poster board or thick paper for each student, tape, pencils, markers or colored pencils and finger paint. Beforehand, using dotted lines, make the name of each student and put it on each strip. Hand them out and have them trace their name and decorate them with whatever material you have available. As they do this, explain that if they love Jesus and live out his message, that also makes them his disciples. When they are through, attach the strips with the names of the 12 disciples all around the room.

A fishing boat

Hand out the student activity sheets, a piece of blue paper and scissors. Follow the instructions on the activity sheet to assemble the boats.

Ask them to trace the word of faith and stick figures in the shape of fish on the blue folded sheet. Review the content of the lesson together while doing this activity.

Jesus teaches me

Help the children follow the instructions to complete the project of the two circles. Carefully cut out the two circles. Then, help them cut out the window marked in circle one.

Place circle one over circle two and join them in the center with a paper clasp.

Collect them and use the finished works to review what they learned in the four lessons of this unit.

Memory verse

Use the flower and bird figures suggested in the first lesson. Review the text several times. Allow those who learned it by heart to say so in front of the group. If possible, reward their effort with a pencil or a piece of candy.

To finish

Since this is the unit’s last lesson, we suggest that you organize a small exhibition in your room with all the work your students did in these lessons if you didn’t send the work home with the students.

Invite parents and members of your congregation to visit. Ask the children to say what they have learned, and repeat the memory verse. Do not forget to recognize the effort the children made during these four weeks of study.

Year 2

Introduction • Unit II

THE BIBLE TEACHES US ABOUT DAVID

Unit objective: For preschoolers to learn that God helped David in his time of need, and for them to recognize and thank God for His help in their daily life.

Memory Verse: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2).

Words of faith: GOD HELPS US: God helps us know his will.

Unit Lessons:

Lesson 5 God chooses David as King

Lesson 6 David defeats Goliath with God’s help

Lesson 7 God gives David a special friend

Lesson 8 God helps David to be kind

What preschoolers will learn from these lessons:

They will learn that God chooses his servants regardless of appearance.

They will know that God helps them face difficult situations.

They will understand that God shows his love through friends.

They will understand that God can help them be kind.

These lessons teach a lot in a world that seems out of control. Through the life of David, we see that God works through the most unusual circumstances to help those who love and serve Him.

God chose David to be king, and David responded with obedience and patience. Although things were not always going well, David knew that God cared for him. God helped him before he became king, defended him from Goliath, provided him with a friend, kept him safe from King Saul, and was with him during his reign.

Through the life of this Bible character, preschoolers will learn that God loves them, cares for them, and wants to help them.

Lesson 5

God chooses David as king

Biblical Base: 1 Samuel 16:13

Lesson objective: They will learn that God chooses his servants regardless of appearance.

Memory verse: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

In 1 Samuel 16:13, we find a conversation between God and the priest Samuel. God commanded him to go and anoint his chosen one as the king who would occupy the throne of Israel. Samuel responded with fear, because in fulfilling God’s command, he would be betraying the current king, and that could cost him his life. God rebuked Samuel and reminded him of His supremacy and authority.

Samuel obeyed God and made the trip to Bethlehem, a city that was to the south, near Jerusalem. It would later be known as “the city of David,” and later as the place where Jesus was born.

Once in Bethlehem, Samuel prepared Jesse’s family for the sacrifice. This included examining their hearts, as well as an outer cleansing. Offering a sacrifice gave Samuel a valid reason to go to Bethlehem. He used the opportunity to anoint the new king.

Samuel’s gaze went first to Eliab, Jesse’s eldest son. Eliab was a tall, strong young man with a great personality, but God reminded Samuel that the outer appearance was not important. God knew what he needed in the future king of Israel. He would have to be an obedient person, with determination and sensitivity to His divine will. Each of Jesse’s sons was brought before Samuel, and then rejected by God.

It was his youngest son David, the small and humble shepherd, whom God chose to govern his people.

Samuel anointed the boy, who was immediately filled with the Spirit of God, and later ruled Israel with wisdom and the fear of the Lord.

Adaptation

As you prepare to teach, reflect on your perception of your students. Do you show a

preference for the most obedient and quiet? Are you focusing your attention on the external appearance or on the specific needs of each student?

Ask the Lord to help you see each child as He sees them: unique, special and created to serve Him.

Society has established certain standards of physical appearance and external characteristics that people must meet to be accepted or rejected. This behavior tends to develop from childhood; therefore, preschoolers are not unfamiliar with it.

Even in a child’s environment, physical appearance or disabilities are factors that determine their attitude. This lesson will help them to understand that God is not interested in our outward appearance but in our heart.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use the following activity to focus the children’s attention the lesson.

We are all the same

Get pictures, drawings or clippings from magazines of people of different races. Glue them on cardboard or posterboard.

Allow your students to observe them and ask them: What makes these people different? Listen carefully to the answers. When they have finished participating, explain the physical similarities that exist. For example, everyone has two eyes, two ears, one nose, hair, etc. Then emphasize that although everyone is different physically, they are the same on the inside.

God created them differently physically, but he gave them all a heart to praise and love him.

BIBLE

Use these activities to introduce children to the Bible story. A puppet that talks

Make a simple puppet with a paper bag or sock or piece of cloth. If you have puppets, use them.

Using the puppet, tell the children: The Bible story today is about a young boy named David. Listen very carefully to our visitor as he tells you the story of how God chose David to do something special.

Oil to anoint

For this activity, you will need a jar with a lid and edible oil.

Show the children the bottle of oil and allow them to observe the contents while saying: This oil is made from vegetables (or oils, depending on the case). It is usually used to cook. A long time ago there was a servant of God named Samuel. He listened to God and then told people what the Lord said. One day, God told Samuel to take some oil and go to a family’s home in Bethlehem. Samuel knew that God wanted him to do something special with that oil. Do you want to know what Samuel did? Listen carefully to the story so that you know what happened.

A special guest

Invite a young man from your congregation to tell the Bible story to the children. Ask him to study the biblical basis of the lesson, the story in the Bible and, if possible, dress like a sheepherder.

BIBLE STORY

Welcome the special guest and introduce him to the group by saying: Our guest today is known as a sheep herder. David was also a sheep herder. That is why he is going to tell you a very beautiful story about David.

God chooses a new king

Samuel helped the Israelites be obedient to God. He was a very wise man who guided the people to make important decisions. However, the people wanted to have a king. God chose Saul to be the king. He was a good king for awhile, but then he stopped loving and obeying God.

Then God told Samuel to go to Bethlehem, because he had chosen one of the sons of Jesse as the new king of Israel, to someday replace Saul.

Samuel obeyed God, and when he arrived in Bethlehem, he spoke with Jesse and his children. Eliab, Jesse’s oldest son, was very strong and handsome. “Only my youngest son is missing,”

said Jesse, “his name is David.” Samuel asked Jesse to call his youngest son to meet him. When David arrived, God told Samuel, “This is the boy I have chosen to be the next king of Israel.” Samuel poured oil on David’s head. This was a sign for everyone to know that God had chosen him as the new king of his people. David felt the power of God over him when this happened. He was sure that the Lord would help him be a good king.

Bible review

Place the children in a circle. Using the puppet from the previous activity, ask each one to briefly say something they learned from the Bible story.

CONNECTION

Choose one of the following activities to help children relate the biblical truth to their daily life.

God chose David

Cut out the picture corresponding to this lesson in the cut-out section at the back of the student activity book and give one to each child along with a student worksheet and a pencil. Instruct them to write their name and trace the word of faith.

Post it on the scene and save the page. When they have finished, review briefly what they learned today.

Brother, brother David

Have the children form a circle and tell them: I’m going to walk around the circle and pat each of you on the shoulder. When I touch you, if I say “Brother”, do not move. Remember that God did not choose any of David’s brothers to be the new king of Israel. But if I say “David”, get up and go to the center of the circle. Pretend to put oil on their head, just as Samuel did with young David. Continue until everyone has had the opportunity to move to the center.

Memory verse

Write the memory verse on a large card. Trace the letters well so that your students have no difficulty in reading it. Explain word by word so they know the meaning of what they read. Repeat it several times until they become familiar with it. Put the cardboard in a visible place.

To end

It is important that before the children leave, they pick up the materials they have used and clean the room. Encourage them to attend next week and pray with them before saying goodbye.

Lesson 6

David defeats Goliath with God’s help

Biblical base: 1 Samuel 17:17-49

Lesson objective: That they will know that God helps them face difficult situations.

Memory verse: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

In the previous lesson, we saw how God chose a new king for his people. Through the story of David, we will learn that the Lord looks after his servants and provides them with what they need.

David was the youngest son of Jesse. He divided his time between caring for his father’s sheep and serving in the court of King Saul.

During this time, clashes between the Israelite and Philistine armies were frequent. Territorial and power struggles led them to face each other in bloody battles. During one of those battles, young David was at his father’s house, guarding the flock, while three of his brothers fought as soldiers of King Saul, whose army were going through a serious crisis.

Jesse, David’s father, ordered him to take some food to his brothers. It was there that David had the opportunity to demonstrate why God had chosen him as the future king of Israel.

Instead of panicking like everyone else, young David, filled with the power of God, confronted the enemy who insulted the chosen people of the Lord.

David did not go to battle with heavy armor or dangerous weapons. He trusted in the help and protection of God.

Adaptation

On many occasions, when we face great problems, we feel overwhelmed and frightened. We think there is no solution. However, today’s story teaches us that when we trust in God, we receive strength and security even in the most terrible struggles.

As a Sunday school teacher, you have the responsibility to instill that confidence in your students. Preschoolers face a world unfamiliar to them. Most of them start going to school and go through situations that are out of their control. Young children have the need and the natural desire to receive care and protection. There are many things that they cannot do by themselves. That is why this story, in which God helps David

to fight against the giant Goliath, is ideal to instill confidence. Emphasize that although they do not always have the protection and the support of their parents, God can help and protect them at all times.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

The following activities will help you focus the children’s attention on the lesson.

Food supplies

For this activity, you will need cutouts or drawings of some foods, empty and clean food containers, and some kitchen utensils.

Put the materials on a table and invite the children to prepare an imaginary lunch. As they do, tell them that today’s story tells us something very important that happened when David brought food to his brothers.

What are you afraid of?

On a sheet of paper, or on the board, write a list of fears the children in your class speak about. Make sure everyone participates.

BIBLE

Use this activity to help the children better understand the message.

Scary faces!

Gather the children in a circle and tell them: At the count of ‘one, two, three’, everyone should make a scary face. Repeat the activity several times. Then ask them to sit on the floor. Tell them that the story is about soldiers who were very scared by a giant named Goliath.

BIBLE STORY

During the week, draw a figure representing Goliath on a large piece of paper. You can use an example from a book of biblical illustrations or the student activity book. Also draw a smaller figure that represents David.

Use these figures during the lesson. If time and resources allow, draw a simple scenario for the development of the story.

David confronts Goliath

David was a little shepherd who took care of his father’s sheep.

One day David would be the king of Israel, but the current king was Saul. Three of David’s older brothers were soldiers in Saul’s army and were fighting the Philistines.

David’s father Jesse told David to go to the soldiers’ camp to take food to his brothers.

David was very excited because he would be close to the battle. When he arrived, he realized that all the soldiers were scared. The reason was that the Philistines had a giant named Goliath in their army.

Goliath was very tall and strong. Everyone feared him. Everyone that is except David. He knew that God was stronger than Goliath and any or all giants.

David appeared before King Saul and said, “I will fight against Goliath.”

“But you’re just a young man,” Saul replied.

David trusted that God would give him victory and convinced the king to let him fight.

King Saul loaned him his armor, but it was too large and heavy for the small shepherd boy. Then David picked up five stones from the river and put them in his bag. Then he went to the front of the battle where Goliath was waiting.

When the giant saw the boy, he began to laugh and said: “You cannot fight against me. You are too small!” But David, filled with the power of God, went to the giant. Then he took a stone, put it in his sling and began to swing it with great force. When he threw it, the stone flew and hit Goliath’s head- and he collapsed to the ground. Everyone in King Saul’s camp was happy, and the enemy army ran away scared. God gave David victory over the giant, and He can help you overcome your fears too.

I can conquer

After the children have heard the story, talk with them about how God helped David overcome the giant Goliath, and how He can help them overcome their fears too.

Look at the list of fears you made in the previous activity. Let each child cut out a piece of the list and put it in the trash basket.

CONNECT

What’s the difference?

Hand out student worksheets and pencils. Give students time to write their name and trace the word of faith of this unit. Tell them: God is always willing to help us overcome our fears.

In what way did God help David? (Allow them to respond.)

Hand out scissors and help those who have difficulty trimming the three frames. Connect the two pieces that form the figure of Goliath by joining sections A and B.

Color the two figures. Then fold the figure of Goliath into an accordion shape (see the example in the student’s book). Compare the size of the two figures and ask them: Who was bigger and stronger, David or Goliath? Do you think David was afraid to fight against this giant? (Allow them to respond.) David knew something that Goliath did not know. He was sure that God was more powerful than all the people in the world. David trusted in God and in his help. We can also trust that God cares for us and helps us when we feel fear.

What was Goliath’s size?

To help children understand how big Goliath was, get a yardstick or tape measure, two strips of paper, tape, and markers.

With the tape measure on a wall mark, 2.75 meters; On top of this place a piece of paper that says: “Goliath was so tall he came up to here.” If you wish, ask the children to lie on the floor forming a line (foot with head), to show how many children can fit in 2.75 meters. Then measure a young man from your congregation and make another mark on the wall; On top of that mark, stick a piece of paper that says: “Many adults grow up to this height”.

Compare the stature of Goliath with that of normal person. When the activity is over, tell your students to take a seat and ask:

How would you feel if a person of the size and strength of Goliath wanted to fight you?

Let them respond and encourage them to trust God when they face a dangerous situation.

Memory Verse

Form a line with your students and guide them to walk around the room. Tell them that when the line stops, everyone will say the memory verse out loud. Repeat this exercise until they have reviewed the text at least three times.

To end

Spend a time of prayer in which the children express their requests and intercede for each other. Since preschoolers are learning to pray, it is important that they understand the importance of speaking with God.

Finish the class with a song that goes along with the story, and invite your students to attend next week.

Lesson 7

God gives David a special friend

Biblical base: 1 Samuel 18:14; 19:17

Lesson objective: That they will understand that God shows his love through friends.

Memory verse: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

This story begins after David had defeated Goliath and his popularity had grown. All the townspeople and the king’s court cheered David for his victory, so Saul began to feel jealous and he attacked the young shepherd. However, although the situation became difficult for David, God blessed him by giving him a good friend, Jonathan.

David and Jonathan began an intimate friendship and made a covenant with God, promising their loyalty to one another.

The friendship between them grew to the point that Jonathan had to defend David from the attacks of his father Saul. Through this relationship, God blessed David and showed him his provision and care.

Adaptation

Friendship is something that young children are beginning to experience. For now their friendly relationships are based on external factors, such as games in common or time spent together in school.

For example, if two children enjoy playing ball, it is certain that they will spend a lot of time in this activity without there being a deep bond that unites them. The biblical story will help them understand that friendship is more than just sharing your toys or having a nice time. It is a blessing from God for his children, and through it we learn, love, and grow.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use some of the following activities to help children focus their attention on the lesson.

What is their name?

Instruct children to sit in a circle. Ask each of them the name of their best friend. As they say names, write them with pencil on sheets of paper. Then give each one the name to highlight with colors. This will help them to know some letters and to practice writing.

Keep the name sheets nearby to use in the next activity.

The friendship mural

On top of a large poster board write: “Thank you God for my friends”. Then give each child a piece of paper to draw a picture of their best friend. When they are finished, paste the drawings on the poster board and underneath this put the names they wrote in the previous activity.

Friendly hands

For this activity, you will need a large poster board and pencils or colored markers.

Place them on a table. On the top, write: “These are the hands of my friends. Thank God for them! “

Ask each child to draw their hands on it and color them. When finished, write their name below. Tell them: This week’s Bible story tells us about David’s best friend. His name was Jonathan. God gave David a special friend to bless him. We have a whole group of friends in Sunday school and we must thank God for them.

BIBLE

The use of these activities will help children start the learning process.

Who is it?

Ask the children to form a circle. Ask for a volunteer. Cover their eyes and send them out of the room, accompanied by another student.

The rest should change places silently. Bring in the child who left the room. Guide them to sit in the middle of the circle. Then another boy or girl will come forward and describe himself/herself. For example, “I am tall”, “I wear glasses”, etc. By paying close attention to the person’s tone of voice and their description, the volunteer must guess who it is. Try to get everyone, or at least the majority of students, involved.

I present my friend to you

Invite a friend of yours to participate in this activity. Let the children take their place to hear the Bible story and tell them: This is my best friend. I thank God for my friend (say the name) because he/she is always with me and helps me. If you wish, tell a brief anecdote about your friendship.

BIBLE STORY

If you have visual aids, use them to illustrate this story. Otherwise, use the tone of your voice to emphasize important aspects and encourage children’s interest while listening to the Bible story. Wear a cape or coat to illustrate Jonathan’s gift to David.

Jonathan, David’s best friend

God loved David and David loved God. God chose David to be the new king of Israel. While Saul continued to be king, David was with him and helped him in the palace.

David knew the son of King Saul. His name was Jonathan. The two became good friends and spent time together. Jonathan gave his cloak and other valuable things to David to show him that he loved him very much. They promised before God that they would always be friends.

King Saul did not like David because he was very jealous of him. He thought that people like David deserved to die and wanted to get rid of the young man.

One day, Saul called Jonathan and his servants and said, “I do not want David around me. Get rid of him.”

This made Jonathan feel very sad. He did not want anything bad to happen to his friend David. That’s why he decided to talk to him to let him know what the king wanted to do.

“My father wants to hurt you,” Jonathan told David. “Hide while I try to convince him not to hurt you.” David did what his friend asked him. Meanwhile, Jonathan went to see the king and begged him not to hurt his friend. Jonathan reminded the king of all the important things that David had done for the kingdom, and how he had defeated the Philistines by killing the giant Goliath.

Saul remembered all the good things David had done and promised Jonathan that he would not hurt him.

Jonathan went running to give the good news to David. Then he took him to the palace to see the king. David continued to serve in the palace and was Jonathan’s best friend.

Bible Review

Give each student a chance to hold the cloak that you used to illustrate the lesson and hand them something that helps them remember the story.

CONNECT

These activities will be useful to help the children relate biblical teaching to their daily lives.

Good friends

Hand out the student activity pages and take time for each child to write his / her name and trace the unit’s words of faith. Hand out colored pencils to color the figures of David and Jonathan.

As they work, remind them of some important aspects of the Bible story they learned.

Ask them to think of one of their friends and draw a picture of the two of them together in the blank space at the bottom of the worksheet.

How can I be a good friend?

Ask your students to mention qualities that a good friend has, based on what they learned in the story (loyal, honest, caring, faithful, etc.). Encourage them to show each of these qualities in their daily relationships.

Memory Verse

Holding hands, form a circle. While the group is moving in a circle, repeat the text together a couple of times to memorize it. When they stop, one of the children has to say the text by himself. Then, keep turning and repeating it together; when they stop, another student must say it alone. Keep playing until everyone has participated.

To finish

Show the figures of David and Jonathan from the student activity sheet and tell them: God gave David a good friend, as well as giving us good friends. Let’s pray for our friends. Invite everyone to intercede for one of their friends and then conclude with a prayer.

Lesson 8

God helps David to be kind

Biblical base: 2 Samuel 9:18

Lesson objective: They will understand that God can help them to be kind.

Memory verse: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

The events of this chapter cannot be dated accurately. However, it is known that they happened after David came to the throne of Israel, shortly after Saul and Jonathan were killed.

Despite conflicts with the descendants of King Saul, David never forgot the promise of friendship he made with Jonathan- even though he was dead.

David wanted to find someone from the royal family to help, and thus fulfill the pact he had made with his best friend. A man who had been a servant in Saul’s house told David that a son of Jonathan was still alive. He was crippled and was called Mephibosheth.

Mephibosheth was five years old when his father died (2 Samuel 4:4). When his nurse heard that Jonathan had died, she took the child and fled with him, but as she ran away hurriedly, the boy fell and became lame.

When Mephibosheth learned that King David was looking for him, he feared for his life. In the ancient kingdoms, generally the new kings secured their right to the throne by eliminating all the descendants of the previous kings. However, King David fulfilled the promise he had made to Jonathan many years ago. He gave Mephibosheth all the lands that had belonged to his grandfather Saul. In addition, he invited him to be part of his own family, asking him to eat at his table as one of the king’s sons.

Adaptation

Learning to be kind in words and actions is very important for young children. Preschoolers go through periods in which they focus their interest on themselves. They are naturally self- centered. This does not mean they don’t have the intention, but it is a part of the process of development and socialization.

For them, their ideas, needs and thoughts are the right ones, and everyone else should see that as well. These behaviors tend to generate problems in the classroom, but you can reduce them by teaching them to accept the ideas of others.

Help your students understand that it is good to be flexible and kind to one another. Observe them as they play together, listen to other children and have them pray for their classmates.

Remember that preschoolers are usually friendly. They care about their friends, their families, and even their pets. They can sense when someone is kind to them, but they are ready to judge someone who is not. Through this lesson they will learn that God wants to help them be kind to others.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

The following activities will help focus your students’ attention on today’s topic.

Time to play

For this activity, you will need dough to mold or different colored play-doh, and tablecloths or plastic bags.

Cover the work area with the tablecloths and allow time for the children to form figures with the materials. Observe them during the activity and encourage them to share the materials with one another. Talk to them about the importance of being kind when playing with others.

General review

Ask three volunteers to tell the group something they learned during the last several classes. Then provide white sheets and colored pencils to draw a picture of what they liked best about those stories.

Form a mural with the finished drawings and paste it on the door of your class room so that the parents can see it.

BIBLE

The following activity will help you teach your students the Bible story.

What is kindness?

Tell your students: God wants us to be kind to others. Does anyone know what it means to be kind? (Listen to the answers.)

As they express their answers, write them on the board. Then explain that the Bible story shows us how God helped David be a kind person.

BIBLE STORY

David loved God, and God chose him to be the new king of Israel. When King Saul died, David took his place. David’s best friend, Jonathan, also died in a battle, and that saddened David a lot. One day, King David was talking to his helpers and asked them, “Do any relatives of Saul still live whom I can help in memory of Jonathan? I want to be kind to them, just as Jonathan was kind to me.” The assistants of the king were thinking, and suddenly someone remembered a servant of King Saul, called Siba. Then they rushed to inform David. “Siba possibly knows someone,”

David replied,“Bring me this man immediately.” That’s why the assistants took Siba to David. “Is someone still alive in Saul’s family?” David asked him. “God has put in my heart a great desire to help him.” “A son of Jonathan still lives, who cannot walk” Siba said. “His name is Mephibosheth.” “I want to meet him!” David said excitedly. King David was very enthusiastic about the idea of helping his best friend’s son! Soon after, his assistants brought Mephibosheth, but he was very scared. He did not know why the king wanted to see him. “Do not be afraid,” David told him. “Your father was my best friend. I’ll give you the land that belonged to your grandfather, King Saul and you can eat with me whenever you want. “

“Thank you,” Mephibosheth said, “you are very kind to me.”

David kept his word and gave Mephibosheth all that was once Saul’s and his family’s. Since he could not walk, he stayed in Jerusalem and always ate at King David’s table, like one of his children.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to connect biblical truth to the daily life of your students.

Cards of kindness

Distribute the student activity sheets and scissors and have the children cut out the four cards, following the dotted lines. Ask them to look closely at the figures and ask in what ways the children are showing an attitude of service and kindness. Allow time for them to draw a picture in the blank space of how they can be kind and helpful.

Flip the cards and arrange them according to the order of the story. Trace the word of faith and repeat the memory verse. When you finish, put the cards in plastic bags so they can take them home and tell their family what they learned in the lesson.

Mural

Write the word KINDNESS on top of a card.

Hand out used magazines. Ask them to look for illustrations of people who show kindness (parents hugging their children, children playing, etc.). Check the illustrations and stick them on the mural. If they do not have magazines, they can make their own drawings. Stick the mural in the room as a reminder that we should be kind.

Memory verse

Since it is the last class of the unit, prepare some prizes for those who have learned the full memory verse. You can give hearts with the verse written on it. Allow time for those who wish to repeat it individually and tell others what they have learned.

To finish

Briefly review the lessons of this unit. Emphasize the importance of taking David’s example in their daily life. David, like them, was just a child when God called him to be king of his people. But this humble little shepherd boy became a very powerful and respected king. Preschoolers can also do great things in the Lord’s hands. Encourage them to place their trust in God and obey His Word.

Give a brief introduction to the contents of the next unit before concluding with a prayer.

Year 2

Introduction • Unit III

PARABLES JESUS TOLD

Unit objective: That preschoolers learn the meaning of many parables that Jesus told.

Memory Verse: “Then he told them many things in parables” (Matthew 13:3a).

Word of Faith: PARABLES: Special stories Jesus told.

Unit Lessons:

Lesson 9 The parable of the sower

Lesson 10 The parable of the Good Samaritan

Lesson 11 The parable of the great banquet

Lesson 12 The parable of the lost sheep

Lesson 13 The parable of the prodigal son

What preschoolers will learn from these lessons:

They will learn that Jesus taught people through the parable of the sower.

They will learn to be kind and compassionate by studying the parable of the Good Samaritan.

They will study the parable of the great banquet.

They will recognize Jesus as the Good Shepherd through the parable of the lost sheep.

They will understand the unconditional love of the Father for His children.

Parables are short and simple stories, with examples of everyday life, that teach deep spiritual truths.

Jesus was the best storyteller. He knew the people and their environment, and he taught them with simple illustrations so that they could better understand the message of the kingdom of God.

Perhaps now it is more difficult to understand these parables, because we are not familiar with the lifestyle they had in Palestine in biblical times. However, the message of Jesus is still effective, and we need it.

As you teach these five lessons, discover with your students the spiritual richness contained in the parables.

Lesson 9

The parable of the sower

Bible base: Matthew 13:19

Lesson Objective: They will learn that Jesus taught people through the parable of the sower.

Memory verse: “Then he told them many things in parables” (Matthew 13:3a).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Jesus was the best storyteller. He used facts from everyday life to teach deep spiritual truths. These stories are known as parables. Parables are illustrations or examples based on a situation, from which a teaching is applied. Jesus was aware that not all people would understand, but he knew that many would grasp the teachings.

The illustration of a sower scattering seeds in the field was familiar to the people of Galilee. Surely those who heard this parable had no difficulty imagining the scene, and understood that some seeds grew, but others did not.

We know the meaning of this parable because several verses of Matthew compare the Word of God to the seeds. Many people listen to the Word, but they do not understand it and the seed does not grow; On the other hand, in others, the love of God grows in such a way that it develops deep roots and produces good fruit. You must allow the seed of the Word of God to grow in your life. Do not let difficult circumstances cloud your joy. Keep the earth of your heart fertile and flexible; In that way the Holy Spirit will be able to work through you for the lives of the children you teach.

Adaptation

Children enjoy hearing stories and will pay special attention because it was Jesus who told it. When they grow up and understand why Jesus spoke through parables, this first approach to Scripture will serve as the basis for deeper spiritual knowledge. Preschoolers are interested in things that grow, like plants. Sowing a seed and observing its growth is fascinating. In this Bible story, they will learn that when the sower planted seeds in good soil, they bore good fruit. The same happens with people. Good earth signifies the disposition we have to learn from the things of God.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Choose some of the following activities to focus the children’s attention on today’s topic.

A visit to the Garden

For this activity you will need some seeds to distribute among your students.

If your church has a garden or some land where there are plants, make a quick visit there with your class.

Allow the children to look and explore the different types of plants. Give a seed to each one; Explain that all the plants were started from a small seed, like the one they have in their hand. Tell them that Jesus told special stories called parables to teach people, and they will learn some of them. Today’s parable speaks of a man who planted seeds.

Where do these come from?

For this activity you will need fruits or vegetables that have seeds (apple, orange, melon, pumpkin), plates, plastic spoons and paper towels to clean.

Cut fruits or vegetables. Let the children use their plastic spoons to take out the seeds and put them on the paper plates. Allow time for them to examine the differences between the types of seeds they are observing. As they do so, tell them that God put the seeds in the fruits and vegetables so that the farmers can dry them and then plant and harvest more.

BIBLE

Choose one of these activities to help your students learn and experience the biblical truth of this lesson.

Let’s listen to Jesus!

Ask the children to imagine that they are people from Biblical times. Tell them that Jesus will come to town and meet the people near the lake to speak to them. Place a large sheet of blue paper, a blanket or any blue item to represent the lake.

Walk around the room imagining that you are all going to the lake. When the students arrive at the right place, ask them to sit down and tell the Bible story.

Lost seeds

Using cardboard or brown paper, draw and cut the shape of a seed for each child in your class. Then hide them in the room.

Mention that Jesus told special stories called parables to teach people.

Today we will study one of those parables. It is about a sower who was planting seeds in the field. But to start the story, I need you to help me. There are some seeds lost in this room and I need each of you to look for a seed and bring it to this place. When everyone has returned to their seat, tell them to hold their seed, and when you indicate it during the Bible story, they are to raise it and shake it enthusiastically.

BIBLE STORY

The parable of the sower

One day Jesus was near a lake and many people came to listen to him. Jesus climbed into a boat that was near the shore and from there he began to teach. He narrated a special story, a parable. This story is of a sower. Do you know what sowers do? (Allow them to respond.)

The sower of this story planted seeds. Listen carefully so you know what happened. “There was a sower who went to the field and brought his sack full of seeds. As he walked, he picked up the seeds inside his sack and scattered them across the field. Some of the seeds fell on the road, where people passed by, and the birds ate them. So these seeds did not grow or bear fruit. Others fell in a place full of stones and with little dirt. There the plants grew very fast, but it was not a good place for them because they did not have enough dirt and water. So when the sun came out, they dried up and died.

Other seeds fell among bushes full of thorns that took advantage of all the water and soil, so that the seeds of the sower could not grow enough. But others fell in a good place, in fertile and abundant dirt (ask the children to raise and shake their paper seeds). There were no bushes there with thorns, or birds that could eat them. They also had enough water, so the seeds grew to become strong plants.

Does anyone remember what these special stories are called? (parables) Jesus looked at the crowd of people and said, “He who has ears, let him hear.” Jesus wanted that when people heard the parables, they would learn more about the kingdom of God.

Review Activity

Gather the children in a circle and mention that the sower put the sack of seeds on his shoulders. Allow the children to simulate putting the sacks on their shoulders. Afterwards, he walked to the field. Take a brief tour of the classroom. When he arrived, the sower took the seeds and scattered them throughout the field. Have them simulate looking inside their bags, take a handful of seeds and spread them across the field.

Ask them: Where did the seeds fall? (On the road, on stony ground, among spiky bushes and on good ground) What happened to the seeds that fell on the road? (The birds ate them.) What happened to the ones that fell in the place full of stones and in the bushes? (The plans could not grow well.) What happened to those that fell on good ground? (Strong and beautiful plants grew.)

CONNECTION

Choose one of these activities to help the children relate biblical truth to daily life.

Where do they come from?

During the week look in magazines for drawings or photographs of types of food (fruits, eggs, milk, etc.) and cut them out to take them to class.

Show the illustrations and ask your students where those foods come from. For example:

Where do the eggs come from? (chickens)

Where do oranges come from? (orange trees)

Where does milk come from? (cows), etc.

Encourage them to be grateful for the blessing of food that God gives us.

My favorite foods

Arrange them in a circle and tell them: In today’s story, Jesus told us about a sower. Sowers are dedicated to growing different types of food. I’m going to ask you to think about your favorite food. When I pass the ball to one of you, you will tell me what your favorite food is, and then pass the ball to another classmate. Continue doing this until everyone has participated.

Student activity sheet

Cut out the four pictures corresponding to this lesson from the cutout section of the student activity book. Give them to the students along with the worksheet. Ask the children to remember what they learned during the story as they color the scenes and paste the pictures. (Scene 1: sower; scene 2: stone; scene 3: thorns; scene 4: healthy plant)

Help them fold the sheet in “accordion” form and finish by reviewing the parable using this activity.

Memory verse

Ask them to sit on the ground and tell them: We are going to imagine that you are small seeds, planted in the field, and I am going to water those seeds so they can grow. Walk around the room pretending to spray water on each child. Tell them: Grow, grow, little ones; grow so tall that you touch the stars! Ask them to stand up and try to stretch as high as possible, standing on tiptoes and raising their arms over their heads, as if they were the branches of a tree. Repeat the memory verse while doing this.

To finish

Help students conclude their work and get them together to sing a song before saying good-bye.

Lead them in prayer and invite them to join you next class.

Lesson 10

The parable of the Good Samaritan

Bible Base: Luke 10:25-37

Lesson Objective: That the preschoolers learn the meaning of the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Memory verse: “Then he told them many things in parables” (Matthew 13:3a).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Jesus told this parable in response to the question: Who is my neighbor? His response went beyond the idea that our neighbor is a relative or friend; It included people that we do not always like or that our society considers unacceptable. The Samaritan of this story was that kind of person for the Jews.

Jews and Samaritans had irreconcilable cultural and racial conflicts. For the Jews, the Samaritans were despicable, a mixture of marriage between Israelites with Gentiles. That is why Jesus tells this parable in which the Samaritan shows mercy, a behavior contrary to that of the Jewish leaders. A characteristic feature of this story is that Jesus uses religious leaders as examples: a priest and a Levite. Those who were listening to this parable hoped that both the priest and the Levite would stop to help the wounded man. Surely it was very difficult for them to accept that the behavior of the Samaritan man put toshame the attitude of their religious leaders.

The Samaritan not only helped the wounded man, but he took care of him and cared for him until he recovered. He showed kindness that went beyond expectations.

One truth that Jesus wanted to teach through this parable is goodness. The Jewish leaders failed in this aspect, but the Samaritan man shows us the kind of compassion that should permeate the Christian’s behavior in this world.

Adaptation

Young children can understand perfectly that two characters in this parable did not show kindness, ignoring the wounded man, while the Samaritan chose to show kindness and love his neighbor.

Pay attention while your students play together. Do they show kindness in their actions? Are they loving each other? Preschoolers go through a period when their world is centered on themselves. They act in an individualistic way and want to satisfy their personal needs, without taking others into account. Through this parable, help them understand that God wants us to be kind to each other and love others as we love ourselves.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use some of these activities to help the children focus their attention on the topic of study.

Who is kind?

Position yourself on one side of the room and ask your students to stand on the opposite side. Explain the instructions of the game. You will read aloud the phrases that are suggested or others of your choice. When the phrase refers to someone who is kind, the children will walk towards you. When it is someone who is not, they will remain still. The game ends when everyone is with you.

Phrases:

Ana helped pick up the toys.

Brenda hit Lewis.

James hugged his friend.

Mary brought a diaper so her dad could change the baby.

Amelia took Alejandro’s crayon.

Ruth kissed her sister.

How can I help?

Do this activity with a child, a small group, or the entire class. Simulate different situations in which you need help. For example:

If you pretend to fall and tell them: I just fell down and twisted my ankle. How can you help me? (Allow the children to respond.)

Pretend that one of your shoes is broken and say: My shoe is broken. How can you help me? (Allow them to respond.)

Pour a box of pencils on the floor and say: All the pencils fell on the floor. How can you help me? (Allow them to respond.) Do not help the children respond. Allow them to express possible solutions to problems. Emphasize that helping other people is a way to be kind.

BIBLE

Choose one of the following activities to help children understand the biblical truth of this lesson.

The traveller’s road

Look in magazines or books for illustrations of roads or paths. Show them to the group and explain to them that people who travel are traveling through these places. If some have traveled, allow them to briefly tell about their experiences.

Tell them today’s Bible story is about a man who was traveling and had a serious accident on the road.

Find the band-aids!

Before students arrive, hide a number of band- aids in the classroom. Make sure there are enough for all your students. If you prefer, make the band- aids with paper or cardboard.

Tell the children: Today’s Bible story is a parable. Do you remember what a parable is? (A special story that Jesus told to teach people.) Today’s parable is about a man who needed help.

Then ask them to find the band-aids in the room and return them before you finish counting to 30.

BIBLE STORY

If possible, prepare visual aids for the story. You can use flannel-board material, puppets or other aids available to you. If time allows it, ask some volunteers to help you dramatize the parable.

A kind man

Jesus told special stories called parables. One was about a man who proved to be kind.

“There was a Jewish man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. He walked a long time on a difficult and dangerous path. Suddenly, some thieves attacked him, wounded him and took away everything he had. Then they left, leaving the man lying on the side of the road.

A passing Jewish priest saw the wounded man, but he did not stop. He passed by without helping him. After a while, another important Jewish religious leader went along the same path. But he did not stop either, but walked faster and left.

After a few hours, a man from a place called Samaria came by. The Samaritans and the Jews were not good friends. Surely the injured man was thinking: ‘This man is not going to help either’. But it was not like that. The Samaritan did stop to help the man.

He cleaned and bandaged the man’s wounds. Then he put him on his donkey and took him to a lodging where he could be safe. The Good Samaritan gave money to the manager of that place so that he would take care of the wounded man until he was fully recovered.” Jesus finished this story with a question: Who was the neighbor to the wounded man? (Allow them to respond.) Jesus teaches us that God wants us to be kind to all people.

Musical Bible review

For this review we suggest you use some rhythmic musical instruments (flutes, drums, bells tambourines and jingle bells). If you cannot get instruments, use cans, cardboard tubes, plastic containers with seeds inside, etc. Tell them: You have an instrument to help me review today’s lesson. If you have a rattle or jingle bell, when you hear the name of the Jewish man who was hurt, shake it once; If you have a flute, when you hear the name of the good Samaritan, play the flute once. If they have a drum, when you hear the thieves, bang it once. If you have a tambourine, when they hear about the important

Jewish men who did not stop, bang them once.

Practice naming the different characters in the story. Help the children know when to play their instruments. Tell the story again and, when naming the characters, stop so they can play the instruments.

CONNECT

Use the following activities to help the children relate biblical truth to their daily lives.

The story of the Good Samaritan

Give your students the worksheets. Allow time for them to write their name and trace the word of faith. While they are doing this, ask them: What is a parable? (A special story that Jesus told to teach.) Allow them to color the scenes on the activity sheet while briefly reviewing what they learned. Then help them cut out the two drawing strips along the dotted lines. Tell them how to join the strips by sticking them in the sections marked A and B.

Make the cuts in the dotted vertical lines to form two openings. Help the children put the strip of drawings there to show the story of the Good Samaritan.

Goodness Poster

Paste a large cardboard or poster board to the board or wall. Ask the children to sit down in a semicircle. Write on the poster: How can I be kind? Allow them to participate by mentioning ways in which they can show kindness to others. For example: helping their parents, sharing their food, cleaning their rooms, taking care of their grandparents, picking up garbage, etc.

Write all the suggestions on the poster and, if you have time, they can decorate it to their liking. Put the poster in a visible place as a reminder of the Bible teaching.

To finish

Since the next lesson will deal with the parable of the grand banquet, we suggest that you buy or make an invitation for each member of your class. Tell them they will study the story of a great celebration. To end, review the memory verse along with the students many times. Allow a volunteer to come to the front and recite it. Give time for students to say their prayer requests and then pray for them.

Lesson 11

The Parable of the Great Banquet

Bible base: Luke 14:15-24

Lesson objective: That the children will study the parable of the Great Banquet.

Memory verse: “Then he told them many things in parables” (Matthew 13:3a).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Jesus shared this parable at a banquet to which a ruler had invited him. From what we read in Scripture, Jesus often participated in these types of social gatherings. However, his intentions were different from those of the other guests. He wanted to take every opportunity to preach the message of the kingdom of God to the Jewish people. One of the best places to do so was at celebrations attended by the most prominent religious and political leaders.

Jesus carefully observed the attitude of these important men and felt the need to refer to this parable as something for them to reflect upon.

In this story, a man organized a banquet and invited only an exclusive group of people (alluding to Orthodox Jews). At first, they all accepted the invitation, but ended up not going. As a result, the host felt humiliated.

In the same way, many Jews refused to accept Jesus’ invitation. God’s immense love extended this invitation to sinners and Gentiles. God, through his son Jesus, invites all people to celebrate this great banquet. All the people who attended the banquet of the parable had to make a decision. In the same way, each person has the responsibility to accept or decline God’s invitation to have a personal relationship with Him.

Adaptation

Children love festivities and parties. They get very excited when an event is about to happen. Ask your students how they would feel if they organized a birthday party and no one attended. Surely they would be very sad and frustrated.

Explain that God loves us and wants us to love him too. Show them that Jesus invites them to love him and follow him.

Preschoolers are cheerful and playful, so they will surely be interested in hearing the story of a big party. They will be excited to know that Jesus also participated in special celebrations, and this parable gives you a great opportunity to teach them that Jesus was a happy man and enjoyed being with his friends.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to capture the children’s attention and guide them in their Bible study.

Welcome to the party!

Decorate your room with festive designs (balloons, colorful banners, etc.) and receive your students as guests of honor. If possible, serve them a small snack such as candy or cookies. Tell them that in today’s story they will learn about a great celebration.

When you use balloons in activities, make sure that everyone uses them properly. If a balloon bursts, throw it away immediately to avoid having students putting it their mouths.

What do you like about parties?

Hand out white paper and colored pencils so your students can draw pictures of what they like most about parties: balloons, games, ice cream, etc.

When they are finished, write on each page: “Jesus tells us the story of a great banquet.” Then allow them to put their name on their drawing.

BIBLE

Use this activity to tell the Bible story to your students.

What did you draw?

Have the students sit in a circle and let each one tell the others what they drew. Afterwards, attach the finished art work on the wall.

Tell them to listen very carefully to the story that Jesus told about a great celebration.

BIBLE STORY

If possible, as you tell this parable, have the children sit at the table as if they were at a banquet.

A great banquet!

Jesus often told special stories called parables, which served to teach people about the kingdom of God. One day Jesus told a story about a great banquet.

“There was a man who had a very big house, and on one occasion, he organized a big party and invited many people. He enthusiastically prepared everything necessary to offer a special celebration.

When the time came, he sent his servant to call the guests and say: ‘Come, everything is ready for the party.’

However, the people who had been invited began to apologize and reject the invitation. One said: ‘I just bought a piece of land and I need to go see it. I cannot go now’.

Another said: ‘I just got married and I cannot go. Please, excuse me’.

So, one by one they all refused to go. Then the servant returned and told his lord what had happened. The master was very angry and ordered his servant:

‘Go to the streets and alleys of the town and tell the lame, the blind, the disabled and the poor that I invite them to my big party.’

The servant went and invited many people to the party. They were all very excited! There was still room for more people in the house, so the man sent the servant to look for others to join the celebration. Many people went to this man’s house. They enjoyed a great celebration together.”

CONNECTION

These activities will relate biblical truth to the student’s personal life.

You’re invited!

Distribute the student activity sheets and picture for this unit from the cut-out section (the jar and the bread).

Allow them to write their name and trace the word of faith. Then help them paste the pictures on the scene and give them time to find and color the five balloons that appear there.

Turn the page and connect the points to trace the figure of the Bible.

Bible Review

Ask the children to sit in a circle and have a volunteer go to the center. Gently throw him a ball and ask him to say something he remembers from the Bible story. Then he must pass the ball to someone else and sit down. Whoever has the ball must follow the same instructions. Do this until everyone has gotten a chance to be in the center.

Jesus invites us

Based on what they studied, explain in simple words to the preschoolers that Jesus wants to invite them to be with Him in the kingdom of God. Let them know that when they accept Christ in their hearts and obey Him, they are accepting this invitation.

Memory verse

For this activity you will need five inflatable balloons. Write on each balloon two of the words from the verse: “ Then he told them many things in parables “ (Matthew 13:3a).

Put them on the floor and ask the children to arrange them in order. If they have difficulty reading, paste the balloons on the board and repeat the text a couple of times. Remove the balloons until they can say it by heart.

To finish

If you know a song that fits today’s story, teach it to your students. Then pray for them and intercede for the requests they have presented. Allow time for the classroom to be cleaned up and the used materials put away. Encourage students to attend next week to hear the parable of the lost sheep.

Lesson 12

The parable of the Lost Sheep

Biblical Base: Luke 15:17

Lesson Objective: That they learn the meaning of the parable of the lost sheep.

Memory verse: “Then he told them many things in parables” (Matthew 13:3a).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

The story of the lost sheep shows us why Jesus was interested in sinners, whom the Jewish leaders considered unworthy. This parable, along with the one of the lost coin and the prodigal son, expresses the love of God and the joy He feels when a sinner repents.

The emphasis of this story is God’s love for all people. The lost sheep represents those who are lost in spiritual darkness and in need of help; the other 99 represent those who have been saved. Remember that God’s desire is that no one be lost.

This parable tells us of the joy of the Lord when a lost soul is found. God rejoices when we approach Him.

Adaptation

One of the biggest fears that small children have is getting lost in some unknown place or lose their parents. This parable will be of great help for their emotional development.

Help them understand that the shepherd loved his sheep so much that he fervently sought the one that was lost until he managed to find it. Emphasize that Jesus is our good shepherd and we are the sheep. Jesus loves his sheep and he takes care of them, and he does not want any to be lost. In the same way, we can be sure that God is watching each of our steps.

By studying this parable, your students will understand that the love and care of a shepherd for his sheep represents the attitude of love and care that Jesus has for his children.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use the following activities to focus your group’s attention on today’s topic.

The Lost Sheep

Cut out or draw a sheep and hide it in the classroom before your students arrive. After the welcome time and singing, tell them that there is a lost sheep in the room and that they should find it. Give them a few minutes to look for it.

When they find it, sit them in a semicircle and tell them that Jesus told us a story about a shepherd who cared for a hundred sheep.

One day, when he was counting them, he realized one was missing. He only had ninety- nine. Today we are going to learn more about this lost sheep and what happened to it.

I once lost...

For this activity, you will need a soft ball. Form a circle with your students and tell them: I’m going to throw this ball. The person who catches it will tell us about something that they have lost. For example, once I lost some coins. I searched for them everywhere until I found them. I was happy when I found them!

Finish the game when everyone has participated and conclude with this: Nobody likes to lose things because sometimes it is difficult to find them. There was once a shepherd who had a hundred sheep, but one day, as he counted them he noticed one was missing. We are going to learn what happened in our biblical story.

BIBLE

This activity will help students learn biblical truth.

The parables

Ask your students to form two centric circles standing up (one inside the other), with the same number of participants. Use a tambourine or other instrument to play during the game. When they hear music, they will march in opposite directions from each other.

When the music tops, they will stop marching and will say to the person in the opposite circle: “Parables are special stories that Jesus told.” Do this a few more times to prepare them for the Bible story.

BIBLE STORY

Prepare visual resources to better explain your lesson. For example, draw on a card a sheep and a shepherd, or make puppets with paper bags or socks.

The story of the Lost sheep

Jesus often told special stories called parables.

One day Jesus was teaching a big group of people. Among them were poor people and people who were not accepted by society. This annoyed the Pharisees and teachers of the law. They thought that Jesus should not approach such people. For this reason, Jesus used this parable to teach them:

“There was a man who had a flock of one hundred sheep that he loved very much. He always cared for them with affection and knew them perfectly. He took care of them and protected them from wild animals, and looked for the coolest places and the best pastures to feed them. He wanted them to be healthy and happy. As he did every day, the shepherd counted his sheep, but something was wrong. He counted them again and again until he was convinced that one was missing. There were only 99 in the herd, a little sheep had gotten lost!

So the shepherd left the other sheep in the field and went looking for the lost sheep.

He looked everywhere: inside bushes, in the rocks, and caves, and he could not find the sheep. After a long time of looking, he finally found the sheep, placed it in his shoulders and went back home happy. When he arrived, he invited his friends and neighbors to celebrate because he had found his lost sheep.”

Jesus wanted people to know that he is the Good Shepherd, and that he loves and cares for his sheep.

You are Very special

Before the lesson, prepare a box with a lid that holds a mirror inside.

Place it on a table and explain to the children that if they look inside the box, they will see a person whom Jesus loves very much. (Note that no one should say anything until everyone has passed.) Then let them pass one by one and see their reflection in the mirror.

Emphasize the value and care Jesus gives each one.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to relate biblical truth to the daily life of you students.

Where is my sheep?

Hand out the student’s activity sheet and the corresponding picture to this lesson in the cut-out section to each student. Let them trace the word of faith and write their name. Then ask: What is a parable? (A special story that Jesus told to teach people.) What was the theme of today’s parable? (A shepherd who lost a sheep)

Instruct them to color the activity sheet, trace the numbers and paste the picture of the sheep, while doing a general review of the story.

Has someone seen my sheep?

Form a circle and choose a student to circle around the participants. When they touch one of the players, they should ask: “Have you seen my sheep?” The other will answer: “How’s it dressed?”

The child will describe one of the classmates in the circle. When the classmate recognizes that they are being described, they will leave their seat and run around the circle, trying to return to their place before the other person touches him. If they touch them, they will lose their place and will then be the person on the outside of the circle. Repeat the game.

To finish

Repeat the memory verse together and have a time of prayer and intercession.

Hand out the work they did so they will take it home. Make sure everyone cleans up the materials they used. Say goodbye with a song about the story and invite them to the next class to study the last lesson of this unit.

Lesson 13

The parable of the Prodigal Son

Biblical Base: Luke 15:11-32

Lesson objective: That the students will learn the meaning of the parable of the prodigal son.

Memory verse: “Then he told them many things in parables” (Matthew 13:3a).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

This parable is the last of the three that are written in Luke 15. The three parables refer to something that is lost and then found. However, it is different from the others because it was a person who was lost. This parable not only tells us about how God responds to lost sinners, but how he responds to those who refuse to celebrate when something that was lost is found. The central character of this story is not the prodigal son, but the father who unconditionally loves his son. In addition, he emphasizes the love that the father felt for both children.

The behavior of the youngest child in demanding his behavior was inappropriate and disrespectful. He disobeyed the command to “honor thy parents” (Exodus 20:12). However, the eldest son also disobeyed this command with his inappropriate conduct.

The father’s response was forgiveness and an invitation to be part of the family again. Some details of this story show us how the father completely restored the place that the youngest son had had within the family: the best robe reserved for special guests, the ring that represented authority, and the sandals that showed that he was not a slave or servant.

The father forgave his son from his heart and rejoiced at his return. Likewise, God rejoices when people repent and return to Him.

Adaptation

Most young children receive love easily. Unless they suffer from certain problems, they expect to receive and give love to others. A child who receives love at home will have no difficulty in recognizing a father’s love for his child. But maybe there are preschoolers who do not get the love they need at home. Therefore, we suggest that you be sensitive to them and give them an extra dose of affection to begin to understand God’s love for them.

Preschoolers have an amazing ability to forgive even if they do not really know what it means. Guide them through the study of this parable so that they learn that forgiveness is an attitude that comes from a heart that loves.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Choose some of these activities to capture the attention of your students and prepare them to study the lesson.

Welcome hugs

When each of your students enters the room, say: Welcome to Sunday school! I’m very happy to see you. Today I am giving welcome hugs, do you want one? (Allow them to respond.) If they say yes, hug them; If they say no, just smile and shake their hand.

Let’s build roads!

For this activity, you will need modeling clay or play-dough, tablecloths or plastic bags, and wooden sticks.

Cover the table or work area with the cloths or bags. Ask your students to flatten the clay and form paths. Decorate them using the wooden sticks. As they work, ask them:

Remember what the name is of the special stories Jesus told? (Parables) Jesus used these parables to teach people. Today’s story is about a man who left home and traveled a long way.

BIBLE

The baggage

For this activity, you will need a large bag, a set of clothing, personal items and paper or buttons that represent money.

Keep all items in the bag and place it in front of the students. Sit with them and ask them: What do we use suitcases for? Listen to their answers, and allow them to look inside the bag.

Show them the fake money and tell them: In today’s story we will learn about a person who went on a trip and kept a lot of money in his suitcase.

BIBLE STORY

Illustrate this story using a wallet and fake money.

Welcome home!

There was a man who had two children. One day the youngest son told his father: “Please, give me the part of the money that is mine.”

Then the father divided the inheritance between his two sons. (Keep the money in your wallet.)

Soon, the youngest son took everything he had and went away on a road that took him to another country. There he spent his time going to parties, doing bad things and spending a lot of money on bad things. (Drop the money from the wallet.)

After a while he had no money or food, and no friends. He was completely alone and poor! (Show the empty wallet.)

In addition, there wasn’t much food in that country and the young man was hungry. Then he looked for work. The man who employed him sent him to take care of pigs at his farm.

The young man was so hungry that he wanted to eat the food for the pigs, but no one gave it to him.

One day the boy thought, “My father’s workers have all the food they want, and here I am dying of hunger. Maybe my father will allow me to work for him.”

So he started on his way back home. When he was still far from the house, his father saw him and, full of happiness, ran to embrace him.

“Father, I have behaved very badly. Please forgive me,” the young man said, feeling very sorry. But before he finished speaking, the father called his servants and said, “Bring the best clothes and dress my son. Put on a ring and new shoes. We will have a big party to celebrate that my youngest son has returned home!”

Jesus told this story so that the people would learn that God is a loving father who forgives his children and wants them to be close to him.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to connect the biblical truth to the daily life of your students.

The prodigal son returns

Hand out the student activity sheets and cut out the picture corresponding to this lesson in the cut-out section and give one to each student.

Ask them to trace over the word of faith of unit: PARABLES. Then they should write their name on the worksheet and color the pictures from the story.

Then number the drawings in order according to the story. Cut out the four boxes following the dotted lines, and stick them together on a piece of cardboard with the title and the word of faith.

Tell them to take home their finished work and tell their family and friends what they learned in the Bible story.

General Review

Because it is the last lesson of the unit, we suggest that you take time to review everything you have studied.

Use the work done in class or the student’s worksheets as a basis. Have candy or cookies on hand to reward those who have learned the full memory verse or remember more details of the five stories.

You can also divide your class into five small groups. Assign one of the parables for each group to draw. Then, paste each drawing on a poster board and on the side to make a book.

To finish

Thank those who faithfully attended the lessons and hand them the work they completed to take home. Conclude with prayer and remind them that next week they will begin the study of a new unit on the life of Jesus.

Create simple cards to send to students who were absent or visit them to invite them to the next class.

Year 2

Introduction • Unit IV

JESUS LIVES!

Unit objective: That the preschoolers learn that Jesus, the Son of God, lives.

Memory Verse: “He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:6)

Words of faith: Christ lives! Jesus, the son of God, has resurrected.

Unit Lessons:

Lesson 14 Jesus shares a special meal

Lesson 15 Jesus travels to Jerusalem

Lesson 16 The empty tomb

Lesson 17 Jesus lives!

What preschoolers will learn from these lessons:

They will learn that Jesus shared a special dinner with his disciples.

They will study the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

They will understand that Jesus overcame death and rose again with power.

They will know that Jesus lives and reigns forever because He is the Son of God.

Have you ever felt hopeless, when everything you’ve believed in seemed to fall apart? Surely that was what the disciples of Jesus felt in the days leading up to the crucifixion of their teacher.

Those doubts and despair are precisely what make the resurrection of Christ a wonderful fact. When everything seemed lost, Jesus rose gloriously to restore the joy and faith to those men; but not only to them, but to those who are blessed with the privilege of being his followers today.

Through this series of lessons, we will walk with Jesus to share the last supper with his disciples, listen to the cries of the crowd when the Master makes his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and follow him on the path of Calvary until he reaches the foot of the cross.

And above all, we will be amazed with Mary when she discovers the empty tomb.

Can you feel the anguish of the moment? Close your eyes and imagine the confusion of John and Peter when they saw the folded linen. This Holy Week, celebrate with joy because Jesus, the Son of God, lives!

Recognize that the same power that raised him triumphant from the grave can transform the lives of your students.

Lesson 14

Jesus shares a special meal

Biblical base: Mark 14:12-25

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers learn the significance of the special meal that Jesus shared with his disciples.

Memory verse: “He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:6)

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Jesus knew that the time of his crucifixion, death and resurrection was approaching. While Jesus and his disciples began the journey to Jerusalem, they asked him where they would celebrate the Passover. God chose Jerusalem to be the place of the Passover sacrifice (Deuteronomy 16:57), and its residents opened their homes to pilgrims who traveled for that purpose.

The Easter celebration included a dinner that was part of the religious ritual. Jesus planned to share a special dinner with his disciples to celebrate the Passover. He chose two of them, giving them specific instructions so that they would find the place where they would meet and where they should make the preparations. Everything happened according to the instructions that Jesus had given.

During the meal, Jesus began to prepare his disciples for the betrayal that He would suffer, as well as his death and resurrection. He prepared them by telling them some of the things that would happen. His words indicated that he knew what would happen, and he surrendered to these events. Jesus was obedient because he trusted in God, his Father. Through that obedience, salvation is available to all people. After the Passover meal, Jesus went with his disciples to a nearby mountain to prepare himself spiritually.

Adaptation

In many countries, Holy Week coincides with a holiday period, which obscures the true meaning of this special date.

In addition, pagan traditions and customs have sought to confuse the background of this Christian celebration. That is why the Sunday school teacher has the responsibility to teach students the meaning and importance of these events in the life of Christ. Preschoolers are in a phase of concrete thought. That is, they do not yet have the capacity to understand abstract ideas or concepts, so they may find it difficult to understand in detail the crucifixion of Jesus. Focus your lesson on the fact that Jesus is the Son of God, and he came into the world in obedience to save us from our sins.

Prepare yourself in prayer and meditation on the Word of God so that the Holy Spirit guides you to teach with wisdom the truth of the Last Supper, the triumphant coming, and the death and resurrection of Christ.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the topic you are teaching.

What do we celebrate during Holy Week?

Ask the children what they know about Easter. Allow time for everyone to participate and, if you want, write the answers on the board. Make the clarifications that are necessary for them to have a clear idea of the significance of these celebrations.

However, we suggest that you do not go into details regarding the death of Christ, since it will be difficult for them to understand. Explain that during these 4 lessons, they will learn about important events in the life of Jesus, the Son of God.

A meal among friends

For this activity, you will need tables, chairs, cookies, plates and toy cups.

Allow the children to prepare the table to share a special meal. While they are doing it, tell them that we all like to spend time with our friends. Sometimes we share food together. Jesus also shared a special dinner with his disciples and we will learn more about that in our Bible story.

Then sit down at the table to share the cookies.

Attendance sheet “Jesus lives”

In advance, cut out (or copy) the attendance sheet for this unit from the student book and the stamps (hearts) that correspond in the cut-out section in the back of the book.

Hand them out to your students. Allow them to write their name and paste the stamp that corresponds to this lesson. While they are working, explain that during each lesson of the unit you will give them a stamp. Those who fill the entire sheet will receive a prize. Prepare a special area of the room to stick up the pages and maintain a visual of the monthly attendance.

Save the remaining pictures in plastic bags to use in the following lessons.

BIBLE

This activity will help you teach the Bible lesson.

Who should we invite?

Gather the children in front of the board and ask them: If you were planning a special dinner, who would you like to invite? Listen to their answers and write the names on the board.

Tell them that Jesus planned a special dinner to share with his disciples. At this dinner Jesus spoke to them about the kingdom of God and gave them important instructions.

BIBLE STORY

Jesus shares a special meal

It was the time when the people of God held a special dinner to remember that God had delivered them from slavery in Egypt. Jesus told his disciples that he wanted to share that dinner with them. “Where do you want us to prepare dinner?” asked his disciples. “Go to Jerusalem. There you will see a man who carries a vase with water. Follow him to the house where he enters and tell the owner of the house, ‘The master wishes to know in which room he may celebrate the Passover meal with his disciples.’ He will take you to a large room where we can share the meal together” said Jesus.

Two of the disciples went to Jerusalem and they did everything just as Jesus had told them. So they set out to prepare dinner. As evening began, Jesus and his disciples went to the living room to share the special dinner.

There, when they were all together, Jesus said to them, “In a short time we will all suffer moments of sadness, one of you has decided to harm me.”

The disciples became very sad, and each one said to him, “I love you very much, am I the one who is going to hurt you?”

Everyone was worried and they looked at each other, wondering who the traitor would be. After this, Jesus spoke to them about the kingdom of God and prayed for them. He took bread and gave thanks to God. Then he broke it and gave a piece to each disciple and said, “Eat this bread and remember that I love you.”

He also took a drink and gave thanks. Then he passed it to the disciples and they all drank from it and he said: “Always remember that I love you and that everything that I will suffer will be for you.”

Jesus and his disciples sang together.

They went from that place to the Mount of Olives.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to relate biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

True or False

Ask the children to form a circle. They should stand with their arms at their sides.

Tell them: I am going to say something about the story. If it is true, take a leap; but if it is false, then you must duck.

We suggest some phrases to start the game, but you can add as many as time allows:

Jesus and his disciples went to Jerusalem. (T)

Jesus and his disciples took a train to go to the city. (F)

Jesus sent four disciples to the city. (F)

Jesus and his disciples celebrated a dinner called Passover. (T)

Jesus did not invite all his disciples to dinner.(F)

Jesus told his disciples that he loved them. (T)

A special supper

Hand out the student activity sheet for this lesson and allow time for them to trace the word of faith of the unit and write their name.

Help them cut around the two circles; then join them in the center with a paper clasp with two legs. While working, review some aspects of the Bible lesson. When they are finished, encourage them to use their work to tell their friends and family about today’s Bible story.

Memory verse

Prepare eight large cards. Write each word of the verse and the quotation marks on each of the cards. Before class, hide them in the classroom. Ask your students to look for them while you count from 1 to 20. When they find them, put them on a table and explain how to order them to read the verse. Allow them to put them in order a couple of times while repeating this unit’s memory verse out loud.

To finish

Gather your students in a circle and hold hands. Pray for them and for the requests they have.

Encourage them to pray for each other during the week and tell them that you pray daily for them. This will make them feel motivated and appreciated.

Before leaving, emphasize the power of Jesus and the blessing it is to know it.

Lesson 15

Jesus travels to Jerusalem

Biblical Base: Matthew 21:1-11, 15-16

Lesson objective: That the children learn the importance of worshipping Jesus, the son of God.

Memory verse: “He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:6)

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Jesus presented himself publicly to the Jewish people as the promised Messiah, entering the city of Jerusalem mounted on a humble donkey. This symbolized that Jesus is the king who came to seek peace, not to seek military or political power.

The disciples put their cloaks on the donkey because they did not have a saddle. Many people put cloaks and palm leaves on the road where Jesus was passing.

People shouted: “Hosanna!” Some believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah, but they did not fully understand his mission. Jesus came to earth with a purpose, giving people the opportunity to decide: to believe in Him as Messiah and King, or to reject Him. On this day, the people who were along the way and the children who were in the temple received him with joy and emotion, praising him sincerely. They shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” This reference angered the priests and the teachers of the law, for they did not like that the people would call out to Jesus in this way. But Jesus responded just as God responds to the love of his people. This week, as you prepare for your Sunday school class, praise Jesus, the Son of the living God.

Adaptation

Help your students praise God through different activities during this lesson. Children can praise God with movements, music, singing, playing, praying and learning Bible stories. All these activities will help preschoolers prepare their hearts to receive the message of Holy Week.

Surely your students will express their desire to know Jesus as their friend. In the same way, Jesus wants to be the King in their lives.

He invites them to believe in Him and to live according to His commandments. You can present His invitation to your students. Using simple words, explain how they can be friends

with Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you tell them the plan of salvation.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the topic you are teaching.

Palms of praise

For this activity, you will need card stock or thin cardboard, scissors, and green and brown pencils.

Give your students a piece of cardboard and let them draw a palm leaf. We suggest that you show them an example to use as a guide. You can also use patterns that are made beforehand. As you work, tell them that those palm leaves are an important part of today’s Bible story.

Praises

Teach your students a song of praise or sing one they already know while waving their palm leaves.

Tell them: Today we come to praise God and we use these palm leaves to express our love. As you sing, think about how much you love Jesus.

BIBLE

Choose some of these activities to help students understand the Biblical truth of the story.

Let’s go to Jerusalem!

For this activity, you will need cardboard, markers and duct tape.

Write on a poster the word “Jerusalem” and hang it on a wall for the children to see.

Ask them to go to the other side of the room and explain that they are going to take an imaginary trip to Jerusalem. Point to the sign and say: That place is Jerusalem, can you see it? When I say, “Let’s jump up to Jerusalem,” you will jump forward, and when I say, “Let’s jump with one foot,” you will advance in the other direction. Continue the game until everyone has reached “Jerusalem”.

Sit down and tell them: The Bible story today is about a special time when Jesus traveled to Jerusalem. Listen carefully so that you know what happened to Jesus when he came to that place.

Who’s missing?

Sit in a circle. A volunteer will close their eyes, while you ask another child to leave the circle and hide themselves from everyone.

Ask the volunteer to open their eyes and guess which child is missing. Once identified, the child will enter and walk around the circle before returning to his or her place. Allow time for everyone to participate.

BIBLE STORY

To present this lesson we suggest that you prepare visual aids in advance. You can make the characters yourself using the figures in the student’s book as models.

Praises for Jesus

“Here comes Jesus!” shouted the people in excitement. There were many people in Jerusalem who wanted to see Jesus.

“Listen, listen, he’s getting closer!” a child yelled as he pointed and saw that Jesus was sitting on a donkey, accompanied by his disciples.

People watched carefully as Jesus approached. When he got to where they were, everyone began to shout, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Those praises acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah, the Savior that God had promised to send to free his people.

More people came to see Jesus. Some of them quickly took off their cloaks and others took palm leaves, and put them on the path for Jesus to pass.

Ask the children to wave their palm leaves while saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

Many children ran to be closer to Jesus while singing praises. Everyone was happy! The King had come to Jerusalem!

There was so much commotion in the city that some people asked, “Who is this man?” And people said, “It’s Jesus.”

When Jesus entered the city, he went to the temple. There were children waiting there to praise him, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

Attendance sheets

Allow time for your students to find their attendance sheet on the wall; Help visitors to place theirs. Hand out the attendance stamps and ask them to stick them in the appropriate place, while saying something they learned in the Bible

CONNECTION

Use these activities to relate biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

Praise poster

For this activity, you will need a large piece of paper, scissors, glue, crayons or colors, and tape.

Write the title on the poster: “Praise Jesus!” Ask your students to stick their palms on the edges of the paper to form a decorative margin. Then, allow time for them to draw pictures of how they can praise Jesus (praying, singing, learning biblical stories, etc.).

When finished, hang up the poster in a visible place so that the parents can see it.

Connect the figures

Give your students the student activity sheets. Tell them to write their name and trace this unit’s words of faith: Jesus lives! Then, ask them to join the figures that are related while you do a brief review of the story. Tell them that Holy Week is a special time, when we read that Jesus, the Son of God, came into the world to die for us and rose again to give us victory. Remember how the children of our Bible story praised God? (Shouting Hosanna.)

Memory Verse

On a piece of cardboard, draw a palm leaf and cut it out; write the memory verse inside it.

Show it to your students and ask them to repeat the memory verse with you. After doing it a couple of times, remove it and ask them to repeat it by memory. Repeat this exercise several times during class.

To finish

Form a semicircle and ask them to mention their prayer requests. If possible, select one or two children to pray; conclude by interceding for all attendees.

Remind them of the importance of praising God daily and to giving Him thanks for his Son Jesus.

Lesson 16

The Empty Tomb

Biblical Base: John 19:28-30, 41-42; 20:18

Lesson objective: Preschoolers will learn that Jesus rose from the dead.

Memory verse: “He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:6)

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

These three passages in John give us a brief overview of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through this story we can verify that indeed, Jesus lives!

The final moments on the cross are described in John 19:28-30. Jesus says, “I am thirsty,” and the soldiers give him a drink of wine, This show that Jesus was conscious and that his words and actions were full of prophecy. “It is finished” were his last words, recognizing his knowledge of the perfect end. The plan of redemption for all mankind was complete and, in those final words, we can rejoice with a shout of victory. He had fulfilled the will of the Father and, at that moment, the love of God was fully revealed through his Son Jesus.

John 19:41-42 gives us evidence of the death of Jesus. His body was prepared according to Jewish custom and placed in a new tomb. He was wrapped in a cloth and anointed with aromatic herbs to preserve his body, and the tomb was sealed with a large stone. However, the story does not end with the death of Christ.

In John 20:18, the discovery of the empty tomb begins when Mary Magdalene witnessed the first evidence of the resurrection: the stone was out of place. When she saw this, she ran to tell the others and two of them came back with her. John was the first to arrive, although Simon Peter was the first to enter. The wrappings of Jesus were in place, but not the body. With this, evidence for the resurrection was completed. First, the stone was out of place; second, the wrappings; and third, the body was not there. Although John, Peter and Mary did not fully understand what had happened at that time, the greatest test of Christ’s overcoming power was manifested.

We should rejoice and rest assured that the resurrection of Christ is a reality!

Adaptation

Observe the expression on the faces of students as you talk about the death of Jesus. Be sensitive to their body language, and answer their questions.

Children at this stage are curious about death, although they still do not fully understand the concept. It is important that you are prepared to answer the questions that arise on this topic.

In this story of the resurrection, it is important that talk about the death of Jesus but not about the details. Instead, focus the children’s attention on the resurrection.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the topic you are teaching.

Ancient tombs

For this activity, you will need play-dough or clay to model and tablecloths or plastic bags.

Cover the work area with tablecloths or bags. Distribute lots of play-dough. Allow time for them to make the shape of an ancient tomb (show them an illustration or tell them how to do it).

Ask them: Is there something or someone inside the grave we did? (No). A grave is like a cave where people who died were placed. When Jesus died, he was put in a grave. Do you believe that Jesus stayed in the grave? (Allow them to respond.)

We celebrate this special day, the Resurrection, because Jesus, the Son of God, did not stay in the grave, but rose and lives forever.

BIBLE

This activity will help you teach the Biblical truth to your students.

The game of figures

On posterboard, draw the shape of a cross and a rock, and cut them out. Put them in a paper bag.

Gather the children and ask that some volunteers touch the figures inside the bag, and guess what is inside without taking them out.

Ask: Can you tell me what the figures are that are inside the bag? (Allow them to respond.) Remove the figures and tell them: These figures remind me of the Bible story. Listen carefully so you know how these figures relate to our story.

BIBLE STORY

For this class, we suggest that you make a simple representation of the tomb. Cover a large cardboard box with gray paper. Sit the children in a semicircle. Ask them: Do you think there is someone inside this tomb? After the Bible story we will find out.

Jesus lives!

It was a very sad day for Jesus’ friends. Some people who did not believe in Him put Him on a cross and he died there. Jesus obeyed God, his Father, and went to the cross so that all the people of the world would know that God loves them.

Jesus was very hurt on the cross. Finally, after they made him drink vinegar, He said: “It is finished.” He was saying his mission on earth had ended.

After this, Jesus died. His friends took his body, wrapped it in blankets with aromatic herbs, and put it in a tomb that was in a cave. A very large stone was placed at the entrance of the cave to close it. Jesus’ friends thought that they would never see him again.

Three days later, very early in the morning before the sun rose in the sky, Mary, a friend of Jesus, was walking towards the tomb. She was very sad because of what had happened.

“What happened here?” Mary asked, amazed to see the tomb. “The stone is gone!”

She ran to look for the disciples of Jesus. “Come with me!” she yelled. “Jesus is no longer in the grave!”

Simon Peter and John ran to the grave. John looked in first, but did not see Jesus. Peter decided to enter the tomb and look for Jesus. John entered after him. “What could have happened?” he asked himself. Jesus was no longer there, and they did not know what had happened to Him. Peter and John returned home, but Mary stayed.

Do you know why the tomb was empty? I know! It’s good news for everyone! Jesus, the Son of God, is not dead. He lives, and that’s why today we have a special celebration for him.

Review game: He lives!

Using the cardboard tomb, encourage the children to participate by recreating the Bible story.

Volunteers can choose whether they will represent Simon Peter, John or Mary. If you want, you can include the guards to have a larger number of participants.

The reenactment of the Bible story is a very fun way to review the lesson.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to relate biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

What is a resurrection?

Surely your students will hear the word “resurrection” several times during these days. We suggest that you write it on a sign, with its meaning, and stick it up in a visible part of the room.

He’s not here!

For this activity you will need the cardboard grave that you previously made, and a flashlight.

Ask each child to take the flashlight and enter the grave. Then they must come out saying, “Jesus is not here, he is risen!”

Repeat the game until everyone has had the opportunity to participate.

Where is Jesus?

Hand out the student activity sheets and allow time for them to write their names and trace the word of faith.

Ask them to choose three crayons of different colors to find and trace three different paths that guide Jesus’ friends to the empty tomb. When you have found the tomb, repeat the verse together to memorize: “He is not here, but is risen” (Luke 24:6). Tell them: Next week we will know who told Mary these special words.

Attendance sheets

Allow time for your students to post their attendance on the chart. Encourage them to continue attending regularly to complete their sheet.

To finish

Make sure everyone takes home their belongings and the work they did. But before leaving, ask them to collect all the things they have used since it is important that they learn to work together in the class.

Ask your students if they have prayer requests and conclude by praying for them.

Lesson 17

Jesus Lives!

Bible base: John 20:10-18

Lesson objective: Preschoolers will give thanks to God for the resurrection of Jesus.

Memory verse: “He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:6)

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

The evidence of Jesus’ resurrection was right before Mary’s eyes, but she did not realize what had happened. She was overwhelmed by the pain. Her thoughts focused on one person. Mary responded to the message of the angels: “He is not here, but is risen” (Luke 24:6), showing that her concern for what had happened to the body of Jesus her Lord was greater.

She forgot her pain and believed that He was alive when she saw and heard Jesus say her name. Jesus knew exactly what Mary needed at that moment.

Mary responded by calling Jesus, Rabboni. This word is different from rabbi, which is generally used with respect to men. Rabboni was rarely used to refer to a man, since it was reserved for God. Mary was so full of joy and praise that she did not want to leave the Lord. Even though He had died, He now lived and was right in front of her eyes.

However, Jesus had other plans for her. He told her to go and tell the brothers and sisters that He had risen. “Brothers” and “sisters” was a new title he had given to the disciples. It was the confirmation that those who believe in the Lord become sisters and brothers in the kingdom of God. Like his disciples, we are called children of God and sent to announce the good news to others.

Rejoice! Full salvation is a reality through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Adaptation

Encourage your students to praise God because his Son Jesus lives. This is probably the first time they have heard this story in which Jesus speaks directly to Mary. Pray to create an environment of learning in which the

Holy Spirit turns his teaching into a desire to know the Savior. Talk about your love for Jesus and God’s love for people.

Many preschoolers have a close and growing relationship with Jesus. They have no doubt that He lives. They fully accept his existence and talk to Him. When children pray, pay attention to the words they use to thank Jesus, the Son of God.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the topic you are teaching.

General review

Use the materials developed in the previous classes and the students’ activity sheets to review with the children the most important events in the life of Jesus.

Remind them that Holy Week is the culmination of Jesus’ life and ministry on earth, but it is also the beginning of a story of victory and triumph.

What did you learn?

It is likely that most of your students have participated with their families in the special services of Holy Week. Prepare a special time for them to share their experiences and what they learned during those special days. If you wish, they can make drawings.

Emphasize that during this week we remember the sacrifice of Jesus and celebrate his glorious resurrection.

Attendance Control

Hand out the last heart for students to stick on their attendance sheet. We suggest you give recognition to those who have completed the four hearts.

BIBLE

This activity will help you teach the Bible lesson.

What’s inside?

Before class, prepare a paper bag with a small stone inside.

Instruct children to sit in a circle. Show them the bag and tell them: I’m going to give you this bag so you can pass it to each other. When you say “stop”, the person who has it will search inside to discover the hidden object.

After several have participated, ask them what the contents of the bag is and what it means. Remind them that a large stone was placed at the entrance of Jesus’ tomb, but it was moved so that the women and the disciples could see that Jesus was not there.

BIBLE STORY

Mary sees Jesus

Tears ran down Mary’s cheeks because she felt very sad. She went very early to Jesus’ tomb, but found it empty.

“Who could have taken away Jesus’ body?” she asked herself.

After Peter and John returned home, Mary stayed outside the grave. While she was crying, she went again to look inside the tomb and saw two angels, dressed in white, where Jesus had been before.

“Why are you crying?” the angels asked her. “Because somebody has taken the body of my

Lord and I do not know where they have put

it,” she replied. Mary continued to cry, when suddenly she saw a man near the grave. It was Jesus, but Mary did not recognize him.

“Why are you crying?” Jesus asked. “Who are you looking for?”

“Maybe this man is the garden keeper,” Mary thought, and said, “Do you know where they put Jesus? Please tell me so I can go find him.”

“Mary,” Jesus said tenderly. As soon as she heard her name, Mary ran to Jesus and said, “Teacher, you are alive!” “Go and tell my brothers and sisters that I am alive and I am going to heaven to be reunited with my Father,” Jesus said.

Mary hurried and ran to find the disciples to tell them the good news of the resurrection of Jesus.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to relate biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

What happened next?

Hand out the student activity sheets and pencils so that they trace the word of faith and write their name. Ask them: What do we celebrate during Holy Week? ( Jesus, the Son of God, lives).

Instruct them to circle the figure that shows what really happened in the Bible story. While they are working, review the content of the previous lessons and repeat the memory verse.

The game of stones

Prepare old newspapers ahead of time.

Give one to each child. Ask them to crumple the paper to form a ball. Place duct tape around them to prevent them from falling apart.

Tell them that these balls represent the stone that covered the entrance to Jesus’ tomb, which was removed when He was resurrected.

Ask them to go to one end of the room and when you say, “Jesus rose!”, they must roll the balls with their feet until they reach the other end. Then they will return to the starting point.

Vary the dynamics of the game by using different instructions, for example, push the ball with your hand, with your eyes closed, etc...

Special Activity

As the unit’s last lesson and Resurrection Day, talk with your pastor to organize a special activity led by the preschool group. They could say the memory verse or sing a resurrection song. This will help them feel that their effort is recognized; in addition, parents will enjoy seeing what their children have learned.

To end

Cultivate in your students the discipline of prayer, interceding for them and their families in each class. If they have many requests, we suggest that you write them on a poster to keep it in plain sight. Mark the ones that have been answered. Thank God for the sacrifice and resurrection of his Son, Jesus.

Year 2

Introduction • Unit V

GOD LISTENS TO OUR PRAYERS

Unit objective: That the preschoolers learn that God listens to and answers their prayers.

Memory verse: “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Word of faith: PRAYER: Talking to God.

Unit Lessons:

Lesson 18 We give God thanks

Lesson 19 Hannah asks God for a son

Lesson 20 Hezekiah prays when he is sick

Lesson 21 Daniel prays when he is afraid

What preschoolers will learn from these lessons:

They will learn to give thanks to God through prayer.

They will study that they can pray to God in moments of sadness.

They will know that God hears their prayers when they are sick.

They will understand that they can pray when they feel afraid.

We know that God hears and answers our prayers. What a privilege we have as followers of Jesus Christ to be able to approach God, our creator and provider, in prayer! We can talk to Him anytime, anywhere and about anything. We can enter into his presence with the absolute confidence that the Lord listens to us and will respond according to his holy will.

During these four lessons on prayer, preschoolers will learn to praise God, thanking him for his love and care, as well as for family, clothing and food. Then they will study about people of the Old Testament who made requests to God. They will find out that Hannah prayed when she was sad, Hezekiah asked for healing when he was going to die, and Daniel prayed when he felt fear.

As you prepare the lessons, ask the Lord to use these lessons so that your students understand the importance of recognizing the constant presence of God in their lives.

Lesson 18

We give thanks to God

Biblical Base: Psalm 136:19, 26

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers will learn to give God thanks when they pray.

Memory verse: “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

The Psalms allow us to know how people in the Old Testament worshiped God. In them we find historical aspects that help us better understand the biblical stories. Psalms contain a high variety of emotions and feelings.

Psalm 136 is an interactive prayer of thanksgiving. Through the direction of a Levite or a choir, the congregation responded in worship to God for his kindness. The praise leader thanked God for his creation and his great power. People responded with affirmations about the great love of God.

While preparing this lesson, enjoy reading these psalms that have been a blessing for so many generations. Allow them to speak the Word of God to your heart. Reflect on the wonderful love of God and his infinite goodness.

Adaptation

Praise and worship can be expressed personally or collectively. It is likely that your classroom will be one of the first places where your students experience worship.

Use this lesson to create an atmosphere of worship in your room. Invite your students to pray together and individually, thanking God for his blessings.

Most preschoolers are able to recite songs and poems by heart. Teach them songs that they can memorize easily, and guide them to give thanks to God through their prayers, songs, verses and actions.

Normally preschoolers volunteer to pray. They enjoy giving thanks for the food, for their family, for their friends and even for their toys and pets. Invite them to pray during class; God will surely be blessed by their simple and genuine faith in speaking with Him.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the topic you are teaching.

God hears our prayers

For this activity you will need a telephone; it can be a toy, or at least the drawing of a telephone.

Let the children touch the phone or see the figure for a few seconds. Then ask them: What is the phone for? (To communicate with other people.)

Explain that just as the telephone is a means of communicating with our friends or family, prayer is the way to communicate with God. Let them know that God always listens to them, no matter where they are.

On a large piece of paper, prepare a “prayer mural” for the whole unit. Divide it in two columns: REQUESTS and ANSWERS. Write the children’s requests, and then add the answers as they are received. This will help them better understand that God answers their prayers.

Who answers our prayers?

During the week, select children’s songs about prayer. If you wish, invite a person to accompany you with a guitar or another instrument. This will encourage your students.

At the end of the songs, ask them: Who will answer our prayers? (God). When can we pray? (Always)

Circles of gratitude

Prior to class, cut out several paper circles the size of a medium plate. Write in the center: “Thank you Lord.” Give them to the children to decorate as they wish. On the back glue a wooden stick so they can hold it up and use during the story.

BIBLE

Use the following activity to focus the attention of the students on the topic you are teaching.

I thank God for...

For this activity you will need a large piece of paper or cardboard, glue, drawings or magazine clippings of houses, food, people, toys, animals, landscapes, etc. You will also need a figure of Jesus and another of a Bible.

Attach the paper or cardboard to the wall to create a mural. At the top write: “I am grateful for ...” Glue or tape the figures of Jesus and the Bible, emphasizing that we should thank God for sending his Son, Jesus, and for his Word.

Then, place the rest of the clippings on a table and allow the children to glue or tape on the ones that represent reasons to give thanks to God.

BIBLE STORY

For this activity you will need a large Bible opened to the book of Psalms, and the gratitude circles made previously.

Thank you Lord

Many years ago in biblical times, people came together to worship and praise God. Together they sang songs of praise and thanksgiving. Some of these songs can be found in our Bible. Psalms is a book that is in the Old Testament, the first part of the Bible (show the Bible). The psalms are songs of praises written for God. When we meet in the church, we do it to praise and worship the Lord. Many times we also use the psalms to give thanks and praise God.

There are many psalms that speak of giving thanks to God for his wonderful creation, for example, Psalm 136. This morning we will have a time of thanksgiving for all the blessings we have received from God.

Tell them that, after you mention a reason for gratitude, they should raise their circles and say, “We thank you, Lord.”

Use the following examples: Because your love is endless,

We thank you, Lord (lift the circle).

For your beautiful creation,

We thank you, Lord (lift the circle).

Because you sent your Son, Jesus,

We thank you, Lord (lift the circle).

Because your Word is a light,

We thank you, Lord (lift the circle).

Repeat this exercise by saying many things you are thankful for.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to relate biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

Thanksgiving

Have students form a circle. The student you point out should stand and lift their circle while saying a reason for which they personally thank God (parents, school, friends, etc.).

I can thank God!

Hand out the student activity sheets for the lesson, along with pencils. Allow time for them to write their name and trace the word of faith of this unit (prayer), while you say, Prayer is talking to God. We know that God listens and responds to our prayers because he is always close to us.

Ask them to color the figures on the worksheet. Then they must circle what they can thank God for. When they finish, they can turn the page and draw something for which they are grateful to God.

Memory Verse

Walk with your students around the room repeating the memory verse several times and in different ways; for example, jumping, in a low voice, shouting, walking backwards, etc.

Choose some of the children to repeat it by heart, and if possible, give them a small prize.

To end

Conclude the class by singing a song about prayer and intercede for the needs of your students. Emphasize the importance of always giving thanks to God.

Lesson 19

Hannah asks God for a son

Biblical base: 1 Samuel 1:1-20

Lesson objective: Preschoolers can learn that they can talk to God when they are sad.

Memory verse: “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Hannah’s life gives us a clear example of what it means to be a God-fearing woman, in spite of suffering for not having children. Hannah lived at a time when having children was considered a favor from God, and since she did not have them, she felt sad.

Hannah’s husband Elkanah loved her very much, but the custom back then was to preserve the family lineage by having several wives. Therefore, Elkanah had another wife, Peninnah. They had many children, which gave Peninnah reasons to mock Hannah. On one occasion, when Elkanah went to Silo to worship God and offer a sacrifice, Hannah accompanied him to the sanctuary. While Elkanah offered the sacrifice, Hannah shed tears and prayed fervently before the presence of God. She begged God not to forget her and grant her a son. In return, she would give her son to his service. God heard Hannah’s prayer and granted her a son.

As you prepare this lesson, pray confidently to the Lord with the certainty that He hears and answers the prayers of His people.

Adaptation

Preschoolers understand what it means to be sad. Maybe at times they have felt so much sadness that they have shed tears. Help them to identify with Hannah, who wept before the Lord. Teach them that when they feel so sad, they can pray to God and trust that He will hear their prayer. Encourage them to talk with God about their feelings of sadness, joy and fear.

Preschoolers know that there are people they can trust, and they can go to them when they feel sad, worried or fearful. Through this story, they will understand that they can trust God and come to Him in prayer at any time and in any place.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the topic you are teaching.

God listens to our prayers

Ask your students if they have prayer requests this week, and how many of their prayers have been answered. Write the answers on the prayer mural.

It is important that you follow up on this activity and intercede for all requests during the week.

Dry your tears!

Have the children form a circle and show them a handkerchief (cloth or disposable). Ask them: When people cry, why do they use a handkerchief? (To dry the tears) God listens and answers our prayers. He knows when we are sad and when we are happy. God wants you to talk to Him about all things and at any time. You can trust God when you feel sad. Now I am going to pass this handkerchief around the circle and when I say, “Dry your tears!”, the person with the handkerchief must say aloud: “I can pray when I feel sad!” Repeat this game until everyone has participated.

How can I talk to God?

For this activity, ask the children to form a circle around you. Show them a toy phone, a letter and some communication media drawings (computers, radios, etc.) and ask them what they are for. Listen to the answers and tell them: Do we need any of these to talk to God? (No) So, how can we talk to God? (Pray) We know that God listens and answers our prayers. The memory verse reminds us to “Pray without ceasing.”

Repeat the text with your students a couple of times. Then on a piece of paper, make a list of times when you can talk to God. (When we eat, when we sleep, when we wake up, when we are sick, sad, happy, etc.) Put the list up in a visible place in the room.

BIBLE

Choose one of the following activities to help your students understand the biblical truth of this lesson.

A baby

For this activity you will need a doll. Hold it in your arms and say: The story today is about a woman named Hannah who wanted to have a child, but could not. That’s why she felt very sad.

Allow them to hold the baby for a moment. Tell them that in order to learn what happened to Hannah, they must be pay attention during the story.

¿Have you ever...?

Ask the children: Have you ever wanted something but could not have it? (Allow them to respond.) How do you feel when this happens? (Listen to the answers.)

Our Bible story today is about a woman named Hannah who wanted to have a child. For many years she had expected to have a child, but had not been able to. Hannah was very sad and prayed to God. Listen carefully to what happened in this story.

BIBLE STORY

You will need a blanket for a baby and a doll. While narrating the biblical story, hold the empty blanket. When Hannah’s prayer is answered, wrap the doll in the blanket.

Hannah’s prayer

Hannah loved God but she was very sad (hold the empty blanket). She felt that way because she had no children, although she wanted one with all her heart. When God answered her prayer and gave her a baby, she called her baby Samuel. Hannah felt very happy because God had answered her prayer.

Bible review

Ask your students to line up and place a chair at the opposite end of the room. Place the blanket on the chair and hand the doll to the first child in the row. Instruct him to run to the chair. There he should wrap the baby with the blanket, say something he learned about the Bible story, unwrap the baby, and run back to give it to the next person. When all the children have participated, remind them: God listens and answers our prayers!

CONNECTION

Use this activity to relate biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

Prayer Kites

Trim 45 centimeters of thick thread or ribbon for each child. Give the children the activity sheets and let them write their name and trace the word of faith. Allow time for them to color the figure of Hannah. Then they must cut out the picture of the baby Samuel (p.117) and paste it. Help them carefully cut out each of the pieces to form the kite.

Assemble the kites as shown in the example on the back of the activity sheet. Allow them to take them home as a reminder of the Bible story.

Memory verse

Form a circle and repeat the memory verses several times while spinning. Then, allow some volunteers to go to the center of the circle and say the verse on their own. Help those who have difficulties with memorization.

To finish

Pray for prayer requests that were written and complete the mural, all while singing a song on prayer. Make sure everyone takes home the work done in class and invite them for next week.

Lesson 20

Hezekiah prays when he is sick

Biblical Base: 2 Kings 20:1-11

Lesson Objective: That preschoolers learn that God listens to their prayers when they are sick.

Memory verse: “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Something that identifies us all as human beings is that on some occasion we have become sick, or we know someone who was ill. We are familiar with the pain and sadness that disease brings.

In the same way, King Hezekiah faced diseases. However, his experience was even worse because he was going to die due to his suffering. When the prophet Isaiah gave him this message from God, Hezekiah wept bitterly. He had lived a pleasant life before God. Unlike his father, he had been a man faithful to the Lord in every way.

In the midst of his pain, Hezekiah prayed to God with honesty and expressed his feelings.

God heard his prayer and had mercy on him. Before the prophet Isaiah crossed the courtyard of the royal palace, God sent him back with a different message for the king. Hezekiah would live 15 years longer and enjoy good health. God heard Hezekiah’s prayer and blessed him for his faithfulness and honesty with another sign of his great love and power.

Does this mean that God always affirmatively answers our prayers when we pray for healing? No, but it reminds us that God takes care of his children in good and bad times. Whatever our circumstance, we can approach Him confidently.

Adaptation

Some things that are insignificant for us can be of great importance to children. A simple cold is enough to worry them. Mention the concern they feel when either they are sick or a family member or a friend are sick. Pray that God will heal them or the people they know. Your students will see your example of prayer and learn to pray to God when they go through illness or difficult situations.

Preschoolers immediately perceive the changes around them. They know when someone they love is not in good health. Many times they feel desperate, sad or frustrated when they face disease.

In this lesson, they will learn that there is always something they can do for the sick: pray for them. Encourage your students to pray for the members of the church who are sick.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the topic you are teaching.

God listens to our prayers

Do the weekly review of the prayer mural, adding new requests and answers from previous prayers. Make sure the children realize that God answers their prayers.

Preschool vets

For this activity you will need dolls or toy animals.

Give each child a toy and tell them: Imagine that we are veterinarians and these animals are so sick. What can we do to help them? (Allow them to respond.) There is something very important that we can do when we are sick, or when someone we love is sick. Do you know what it is? (Pray) The Bible teaches us that God is near us and he listens to us when we pray. This means that we can pray and trust that God will help us in times of illness.

Prayer cards

You will need white cards, pencils or colored markers.

Write on each card the following note: This card was made especially for you by (leave space for the child’s name), who is praying for God to touch your life during this week.

Invite the children to make a card for a friend or relative who is sick. Allow time for decorating. When they finish, pray together for sick people.

BIBLE

This activity will help you teach the Biblical truth behind this Bible lesson.

A special visitor

Invite a doctor or nurse to your class. Ask them to bring their stethoscope so that the children can see it. Present your visitor by saying: Today we have a special visitor. Our guest is a doctor (nurse) and has something special to show us before the Bible story.

Ask the visitor to show the stethoscope and briefly explain what it is for. Have them mention that when someone is sick, this is an instrument that the doctor uses to examine them. Today’s lesson is about a king who was very sick.

Prayer requests

During the week, get wooden sticks, like the ones that are used by doctors. With a permanent marker write on them: “I can talk to God when I am sick.” Then hide them in the room.

Gather your students, show them a wooden stick and ask them: Have you ever gone to the doctor? What do doctors use this for? (Allow them to respond.) Doctors use them to keep the patient’s tongue down and get a good look at their throat. I have hidden a stick with a special message for each one of you. While I count from 1 to 25, you must find them. When everyone has their stick in their hands, have them return to their seats to hear the Bible story.

BIBLE STORY

Hezekiah was a king who loved God and tried to do everything correctly. One day, Hezekiah became very sick and could not get out of bed. Every day his health got worse. Isaiah, a prophet of God, went to visit him. Prophets gave messages from God to the people.

Isaiah said to him, “Hezekiah, God has sent me to tell you that because of this disease, you will soon die.” This made the king very sad.

After the prophet Isaiah left, King Hezekiah prayed to God for help and cried out, “Please, God, heal me! You know that I love you and that I’ve tried to do the right things all my life. “

Before Isaiah left the palace, God spoke to him and told him to return to see the king. “Tell Hezekiah that I have heard his prayer and I will heal him. In three days he must go to the temple to worship me.” Isaiah returned to give him the good news. “God is going to heal you!” he said, “and in three days you must go to the temple to worship him.”

God heard the prayer of King Hezekiah and healed him completely. You can also pray and trust that God will hear your prayer when you are sick.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to relate biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

Who helped Hezekiah?

Hand out the activity sheets from this lesson and pencils. Allow time for them to write their names and trace the word of faith from this unit. Point to the two figures of King Hezekiah and allow them to color them. As they do so, review what they studied in the Bible story.

Turn the page and hand out colored pencils so they can color the marked boxes and find the hidden words.

Prayer time

Encourage your students to pray for their sick friends and family. Have a special time to do this, and if any child in the class is sick, pray especially for them. Remind them that it doesn’t matter how bad the disease is, God hears their prayers and has the power to heal them.

Memory Verse

Surely most of your students already know the memory verse. Review it briefly and pay special attention to those who have difficulties learning it. To help them, write or print the text on paper and give it to their parents so they can study with their child during the week.

To finish

Encourage the children to pray for sick people during the week and to put into practice what they learned, for when they themselves become ill.

Say goodbye by singing a song that talks about prayer.

If any of your students has been absent due to illness, we suggest that you visit and tell them this Bible story.

Lesson 21

Daniel prays when he is afraid

Biblical Base: Daniel 2:1-30, 47-48

Lesson Objective: That preschoolers learn that they can pray when they are afraid.

Memory verse: “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

When the Babylonians conquered the land of Judah, the best men of the town were taken captive. This was a common practice during conquests. Daniel was amongst those men. He proved to be a person of great value in the Babylonian empire.

Because of the wisdom and knowledge that God had given him, he helped King Nebuchadnezzar, and thus was given high- ranking positions. The Bible tells us that Daniel became a real counselor and leader of the wise men of the kingdom. In each stage of his life, Daniel maintained a close relationship with God and was always faithful to him. He prayed daily and went to God to receive strength and answers to his prayers.

King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream in which God revealed a future event to him. Therefore, he called his wise men and magicians, but they could not interpret the dream. The king was so angry that he ordered the death of all the wise men of his kingdom, including Daniel. Fearing for their life, they asked for another opportunity to interpret the dream. The king agreed to the request, so Daniel and his friends fasted and prayed.

God answered Daniel’s prayer and revealed the details and meaning of the dream. Daniel’s life was safe. God was exalted and as a man of faith, he held even more important positions in the kingdom. Despite fear, hardship and danger, Daniel trusted God fully. As the dream of Nebuchadnezzar revealed, the things of this world are not eternal. We can find security only through faith in God.

Adaptation

Preschoolers have many fears: the dark, disease or being left alone. If you ask them what they’re afraid of, it’s probably going to take more than one answer. Feeling fear is normal human behavior. However, we will not enjoy a healthy life if we allow fear to control us. This lesson will help your students know they can trust God when they are afraid.

Just like Daniel, you can pray before allowing fear to paralyze you.

Help them understand that no matter what, God is powerful, always present, and ready to listen to the prayer of His children.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

The following activities will focus the attention of the students as they listen to the Bible story.

God listens to our prayers

Give the children time to mention new prayer requests to add to the mural. Give thanks for those that have already been answered. Encourage them to pray during the week and remind them that through these lessons, they have learned that God answers the prayers of his children.

I dream with ...

Sit in a circle and talk about dreams. Allow some volunteers to briefly tell about the dreams they have had and how they have felt afterwards.

Tell them that today’s story tells us about a king who had a very special dream, but he did not remember it, much less understood its meaning.

BIBLE

These activities will help students have a better understanding of the Bible story.

What are you afraid of?

Talk with the children about what it means to feel fear. Give a plastic ball to one of the students; tell them to pass it to each other while singing or playing a musical instrument. When the music stops, the person holding the ball must say something that makes them feel afraid. When everyone has participated, tell them that when they feel fear, they can pray and ask God to help them. He hears our prayer and is close when we need it. Today’s Bible story tells us about a man who felt fear. Do you want to know who it was? Listen carefully.

BIBLE STORY

Ask your students to put their hands together in prayer every time they hear the words “prayer” or “pray” in the story.

Daniel’s prayer

Daniel was a man who loved God from his childhood. God helped him when he was taken captive to Babylon to serve the king in the palace.

King Nebuchadnezzar knew that Daniel was a very wise man. That’s why he was in his service.

One night the king had a dream that bothered him, so he sent for all the wise men of his kingdom.

“I had a dream and I want you to tell me what it means,” he said.

“Tell us what you dreamed and we can tell you its meaning”, said the wise men. But the king replied, “I want you to tell me what I dreamed and what it means. If you do not, you will all die.”

“But king, we cannot do what you ask!” replied the wise men. “Nobody in the world can do something so difficult. No other king has asked for something like this.”

King Nebuchadnezzar was very angry and ordered them to kill all the wise men of the kingdom. Since Daniel was also considered a wise man, he was afraid of the king’s order and prayed to God. Daniel asked his friends to pray so that God would help him know the king’s dream and its meaning.

God answered his prayers. Everyone was very happy and praised the Lord.

Daniel went to the palace and appeared before King Nebuchadnezzar, who asked him, “Can you tell me something about my dream?”

“I can’t tell you, but God can”, Daniel replied, and told him what God had revealed to him. The king was glad to know the meaning of his dream and said to Daniel, “Your God is very great and powerful.” As a reward, the king placed Daniel as the chief of all the wise men of the kingdom.

CONNECTION

These activities will help you apply biblical truth to the daily life of your students.

Prayer reminders

Hand out the student activity sheet for this lesson. Allow time for them to write their name on the top of the page and trace the word of faith (prayer). Then ask them to color, cut out and glue the bear to a flat wooden stick, so that they can hold it. As you work, tell them: This bear is a prayer reminder. When you feel fear, remember like Daniel, you can talk to God.

Make sure everyone takes home their finished work.

Let’s pray together

Gather all your students and encourage them to pray for each other. Pray for strength from the Lord to overcome fears. Pray also for those who are sick or have missed Sunday school. Guide the little ones who are learning to pray.

Memory verse

Invite the children to say the memory verse while using their prayer reminders. Because this is the unit’s last lesson, it is likely that the majority will know it by heart. If possible, give some small prizes in recognition of the effort they made to learn it.

To finish

Sing songs about prayer and briefly review the four lessons studied. Let them know that in the next unit they will study the lives of some people who trusted God. Let them know attendance is very important.

Hand out all the materials for them to take home, and pray before you say goodbye.

Year 2

Introduction • Unit VI

PEOPLE WHO TRUSTED IN GOD

Unit objective: That by seeing the lives of these Biblical figures, preschoolers will learn to trust in God.

Memory verse: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

Word of faith: TRUST: Believing God will do what he promised.

Unit Lessons:

Lesson 22 Deborah trusts in God’s help

Lesson 23 Gideon trusts in God

Lesson 24 A woman trusts God when she feels sad

Lesson 25 Naaman obeys and trusts God

Lesson 26 Job trusts God despite his problems

What preschoolers will learn from these lessons:

They will trust in the power and sovereignty of God.

They will trust God when they feel fear.

They will trust in God in moments of sadness and difficulty.

They will learn to trust God and obey Him.

Preschoolers learn the meaning of trust through their interpersonal relationships. When parents or other family members meet their needs and show them love, they are creating trust patterns. They know that they can trust a person even when they still do not fully understand the concept of “trust.”

As you study together these biblical characters who trusted in God, the children will realize that those who trust in the Lord are never let down. Through these stories, you can help your students establish solid foundations that build their trust in God and help them in their spiritual growth.

Lesson 22

Deborah trusts in God’s help

Biblical base: Judges 4:1-16

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers will learn to trust in God’s power.

Memory verse: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

The stories of Deborah and Gideon are found in the book of Judges. This book summarizes the history of the people of Israel from the time of Joshua’s death until the beginning of the monarchy. When the book of Joshua finishes, the people of Israel have entered and reclaimed the land as God had promised. From this point on, the Israelites entered the period of the Judges.

The Israelites had the responsibility of occupying the land, and clearing it of its old traditions and practices. However, they forgot their commitment to God and decided to join the people of Canaan. They began to move away from the God of their ancestors, adopting the Canaanite traditions and worshiping false gods.

In Judges 4:1-16, we read about the consequences that disobedience brought upon the people of Israel. The Canaanites, under the leadership of King Jabin, wanted to oppress and subdue them. For 20 years, six of the tribes of Israel endured cruel oppression and great hunger, until in their despair, when their strength was gone, they remembered God. It was then that they turned their faces to the Lord and begged for his help.

God heard their prayers, designating a leader for his people. This leader was a woman, a judge, a wife, and a prophetess. Deborah knew God and trusted Him. Following God’s divine direction, this prophetess called on Barak to lead an army against the Canaanites. Barak’s response was quick. He would do it, but only if Deborah was present. Deborah had no doubts about the result. Together they led the Israelites in battle, obtaining a powerful victory. This victory was not achieved by their strength - their enemies were superior in number. It was thanks to the power of God.

When the Israelites decided to turn to God and trust in his power, they were delivered from oppression and despair. Is there a situation that oppresses you or makes you feel hopeless? Pray that God will help you, and put your trust in Him.

In the midst of the strongest oppression, we find relief when we learn to trust in the power of God.

Adaptation

Through this story, preschoolers will learn that no matter what, it is always better to trust in God. Sometimes they face difficult situations. They may not be in a war or are oppressed, but some children know very well what it is to feel hopeless.

In this story, the Israelites did not have the capacity to fight against the Canaanites, but they learned an important lesson: God is greater and more powerful. When they decided to trust in the power of God, He delivered them. Help your students understand that God is powerful and that we can trust Him.

Many preschoolers are taught to pray by repeating after others; however, they can learn to pray at a deeper level. Let them take the lead. Encourage them to talk with God about the important events of their lives. As they express their requests to one another, pray that God will help you and allow you to be an instrument that impacts the lives of your students.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on listening to the Bible story.

Coins of trust

For this activity, you will need a coin for each child in your class and a container to put the offering in. At the beginning of the class, welcome the children. Then, as you show them the coins, say: These coins are part of my offering. I will trust you to keep them and return them to me at the time of the offering. Do you promise me that you will return them to me? (Allow them to respond.) Give a coin to each child. Before the story, ask them to deposit the coins in the offering container. While they are doing this, explain that you trusted them by giving them their coins because you knew they would keep their word. In the Bible story, we will learn about someone who trusted God.

Who do you trust?

Talk with children about people they can trust. Explain that trust means believing someone will not fail us.

Explain that sometimes people fail and make mistakes. However, we can trust God because He is not wrong and is always willing to help us.

BIBLE

These activities will help students have a better understanding of the Biblical truth.

A special guest

Invite a person to visit who will be dressed up as Deborah by wearing a long tunic and a blanket over her head.

Gather the children to hear the Bible story and tell them: Today we have a special guest who is dressed up as the Bible character we are going to study. She will tell us a story of how God helped the Israelites. Introduce the guest and give time for the children to welcome her.

BIBLE STORY

Give the material to your guest in advance so they have time to prepare. Ask her to tell the story as if she were really Deborah, the prophetess.

Deborah trusts in God

God loved the people of Israel because they was very special to Him.

God wanted the people to worship Him alone and live happily and safely in the land He had given them.

Sometimes the Israelites loved God and obeyed Him, so He took care of them and protected them from their enemies. But in other times, they forgot the goodness of God and did wrong, so they had many problems.

For 20 years, King Jabin had invaded Israel, whose army could not compete against the enemy’s iron chariots. The Israelites had done their best to achieve victory, but they had never asked God to help them.

In the midst of their suffering, the people of Israel remembered God and cried out for help.

Deborah loved and trusted God. She was a prophetess and leader of the Israelites. She generally sat under a palm tree and listened to the people who would ask her questions. Then she helped them know what the will of the Lord was.

One day God told Deborah, “I have a special job for Captain Barak.”

Deborah sent a messenger to look for Barak. After a while, he arrived to speak with Deborah.

“God wants you to fight against the army of Jabin,” the prophetess said. “Take your army to Mount Tabor… and wait because God is going to take the enemy army to the river and deliver it into your hands.”

Barak replied, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you do not go with me, I will not go.”

“I will go with you,” Deborah said, “but you must trust God.”

Deborah, Barak and his army went to the river as God had told them. “Now!” Deborah said when she saw King Jabin’s army. The Israelites attacked and did what God had commanded them. King Jabin and his army were scared and ran to hide. The Israelites won the battle!

Deborah trusted that God would help them, and He did, giving victory to his people.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to relate biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

Circle of trust

Gather your students in a circle. Show them a plastic ball and tell them: I am going to throw this ball to each one of you. When I choose you, mention a situation in which you can trust God (when I am sick, if I am worried, when I feel lonely, etc.). Continue the game until everyone has participated.

Near the river

Cut out the three pictures corresponding to this lesson found in the cut-out section in the back of the student activity book and give a set to each student. Hand out the activity sheets and allow time for your students to trace the word of faith and write their name. As they do so, tell them: To trust is to believe that God will do what He has promised us. We can trust that God loves us and cares for us.

Ask them to color the worksheet and place the pictures. As they do this, briefly review what they learned during the Bible story.

Memory Verse

As everyone holds hands, form a circle. Turn together and repeat the memory verse a couple of times (Proverbs 3:5).

Each time you stop, one of the children must say the verse individually. Then keep turning and repeating the verse together, until you stop for another child to say the text. Keep playing until the majority have participated.

To finish

Sing a song that talks about trusting God and pray for your students. Encourage them to tell you their prayer requests so you can intercede for them during the week.

Invite them to return to class next week and hand them the work they completed in class.

Lesson 23

Gideon trusts in God

Biblical base: Judges 6:16, 15-16; 7:1-21

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers will learn that they can trust God when they are afraid.

Memory verse: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

After the Israelites entered the Promised Land, they obeyed the commandments of God and lived in peace for some time. However, as time passed and a new generation came, people forgot all that God had done for them and their ancestors. Once again, the Israelites neglected their covenant with God and distanced themselves from Him.

They began to practice the pagan customs of the neighboring towns, worshiping false gods. When the Israelites did not fulfill their covenant, God did not protect them from those nations.

This chosen people turned away from their God so much that it became easy for them to follow other paths. Their enemies entered their lands, destroying everything, including their crops. The problem was so extreme that people had to hide in caves and in the mountains to survive.

Once again, the struggle made the Israelites remember God. They remembered how the Lord had protected past generations. They cried out to God and He answered their prayers by giving them another judge: Gideon.

Through these stories of the Old Testament, we can prove God’s faithfulness. His love and forgiveness are evident in how he responded to the prayers of his people, even when they had gone astray.

At first, Gideon was indecisive and fearful despite following God’s instructions. He gathered the tribes of Israel to fight against the Midianites. God knew that even though Gideon was afraid, he still decided to obey him. God allowed Gideon to hear a man from the enemy army talking about a dream. In this dream, the Lord confirmed that the victory had been granted to the Israelites. In ancient times, dreams were considered signs. On this occasion, God used a dream to instill confidence in Gideon, so that he could lead his people in battle. God knew Gideon’s fear, as well as our fears. When fear or uncertainty surrounds you, remember that God is with you.

As you prepare these lessons, take some time to rest in God’s peace. He knows and understands your thoughts, wishes, and fears.

Adaptation

These lessons dramatically illustrate how you as a teacher can impact our world. After only one generation, the Israelites forgot what God had done for them. This means that the new generations were not being instructed in the truth of God, nor were they receiving the necessary teaching for their spiritual growth.

As you teach, remember how important it is for your students to learn to trust in God. You have the opportunity to present biblical truths that will remain with them throughout their lives.

Preschoolers have a great imagination that often leads them to feel fear. The purpose of this lesson is not to focus on these types of fears, but to help children understand three important truths:

It is normal to feel fear.

God cares for you when you are afraid.

You can trust God when you are afraid.

When a child learns to trust in God at an early age, he or she is more likely to continue to do so as they reach adulthood. On many occasions, preschoolers are pressured by their peers when they show fear. Perhaps they have heard an adult say: “Do not be afraid” or “big kids don’t cry”. During this stage, children may think that being afraid is bad. The story of Gideon will help them understand that we all feel fear at some point in our lives, and that God is with us when we go through that stage. Listen carefully to your students as they tell you about situations in which they have felt fear. Then, encourage them to talk with God about those feelings and trust in His care.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students in listening to the Bible story.

When I feel afraid

Learn the words and movements to this poem. Stand with the children and say: We all feel afraid at some point. Do you remember any situation in which you felt fear? (Let the children respond.) Listen to this poem and see how it will help us when we feel afraid. Recite the poem below and make the movements. When you’re finished, ask: What can we do when we are afraid? (Trust in God.) Remind them that we can pray and talk to God when we feel fear, and we can also trust in God at any time and in any place. Direct the children while they learn the poem and the movements.

When I am scared

When I am afraid (extend your arms forward with your palms facing up)

At night (pretend to sleep, by placing your hands on your face)

Or in the day (make a circle with your hands, referring to the sun),

I will pray to God (hands in prayer) Who keeps me and cares for me (put your hands on your chest, first the right and then the left.

Torches

For this activity, you will need pieces of cardboard or thick paper, scissors, glue or duct tape, colored pencils and white sheets of paper.

Ask your students to outline the shape of a flame on a white paper (if necessary, show them an example) and cut it out. Meanwhile, using the pieces of cardboard, make a cone for each member of the group.

Give the cone to each one and ask them to stick the flame on it to form a torch. It is likely that for this activity your students will need help, so we suggest you ask for the help from another adult.

Explain the usefulness of torches in biblical times. Then tell them they will learn from a man named Gideon who used torches to defeat his enemies.

BIBLE

Choose some of these activities that will help your students have a better understanding of the Biblical truth.

At the sound of the trumpet

Gather the children in a circle. Put your hands around your mouth and mimic the sound of a trumpet. Ask: Can you make this trumpet sound with me? (Make the sound all together.)

Tell them: God told Gideon that he would help the Israelites. Gideon was afraid, but obeyed God. During the Bible story we will hear more about the trumpets that Gideon and the Israelites used. When Gideon plays his trumpet, I want you to make the sound as well. Practice a couple of times imitating the sound of trumpets.

BIBLE STORY

Distribute the torches that were made and, if possible, obtain disposable cups so that they can be crushed and generate noise. Tell them that during the development of the story, you will indicate when they should imitate the sound of the trumpet, shake the torches and crush the cups. Until then, everyone will stay quiet and listen carefully.

Gideon trust in God

The Israelites forgot to trust in God and everything started to go wrong. It was then when a group of people, called the Midianites, did very bad things to them.

“God, please help us,” the Israelis cried. God heard their prayers and told Gideon that it was time to stop the Midianites.

Gideon was afraid. “How can I help my people?” he asked God. “I am very weak and the Midianites are strong.”

“I’ll be with you,” God told him. So Gideon and an army of Israelites waited near a stream.

“There are too many men,” God told Gideon. “I will help you choose those who will stay with you for the battle. Send back home everyone who is afraid. “

Gideon obeyed and many men returned home. But God said, “There are still many men. Take them to the river and those who drink the water by bringing it to their mouth with their hand, will stay. Those who bend their knees to drink, you will send them home. “

Gideon trusted God even though the army was now very small. He was sure that God would help him fight the Midianites.

One night, God sent Gideon to the Midianites’ field. Two men were talking. “I had a nightmare,” one of them said. “Oh no!” the other said. “I know that means God will help the Israelites!”

Listening to them, Gideon was very happy, and praised and worshiped God. He knew that the time had come to fight.

“Get up everyone!” Gideon called his men. Then he gave each one a trumpet, a jar and a torch, and said to them, “Do exactly as I command you.”

Gideon and his men went to the camp where the Midianites were. When they arrived, Gideon blew the trumpet and shouted loudly; then he broke the jar and waved his torch. All the men of his army did the same and shouted loudly, “For God and for Gideon!” (Instruct the children to follow the instructions, imitating the sound of the trumpet and shouting, “For God and for Gideon!”)

The Midianites became afraid and started fighting among themselves. Everyone ran in despair. Gideon trusted God, and God helped him conquer the enemy town. We can also trust that God will help us overcome our fears or when we are in danger.

The torchlight game

For this activity, you will need one of the torches that was previously made, music or a musical instrument. Have the children form a circle. They must pass the torch from hand to hand while the music is playing. When the music ceases, the person who has held the torch in his hand must mention something he learned in the story. Repeat this game until everyone has participated.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to relate the biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

Tell me about your dream

Form a circle and ask: Who would like to tell us about a dream they have had? (Let them answer). In the story, what did Gideon hear? (The Israelites would win the battle against the Midianites.)

Trumpets and torches

Give each child a disposable cup; Help them write their name on it. Hand out the activity sheets and let them trace the word of faith of this unit, TRUST. Tell them: To trust is to believe that God will do what he has promised. We know that we can trust in God because he loves us and cares for us. Review the Bible story while they are coloring and cutting the torch and trumpet. Ask: What happened to the Israelites when they forgot to trust in God? (The Midianites did bad things to them.) What did God do when the Israelites remembered that they had to trust Him, and asked Him for help. (God heard their prayers and helped them.) What did Gideon do even though he was afraid? (He chose to obey and trust in God.) Help the children to bend the flame of the torch and place it inside the cup. Then help them glue the trumpet on the cardboard.

Ask them to take their torches and trumpets home and use them to tell the Bible story to their friends and family members.

Memory Verse

On a large piece of cardboard write the memory verse (Proverbs 3:5). Cut out each of the words. Another option is to write each word on cards or white pieces of paper. Place the memory verse words on a table and ask the children to try to put them in order in the shortest possible time. Remember that many preschoolers are just getting started in the reading process. Be patient and help them recognize each letter so that they form words.

To finish

Give time for your students to pick up the material they used and prepare what they will take home. Gather them together to say prayer requests and pray for them. Let some volunteers pray and conclude by giving thanks for the love and care that God has for each one of us when we feel fear.

Lesson 24

A woman trusts in God when she is afraid

Biblical base: 2 Kings 4:8-37

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers will learn they can trust God when they feel sad.

Memory verse: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

This story talks about the trust that developed between a Shunammite woman and the prophet Elisha. She lived in Shunem, a city 32 kilometers south of Mount Carmel. Every time Elisha traveled between Mount Carmel and Jezreel, he stopped at the home of this woman and her husband. She would offer hospitality to Elisha, preparing food and providing a room in her house. Hospitality was very important in Biblical times. Without the hospitality of strangers, travelers would not have been able to rest, or gather food and water. They depended on the kindness of people to have a safe place to spend the night.

Elisha appreciated her kindness and decided to give her something in return. He had realized that she had no children. Children were important to women. Through children, women received protection when their husbands were not there or died. Children were a source of hope and security for the future. Therefore, Elisha predicted to the woman that she would have a child and that is what happened.

However, things did not go well after the birth. Later, the child became ill and died. Her hope was shattered. Once again she had no children, but this time having experienced what it is to be a mother. This woman could have quit everything, but instead, she decided to trust and went in search of Elisha. She knew that the prophet had asked God for that child, and that he would intercede again before the Lord.

God demonstrated His great power through Elisha, restoring life to the son of the Shunammite woman. Death is not a limit to God. When sadness returns, let us remember this woman, who chose to trust in God in the midst of tragedy and received restoration and consolation.

Adaptation

Death may be a difficult concept for preschoolers to understand. Listening about the death of another child can disturb them. And if some have experienced the death of a loved one, it is likely that this story will cause them to be doubtful. They may think: If God has power over death, why do people die?

They are too young to understand the power of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life. What you can do is help them trust in God in the midst of sadness. Help them understand that it is normal to be sad or cry. Tell them that when they feel sad, God listens to them.

If there are students in your class who have already experienced the death of a relative, it may be good for them to talk with you about that experience. Listen as they talk about a person who died. Pray with them and encourage them to tell God how they felt after that experience. You will see how their confidence in the Lord will grow when they realize that they can talk to God when they are sad.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students in listening to the Bible story.

Why are you sad?

Give white paper and colored pencils to your students so that they draw something that makes them feel sad.

Give them a few minutes to do their drawings and when they finish, ask them to explain what they drew. This will help children express their fears and you will be able to identify them more clearly.

Explain that although there are many things that sadden them, they can rely on God’s help.

A room for a special guest

For this activity, you will need pencils or colored markers, magazine clippings of beds, chairs, tables, lamps, ornaments, etc., scissors, glue and pieces of cardboard (30 x 45 cm).

Put the material on a table and ask the children to design a room for a special guest. Tell them: If you had to fix a room in your house for a special guest, what would you like to put in it? (Allow them to respond.)

Help them paste the pictures they chose to make their room.

Explain that today’s Bible story is about a woman who prepared a special room for the prophet Elisha.

BIBLE

Use these activities to help your students have a better understanding of the Biblical truth.

Bible story

Create visual aids to illustrate your lesson. While narrating it, use gestures and change the tone of your voice to describe the situation and make it more interesting.

A mother who trusts in God

Elisha was a prophet who loved and listened to the voice of God. He gave messages from God to people.

One day Elisha had to go to a place called Shunem. A very kind woman lived there who loved God and wanted to be kind to the prophet.

“Come and eat with us,” she would say to Elisha, and the prophet on several occasions ate with the Shunammite woman and her husband.

“Elisha is a man of God,” the woman told her husband. “I would like to prepare a room so that when he passes by here, he has a comfortable place to rest.” “I think that’s a good idea,” her husband said. The woman worked hard to get the prophet’s room ready. She put a bed, a chair, a table and a candlestick in the room. At last the room was finished and it looked very nice!

When Elisha passed through that city again, he stayed to rest in his new room. The Prophet was very happy with this place of rest and asked his assistant to go and look for the woman. “You and your husband have been very good at arranging this place for me to rest. What do you want me to do for you?” Elisha asked. “I do not need anything, thank you very much, “said the woman, and left to let the prophet rest.” “What can I do for her?” Elisha thought. “They have no children,” said his assistant. Upon hearing this, Elisha sent for the woman again. “Next year you will have a son,” Elisha said.

After a year the woman had a baby and her boy grew up. However, one day the child became ill and died. His mother was very sad. He put her son on Elisha’s bed and quickly went to look for the prophet; she knew he could help her. This woman trusted that God could do a miracle for her son. Elisha was sad to hear the bad news and rushed to the woman’s house to see the child. When he arrived, he prayed for God’s help. Suddenly, the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes. Elisha called the woman and said, “Take your son, he is alive.” This woman trusted that God could heal her son and the Lord answered her request.

Bible Review

Sit the children in a circle and talk to them about what happens when they get sick. Question: Do you remember a time when you were sick? (Allow them to respond.) Did your mother care for you? Do you remember what the child’s mother did in today’s story? (She looked for Elisha and trusted God’s help.) Emphasize that no matter what happens, they can trust that God is willing to help them.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to relate the biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

Help us Elisha!

Hand out the activity sheets for this lesson. Provide scissors, a clip and a paper clip with two legs. Follow the instructions on the activity sheet to assemble the game board and use it. After the children have played, ask them: What did the child’s mother do when her child died? (She went to look for Elisha.) What did Elisha do to help the child? (Prayed to God.) How did God answer the prayer of Elisha? (Healed the child.) What can you do when you feel sad? (Trust in God.)

Memory verse

Study the memory verse together: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Ask your students to sit in a circle. Walk behind your students touching each shoulder while repeating the text. The last one you touch as you finish saying the verse will join you. Together you will walk around the others repeating this action until everyone goes behind you saying the verse.

To finish

Make sure that the students pick up and make orderly their work area before leaving. Remember the prayer requests and intercede for them. Invite your students to the next class. Remind them that no matter what happens during the week, they can trust in the power of God.

Lesson 25

Naaman obeys and trusts God

Biblical Base: 2 Kings 5:1-16

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers will learn to trust and obey God.

Memory verse: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Naaman was the captain of the Syrian army. King Aram respected this leader, who had defeated many enemies.

When Naaman became ill, he turned to other gods for healing. However, he did not receive the help he needed and he was not healed from his leprosy. Naaman’s servants worried about his health and recovery. This makes us think that maybe he was a good man, besides being a great military leader. It was through a young enslaved woman that he learned of the power of a prophet of God, Elisha, who lived in Samaria.

Naaman asked the king for permission to travel to see Elisha, and he granted it. The king, following the diplomatic rules, sent a letter to the king of Israel, along with gifts of gold, silver and fine clothes. He supposed that he could buy the services of the prophet of Israel by sending expensive gifts.

Naaman realized that the king of Israel was a fearful man and that he might consider his visit as a possible trap.

When Elisha learned of what was happening in the palace, he sent word to the king to send the Syrian captain to see him. When Naaman came to the doors of the prophet’s house, he sent his servant to give Naaman instructions.

Naaman answered full of anger at the instructions of Elisha. He did not understand how plunging into the Jordan River would help. Once he decided to obey Elisha’s command, he was healed by the grace and power of God.

After Naaman was healed by God, his response filled the Israelites with shame. They were still trying to decide who to follow, whether God or Baal. Naaman said with conviction, “Now I know that there is no other God in all the earth, but the God of Israel” (2 Kings 5:15). Elisha recognized the power of God when he refused to receive the gifts that Naaman offered him. He knew that it was God who had healed the body of the Syrian captain.

There are moments when I ask God, “Why do you want me to do that?” But stories like Naaman’s help me to remember that the future is not in my hands, but in His. When I put my eyes on God and I strengthen my trust by being obedient, I know that He will provide for my needs and fulfill His purpose in me.

Adaptation

This story has an important lesson for preschoolers: trust and obedience go hand in hand. It is impossible to trust God without obeying him. They must understand that just as they trust their parents and obey their commands, so they must trust God and obey Him. In this world full of chaos, children can find safety by learning that it is possible to trust God, even when their understanding is limited.

Preschoolers are active, with short attention spans. Observe them while participating in the different activities. If someone is very restless, change the rhythm of the lesson or activity, or simply smile. Many times a smile is what the child needs to refocus their attention.

Remember that your students are curious by nature. They ask questions about the characters and situations of the Bible, recognize the difference between that time and now, and question food or clothing. Through questions, listen carefully and discover if they connect the God of the Old Testament to the God whom they love and worship. Preschoolers need to understand that God does not change. The people of Biblical times could trust Him. And, now we can too because God is the same today, yesterday and forever.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students in listening to the Bible story.

Elisha says...

Ask the children to stand in front of you and say: We are going to participate in a game called “Elisha says”. If I say, “Elisha says touch your nose”, you should touch your nose. But if I just say, “Touch your nose,” and you do, you must sit down because I did not say Elisha’s name.

Repeat the game (Elisha says to touch his shoes, to jump, to touch your eyebrows, to spin, etc.) until most of them are seated.

Explain that when they follow the rules of the game, they are being obedient. In the same way, God wants you to always show obedience to Him. Today’s Bible story is about a man who was obedient.

Obedience Mural

For this activity, you will need a large piece of cardboard, sheets of paper, pencils or colored markers and tape.

On the top of the mural, write: “Obedience is important.” Ask the children to each draw a picture of obedience. When they are done, place the drawings on the mural and talk about its meaning.

BIBLE

Use these activities to help your students have a better understanding of the Biblical truth.

Naaman is sick

You will need a thermometer or an empty medicine box. Show the children the thermometer or the medicine box and ask them: Have you seen this before? Can you tell me what it is and what it’s for? (Give time for them to respond.) The thermometer (or medicine) helps doctors help the sick. Today’s Bible story is about a man who was sick. His name was Naaman. He had a serious skin disease. Listen carefully to the Bible story so that you know what happened.

BIBLE STORY

Cut six circles of paper and put duct tape on the back of each one. Choose a student to represent Naaman during the Bible story. Get a piece of paper or a blue rug that represents the Jordan River.

Naaman obeys and trusts in God

Gather the children around the rug or blue paper as you tell the story. Naaman was a very important general of the Syrian army, but he had a serious skin disease. (Ask the child to sit next to you and tape the circles on his arms, legs and face.) Naaman’s wife had an Israelite girl at her service. “If Mr. Naaman went to look for the prophet of God in Israel, he would be cured of his illness,” said the girl. Naaman went to see his king and said, “My wife’s servant says there is a prophet of a God in Israel who can heal me.”

“I will send a letter to the king of Israel,” said the king of Syria. Then Naaman went to see the king of Israel and he read the letter that said: “Please, help my servant. I send him to be healed of his illness.” When he finished reading the letter, the king became worried and said, “How do you want me to cure you? I’m not God!” Elisha was a prophet of God and knew that He could save Naaman. So he told the king to send the captain of the Syrian army his house. Naaman went with all his chariots and servants to the house of Elisha.

When they arrived, the Prophet sent his servant to give a special message to Naaman. “Go to the Jordan River and dive in it seven times. After you have done this, you will be healthy” he said. Naaman became very angry and said, “What is this? Elisha should have come to pray for me or send me to one of the beautiful rivers of my country. I do not like the Jordan River. I’m leaving here!” But Naaman’s servants convinced him to do what the prophet had ordered, so they went to the Jordan River.

Naaman walked to the river and began to enter little by little (ask the boy to immerse himself in the river) and then submerged himself seven times. When he got out of the water the last time, his skin was clean and healthy like that of a baby (ask the child to stand up and shake to remove the circles from their skin). Naaman could not believe it! His skin was totally healthy. He was healed!

Naaman returned to see Elisha and said, “Now I know that there is only one God in the whole world. Please, accept these gifts that I bring for you.” “No, thank you,” Elisha said. “I did only what God told me. God was the one who healed you of your disease.” Naaman worshiped God and left to his country very happy and grateful for the miracle that the Lord had done in him.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to relate biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

Go in the river 7 times!

For this activity you will need pencils, duct tape, markers or colored pencils, scissors, wooden sticks (two per child) and pieces of blue cardboard (22 x 30 cm.) Cut out an opening of 7.5 cm on the pieces of blue cardboard and give one to each child. Allow them to write their name and trace the word of faith on their worksheet.

Follow the instructions on the worksheet. Encourage your students to use their finished work to review the Bible story.

Memory verse

Ask your students to choose a place in the room and stay there while explaining the instructions of the game. Ask them to sit on the floor and say: I am going to count from one to seven. When I get to seven, the first one to jump and stand will say the memory verse with me. Repeat the game several times until everyone has said the text with you.

To finish

Sing a song of trusting in God as you gather all the children together to pray. Encourage them to mention their prayer requests and pray for each other. It is important that everyone takes home the work they have done in class. This way parents will know what their children are doing in Sunday school. Say goodbye after inviting them to the next class.

Lesson 26

Job trusts God despite his problems

Biblical base: Job 1-2; 5; 15; 19; 36; 41-42

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers will learn to trust God in the midst of difficulties.

Memory verse: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

The book of Job is named after its main character.

Job lived in the land of Uz. He was an extremely rich man who owned a lot of cattle, servants and had many children. This story contains themes that people always reflect on. The wisdom of this book is an invitation to depend completely on God, even in the most desperate circumstances, and not to rely on possessions, riches, health or well-being.

When we read the calamities that happened to this man, it is normal to ask: How is it possible that a just God has allowed something like this to happen to a righteous man? But, as we read the story, we understand that Job’s faith was being tested and, in spite of the terrible circumstances, this man had an unwavering trust in God.

Job had a righteous life before God all the time. Although he enjoyed the security of wealth for a period, in an instant he lost everything he possessed. In addition, he suffered emotionally and physically. He lost everything: family, home, livestock, health and wealth. But in the midst of that storm, Job recognized God as the Creator and sustainer of life. “God gave, God removed. Let the name of the LORD be exalted “( Job 1:21). This is a powerful declaration of the power and grace of God.

When, like Job, we recognize that everything belongs to God, we can face the most difficult situations, knowing that what we are does not depend on material things, health or family. We can trust God knowing that all things are under his control.

Adaptation

Preschoolers live in a world in which calamity or inexplicable disasters occur. They fear the unknown and wonder what will happen in the future. A businessman filed for bankruptcy and two weeks later was looking for a new job. The first question his five-year-old son asked was, “Dad, are we going to have food?” This child understood that due to lack of work, they might suffer. His father’s response was: “Can you see the birds in the trees? God feeds them every day. So God will never leave us without food, we are more valuable than birds.”

Pray and ask the Lord to help you convey that confidence to your students. Help them recognize that God is the Creator of everything and He has absolute control over all circumstances.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students in listening to the Bible story.

General Review

Briefly review what you have studied during the past lessons. Ask some volunteers to talk about biblical characters and what they did. If they wish, they can use the activity sheets as a guide.

Emphasize that all of these characters had faith and trust in God.

TRUST

Write the word “TRUST” on the board or on a poster board in very large letters.

On a table covered with a plastic tablecloth or newspaper, put play-doh or modeling clay and wooden sticks. Ask the children to try to use those materials try to make some of the letters they see on the blackboard.

As they work, remind them that all the Bible characters in this unit trusted God. Join the letters they have made to form the word TRUST and put it in a visible place.

BIBLE

Use these activities to help students have a better understanding of the Biblical truth.

He lost everything!

During the week, look for magazine clippings that illustrate Job’s possessions (house, family, friends, animals, wealth, etc.) and stick them on a poster board.

Show the pictures to your students and tell them that today’s Bible story tells of a man who had all the things they see on the cardboard, but suddenly lost everything. Ask them: How would you feel in that situation? (Listen to the answers.)

Pay attention to the biblical story so that you learn what happened to Job.

BIBLE STORY

Job trusts in God

Job loved God and trusted Him. God had blessed Job in many ways. He gave him a wife, seven sons and three daughters. He also had many workers and thousands of animals, a large house and many riches.

But one day many bad things started to happen to Job. His children died, as did his animals and servants. He also lost all his possessions.

Job felt very sad. He tore his clothes, sat on ashes and wept bitterly. However, he knew that God had not left him and said, “Although many bad things have happened to me, I love God and I trust in Him. I know He is not to blame for all this.”

Later, Job became very sick. Many sores covered his body and made him feel very bad. Job’s wife, tired of the bad things, said, “Everything that happens to you is terrible, you should forget about God.”

Job said that this was not right. He said, “Sometimes good things happen to us; other times, bad things happen to us, but I have chosen to trust in God, despite the circumstances.” Job’s friends went to see him and one of them said, “You should talk to God about all that has happened to you.” Another also said, “If you are a righteous man, you must ask God to help you.” A third friend told him, “Bad things happen to people who have done something wrong.” Job listened attentively to his friends and everything they said made him feel even sadder. But he continued to trust in God.

When Job’s friends finished speaking, another man said, “God is great.” Job heard the words that this man said. Finally God spoke to Job. God did not leave Job, even when many bad things happened to him. For his faithfulness, God blessed Job again and gave him more animals, riches and workers than before. He also had more children and lived happily for a long time.

Bible review

Tell the children to form a circle; then ask a volunteer to blindfold him. Say: Even though you cannot see, you can trust me to help you walk around the circle.

As we walk, tell me something you learned during the Bible story. Do it with each child in your class. Tell them that just as they trusted that you would lead them in the room, they should trust that God will be with them to guide them through difficult times.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to relate the biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

Very sad!

Hand out the student activity sheets, and give each student a piece of cardboard or thick paper. Give them time to write their name and trace the word of faith of the unit (trust). Remind them that trusting is believing that God will do what He has promised. Help the children cut out the name strip, the word of faith and the three circles. Then you should stick them on the piece of cardboard and decorate it as you wish. Use this sheet to review the Bible story. Tell them to take it home to tell Job’s story to family and friends.

Memory verse

For this activity you will need tape and a chair. Stick a strip of tape on the floor. Then put a chair at the other end of the room. Remove any obstacle that could keep the children from doing this exercise. Place the children in front of the tape and give the following instructions: Let’s walk to where our guest is. When we get there, we will go around the chair and jump five times saying the memory verse. Are you ready? Repeat the exercise a couple of times. Then ask them to sit on the floor and ask them: Why do they think we took five jumps? (Listen to the answers.) How many biblical characters did we study in this unit? (Five) Can you tell me who they were? (Deborah, Gideon, the Shunammite woman, Naaman and Job)

To finish

Make sure the children take home their work. Thank everyone for attending today’s class and make a special mention of those who attended throughout the unit. Tell them that the theme of the next lesson will be “I am part of my church.” Finish with a prayer and remind your students that they can trust God at all times.

Year 2

Introduction • Unit VII

I AM A PART OF MY CHURCH

Unit Objective: That the preschoolers will learn that they are an important part of their church, and an important part of God’s family.

Memory Verse: “And let us not give up meeting together.” (Hebrews 10:25).

Word of faith: CHURCH: The people who know and love God, and his son Jesus, are the church. The place of worship is called the church building.

Unit Lessons:

Lesson 27 I am a part of my church

Lesson 28 I learn from the Bible

Lesson 29 I learn to help others

Lesson 30 I give my offering to God

What preschoolers will learn from these lessons:

They will learn that they are an important part of the church.

They will learn more about God through the Bible.

They will learn that the members of the church help each other.

They will understand that offering is an important part of the Christian life.

The church has been called the bride of Christ, the body of Christ, the community of believers, the people of God, the spiritual family and the group of Christians. These different names come together in one truth the church is made up of people who know God and have been saved by the blood of Christ.

The church functions as a community of believers who have been assigned the responsibility of announcing the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.

The early church marked the guidelines to follow for future generations of believers. In the book of Acts, we can learn how they resolved conflicts, managed finances, preached and how leadership was assigned.

This leaves us a guide to know how God wants his church to be led.

Through these stories, encourage your preschoolers to participate in the communion of believers through learning, fellowship, praise and prayer.

Lesson 27

I am a part of my church

Biblical base: Acts 2:42-47

Lesson objective: That preschoolers learn they are an important part of their church.

Memory verse: “And let us not give up meeting together.” (Hebrews 10:25).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

The members of the early church were dedicated to teaching, fellowship, prayer and worshiping God.

Since the first Christians were Jews, the meetings were held in the temple or in houses. When they met, the people saw the way they worshiped God and loved each other. God blessed their dedication to the study of his Word, the worship and fellowship they had with one another.

The book of Acts tells us that “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). When people decided to follow Jesus, they joined the group of redeemed Christians and shared all things. The church witnessed to others through their transformed lives and Christian fellowship.

Just as the early church witnessed, our churches today must be a reflection of God’s love for others. We must worship God together, pray for one another, help each other in any need and share what we have with the most needy. People will see that we preach a living gospel, and many people will be attracted to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Adaptation

Some of the children you teach are part of families who actively participate in the church. Others belong to families that attend sporadically, and others may be coming for the first time. In any case, the truth is that preschoolers have little control over their attendance since they depend on their parents or relatives to take them to church. You can maintain and increase the attendance of your class by contacting the families of your students and developing relationships with them, especially with parents. Your job as a teacher is to make your classroom a place where your students feel safe and nurtured, where they learn more about God and worship him freely. It must also be a place where they learn to love one another and share with each other.

Each of your students has a unique personality. Some are always ready to participate in everything they can. Others are more reserved and quiet. Even if they do not show a desire to be in the church, rest assured that they will learn from God and can develop friendships that will be in their life forever.

Help them understand that we are all part of God’s family and that we should love and care for each other.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the student’s attention on listening to the Bible and studying God’s word.

Let’s build a church

For this activity you will need duct tape, plastic blocks, empty boxes, cans and clean cardboard.

Use the tape to make the outline of a square on the floor. Place the work material close by. Ask your students to use these elements to build a church building. When the work is finished, ask them: What did they make? (A church building) The place where we gather to praise God is called the church building and we are the church. The church is made up of people who know and love God and his Son, Jesus.

What is our church like?

Ask the pastor of your congregation or the Sunday school director to take the preschool group to a brief tour of the church building.

Tell the children that as they walk, they should pay close attention to everything they see because you will ask some questions upon their return.

When they are back in the room, ask them what they saw and listen to their answers.

Emphasize that people gather in the church building to learn about God, praise Him and pray together.

BIBLE

Use these activities to help students have a better understanding of the Biblical truth.

Let’s go to the church!

You will need some blankets or towels for this activity. Arrange the blankets on the floor and tell the children: It’s time to sleep. We need rest so we can go to the church building in the morning. Choose a place to rest. When you are lying on the blankets, if possible turn off the lights or cover the windows and say, “God, thank you for allowing us to rest.” Then tell the children: Everyone should close their eyes, but then turn on the lights and say, “It’s time to go to the church!” Everyone should get up and take their place to hear the Bible story.

BIBLE STORY

Teach your students to use their hands to make a symbol that represents the church: They should join hands by joining the tips of their fingers and separating the palms. Ask them to make that symbol each time they hear the word “church” during the Bible story.

The church of Jerusalem

The disciples loved Jesus very much. After he went to heaven, they spoke to many people about Him.

More and more people believed that Jesus was the Son of God and decided to love him and follow him. Those people who lived in Jerusalem formed the first Christian church.

The people wanted to know more about Jesus and asked the disciples to talk about the Son of God. They spent many hours teaching people what Jesus had taught them.

Many became faithful followers of Jesus and loved one another. They also met to share their food, eat bread together and talk about the love that Jesus had shown them by dying on the cross.

Other times they met to pray for each other and thank God for having sent their Son into the world.

All these people formed the church and met in houses to worship God. Today we gather in the church building to pray, praise God and hear His Word.

The people of the church of Jerusalem helped each other. Sometimes they sold their land or their houses to help the needy, because they knew that loving God also meant loving others.

They were happy to have met Jesus, and talked about Him to other people. Every day the church grew bigger because many others decided to love and follow Jesus.

Bible review

If possible, play hide and seek with your students. Ask them to find a place to hide inside the classroom while you count from 1 to 20. Then you will look for them and as you find them, they should tell you something they learned in the story.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to relate the biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

How many types of churches are there?

During the week, look in Christian magazines for some photographs of different church buildings (remember that they should be Christian churches only). If you do not have this type of material, ask your pastor or other church members for help.

Show the pictures to your class, explaining that around the world there are many Christian churches where people gather to worship God. Emphasize that all of us who have believed in Jesus are children of God and are part of the church.

I am a part of my church

Give each child the activity sheet for this lesson, scissors and a paper clip clasp with two legs.

Help them cut out the figure of the church and the circle of drawings. Make sure they write their name on the back of the church figure.

Follow the instructions on the worksheet to know how to do it. When they have finished, review what they learned in the Bible story using what they made.

Memory verse

Place the children in a row and ask them to march around the room. Repeat the memory verse out loud together: (Hebrews 10:25). Change the pace and make varied movements while doing this exercise.

To finish

Guide your students in prayer and give thanks to God for the blessing of being part of the church. Make them feel that we are all children of the same heavenly Father, so we are all one family. Encourage them to attend the next class on time and ask them, if possible, to bring their Bible to class (it could be a children’s Bible or a book of Bible stories).

Lesson 28

I learn from the Bible

Biblical base: Acts 17:10-12

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers learn that through the Bible, they can learn about God.

Memory verse: “And let us not give up meeting together.” (Hebrews 10:25).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

When the apostle Paul arrived in a city, the first place he visited was always the synagogue. In this passage he had just fled from Thessalonica after having preached and taught. From there he traveled to Berea, a city about 96 kilometers away.

When Paul arrived at the synagogue of Berea, he came upon a group of Jews willing to listen to his message. Paul taught them that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were prophesied in the Old Testament, and proclaimed Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Son of God.

The people of Berea listened to Paul and searched diligently in the Scriptures to discover the truth. While studying the Scriptures, they found the truth that came from God.

Studying the Bible is important for Christians to grow. It helps us learn what God wants from us. If we refuse to study the Word of God, we will remain stuck in our spiritual growth. Take a minute to reflect and analyze your Bible reading habits. Are you studying the Word of God as He wishes you to? As you prepare to teach about the importance of the Word of God, remember that what you teach your students will serve them as solid foundations for spiritual development.

Adaptation

It is possible that some students in class have parents who read a Bible story to them on a daily basis. Maybe others do not have a Bible at home. Whatever the case may be, help them understand that the Bible is a very special book because it was inspired by God, and through it, they can learn more about Jesus and the kingdom of God.

In this lesson you will have the opportunity to show students respect and love for the Bible by handling it with care. Although preschoolers cannot understand that it is “inspired by God,” it will help them build the foundation of respect and love for the Word of God. Preschoolers begin to develop an interest in reading books. They are also learning Bible stories and choose their favorite. Ask them why the Bible is special and tell them why the Bible is special to you.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students to listen and guide them in the Bible study.

Time to teach

Ask that those who brought their Bible to class put it on the table. If possible, give them a candy or a pencil as a reward.

Allow a few minutes for all children to browse and observe the books brought by their companions. Sit with them and read them a story.

Tell them that the Bible is a very special book that helps us learn from God.

Find the Bible

For this activity, you will need a big box, various books and a Bible. Put the books and the Bible inside the box. Ask a volunteer to put a hand in the box and try to find the Bible. When they have it in their hands, they must sit down with it and you will ask them: Why do you think the Bible is different from the other books? (Because the Bible is the Word of God.) Remind them about the last class before beginning the Bible story.

BIBLE

Use this activity to help introduce your students to the Bible study.

What do you bring to church?

Form a circle with your students and ask them: What do you and your parents bring every Sunday to church? (Listen to the answers.) Explain that we bring the Bible because by reading and studying it, we learn more about God. Today’s Bible story talks about a group of people who wanted to do just that.

BIBLE STORY

Have a Bible on hand before beginning the story and explain: In a place called Berea, some people had decided to follow Jesus. They met in the synagogue, which was the place where they worshiped and studied the Scriptures to learn more about God. Now we are going to do the same thing that those people did: we will study the Word of God.

The people of Berea study the Word of God

Paul and Silas loved God and his Son Jesus. They were part of the early church (the first Christians in the world). They went from place to place and spoke about Jesus because they wanted all people to know him and be part of the church.

One day they went to a new place called Berea and visited the synagogue. That was the place where people gathered to study the Scriptures. It was like a church. When they arrived, they began to speak about the Word of God to the people who were gathered there.

“Listen, we have good news for you. Jesus, the Son of God, lives and loves you!” The people listened attentively to the words of Paul and Silas. They wanted to hear more about Jesus. Every day people met with Paul and Silas in the synagogue to hear more about God and his Son. They believed that Paul told them the truth and decided to follow Jesus. Many in Berea became Christians and were part of the church of Christ. We are also part of the church of Christ because we love him and he is our Savior.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to relate the biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

Same and different

For this activity you will need a Bible, paper, thick thread or ribbon (30 cms.) and scissors.

Give the children the sheets of paper and ask them to roll them up. Then help them tie the ribbon around the center. In this way they will have a model of what the Scriptures were like in Bible times. Show them the Bible and compare it with the scrolls they made. Explain that the Christians of Berea and Jerusalem knew the Scriptures in the form of scrolls, while we have the Word of God in the form of a book. However, the content is the same because it helps us to learn more about God.

We learn from the Bible

Hand out the student activity sheets, pencils or colored pencils. Allow time for the students to write their name and trace this unit’s word of faith (church). Remind them that the people who know and love God and His Son, Jesus, are the church; and the place where we are going to praise God is called the church building. Ask them to circle the family from Bible times and the scroll they studied. Then ask them to draw a square around the family from modern times and the Bible they use.

Turn the page and give them a few minutes to circle all the Bibles that appear there.

Memory Verse

The memory verse is very short and most children already know it by now. Allow some volunteers to repeat it to the rest of the class. If you wish, motivate them by holding a contest and awarding simple prizes.

To finish

Sing a song about the church or the Word of God. Pray together, giving thanks to God because through the Bible, we can know more about Him.

Make sure all the children take home the Bible or the book they brought, as well as the work done in class.

Lesson 29

I learn to help others

Biblical base: Acts 6:1-7

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers learn that members of the church help each other.

Memory verse: “And let us not give up meeting together.” (Hebrews 10:25).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

When a church grows and is active, problems sometimes arise. Sometimes people feel despised or uncomfortable. These situations have existed since the early days of the church.

In the early church, one of the main tasks of the Christians was to take care of the weakest and most unprotected. Some needed only temporary help. Others, such as widows who could not work, received 14 meals a week, that is, two meals a day.

As the church grew, problems began to arise because of this. Some members of the church, especially the group of Greeks, felt that their widows were unattended to. As in our times, the responsibility also fell on the leaders. The apostles analyzed the problem and realized that although the Greeks were right, the priority of the apostles was to pray and preach the Word of God. Instead of dedicating themselves entirely to the care of widows, the apostles chose seven men filled with the Holy Spirit, who were wise and of good testimony. While the seven men were in charge of the administrative area, the apostles freely devoted themselves to preaching the Good News of the gospel.

Adaptation

Many times the priorities of the ministry, such as prayer and the study of the Word of God, are set aside because some members of the church demand a lot of time from the pastor. As you prepare this lesson, pray that God will show you ways in which you can serve God and support your pastor with the tasks or ministries of your local church.

We live in a self-centered society in which, sadly, preschoolers cannot find many examples of service to others. In this lesson you can give your students an example of what it is to serve. Look for opportunities to serve members of your class and congratulate those who serve their classmates.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students to listen to the Bible and study God’s word.

Good helpers

Use this time to teach children various ways to help within the classroom or the church. For example, they can pick up trash, put away the crayons, clean tables, put the Bibles in order, etc.

Give them a few minutes to clean an area of the room or to organize the materials. While they are doing it, talk to them about the importance of helping each other.

Notes for parents

For this activity, you will need cards or white paper, yarn, wool or ribbon (30 cm per child), scissors, colored papers, glue, and crayons or colored pencils.

Give the children a card with the following note: “Dear Parent, Please give your child a small offering next week. Our Bible story will talk about the early church and how they helped each other. Preschoolers will collect a special offering at the beginning of the class. Thanks for your generosity.”

Let your students decorate the note. Help them tie the ribbon to the roll to secure it and ask them to hand it to their parents at the end of the class.

BIBLE STORY

Remember that preschoolers learn through their senses. That is why it is important that you prepare some visual aids to illustrate the lesson.

A plan to help

The disciples worked hard every day to tell others about Jesus. They walked in the streets teaching people the message of the gospel of God.

Many people believed that Jesus was the Son of God and they gathered to worship Him. Some of them were from Jerusalem and others from a place called Greece.

Jesus’ followers took care of others. If someone did not have food, others made sure to provide what they needed. However, some people were not completely satisfied.

One day, a group of Greek men who loved Jesus went to talk to the apostles and told them, “It’s not fair! Do you think it’s okay that our widows don’t have enough food?”

The apostles were not aware of this situation, so they gathered all the members of the church to discuss the issue. They wanted to find a solution.

They knew it was very important that everyone should have enough food, but the apostles had to spend time in praying and preaching the Word of God. It was difficult for them to do everything. That’s why they decided to choose seven special helpers. These would be in charge of meeting the needs of the other brothers and sisters of the church.

The apostles prayed for the seven helpers before they began to work. Afterwards, the helpers began their work and made sure that no one lacked food. Thus the apostles had more time to talk to others about Jesus and church.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to relate the biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

Seven helpers

Cut out the pictures corresponding to this lesson on the cut out pages at the back of the student activity book and give a set to each

student. Hand out the worksheets and pencils and have the children write their names and trace the word of faith. Allow time for them to color the twelve apostles, and give them glue to place the picture of the seven assistants in their corresponding place. Turn the page. As the children glue the food pictures to the food bag, talk about the responsibility that Christians have to help those in need.

We need help!

Ask that some volunteers pick up the materials they used in the previous activity. Some people can collect the garbage, while others store the crayons, glue and scissors. Let them know that helping is important for our spiritual growth.

Memory verse

While your students put the room in order before going home, repeat the memory verse a couple of times. If you wish, you can invite some parents to listen to what their children have learned.

To finish

Thank the children for their help and for their participation during the class. Pray for all their prayer requests and dismiss class with a song that talks about the church. Remind them to take home the note they made for their parents and bring their offering next week.

Lesson 30

I give my offering to God

Biblical base: Acts 11:27-30

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers learn that it is important to tithe.

Memory verse: “And let us not give up meeting together.” (Hebrews 10:25).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

In this story, prophecy is mentioned in Acts for the first time. The prophets of God are messengers sent to preach, teach, explain and predict future events.

In this passage, the prophet Agabus announced to the church of Antioch that a time of famine was approaching all over the world. The early church did not question his message, revealed by the Holy Spirit. They also did not discuss whether the Judea brothers deserved the help or not. They immediately agreed to gather help and send it to the Christians of that region.

In this passage we are also shown that the church was still maturing under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We see how the congregation of the Antioch church helped the congregation of the church in Judea in times of need. As a result of this obedience, God decided to send them to the prophet and entrust them with the mission of helping their sister church. When a member of our family is n need, we do everything possible to help them. God also used the Christians of Antioch to help the brothers of Judea.

The church is a family strengthened by the Holy Spirit and unified by Christ. All of us who have accepted the sacrifice of Jesus and invited him to come into our hearts have been adopted by God. Therefore, we are brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. As the family of God, it is our duty to help each other.

As you prepare this lesson, think about: What is your attitude in giving? Do you care about the family of faith? Or do you feel giving is an obligation, not a privilege? Pray, asking God to allow you to be a role model for your students in how to give to others.

Adaptation

Some of your students may receive a monthly allowance or a small amount of money, and they may collect it to buy something. For them it is exciting to receive money on their birthday or

for some special celebration, and after that they can buy the toy they’ve wanted for a long time. Children give their money when they can receive something tangible in return.

When they give their offerings to the church, many do not understand what the true purpose is.

Through this lesson, explain specific ways how the offerings are used. Teach them the principles of tithing so they will be joyful givers.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the students’ attention on listening to the Bible and studying God’s word.

My offering

For this activity, you will need a container for the offering and some coins.

Place the container for the offering near the entrance of the room. As the children arrive, ask them to deposit their offering there. If someone has not brought money, give him some of the money you prepared earlier. Tell them: Thank you for bringing your offerings. With this money we can help others. Our church uses this money to keep the church building where we worship God clean, to pay for the telephone and electricity bills, to buy the materials we use in Sunday school and to give the pastor a salary. In this way he can always have something to eat. It is also used to help those in need, to send missionaries to other countries, and for many other things.

After collecting the offering, pray, giving thanks

for it. If any of the children can count the coins, ask them to do so. Or, count the offering in front of everyone so they know how much money was collected.

A frame of money

For this activity you will need sheets of paper, coins, crayons, scissors, pieces of cardboard and paper.

Place materials on a table. Teach your students that by putting the coins under the sheets of paper and marking them with crayons on the surface of the sheet, the shape of the coin will show up. Allow time for this activity.

We suggest that you pay attention as some small children have a habit of taking coins into their mouths.

When they finish marking their coins, tell them to cut them out. Then they should stick them on the piece of cardboard and decorate it as they wish. Ask them to write their name and the phrase “I can give and offering.” Help those who are learning to write.

BIBLE

Use these activities to help students have a better understanding of the Biblical truth.

Songs about tithing

Teach children a song about tithing. Sing it several times and, if possible, show some gestures you can make while singing to complement the activity. Sing the song each time you collect the offering.

Bible story

On yellow paper draw six large circles and cut them out. Draw them in such a way that they look like coins. Put the container for the offering in front of you. Choose six students to have the coins and deposit them when you indicate it during the Bible story.

The disciples share

Agabus was a man who loved God and studied his Word. He was a prophet. That means that he was a person who listened to God, obeyed him and told the people messages from the Lord.

One day God spoke to Agabus and sent him to a place called Antioch. Agabus obeyed the Lord and did what he ordered. When he arrived, God gave him a special message for the church of Antioch. “Listen carefully,” said Agabus. “I have something important to tell you. God wants you to know that some parts of the world, including Judea and Jerusalem, will not have food for some time. It will not rain and people will be very hungry.” Everyone who was there was very worried, because they knew that many Christians lived in those places. “What can we do to help?” someone asked. “Maybe we should send them help so they do not go hungry,” said another person. All those who were there decided to send something to help the Christians of Judea. Then they collected a special offering to send. (Ask the children to deposit the paper coins in the container for the offering.)

Barnabas and Saul were in Antioch, but they were going to return to Judea. So the people asked them: “Could you take this offering to the Christians in Judea?”

Barnabas and Saul accepted. They took the offering and handed it over to the leaders of the church to be distributed among the needy. The believers in Antioch were very happy to have helped the people in need.

CONNECTION

Use these activities to relate the biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

A bag for the coins

Cut 30 cm of yarn for each member of your class. Hand out the student activity sheets and allow them to write their name and trace the word of faith of the unit. Then, ask them to carefully cut out the nine coins and count them. Repeat the memory verse with the children while they put their coins in a bag. Review the content of the story while closing the bags with the wool.

Encourage them to use the coin bag to tell their family members what they learned in the Bible story.

Why is it important to tithe?

Provide white paper and colored pencils for your students to draw a picture of the importance of giving.

When they are finished, paste all the drawings on a poster board and place it in a visible place so that the members of your congregation can observe it.

Memory verse

For this activity, you will need a container and seven paper coins.

Write on the coins each of the words in the memory verse. Ask the children to repeat the verse with you as they deposit the coins one by one in the container. Allow those who have not learned the verse to do the exercise several times.

To finish

Sing the song you learned about tithing and briefly review what you learned during this unit. Make sure everyone takes home their finished work and dismiss them with a prayer.

Tell them that in the next five classes they will study about a very special Bible character called Paul. Contact children who have been missing inviting them to join you during the next unit.

Year 2

Introduction • Unit VIII

THE STORY OF PAUL

Unit Objective: That through the study of Paul’s life, the preschoolers will learn that they also can lovingly teach the Good News of Jesus.

Memory Verse: “Live a life of love. Love other people just as Christ loved us.” (Ephesians 5:2 ICB)

Word of Faith: GOOD NEWS: God loves us and sent his Son Jesus. This the Good News that Christians must share with others.

Unit Lessons:

Lesson 31 Saul meets Jesus

Lesson 32 Saul preaches about Jesus

Lesson 33 Paul tells Lydia about Jesus

Lesson 34 Paul speaks to a prison guard about Jesus

Lesson 35 Paul preaches to the Romans about Jesus

What preschoolers will learn from these lessons:

They will learn that God has the power to transform people.

They will study that Paul was a great preacher of the gospel.

They will know that it is important to talk about Jesus to others.

They will understand that, in the midst of difficult situations, they can tell others about Jesus.

In the past unit, your students learned about the early church and communion among believers. In the next unit, they will learn more about the growth of the early church through the work of one man, Saul, who was later known as Paul.

Paul was the first missionary. He traveled through Asia Minor, Greece and Rome. During his travels he preached the Good News of Jesus Christ to Jews and Gentiles. He is an example to us. When we know, love and follow the Son of God, we can freely tell others about Him.

In a little more than ten years, Paul established many churches throughout the Roman Empire. Once he met Jesus, he had no other purpose but to preach the message of salvation to people. Preschoolers will learn an important truth: when we follow and love Jesus, we need to talk about Him to our neighbors.

Lesson 31

Saul meets Jesus

Biblical base: Acts 9:1-19

Lesson objective: That preschoolers learn that God has the power to transform people.

Memory verse: “Live a life of love. Love other people just as Christ loved us.” (Ephesians 5:2 ICB)

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Saul was a Jew who was passionate about the law. As a religious leader, he believed that his responsibility was to get rid of the followers of Jesus. Therefore, he was a persecutor of Christians. Saul wanted to stop the spread of Christianity in a very important city. Damascus was a city dedicated to commerce, so many merchants went by there. Stopping Christianity in Damascus would have meant a setback for the gospel of Jesus.

However, while Saul was on his way to Damascus, he had an experience that changed his life completely. A bright light and voice from heaven appeared before him, and as the persecutor, he knew Him whom he persecuted: Jesus. Having been blinded by that bright light, and hearing the voice of Jesus, Saul discovered that he was wrong and surrendered his life to Christ.

God called Ananias, who lived in the city of Damascus, to visit the new convert and bring healing to his sight. Ananias, afraid of the terrible things he had heard of this man, faithfully obeyed God and went to the house where Saul was. God had told him that Ananias would go to see him. When the disciple arrived and prayed for him, Saul regained his sight. His life was transformed and he was ready to preach the message of the Good News of Jesus.

Saul stopped being a persecutor of Jesus and became a courageous disciple who took the gospel to many places.

As you prepare this lesson, pray that you may know Jesus better. Ask him to work in your heart and empower you to announce the gospel to your students.

Adaptation

We live in a changing world. People, circumstances, times, everything changes. It is normal for preschoolers to go through periods of change. For example, moving to a new home or city will separate us from family and friends. However, many times change can help us. Children will meet new friends and the family can be more united from far away. Saul’s life changed dramatically in an instant when he had a personal encounter with Jesus.

Help your students understand that the change Saul experienced was for the best. After being a persecutor, he became a faithful messenger of Jesus. Lead them to understand that when we know Jesus, we should talk to others about Him.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the Bible story.

Who told you?

You will need white paper and crayons or colored pencils.

Put the materials on a table and ask the children to come. Ask them: Who was the first person to tell them about Jesus? (Allow them to respond.)

Explain that Jesus loves people and wants everyone to know him. The Bible story today is about a man who knew Jesus.

Hand out paper and colors so that they draw a picture of the first person who told them about Jesus.

Let’s go on a trip!

For this activity, you will need drawings or figures of airplanes, trains, buses, boats, etc.

Show the drawings and ask what these means of transportation are used for. Listen to the answers. Then make a list of the things you need to travel. Tell them that today’s story is about a man who had something very important happen to him while on a trip.

BIBLE

Use this activity to help introduce students to the Bible lesson.

A bright light

For this activity, you will need a flashlight.

Turn off the lights and try to keep the room as dark as possible. Ask the children to line up (Be sure to remove any obstacles that could make them stumble) and follow the light until they reach their seats to hear the story.

When everyone is seated, turn on the lights and tell them: Our Bible story is about a man going down a path and being blinded by a bright light.

BIBLE STORY

Saul meets Jesus

Saul did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God and neither did he love his followers. Every time someone talked about Jesus, he got very angry and ordered that they be taken to jail.

One day Saul went to see a very important leader from Jerusalem and said, “I have go to the city of Damascus. I want you to give me a letter of authorization to put anyone who follows Jesus in jail. “

That man gave him the letter and Saul began the journey. He walked and walked a long time. When he was near the city of Damascus, suddenly a very bright light from the sky stunned him and he fell to the ground. “Who are you Lord?” asked Saul, scared. “I am Jesus, whom you persecute. Get up and go to the city; there you will be told what you have to do,” said Jesus. The man who was accompanying Saul heard the voice, but saw no one.

Saul got up, but he could not see. He was blind! His companion helped him get to the city. There Saul waited for three days.

In Damascus lived a man who loved God. His name was Ananias. The Lord asked Ananias to go and see Saul and pray for him. But Ananias replied, “I have heard about Saul. He persecutes the people who love you, and he came to Damascus to arrest and hurt us.”

Then God told him, “Saul is different now. I have chosen him to serve me. He will tell others about me. Go without fear.” Ananias did what God asked him to do. He went to see Saul, and putting his hands over his eyes, prayed for him. God immediately restored his sight and from that day forward, Saul became a faithful follower of Jesus.

Bible review

Form a circle. Tell your students that the child you shine the flashlight on should say something about the Bible story. Be careful not to direct the light in their eyes. Give an opportunity for everyone to participate.

CONNECTION

These activities will help connect biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

A transformed man

Hand out the student activity sheets and pencils to write their name and trace the words of faith: Good News.

Help the children identify the four figures on the activity sheet and number them according to the order of the story. Allow time for the worksheet to be colored on both sides.

Memory Verse Choose a leader.

Explain to the children that they should follow that leader through the room, doing what he says while they repeat the memory verse. Repeat the game until the majority has had the opportunity to be the leader.

To finish

Ask your students if they have prayer requests and have a special prayer time. Sing a song before saying goodbye, and invite them to the next class in which they will continue studying about Saul.

Lesson 32

Saul preaches about Jesus

Biblical base: Acts 9:19-29

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers learn that Paul was a great evangelical preacher.

Memory verse: “Live a life of love. Love other people just as Christ loved us.” (Ephesians 5:2 ICB)

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

After his conversion, Saul spent a few days with the disciples of Damascus. Ananias, the disciple that God used to heal Saul, was possibly part of that group that helped him grow spiritually.

The Scripture tells us that Saul, who was a persecutor of Christians and zealous of his religion, began his ministry for Christ with the same zeal. He immediately began to preach with courage the message of Jesus. Saul went to the synagogue to preach, and there he was welcomed as a rabbi, having been trained by the honorable teacher Gamaliel. Everyone in the synagogue was stunned to hear about the change in Saul. The one who at one time opposed the truth, now knew the truth through a personal encounter with Jesus.

Saul’s ministry grew mightily and, while proclaiming the truth, he faced the opposition that he once gave. The leaders of the opposition made plans to kill him. They wanted to prevent him from continuing to proclaim the gospel of Jesus. However, the Christians who once feared him, now made plans to rescue him.

Saul escaped from Damascus to return to Jerusalem. There, the followers of Jesus still feared him and rejected him, thinking that it was a trap. But Barnabas saw the testimony of Saul and believed that the Savior had truly transformed him. With the help of Barnabas, Saul was accepted by the Jerusalem church. Saul could have been discouraged and could also have returned to his old life, but he remained firm in what he had believed. He had met Jesus and was now a new man, willing to risk his life to preach the gospel. How much are you willing to risk so that others can know Jesus?

Adaptation

Although at this age many of the children may not have faced adversity for believing in Jesus, perhaps at some point they will be ridiculed, oppressed or even persecuted for the sake of Jesus. The example of Saul, who proclaimed Jesus and did not care if this meant adversity, serves as a solid foundation for the spiritual growth of your students.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the Bible story and introduce them to God’s Word.

It’s very hard!

Form a circle with your students. Ask them to try to stand on one foot for ten seconds, or take five steps backward with their eyes closed.

Allow them to try it several times and then help them do it. Explain that sometimes it is difficult to do some activities, but as we try, it becomes easier, especially if we receive help.

The same happened to the character in today’s story. He was going through a difficult situation, but he received God’s help.

A reminder of love

For this activity, you will need paper plates, pens, colored markers, ribbons, scissors and a paper hole puncher.

Place materials on a table. Write on each plate: “Jesus loves you!” Then make two holes 10 cm. from the edge of the plate. Insert the ribbon through them and tie the ribbon so they can hang the work when it’s finished.

Allow the children to decorate the plate. Tell them they can give it to someone who needs to hear about Jesus.

BIBLE

Use these activities to help introduce students to the Bible lesson.

Watch your step

Use the classroom chairs to form an obstacle course. Ask the children to walk from one end of the room to the other on the floor.

Then gather them to hear the Bible story. Before, ask them if it was easy or difficult to walk through the obstacles. Listen to their answers and tell them that the Bible story is about a difficult situation that Saul faced.

Bible story

Invite a man from your congregation to dress up as Saul, Barnabas, or a Christian from Damascus. They can wear a long tunic or a blanket.

Welcome your guest and ask the children to pay close attention to the story.

Saul preaches about Jesus

Saul had been an enemy of Christians and did not want to know anything about Jesus. But one day, when he was traveling to Damascus, Jesus spoke to him and changed his mind.

Now Saul was a different man. He loved Jesus and wanted to know Him more and more every day. He decided to tell people about Jesus, so he went to the synagogue. “Listen, I have good news for you,” said Saul. “Jesus, the Son of God, lives and loves us.” Everyone was very amazed by what they heard. “Isn’t it Saul?” someone asked? “Isn’t he the same one who took Christians to jail?” “Yes, but now he’s different. Listen to him!” another person said.

Saul preached the gospel wherever he went, and people believed in Jesus. The Jewish leaders were concerned because many people were believing in Jesus. So they decided to kill Saul. They carefully watched the city gates to make sure he did not leave. Saul’s friends found out about this plan and decided to help him escape. One night, when it was very dark, he was taken to a house that had a window in the city wall. They put him in a basket and lowered it very slowly. When the basket reached the ground, Saul got out of it and walked quickly until he reached Jerusalem. He was sure he would find other Christians there who would help him. But the Christians of that city were afraid of him. No one believed that he had changed. Barnabas spoke with Saul and realized that God had changed him. Then he took him to the other disciples and followers of Jesus. From that day on, Saul was part of the church and preached the message of Jesus everywhere.

Bible review

For this activity, you will need a big basket. Form a circle with your students. Put the basket in the center and ask: Who remembers what they used a basket for in the story? (To help Saul escape Damascus.)

Tell the children that when you mention their name, they should go into the basket and say something they remember about the story. (Give the opportunity for everyone to participate.)

CONNECTION

Paul’s basket

Give each child the student activity sheet for the lesson, and a pencil. Allow time for them to trace the word of faith and write their name.

Follow the instructions and help them trim, fold and paste their baskets. Encourage them to use their finished work to review the Bible story.

Tough times

Talk with your students about the difficult times that all people go through. Ask them to mention some situations that have made them feel sad or worried. Let them know that God cares for them just as He took care of Saul.

Memory verse

Write the verse on the board and help your students identify the letters that form it. Remember that many of them are learning to read and perhaps only know the vowels. Repeat the verse several times before saying goodbye.

To finish

Make sure the children pick up the materials and order the room before going home. Have a special time of prayer for the sick or those who could not come. Encourage students to tell their family members what they learned in class today.

Lesson 33

Paul tells Lydia about Jesus

Biblical Base: Acts 16:14-15

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers will learn that it is important to talk to others about Jesus.

Memory verse: “Live a life of love. Love other people just as Christ loved us.” (Ephesians 5:2 ICB)

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Philippi was a Roman colony and an important point of commerce in the Roman Empire. There was no synagogue there since the number of Jews was small. The city was mainly populated by officers and people withdrawn from the Roman army. But in spite of not having a synagogue, there was a meeting point outside the city, next to the river. When a synagogue could not be established anywhere, the followers of Jesus used to gather near a river, so Paul surely knew that custom.

Paul found a group of women worshipping God near a river. In that group was a woman named Lydia who was a dealer of thin, expensive purple cloth. This business woman was the first person who converted to Christianity in Europe and recognized Jesus as her personal Savior. Lydia offered the hospitality of her home to Paul and those who traveled with him, and continued to learn more about Jesus by receiving the apostle in her home.

Everywhere Paul went, he found a way to preach Jesus’ message to those of that region: Jews, Gentiles, men, women, slaves and free people. Paul preached to them about Jesus and his salvation.

As you prepare this lesson, ponder whether you are going beyond your circle of friends to announce Jesus to others. Ask God to help you and give you courage to speak to everyone who needs to hear his message of salvation.

Adaptation

Preschoolers are honest, sincere and trustworthy. Teaching them to talk about Christ to others is a great opportunity, because at this age, they do not have worries and prejudices that adults often have.

With Paul’s example, students will learn that it is important that they speak of Jesus to every person, at any time or opportunity that God gives them. Help them understand that talking to others about Jesus is a natural response to the great love that He has given us.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the Bible story.

Good News!

For this activity, you will need a toy phone. Encourage the children to make imaginary calls to tell their friends talking to them about the Good News of Jesus. Allow everyone to participate in the activity. Explain that today’s story is about the Good News that Paul preached in a town called Philippi. Preschoolers are in a phase of concrete thought. That means that they assimilate things literally. Abstract ideas, such as “Good News”, are difficult for them to understand. Therefore, allow them to listen to the concept several times, and define its meaning and implications in a clear manner.

What letter does it start with?

For this activity you will need purple (violet) pencils or crayons, sheets of paper and a black marker.

Write on each sheet a large letter P and give them to the children. Ask them what letter Paul’s name begins with. Then ask them to draw the letter and decorate the sheet to their liking. These exercises will help preschoolers to learn some letters.

BIBLE

Use these activities to help students have a better understanding of the Biblical truth.

Purple or violet

During the week, get fabric or purple objects. Show them to the children and ask them what other objects they know that are purple.

Ask them: Do you know what letter the word “purple” starts with? (P) Do you know someone whose name also starts with P? (Paul) Today’s Bible story is about a trip that Paul made to a land called Philippi.

Near the river

Put blue paper or a blue blanket on the floor and say to the children: Imagine that this blanket is a river and we will sit around it to hear the Bible story.

Bible Story

Ask the children to sit around the blue blanket and have a piece of pure purple cloth on hand to illustrate the lesson. Remind them very briefly of the previous lesson so they can relate it to the characters of this one.

Lydia learns about Jesus

After Saul arrived in Jerusalem, God told him that he would have a new name: Paul. All his friends started calling him that.

One day he and his friends decided to take a trip to a place called Philippi. They wanted to tell the people there the Good News about Jesus.

After a few days of traveling, they finally arrived in Philippi and stayed there for many days. Saturday was special for people who loved God, because they met to worship Him.

“We are going to find a place to pray near the river,” Paul told his friends.

They all left Philippi and reached a river nearby. There they saw some women who were praying. Then Paul began to tell them about Jesus. He told them that the Son of God loved them and wanted to be their Savior. A woman named Lydia, who was a purple cloth seller, was listening attentively to Paul’s words and felt that God was speaking to her. She felt something very special in her heart and decided to follow Jesus as well.

Lydia was happy! Now Jesus was her friend and she was part of the church. Then she invited Paul and his friends to stay at her house. There she prepared food for them and treated them with a lot of love.

Paul and his friends stayed a few days at Lydia’s house, talking to people about Jesus.

Find the lost cloth

Hide a piece of purple cloth in the classroom before class. Gather the children and tell them: There is a piece of cloth hidden in this room. I’m going to count to 20 while you look for it. When you find it, you must bring it to me.

When you have the piece of cloth, ask them to sit down. Then they will pass it one by one as they say something they remember from the Bible story.

Bible Review

For this activity, you will need some candies or small prizes.

Ask your students to answer the following questions, and as they do, give them a small gift:

What was Saul’s new name? (Paul)

Where did Paul travel? (To Philippi)

Where did Paul and his friends go to pray? (To a river)

Who was there? (A group of women)

What did Paul tell the women? (The Good News about Jesus)

What was the name of the woman who accepted Jesus? (Lydia)

What was her job? (She sold purple cloth.)

CONNECTION

These activities will help connect biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

Paul tells Lydia about Jesus

Hand out the student activity sheets and have the children trace the word of faith and write their name. Hand out colored pencils to color the figures of Paul and Lydia (they can color Lydia’s tunic purple). Meanwhile, review the Bible story.

Have them turn over the page and help them follow the instructions to find Paul and Lydia.

Who can you tell about Jesus?

Ask your students to name a person they could talk to about Jesus during the week. Write the names on a card to remember them during prayer.

Encourage them to tell the Good News of Jesus to their friends and family, just as Paul did.

Memory Verse

You will need 12 paper hearts and tape.

Write the words that make up the memory verse on each heart and hide them in the room. Ask your students to find them. When they find them, they must stick them on the board and repeat the memory verse a couple of times.

To finish

Form a circle and let each student say a short prayer for the people they will talk to about Jesus. Conclude by thanking God for the class and interceding for your students. Invite them to the next class to continue the lessons about Paul.

Lesson 34

Paul speaks to a prison guard about Jesus

Biblical base: Acts 16:20-34

Lesson Objective: That the preschoolers learn that in the midst of tough situations, they can talk to others about Jesus.

Memory verse: “Live a life of love. Love other people just as Christ loved us.” (Ephesians 5:2 ICB)

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Paul and Silas faced adversity when they threw a demon out of a young girl who predicted the future. The Bible tells us that the Jews tried to discredit Paul’s testimony and many people tried to harm him.

The young woman, who was possessed by a demon, was used by her masters to gain money. People would pay her owners so that she would predict their future.

When Paul and Silas found this young woman, the spirit within her recognized them as servants of God. She followed them through the market announcing that they were servants of the “Most High”. When Paul turned to her and commanded the spirit to come out of the girl, it immediately obeyed by the power of Jesus Christ.

The owners of the young woman, losing the source of their earnings, became very angry.

Paul and Silas were imprisoned but not discouraged. They chose to praise God. The jailer who was present listened to them sing. When God used an earthquake to deliver them, Paul and Silas did not escape or allow the soldier to kill himself, but rather told him about Jesus. The jailer and his family received Jesus due to the courageous testimony of Paul and Silas.

Even in the most difficult situations, Paul chose to speak about Jesus to those who needed forgiveness and salvation. As you prepare this lesson, ask that God give you strength to be a faithful witness of God’s love for others.

Adaptation

Use this opportunity to talk about Christ to your students. Many times we take it for granted that children who attend Sunday school are already saved, but that is not always the case. In Christianity, there is no place for assumptions.

Knowing Jesus as personal Savior is the best

thing that can happen to the children in your class. You have the opportunity to guide them to the feet of the Savior.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the students’ attention on the Bible story and prepare them for the lesson.

The Jail

For this activity, you will need plastic blocks or empty boxes. Put the blocks or boxes on the floor and ask the children to build a jail. When they have finished, ask them to shake the prison as if it were an earthquake.

Repeat the exercise several times. Then tell them that the Bible story talks about a prison and an earthquake.

How many chains?

You will need scissors, glue or tape and strips of cardboard (5 x 40 cms.)

Put the strips and the glue on a table. Teach children to make chains of the following form: Glue the two ends of a strip of paper to form a circle. Insert another strip in the middle and repeat. Add the strips you need according to the number of links you want in the chain.

Explain that the Bible story has to do with some chains on a very important character.

Good News!

Write the words “GOOD NEWS” on the top of the board. Then let some children try to copy the letters at the bottom.

While they are doing it, talk to them about the meaning of the good news.

BIBLE

Use these activities to help students have a better understanding of the Bible lesson.

In chains!

Gather your students to hear the Bible story. When they are seated, give them the chains they made. Ask them to put them in their hands while they listen to the story.

Bible Story

Briefly review last week’s Bible story so that your students do not lose the continuity of the story.

A prison guard learns about Jesus

Paul and Silas were in Philippi, preaching the Good News of Jesus. Some of those who lived there believed that the disciples were crazy. They laughed that they were still talking about the gospel.

These men accused Paul and Silas of going against the law and stirring up the people, so they took them to jail. When they arrived at the prison, the jailers put them in the deepest dungeon and chained them.

The prison was very dark that night. Paul and Silas were chained to the wall and could not move. It was a very ugly and dirty place, but they were not afraid - they sang and prayed to God. The other prisoners listened attentively to the praises of the disciples.

When it was very late, the prison suddenly began to shake violently. The chains opened and Paul and Silas were able to move. A great earthquake had made the jail doors open. The two disciples knew that God was helping them and they gave thanks.

The jailer, who was in charge of all the prisoners, was sleeping when the prison began to shake. When he felt the movement, he immediately stood up and went to see what was happening. “Oh, the doors are open!” he shouted scared. “Surely all the prisoners have escaped. I’m in a big trouble.” “Do not worry, we’re all here,” Paul said.

The jailer saw that no one had left. “You Christians are very different; you had the opportunity to escape, but did not leave. What can I do to know Jesus?” he asked.

“Only believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you and your whole family will be saved,” Paul told him. “I want to do it,” the jailer replied excitedly. Then he took Paul and Silas to his house, where he fed them and they talked more about Jesus.

From that day on, the Philippian jailer and his family believed in Jesus and were part of the church.

Bible Review

Instruct the children to line up and walk around the room. When they hear the word “earthquake”, they should shake the paper chains and sit on the floor.

Choose some of them to go to the center of the circle and say something they learned in the Bible story. Repeat the game several times until everyone has participated in the review.

CONNECTION

These activities will help connect biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

Broken chains

Cut out the four pictures for this lesson in the cut-out section at the back of the student activity book and give a set to each student. Allow time for them to trace the word of faith and write their name. Distribute the pictures and paste them. Follow the instructions on the sheet to complete the activity. As they work, talk with them about the importance of talking to others about Jesus, even in times of difficulty.

Let’s talk to others about Jesus

Read the list of names they wrote last week. Then ask how many people talked about Jesus to friends or family members that are included in that list.

Explain to the children that talking about Jesus is simple. They should tell them what they have learned in the Sunday school class. Suggest that they use the materials they make in class as tools to evangelize.

Memory Verse

Form a circle with the children and tell them: As we repeat the memory verse, let’s shake just like the earthquake shook the prison of Philippi. Repeat the verse together three times; then go to the center and say it without help.

To finish

Make sure the work area is clean before your students go home. Give them the work they completed and encourage them to use it to tell their parents what they learned in the Bible story.

Say goodbye to them in prayer and remind them that next week will be the last lesson on the Apostle Paul.

Lesson 35

Paul preaches to the Romans about Jesus

Biblical base: Acts 28:11-31

Lesson objective: That preschoolers learn they can talk about Jesus anywhere.

Memory verse: “Live a life of love. Love other people just as Christ loved us.” (Ephesians 5:2 ICB)

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

In Acts 28, we learn about Paul’s journey to Rome. Paul had been a prisoner in Caesarea for a long time. At last he asked that Caesar examine his case in the capital of the empire. So he was sent by sea to Rome.

The trip begins in chapter 27 and continues in chapter 28th with the shipwreck of the ship in which Paul and 276 others traveled. During the trip, and even during the shipwreck, the apostle continued to preach about Jesus. Wherever he was, regardless of the circumstances, he took every opportunity to speak of the Lord. In Malta he stayed at the house of Publius, governor of the region, and there God used him to heal Publius’ father. Paul stayed three days in Syracuse, due to weather conditions. In Puteoli, he stayed with the believers, and there he taught people about Jesus.

Once in Rome, he was allowed to live in a house with a guard. This guard was probably with Paul all the time, maybe even chained to him. During that period of incarceration, Paul received visitors and spoke with Roman Jews who wanted to hear what he taught about Jesus. These were opportunities that the apostle took advantage of to talk about Jesus before the trial. Paul did not allow circumstances, powerful people or adverse conditions to prevent him from speaking about Jesus. He bravely proclaimed his personal Savior everywhere. How courageous are you in talking about Christ? As you prepare this lesson, ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit so that you can boldly preach His word.

Adaptation

“Jesus loves us” has been the biblical truth of the five lessons about Paul. Upon completing

this unit, make sure all your students understand that Jesus loves them. Preschoolers learn through experiences. By treating them with love and concern for their spiritual life, they will feel the love of Jesus through you. The unconditional love that you show them will reveal the unconditional love God has for them.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the Bible story.

Paul’s story

Review the previous lessons briefly and ask the children to draw something they remember about the Apostle Paul. As they make their drawings and review the stories, they will remember what they learned and how God used Paul to preach to others.

Tell them they will study the last story about Paul. Glue the drawings on the wall of the room in the form of a mural.

Paul’s journey

Before class, look in magazines for pictures of ships, the sea and travel elements. Post them on a piece of cardboard and talk with your students about maritime trips. Explain that boats serve to transport people and objects from one port to another.

Today’s story is about a boat trip that Paul made to reach a very important city called Rome.

If you know how to make paper boats, hand out sheets to your students so that together they can make one and paint or color it.

BIBLE

Use these activities to help students have a better understanding of the story.

Find the match

Cut out several large hearts of paper, all in different colors, and cut them in half. Put several pieces of duct tape on the table so that the children can take them.

Distribute the halves of the hearts among your students and tell them: As I count to 25, look for the person who has the other half of your heart. When you find it, go to the table and join the two halves with duct tape. Then sit with your partner to hear the Bible story.

Bible Story

Ask your students to raise their hands every time they hear Paul’s name during the Bible story. Practice a couple of times before starting.

The Romans hear about Jesus

Paul preached the good news of his friend Jesus to many people. This made many men in the town angry, and they arrested Paul.

They sent him to a city called Rome to be judged. A guard watched all his movements.

Rome was a far away place. That’s why they had to make the trip by boat. Every so often, the boat stopped to buy food. In every place where they stopped, Paul preached the good news of salvation to the people, and many believed in Jesus.

Paul’s trip was about to end; Rome was very close. The Christians who lived there knew that Paul would soon arrive in their city.

“Welcome to Rome!” the Christians shouted at Paul when they saw him arrive. Paul was very happy to see people from the church who loved Jesus.

The Roman authorities allowed Paul to live in his own house, although a guard always had to watch him.

Every day people went to visit Paul to hear about Jesus.

Some important Jewish leaders who lived in that city also went to hear the good news that Paul preached.

Every day different people accepted Jesus and joined the church.

This made Paul very happy and grateful to God for the opportunity to preach his Word. Paul was in Rome two years; during that time he preached to many people about Jesus, the Son of God.

Bible Review

Hand out white paper and colored pencils for your students to draw a picture of the Bible story.

Add these drawings to the mural they made before and review all the important facts on the life of Paul.

Emphasize that God can change people and use them for his service as he did with Paul.

CONNECTION

These activities will help connect biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

Puzzle

Hand out the student worksheets for this lesson. Allow time for the students to write their name, trace the word of faith and draw the picture.

Allow them to cut out the puzzles following the lines. Check that the scissors they use are safe to avoid accidents.

Follow the instructions on the activity sheet to complete the activity. Provide envelopes or plastic bags for the children to take the puzzle home and tell their family members what they learned in the Bible story.

Follow Paul’s example

Look at the mural that was previously made. Let the children say what they liked most about the stories about Paul. Emphasize that like Paul, they have the responsibility to tell people about Jesus. Suggest some simple ways to do it; for example, pray for their sick friends, be kind and obey their teachers at school, and talk about what they learn in Sunday School.

End the class in prayer.

Year 2

Introduction • Unit IX

THE BIBLE HELPS US MAKE DECISIONS

Unit objective: Through the life of these Biblical characters, preschoolers will learn to make wise decisions.

Memory verse: “Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right” (Psalm 106:3).

Word of faith: OBEY: Doing what God calls us to do.

Unit Lessons:

Lesson 36 Isaac decides to be kind

Lesson 37 Jonah makes a wrong decision

Lesson 38 Jonah makes a right decision

Lesson 39 Daniel decides to do the right thing

Lesson 40 Esther decides to help God’s people

What preschoolers will learn from these lessons:

They will learn that God wants to help them to be kind.

They will know that wrong decisions have painful consequences.

They will know that when they do God’s will, the Lord blesses them.

They will understand the importance of doing the right thing before God.

They will learn that God supports them when they decide to act justly.

Preschoolers begin to understand more about God through the Bible stories and the testimony of church members. Through these five Bible lessons, they will understand that God wants them to make right decisions, and He is willing to help them at all times.

They will study the good decisions made by Bible characters such as Isaac, Jonah, Daniel and Esther.

Through those examples, they will understand that God also wants to guide them when they face tough decisions.

These lessons are an important foundation to build up values in students. In a world full of sin and contradictions, preschoolers need to know that God wants his children to be wise and decide to walk in holiness - and thereby be blessed.

Lesson 36

Isaac decides to be kind

Biblical base: Genesis 26:17-31

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers decide to be kind to others.

Memory verse: “Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right” (Psalm 106:3).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

The promises that God gave to Abraham were fulfilled in the life of his son Isaac. Isaac, being a son of Abraham, was accustomed to a life of success. His crops and livestock were plentiful. He was a rich man with a very beautiful wife and twin sons. Those abundant blessings caused envy among his enemies, especially the Philistines, who felt jealous and threatened. Having water was a special advantage in the desert. When Isaac dug wells for water, he established a certain property right over that land. The king of the Philistines, Abimelech, felt that Isaac had become too powerful. When Abimelech wanted to seize the water well, he was practically declaring war on Isaac. However, this did not seem to be a problem for Isaac. He left and abandoned the water wells that his father had dug in the past. A similar situation occurred in the valley of Gerar, an inhospitable and deserted land, with few water resources. Some people kept guards at their wells to prevent others from taking the water.

Once again, greed filled the hearts of these men and they claimed Isaac’s ownership of another well. In the same way, Isaac decided to retreat and thus maintain peace. The question we could ask ourselves when reading this story would be: Why did Isaac not decide to defend his rights and use his power? The Word of God gives us the answer in Genesis 26:22: “At last God has given us freedom to prosper in this place.” Isaac trusted God; that’s why he was kind to his enemies and received the blessings and promises of God.

Have you ever faced conflicts and felt the desire to impose your rights? Read Micah 6:8 and pray that God will allow you to respond with love to any difficult situation that may arise in your classroom.

Adaptation

Preschoolers may notice the parameters of kindness and courtesy that adults around them have established. Since your students must learn to interact with other children, this story will be a good example and will teach them to be kind to their neighbor. Help them understand that when we are kind to others, we please God.

Encourage them to share and be kind to each other. Watch them as they play and identify what their needs are.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the Bible story and direct them to God’s Word.

What is a decision?

Look in the dictionary for the meaning of “decision” and explain it to your students in simple terms. Ask how many of them have had to make a decision. Listen to their experiences and tell them that during this unit they will learn that God wants to help them decide correctly.

Water to share

Fill two pots up to the top with clean water. Place the cups and wipes (to clean) on a table so the children can reach them. Encourage them to serve each other water. While they drink the water, tell them: Water is important. People, animals and plants need water to live. How did you help me with the water? (Serving others and sharing.) You decided to be kind by serving water to your classmates. God wants us to be kind to our neighbors.

In today’s story we will discover how Isaac decided to be kind, even when other people chose to take away the water that belonged to him.

Let’s build together

If you have many students, gather them in groups of two to four. If the class is small, they can all work together to build a structure. You can use blocks or plastic containers, boxes of different sizes, etc.

Allow each group to decide what they want to build, how they will do it, and what role each group member will take. Explain that sometimes it is difficult to work as a team. God wants us to be kind to others while working together. Help them complete their construction projects.

Once the projects are finished, give them the opportunity to show their work to others, explaining what it is. Say: You worked together to make these beautiful constructions. I could see that you were kind to each other while working together. When we decide to be kind, we make the right decision. God wants us to make good decisions. In our story today, we will learn about a man named Isaac who loved God. In that story we’ll talk about the good decisions Isaac made.

BIBLE

Use these activities to help students have a better understanding of the Biblical truth.

Moving

For this activity, you will need drawings of animals, preferably of large size, to move them from one side of the classroom to the other.

Gather the children and place the animal figures in a place visible to them. Say: It’s time to move! How would you move your family, your animals, the tents for camping, food and water from one place to another? (Allow them to respond.) Isaac had a large family, workers, and many animals. He also had to carry his camping tents, clothes, and blankets. It must have been very difficult for Isaac to move from place to place with all his belongings.

Bible story

Illustrate the Bible story using animal figures (sheep, camels, goats, etc.). Look for pictures of animals and stick them to a piece of cardboard to make them more sturdy.

On the back, stick a cardboard tube or a small box so that they stand up.

Four wells

Isaac’s animals needed water to drink. It was very hot and they were thirsty. Isaac, his family and his servants were also thirsty, but there was no water.

Servants dug wells in the same place where Isaac’s father Abraham had found water many years ago. A well is a hole in the ground where water comes from.

While they were digging, one of the workers realized that the earth was wet. Then he kept digging until suddenly the hole began to fill with water. They had finally found a well!

Other shepherds who were nearby went to the place and said, “That well belongs to us, that water is ours!”

Isaac knew that the well belonged to him, but he wanted to be kind and obey God. So to avoid fights, he left the well.

The servants of Isaac had to dig to look for water and found another well. Again the other shepherds approached him, angrily saying that the well belonged to them.

Isaac was kind again and obeyed God. He took his animals and along with his servants went to find another well.

After digging, they found a well of fresh water so that the animals could drink. Everyone was very happy because they would not be thirsty anymore.

That night God told Isaac, “Do not be afraid, I am with you.” Isaac knew that God had helped him find another well. So in gratitude he built an altar to pray and worship God.

The servants found another new well of fresh water to drink. Now Isaac had enough water for his family and his animals!

The men who had fought with Isaac over the water came to see him. “What are you doing here?” Isaac asked.

“We have seen that God is with you and blesses you,” the men said. “We want to be your friends.”

Isaac accepted and offered them a big feast. They all ate and enjoyed a beautiful time of fellowship. The men promised to always be friends and kind to each other.

CONNECTION

These activities will help connect the biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

God helps Isaac

For this activity, you will need tape, scissors, colored pencils or crayons, plastic bags and flat wooden sticks (three per child).

Hand out the student activity sheets, sticks and scissors. Then allow them to write the word of faith and color, cut and paste the three figures to the wooden sticks.

Allow time for them to organize their own representation of the story using their finished craft. Make sure everyone writes their name on their figures and keep them in a plastic bag to take home.

Show kindness

For this activity, you will need books, puzzles or some games that require sharing. If you do not have these, organize games in which there

is interaction between children and those who have to wait their turn.

Preschoolers are learning to share. It is often difficult for them to be friendly when it comes to their favorite games. As your students interact, talk about the importance of obeying God by being friendly to your friends while playing together. Teach them to share their toys, wait for their turn with patience, and allow others to participate in the activities.

Memory verse

Write the memory verse on a large piece of cardboard with big letters so that the children find it easy to learn it. Take into account that many of them still do not go to school and are just becoming familiar with reading. Read the verse aloud and then explain to your students the letters it consists of. Repeat it together a couple of times and place the cardboard in a visible place in the room throughout the unit.

To finish

Ask the children to clean up and put away the materials they used during class. Then, gather to say your prayer requests. Intercede for each other and say goodbye singing a song of praise to the Lord.

Lesson 37

Jonah makes the wrong decision

Biblical Base: Jonah chapters 1 and 2

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers learn that making bad decisions brings consequences.

Memory verse: “Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right” (Psalm 106:3).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

The story of Jonah shows us the consequences of disobeying God. But at the same time, it reminds us of the patience and loving forgiveness of the Lord.

Jonah was a prophet in Israel and Assyria from 793 to 753 B.C. When God ordered him to go to Nineveh, the idea did not please him. Nineveh was an important city, which would become the capital of the Assyrian empire. For the Jews, the destruction of Nineveh would have been seen as a gift from God. Jonah did not want to give God the opportunity to save the inhabitants of that place. How much did a ticket to go to Tarshish cost? Jonah probably paid a lot of money. However, when Jonah set foot on the ground again, he was tired, hungry and on the way to Nineveh. Important changes happened in his life during those events. First, God used Jonah’s disobedience to show his glory to a group of sailors. Second, Jonah was about to lose his life, so he begged God for his forgiveness and worshiped him. Sometimes the great fish in the story of Jonah is considered a punishment from God. However, it was really an act of mercy, since it saved Jonah’s life. How many times have you experienced the saving grace of God? Meditate on some occasion when the mercy of God saved you from the consequences of sin, giving you a new opportunity to obey.

Adaptation

By telling the story of Jonah to students, it gives them the opportunity to know God’s character. Perhaps this story could inspire feelings of fear towards God, but through this teaching, students will understand that He took care of Jonah, even in the midst of his rebellion. Help them understand that God is near, even when they make bad decisions.

As preschoolers grow, their perception of God is based on what they perceive in their homes and in the church. Evaluate your actions and words carefully while teaching. Pray asking God to allow you to be a blessing to your students, so that they see in you an example of obedience to God.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the Bible story and direct them to God’s Word.

A big fish

During the week, draw the figure of a large fish on a large sheet of paper or cardboard.

Ask the children to color the fish together and decorate it to their liking. Meanwhile, tell them that today they will be studying what happened to a man named Jonah with a big fish.

A boat trip!

Put a large blanket on the floor and gather your students, telling them: Imagine that this is our boat, the floor is water and we are going for a trip. While they settle on the blanket, ask them:

What would you like to take to a real boat trip? (food, water, clothes, etc.)

What would happen if a storm started? (The ship could crash, flood or sink). In today’s story we are going to talk about a ship that went through a great storm.

BIBLE

Use these activities to help students have a better understanding of Biblical truth.

Different fish

For this activity, you will need play-doh of different colors, and tablecloths or plastic bags.

Protect the work area with tablecloths, and give the play-doh to your students. Allow enough time for them to form fish of different colors and sizes. As you work, explain that in today’s story God used a big fish to teach Jonah a lesson.

When they are finished, allow each one to show their fish and prepare a small exhibition of the art work for parents.

Bible story

Ask your students to sit on the “imaginary ship” while narrating the Bible story.

Jonah makes a wrong decision

One day, God spoke to Jonah and told him, “Go to the great city of Nineveh and tell them to repent of their evil.” Jonah listened to God’s words, but did not obey Him. He did not like the people who lived in Nineveh, so he thought of a plan to escape.

Jonah planned to go as far as possible so God could not find him. Then he went to the port of Joppa and looked for a ship to flee in. Jonah knew that God does not like to be disobeyed. However, he decided to go on the ship anyway.

Jonah was not happy about what he had done, so he preferred to sleep to avoid thinking about it. But, something terrible happened while he was sleeping.

A strong wind began to push the ship around. It moved from one side to the other as if it were paper. The wind was getting stronger and stronger. The sailors and passengers were very frightened and began to cry out to their gods, but the force of the storm continued to rise.

Then the ship’s captain woke up Jonah and said, “How can you sleep so calmly? Get up and cry out to your God. Maybe He can help us and save us from this terrible storm.”

The sailors wanted to know who was to blame for what was happening and asked Jonah. He answered, “I serve God, who made the sea and the land, and I am fleeing from Him.” The storm was getting worse and the sailors asked Jonah what they should do to calm it down. “You should throw me into the sea,” said Jonah. “It’s my fault. I should not have disobeyed God.” The sailors did not want to throw Jonah into the sea, so they tried with all their might to take the ship ashore but they could not. The storm was very violent and they could not control the ship. Finally they took Jonah and threw him into the sea. Then they prayed to God, praising him for saving them from death. The storm ended, and the sea was calm.

Meanwhile, Jonah was in the depths of the sea. Then God prepared a great fish that swallowed Jonah and had him in its stomach for three days and three nights. Inside the fish, Jonah prayed, asking God for forgiveness for having disobeyed him. He felt ashamed for running away. He also thanked the Lord for saving his life.

God knew that Jonah was sorry for his wrong decision and heard his prayer. So he ordered the big fish to go near the beach and spit Jonah out.

Next week, we will study what happened when Jonah made the right decision and obeyed God.

CONNECTION

These activities will help connect the biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

The great storm

Cut out the fish print for this lesson from the cut-out section in the back of the student activity book and give one to each student. Distribute the activity sheets, the pictures and colored pencils for the children to draw the boat, the sailors and Jonah. Allow them to trace the word of faith of this unit (obey) and write their name. Follow the instructions on the activity sheet to complete the activity.

The consequences of disobedience

Discuss with your students what happens if they disobey their parents. Listen carefully to their answers and refer to what they learned in the Bible story. Remind them that obedience is very important in the lives of those who love God.

Memory Verse

In large letters, write the memory verse on the big fish that they colored at the beginning of the class, and read it aloud several times. Ask the children to form a circle and pass the fish from hand to hand while you silently count to ten. When you say “stop!”, the child with the fish must say the memory verse. Continue the game until everyone has participated.

To finish

Pray asking God to help everyone always obey and intercede for prayer requests. Give them their crafts and invite them to the next class to continue learning about decisions.

Before saying goodbye, sing about the story of Jonah and the big fish, or about obedience.

Lesson 38

Jonah makes a right decision

Biblical Base: Jonah 3:1-10

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers learn to obey God.

Memory verse: “Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right” (Psalm 106:3).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

While inside the great fish, Jonah prayed to God, asking for forgiveness and restoration. God heard and answered his prayer.

In chapter 2 of the book of Jonah, it is not indicated that God spoke to Jonah while he was in the belly of the fish. Jonah had to wait for three days for God’s response. It was not until he was on solid ground that he heard the voice of the Lord. We know that God had really forgiven Jonah, because he gave him the same command: “Go to Nineveh.”

The story of Jonah is so amazing that on occasion we forget the mercy that God showed the people of Nineveh. But Nineveh is like a picture of what happened to Jonah. The people of Nineveh were doing evil in the eyes of God. When the message of destruction was announced to them, they abstained from food and water for many days, and dressed in mourning as they cried out for mercy from God. The people of Nineveh only needed a wake-up call to hear God’s message and repent. He forgave them and put them on the path of righteousness.

Do your actions show that you are obeying God? Pray to the Lord that, through his words and actions, your students will learn to obey God at all times.

Adaptation

Surely your students have experienced what happens when they make a bad decision and then have to ask for forgiveness. Through this lesson, your students will learn that Jonah made a bad decision, but then asked for forgiveness and God gave him a new opportunity to obey.

Also, it is important that they understand that if they make a bad decision, they must repent and ask for mercy from God, who is always willing to forgive.

Students often hear stories in which there are good and bad characters. In this lesson, you will see that good people sometimes make bad decisions too. Help them understand that God can change people and help them make good decisions.

As preschoolers grow, they feel more of a need to know God. Use this story to highlight God’s unconditional love. Jonah did not win the love of God, nor did the inhabitants of Nineveh, but God showed them his love from beginning to end. Help them understand that God wants them to love and obey Him at all times, and that He is willing to forgive and restore them if they ever make any bad decisions.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the Bible story and direct them to God’s Word.

Let’s build a city

You will need play-doh of different colors and tablecloths or plastic bags. Protect the work area with bags or tablecloths and provide the material for your students to build a city. As you work, tell them that the Bible story is about a city called Nineveh, where many people lived.

What’s the difference?

Get a piece of rough cloth and another of soft cloth. Put them on a table and allow your students to touch both fabrics. Ask them: Which one feels softer? (Allow them to respond.) Explain that after Jonah left the big fish, he decided to obey God and went to the city where God had sent him. There he gave the people a special message from God. When the people heard the message, they decided to dress in rough clothes, like this cloth (show it). We will learn more about this during the Bible story.

Different Cities

Look for books or magazines that have pictures of cities and let your students see them. Meanwhile, explain that many people live and work in a city.

Allow time for them to comment on the city where they live and, if they wish, to draw a picture that represents them.

BIBLE

Use these activities to help students have a better understanding of the Biblical truth.

Bible story

Briefly review what you learned the previous Sunday so that the children can connect the two stories.

Jonah Obeys God

After the great fish swallowed Jonah and held him in his belly for three days and three nights, he threw him up on the beach. Jonah was very sorry for disobeying God and asked God for forgiveness.

“Get up and go to Nineveh,” God told Jonah again. This time Jonah decided to be obedient and do God’s will, so he started the journey to Nineveh. God had given him a special message for the people who lived there. “God does not like the life you lead; there is a lot of evil among you, and within 40 days this city will be destroyed!” Jonah told the inhabitants of Nineveh.

The people of the city repented of their sins and asked God for forgiveness. The king said that everyone should pray and wear rough clothes (show the cloth) as a sign of repentance. They did not eat or drink anything either. They wanted to show God that they were sorry for all the bad things they had done.

God heard the prayer of the people of Nineveh. He knew that they were sincerely repentant and forgave their sins. The city was not destroyed and all the inhabitants decided to obey the Lord Jonah made a good decision by doing what God had commanded him. Also the people of Nineveh made a good decision by repenting and asking for forgiveness. And we can make good decisions by obeying God’s will.

CONNECTION

These activities will help connect the biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

Obedience and disobedience

Talk with your students about what it means to be obedient or disobedient. Arrange different situations for them to tell you what would happen if they are obedient or disobedient. For example: If they are asked to move away from fa ire; if they are assigned some chores, etc. Reflect on the consequences of obedience and disobedience.

I can obey God too!

Cut out the pictures for this lesson from the cut-out section in the back of the student activity book and give a set to each student. Hand out the activity sheet for this lesson, and have the children write their name and trace the word of faith. Help them cut back the two lines of the upper part following the dotted lines, and to fold the leaf in half.

Allow time for them to color the worksheet, add the pictures to the corresponding place, and in the blank space make a drawing that illustrates obedience.

Use the completed worksheets to review what they studied today in the lesson.

Memory verse

Put several papers in a container that have the following instructions: “Say the verse on your way out”, “cry the verse”, “scream the verse”, etc.

Put the container in the center of the room. Ask the children to come by one by one and take a piece of paper. If necessary, read it so they can say the memory verse.

To finish

Have the class pick up and put in order all the materials they used for the class, and gather to pray. Send the children with off by showing affection and inviting them to the next class.

Lesson 39

Daniel decides to do the right thing

Biblical base: Daniel 1:1-15

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers learn to make decisions that are aligned to God’s will.

Memory verse: “Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right” (Psalm 106:3).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Daniel was born during the reign of Josiah and grew up during a time of reforms. When King Josiah died in battle in 609 B.C., the people of Judah began to do evil before God, ignoring the prophets.

In the year 605, Nebuchadnezzar became king of the mighty Babylonian empire. During that year he conquered Jerusalem, taking with him the most trained men to be at his service in the royal palace. Daniel and his friends made the long journey from Jerusalem to the city of Babylon. Although they were taken against their will, Daniel and his friends decided to trust God and obey Him. They decided that regardless of the circumstances, they would serve God.

Daniel decided not to eat the food of the royal table, knowing that if he did so, he would be abandoning his covenant with God. Daniel trusted God all the time and He answered him.

Daniel’s life gives us an example of how we should act when we are faced with difficult situations. We know that we can trust that God will give us the strength and wisdom to face them.

Adaptation

Preschoolers face difficult and new situations for them. For example: the first day of classes, teachers, new lessons, new friends, etc...

Daniel’s story is a great way to show your students that no matter how difficult the situation is, God will always be with them if they ask.

Preschoolers react in different ways to new situations. Some grow in anxiety when their parents are not around. Others are excited by the opportunity to explore things for themselves. As you present this lesson, help them understand that God likes it when we choose to do good, and that He will always be with us to help us, even in the most difficult situations.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the Bible story.

Healthy food

For this activity you will need a plastic bag for each child, pictures of food (fruits, vegetables, meat, etc.), cans, boxes or clean food containers.

Distribute the containers and illustrations around the room and give the children a bag. Ask them to search and store healthy foods for their body in their bag. Give them five minutes to complete the activity.

When everyone is finished, gather them so each one shows the food they chose. Talk about the decisions and tell them that the Bible story is about a young man named Daniel, who had to make an important decision.

Different vegetables

You will need play-doh of different colors, tablecloths or plastic bags, and wooden sticks.

Cover the work area with the bags or tablecloths, divide the materials and ask the children to form their favorite vegetables. As they work, tell them that in today’s story, you will talk about vegetables.

BIBLE

Use these activities to help the students have a better understanding of the Biblical truth.

Decisions

Divide the chairs in your room into two groups and have the children stand in a row. Allow everyone to decide which group of chairs they will sit on to listen to the Bible story.

When everyone is in their place, talk to them about the decisions they make daily in their homes and the importance they have.

Emphasize that it is important to consult with God before making decisions, as you will study in today’s story.

A special guest

Invite a man from your congregation to come to class and represent Daniel as he tells the story.

Have him wear the right clothes and provide him with the materials he needs in advance.

Bible story

Present the special guest with a brief introduction. Explain to your students that Daniel was captive in a very distant country because his people had been conquered by a very powerful king. However, Daniel trusted God and that is why he decided to do the right thing.

Allow the guest to come forward to tell the story.

Daniel decides to obey God

Daniel and his friends were walking along the dusty road. Each step they took was further from their homes and their families.

King Nebuchadnezzar, who ruled Babylon, had invaded the city of Jerusalem with his armies. That’s where Daniel and his friends lived. The soldiers chose the best young men, like Daniel, to take them to work in the king’s palace in Babylon. Now they would have to live under Nebuchadnezzar’s orders and learn the customs of his country.

After the long trip, Daniel and his friends arrived at the place where they were going to live. They would also have to go to school to learn the language of the Babylonians and their traditions. When it was time to eat, the servants of the King served them a strange meal. It was not the kind of food that pleased God. Daniel and his friends wanted to behave well in Babylon, but they also wanted to obey God. They were convinced that food from the King was not good for their bodies and that God did not approve. So Daniel decided to talk to one of the king’s helpers. “Please, could we eat only vegetables and drink water?” Daniel asked kindly.

“The king has ordered that every day you eat his food so that you are healthier and stronger. If I do not comply with his orders, he will punish me,” he replied.

Daniel asked him to give them water and vegetables for ten days. If after that time their appearance was weaker than that of others, then they would eat the king’s food. The king’s servant accepted the deal and gave Daniel and his friends vegetables to eat and water to drink for ten days. When the deadline was over, Daniel and his friends looked healthier and stronger than everyone else.

The king’s servant was very surprised and allowed the boys to continue eating vegetables and water. Daniel and his friends decided to do the right thing and obey God. That is why He blessed them during all the time they lived in Babylon.

Bible Review

Allow the special guest to ask the following questions to the children as a review:

What was the city of Daniel and his friends? ( Jerusalem) Why were they captive? (Their city had been conquered.) What was the name of the king? (Nebuchadnezzar) Which city did Daniel go to? (Babylon) Why did Daniel not want to eat the king’s food? (It was not pleasing to God.) What did Daniel and his friends eat? (Vegetables and water) What happened after the ten days? (They were stronger and healthier than the others.)

Say goodbye to the guest and thank him for his visit.

CONNECTION

These activities will help connect biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

Right decisions

During the week, prepare a poster to illustrate this activity. Divide a large sheet of paper in two. On one side, paste healthy foods, and on the other, foods that are unhealthy (sweets, bottled beverages, “junk” food, etc.).

Attach it to the wall and ask the children to identify the foods that help them nourish themselves properly. Discuss the importance of deciding wisely in all areas of your life.

Daniel Obeys God

Cut out the pictures corresponding to this lesson from the cut-out section at the back of the student activity book and give a set to each student. Hand out the worksheets and allow time for them to write their name and trace the word of faith (obey). Hand out the pictures so they can stick them in the right place and look for the hidden carrots. While the children are working, review the Bible story. Turn the page to see the memory verse, and paste the pictures in the corresponding figures.

Memory verse

Use the activity sheet to review the Bible verse. Allow the children to connect the vegetables with the pictures and put the verse in the right order. When everyone has finished, ask them to close the books and repeat the verse a couple of times.

To finish

Gather your students to pray and sing a song before saying goodbye. Remind them to put into practice what they learned in class, obeying their parents and teachers during the week. Hand out the papers to take them home, and invite them to the next class.

Lesson 40

Esther decides to help God’s people

Biblical base: Esther 3:8-11; 4:15, 1516; 8:5-17

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers learn they can help others through their decisions.

Memory verse: “Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right” (Psalm 106:3).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Reading the book of Esther gives us the impression of reading a novel. But, the drama and emotions represented there were real. Haman tried to use his power to harm an entire people.

Mordecai was an obedient and faithful man who worked discreetly to save the Jewish people from the extermination planned by Haman. Esther was the queen of Persia, wife of the King who ruled the empire. Although she was the first lady of the kingdom, she was in a limited position of authority and power.

She could have helped her people, but it would have meant risking her life. Through this story, we see the hand of God moving in the life of Esther to save her people. The story concludes by telling us that many non-Jewish people came to recognize the power and sovereignty of God.

Through the life of Esther, we learn that making decisions to obey God it is not always easy. Many times that decision can take us out of our comfort zone or safety. But when we get out of the comfort we find in our home, with family, and even at work, true security exists when we trust completely in God. When we put aside our selfishness and personal interests, others are benefited and God is glorified.

Adaptation

Preschoolers at this age are beginning to realize the needs of others. They worry if they see their little friend sad or crying. We can often see that they comfort their friends and do everything possible to help them be happy again. Through this lesson, your students will learn that helping others is a good decision that pleases God. He wants us to love and help our neighbor, because in this way we obey his commandments.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the Bible story and direct them to God’s word.

Crowns for kings

For this activity you will need a wide strip of cardboard or thick paper for each child, scissors, glue, tape, pencils or colored markers, and pieces of colored paper.

Distribute the materials. Place a strip of paper around the head of each child and mark the spot where the strip should match so that the crown is tailored. Help them make their crowns with duct tape.

Allow time for them to write their name on the crown and decorate it to their liking. Allow older children to make ends in their crowns using scissors, and help the little ones.

As you work, ask them: Who uses crowns? ( Kings and queens) What do kings and queens do? (They govern a country, help people and ensure that everything goes well.)

Explain that kings and queens serve their people. Their job is to guarantee the safety of people, provide sources of work, and manage community resources.

The queen says...

In this game, the teacher represents the queen and the students are the subjects. The queen must sit on one side of the room, while the students are at the opposite end.

The queen will give varied indications to the subjects, for example: “Sebastian, take three steps forward”. Ask them to jump, to look to one side, to walk backward, etc.

Repeat the game until all your students have participated.

BIBLE

Use these activities to help your students have a better understanding of the Biblical truth.

Bible Story

Prepare ahead of time three figures representing Queen Esther, Mordecai and King Ahasuerus, and on a large piece of construction paper draw a castle. Allow your students to color the castle to use it as a stage. Use the figures and the stage to illustrate the Bible story.

Esther helps the people of God

Esther was queen. Her husband was King Ahasuerus. They lived in a great palace.

One day a servant of Esther said to her, “Your uncle Mordecai is outside and wants to see you. It seems that he is very sad. He is crying and has dressed in ragged clothes.” Esther loved her uncle very much, so she asked the servant to take him clean and comfortable clothes to change. The servant returned immediately with the clothes because Mordecai did not want to accept them. He was very sad and wanted the queen to know what was happening. Then he gave Queen Esther bad news. “Our people are going to be mistreated,” said Mordecai. “I’m dressed in bad clothes because of the sadness I feel.” Esther later learned that the king, without realizing it, had given permission to an evil man named Haman to make a law against the Jews, the chosen people of God. Haman hated Mordecai and wanted to kill all the Jews of the kingdom. Queen Esther was also Jewish, but her husband did not know it. She and her people were in grave danger. When Esther heard the bad news, she decided to do something to help. But first, she asked Mordecai and the other Jews who lived in the city to pray for her. She also asked them not to eat anything for three days and to just pray for her.

Esther chose to obey God to save her people and prayed for help.

After three days, Esther went to see the king. She was afraid because nobody could go to the king without first being invited. However, the queen knew that God was with her.

King Ahasuerus, upon seeing Esther, was very happy and gave her permission to speak with him. Then the queen told him that she was Jewish and that the law he had declared endangered her life and that of her people. Then she begged him to make a new law to protect the Jews. The king did what Esther asked of him and made a new law to save the Jews. Haman was punished for his evil deeds, and Mordecai, along with all the Jews of the kingdom, had a great celebration and praised God. They were happy because God had delivered them from death. Queen Esther decided to be brave and obey God to save her people.

CONNECTION

These activities will help connect the biblical truth to your students’ daily lives.

You can help others too!

Form a circle. Ask the children to put on their crowns and imagine they are kings and queens. Then tell them to think about how they could help other people.

Ask some volunteers go to the center of the circle and say how they would help people if they were the kings of a nation.

Explain that even if they do not become kings, they can choose to be helpful to their neighbors, for example, by helping keep the church clean, helping the elderly, helping with chores, etc…

Obedience Crowns

Hand out the student activity sheets for this lesson. Provide pencils to your students so they can trace the word of faith and write their name. Connect the dots to form a crown like that of Queen Esther. Provide materials for your students to decorate the crown with jewels and review the Bible story while doing the activity.

Memory verse

This is the unit’s last lesson and surely most of your students already know the verse by heart. If possible, talk with the pastor so your class can say the verse in front of the congregation and what they learned in this unit. They could do it at the end of the Sunday school or in the service.

To finish

Review briefly what you’ve studied throughout the four lessons of this unit, remembering the biblical characters and their teachings. Give a brief introduction to the next unit and invite the children to the next class.

Pray for the needs of your students. Keep in touch with families to know if they are applying at home what they learn in Sunday school.

Year 2

Introduction • Unit X

GOD WANTS US TO SHOW HIS LOVE

Unit objective: That the preschoolers learn that God wants us to love others.

Memory verse: “Let us love one another, for love comes from God” (1 John 4:7).

Word of faith: LOVE: We must love others. God loves all people.

Unit Lessons:

Lesson 41 We show our friends love

Lesson 42 We show Jesus’ love

Lesson 43 We tell others about Jesus

Lesson 44 We show His love when we help others

What preschoolers will learn from these lessons:

They will learn that God wants them to love their friends.

They will study why it is important to show love to Jesus.

They will know that when we tell others about Jesus, we also show them the love of God.

They will understand that helping the needy is a way of showing love.

“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God. Everyone who loves is born of God, and knows God” (1 John 4:7). Love for others comes from God. It is because of the love we receive from God that we can love our fellow human beings.

This kind of love does not refer to an emotional response, but to a constant and selfless love that seeks the wellbeing of others.

In the next four lessons, preschoolers will explore Bible stories that show God’s love in action. They will hear about four friends who showed their love for their sick friend by taking him to Jesus. They will also know the story of two sisters who showed their love for Jesus in different ways.

They will begin to understand that love is more than words; it is when we dedicate time to listen to God, to obey him and to announce the message of salvation, just as Philip did. Finally, they will discover through

Tabitha and Peter that showing the love of God means helping those in need.

Remember that your lessons must go hand in hand with your actions. If you express love to your students and care about them, they will have a clearer concept of love.

Lesson 41

We show our friends love

Bible Lesson: Mark 2:1 -12

Lesson objective: That preschoolers learn that they show God’s love when they love their friends.

Memory verse: “Let us love one another, for love comes from God” (1 John 4:7).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

In the next four lessons, the children will explore some Bible stories that show God’s love.

God wants us to show his love. This simple truth is supported by men of God who always showed acts of compassion. In Matthew 22:34-40, a Pharisee, interpreter of the law, approached Jesus to ask him: “Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus answered by emphasizing the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18), “you shall love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself.”

Jesus wanted them to know that love goes beyond a simple feeling or emotion; it is a reflection of God’s love placed in the hearts of his children. That is, it’s a constant love that does not change, nor does it depend on the actions of other people.

True love, which works for the good of others, will always guide us to the Bible story based on Mark 2:1- 5, 10-12. Jesus was in Peter’s house in Capernaum. By this point, Jesus’ ministry and reputation as a healer was known by so many that he could not go anywhere without being followed by a crowd.

When he arrived in Capernaum, a crowd followed him. In the house there was no room for anyone else. However, four friends did not give up and looked for a way to see the Master. They were sure that if they could bring their paralyzed friend close to Jesus, he would be healed. These four men, whose names the Bible does not mention, spared no effort to help their friend. They demonstrated the deep love they felt for him by taking him to see Jesus.

As you prepare to study the lesson, ask the Lord to help you find ways to show love to your students.

Adaptation

Part of your responsibility as a Sunday school teacher is to create opportunities for your students to interact. It is during those times when solid friendships are formed. Watch the preschoolers while they play. Do their words and actions reflect love? Do they share their toys? Are they respectful and kind?

These signs show if they are developing love towards others.

Remember that preschoolers are beginning the process of socialization. During this period they learn to share and respect others. Through Bible teaching they will understand what it means to show God’s love to friends.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

My best friend

Hand out white paper and colored pencils so that everyone can draw their best friend. Give them five minutes to complete the activity. Then let them show their drawings and tell something about the person they drew. Tell them that friends are important because they show love and appreciation. The lesson is about how to love friends.

Friends play together

For this activity, you will need jigsaw puzzles, plastic blocks, play-doh or modeling dough. Put the play-doh and utensils on a table and allow the children to play together for a few minutes. While watching them, talk about the importance of sharing toys with their friends. Tell them that when they are friendly and share, they are showing God’s love.

Friends share

You need a bag of sweets (candies) and a bag of cookies.

Divide the class into two groups. Distribute the cookies to the first group and the sweets to the second group. Tell them you want to share these foods with them because you love them and consider them your friends. Emphasize the importance of sharing with your friends and showing the love of God.

Encourage the two groups to share their food together so everyone has the same things.

BIBLE

Use these activities to prepare the hearts of your students to listen, understand, and review the Bible story.

Songs of love

Before doing the lesson, sing with your students about the love of God.

Bible Story

Prepare visual aids to illustrate the lesson. Remember that preschoolers learn through their senses, so it is important to make illustrations for the classes or make lessons as interactive as possible.

Four friends show their love

Jesus is the son of God. He can do things that no one else can do, such as healing people who are very sick. When Jesus lived on earth, he showed his love to all people. That is why many people wanted to see Him and be close to Him. One day Jesus visited a town called Capernaum and went to a friend’s house.

“Jesus is in town!” the people said excitedly. “Hurry, let’s see him!”

Jesus was in the house talking about the love of God. Many people had gone to listen to him. There were so many that no one else could fit inside.

“Did you hear? Jesus is in the village,” said a man with a paralyzed friend. “Maybe He can heal him.”

The friends of the paralyzed man decided to take him to where Jesus was. But since he could not walk, they put him on a blanket and carried him to the house.

“There are too many people here; we will not be able to enter. How will we see Jesus?” said one of them. “I already know what we are going to do,” said another. “We will enter through the roof.” The four men took their paralyzed friend and carefully raised him to the roof of the house. Then they started to make a hole in it. They tied some ropes to the blanket where the paralytic was and slowly began to lower it to where Jesus was.

Jesus looked at the man and realized that he could not walk. He observed the friends and was glad for what they had done. Then Jesus said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Can you imagine what happened next? It was amazing! Jesus said to him, “Get up and go home.” And the man did what Jesus told him. His legs strengthened and he was able to walk.

His friends were happy because Jesus had miraculously healed him.

All the people looked amazed as they saw this man walk and praised God for what Jesus had done.

Bible Review

For this activity, you will need a blanket. Place the blanket on the floor and ask the children to sit around it, forming a circle.

Afterwards, each one will sit down on the blanket and say something they remember of the Bible story.

CONNECTION

These activities will help connect the Bible truth to your students’ daily lives.

A sample of love

Hand out the student activity sheets for the lesson. Provide colored pencils for the children to color the paralyzed man and his friends. Allow time for them to write their name and, with different colors, trace the word of faith.

Then help them cut out the seven pieces that make up the puzzle of the story. Let them put their puzzle together while reviewing what they learned today. Give envelopes or plastic bags to keep the pieces of the puzzle in. Tell them to take it home so they can tell their relatives.

Love cards

For this activity you will need pieces of cardboard in the form of cards, pencils or colored markers, paints, glue, colored paper, stickers and other elements for decorating.

Hand out the materials and ask the children to make a card to send to their best friend. Inside, write the memory verse and let the children decorate them to their liking.

Preschoolers understand the concept of friendship. This includes physical and verbal experiences. Clearly define the classroom as a place where everyone should treat each other as friends. Love and respect should be a priority in Sunday school.

Memory Verse

Memorizing the Bible verse is very important for the development of the lessons. Write it in large letters on a poster board. Make sure that the letters are clear so that those who have just started reading will not struggle.

Read the text slowly. If someone does not know the meaning of a word, explain it to them. Repeat this several times until they become familiar with it. Hang the cardboard on a wall so it can always be visible.

To finish

Preschoolers can pray for each other easily. Emphasize that one of the most important ways you can show love for your friends is by praying for them.

Intercede for the requests and sing a song that speaks about the love of God or friendship.

Remind them to take the work they have done in class. Lovingly say goodbye and do not forget to invite them to next week’s class.

Lesson 42

We show Jesus’ love

Bible base: Luke 10:38-42

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers understand the importance of loving Jesus.

Memory verse: “Let us love one another, for love comes from God” (1 John 4:7).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Mary, Martha and Lazarus were three siblings who lived in Bethany, a town three kilometers from Jerusalem. They loved Jesus. They were good friends and every time He was near their house he visited them.

The Bible tells us that on one of those visits, the sisters showed love to their friend in two different ways. Martha was a practical woman, and she wanted to show that she loved Jesus by satisfying his need for food. It was her way of making him feel welcome.

On the other hand, Mary was more philosophical. Surely she was the dreamer of the family. While her sister was busy with the housework, Mary sat at the Master’s feet and listened to him as the most faithful of his followers.

As it usually happens when there are two different personalities in a family, these sisters had a disagreement. Martha began to feel ignored, because only she was doing the chores, while Mary had her whole attention set on Jesus.

Jesus understood them both. They were demonstrating their love for the Lord with different actions. However, Jesus emphasized an important point: All our daily duties and activities are not important compared with the time we spend with Him.

As you prepare for this week’s lesson, reflect on your motivations and priorities. What is your motivation to teach? What other ministries are you developing in your church? Do you work with joy or do you work out of obligation? The answers to these questions will help you discover if you are acting correctly. Pray and ask God to help you, so that your ministry and your daily duties do not distract you from your intimate relationship with Him.

Adaptation

Teachers have the responsibility to teach students through words and actions – and show what it means to spend time with Jesus every day. That idea can be confusing for young children. Help them understand by giving examples that are concrete.

For example: They spend time with Jesus when they pray and talk with Him; also when reading Bible stories or in their family devotionals.

Preschoolers like to show their love for others. They want to collaborate in the class and participate in projects to help others. They are experts in making friends, so it will please them to know that they can know Jesus as their friend. Be sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit through this lesson. If a child shows a desire to accept Jesus, explain the plan of salvation and lead them in prayer.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the Bible story.

A special meal

For this activity you will need plates, glasses and other toy utensils for cooking, a table, and play-dough.

Using these materials, make up an area of the room as if it were a small kitchen and allow the children to play there. While they are doing so, ask them: What is your favorite food? (Allow them to respond.) What food would you give your best friend if they went to your house? Listen to their answers carefully and tell them: You would like to prepare something very special for your friend. That way you would be showing love. Our Bible story today is about two women who showed their love to a very special friend.

BIBLE

Let’s visit our friends

Line up the children and stand at the front of the line. Lead the row around the room a few times. Explain that you are making an imaginary trip to visit some friends. As they walk, talk with them about what they do when they visit their best friends’ house.

Guide the line to their seats and ask them to sit down. Tell them that the story is about a very special visitor that Mary and Martha received.

Bible Story

Keep your Bible open in the study passage while telling the Bible story. This way your students will realize that the story is in the Word of God.

A special visit

Jesus and his disciples had traveled many places. They walked along long paths and visited different villages. Everywhere people gathered to hear him speak of the love of God.

One day, Jesus and his disciples passed through a village called Bethany. It was very hot and the road was dusty and long. The trip had been exhausting.

They entered Bethany and went to Mary and Martha’s house. They were friends of Jesus and loved him very much.

When Martha knew that Jesus was in her house, she ran to put everything in order. She cleaned the dust from the furniture, swept the floor and rushed to make delicious bread to share with Jesus and his disciples. “Where is Mary?” Martha wondered as she worked.

Mary also loved Jesus. She had longed to see her friend again. So when Jesus came to her house, she sat at his feet to hear all the wonderful things that the Master spoke about.

When Martha realized that Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus, she asked her, “What are you doing?”

Then she looked at Jesus and said, “Mary has left me doing all the work alone. Tell her to help me!” Martha felt tired and upset.

“Martha, Martha,” Jesus said, “you worry about a lot of things. Mary is acting well. She has chosen to listen to God’s message and that is what is really important.”

Mary and Martha loved Jesus very much and wanted to show him their love. Both did it in a different way. Jesus knew they loved him and he loved them too.

CONNECTION

How do you show love to Jesus?

Make a mural about the different ways in which we can show the love we feel for Jesus.

Provide colored paper to make drawings. Those who are learning to write can write down a simple phrase that expresses their feelings.

Explain that when they are kind and obey God’s commandments, they are showing their love to Jesus.

Mary and Martha

For this activity, you will need paper plates or cardboard circles, scissors, glue and colored pencils or markers.

Hand out the student activity sheets, and follow the instructions to make the vertical cuts on each plate. Let them trace the word of faith of this unit (love), write their name and decorate their plates.

Provide scissors to cut the two strips of drawings from the activity sheet. Ask them to join the strips by gluing the two sections marked with the letter A.

Help them put the strip of drawings between the openings of the plate or cardboard circle. When they have finished, paste the sections marked with the letter B.

Review the Bible story using the finished crafts.

Memory Verse

Ask the children to walk backwards. For every step they take, they must say a word of the memory verse

Repeat the verse until they have gone around the room. Then review with them individually and help those who have difficulty learning it.

To finish

Pray by giving thanks to God for Jesus and for the love you feel for each other. Intercede for prayer requests before saying goodbye.

Remind them that in the next class they will study how to talk about Jesus to others.

Lesson 43

We tell others about Jesus

Bible base: Acts 8:26-40

Lesson objective: Preschoolers will learn that they can show the love of God by telling the Good News of Jesus.

Memory verse: “Let us love one another, for love comes from God” (1 John 4:7).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Philip, the evangelist of this story, was not one of the twelve, but a Greek Jew converted to Christianity and a faithful servant of the first church of Jerusalem. When the persecution of the Christians in that city began, Philip continued to spread the message of Jesus in Samaria.

An angel of the Lord instructed Philip to come down to the road that crossed between Jerusalem and Gaza. Gaza was a southern city of Palestine, which was 80 kilometers from Jerusalem.

The use of the term “angel of God” indicated that the journey had been originated by God.

Philip could have questioned God or postponed his trip. However, he simply obeyed the voice of God. Philip went to the carriage where an Ethiopian man was reading the book of the prophet Isaiah that spoke of the coming of the Messiah. God had placed them on the same path so that Philip could explain the message to him.

God prepared the Ethiopian to hear the message of Christ and sent Philip to tell him about it. As you prepare for this week’s class, pray to the Lord to prepare the hearts of your students for the message that God has given you to teach them.

Adaptation

Thanks to Philip’s obedience, the Ethiopian was able to know Jesus as his Savior and have eternal life. This Bible story has two important teachings for preschoolers. First: There are people who do not know Jesus. Second: There are people who will never know, unless we speak to them about Him.

For these two reasons it is important that we speak to others about Jesus. Through this Bible story, you can sow in your students the desire to preach the gospel of salvation to those who do not know it.

During this stage of development, preschoolers are learning that the world goes beyond them and their families. They are developing the capacity to

communicate and talk about the important events that happen around them; they realize the changes and are perceptive to their feelings and emotions.

Therefore, it is the perfect time to teach them that the best way to show others the love of God is by telling them about Jesus.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the Bible story.

Good News

For this activity, you will need a newspaper. Show the newspaper to your students and ask them what it is for. Listen to their answers carefully. Based on their answers, explain that the newspaper is a means of communication. Through it, people hear good and bad news. Tell them that Christians are also messengers of good news. God wants us to tell all the people about his Son Jesus, and the Bible story will tell us about it.

Jesus loves us

For this activity, you will need a sheet of cardboard or paper to make a mural, colored markers, stickers and, if possible, a figure that represents Jesus. On the top of the card write: “Jesus loves us and we love Him”. Place all the materials on a table. Allow the children to draw something that reminds them of Jesus’ love. Then, ask them to decorate the mural using the stickers and markers. Glue the figure of Jesus in the center of the mural.

When the work is finished, tell them: God wants us to love others. One way to do this is to tell them about Jesus. Let’s stick this sign on the door so that all who see it remember that Jesus loves them.

BIBLE

Use these activities to teach the students the Bible lesson.

Pass the ball

For this activity, you will need a soft plastic ball. Form a circle and say: (Rose) I’m going to gently throw this ball to you. When you catch it, you must tell me your favorite color and throw it at me again. Repeat the exercise with each child. After everyone has participated, tell them: If you had not told me what your favorite colors are, I would not know. But now I know! The Bible story today is about a man from Ethiopia who was reading a scroll, but did not understand what he was saying. However, someone helped him understand its meaning.

Bible story

Philip shares about Jesus

Philip was a man who loved God. He had known Jesus as his personal Savior and preached the Good News of the kingdom of God.

One day an angel told Philip, “Get up and go to the road that is in the desert.”

Philip obeyed and went to the path that the angel had indicated. Then he walked and walked. When he finally reached the place, he saw a man of distinguished appearance. He was Ethiopian and one of the most important officers of the Queen of Ethiopia.

This man loved God and had made a long journey to Jerusalem to worship him. On his way back to his country, he stopped for a moment to read the Scriptures.

The Ethiopian was reading about Jesus. However, he did not understand the meaning of those words because he did not know anything about the Son of God.

While Philip saw the man, God told him, “Get close to his carriage.” Philip obeyed God’s command and approached the Ethiopian.

“Do you understand what you have read?” Philip asked.

“No, how can I understand if nobody teaches me?” the man replied.

Then Philip sat next to the Ethiopian and began to tell him the good news of Jesus. He explained that the Son of God loved him and wanted to be his friend and Savior.

While they were traveling, they found a place where there was water, and the Ethiopian said: “There is water here, can I be baptized?”

Philip answered him, “If you believe with all your heart in the Lord Jesus, of course you can!” “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God!” the man replied, very excitedly.

They went down to where the water was and Philip baptized the Ethiopian. When they came out of the water, God took Philip away from there.

The Ethiopian man was very happy and returned home with a transformed heart, with the assurance that Jesus was his friend and Savior.

CONNECTION

Philip and the Ethiopian

Cut out the three pictures corresponding to this lesson from the cut-out section in the back of the student activity book and give a set to each student. Hand out the activity sheets and allow time for the students to write their names, trace the word of faith and color the pictures. Then tell them that in the blank spaces on their activity sheets they should match the corresponding cut outs in order to complete the story of Philip and the Ethiopian.

Have the kids turn their pages over and connect the dots to find out what the Ethiopian official was sitting on.

Let’s announce the Good News

For this activity, you need three paper hearts for each child, pencils or markers and decorating materials.

Write in the hearts “Jesus loves you” and hand them out so the children can decorate them. As they do so, review what they learned in the Bible story. Explain that they, like Philip, can tell the good news.

Encourage them to give those hearts to their friends or family members who need to know about Jesus.

Memory Verse

Repeat the Bible verse in different ways, for example: jumping, shouting, applauding, with happy faces, etc. This will help you make learning more fun and your students will review the Bible verse several times.

To finish

Pray for the people to whom they will give their hearts, and for the Lord to allow them to joyfully tell the good news of Jesus.

Thank them for their presence in the class and hand them the crafts they made.

Lesson 44

We show his love when we help others

Bible Base: Acts 9:36-42

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers will learn to show the love of God by helping their neighbor.

Memory verse: “Let us love one another, for love comes from God” (1 John 4:7).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

After Saul was converted to Christianity, the early church enjoyed a period of peace and growth.

During that time, Peter was free to travel through Judea, preaching to Christians who had fled Jerusalem because of persecution. In Acts 9:32, Peter was preaching and healing in Lydda, a town 19 kilometers from Joppa. Joppa was a maritime village located 61 kilometers northeast of Jerusalem.

Tabitha (in Hebrew) or Dorcas (in Greek) was a Christian disciple who lived in Joppa. She had the gift of service and was a great helper in her community. Her life was evidence of faith in Christ and love of God. Tabitha is a beautiful example of how we can use our gifts to serve those in need. Many of the poor people in Joppa were widows, and Tabitha showed them the love of God by providing them with clothes. When Tabitha became sick and died, the people who had received help from her prepared her body for the funeral.

The body was placed in a room in her house. When her friends learned that Peter was in Lydda, they sent messengers to look for him.

Arriving in Joppa, Peter went to the place where Tabitha’s body was; there he prayed in the name of Jesus and she was resurrected. Through the life of Tabitha we learn what Christian service means, and with her death and resurrection, we see the powerful hand of God acting through the apostle Peter.

Adaptation

Consider all the options you have in your area to provide your students with ways to help those in need. For example: gather food, give a special offering to the church, or donate clothing or toys to the needy.

The world in these times is increasingly insensitive. That is why it is important that through this lesson, they see an example of love and service. They should know that God wants to bless other people through those who make up the church.

Strengthen preschoolers’ desire to share and help those in need. Jesus gave us the supreme example of service by giving his life on the cross.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the Bible story.

Dress the baby

You will need dolls and clothes to dress them. Place the dolls and clothes on a table. Allow the children to play with the dolls in different clothes. While they are doing so, tell them: One of the ways in which families take care of babies is by dressing them. The clothes serve to cover people up and keep them warm. In today’s Bible story we will learn about a woman called Tabitha. She helped other people by making clothes for them.

How are clothes made?

For this activity you will need some clothing and sewing materials such as threads, buttons, needles, cloth, etc.

Put materials on a table for your students to observe and touch. Explain that all clothing sold in stores was made by other people. Explain what each of the sewing materials is for.

Tell them that in the Bible story they will study about a woman who made clothes for other people.

If there is a tailor or seamstress in your congregation, ask them to visit your class and describe their craft.

BIBLE

Hidden buttons

Hide the buttons in the classroom before class. Also, on a card write the word “Help” in large letters. Ask the children to find the hidden buttons. As they find them, they must paste them on the letters written on the cardboard. Watch out in case they need help in this activity. When they are finished, gather them to hear the Bible story.

Bible story

Teach preschoolers to make the symbol of love by placing their crossed hands on their chest. Ask them to make the symbol when they hear a word that relates to love during the Bible story.

Tabitha helps others

Tabitha was a very good woman who loved Jesus and lived in a town called Joppa. She demonstrated the love of God by helping others. She made very nice clothes to give to people who did not have money to buy them.

One day Tabitha became seriously ill and died. All her friends loved her very much and were sad to receive the bad news. Some of them went to Tabitha’s house and prepared her for her funeral. Then they put her in a room and remembered the good things she had done for everyone. She had really been a good friend

While they were in Tabitha’s house, one of them said, “Do you know that Peter is very close to here?” Peter was a disciple of Jesus and preached the Good News in many places. Tabitha’s friends decided to send two people to go find Peter and bring him to Joppa.

The messengers walked a lot until they found the apostle and said, “Peter, please come with us. Tabitha is dead!” Immediately, Peter went to Joppa with them.

When they arrived, they took him to the room where Tabitha’s body was. Tabitha’s friends approached Peter in tears and showed him the clothes she had made for them. Peter told all the people to leave the place. Then he knelt down and prayed to the Lord. Then, going to where Tabitha was, he ordered her, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes and saw Peter and sat up. He gave her his hand to help her stand up, and called Tabitha’s friends to see her.

Everyone was happy! God had done a great miracle. All the people who lived in Joppa heard about this, and many believed in Jesus.

CONNECTION

These activities will help connect Bible truth to your students’ daily lives.

The story of Tabitha

Cut out the pictures corresponding to this lesson from the cut-out section of the student activity book and give a set to each child. Hand out the activity sheets, and after they have written their name and traced the word of faith, ask them to glue the pictures in the corresponding places according to the Bible story.

Allow time for the figures on the worksheet to be colored and briefly review the lesson.

How can we help?

Provide white paper and crayons or markers. Encourage children to think of some ways they could help someone during the week.

Tell them: Draw a picture of how they can help at home. When they help someone, they are showing God’s love. God wants us to show love to people.

They should take the drawing home as a reminder of what they learned in class.

Memory Verse

Ask that some volunteers come forward and say the Bible verse by heart. Prepare small prizes to recognize your students’ efforts.

If you wish, invite parents and prepare a demonstration of what they have studied during this unit.

To finish

Briefly review the unit’s stories. Then, form a circle and pray asking the Lord to help all of you show love to your fellow neighbors.

Make sure everyone takes home the crafts they made.

Year 2

Introduction • Unit XI

THE BIBLE TALKS TO US ABOUT RUTH

Unit Objective: That the preschoolers learn that God takes care of them and fills their needs.

Memory Verse: “Give your worries to the Lord. He will take care of you.” (Psalm 55:22 ICB)

Word of faith: GOD TAKES CARE OF US: God loves us and wants to show us love by taking care of us and supplying our needs.

Unit Lessons:

Lesson 45 Ruth and Naomi return to Bethlehem

Lesson 46 Ruth meets Boaz

Lesson 47 Ruth shares with Naomi

Lesson 48 Ruth’s family helps one another

What preschoolers will learn from these lessons:

They will learn that God takes care of them.

They will study that God uses other people to care for His children.

They will understand that God provides for the needs of His children through His family.

Ruth and Naomi were two brave women who depended on the care and provision of God during times of great need. Ruth was a Moabite, married to a Jewish man who served God. When her husband died, she decided that she would not return to her village or serve false gods. Rather, she chose to take care of her mother-in-law, going to live in a strange and foreign country for her.

Ruth is a clear example of how God accepts, protects and provides for those who place their faith in Him.

As you study these four lessons about Ruth, pay special attention to God’s care for his children. Talk with your students about the ways God shows us his love and provides for our needs. God took care of Ruth and Naomi on the way back to Bethlehem. He also provided them with food in Boaz’s fields. In addition, he gave Ruth a loving husband and son. Each of these Bible stories is a beautiful illustration of God’s care for those who serve him.

Lesson 45

Ruth and Naomi return to Bethlehem

Bible Base: Ruth 1:19

Lesson objective: That preschoolers learn that God cares for them.

Memory verse: “Give your worries to the Lord. He will take care of you.” (Psalm 55:22 ICB)

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Naomi was a Hebrew widow who lived in a country called Moab. After losing her husband and two children, she was alone, with two foreign daughters-in-law and no help or protection. It was then that Naomi decided to take a risk and return to Bethlehem, her hometown.

This city was on the other side of the Dead Sea, many miles from Moab. Naomi would have to make the trip walking, trusting that she would find kind people on the path to offer her food, water and a place to rest.

At Naomi’s insistence, one of her daughters-in- law decided to stay in Moab and start a new life. However, Ruth, the other daughter-in-law, chose to leave everything behind to follow Naomi and thus serve God with all her heart. This was not an easy decision for Ruth since she was still young; she could have married again and had a family.

Her mother-in-law Naomi had no more children. Going with her to Bethlehem could involve hard work and even lose the opportunity to have a husband and offspring.

Ruth’s unconditional love for God and Naomi led to the story of God’s care for these two women who believed, depended and trusted in Him. In the midst of poverty and the pain of life, they had the courage to embark on the journey. God rewarded that courage by giving them a safe trip, full of provisions and a peaceful arrival to the city of Bethlehem.

As you prepare this lesson, think about the people who have shown you unconditional love. How did you feel about that love? Pray for God to allow your students to see them as He sees them. Pray that each child will be touched with God’s unconditional love. While you allow God to use you to touch the lives of your students, He will teach you even more about his unconditional love and care.

Adaptation

It is important that preschoolers learn what it means to love others unconditionally. As they put this into practice, they will understand the unconditional love that God has for them. The lessons of the book of Ruth provide opportunities for children to hear about God’s love and care for Ruth’s family and Naomi. Point out that just as God kept them safe, He also cares about us and our needs.

Maybe some of your students have not experienced that unconditional love. You can be the first person to give them such love. Through your actions, they may begin to believe that God loves and cares for them. Show them your love by praying for them, sending them a card, listening to them and showing interest in their lives.

As you show God’s love to your students, you will notice how trust and friendship grows between you. In this way your lessons will be more effective, and not only will they hear the message of God’s love but they will be the object of it.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Preparations for a trip

For this activity you will need a globe or a world map, photographs of transportation (plane, boat, car, train, etc.) and a suitcase.

Show the objects to the children and talk about trips. Listen to their comments carefully, and if any of them has traveled, ask them to briefly share their experience.

Then tell them: In today’s Bible story we will learn about a journey that Ruth and Naomi made. Naomi was Ruth’s mother-in-law. This means that she had married Naomi’s son. However, her husband had died and she had to make a long journey to get to Bethlehem.

This is how Ruth is written

On a card or sheet of paper, write the name of Ruth in large letters. Then ask the children to stick colored pieces of paper following the outline of the letters. While they are doing so, help them identify the shape and sound of each letter. This will help them know them easily when they see them on the activity sheet.

BIBLE

Use these activities to help the students have a better understanding of the Bible lesson.

Ruth and Naomi

Ask the children to form a line. Tell them that when they hear the name “Naomi,” they should bend over; and when they hear the name “Ruth,” they have to jump. Repeat the game a few times before starting the Bible class.

Bible Story

To illustrate this story we suggest you look for two women from your congregation to represent Naomi and Ruth. While you tell the story, they will stage the Bible story. You can also use puppets or projections. Show a Bible to your students and tell them: Ruth is the name of a book in the Bible. Ruth was a woman who decided to love and follow God. In today’s story we will learn how God cared for Ruth and her mother-in-law during a long journey.

Back to Bethlehem

Naomi and Ruth lived in Moab, a land far away from Bethlehem, the place where Naomi had been born. Naomi, her husband Elimelech, and their two sons had gone to live there because there was no food in their land. However, shortly after they arrived, Elimelech died, so Naomi was left alone with her two children.

After a few years, Naomi’s children married women from that country. One of them was Ruth. Ruth loved her mother-in-law very much and cared for her affectionately. The years passed and Naomi’s sons died, leaving her alone and helpless. One day Naomi heard that God had blessed her country and that there was plenty of food there. Then she packed all her things and prepared to return. But Ruth said, “I’m not going to let you go alone; I am going with you.” Naomi answered, “Ruth, it will be a very long trip. Also, I do not have money, neither husband nor children. I cannot take care of you! You must stay in Moab and go back to your family.” Then Ruth said, “Do not ask me to leave you; wherever you go, I will go with you and serve God like you.” Naomi knew that Ruth loved her very much, so she did not insist anymore, they walked and walked for many days.

God took care of them while traveling and provided them with food and safe places to rest.

Finally when they arrived in Bethlehem, Ruth was happy to see her new home. Ruth and Naomi arrived safe and sound in Bethlehem because God took care of them during the long journey.

CONNECTION

These activities will help connect the Bible truth to your students’ daily lives.

God cares for us

Cut out the two pictures corresponding to this lesson from the cut-out section and give a set to each student, along with an activity sheet.

Allow time for the children to write their name and trace the word of faith. As they do, tell them: God loves us and cares for us. We can feel His care through the blessings we receive and the way He provides for our needs. Glue the pictures in the place they correspond to and color the worksheet. Then turn the page around to make a drawing of your family.

God cares for me!

Gather the children in a circle and sit on the floor. Ask each one to say one way God cares for him or her. Write down the answers on the board or on a large piece of paper. Keep them in a visible place in the room during the course of the unit.

Memory Verse

For this activity you will need long strips of paper and tape.

Form a path before class by gluing the strips of paper on the floor. Encourage your students to follow the path while repeating the memory verse. Repeat the exercise several times with different variations such as jumping, walking backwards, etc.

To finish

Gather together to pray and give thanks for God’s care. Choose some children to pray for requests and others to give thanks.

Before saying goodbye, sing a song that speaks of God’s love or care.

Lesson 46

Ruth meets Boaz

Bible Base: Ruth 2:1-16

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers learn that sometimes God takes care of us through others.

Memory verse: “Give your worries to the Lord. He will take care of you.” (Psalm 55:22 ICB)

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Ruth and Naomi returned to Bethlehem during the barley harvest in the spring. This harvest normally occurred in the months of April, May, and June, followed by the rainy season. The reapers cut the stems using sickles or small knives with a wooden handle, made of iron or copper. The young maidservants generally followed the reapers, making bundles of falling stalks of wheat.

The law required that the corners of the fields not be harvested; besides, they should not pick up the grains that fell while the harvests were drying. In this way Israel provided food for the poor. Being a widow, Ruth could go to the fields and pick up the grain that fell and use them for her food.

Ruth went to Boaz’s field; he was a relative of Naomi’s. There she worked hard, without stopping to rest or drink water. Boaz, who we assume was a kind man because of the interaction he had with his workers, saw the work that Ruth was doing and asked who she was. Upon being told, he was impressed by Ruth’s faithfulness to her mother-in-law. Then, going beyond the law established, he ordered his workers to drop more stalks of grain so that the two women would have enough food. Boaz shared the food with Ruth, treated her with respect, and provided her with a safe place to work.

Boaz had such a disposition to help someone in need that God used him to help Ruth and Naomi. As you prepare this lesson, reflect on your actions. When was the last time you went beyond what was expected to help someone in need? How do you allow God to use you to improve the lives of others?

Compassion as a way of life is more than a feeling of sympathy for those who suffer. True compassion consists in providing for the needs of others.

Adaptation

This is a time that is ideal to teach preschoolers that there are people in need. It is important that they learn to see beyond their own interests, to see the needs of others. Plan some activity in which they can share with others; for example: give an offering for the compassionate ministry of your church, or donate food or clothing for the needy. When children are taught at an early age about compassionate ministry, they learn that loving God means caring for those who suffer from deprivation.

It is at this stage that preschoolers begin to discover the needs of others and to care about others. You will notice how surprised they are when they realize that their actions can help or hurt other people. If there are disagreements among the children in your class, teach them to respect others and to solve things without fighting.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Pick up wheat!

For this activity you will need strips of paper to simulate heads of wheat, and a plastic bag for each student.

Before class, spread the strips of paper around the room. As the students arrive, hand out the bags to collect the wheat.

When they are finished, explain that in the Bible story they will talk about someone who had to work in the field, doing something similar to what they did.

Healthy Foods

For this activity, you will need different types of grains (corn, beans, kidney beans, wheat, etc.), white paper, colored pencils or crayons, and glue.

Show children the beans and grains and explain to them what it means to respond with compassion. Foods are made with grains. For example, flour is made with wheat, bread, cereals, pasta, etc. Hand out the white paper. Instruct them to glue some grains and draw some foods that are prepared with them.

As you work, tell them that God made grains to feed us. Explain that the Bible story is about when Ruth and Naomi needed food, and God provided for them through a good man who grew grain.

My favorite food

Provide white paper and colored pencils for your students to draw their favorite food.

When they are finished, put the drawings on a sheet of paper. At the top write: “God shows us his care through food.”

Talk with the children about the ways God provides food for their families.

Use these activities to teach the Bible story to your students. Enrich the story with illustrations to better capture the attention of preschoolers if you do not have visual resources at hand.

Ruth picks heads of wheat

After Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem, they found a place to live but they needed food. It was precisely the time of the harvest, when people went to the field to gather heads of wheat. The heads are the grains used to make bread and other foods.

One day Ruth told Naomi, “Let me go pick up stalks of wheat. Surely those who harvest in the field will let me go after them, collecting the grain that falls. “

“Go, my daughter,” answered Naomi. Then Ruth went to a field and began to pick up the wheat that fell from the workers. She worked very hard all day. Unknowingly, Ruth had gone to the field of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s husband. Boaz was very rich and important in Bethlehem. When Boaz went to see how his fields were, he saw Ruth and asked, “Who is that woman?”

“It’s Ruth. She came from Moab with Naomi. She has worked very hard all day, without resting.” Then he called Ruth and said, “You can work in this field as much as you want. Here you will be safe. You can also eat with my workers and drink fresh water from our jugs.” “Why is are you so kind to me if you do not know me?” Ruth asked.

“I have heard a lot about you and how you have helped and cared for Naomi. May God reward you for all you have done and give you many blessings!”

“Thank you very much, sir!” Ruth said. Afterward, Boaz told his workers to drop more grain so that Ruth would have enough food. God cared for Naomi and Ruth through Boaz’s kindness.

Bible Review

Preschoolers enjoy telling the Bible story in their own words. Another method to review is to dramatize the story they heard. If possible, get different clothes to dress up, or make them with paper in a simple way.

CONNECTION

These activities will help connect the Bible truth to your students’ daily lives.

Ruth picks heads of wheat

Distribute the student activity sheets and pencils. Let the children write their name and trace the word of faith on the worksheet.

Allow time for them to circle the bunches of wheat they find in the drawing.

Turn the page around and help them count and highlight the numbers on the bundles as they review what they learned in the Bible story.

God takes care of me through...

Explain to the children that God sometimes uses people and other means to show us love and care. In today’s story, God cared for Ruth through Boaz.

Encourage them to draw a picture of the people through whom God manifests his love.

When they finish, in each drawing write the phrase: God cares for me through ... (my mom, my brothers, etc.).

Tell them to bring their finished work home and give it to the person they have drawn.

Memory verse

Have the children form a circle and you stand in the center with a soft ball. When you throw the ball to one of them, they must say the memory verse. Help those who have problems memorizing it. Repeat the game until everyone has participated.

To finish

Sing a song about God’s love or care. Then pray for each one’s needs, concluding with a prayer of gratitude to God for his love and care.

Invite the children to the next class and distribute the crafts they will take home.

Lesson 47

Ruth shares with Naomi

Bible Base: Ruth 2:17-23

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers learn that God took care of Naomi through Ruth.

Memory verse: “Give your worries to the Lord. He will take care of you.” (Psalm 55:22 ICB)

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

Last week’s Bible story focused on Boaz’s kindness to Ruth. This week will deal with the result of Ruth’s work in Boaz’s field. She picked up wheat until sunset. When she finished, she would gather the stalks and thresh them to take them home. Ruth carried approximately 22 kilos of grain. God’s care was also present as she was able to carry that weight and bring Naomi part of her food.

What is evident in this story is Ruth’s care for Naomi. She could have used all that Boaz provided, but she always gave a portion to share with her mother-in-law. She could also have worked fewer hours and still collect enough grain. However, she did not do it. As a result, she was able to adequately attend to her needs and those of Naomi. Naomi, of course, gave credit to the one who deserved it. She praised God for his providence and thanked him for the life of Ruth and Boaz. Ruth continued to work in Boaz’s fields, and the grace of the Lord was always on these two women.

We can learn from the example of Ruth. She not only picked up wheat to bring food to her home, but she worked hard. She not only provided for herself, but also for her mother-in-law. God teaches us his faithfulness through this story and shows our response to divine care. Remember that when we love God and decide to follow Christ, our resources do not belong to us. Do not cling to your possessions; rather, let God use what you have to help those in need.

Adaptation

Younger children learn best through examples. If you say one thing but your actions are contrary, your students are likely to be guided by your actions. That is why the story of Ruth and Naomi is a great example to them. The words and actions agree! Through Ruth’s perseverance and work, the children will realize that Ruth not only said that she would help Naomi, but did everything possible to achieve it. We hope that this lesson forms a solid foundation in the hearts of your students, knowing that God not only cares about us, but expects us to do everything possible to show his love to others.

Take advantage of this week’s lesson for students to put into practice what they learned. Allow them to participate by helping in some church or community project. This week prepare a large box to store supplies. Ask the children to make cards that speak of God’s love and care. Encourage them to bring canned food to deposit in the box. Tell them: Next week we will fill this box with food. We will put the cards there and take it to people who need something to eat. We can share with others, just as Ruth shared with Naomi. God can use us to help others.

Bring extra cans of food so that visiting children or those who do not have enough resources can participate in the activity. Encourage them by telling them that food cans and cards are important, since they will show God’s love and care for others.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

General Review

Use the students’ activity sheets from precious weeks to briefly review the previous two lessons. Show the illustrations and ask them to explain what happened in each situation. Preschoolers tend to forget details of the story, so it’s important to help them remember before teaching them something new.

Let’s take a field day!

Ask the parents during the week to allow the children to bring a doll or stuffed animal to the class. Stick a label with the name of the owner on each toy and make sure they are taken back home at the end of the lesson. You will also need a blanket, disposable plates and cookies.

Put the blanket on the floor. Gather the children around you and tell them: Everyone brought a friend for this field day. Can you tell me the name of your friend? (Listen to the answers.)

Distribute the dishes and the cookies and ask them to share the cookies with their friend.

Explain that friends love and share with one another, and in today’s Bible story they will learn more about this.

God’s care

You will need cardboard or paper, markers and colored pencils.

Give each child a piece of normal or construction paper. At the top write “God takes care of us.” Ask them to draw a picture of how God cared for Naomi and Ruth. As you work, tell them: God cared for Ruth and Naomi while traveling to Bethlehem. He also used Boaz to provide food for them. In the same way we can trust that God cares for us. Write the child’s name under their drawing. Place the works on the wall, like a mural.

BIBLE

Ruth and Naomi puppets

You need page 131 of the student’s book, two wooden sticks, tape, pencils and scissors.

Help the preschoolers trim the figures of Ruth and Naomi by following the dotted lines. Peel them with sticky tape to the wooden sticks. When they finish, tell them: Hold your puppets while listening to the Bible story. When you mention the name of Naomi, they must raise the puppet that corresponds, and when they hear the name of Ruth, raise the puppet that represents it.

Bible Story

Ruth worked hard all day in Boaz’s field. She picked up spikes until it began to darken. When she separated the grain from the spikes, she realized that she had collected more than 20 kilos of grain. She took his load and went to Bethlehem to tell Naomi me everything that had happened. “I brought many grains and food for you,” Ruth said excitedly. She was happy because she could share with her mother-in-law what God had given her. Naomi was surprised and happy. “Where were you working today?” she asked. “May God bless those who have helped you so much!”

Ruth told her that she had been working in the camp of a very kind gentleman, named Boaz. “Boaz gave me permission to collect the spikes and eat with his workers,” Ruth said. “Thank God for Boaz! He is part of our family. So keep working in his field and do not walk away from the workers so no one will hurt you.”

Every day Ruth continued picking spikes with the workers until the harvest was over. Meanwhile she lived with Naomi and made sure she had enough food.

God cared for and helped Ruth and Naomi every day.

Bible review

Divide the class in pairs. If your class is small, do this activity with the whole group. Ask each pair to take turns using the puppets of Ruth and Naomi, and to review what they learned in the Bible story.

CONNECTION

These activities will help connect Bible truth to your students’ daily lives.

Ruth shares with Naomi

Hand out the student activity sheets and pencils so students can trace the word of faith and write their name.

Show them how they can use the lines as a guide to complete the other half of the drawing of the bunch of stalks. Allow time for it to be colored.

A Project of love

If possible, organize a project with the children to help a person in need. For example, they could prepare a basket of groceries.

Send notes to parents so that next week they will allow their children to cooperate with the food basket. Decorate a large box with colored paper to store donations.

Explain that just as God used Boaz to help Ruth, he also wants to use them to help other people.

Memory verse

Form a circle with the children and teach them to follow a rhythmic pattern; for example: a foot stomp and a clap. Practice a few times until they feel familiar with the rhythm.

Repeat the Bible verse using the rhythm four times. Follow the example: “Give (stomp) your (clap) worries (stomp) to the Lord. (clap) He (stomp) will take care (clap) of you. (stomp) Psalm 55:22 (clap).

Use this exercise when reviewing the memory verse several times.

To finish

Mention the prayer requests. Encourage the children to pray for each other so that they learn the importance of prayer.

Hand out the work they did so they get to take it home along with the toys they brought. Sing a song about God’s care and invite them to the next class.

Lesson 48

Ruth’s family helps one another

Bible base: Ruth 3:10-13; 4:9-17

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers learn that God cares for them through their family.

Memory verse: “Give your worries to the Lord. He will take care of you.” (Psalm 55:22 ICB)

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

In the Old Testament there was a law that allowed widows, if they had no children, to be taken care of by joining with the closest relative in the husband’s family. This was usually a brother, and if there were no brothers, the rights went to the next closest relative. If he opposed, the responsibility could pass to another family member.

When a widow was taken care of in this way, it implied that the relative would receive or buy the property that had belonged to the deceased husband. The first male child born of the new marriage was considered to be the son and heir of the first husband, and he owned the properties. The other children were considered as children of the second marriage and inherited from him. This system protected the name and property of males who died without having children.

Boaz was not the relative who should compensate Ruth according to the Jewish rules. There was one closer that could have taken responsibility. However, Boaz wanted to marry Ruth and rescue the property of her first husband. Boaz had to ask permission from the relative who by law had to marry her. If he refused to marry Ruth, then Boaz had every right to make her his wife.

The place where civil matters were discussed was at the entrance to the city. There Boaz spoke with the closest relative and, in front of witnesses, obtained permission to rescue the property of Naomi’s husband (and children) and marry her daughter-in-law, Ruth.

Once married, Boaz and Ruth had a son, Obed, and they presented him to Naomi. Naomi’s joy was that of someone who had lost everything and who, by the grace of God, had been restored.

Adaptation

Preschoolers need evidence to trust something. They need to know that what is familiar to them will not change. As they grow up, they discover

that in life there are few enduring things. Soon they begin to experience changes, both expected and unexpected. When children feel safe, they learn to adapt to new experiences, and even to wait for them excitedly. This security can be found in their parents or relatives, but more importantly, they can find it in God, who loves them and never changes.

Preschoolers become more independent little by little, but they still need to feel protected. Because of their age and physical limitations, they cannot prepare food, drive a car or go anywhere by themselves. During this lesson, help them identify people who are part of their life and are at their side to help them. They can be their parents, relatives, teachers or friends. During the time of prayer, encourage them to thank God for the people who care for them.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

The Family

Look in magazines for family pictures, or ask the parents of your students to provide pictures of their families.

Show children the pictures and talk about their families. Be especially careful when dealing with those who have a dysfunctional family or whose parents have died. Make the proper adaptations to the lesson and the activities so that they feel blessed and comforted through this topic.

Hearts of gratitude

For this activity, you will need cardboard, scissors, crayons or colored markers and tape.

Draw a medium-sized heart for each child and allow them to cut it out. While they are doing it, ask them: Who loves you and takes care of you? (Listen to the answers.)

Help them write in their hearts the name of the person they choose. Stick the hearts around the room.

Let them know that God shows his love and care through people who love and care for them.

BIBLE

What’s in the bag?

You will need a dark paper or plastic bag and a doll. Put the doll inside the bag before class. Then gather your students and tell them: There is something special in this bag. Can you imagine what it is? Allow them to put one hand in the bag, but without looking inside.

After everyone has touched the doll, ask that those who know what it is raise their hands. Listen to the answers and take the doll out. Tell them that in the Bible story they will learn something important about a baby.

Bible story

Ruth marries Boaz

Ruth continued working in Boaz’s field until the harvest ended. On the last day, Boaz was separating the heads of wheat to weigh everything that had been collected during the season. Afterwards, Ruth sat next to Boaz and they talked. “God has taken care of you,” Boaz said. “I see that you are very faithful to Naomi and I would like to take care of you.” Boaz wanted to marry Ruth, but he knew there was another person who might also want to marry her.

So Boaz told Ruth, “Do not worry. I will talk to him to ask him if he wants to marry you.” Boaz went to the entrance of the village where the people met to discuss important matters. There he met the other man and spoke with him, but he said he did not want to marry Ruth. Then Boaz told the others that were there, “You are witnesses of my commitment to buy Naomi the land that belonged to her husband. I will take care of her and I will also marry her daughter-in-law Ruth.” “Yes, we are witnesses,” they replied.

Boaz and Ruth got married. They were very happy! Now they took care of each other and also took care of Naomi. They trusted that God always would protect and help them.

Some time later, Boaz and Ruth had a beautiful baby boy and they called him Obed. Naomi helped care for baby Obed. “Glory to God!” Naomi said as she held her grandson in her arms.

God cared for and blessed this beautiful family and allowed them to thrive and multiply greatly.

CONNECTION

The hand game

Teach this game to your students and encourage them to do the same with their family:

How happy is the family that lives in this home! (Using both hands and joining the fingers, form a triangle.)

The family consists of three children, father and mother. This is the mother who takes care of us and feeds us (raise your thumb).

This is the dad who is going to work (raise the index).

These two brothers go to school (lift the next two fingers). And the little baby stays to play (raise the little finger). At night the family reunited likes to (hands open and together) read the Bible and pray together (hands joined in prayer).

A project of love

If you have decided to carry out the love project, organize the food that everyone brought and put it in the box as a gift. Create a card to accompany the gift. Then, ask the pastor or compassion ministries leader to suggest to whom you should give the help.

Talk with your students about the importance of helping others to demonstrate God’s love.

Find the baby

Give them the student activity sheets and give them time to write their name and trace the word of faith. Ask them to find the Obed baby and circle him. Then color the drawing of Ruth’s family.

Turn the page and tell them: This is the story of Ruth and Boaz. I will read the words and when I point to the figures, you say the corresponding word.

Read the story three times following the instructions.

Memory verse

Gather the children in a circle and practice the rhythmic pattern suggested in lesson 47.

Practice as many times as necessary until they become familiar with the rhythm. Then, add the words of the memory verse and repeat the exercise a couple of times.

To finish

Sing a song as you gather to pray. Encourage them to mention their prayer requests and intercede for each family represented.

Conclude by thanking God for caring for families. Invite them to the next class. Hand out the crafts they made and dismiss them with affection.

Year 2

Introduction • Unit XII

WE THANK GOD FOR JESUS

Unit Objective: That the preschoolers thank God for sending his son to the world.

Memory Verse: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16).

Word of faith: During CHRISTMAS, we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Unit Lessons:

Lesson 49 God’s special promise

Lesson 50 The birth of Jesus

Lesson 51 Angels announce the good news

Lesson 52 Shepherds celebrate the birth of Jesus

Lesson 53 Wise men visit Jesus

What preschoolers will learn from these lessons:

They will study that God promised to send his son Jesus to the world.

They will know that God fulfilled his promise when Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

They will thank God for sending his son Jesus.

They will understand why it is important to announce the Good News of the birth of Jesus.

They will learn to worship Jesus for being the Son of God, the promised Messiah.

Christmas is the favorite time of the year of many students. Young children have great expectations for this celebration. However, they can easily get lost in secular traditions and customs, so they need accurate and clear teaching on the true meaning of Christmas.

They should know that when God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, He gave us the supreme illustration of what it means to give.

Guide them through these stories to experience the joy that Mary felt when she was visited by an angel, and the excitement of the shepherds when they saw the multitude of angels singing in heaven. When you talk about the wise men visiting Jesus, help children understand the joy of giving.

Plant in the heart of each student that Christmas is a very special celebration because we give thanks to God for the best gift ever given: Our Savior Jesus Christ!

Through these lessons, motivate them to offer Jesus the most important gift: their life.

Lesson 49

God’s special promise

Bible Base: Luke 1:26-38

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers will learn that God promised to send his son Jesus to earth.

Memory verse: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” ( John 3:16).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

The evangelist Luke gives profound significance to the visit the angel made to the young Jewish girl called Mary. The Bible tells us that Mary was a young virgin, engaged to Joseph, a young descendant of David’s lineage. Although Mary and Joseph were not yet married, the commitment could only be broken through divorce. Any infidelity on the part of Mary would have been considered adultery. When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, he could sense her fears. That is why he told her not to fear, since she had found grace before God and would be very blessed.

The angel announced the virgin birth of Jesus, who would be conceived through the Holy Spirit. When she gave birth, God’s promise to send his Son into the world would be fulfilled. We find this prophecy in the Old Testament in Isaiah 9. Mary’s doubt was not due to disbelief, as in the case of Zechariah. Rather, she wanted to know how it would be possible for a young virgin to conceive and give birth. The response of the angel was that the conception of the baby Jesus would be accomplished through the Holy Spirit. It is difficult to understand, but easy to believe by faith. In this way, Jesus Christ was born sinless, being one hundred percent human and one hundred percent divine, and brought salvation to mankind. Mary’s response, “Ask me according to your word,” shows us a simple but fervent faith in God.

As you prepare this lesson, meditate on the promise of the birth of the Son of God. For us, a baby born of a virgin seems impossible, but for God there is nothing impossible. Like Mary, we can also believe in the promises of God.

Adaptation

For students, promises are important. If their father, mother, teacher or a friend promises something, for them it means that it will happen. When someone they trust does not keep their promise, children suffer.

The story of Christmas is considered a promise. Help them understand that God fulfilled His promise of sending his Son Jesus into the world. Through this lesson, celebrate with your students that God always keeps His promises and we can trust Him.

Preschoolers enjoy the Christmas season and wait for it well in advance. Ask them how they think Mary felt knowing that she would be the mother of the Son promised by God. Let them tell you what they enjoy most about Christmas. Teach them that the fulfillment of God’s promise is the best gift that has ever existed.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the Bible story.

Angel figures

You need play-dough and plastic tablecloths to cover the work area. Allow time for your students to make figures of angels of different colors and sizes. As you work, ask them: Remember what we celebrate at Christmas? ( Jesus’ birth) Who is Jesus? (The son of God) In our Bible story today we will talk about the visit that an angel named Gabriel made to a young woman.

Attendance control

During the week, draw on a piece of cardboard several figures of angels and cut them out. Give one to each child and ask them to color and decorate it to their liking. They can glue cotton, synthetic feathers, frost or bright powder, etc.

Tell them that each time they arrive at the class punctually, they will receive a figure. At the end of the month, those who have all the figures will receive a prize.

Stick the angels on the walls of the room as a Christmas decoration.

Angel dresses

You will need a white sheet or cloth that is not very expensive. If you speak with the mothers of the children in advance, perhaps some may donate a white sheet or tablecloth that they do not use.

Dress your students as angels, like the one who brought the special message to Mary. Direct them to sing songs that go along with the theme or prepare a special game.

Then, gather them and tell them that an angel brought special news to Mary. At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and we thank God for keeping his promise by sending Him.

BIBLE

Messengers of Good News

Have a newspaper and a letter at hand. Show them to your group and ask them what they are for. Listen carefully to the answers. Then explain that newspapers and letters serve as messengers of good or bad news. Ask them about other ways the news is announced (radio, television, internet, etc.).

Tell them that today’s story is about a woman who received good news from an angel.

Bible story

Mary was a young woman who loved and obeyed God. She lived in a town called Nazareth. One day Mary was sitting in her house when suddenly, an Angel appeared.

“Greetings, Mary” said the angel Gabriel. “God loves you very much and is with you.”

Mary felt very afraid. His eyes widened in amazement and she kept looking at the angel Gabriel who was standing in front of her. “Do not be afraid,” said the angel. “God is pleased with you and he sent me to give you good news.”

Mary listened attentively to the angel, who said, “Something special will happen to you very soon. You are going to have a baby! And you must call him Jesus. He will be a great king as King David was a long time ago. He will be king forever and will help many people because he will be the Son God.”

Mary tried to understand what the angel was saying, but it seemed incredible. “How can that be possible?” she asked as she laughed.

Then Gabriel replied, “Mary, the baby that you will conceive will be through the power of God. God can do things that no one else can do. You are going to have the Son of God.”

Mary trusted God. She knew that He would fulfill his promise. And she was happy to be chosen to be the mother of this special baby. When the angel left, Mary praised and glorified God with all her heart.

CONNECTION

These activities will help connect the Bible truth to your students’ daily lives.

God keeps his promises!

Ask the children to form a circle and stand in the center with a soft ball or toy. Explain that the child to whom you throw the ball should say a way God keeps his promises; for example, healing when we get sick, providing food, giving us a family, etc.

After everyone participates, tell them that God keeps his promises because He is faithful and loves us.

A Christmas promise

Cut out the pictures for this lesson from the cut- out section in the back of the student activity book, and then give a set to each student, along with an activity sheet.

Allow time for them to write their name, trace the word of faith and paste the pictures inside the gift.

Turn over the page and tell them to join the points to form the tree. Ask them to color it and draw an angel on the tip.

Memory verse

Draw and cut several figures of angels and decorate them. Write inside of them the memory verse divided into short sentences.

Paste the figures on the board with tape and read the verse together with your students. Then change the position of the figures, and give time for one of the children to put them in the correct order.

Repeat the exercise a couple of times. Then hang the figures in a visible place in the room.

To finish

Each Sunday as the celebration of Christmas draws closer, prepare the hearts of the preschoolers to tell of God’s special promise to people through Jesus Christ.

Encourage them to invite their family and friends to Sunday school.

Do not forget to ask if they have prayer requests and intercede together for them. Say goodbye with a Christmas song.

Lesson 50

The Birth of Jesus

Bible Base: Luke 2:17

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers learn that God fulfilled his promise when Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Memory verse: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” ( John 3:16).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

With the birth of Jesus, all the promises that God had made to send a Redeemer to the world were fulfilled. Luke helps us understand the historical and political significance of this event.

Cyrenius, governor of Syria, decreed that all people travel to their hometown to be counted. This first census was carried out so that the prophecy would be fulfilled; Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Joseph was a descendant of King David. For that reason he and his wife Mary traveled to Bethlehem in Judea. The Gospel of Luke also tells us that the birth occurred in a humble manner - Jesus was placed in a manger, the box for food for the animals. What a humble beginning for the Son of God and Savior of the world! Now you have the opportunity to tell the good news of the birth of Jesus to your students. God manifests his love to us, offering us the gift of salvation through his Son. Show that love to your students as they study the Bible story.

Adaptation

The excitement of Christmas fills the minds of preschoolers during these days. You will notice them to be a little jumpy and joyful during the next weeks. This lesson provides you with the opportunity to talk about the real meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus. This way they will learn that, above the gifts and celebrations, Christmas is a time to give thanks to God for the salvation He offers us through his Son.

It is likely that because it is the Christmas season, you will have more visitors in your class. Help them understand the wonder of the birth of Jesus. Remember that your actions and words are fundamental to what preschoolers will learn.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Attendance control

Hand out the angel figures corresponding to this day and allow students to decorate them. Remind them that to get the prize, they must collect the four angels, which means attending every Sunday. Give tape so they attach the completed figures to the place you indicate.

What do you like to do?

Discuss with the children about their favorite family activities during Christmas.

Listen carefully to their responses to understand their concept of Christmas and reinforce the previous lesson. Tell them that today they will study how God fulfilled the promise he made to Mary.

A stable

Look in advance for a drawing or photograph that shows what a stable (barn) looks like. It is likely that your students have never seen one.

If you do not have an appropriate illustration, draw one on paper or use clippings from magazines.

Show the drawing and describe how it is a stable. Tell them that the story speaks of something wonderful that happened in a humble stable.

BIBLE

What did the angel say?

To review the last lesson, ask some children to come forward and say what they remember about the story of Mary and the angel Gabriel.

Fill in anything they may have left out and prepare them for this week’s lesson.

Bible story

Remember that most preschoolers learn through their senses. That’s why we suggest you illustrate the story with visual aids.

The Birth of Jesus

The Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar gave a special order. He wanted to know how many people lived in his kingdom, so he ordered all the people to go to the place where they had been born to be counted.

Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem because Joseph was born there. Mary was riding on a donkey while Joseph walked beside her.

It was a long way to Bethlehem, but finally, Joseph and Mary arrived when it was getting dark. Joseph hurried to find a room in the inns. Mary needed rest. She was overwhelmed by the trip and it was almost the time of the baby’s birth.

“Sorry, everything is full,” they told Joseph. “The town is full of people who have come for the census; everyone is tired and there are no rooms left.”

“But, my wife is going to have a baby and she is very tired. I just need a place for her,” Joseph said, very distressed.

At last, the employee of one of the inns said to them, “Come with me.” Joseph and Mary followed him. They could hear the cows mooing and the braying of the donkeys as they followed the man.

“This is the place where we keep the animals; it’s the only thing we have,” the employee said. “The straw is soft. If you want, you can stay here.”

Mary and Joseph accepted because they were very tired, but something special happened later. That night Jesus was born! Mary wrapped the baby in cloth to protect him. Then, they made a crib in a manger so that the baby could rest. Mary and Joseph were happy for the birth of their baby and they thanked God. Then they said that the baby’s name would be Jesus. It was the name the angel had told them to give him. That night the promise of God was fulfilled. Jesus had come to this world to save mankind from their sins.

CONNECTION

Jesus is born!

Cut out the picture of baby Jesus from the cut- out section in the back of the student activity book. Then give an activity sheet to each student. Ask them to trace the word of faith and write their name on the sheet. Then, while coloring the figures of Mary, Joseph and the animals, ask them: Who is missing in the illustration? (The baby Jesus) Give them the picture of Jesus and allow them to glue the picture where it belongs.

Cut the bottom strip by following the dotted line. Help them fold forward the triangles on the four corners of the sheet (see example). When they open this, they will discover the baby Jesus in the manger.

Christmas wreath

For this activity, you will need thick colored paper, glue, scissors, colored pencils and a red ribbon.

Give each student a piece of paper and a pencil. Instruct them to trace the outline of one of their hands with their fingers apart. When they finish, help them trim it. If they wish, they can write their name in the center of the hand.

Make a large circle out of paper that is large enough to fit all the hands. Glue the hands to the ring to form a crown. It is important that all the hands are close together so that the crown looks better.

To finish, put the red ribbon on the upper part. Now you can stick the crown on the class room door.

Memory Verse

Ask the children to form a circle. Then tell them to bend down and place their hands on their knees. Walk around the circle and, when you touch someone’s back, they should stand up, raise their hands and say the memory verse with you. Continue the exercise until everyone has participated.

To finish

Have a special time of prayer. Ask two volunteers to pray loudly thanking God for keeping his promise and sending his son Jesus to the world.

Encourage them to tell their family and friends the message of Christmas.

Lesson 51

Angels announce the Good News

Bible Base: Luke 2:8-14

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers thank God for the birth of Jesus.

Memory verse: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” ( John 3:16).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

In this Bible passage, Luke describes the angelic celebration that joyfully announced the birth of Jesus. As we have observed in these lessons, the angels constantly participated in announcing the birth of Jesus.

First, the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary to tell her that she had been chosen to be the mother of the promised Messiah. Later, an angel appeared to a small group of shepherds excluded from society, accompanied only by their flocks. When the angel gave the good news, a crowd of angels praising God appeared. That night, the shepherds heard through angelic songs the Good News of the birth of the Savior of the world.

The news that was brought many years ago still fills our hearts with joy as we celebrate the birth of Christ on that first Christmas. Share that joy with your students, singing praises to God, giving thanks for the beautiful gift of salvation through his Son Jesus. As you prepare this lesson, give thanks to God for the best Christmas gift: Jesus Christ.

Adaptation

The two previous lessons dealt with God’s plan to send his Son to save the world from their sins. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem fulfilled that promise. This lesson celebrates just that!

Children love celebrations. So use this lesson to help them understand that the news of Jesus’ birth has brought us joy and peace.

Preschoolers easily connect angels to God. This lesson will help them understand that the angels were the messengers that God used to bring the news of Jesus’ birth. Through the different activities, help them focus their attention on the birth of Jesus, celebrated by the angels and all those who love him today.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Use these activities to focus the attention of the students on the Bible story.

Angels

For this activity, you will need white cardboard, markers or colored pencils, glue, duct tape and colored paper.

Use the markers to draw the outline of an angel on the cardboard. Allow the children to fill up the figure by gluing small pieces of colored paper to it. While they are doing this, tell them: A long time ago, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the angels celebrated and sang in heaven. We are going to stick this beautiful angel in our class room to remember the birth of Jesus.

Attendance control

Distribute the figures of angels so that the children may decorate them and stick them in the designated area. Remind them to write their name on the angel that corresponds to them. Encourage them to continue attending to collect the five angels and win the attendance contest.

BIBLE

Use these activities to teach students the Bible lesson.

What are angels like?

Provide white paper and colored pencils for the children to draw a picture of how they imagine angels to be. Allow enough time for them to do so, and then allow each one to show what they did.

Tell them that in the Bible story today, they will talk about a group of angels who cheerfully celebrated the birth of Jesus.

Bible story

Ask the children to hold the drawings they made, and raise them when you mention the word “angel” during the story.

The Angel’s celebration

It was a dark night in Bethlehem and the stars shone in the sky.

A group of shepherds cared for their flocks of sheep in the field.

The night was very calm and the sheep slept peacefully. The work of the shepherds was to protect them so that the wild animals would not attack them. That’s why they had to be awake all night.

The shepherds did not know it, but that would be a very special night. It was the night when Jesus would be born!

Suddenly, a bright light illuminated the darkness of the night. It was an angel!

The shepherds were scared and did not know what to do. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I have good news for you.”

The shepherds could not believe what they were seeing. They looked at each other while the angel remained in front of them.

“The savior has just been born in Bethlehem. His name is Jesus. He is the Messiah, the Son of God,” the angel said.

“You will recognize him because he is in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes.”

Suddenly, a multitude of angels appeared in the sky and sang: “Glory to God in heaven and peace on earth for all men with a good heart!”

When the angels left, the shepherds said excitedly, “We are running to Bethlehem to see that which God has announced to us!”

CONNECTION

These activities will help connect the Bible truth to your students’ daily lives.

Songs of praise!

Just as the angels praised God for the birth of Jesus, encourage the children to sing songs of praise. It is important that from a small age they learn that praising God with their voices shows their gratitude and worship to the Lord. If possible, again use the materials you used in the previous class to dress them as angels. You can also complement this time of worship with musical instruments such as bells, tambourines and bells.

Heaven’s angels

Give each child the activity sheet for this lesson. Allow time for them to write their name and trace the word of faith.

Help them cut out the angel figure by following the outline and make the cuts marked with dotted lines. Make sure they write their name on the back of the figure.

Tell the children the instructions to put together the angel.

Ask them to mention what they remember of the Bible story.

Memory Verse

Make simple halos for your students. Use thin wire lined with a gold ribbon or other materials you have at your disposal.

Ask them to put on the halos. Then tell them: As we walk around the room, we will all say the Bible memory verse together. Repeat the exercise a couple of times. Emphasize that just as the angels celebrated the birth of Jesus, we can too.

To finish

Sing a Christmas song and ask the children to express their prayer requests. Ask if some volunteers wish to pray aloud.

Conclude by praying for each member of your group. Tell them that in the next class they will study what the shepherds did after they saw the angels.

Make sure they organize the materials they used in the room and take home the work they did.

Lesson 52

Shepherds celebrate the birth of Jesus

Bible Base: Luke 2:13-20

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers learn to tell others the Good News of Jesus’ birth.

Memory verse: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” ( John 3:16).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

At the time when Jesus was born, shepherds were considered inferior people and of little importance to society. They spent long hours alone, separated from society, caring for their flocks in remote meadows. Because of the type of work, they often did not participate in the religious rituals that were part of the Jewish tradition.

However, God decided to include that humble group of lonely men in the celebration of the birth of his Son, Jesus. Imagine what it meant to them that God had chosen them to receive the good news through an angelic vision. Indeed, because of the excitement and impact that God’s message had on them, they did something that shepherds should never do and that could have cost them their jobs. They left the sheep alone, exposed to the dangers of the night and wild animals.

These men did something out of the ordinary in their work because, as Luke says, they had the urgency to arrive in Bethlehem to see the Son of God. Once they saw Jesus in the manger, their joy and emotion had no end. Still amazed, they went to tell other people what they had seen.

This story gives us evidence of the first personal encounter with Jesus Christ. These men met the Son of God, and their lives changed completely. The evangelist tells us that they continued praising and glorifying God, repeating to others the good news.

Reflect on your attitude since you had your personal encounter with Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior of your soul. Have you responded with the same joy and emotion with which the shepherds did? Are your thoughts, attitudes and words different since you met Jesus Christ? Do you show your neighbors the gift of love that God has given you?

During this week, pray that the Lord will help you to be a faithful witness of Jesus Christ by joyfully talking about these Bible truths to your students.

Adaptation

One of your goals in teaching must be for your students to understand that the birth story of Jesus is completely different from secular stories that they will hear about Christmas. Do not be alarmed if older children combine events of the birth of Jesus with secular stories. Simply guide them with love to discover what the truth is.

Encourage them to experience the hope, joy and reverence the shepherds felt. Teach them that God longs to be worshiped and they must tell their friends and family about the birth of Jesus. Young children do not know what it means to be an evangelist or preacher. However, they know that they can tell others what they have learned. Even at an early age, they are a very important part of the proclamation of the gospel.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Attendance control

Give each student the figure of the angel to decorate. Provide different materials so that their work is varied and colorful: fake feathers, frost, noodles of different shapes, pieces of cloth, cotton, etc. Make sure they write their names on the figures and help them stick them in the right place.

A night full of stars

Draw stars on a card and cut them out. Give one to each child to decorate with frost or paint of yellow or gold. Instruct them to write their names on the back of their stars. When they are finished, stick them around the room as if they were the stars that shine in the sky.

Talk with your students about the stars, telling them that they are God’s creation. He made them beautiful so that they illuminate the sky at night. Tell them that in today’s story, they will talk about something that happened one night, when the stars were brightly shining...

How would you feel?

Ask your students how they would feel if their best friend did not share their new toys with them. You will hear answers like: sad, hurt. Also, ask them how they would feel if someone knew something very important and kept quiet about it. Tell them that today’s story talks about a group of people who listened to a very important message, and told it to others.

BIBLE

A special guest

Invite a young man or teen from your congregation ahead of time to dress up as a shepherd, wearing a robe and holding a stick.

Ask him to tell your class what a shepherd does;. For example, he takes care of the sheep, defends them from ferocious animals, guides them to where there is grass to feed them and takes them to drink water. The shepherd works many hours. Sometimes he must stay up all night to take care of his flock.

Bible story

We suggest that you invite the young man to tell the Bible story to the group. Provide the study material in advance.

Present the special visitor and give him time to teach. Meanwhile, observe the children’s attitudes during the story.

Let’s go see Jesus!

“Glory to God!” the heavenly angels sang. They were praising God for the birth of Jesus, the Son of God.

The shepherds heard the singing of the angels and saw how they illuminated the dark night with their radiance.

Later, when the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem to see that which the Lord has announced to us!”

Then they did something that was forbidden for those who tended sheep: they left the flock alone! They were so excited and eager to meet the Son of God that they ran to Bethlehem as soon as possible. Soon they reached the stable where Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus were. They had run a lot, so they were tired. But seeing that what the angel had told them was true, they were amazed. They had found the Messiah!

“It is Jesus, the Son of God; the angel told us that we would find him here,” one of the shepherds said excitedly.

Mary listened to everything they said and felt very happy. She would never forget all the things that were happening to her that night.

The shepherds worshiped Jesus and thanked God for sending the Savior to this world. Then they went back to take care of their sheep, but they praised God and told everyone about the birth of Jesus.

CONNECTION

Good News!

Cut out the pictures corresponding to this lesson that are found in the cut-out section at the back of the student activity book. Hand out the student activity sheets and a set of the pictures to each child.

As they write their name, tell them: Let’s complete the story about the shepherds and the baby Jesus. As I read the story, look for the place that corresponds to each picture.

Read the story a couple of times so that the children know where to stick each figure.

Have them turn over the page and give them time to write the word of faith. Then they can color the lights and the figures of Joseph and baby Jesus.

Angels and shepherds

Provide white paper, pencils or colored markers. Ask them as a review to draw the scene in which the angels announce the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. When finished, place the drawings around the room. Invite the parents and the members of the congregation to visit the exhibition. The preschoolers will be in charge of explaining what happened in this special visit that the shepherds received.

Memory Verse

Have your students sit down and form a circle and tell them: I am going to walk around the circle touching the head of each one of you. If I say “sheep”, you will remain seated. But if I say “shepherd”, you must stand and run around the circle, just as the shepherds ran to get to Bethlehem. Then go back to your place and together we will repeat the memory verse. Continue this game until all the preschoolers have participated.

To finish

Conclude with a prayer of thanksgiving for the birth of Jesus. Thank your students for attending the class and remind them that the next lesson will be the last of the year, so it is important that they attend.

Hand out the work to take home and sing a song as a farewell.

Lesson 53

Wise men visit Jesus

Biblical Base: Matthew 2:1-12

Lesson objective: That the preschoolers learn to worship Jesus.

Memory verse: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” ( John 3:16).

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH!

The story of the visit that the wise men made to Jesus is one of the most exciting of the Christmas season. It tells us the long journey that these men made to see the newborn child. The Bible does not tell us how many wise men there were or their names. Tradition says that there were three because of the number of presents that they offered to the Messiah. However, it is likely that they were more.

Instead, the Bible provides us with more accurate data. We know that they went from the east to Jerusalem, and went before King Herod to inquire about the birth of the king of the Jews (Matthew 2: 2). Herod did not know anything about this event, so “having summoned all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ was to be born” (v. 4). When they found the answer, they said, “In Bethlehem of Judea, because it was written by the prophet” (v. 5). The prophet who wrote this was Micah (5:2).

Immediately Herod called the wise men in secret. He wanted to know the exact date the star appeared to calculate the age of the child. Then he sent them to Bethlehem to look for the baby, telling them that when they found him, they were to let him know so he could go worship him (v. 8). When the wise men left the palace, they followed the star to Bethlehem, where Jesus was with his mother, Mary. Contrary to popular belief, He was not in the stable. Experts on the subject have established that Jesus was already one or two years old when he received their visit. This explains why Herod ordered to kill all the children under two years old who lived in Bethlehem.

When the wise men found Jesus, they knelt and worshiped him, offering him very expensive gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh (verse 11). These presents symbolized Jesus’ ministry on earth. Gold was a gift that was offered to kings - Jesus was king. The incense was a gift of the priests. Christ became our High Priest so that we could go into the presence of God. Myrrh was a gift for the one who was going to die - Jesus came to die for us. The wise men were told in a dream that they should not return to Herod, so they returned to their land by another way (v. 12). Just as material gifts were important for their value and symbolism, those presents showed that the Messiah had come for all, not only for the Jews. From the humble shepherds to the wise men with their riches, all went to worship him. Even in our time the message of Christ is for all people.

Adaptation

Preschoolers enjoy receiving gifts. That’s why they wait for their birthday or Christmas with excitement. It is sad to see that in our time, materialism has reached alarming levels. It is common for the excessive purchase of gifts to overshadow the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

The children’s interest as to what they will receive at Christmas contrasts with what the wise men did. They made a long journey to offer the King their presents of worship and obedience, along with gold, incense and myrrh.

Teach your students the true meaning of Christmas, following the example of the wise men in offering Jesus their worship and obedience.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Attendance control

Give the children the angel figures to decorate. Since it is the unit’s last lesson, count them to know who met the attendance goals.

Those who have the five angels may receive a prize or recognition for their effort.

The name of Jesus

For this activity, you will need white cardboard, glue stick, frost or golden diamonds, markers, scissors, glue, old newspapers, and paper towels to clean.

Cover the table with the newspapers and cut the card in pieces of 22.5 x 30 cm. Write “JESUS” with large letters on each piece of card and hand them out.

Help the children glue the letters and let them cover them with the golden frost. Let these dry and remove excess frost from the sheet.

As they work, tell them: These letters form the name of Jesus, the Son of God. We celebrate his birth at Christmas. Today we will learn about wise men who also celebrated the birth of the Messiah.

Clean and order the work area before going on to the next activity.

BIBLE

Bible Story

Prepare three boxes of gifts in advance that represent the gifts of the wise men, and place them in the front. Write the words gold, frankincense and myrrh on three different cards and put them inside each box.

Ask your students to try to guess the content of the gifts that the wise men offered to Jesus, and tell them the Bible story.

Gifts for Jesus

A long time ago, in a very distant place, there were some wise men who studied the stars. One night, these men observed something different in the sky. A very large and bright star had appeared. “This star means that a special baby has been born,” they said. “That baby is a very important king; let’s go worship him!”

The wise men climbed on their camels and set off on the long journey. “We must get to Jerusalem,” one of them said. “The people there will tell us where to find the new king.”

When they reached the city, they went to the royal palace to speak with King Herod, who ruled Jerusalem. “Where is the new king who has been born?” the wise men asked him.

King Herod became very nervous when he heard that question. Then he gathered the chief priests and other educated men and asked them, “Where is the new king to be born?”

“In Bethlehem,” they replied. “This is what it says in the Word of God.” Long before the birth of Jesus, God had chosen faithful men to announce to the people that He would send His Son into the world as a special King.

The wise men took their camels and began the journey to Bethlehem. The bright star they had seen guided them as they went on their way.

After a while, the star stopped over the house where the baby Jesus was. The wise men were very happy!

When they entered the house, they saw Jesus with his mother, Mary, and they knelt to worship him. “This is the new King,” they said excitedly.

The wise men gave Jesus three special gifts (open the boxes and show the cards).

Afterwards, these men had to return to their home land. It would be a long trip back, but they did not care. They were happy because they had met Jesus, the Son of God.

Follow the star!

Cut out the picture corresponding to this lesson from the cut-out section in the back of the student activity book. Give a picture and the activity sheet to each student. Let the children trace the word of faith and write their name.

Ask them to follow the paths marked by the blue, red and yellow stars. Ask them: Who do we find at the end of these roads? ( Jesus)

Turn over the page and connect the gifts that are identical with colored lines.

The star inside the apple

Cut an apple in half and show your students the star that forms in the center. Say that some people think that the star in the middle of the apple is a reminder of the star that led the wise men to where Jesus was. We are glad that God sent that special star! This reminds us that Jesus is not only the King of the Jews, but also our King.

If you have enough apples, share them with your students as a small snack.

Memory Verse

Write on the board some letters of the words that make up the memory verse. Write the remaining letters on pieces of paper that you will place in a bag. Ask that some volunteers take out the letters from the bag and see if they correspond to the ones that are missing in the verse.

Children should place the letter in the corresponding place in the verse. When they have finished, read it together and repeat it several times.

To finish

Because it is the last lesson in the book, give special recognition to your students for their hard work during the units. Remind them that all the lessons are biblical truths that God wants them to apply to their daily lives.

Pray and give thanks to God for the gift of Jesus as Savior and King. Also thank them for having been able to work in Sunday school for the year and intercede for the requests students have. Do not forget to share all the work they did during the unit. If possible, organize a Christmas party to end the year. Do not stop praying for your students and seek their spiritual growth, even when they are no longer in class.

Christian education material for children

Mesoamerica Region Discipleship Ministries presents with satisfaction its complete collection of Christian education books.

They were designed for teachers of children and for students from 4 to 11 years of age.

Children will learn the lessons of the Bible according to their age. And, by the end of their elementary school years, they will have gone through the challenging biblical stories, as well as various topics appropriate to each stage of their childhood and pre-adolescence.

This material was designed as different steps to achieve a holy life. It contains clear and possible goals.

The teacher’s book will help equip those who have the beautiful task of leading children to connect with the message that will change their lives forever.

By promoting the child to the next year-according to his age-he will have studied only once each of the books. When he reaches 12 years of age – if he started with the first book - he will have studied the eight books of this valuable collection.

The books are designed to be used in Sunday school, happy hours, Saturday Bible school, children’s club, discipleship, and schools in general.

This series aims to:

a. Challenge children to learn the word of God.

b. Allow them to grow in their Christian experience as children of God.

c. The growth of your faith.

d. Guide them to accept Jesus as their savior and Lord.

e. Become part of the faith community, the church.

The following table will help you identify the corresponding book according to the age of the students:

• Preschoolers: 4 and 5 years old (Year / book 1 and 2).

• Elementary: 6, 7, 8 years of age (Year / book 1, 2 and 3).

• Words of Life (preadolescents): 9, 10, 11 years of age (Year / book 1, 2 and 3).

Table of Contents

TEACHER

Year 2

Teacher book for Preschool Children (4-5 years of age).

HELP FOR THE TEACHER

INTRODUCTION TO EACH UNIT

GENERAL ASPECT OF THE LESSON

PREPARE YOURSELF TO TEACH

DEVELOPMENT OF THE LESSON

ATTENTION

BIBLE STORY

CONNECTION

EACH LESSON CONTAINS SUGGESTIONS TO USE FOR THE MEMORY VERSE OF SCRIPTURE.

1. WHAT DOES THE VERSE SAY?

2. WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

3. HOW DO I APPLY IT TO MY LIFE?

THE CHILDREN, THEIR CONDUCT AND THE TEACHER

1. UNDERSTAND YOUR STUDENTS AND ALLOW THEM TO ACT NORMALLY FOR THEIR AGE.

2. CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE THAT ENCOURAGES GOOD BEHAVIOR.

3. ENFORCE YOUR ROLE AS THE TEACHER.

4. USE TEACHING METHODS THAT INCLUDE THE CHILDREN AND CAPTURE THEIR ATTENTION.

5. CONCENTRATE ON POSITIVE BEHAVIOR.

WHAT TO DO WHEN A CHILD IS NOT BEHAVING PROPERLY

1. FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.

2. TAKE CONTROL OF THE SITUATION.

3. TALK TO THE CHILD’S PARENTS OR GUARDIANS.

MEET THE PRESCHOOLER

TEACHING RESOURCES

RECIPES FOR PLAY DOUGH AND MODELING CLAY

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROMOTING STUDENTS TO THE NEXT CLASS

Year 2 Introduction • Unit I

JESUS TEACHES US

Lesson 1

Jesus teaches us not to worry

Lesson 2

Jesus teaches us to love others

Lesson 3

Jesus teaches us to share

Lesson 4

Jesus teaches us to be His disciples

Year 2

Introduction • Unit II

THE BIBLE TEACHES US ABOUT DAVID

Lesson 5

God chooses David as king

Lesson 6

David defeats Goliath with God’s help

Lesson 7

God gives David a special friend

Lesson 8

God helps David to be kind

Year 2

Introduction • Unit III

PARABLES JESUS TOLD

Lesson 9

The parable of the sower

Lesson 10

The parable of the Good Samaritan

Lesson 11

The Parable of the Great Banquet

Lesson 12

The parable of the Lost Sheep

Lesson 13

The parable of the Prodigal Son

Year 2

Introduction • Unit IV

JESUS LIVES!

Lesson 14

Jesus shares a special meal

Lesson 15

Jesus travels to Jerusalem

Lesson 16

The Empty Tomb

Lesson 17

Jesus Lives!

Year 2

Introduction • Unit V

GOD LISTENS TO OUR PRAYERS

Lesson 18

We give thanks to God

Lesson 19

Hannah asks God for a son

Lesson 20

Hezekiah prays when he is sick

Lesson 21

Daniel prays when he is afraid

Year 2

Introduction • Unit VI

PEOPLE WHO TRUSTED IN GOD

Lesson 22

Deborah trusts in God’s help

Lesson 23

Gideon trusts in God

Lesson 24

A woman trusts in God when she is afraid

Lesson 25

Naaman obeys and trusts God

Lesson 26

Job trusts God despite his problems

Year 2

Introduction • Unit VII

I AM A PART OF MY CHURCH

Lesson 27

I am a part of my church

Lesson 28

I learn from the Bible

Lesson 29

I learn to help others

Lesson 30

I give my offering to God

Year 2

Introduction • Unit VIII

THE STORY OF PAUL

Lesson 31

Saul meets Jesus

Lesson 32

Saul preaches about Jesus

Lesson 33

Paul tells Lydia about Jesus

Lesson 34

Paul speaks to a prison guard about Jesus

Lesson 35

Paul preaches to the Romans about Jesus

Year 2

Introduction • Unit IX

THE BIBLE HELPS US MAKE DECISIONS

Lesson 36

Isaac decides to be kind

Lesson 37

Jonah makes the wrong decision

Lesson 38

Jonah makes a right decision

Lesson 39

Daniel decides to do the right thing

Lesson 40

Esther decides to help God’s people

Year 2

Introduction • Unit X

GOD WANTS US TO SHOW HIS LOVE

Lesson 41

We show our friends love

Lesson 42

We show Jesus’ love

Lesson 43

We tell others about Jesus

Lesson 44

We show his love when we help others

Year 2

Introduction • Unit XI

THE BIBLE TALKS TO US ABOUT RUTH

Lesson 45

Ruth and Naomi return to Bethlehem

Lesson 46

Ruth meets Boaz

Lesson 47

Ruth shares with Naomi

Lesson 48

Ruth’s family helps one another

Year 2

Introduction • Unit XII

WE THANK GOD FOR JESUS

Lesson 49

God’s special promise

Lesson 50

The Birth of Jesus

Lesson 51

Angels announce the Good News

Lesson 52

Shepherds celebrate the birth of Jesus

Lesson 53

Wise men visit Jesus