Objectives and Lessons for Christian Children
Teaching children about common Bible stories and the objectives of each story can help foster a relationship with Christ at an early age. Kids seem to retain the main ideas behind each story if they can understand how it applies to their lives currently. While teaching, repeat and review the main idea of each story frequently. Offer review pages that children can take home to share with their families at the end of the lesson.
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Trust God All the Time -- Jonah and the Whale
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Children love the story of Jonah and the whale. The story will help them grasp the objective that God loves them and wants them to trust and listen to him at all times. Begin by reading the story of Jonah out loud to the kids using a Bible or children's book that accurately depicts the story. Ask the children how they listen to God or their parents and compare their answers to Jonah's behavior in the story. After reading and discussing, have the children work together to make a stuffed whale. Take a large garbage bag or paper bag and stuff it with newspaper. Tie the end off with string or a rubber band and fluff it out to make the whale's tail. Use construction paper to make eyes, a mouth and fins to tape on to the fish.
Forgive Each Other for Our Mistakes -- Joseph and His Beautiful Coat
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While reading about Joseph and his family, focus on teaching the children that God gave each of them gifts to share with their families. Begin by leading a discussion about special talents each child has. Read the story of Joseph from the Bible or a children's book. Give each child a large paper bag to make a colorful coat like Joseph's. Cut a hole in the bottom of the bag for the head. From the middle of the neck hole, cut straight down the center of the bag to open. Cut arm holes in the sides of the bag. Provide the kids with colors, stickers, string or any other materials that are available to decorate coats.
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We Can Do Anything With Jesus -- Jesus Feeds 5,000 People
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Begin by talking with the children about what a miracle is. Ask them if they have ever tried to do something that seemed impossible. While reading the story of Jesus feeding 5,000 people, center on the idea that Jesus did many things that seemed impossible and that they can do almost anything if they obey and follow Jesus in their lives. After reading and reviewing the story, provide the children with a snack of crackers and tuna fish as a general representation of Jesus.
Trust Jesus When Things are Tough -- Jesus Walks on Water
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Read the story about Jesus walking on water beginning in Matthew 14:22. Discuss why Peter fell into the water when he was scared and Jesus's response to Peter that he should trust him always to be safe. The objective of the lesson is trusting Jesus all the time, even when there are bad things going on. Have kids share some difficult things they have had happen and why they did or did not trust Jesus during that time. Wrap up the lesson with a craft by tracing each child's foot on a blue piece of paper. Draw water or waves under the foot and decorate the water with fish. Have him write "Always Trust Jesus" on his craft.
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References
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