DLTK's Sunday School Lessons
Women of the Old Testament Pt3: Esther the Queen
by
Sunday School Teacher's Guide - this is just one possible lesson plan. Visit the Esther Bible lesson plan for further ideas to supplement this.
Introduction:
This last lesson on women of the Old Testament studies the faith, goodness, devotion and courage of Esther. She is an important person in history because of her devotion to God, God was able to use her as an instrument to save the Jews at that time. Again and again this is another story that shows us that God has a plan for our lives and He's always working for the good of His people.
I think it's also important to know that women (or girls) can be brave too. There are so many examples of brave men in the Bible that it's nice to have the girls in your class look up to a biblical person they might better identify with.
The message:
Preschool thru Grade 1: Esther was brave, and
because of this she helped save the Jews.
Grades 2 and 3: Because of Esther's courage, God could use her to
save the Jews.
I've split this message into two separate ones depending on the age level. For the younger children, the message is simple: Esther was brave, she helped save the Jews. For the older children, we expand on this message and say: Because of Esther's courage God could use her to save the Jews.
Make sure you repeat the message many times during the lesson. Send the Esther the Queen Take Home Sheet home with the children to encourage parents to reiterate the message during the week. It includes a poster at the bottom that the children can color and hang on their wall or refrigerator.
Preview of the lesson:
Some people like to do craft time first and story time second and some like to switch it around. I like the first option, myself.
Always consider offering Esther Coloring Pages or check the Jewish (Purim) section for further ideas for children who aren't interested in participating in the group activity (or if you get done the group activities very quickly and need something to fill in the spare time). Everyone has a need for "alone time" once in awhile. Also, sending home the coloring pages with the Take Home sheet provides parents with much needed help in reinforcing the lessons. You can make a nice little booklet each week with the Take Home Sheet on top -- I promise that most parents will appreciate the effort!
Description |
Time Allotted |
Supplies |
| Welcome! Receive name tags. Have the children use crayons, markers, yarn, feathers and whatever other materials (such as sparkle glue) that you have available to personalize their name tag. Sing the Learning our Names song |
10 to 15 minutes | Praying Hands name tags, scissors (or adults can precut), crayons, markers, yarn, safety pins or tape. |
Craft time! Preschool thru Grade 1: Make the Paper Crown. This simple project can be worn by the children after it's been created. Use different colors appropriate for the theme or the child's preferences. Grade 2 and 3: Make the Princess Crown Craft. If the supplies for this craft are too costly for you another option is the Draw Esther Art Project. Give the children the opportunity to draw Esther's face and crown to show off their creativity. The project is simple enough for preschoolers, but still fun for older children as well |
15 to 30 minutes depending on your adult/child ratio |
Preschool thru Grade1: Paper
Crown template. thin cardboard, foil gift wrap or construction
paper, scissors, paint or crayons or felt pens, glue, stapler, OPTIONAL:
stickers, glitter, shapes cutout from cardboard. Grade 2 and 3: Princess Crown Craft template: 2 pipecleaners, 40 beads, headband. Esther Art Project: printer, paper, crayons, OPTIONAL: pieces of foil wrapping paper and glue. |
Bible Story Time: Preschool thru Grade 1: Read The Story of Esther the Queen -easy version (or read from your own store bought children's bible). Grades 2 and 3: It's tough to know when it's the right time to start readings from the Bible, but if the children have been read a children's version of the story in the past, I believe this is a good age to introduce the King James (or your preferred) bible reading.Or read Story of Esther -advanced version found in the Jewish section of this site. |
10 minutes | The Coloring Pages can be distributed to the children so they are able to color at home, or during the story. |
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Closing: Preschool thru Grade 1: depending on the time remaining ask the children what it means to be brave. How can they be more brave (ask God for help, talk to their parents who can help them with their problems, etc.) We don't always have to be brave it's always okay to ask for help from someone you trust, but if there is some reason you have to be brave God will be there to help if you ask Him. Grade 2 and 3: depending on the time remaining ask the children if there are times when they should be brave (sticking up for what they believe) or other times when should be brave and not do anything (peer pressure). Sometimes its more brave to call a grown up or teacher than handle things all by ourselves. All Grades: If you have time or want to make these ahead of time make Hamantashen. These triangular "cookies" are said to have been shaped like the three cornered hat worn by Haman. Standard ending song: "We Love to Learn Together" |
5 to 15 minutes | Brainstorm Board (chalkboard, whiteboard, poster board,...)
Words to: Standard ending song: "We Love to Learn Together"
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