DLTK's Sunday School Lessons
Women of the Old Testament Pt2: Hannah Makes a Promise
by
Sunday School Teacher's Guide - this is just one possible lesson plan. Visit the Hannah Bible lesson plan for further ideas to supplement this.
Introduction:
This next lesson about women and the Old Testament talks about Hannah. I decided to focus the lesson on Hannah keeping her promise to God, but it could've just as easily been on how God answers prayer. Not only did Hannah give her first son who she wanted so desperately back to God, but by her example she was able to influence a lot of people through Samuel.
The message:
Preschool thru Grade 1: Hannah made a promise and
she kept her promise.
Grades 2 and 3: Hannah kept her promise and God blessed her.
I've split this message into two separate ones depending on the age level. For the younger children, the message is simple: Hannah made a promise and she kept it. This is a good time for the children to learn that when they say they are going to do something they should do it (without complaining and moping around). For the older children, we expand on this message and say: Hannah kept her promise and God blessed her. God blessed her by giving her more children and God used Samuel for great things.
Make sure you repeat the message many times during the lesson. Send the Hannah's Promise 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 Hannah and Samuel Coloring Pages 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 | Suitcase name tags, scissors (or adults can precut), crayons, markers, yarn, safety pins or tape. |
Craft time! Preschool thru Grade 1: Make the Promise
Pocket. This craft idea also combines the idea of Hannah's
promise with the clothes she brought her son each year. Ask the
children to print or draw a word or picture representing a promise you've made on the pocket insert. Grade 2 and 3: Make the Promise Suitcase. Use the suitcase to keep track of your promises by opening it up each night and putting a checkmark beside promises you've kept. |
15 to 30 minutes depending on your adult/child ratio |
Preschool thru Grade 1: Promise Pocket template. Printer, paper, scissors, glue, something to color with.
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Bible Story Time: Preschool thru Grade 1: Read The Story of Hannah's Promise (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. |
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 if they've ever said they were going to do something and then they didn't do it. It's important to keep our promises so people will believe what we say and trust us. Grade 2 and 3: depending on the time remaining ask the children if what a promise is. Do they keep their promises? How did Hannah act when she realized she had to keep her promise (did she change her mind, mope around..?) Remember to be careful with the promises that you make and make sure that you can keep them.
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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