DLTK's Sunday School Lessons
Men of the Old Testament Pt3: Daniel and the Lions
by
Sunday School Teacher's Guide - this is just one possible lesson plan. Visit the Daniel and the Lions Bible lesson plan for further ideas to supplement this.
Introduction:
This next lesson about Daniel continues to show how God is looking after us. Daniel's bravery is also very evident as he continued to pray to God as he always did, knowing that people were probably watching and wanting him to pay the price for bowing down to God. Keep in mind that Daniel is the only man in the entire Bible that God calls "greatly beloved" (Daniel 10:11). He is another great example of someone just like us who stood up for what he believes.
The message:
Preschool thru Grade 1: Daniel was brave and God
protected him.
Grades 2 and 3: We need to be brave like Daniel and stand up for what we
believe.
I've split this message into two separate ones depending on the age level. For the younger children, the message is simple: Daniel was brave and God protected him. For the older children, we expand on this message and say: We need to be brave like Daniel and stand up for what we believe.
Make sure you repeat the message many times during the lesson. Send the Daniel and the Lions 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 the Mini Book, Old Testament Coloring Pages or the Lion Coloring Pages/Activities 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 mini book or 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 | Lion name tags, scissors (or adults can precut), crayons, markers, yarn, safety pins or tape. |
Craft time! Preschool thru Grade 1: Make the Circle Lion Paper Craft. This craft is great for scissor practice, or you can precut the circles. Talk about lions and if any of the kids have ever seen a lion at the zoo, were they afraid, how would they feel if they were thrown into a lions cage, what do they think Daniel felt like, etc. Grade 2 and 3: Make the Lion Paper Model Craft. Follow the instructions and you have a really neat stand up lion! Include discussion on how Daniel may have felt going into the den of lions, what do they think he did while he was in there, etc. |
15 to 30 minutes depending on your adult/child ratio |
Preschool thru Grade 1: Circle Lion Paper Craft template. scissors, glue, printer, paper. Grade 2 and 3: Lion Paper Model template. printer, paper , scissors, glue, and something to color with. |
Bible Story Time: Preschool thru Grade 1: Read The Story of Daniel and the Lions (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 Mini Book or Coloring Pages can be distributed to the children so they are able to color at home, or during the story. Print the pages, staple them together in order and let the kids know when to turn the page. The handouts can be taken home to color in. |
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Closing: Preschool thru Grade 1: depending on the time remaining ask the children what it means to be brave. Our parents look after and take care of us, but is there someone else who does that too? Our parents can't be everywhere but God can. Grade 2 and 3: depending on the time remaining ask the children when it's important to be brave (when we should obey our parents or God, helping others etc.) It's always important to obey laws and rules unless it makes you disobey what God wants you to do. If you're not sure what to do ask a Sunday School teacher, a parent, or someone that believes in God like you do.
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" |