DLTK's Sunday School Lessons
God Made Families - Part IV
by
Sunday School Teacher's Guide - this is just one possible lesson plan. Visit the Joseph Section for further ideas to supplement this.
Introduction:
The story of Joseph is actually quite long (nine chapters). But we'll focus on Joseph and the relationship he had with his brothers. By asking questions like: Have you ever wanted something your brother or sister had (a talent, something about the way they look, or even just a toy)? It's important that they know that we are all different with our special talents and characteristics. To be happy for our differences and not to wish we had someone else's. This is also similar message to the Cain and Abel story, and may want to refer back to that lesson, or review it with the kids before discussing this lesson.
The message:
Preschool thru Grade 1: God made families. He made each of us
special.
Grades 2 and 3: God made families so we could help find each others
talents. What talent has God given you?
I've split this message into two separate ones depending on the age level. For the younger children, the message continues the God as our loving creator theme from the first three lessons, this time in the form -- God made families; He made each of us special. Make sure you repeat the message many times during the lesson.
For the older children, we expand on this message and ask the question "What talent has God given you?". First, what are some things that each child can do well? Second, God gave them talents to use for Him. How can they use their talent to please God? (being a good example in sports, singing in church, etc.) As they get older and try new things they will probably discover more gifts. Send the "I am Special?" Take Home Sheet home with the children to encourage parents to discuss 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 or Coloring Page 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 or mini book 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 and whatever other materials (such as wiggly eyes or buttons) you have available to personalize their name tag. Also allow them to draw something they are good at on their name tag (soccer ball, piano notes, playing with a sibling or parent, etc.). Sing the Learning our Names song |
15 to 20 minutes | Coat of many colors name tags, scissors (or adults can precut), crayons, markers, yarn, safety pins or tape. |
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Craft time! Preschool thru Grade 1: Make Coffee filter Joseph craft. You'll need at least a 6 to 1 adult/child ratio or better for this craft. Drying time is also needed, so go on with the rest of the lesson while you're waiting. After have some coats precut, and the kids can finish the rest. This craft takes a little extra planning, but the kids will have a great time watching the colors "magically" run together. Grade 2 and 3: Make the I'm so Smart craft. This craft has a Sunday School version near the bottom of the screen if you go to it. For a large group it might be a good idea to cut out the shapes of the body with cereal box paper, and the kids can trace and cut out the shapes on construction paper. |
15 to 30 minutes depending on your adult/child ratio |
Preschool thru Grade 1: coffee filter Joseph craft, printer, paper, glue, scissors, coffee filters, markers, water spritzer. Grade 2 and 3: I'm so Smart poem , printer, paper, pencil, eraser, scissors, glue, wool (or construction paper for hair color). OPTIONAL: different colored construction paper, ribbon, fabric, or felt for the coat of many colors. |
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Bible Story Time: Preschool and Kindergarten: You can read an abbreviated version of the Garden of Eden story, but I like reading the God made families - action rhyme a number of times for this age group. Or you can sing the I am special song. Grade 1: Read the Children's Version of the Joseph story. (or read from your own store bought children's bible). Grade 2 and 3: it's tough to know when it's the right time to start readings from the Bible, but I believe this is a good age to introduce the King James (or your preferred) bible reading. This is a long reading, I had trouble deciding what to exclude, so read as little or as much at your discretion. |
10 minutes | The Mini Book or Coloring Page can be distributed to the children to reinforce the story. Print the page, and if there is no time during the lesson, they can take it home to color. 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, allow the children to brainstorm about some of the things God made their family members good at. (mommy is good at cooking or sewing, daddy is good at building things, sister is good at drawing, etc.) Grade 2 and 3: depending on the time remaining, allow the children to brainstorm about some of the ways they could use their talents for God. (being a good example in sports, singing in church, etc.) Explain like Joseph's brothers not to be jealous of others talents, but to be happy with the talents God gave them. All Grades: Thank-you Jesus for my... (you can hand out the words or hang them up somewhere. The verses are very repetitive, so the kids will catch on to them easily) 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" |