DLTK's Sunday School Lessons
Pentecost
by
Sunday School Teacher's Guide - this is just one possible lesson plan. Visit the Pentecost Bible lesson plan Section for further ideas to supplement this.
Introduction:
This lesson is about Pentecost and the pouring of the Holy Spirit. I find this lesson a little heard to explain to children but figured it's an important event that took place and might help children feel more at ease with the Holy Spirit. It can be difficult to understand this aspect of the trinity but Pentecost shows the power of the Holy Spirit and the gentleness of Him as well. The dove has been used in some of the activities to represent the Holy Spirit taken from the story of Jesus' baptism. The dove helps represent the purity, gentleness and quiet characteristics the Holy Spirit possesses.
The message:
Preschool thru Grade 1: God
sent the Holy Spirit to us at Pentecost.
Grades 2 and 3: The Holy Spirit was sent to the believers at
Pentecost.
I've split this message into two separate ones depending on the age level. For the younger children, the message is that God sent the Holy Spirit to us at Pentecost. Make sure you repeat the message many times during the lesson.
For the older children, we expand on this message that the Holy Spirit was sent to the believers at Pentecost. Send the Pentecost 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 Pentecost Coloring Pages 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 | Dove name tags, scissors (or adults can precut), crayons, markers, yarn, safety pins or tape. |
Craft time! All Grades: Make the Stained Glass Craft. This is a simple cut and paste craft that is fun and easy for children of all ages to complete. Children can use the template pieces provided or they can use their imagination and design their own. For this lesson the fire or dove symbol would be ideal. Cut out different shapes of construction paper with the older kids or just rip pieces of construction paper with younger children. |
15 to 30 minutes depending on your adult/child ratio |
All Grades: Stained Glass Craft template. printer, colored construction paper (various colors), scissors, glue. |
Bible Story/Song Time: Preschool thru Grade 1: Read The Story of Pentecost (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 who the Holy Spirit is. Try to explain the trinity using ice, water and steam how they are all one thing that can be three separate things. The Holy Spirit is part of God that lives in us when we become a Christian. Ask them what else the Holy Spirit does in us. Grade 2 and 3: depending on the time remaining ask the children what are some of the things the Holy Spirit does in us? Does the Holy Spirit leave us? Why did God give us the gift of the Holy Spirit? Allow for some discussion.
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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