DLTK's Bible Stories for Children
Men of the Old Testament Pt2: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
by
Sunday School Teacher's Guide - this is just one possible lesson plan. Visit the Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego Bible lesson plan for further ideas to supplement this.
Introduction:
This lesson is about three brave men. They could've just bowed down and not meant it in their hearts. Instead these men took a harder stance and refused and willingly put their lives on the line for the God they believed in. They trusted in God's promises and they relied on God's word (Psalm 91, Isaiah 43:2).
The message:
Preschool thru Grade 1: Sometimes we need to show how we
believe in God.
Grades 2 and 3: Our actions need to show that we trust in God.
I've split this message into two separate ones depending on the age level. For the younger children, the message is simple: Sometimes we need to show how we believe in God. Just like our parents it wouldn't mean much if they only told us they loved us but never showed their love. For the older children, we expand on this message and say: Our actions need to show that we trust in God. After all, actions speak louder than words.
Make sure you repeat the message many times during the lesson. Send the Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego 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 or Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego 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 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 | Fire name tags, scissors (or adults can precut), crayons, markers, yarn, safety pins or tape. |
Craft time! Preschool thru Grade 1: For something a little different use the Make a Joyful Noise Section. You can make your own instruments, there are many different options depending on the skill/age level of your children. Then march around shouting "I worship God!" Or march to some favorite music or song that your class knows about worshipping God. Grade 2 and 3: Make the Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego Paper craft. You can use the 3D paper craft option for the older children. There are also some different options for making flames. |
15 to 30 minutes depending on your adult/child ratio |
Preschool thru Grade 1: Make
a Joyful Noise Section. Use the supplies that are best for
your group, there are three options to choose from. Grade 2 and 3: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego craft template. printer, paper, scissors, glue, something to color with. OPTIONAL: red, orange, yellow construction paper or tissue paper, kitchen sponges cut into rough triangular shapes and red or orange tempra paint. |
Bible Story Time: Preschool thru Grade 1: Read The Story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (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 if they act like they believe in God (no complaining, obeying adults, being nice to their brother or sister). By acting better, you are being an example (even to adults!) that you believe in God. It doesn't matter how young you are, people will notice that you're different, and see God in how you act. Grade 2 and 3: depending on the time remaining ask the children what kind of things can they do right now to show that they believe in God. People always notice actions before words. If Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego just pretended to bow down and didn't take a act the way they did we would have never known that they believed in God.
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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