Big Idea: God helps me make good choices.
Bible Basis: 1 Samuel 2:12–26
Key Verse: “If you love me (hug yourself), obey my commands (march in place).” John 14:15 (extend hands like you’re holding a book).
OPENING PRAYER
Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through your Word to me draw near. Let me your Word ever pure retain; Let me your child and heir remain. All this I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
BIBLE LESSON VIDEO
ASK THESE QUESTIONS:
What is your favorite part of this Bible lesson?
How does God help you be brave?
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Choose one (or more) of these activities to do with your child.
+ Copy Cat
- Supplies: None
- Say: Do you remember Otis the cat? He copies everything we do. Let’s play a game were we pretend to be Otis and copy each other’s actions.
- Directions: Play a game of “Copy Cat” (a.k.a. Follow the Leader) with the children. Make up a fun action, then have the children repeat it after you like Otis the Cat. Next, let the children take turns being the leader. Continue playing for as long as interest allows.
- Say:You did a great job being Otis the cat! Today, Otis is going to help us tell the Bible story again. With the help of Otis, we’re going to learn that God helps me make good choices.
- Question: Did you make any good choices this week? Tell me about it.
+ If You Love God (Application Activity)
- Supplies: None
- Say: The Bible says that we can show God our love by following His commands. Let’s sing a song and play a game that helps us think about ways we can follow God’s commands.
- Directions: Begin by singing the song below to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” Encourage the children to sing along and perform the action. When finished, ask the children, “What is one way you can make a good choice and obey God this week?” Choose one child to answer, then allow them to pick a new action for the song. Sing the song with the children again, this time inserting the new action. When finished, choose another child to answer the question and pick an action. Continue until all of the children have had a turn.
- Song:If you love God and you show it, clap your hands. If you love God and you show it, clap your hands. If you love God and you show it, then He really, really knows it. If you love God and you show it, clap your hands.
+ Father, May I (Application Activity)
- Supplies: None
- Say: In today’s true Bible story, Eli’s two sons stole food from God. But not Samuel—he loved God and made good choices. Let’s play a game that helps us think about the good choices we can make for our Father, God.
- Directions: Have the children stand against one wall in the room. Tell them the goal is to reach the opposite wall. If you say a good choice, the children may take one giant step forward. If you say a bad choice, the children may take no steps forward. Begin by saying, “Father, may I…” then read one of the bad choices from the list below. The children should say, “No,” and take no steps forward. Next, ask the children about a good choice they could make in that situation, then say, “Father, may I…” and insert the good choice suggested by the child. The children should say, “Yes,” and take one giant step forward. Continue alternating between bad choices and good choices until the children have reached the opposite wall.
- Bad Choice List: Tell my mom a lie; Push my brother when he pushes me; Disobey my dad when he tells me to clean my room; Steal a toy that I really, really want; Yell mean things when I’m angry; Eat a cookie when my mom said “no."; Push my way into the front of the line.
+ Copy That (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Supplies: None
- Today's Bible Verse: “If you love me (hug yourself), obey my commands (march in place).” John 14:15 (extend hands like you’re holding a book).
- Directions: Practice the verse together several times. When ready, tell your child to say the verse with you while copying your action. For example, spin around, or hop on one foot, or hold your tongue, or do a silly dance. When finished, allow your child to be the leader, then have everyone say the verse while copying them. Take turns several times to reinforce the memory verse.
+ Story Bop (Bible Story Review Activity)
- Supplies: Balloon, music player
- Directions: Have the everyone stand in a cluster, then begin playing music. As the music plays, everyone must continually bop the balloon into the air. Let the music play for 5 to 20 seconds before pausing it. When the music stops, everyone must try to catch the balloon. Ask whoever who catches it, “What happened first in today’s Bible story?” Only allow them to tell a small part of the story. Allow the others to help answer if needed. When finished, begin playing the music and bopping the balloon in the air again. Ask the next person who catches the balloon, “What happened next in the story?” Repeat this until the whole story has been told!
- Question: What was your favorite part of this story? Why did you like that part?
+ Jesus Loves (Response to God Activity)
- Supplies: GO! Home Guide (1 per child), markers or crayons
- Directions: Give each child a GO! Home Guide and some crayons or markers. The sheet will have a space for your child to draw. Tell the children to draw a picture of themselves holding hands with Jesus. When finished, ask the children to show their picture to the group.
- Say: Did you know that Jesus doesn’t just love grown-ups, He loves kids too! Whether you’re big or small, short or tall, Jesus loves you so, so much. Let’s say a prayer and thank Jesus for loving us so much.
- Prayer: Begin by asking if any of the children would like to pray. Allow any children who want to pray the opportunity to do so. When they’re finished, close the prayer by thanking Jesus for loving each of the children by name.
+ Coloring Sheet (GO! Deeper Activity)
- Supplies: Bible story coloring sheet, markers or crayons
- Directions: Give each child a Bible story coloring sheet and some crayons or markers. While the children are coloring, ask the following questions to help them go deeper into the story.
- Question: Eli’s two sons stole food from God and disobeyed their dad. Why do you think they did that?
- Question: Samuel loved God and followed His commands. Do you think that was hard for Samuel or easy? Why do you think that?
(Due to copyright restrictions, the printable materials described in the activities above are only available to those who have registered for Our Savior’s Kids. To register your child(ren), click the button below)
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear God, You are bigger than all of the things that scare me. Please help me to be brave when something scary happens. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read the account of Eli and Samuel in your child’s favorite Bible storybook.
Say this week’s Bible verse every morning with the actions (see above).
Read the account of Eli and his Sons from the Bible in 1 Samuel 2:12–26 with your child.
Do more of the activities above!
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!