Lesson
Engaging Introduction
Hello, little ones! Today, we’re going to hear a special story from the Bible about God’s big, big love for us. Have you ever received a really special gift? Maybe it was a toy you really wanted or a sweet hug from someone you love. Well, today’s story is about the amazing gifts that God gives us. Let’s open our hearts to hear about the wonderful things God has planned for us!
Main Teaching Points
First, God Chooses Us: Imagine you’re playing a game, and you get picked to be on a team. How does that make you feel? Happy and excited, right? In Ephesians 1, the Bible tells us that God chose us before the world was made. That means God picked us to be His special friends a long, long time ago!
Second, God’s Love Is Big: Just like when you hug your favorite teddy bear and feel cozy and safe, God’s love hugs us every day. The Bible says that God loves us so much that He made a plan for us to be part of His family. Isn’t that amazing?
Third, Jesus Came to Help Us: Sometimes, when we need help tying our shoes or zipping up our jackets, we call out for help. Jesus is like a super helper for our hearts. God sent Jesus to the world to show us how much He loves us and to help us be His friends forever.
Finally, God Gives Us His Spirit: It’s like when you wear your favorite blanket cape and feel like a hero. God’s Spirit is like that! His Spirit fills our hearts with joy, peace, and helps us feel strong and brave each day.
Personal Application for Preschool Students
Now, let’s think about how we can feel God’s love every day. When you wake up and see the sunshine, you can smile and say, “Thank you, God, for this beautiful day!” When you play with your friends and share your toys, remember that God loves when you are kind. And at night, when you snuggle in bed, you can whisper, “Thank you, God, for loving me so much.” Every moment is a gift from God, reminding us how special we are to Him.
Interactive Discussion Questions
1. Can you remember a time you felt really loved? Share what made you feel special. (Guide the children to understand that God’s love is always with them, making them feel warm and safe.)
2. Who helps you when you’re feeling sad or need a hug? (Encourage children to see that just like their caregivers show them love, God shows them love too through many different people in their lives.)
3. What are some ways we can say thank you to God for His gifts? (Guide them to think about prayers, singing, sharing, and helping others as ways to express gratitude.)
Let’s remember that God chose us, loves us so very much, and gives us super helpers like Jesus and His Spirit. What a wonderful gift we have from such a wonderful God!
Games
Game 1: “Blessings Basket”
Objective: To help preschoolers recognize the blessings mentioned in Ephesians 1 and associate them with simple actions.
Number of Players: 2-5
Materials Needed:
– Small basket or box
– Picture cards depicting blessings (e.g., heart for love, dove for peace, cross for salvation)
– Music (optional)
Setup:
1. Place the basket in the center of the play area.
2. Scatter the picture cards around the room or play area.
Instructions:
1. Explain to the children that Ephesians 1 tells us about the blessings God gives us.
2. When the music starts, have children find and pick up one picture card at a time, then return it to the basket.
3. As they place the card in the basket, ask them to name the blessing on the card (with help if needed).
4. Encourage accompanying actions (e.g., hugging themselves for love, pretending to fly for peace).
Reinforcement:
This game introduces basic concepts of God’s blessings in an active way. Associating physical actions with blessings helps reinforce memory and understanding.
Game 2: “Paul’s Postcard Relay”
Objective: To learn about sending messages of God’s love as Paul did in Ephesians 1.
Number of Players: 4-10
Materials Needed:
– Index cards
– Crayons/markers
– Stamps or stickers
– Basket or container
Setup:
1. Prepare index cards as “postcards,” one per child.
2. Place crayons/markers and stamps/stickers on a table.
Instructions:
1. Explain to the children that Paul wrote letters about God’s love and blessings.
2. Divide children into two groups. One group décorates a postcard with drawings representing blessings mentioned in Ephesians 1.
3. After decorating, children “mail” their postcard by running to the other group and handing it off.
4. The receiving group cheers and celebrates each new “letter,” reinforcing that these are messages of love and blessings.
Reinforcement:
This game encourages creativity and teamwork while highlighting the importance of sharing messages of blessing and love, similar to Paul’s mission.
Game 3: “Promise Parade”
Objective: To understand God’s promises by reviewing the nature of His word as highlighted in Ephesians 1.
Number of Players: 5-10
Materials Needed:
– Streamers or ribbons
– Signs or cards with words like “Love,” “Grace,” “Peace,” “Chosen,” “Forgiven” (simple and brightly decorated)
Setup:
1. Clear an open space for children to walk in a line or circle.
2. Prepare signs/cards with key words from Ephesians 1, attaching them to streamers.
Instructions:
1. Give each child a streamer or ribbon.
2. Explain that they are parading to show off God’s promises.
3. Lead the children in a parade around the play area, holding their streamers high.
4. As they walk, help them recite simple phrases associated with each word, such as “God loves us” or “We are chosen.”
Reinforcement:
This activity uses movement and repetition to reinforce the concepts of God’s promises and blessings in a fun, engaging manner.
Takehome
Take-Home Assignment: Learning about God’s Love from Ephesians 1
Main Idea:
Ephesians 1 teaches us that we are blessed by God and chosen by Him to be part of His family. God loves us so much and wants us to know how important we are to Him.
Activity:
1. Family Circle Time:
– Gather your family in a circle. Each person should say one good thing about each family member. Remember, God has blessed us with our families because He loves us.
2. Colorful Blessings:
– Draw a picture of your family. Use bright colors to show how happy and loved you feel. You can also add hearts and stars around your family members to show how special they are to God and you.
Discussion Questions:
– How do you feel knowing that God chose you to be part of His family?
– Can you think of a blessing you received from God this week? Share with your family.
Reflection Exercise:
Before bedtime, take a moment with your family to say a little prayer. Thank God for His blessings and the love He gives you every day. You can say something like: “Dear God, thank you for choosing me and loving me so much. Help me to share your love with others. Amen.”
Remember: God loves you very much and has a special plan for you! Enjoy sharing this lesson with your family.
Visuals
Slide 1: Title Slide
– Visual: Large, colorful text saying “Ephesians 1: God’s Big Plans!”
– Caption: “Welcome to our special lesson about God’s big plans for us.”
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Slide 2: Introduction to Ephesians
– Visual: Picture of a large, friendly-looking Bible with smiling faces around it
– Caption: “The Bible is like a big letter from God, and today we are reading a special part called Ephesians!”
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Slide 3: God’s Love
– Visual: Heart shape filled with people holding hands (diverse representation)
– Caption: “God loves everyone and has a plan for each of us!”
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Slide 4: We Are Chosen
– Visual: Children picking their favorite toys from a toybox
– Caption: “Just like we pick our favorite toy, God chose us to be special in His family.”
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Slide 5: Our Blessings
– Visual: Gifts with tags saying “Love,” “Joy,” “Peace” wrapped up with colorful wrapping paper
– Caption: “God gives us many blessings like love, joy, and peace.”
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Slide 6: Together in God’s Family
– Visual: A large tree with strong roots, and branches that have children’s photos attached as leaves
– Caption: “We are all part of God’s family, growing strong like a tree.”
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Slide 7: Prayer
– Visual: A group of children sitting in a circle, hands together with eyes closed
– Caption: “We talk to God together to say thank you and ask for His help.”
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Slide 8: Craft Activity
– Visual: A simple craft example: paper crown decorated with stickers and drawings
– Caption: “Let’s make a crown to remind us that we are chosen and special to God!”
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Slide 9: Review and Closing
– Visual: Smiling sun with the text “Remember, God’s Love is Big!”
– Caption: “Thank you for learning about Ephesians with us today. Remember, you’re part of God’s big plan!”
Memory Verse
Key Bible Verse:
Ephesians 1:5 (NIV): “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ.”
Creative Ways to Memorize:
1. Song:
– Create a simple melody using a familiar nursery rhyme tune, like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” Sing the verse repeatedly until memorized.
2. Rhyme and Rhythm:
– Turn the verse into a short rhyme:
“God chose us to be His own,
Through Jesus, we’re never alone.”
3. Motions:
– Use hand gestures to represent key words:
– “He predestined us” (Point upwards for “He” and point to yourself for “us.”)
– “For adoption to sonship” (Hug yourself as if being embraced.)
– “Through Jesus Christ” (Make a cross with your arms.)
4. Short Challenge:
– Write each word of the verse on a separate card. Mix them up and have the children arrange them in order with help, repeating as they do.
Group Activity
Activity 1: “Blessings Tree”
Objective: Help preschool students understand the concept of blessings as mentioned in Ephesians 1.
Instructions:
1. Create a large paper tree on the wall with branches but no leaves.
2. Cut out paper leaves for each student (several per student).
3. Gather students and explain that they’ll add ‘blessings’ leaves to the tree.
Roles:
– Teacher: Explain the activity and guide discussion.
– Leaf Holder: A student responsible for handing out paper leaves.
– Leaf Sticker: A student in charge of helping others tape their leaves onto the tree.
Discussion Prompts:
– “What is something you are thankful for?”
– “How does it feel to share your blessings?”
Participation:
– Each student writes or draws a picture of a blessing on their leaf.
– Students take turns sharing their blessing with the group and then sticking it on the tree.
Activity 2: “Blessings Box”
Objective: Encourage sharing and gratitude, connecting with Ephesians 1.
Instructions:
1. Use a decorated box and gather toy items or picture cards.
2. Explain that they’ll take turns picking an item or card that represents a blessing.
Roles:
– Teacher: Facilitate the activity and guide discussions.
– Picker: A student who picks an item from the box.
– Listener: A student who listens and repeats what their friend shared.
Discussion Prompts:
– “Why is this item a blessing?”
– “How can we share this blessing with someone else?”
Participation:
– Each student chooses an item, explains why it’s a blessing, and answers prompts.
– Other students repeat what they heard to ensure everyone listens.
Activity 3: “Blessings Parade”
Objective: Reinforce understanding of unity in blessings.
Instructions:
1. Line up students in a circle.
2. Give each a small flag or banner with a blessing word or picture.
3. Let them walk and show their ‘blessing’ to friends.
Roles:
– Parade Leader: Guides the students around the circle.
– Flag Bearer: Each student with a flag shares and explains their blessing.
– Encourager: Encourages friends by saying “Thank you for sharing your blessing!”
Discussion Prompts:
– “What does your blessing mean to you?”
– “How does it feel to be part of our blessings parade?”
Participation:
– Each student raises their flag, shares their blessing, and walks in the parade.
– Encouragers ensure everyone feels supported and heard.
Download PDF for Group Activity
Journaling
Guided Journaling Prompts for Ephesians 1
1. Understanding God’s Love
– Today we learned that God loves each of us very much. Think about how much you love your family and friends. How do you show them you love them?
– Draw a picture of someone you love and write one word about why they are special to you.
2. We Are Special to God
– Ephesians 1 tells us we are chosen by God. What makes you feel special?
– Draw something you are really good at. How can you use this talent to make others happy?
3. Being Thankful
– The Bible says we have many blessings. Think about something you are thankful for today.
– Draw or write about something or someone you are thankful for and say a simple “thank you” prayer to God for them.
4. Prayer Time
– We can talk to God like we talk to a friend. What would you like to say to God today?
– Write a few words or draw a picture about what you will pray for tonight. It could be to thank Him for something or to ask for help with something.
5. Helping Others
– God wants us to help each other. How can you help someone today?
– Draw a picture showing you doing something kind for someone.
6. Living Joyfully
– God gives us joy. What is something that makes you really happy?
– Draw your happy place or activity and write one word that describes why you love it.
7. Reflecting on God’s Plan
– God has a plan for everyone. What do you want to be or do when you grow up?
– Draw a picture of yourself as a grown-up doing something special.
8. Family and Friends
– God puts special people in our lives to help us grow. Who is someone you can talk to about anything?
– Draw or write about a fun time you had with them.
Encourage them to review their journal at the end of the week and talk about their favorite page with a parent or teacher.
Quiz
Quiz on Ephesians 1 for Preschool Students
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. Who wrote the letter to the Ephesians?
a) Paul
b) Peter
c) John
2. What did God bless us with in Jesus?
a) Toys
b) Every spiritual blessing
c) Candy
True/False Questions:
3. True or False: God loves us and chose us to be His own.
4. True or False: Ephesians is a story about a big ship.
Short Answer Questions:
5. Who can we always talk to and pray for help?
6. What is something good we can say to God when we pray?
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Answer Key for Teachers:
1. a) Paul
2. b) Every spiritual blessing
3. True
4. False
5. Answer: We can talk to and pray to God or Jesus.
6. Answer: Thank you, God (or similar kind words like “I love you, God”).
Teacher Tips
Teacher Notes and Tips for Teaching Ephesians 1 to Preschool Students
Objective:
Introduce preschool students to the key themes of Ephesians 1: God’s love, blessings, and the idea that we are part of God’s family. Focus on creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere.
Pacing Suggestions:
– Introduction (5 minutes)
– Story/Concept Explanation (10 minutes)
– Activity/Craft (10 minutes)
– Closing and Prayer (5 minutes)
Introduction:
Begin with a simple welcome song or a circle time greeting to gather attention. Use this time to introduce the idea that we will learn about God and how much He loves us.
Explaining Difficult Concepts:
1. God’s Love and Blessings:
– Use simple language: “God loves us so much, and He gives us many good things!”
– Illustrate with tangible examples, like sunshine, friendships, or family.
– Use a visual aid, like pictures or a felt board, to show these blessings.
2. Being Part of God’s Family:
– Simplify: “We are all part of God’s big family!”
– Use a story about family, drawing from their experiences with parents and siblings.
– Engage with a circle game, where each child says, “I am in God’s family. We are all in God’s family!”
Managing Student Engagement:
– Utilize interactive storytelling, asking questions such as, “Who loves you?” or “What makes you happy?”
– Incorporate motions or actions during the story to keep energy levels appropriate. For example, mimic “big” love with wide arm gestures.
– Keep transitions quick and efficient to maintain attention.
Activities:
1. Craft: God’s Blessings Collage:
– Provide magazines, stickers, or drawing materials.
– Have students create a collage of things they are thankful for, prompting them to think of people and things they love.
– Encourage sharing about their collage to reinforce verbal expression and listening skills.
2. Song and Movement:
– Teach a simple song about God’s love, paired with hand motions (e.g., “Jesus Loves Me”).
– Include movements like clapping or stomping to express joy and participation.
Closing and Prayer:
– Recap: Restate the main points—God loves us, gives us blessings, and we’re all in His family.
– Prayer: Lead a simple prayer thanking God for His love and blessings; invite students to say “thank you” to reinforce the lesson.
– Send-off with a blessing or a simple affirmation: “Remember, you are loved and part of God’s family!”
Additional Tips:
– Use varied voice tone and enthusiasm to keep stories lively.
– Be attentive to the group’s energy and ready to pivot to calming activities if needed.
– Have a “quiet signal” ready, such as a clap rhythm or bell, to bring attention back when needed.
These steps aim to provide a structured, nurturing introduction to Ephesians 1 with age-appropriate engagement and understanding.
Crafts
Craft: “Blessings in a Bag”
Materials List:
– Small paper bags
– Construction paper in various colors
– Safety scissors
– Glue sticks
– Stickers (hearts, stars, etc.)
– Crayons or markers
– Hole punch
– Yarn or ribbon
– Pre-cut paper shapes (or you can cut them together): hearts, stars, circles
– Verse labels or paper strips with “Ephesians 1:3 – Blessed be God!”
Instructions:
1. Introduction: Begin by explaining to the children that Ephesians 1 talks about how God blesses us with many spiritual blessings. Tell them they will make a “Blessings in a Bag” to remind them of these blessings.
2. Decorating the Bag:
– Each child receives a small paper bag.
– Have children use crayons or markers to decorate their bags. They can draw pictures or scribbles—encourage them to use lots of colors.
3. Creating Blessings:
– Give out pre-cut paper shapes. These shapes will represent God’s blessings.
– Assist children in writing or drawing one blessing on each shape. For example, “family,” “friends,” “love,” or use simple symbols like a heart to represent love.
4. Verse Label:
– Hand out the pre-printed verse labels or paper strips. Help the children glue the “Ephesians 1:3 – Blessed be God!” label onto the front of their bag.
5. Assembling the Bag:
– Once all the shapes are decorated and labeled, the children can “store” them in their bags as blessings.
– Use a hole punch to make holes at the top of the bag, and tie the yarn or ribbon through the holes to create a handle for easy carrying.
6. Adding Extra Decorations:
– Allow the children to use stickers to further decorate their bags as a final touch.
Reinforcement:
This activity helps preschoolers understand the concept of blessings in a tangible way. As they place each “blessing” into their bag, they are reminded of the good things God has given them. The visual and tactile process helps reinforce the lesson from Ephesians 1 about spiritual blessings. Additionally, the use of a bible verse label helps introduce them to scripture and makes the connection between the activity and the biblical lesson.
Music
Song Recommendations for Ephesians 1:
1. “God Loves Me So”
– Song Paraphrase:
– Simple repetitive lyrics like: “God loves me so, this I know, we’re His children, He cares always.”
– Suggested Actions:
– Children place their hands over their hearts when singing “God loves me”.
– Lift arms to sky for “He cares always”.
– Connection:
– Emphasizes God’s love and care, aligning with themes in Ephesians about being chosen and loved by God.
2. “We Are Family”
– Song Paraphrase:
– Use lines like: “In God’s family, we’re all a part, loved and chosen, safe in His heart.”
– Suggested Actions:
– Link arms with friends for “In God’s family”.
– Heart gesture when singing “loved and chosen”.
– Connection:
– Relates to being part of God’s family as mentioned in Ephesians 1.
3. “Blessed Be the Lord”
– Song Paraphrase:
– A repeated line: “Blessed be the Lord, for His blessings true, He loves me and you”.
– Suggested Actions:
– Clap hands or pat knees in rhythm during “Blessed be the Lord”.
– Point to self and others for “me and you”.
– Connection:
– Reflects themes of praise and blessings from Ephesians 1.
Worship Activities:
1. “Blessing Ball Toss”
– Instructions:
– Gather in a circle and toss a soft ball. When catching, a child says, “I’m blessed because…” and fills in the blank.
– Lesson Connection:
– Reinforces the idea of being spiritually blessed as mentioned in Ephesians 1:3.
2. “Family Tree Craft”
– Instructions:
– Create a simple family tree using fingerprints or cutouts to show that we are part of God’s family.
– Lesson Connection:
– Visual reminder of the concept of adoption into God’s family discussed in Ephesians 1:5.
3. “Mirror Message”
– Instructions:
– Children look in a mirror and say affirmations like “I am chosen by God” and “I am loved”.
– Lesson Connection:
– Reinforcement of Ephesians’ message of identity and belovedness in Christ.
These activities and songs help preschoolers connect with the themes of Ephesians 1 in an engaging and age-appropriate manner.
Scripture Background
Historical Background
1. Authorship: The book of Ephesians is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul. He was a key figure in the early Christian church and wrote many letters to help guide new believers.
2. Audience: Ephesians was written to the people of Ephesus, an important city in ancient times. It was a bustling place where many different cultures and ideas mixed.
3. Time Period: This letter was likely written around 60-62 A.D., during a time when Paul was imprisoned.
Cultural Insights
1. Ephesus as a City: Ephesus was famous for its large temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. The people there were familiar with many gods and ideas, which is why Paul wanted to teach them about following Jesus.
2. Community Life: In Paul’s time, cities like Ephesus had strong social communities. Letters like this one were read aloud to groups of believers gathered together.
Theological Themes
1. God’s Love: Ephesians 1 talks about how God loves us and has a special plan for each of us. This is important for children to understand—that they are loved and have a special place in God’s heart.
2. Chosen and Blessed: The passage explains that we are chosen by God and blessed with many gifts through Jesus. This can help reinforce a sense of belonging and value in each child.
3. Unity in Jesus: Paul emphasizes that everyone who believes in Jesus is united. For preschoolers, this can be shared as a message that we are all part of God’s big family.
Teaching Tips
– Use Simple Language: Focus on messages like “God loves you” and “You are special to God” to make the teachings accessible for young children.
– Interactive Storytelling: Use puppets or simple drawings to show Paul’s journey and his time writing letters to faraway friends.
– Practical Application: Encourage children to think about ways they can show love to others, just like God shows love to us.
– Sing Songs: Incorporate songs about love and family in God to help them remember the themes of Ephesians 1.
By focusing on God’s love, the idea of being special, and unity, children can begin to grasp these foundational theological concepts in a relatable way.
