Lesson
Engaging Introduction
Hello, everyone! Today, we’re going to imagine our life like a big piece of clay. Just like an artist works with clay to create amazing sculptures, God is like an artist in our lives, always shaping and helping us to become more like Him. Think about how a potter takes a lump of clay and turns it into a beautiful pot or vase. In the same way, God works in our lives, changing us little by little to follow Him closer and live the way He wants us to.
Main Teaching Points
First, let’s talk about how God gives us new hearts. Imagine you had a toy that wouldn’t work because it needed new batteries. When new batteries are put in, the toy comes to life. God does something like that with our hearts. Ezekiel 36:26 says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” God changes our hearts to love Him better and to choose what is right.
Next, God guides us with His Word, the Bible. Think of the Bible like a map. When you’re going on a trip, you need a map to find the right way to go. The Bible is our map for life, showing us how to live in a way that pleases God. Psalm 119:105 tells us, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” This means God’s words help us see the way to live.
Lastly, God helps change our actions. Just like we practice learning a new skill, like riding a bike, God helps us practice doing good things. By doing kind and helpful actions, we honor God and reflect His love in the world. With God’s help, we get better each day in being more like Jesus. Philippians 2:13 reminds us, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
Personal Application for Elementary Students
Now, let’s think about how these things apply to you. If you ever feel scared or unsure, remember God is working in your life. Just like learning to ride a bike takes time, learning to follow God can take time, too. You’re never alone, because God is always with you, helping you grow. Try to read the Bible with your parents or friends, and pray to ask God to help you understand more and make good choices. Feel encouraged; each day is a new chance to learn and grow closer to God!
Interactive Discussion Questions with Explanation and Teaching Guidance
1. What is one thing you think God might want us to do better at in our lives?
Encourage students to think about ways they can improve, like being kinder or sharing more.
2. How might God’s Word help us when we feel lost or confused?
Guide students to think about how the Bible offers stories and lessons that show God’s love and wisdom.
3. Can you think of a time when you changed for the better with a little practice?
Help students relate their experiences in learning new skills to understanding how God helps us grow spiritually.
Engage your students by listening to their thoughts and helping them see how God quietly turns our hearts, guides our way, and grows our actions to follow Him more closely.
Games
Game 1: “Pathway to Purpose”
Objective: Discover how God guides us on the right path.
Players: 2-6
Materials Needed:
– Large sheets of paper or a roll of kraft paper
– Markers
– 6 index cards with Bible verses written on them (e.g., Proverbs 3:5-6, Jeremiah 29:11)
– Tape or pushpins (if setting up on a board)
Setup:
1. Lay the paper on the floor or tape it to a wall as a large pathway.
2. Draw a winding path using markers, and divide it into segments.
3. Along the path, place a tape/pin for each index card on every other segment.
Instructions:
1. Gather students around the pathway.
2. Assign one student as the “Path Leader.”
3. The Path Leader will read an index card aloud when players land on a segment with a card.
4. Players take turns “walking” along the path (one step per turn).
5. When the Path Leader reads a verse, discuss briefly what it means about God’s guidance in our lives.
6. Continue until all players reach the end of the path.
Lesson Reinforcement:
This game illustrates how God’s word can guide our steps through life. Discuss how the verses show God’s intentions and directions, reinforcing His role as a guide.
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Game 2: “Fruit Basket of Change”
Objective: Learn about the Fruits of the Spirit that change our lives.
Players: 4 or more
Materials Needed:
– Construction paper (green and other colors)
– Markers
– A large basket or box
– Timer or stopwatch
Setup:
1. Prepare fruit shapes from colored paper, each labeled with one Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
2. Scatter the fruit shapes around the room.
3. Place the basket in the center.
Instructions:
1. Explain that each Fruit of the Spirit represents how God changes us inside.
2. On “Go,” players race to collect as many different fruit shapes as they can within two minutes.
3. Players must avoid collecting the same fruit twice.
4. At the end, gather to check which fruits were collected and not duplicated.
5. Discuss what each fruit represents in our lives and share examples.
Lesson Reinforcement:
This game engages students with active participation and reinforces the concept of inner qualities God grows in us, leading to heart and life changes.
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Game 3: “Chain Reaction of Change”
Objective: Understand how following God’s teachings affects not just our lives but others’.
Players: 3-10
Materials Needed:
– Dominoes or Jenga blocks
– Small sheets of paper
– Pens or pencils
Setup:
1. Arrange dominoes in a line, ready to be toppled.
2. Beside each domino, place a blank sheet of paper.
Instructions:
1. Have each student write down a way God can change their lives to reflect His love (e.g., being kind, sharing).
2. Place the papers next to the dominoes.
3. Select a volunteer to start the chain reaction by knocking over the first domino.
4. Watch as the dominoes fall, representing how one change can lead to more.
Lesson Reinforcement:
Discuss how each action or decision we make, guided by God, can impact others positively. Encourage sharing personal stories relating to these changes, creating a personal connection with the lesson.
Takehome
Take-Home Assignment: How God Changes Our Lives to Follow Him
Dear Students,
Today, we learned about how God can change our lives and help us follow Him. Now, let’s explore this idea a little more at home with your family. Below are some activities, questions, and exercises you can do together.
Activity 1: Family Story Time
1. Sit down with your family and read a story from the Bible about someone whose life was changed by God. Here are two suggestions:
– “Paul’s Conversion” (Acts 9:1-19)
– “Zacchaeus Meets Jesus” (Luke 19:1-10)
2. After reading, discuss with your family:
– How did God change this person’s life?
– What did the person do after they encountered God?
Activity 2: Sharing Circle
1. Gather your family in a circle to share stories.
2. Take turns sharing a moment when you felt God helped you or guided you.
3. Reflect on:
– How did that moment make you feel?
– Did it change how you think or act?
Activity 3: Thankful Tree Craft
1. Find a small branch or draw a tree trunk on paper.
2. Cut out leaf shapes from colored paper.
3. On each leaf, write down something you are thankful for or a way God has blessed your life.
4. Attach the leaves to the branch or tree drawing to create your Thankful Tree.
5. Display your tree in a place where everyone can see it and add more leaves whenever your family thinks of something new.
Questions for Reflection:
1. How do you think God wants you to act every day?
2. What are some things you can do to show kindness and love, as God teaches us?
3. How has learning about God changed how you treat others?
Closing Prayer Idea:
Invite your family to join you in a short prayer. Thank God for the changes He brings into your lives and ask for guidance to follow His teachings.
Enjoy this time with your family as you explore how God helps us grow closer to Him and become better people!
With love,
[Your Teacher’s Name]
Visuals
Slide 1: Introduction to Change
Visual: A colorful path with a fork in the road.
Caption: “Which path do we take?”
Description: Use a simple illustration showing two diverging paths. One path can have a bright sun and flowers (symbolizing God’s path), and the other can have clouds and rocks. Discuss the idea of choices and how God guides us.
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Slide 2: The Caterpillar and the Butterfly
Visual: A sequence from caterpillar to butterfly.
Caption: “Transformation Through God.”
Description: Show stages of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Explain how God’s influence can transform our lives, just like a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.
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Slide 3: The Potter and the Clay
Visual: A potter shaping clay on a wheel.
Caption: “God Molds Us.”
Description: Depict a potter working with clay. Describe how God shapes and molds us to follow His ways, just like a potter forms a vessel.
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Slide 4: The Lighthouse
Visual: A lighthouse shining brightly over a stormy sea.
Caption: “Guiding Light.”
Description: Display a lighthouse with its beam cutting through the storm. Explain how God acts as a guiding light to keep us on the right path.
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Slide 5: The Heart
Visual: A heart with roots growing from it into the ground and branches reaching upward.
Caption: “Growth in God’s Love.”
Description: Illustrate a heart with roots and branches, showing how God’s love helps us grow. Discuss how embracing God helps our hearts to grow and flourish.
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Slide 6: The Armor of God
Visual: A child dressed in colorful, playful armor.
Caption: “God Protects Us.”
Description: Depict a child in armor, symbolizing protection. Explain how God gives us strength and courage, much like armor protects and empowers.
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Slide 7: The Seed and the Tree
Visual: A small seed growing into a large, strong tree.
Caption: “Faith Takes Root.”
Description: Show the progression from seed to tree. Discuss how faith, once planted, grows into something strong and lasting with God’s nourishment.
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Conclusion Slide: Embrace the Change
Visual: A group of children holding hands and smiling, standing on a path with signs showing different positive qualities (like kindness, joy, peace).
Caption: “Let’s Walk with God!”
Description: Illustrate smiling children on a joyful path, signifying a community walking together with God’s guidance. Encourage embracing God’s influence in their lives.
Memory Verse
Key Verse:
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Creative Ways to Memorize:
1. Song: Create a simple melody using a familiar tune, like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”:
“If anyone is in Christ,
a new creation is here,
the old is gone,
the new is near.
If anyone is in Christ,
a new creation is here.”
2. Rhyme and Rhythm:
“In Christ, we’re new inside,
Old things have stepped aside.”
3. Motions:
– “In Christ”: Point up to the sky.
– “New creation”: Spread arms wide to symbolize something new.
– “Old has gone”: Wave one hand away like shooing something off.
– “New is here”: Place both hands over the heart.
4. Short Challenge:
Have students recite the verse while hopping on one foot, with the challenge to keep their balance and see how long they can keep going without stopping.
Group Activity
Activity 1: The Life Path Game
Objective: To understand how following God can change our life journey.
Instructions:
1. Create a simple board game on a large sheet of paper with a path of squares. Some squares will have prompts or questions related to how God might change our lives.
2. Provide each group with a board, dice, and game pieces (like buttons or small figures).
Roles:
– Game Leader: Rolls the dice and guides the group through the game.
– Reader: Reads the prompts aloud when landed upon.
– Recorder: Takes notes of important points discussed.
Discussion Prompts:
– “Share a way God shows us kindness.”
– “Describe a time you helped someone, like God calls us to do.”
– “What is something you can do to follow God this week?”
Participation:
Every member takes turns to roll the dice and move their piece. Each player responds to a prompt and discusses with the group, ensuring everyone shares at least once.
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Activity 2: Story Circle
Objective: To connect personal experiences with biblical stories of transformation.
Instructions:
1. Read a biblical story where God changes a person’s life (e.g., Paul on the road to Damascus).
2. Ask each student to share a short story of how God might change their life or a feeling they have about following God.
Roles:
– Story Keeper: Takes turns telling stories.
– Encourager: Offers positive feedback and encouragement.
– Questioner: Asks follow-up questions to each storyteller.
Discussion Prompts:
– “How did God change the person in the Bible story?”
– “Have you ever felt God helping or guiding you?”
– “What is something new you learned about God today?”
Participation:
Each student shares their story or experience. After sharing, others ask questions or give positive feedback, ensuring everyone is involved in listening and responding.
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Activity 3: Poster Creation
Objective: To illustrate understanding of how God helps us grow.
Instructions:
1. Provide poster paper, markers, and stickers for each group.
2. Ask students to create a poster showing different ways God may change or guide us in life.
Roles:
– Artist: Draws and writes on the poster.
– Idea Generator: Comes up with ideas for the poster content.
– Presenter: Shares the poster and explains its meaning to the class.
Discussion Prompts:
– “What are some ways God helps us make better choices?”
– “Can you think of a fruit of the Spirit that you see in your life?”
– “How can we show others God’s love through our actions?”
Participation:
Each group member contributes ideas for the poster. The Presentation concludes with each group showing their poster to the class, allowing each child to speak about part of the poster.
Download PDF for Group Activity
Journaling
Guided Journaling Prompts: How God Changes Our Lives to Follow Him
Reflecting on Change:
1. What do you think it means to follow God?
2. Can you remember a time when you changed a habit to be more like Jesus? Describe what happened.
Personal Connection:
3. How does knowing God help you with your school or friends?
4. Think of a time when you helped someone. How did it make you feel? Do you think it brought you closer to following God?
Exploring God’s Love:
5. Write about a Bible story where someone’s life changed by following God. What can you learn from it?
6. How can you show kindness and love to others, just like God shows us?
Prayer and Gratitude:
7. Write a prayer asking God to help you change and grow. What would you like to change in your life?
8. List three things you are thankful for today. How do they remind you of God’s love?
Daily Life Applications:
9. What is one thing you can do this week to be more like Jesus in your home or school?
10. How can you talk to God throughout your day to help guide you in making good choices?
Encouragement:
11. Write about something you find difficult. How can trusting in God make it easier?
12. What does forgiveness mean to you? Is there someone you need to forgive, as God forgives us?
Use these prompts to think about how you can let God work in your life every day.
Quiz
Quiz: How God Changes Our Lives to Follow Him
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. What does God give us to help guide our choices?
a) Money
b) The Bible
c) A map
2. Who helps us understand and follow God’s teachings?
a) Our classmates
b) The Holy Spirit
c) Television
3. Which of the following actions shows we are following God?
a) Being kind to others
b) Taking things without asking
c) Ignoring friends
True/False Questions
4. True or False: God wants us to feel alone when we follow Him.
5. True or False: Prayer is one way to talk to God and learn more about His ways.
Short-Answer Questions
6. Name one way we can show love to our neighbors.
7. Why is it important to read the Bible?
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Answer Key
Multiple-Choice Answers
1. b) The Bible
2. b) The Holy Spirit
3. a) Being kind to others
True/False Answers
4. False
5. True
Short-Answer Suggestions
6. Answers may vary: Examples include helping them, being a good friend, or listening to them.
7. Answers may vary: To learn about God’s teachings, to understand how to live like Jesus, or to strengthen our faith.
Teacher Tips
Teacher Notes for “How God Changes Our Lives to Follow Him”
Objective:
Help students understand that following God can positively change our lives and give us guidance.
Materials:
– Bible Stories (e.g., transformation of Paul, Zacchaeus)
– Visual aids (posters, storyboards)
– Craft supplies for activities
– Reflection journals
Pacing Suggestions:
1. Introduction (10 minutes):
– Start with a light discussion about what changes kids experience daily (e.g., learning new things, making new friends).
– Relate changes to how following God can change us for the better.
2. Story Time (15 minutes):
– Select a story of transformation, e.g., the conversion of Paul or Zacchaeus meeting Jesus.
– Read or narrate the story using a children’s Bible or storybook.
– Discuss the key points of the story (What changed? Why did it change?).
3. Concept Explanation (10 minutes):
– Simplify the idea of transformation by talking about everyday transformations (e.g., seed to plant, caterpillar to butterfly).
– Relate these examples to how God guides us internally to make good choices.
4. Activity (15 minutes):
– Craft: Create a “Transformation Tree” where students can add leaves representing things they can do to follow God’s path (help others, be kind).
– Reflection: Students can write or draw in their journals one thing they want to change or improve in their lives.
5. Discussion & Questions (10 minutes):
– Allow students to share their crafts or journal entries.
– Encourage students to ask questions about the story and the concept.
– Facilitate a short discussion on what they think it means to follow God.
6. Conclusion (5 minutes):
– Recap the day’s lessons and reinforce that God’s guidance helps us make positive choices.
– Encourage students to think of one small way they can follow God during the week.
Explaining Difficult Concepts:
– Transformation: Use relatable examples (e.g., growing older, learning new skills).
– Following God: Describe as listening to a friend or a parent’s guidance – you trust and follow their advice for good outcomes.
– God’s Guidance: Compare to a compass that helps us stay on the right path.
Managing Student Engagement:
– Interactive Storytelling: Use gestures, change of voice, and props to make storytelling lively.
– Active Participation: Engage students by asking questions throughout the story.
– Visual Aids: Use images and posters to support verbal explanations.
– Interactive Crafts: Keep hands busy and minds engaged with relevant crafts.
– Movement: Allow students to act out parts of the story.
– Reflection Time: Give students space to process through creative expression.
Final Tips:
– Be patient and ready to repeat and clarify concepts.
– Celebrate contributions to foster a supportive environment.
– Observe and adjust pacing based on student reactions and engagement levels.
Crafts
Craft: “Clay Heart Transformation”
Objective: Teach children how God can transform our hearts and lives to follow Him, just as a piece of clay can be shaped and refined.
Materials List:
– Air dry clay
– Heart-shaped cookie cutters
– Small rolling pins (or cylindrical objects like jars)
– Paints (acrylic or tempera)
– Paintbrushes
– Small plastic or wooden crosses
– Permanent markers
– Paper plates or cardboard pieces (as work surfaces)
– Wet wipes or soft cloth
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Introduction:
– Begin with a brief discussion. Explain how God has the power to change us from the inside out, just as clay can be molded into something new.
2. Rolling Out the Clay:
– Give each student a piece of air-dry clay and place it on the work surface.
– Ask them to roll it out using the rolling pin until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Cutting the Heart:
– Have the students use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out a heart from the flattened clay.
4. Shaping & Molding:
– Encourage the students to gently press and mold their clay hearts, personalizing them by creating textures or slight indentations.
– Discuss how God personalizes His love and relationship with us, shaping us in unique ways.
5. Adding the Cross:
– Have the students press the small cross into their clay heart. Explain how inviting God into our hearts changes everything.
– Leave the cross embedded or remove it, leaving an impression, signifying God’s lasting impact.
6. Decorating:
– Allow the clay hearts to dry slightly until they are firm to touch.
– Let the students paint their hearts using whatever colors they see fit, representing joy, love, and the light God brings into their lives.
7. Final Touches:
– Once the paint is dry, children can use a permanent marker to write words or phrases on the heart, such as “Love,” “Hope,” or “Faith,” highlighting qualities God nurtures in us.
8. Drying:
– Leave the clay hearts to air-dry completely on the work surface.
Reinforcing the Lesson:
The “Clay Heart Transformation” craft is a tangible representation of how God works in our lives. Like clay, hearts are moldable. The process of creating and changing the clay heart parallels the change God brings into our lives. Each step of the activity ties back to the lesson — shaping (God’s guidance), placing the cross (His presence), decorating (flowering as a result of faith), and eventually setting (solidifying our faith and trust in His plans). This hands-on experience helps solidify the message for young students.
Music
Songs and Worship Activities for ‘How God Changes Our Lives to Follow Him’
1. Song: “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy”
Lyrics Paraphrase:
“I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.”
Suggested Actions:
– Clap hands during “joy, joy, joy, joy”.
– Point to heart on “down in my heart”.
– Jump up with excitement on “joy”.
Connection to Lesson:
This song illustrates how accepting God’s love fills our hearts with joy. It’s a lively way to show how happiness and transformation come from within when God changes our lives.
2. Song: “This Little Light of Mine”
Lyrics Paraphrase:
“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.”
Suggested Actions:
– Move index finger upwards like a candle flame.
– Alternate hand movements to mimic shining light.
– Make a sweeping motion to “let it shine”.
Connection to Lesson:
Teaching children about how God empowers us to shine brightly in the world, reflecting His love and presence. This transformation is a key part of following Him.
3. Activity: “Transformation Butterflies” Craft
Materials Needed:
– Paper plates
– Markers/crayons
– Stickers
– Scissors
– Pipe cleaners
Instructions:
– Cut paper plates into butterfly shapes.
– Use markers and stickers to decorate, symbolizing personal change.
– Attach pipe cleaners for antennae.
Connection to Lesson:
Explain how butterflies transform to become beautiful creatures, just like how God changes us to become more like Him.
4. Activity: “Walking with God” Obstacle Course
Materials Needed:
– Cones/chairs for obstacles
– Tape for path marking
– Blindfold
Instructions:
– Set up a simple obstacle course.
– Blindfold volunteers and guide them through, representing trusting God to guide our lives.
Connection to Lesson:
Represents how following God sometimes requires trust and faith, even without seeing the full path clearly.
5. Song: “The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock”
Lyrics Paraphrase:
“The wise man built his house upon the rock. The rains came down and the floods came up.”
Suggested Actions:
– Clap hands for building actions.
– Raise hands up and down to mimic rain.
– Stomp feet to represent the foundation.
Connection to Lesson:
The song teaches the importance of building our lives on the solid foundation of God’s teachings, emphasizing the change and stability that comes from following Him.
These activities and songs are designed to engage elementary students, teaching them about the transformative power of God in fun and interactive ways.
Scripture Background
Background Notes for ‘How God Changes Our Lives to Follow Him’
Historical Context
– Bible Times: This is from a period when people lived in communities with strong family and religious ties. Understanding religious teachings was crucial for daily life.
– Early Christians: The stories often come from the New Testament, where Jesus and His disciples taught people about God’s love and how to live according to His ways.
Cultural Context
– Community Living: People often lived in villages or small towns where everyone knew each other. Following God often meant being kind and helping others in your community.
– Religious Practices: In Bible times, praying, attending the synagogue or church, and following God’s commandments were part of regular life.
Theological Insights
– Transformation: When God changes lives, it means people start to live more like Jesus taught. This can include being more loving, patient, and forgiving.
– Following God: When we choose to follow God, He helps us make good choices, care for others, and grow in our faith.
– Biblical Stories: Stories like Paul’s conversion or Zacheus meeting Jesus show how individuals’ lives changed when they decided to follow God. These stories teach us about faith and transformation.
Practical Application for Students
– Character Building: Emphasize how God helps people develop good character traits like kindness and honesty.
– Helping Others: Encourage students to think about how they can show love and kindness in their own lives, reflecting God’s influence.
Teaching Tips
– Interactive Storytelling: Use engaging storytelling techniques to help students relate to and remember the stories.
– Art and Crafts: Create activities where students can express how they understand God’s changes in our lives through drawings or crafts.
– Discussion and Reflection: Encourage students to share stories or examples when they felt inspired to do something kind or good.
Use these notes to help students understand that following God is about positive changes and making good choices in our everyday lives.
