Discover the story of Ruth 2 with our elementary curriculum, focusing on kindness and loyalty.
Lesson
Engaging Introduction
Hello, everyone! Today, we are diving into an incredible story from the Bible that teaches us about kindness, loyalty, and the amazing ways God can guide us when we might not even realize it. Has anyone ever heard of a woman named Ruth? Well, she’s famous for being brave and making loving choices. Our story begins with Ruth and her journey with her mother-in-law, Naomi.
Imagine you are in Ruth’s shoes for a moment. She lived in a place called Moab, but decided to move to a faraway land called Bethlehem with Naomi. Ruth wasn’t from there, and it must have felt strange and a little scary to be in a new place. But Ruth cared about Naomi so much that she promised to stay with her and take care of her, no matter what. Talk about true friendship!
Now, in Bethlehem, Ruth faces the challenge of finding food for both herself and Naomi. During that time, there weren’t stores like we have today. Instead, people had to gather leftover grains from the fields after harvests. So, Ruth bravely sets out to do this very task, hoping to bring home enough to eat.
Let’s dive into Chapter 2 of Ruth where we learn how God is working behind the scenes in Ruth’s life. We’ll see how Ruth meets someone special, and how he helps her in unexpected, wonderful ways. Are you ready to discover the kindness in this story and see how it connects to our lives today? Let’s explore!
Main Teaching Points
Point 1: Ruth’s Courage and Hard Work
Ruth 2 starts with Ruth taking a bold step. She tells Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up leftover grain,” which shows us her courage and willingness to work hard. Despite being in an unfamiliar place, Ruth doesn’t sit around feeling sorry for herself. Instead, she takes action.
Think about it like this: Have you ever started at a new school and felt nervous? It might have been scary at first, but by bravely talking to new friends, you soon felt more at home. Ruth did something similar—she took the first step, demonstrating courage. This teaches us that even when things seem tough or when we feel out of place, being brave can help us move in the right direction.
Point 2: The Kindness of Boaz
While Ruth is gathering grain, she catches the eye of Boaz, a rich and generous man who owns the field. Boaz notices her hard work and asks his workers about her, showing an interest in who she is. This reflects the importance of being kind and aware of others.
Boaz approaches Ruth and tells her that she can gather grain from his field safely and even gives her water to drink when she is thirsty. He ensures she has more than enough, going as far as instructing his workers to leave extra grain for her to collect. Isn’t that amazing? Imagine you’re playing at a park and notice someone sitting alone. Like Boaz, you could choose to be kind, maybe by inviting them to join your game. Kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a big impact on someone’s life.
Point 3: God’s Guidance and Protection
Behind all these events, we see God guiding Ruth to Boaz’s field. It seems like a coincidence, but it’s a part of God’s plan to protect and provide for Ruth and Naomi. God often works in ways we can’t see. He’s always crafting a bigger picture, taking care of us in hidden ways.
Consider this: Have you ever thought about how a friend happens to sit next to you during a difficult day, or how someone offers help just when you need it? These could be God’s gentle ways of guiding and comforting you, just like how he guided Ruth.
Point 4: Provision Through Giving
Ruth is given not only the chance to work in Boaz’s fields but also receives enough grain to take home for Naomi. Boaz acts as a provider, fulfilling Ruth’s need and blessing her more than she expected. This reflects God’s character as a provider, who cares for our physical needs.
To put it into perspective, consider when you generously share your toys or snacks. By being generous, you’re reflecting God’s love and kindness. Just like Boaz’s generosity blessed Ruth, your acts of sharing can make others happy and feel cared for, showing them a glimpse of God’s love.
Personal Application for Elementary Students
As students learning the story of Ruth, there are several ways we can apply what we’ve learned to our daily lives. Let’s consider how we can practice courage, kindness, and trust in God’s guidance ourselves.
Courage: Next time you’re in a new situation—maybe a new class or activity—remember Ruth’s bravery. Trust that taking that first step, even when you feel shy, can lead to good things. Whether you are trying to make a new friend or learning something challenging, bravery helps you grow and opens doors to new opportunities.
Kindness: Like Boaz noticed Ruth, start paying attention to the people around you. Is there someone at school who might need a friend? You can be like Boaz by being friendly and offering a helping hand. Kindness can look like a smile, an encouraging word, or sharing what you have. These small actions can make a big difference.
Trust in God: Remember that God is behind the scenes, guiding and providing for you, even when you don’t see it right away. Whether you are facing a difficult problem or just feeling unsure, pray and trust that God is taking care of you, just as He did for Ruth.
Ruth’s story helps us to see God’s hand in both the big and small moments of life. This week, let’s think of ways we can show kindness, courage, and trust, taking inspiration from Ruth’s incredible journey and Boaz’s generous spirit.
Interactive Discussion Questions
To understand Ruth 2 better and think about how it relates to our own lives, let’s discuss some questions together. Be ready to share your thoughts and experiences!
Question 1: What made Ruth courageous, and how can we show similar courage in our lives?
– Guidance: Encourage students to think about times they felt afraid to do something new, like joining a club or team. Discuss how taking small steps, like smiling or saying “hello,” can help them begin to feel comfortable.
Question 2: Why do you think Boaz was so kind to Ruth, and how can we practice kindness in our community?
– Guidance: Help students brainstorm small acts of kindness they can do for friends or family. Point out that Boaz’s kindness came from noticing Ruth’s situation, showing that paying attention to others’ needs is a great first step.
Question 3: How can we trust that God is guiding us, as He guided Ruth to Boaz’s field?
– Guidance: Discuss with the students ways to notice God’s guidance, like through answered prayers, or when things unexpectedly work out well. Ask them to think of a time when something surprising but good happened, and talk about trusting God in both clear and unclear situations.
These questions are a great way to reflect on what we’ve learned and consider how to apply it in our own lives, helping to build our courage, kindness, and trust in God as we face new experiences.
Games
Game 1: Ruth’s Harvest Hunt
Instructions:
In this game, children will play as Ruth gathering grain from Boaz’s field, and learn about kindness and diligence.
Number of Players:
4-10 players
Materials Needed:
– Paper bags or small baskets (one for each player)
– Colored paper cut into small “grain” shapes (at least 50 pieces per player)
– Stickers or small stamps (used as rewards)
Setup:
1. Scatter the paper “grain” shapes around a designated play area.
2. Assign each child a basket or paper bag to collect the grain.
3. Place the sticker or stamp sheets in a convenient location for easy access at the end of the game.
How to Play:
1. Explain the story of Ruth and how she worked hard gathering grain in the field.
2. Start the game by saying, “It is time for harvest!”
3. Players run around to collect as many pieces of grain as they can.
4. After collecting grain for 5 minutes, everyone gathers to count their pieces.
5. Discuss how Ruth’s diligence and kindness were noticed by Boaz.
6. Give 2 minutes for students to return their grain and receive stickers as rewards for their effort, simulating Ruth’s basket of grain after gleaning.
Lesson Reinforcement:
This game teaches the value of hard work and how kindness is rewarded. It emphasizes Ruth’s story of dedication and community support.
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Game 2: Ruth’s Relay
Instructions:
A relay race to drive home the themes of teamwork and kindness found in Ruth 2.
Number of Players:
6-12 players (split into two teams)
Materials Needed:
– Two hula hoops or cones to mark starting and turnaround points
– Two baskets or bags
– Paper grain shapes or small bean bags (equal amounts per team)
Setup:
1. Set the two hula hoops or cones about 10 meters apart to act as starting and turnaround points.
2. Place an equal number of paper grains or bean bags in a pile at the starting point for each team.
3. Each team stands in a line behind their starting point.
How to Play:
1. Tell the story of how Ruth gleaned in Boaz’s field.
2. On “Go,” the first player from each team picks up a grain and runs to the turnaround point, then runs back and places it in the basket.
3. Continue the relay until all pieces of grain are collected in the baskets.
4. First team to finish wins and learns about Boaz’s act of kindness in letting Ruth gather extra grain.
5. Discuss the importance of helping and supporting one another.
Lesson Reinforcement:
This game focuses on teamwork, relating teamwork needed in the field to Ruth’s experiences and the supportive role of those around her.
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Game 3: Ruth’s Story Line-Up
Instructions:
Players will arrange story snippets into the correct sequence, reinforcing comprehension of Ruth 2.
Number of Players:
2-6 players (can be individual or in teams)
Materials Needed:
– Sentence strips with different events from Ruth 2 written on them
– Timer
Setup:
1. Write key events from Ruth 2 on separate sentence strips (e.g., “Ruth asks to glean in the field,” “Boaz notices Ruth,” “Boaz shows kindness to Ruth”).
2. Scatter the sentence strips across a table or floor space.
How to Play:
1. Share a brief summary of Ruth 2.
2. Each player/team races against each other (or the clock) to arrange the sentence strips in the correct order.
3. Set a timer for 5 minutes. If a team finishes earlier, they review and discuss the sequence.
4. Once time is up, come together to review the correct order and discuss how each event affected Ruth.
Lesson Reinforcement:
This game reinforces storytelling and comprehension skills, helping students internalize the sequence and moral lessons of Ruth 2 through creative engagement.
Takehome
Ruth 2: A Lesson in Kindness and Hard Work
Assignment Overview:
In Ruth 2, we learn about Ruth’s dedication to her family and the kindness she receives from Boaz. These are important lessons about doing our best and helping others. Let’s explore these themes with activities and questions you can do with your family.
Activities:
1. Story Time and Discussion:
– Read Ruth 2 with a family member. If you can’t read yet, ask someone to read it to you.
– Discuss the story together. Talk about how Ruth went to gather grain for her and Naomi, and how Boaz showed kindness to her.
2. Draw and Describe:
– Draw a picture of Ruth working in the fields.
– Write one sentence about what Ruth is doing and one sentence about how Boaz is helping her.
3. Act of Kindness Challenge:
– Think of one way you can be kind to someone in your family or neighborhood, just like Boaz was to Ruth.
– Complete your act of kindness and share what you did with your family.
Questions for Reflection:
1. Why do you think Ruth decided to go to the fields to gather grain?
2. How did Boaz show kindness to Ruth? Can you think of a time when someone was kind to you?
3. How did Ruth’s hard work help her and Naomi?
4. Can you think of a way you can be like Ruth or Boaz in your own life?
Exercise: Gratitude Journal
– Write down three things you are grateful for today. Think about how these things make you feel and share your list with someone at home.
Remember, Ruth 2 teaches us that hard work and kindness can bring positive changes to our lives and the lives of others. Enjoy these activities with your family!
Visuals
Slide 1: Title Slide
Visual Ideas:
– A simple illustration of a wheat field with a sunrise.
Caption:
– “Ruth Chapter 2: The Story of Hard Work and Kindness”
Description:
– Set a warm, welcoming tone with a vibrant picture of a field to introduce Ruth’s story.
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Slide 2: Setting the Scene
Visual Ideas:
– A simple map of Moab and Bethlehem, showing Ruth and Naomi’s journey.
Caption:
– “From Moab to Bethlehem”
Description:
– Highlight the distance and journey to provide context for where the story takes place.
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Slide 3: Characters Introduction
Visual Ideas:
– Simple portraits of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz.
Caption:
– “Meet the Characters: Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz”
Description:
– Use illustrations with labels to familiarize students with the main characters. Ensure they’re friendly and approachable.
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Slide 4: Ruth in the Fields
Visual Ideas:
– Ruth gathering grain in the fields, with stalks of wheat around her.
Caption:
– “Ruth Begins Gleaning in the Fields”
Description:
– Show Ruth working diligently, picking up leftover grains to highlight her hard work.
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Slide 5: Boaz Notices Ruth
Visual Ideas:
– Boaz observing Ruth from a distance, with a thoughtful expression.
Caption:
– “Boaz Takes Notice of Ruth”
Description:
– Use expressions to depict Boaz’s interest and kind nature.
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Slide 6: Boaz’s Kindness
Visual Ideas:
– Boaz speaking to Ruth, presenting her with extra grain.
Caption:
– “A Kind Gesture: Boaz Helps Ruth”
Description:
– Illustrate a moment of kindness, showing Boaz offering more grain to Ruth with a smile.
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Slide 7: Ruth Shares with Naomi
Visual Ideas:
– Ruth returning home, offering grain to Naomi.
Caption:
– “Ruth Returns to Naomi with Good News”
Description:
– Display the bond between Ruth and Naomi, focusing on their expressions of joy and gratitude.
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Slide 8: Lesson and Moral
Visual Ideas:
– A heart above a field, with golden rays symbolizing kindness and hard work.
Caption:
– “The Lesson: Kindness and Hard Work Bring Blessings”
Description:
– Tie the story together with visuals that highlight the main themes and moral lessons.
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Slide 9: Activity Suggestion
Visual Ideas:
– An open book and craft supplies like crayons and scissors.
Caption:
– “Activity Time: Create Your Own Ruth Storybook”
Description:
– Encourage creativity by suggesting students draw or craft a storybook of Ruth, focusing on key scenes.
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Slide 10: Review Questions
Visual Ideas:
– A chalkboard with a question mark.
Caption:
– “What Did We Learn Today?”
Description:
– Use visual cues to encourage student participation, allowing them to recall the story and share their thoughts.
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Each slide should be kept simple, colorful, and engaging, designed to capture the attention of elementary students while conveying the essence of the story from Ruth 2.
Memory Verse
Key Bible Verse: Ruth 2:12 (NIV)
“May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
Creative Ways to Memorize:
1. Song:
– Create a simple melody similar to “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” and sing the verse along to the tune. Repeating it several times will help embed it in memory.
2. Hand Motions:
– “May the Lord repay you” (Point upward)
– “For what you have done” (Pretend to give something with your hands)
– “May you be richly rewarded” (Gesture like receiving a gift)
– “By the Lord” (Point upward again)
– “The God of Israel” (Pretend to hold a book like a Bible)
– “Under whose wings” (Flap arms like wings)
– “You have come to take refuge” (Hug yourself)
3. Rhymes:
– “The Lord repays you, what you have done,
Rewards so rich, by His Son.
Under His wings, safe and secure,
Refuge in God, always sure.”
4. Short Challenge:
– Practice saying the verse backwards (word by word), then normally again. It can be fun and helps them think about the words in depth.
5. Action Game:
– Line up students and say the verse together. Then, have them sit if they miss a word when you go around the circle having each say a word in order. This reinforces memory and accuracy.
Group Activity
Activity 1: Scene Reenactment
Instructions:
1. Divide students into small groups.
2. Assign each group a scene from Ruth 2 to reenact (e.g., Ruth meeting Boaz, Ruth working in the fields).
3. Provide a brief summary of the scene to each group.
Roles:
– Narrator: Describes the setting and actions.
– Ruth: Acts out Ruth’s actions and dialogue.
– Boaz: Acts out Boaz’s actions and dialogue.
– Field Workers: Act out supporting roles, such as gleaners in the field.
Discussion Prompts:
– What do you think Ruth felt during this scene?
– How did Boaz show kindness to Ruth?
– What can we learn about helping others from this scene?
Participation:
– Ensure each student has a character or role.
– Encourage all students to express their thoughts during the discussion.
Activity 2: Kindness Circle
Instructions:
1. Have students sit in a circle.
2. Read a key part of Ruth 2 focusing on Boaz’s kindness.
3. Discuss how kindness is displayed in the story.
Roles:
– Leader: Facilitates the discussion.
– Recorder: Writes down examples of kindness mentioned by students.
– Encourager: Keeps the conversation positive and inclusive.
Discussion Prompts:
– What are some ways Boaz showed kindness to Ruth?
– Can you think of a time when someone showed you kindness?
– How can we be kind to others in our daily lives?
Participation:
– Each student shares an example of kindness.
– Rotate roles in the circle to give everyone a chance to lead, record, or encourage.
Activity 3: Kindness Collage
Instructions:
1. Provide each group with materials like paper, markers, and old magazines.
2. Ask them to create a collage representing themes of kindness from Ruth 2.
Roles:
– Designer: Decides on the layout of the collage.
– Cutter: Cuts out pictures or words from magazines.
– Presenter: Explains the collage to the class.
Discussion Prompts:
– What images represent kindness in your collage?
– How do these relate to the story of Ruth 2?
– Why is kindness important in our lives?
Participation:
– Ensure each student contributes to collecting and assembling the collage.
– Have each group present their collage and explain its elements to the class.
Download PDF for Group Activity
Journaling
Guided Journaling Prompts for Ruth 2
Reflecting on the Story:
1. Who is Ruth, and what is her relationship with Naomi?
– Write down who Ruth is and why she decided to stay with Naomi. How does this show her kindness?
2. What did Ruth do to help provide for Naomi and herself?
– Describe the work Ruth did in the field. How do you think that helped her and Naomi each day?
3. Who is Boaz, and how did he treat Ruth?
– Explain Boaz’s role in the story and write about how he was kind to Ruth. What did he do that showed he cared?
Connecting to Your Life:
1. Have you ever helped someone like Ruth helped Naomi?
– Describe a time when you did something kind for a friend or family member. How did it make you feel?
2. Can you think of a time when someone was kind to you like Boaz was to Ruth?
– Write about a moment when someone showed you kindness. What did they do, and how did it affect you?
3. Why do you think helping others is important?
– Reflect on why being kind and helping the people around us matters in our lives.
Personal Application:
1. What is one way you can be a helper at home or school this week?
– List one or two specific actions you can take to help someone in need, just like Ruth did.
2. How does being kind make the world a better place?
– Think about and write down your thoughts on how kindness changes the world around us.
Prayer:
1. Write a simple prayer asking God for opportunities to be helpful and kind.
– “Dear God, please help me to see where I can be helpful today and give me a heart that cares for others like Ruth did. Amen.”
2. Thank God for the people in your life who help you.
– “Thank You, God, for the friends and family who show me kindness. Help me to appreciate and thank them often. Amen.”
Encourage reflecting on these questions at different times throughout the week to see personal growth in kindness and gratitude.
Quiz
Quiz: Understanding Ruth 2
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. Who is Ruth’s mother-in-law?
a) Naomi
b) Esther
c) Sarah
2. What is the name of the field owner where Ruth works?
a) Boaz
b) Elimelech
c) David
3. Why does Ruth go to the fields?
a) To play with the children
b) To gather leftover grain for food
c) To have a picnic
True/False Questions:
4. Ruth went to the fields because Naomi told her to stay at home.
True / False
5. Boaz showed kindness to Ruth by letting her gather more grain.
True / False
Short Answer Questions:
6. How does Boaz help Ruth while she is working in the fields?
7. What does Naomi do when Ruth returns home with the grain from the fields?
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Answer Key:
Multiple Choice Answers:
1. a) Naomi
2. a) Boaz
3. b) To gather leftover grain for food
True/False Answers:
4. False
5. True
Short Answer Key:
6. Boaz helps Ruth by allowing her to gather grain from his field and instructing his workers to leave extra grain for her.
7. Naomi is pleased and thankful when Ruth returns home with the grain. She praises Boaz for his kindness and begins to realize how he has helped them.
Teacher Tips
Teacher Notes for Teaching Ruth 2 to Elementary Students
Objective:
– Students will understand the story of Ruth gleaning in Boaz’s fields and learn about kindness, hard work, and God’s provision.
Pacing Suggestions:
– Introduction (5-10 minutes): Begin with a brief recap of Ruth 1 to set the context.
– Reading the Text (10-15 minutes): Read Ruth 2 aloud, either as a group or by assigning parts.
– Discussion and Explanation (15-20 minutes): Break down the story into digestible parts.
– Activities and Engagement (15-20 minutes): Lead an activity that reinforces the lesson.
– Conclusion and Reflection (5-10 minutes): Summarize key points and discuss what students learned.
Introduction:
– Quickly summarize Ruth 1: Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem after losing their husbands.
– Explain the importance of gleaning in ancient times as a way the poor could gather food.
Reading the Text:
– Use simple language or a children’s Bible version to make the story more accessible.
– Consider using visuals or props to illustrate the setting and characters.
Discussion and Explanation:
– Who is Boaz? Explain his role as a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband. Highlight his kindness and integrity.
– Gleaning (verse 2): Describe it as gathering leftover crops. Emphasize how it shows God’s provision.
– Character Qualities: Talk about Boaz’s kindness and Ruth’s diligence and loyalty.
– Kindness and Providence: Focus on how God uses people to help others.
Explaining Difficult Concepts:
– Levirate Marriage: Simplify by explaining how family looked out for one another.
– Cultural Practices: Discuss roles of family and community in assisting widows and the poor.
Activities and Engagement:
– Role-Playing: Act out scenes to help students understand the interaction between Ruth and Boaz.
– Craft Activity: Make paper sheaves of wheat to symbolize gleaning and God’s provision.
– Discussion Questions: Use questions like “How do you think Ruth felt?” or “How can we be kind like Boaz?”
Guidance for Managing Student Engagement:
– Encourage students to ask questions during the story reading.
– Use storytelling props or visuals to maintain attention.
– Incorporate movement: allow younger students to ‘glean’ classroom floor using paper pieces.
Conclusion and Reflection:
– Summarize key points about God’s providence, kindness, and community support.
– Ask students to share one thing they learned from Ruth’s story.
– Encourage students to think about acts of kindness they can do in their daily lives.
Additional Tips:
– Be mindful of varying attention spans. Keep discussions and activities short and interactive.
– Tailor the depth of explanation to the age and maturity of the class.
– Celebrate participation and insights shared by students to reinforce a positive learning environment.
Crafts
Craft: “Grain Sheaf Bookmark”
Materials List:
– Yellow and green construction paper
– Scissors
– Glue stick
– Brown yarn or string
– Hole puncher
– Black marker
– Ruler
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Straw Stalks:
– Cut several strips of yellow construction paper, each approximately 6 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. These will represent stalks of grain.
2. Create the Sheaf:
– Arrange the yellow strips in a small bunch, overlapping slightly at the bottom while fanning out at the top, to resemble a sheaf of grain.
– Use the glue stick to secure the overlapping pieces together at the base.
3. Add Ties:
– Cut a short piece of brown yarn or string, about 4 inches long.
– Wrap it around the bottom of your paper grain stalks to represent the tie that holds a sheaf together.
– Secure the yarn by tying a small knot or using a bit of glue.
4. Make the Leaves:
– From the green construction paper, cut out two long, thin leaf shapes, about 4 inches long each.
– Glue these leaves behind the yellow stalks, positioning them to resemble leaves extending from the grain stalks.
5. Finalize the Bookmark:
– Cut a 6-inch by 1.5-inch strip of green construction paper to serve as the base of the bookmark.
– Glue the top part of the sheaf to the top of the green strip.
– With the hole puncher, punch a small hole at the bottom of the bookmark.
– Thread a piece of yarn through the hole to create a tassel effect. Secure by tying it off.
6. Personalize the Bookmark:
– Use the black marker to write a verse reference such as “Ruth 2:2” on the body of the bookmark, or the phrase “Blessings in the Field.”
Reinforcement of the Lesson:
This craft helps reinforce the story of Ruth gleaning in the fields by giving students a visual and tactile reminder of grain sheaves, a key element in Ruth 2. As students create their bookmarks, they can discuss the significance of gleaning and how Ruth’s gleaning was a part of God’s provision and blessing. The craft provides an opportunity to talk about themes of kindness, provision, and diligence, as embodied by Ruth, while also encouraging them to reflect on how they can practice these values in their own lives.
Music
Songs:
1. “Where You Go, I Will Follow” (Paraphrase)
– Lyrics (Paraphrase):
“Where you go, I will go,
Where you stay, I will stay,
Your people will be mine,
Together, come what may!”
– Actions:
Students can use hand gestures to point forward for “go” and clasp their hands together for “stay,” emphasizing the commitment and community themes.
– Connection: This song reflects Ruth’s loyalty and commitment to Naomi and God’s provision, mirroring Ruth 2’s themes of faithfulness and community.
2. “God Provides” (Paraphrase)
– Lyrics (Paraphrase):
“When I am in need, God will supply,
His love reaches from the sky,
He knows what I need, He will provide,
In Him, I will always abide.”
– Actions:
Children can mimic picking grains from the field with their hands as Boaz’s provision mirrors God’s care.
– Connection: This song highlights God’s provision as seen in Ruth 2, where Boaz ensures that Ruth is protected and provided for.
Worship Activities:
1. Harvest Gathering Game
– Activity: Set up a “field” with paper grains scattered around. Divide students into groups and have them “glean” as many as they can, relating it to Ruth gathering in Boaz’s fields.
– Connection: This imitates Ruth’s hard work in gathering food, teaching about diligence and God’s provision.
2. Role-Playing Scene
– Activity: Assign roles of Ruth, Naomi, Boaz, and workers. Let students act out a simplified version of Ruth 2, focusing on kindness and gleaning.
– Connection: By acting out the story, students learn empathy, kindness, and understand the narrative of divine provision in a tangible way.
3. Kindness Jar
– Activity: Each time they see a classmate be kind or helping, a bean is added to the jar. Once the jar is full, have a celebration.
– Connection: This reinforces the kindness Boaz showed to Ruth and invites them to reflect on being kind and helpful, just as Boaz helped Ruth.
These activities and songs allow elementary students to experience and understand the message of Ruth 2 through engaging, age-appropriate worship experiences.
Scripture Background
Background Notes for Ruth 2
Historical Context
– The story of Ruth takes place during the time of the Judges, a period in ancient Israel before they had kings, roughly around 1200 to 1020 BCE.
– Bethlehem, where the story occurs, was a small town in Judah known for agriculture.
– In ancient Israel, society was primarily agrarian, with many families relying on farming and taking care of animals.
Cultural Insights
– It was common for widows, or women whose husbands had died, to be in a difficult position because they relied on men for economic support.
– The practice of “gleaning” was part of Israelite law, where farmers left leftover grain in their fields for the poor and foreigners to collect (Leviticus 19:9-10). This was a way to provide for those in need.
– Ruth, being a Moabite, was a foreigner, and her loyalty to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, was culturally significant. It showcased themes of kindness and family loyalty.
Theological Insights
– The Book of Ruth highlights God’s providence—how God cares for people and provides for them, even in challenging situations.
– Boaz, who shows kindness and generosity to Ruth, serves as an example of living according to God’s laws by helping those in need.
– The story of Ruth is an important narrative about inclusion and acceptance, as Ruth becomes an ancestor of King David and is included in the genealogy of Jesus, showing God’s welcoming of all nations.
Download PDF for Scripture Background
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