Lesson
Engaging Introduction
Hello, little ones! Today, I’m going to tell you a wonderful story from the Bible about two of Jesus’s friends, Peter and John. Have you ever been on a walk with a friend? Peter and John were on a walk, too! They were going to the temple to pray and talk to God. On their way, they saw a man who couldn’t walk. He had to sit at the gate every day and ask people for help. Let’s hear what happened next!
Main Teaching Points
Peter and John Meet a Man in Need
Imagine not being able to walk and having to sit at a gate all day. Pretty sad, right? This man couldn’t walk since he was born, and he hoped someone would give him a little money to buy food. When Peter and John saw him, the man expected a few coins, just like always.
The Surprise Gift
But Peter and John gave him something even better than money. Peter said, “I don’t have silver or gold. But what I do have, I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ, stand up and walk!” And guess what happened next? The man jumped up and walked! Just like that! Can you imagine how happy he must have been? He was so grateful that he started jumping and praising God.
Sharing God’s Power and Love
This story teaches us that God can help us in amazing ways. Even when we think we need something, God always knows what is best. Peter and John didn’t have money, but they had the love of Jesus in their hearts. They shared God’s power, showing us that God’s love can do incredible things.
Personal Application for Preschool Students
Now, my little friends, let’s think about how we can be like Peter and John. Even though we’re small, we can do big things with God’s love. Maybe you don’t have money to give, but you can smile, share your toys, or help a friend when they’re sad. That’s like giving someone a gift of happiness, just like Peter and John did with the man who couldn’t walk.
Remember, God’s love is in your heart and you can share it every day. Sometimes helping doesn’t mean giving things away, but sharing joy and kindness with others. Just by being a good friend, you are sharing God’s love!
Interactive Discussion Questions
Now, let’s talk about our story! Who can tell me what Peter and John were doing? Yes, they were going to the temple to pray! And what did they give the man? Exactly, they shared God’s love and helped him walk!
What special things can you do this week to share God’s love? Maybe you can help your mom with chores or play nicely with your friends at school.
Remember, sharing God’s love can be as simple as a hug or a kind word. It makes hearts happy, just like Jesus did!
So, who wants to show God’s love this week? I’m sure you all do. Give me a big smile if you’re ready to spread joy like Peter and John!
Games
Game 1: “Lame Man Leap”
Objective: Help children understand the healing of the lame man by Peter and John.
Number of Players: 4-10
Materials Needed:
– A simple floor mat or blanket
– Two pretend or real walking sticks (optional)
– A large poster or picture of Peter and John healing the lame man
Setup:
1. Create a small open space where children can move around easily.
2. Place the floor mat or blanket on one side of the space – this represents the area where the lame man sat.
Instructions:
1. Gather all the children and show them the picture of Peter and John healing the lame man.
2. Divide children into groups of three. Each group has a “lame man,” Peter, and John. Rotate roles for each round.
3. The “lame man” sits on the mat pretending to be unable to walk.
4. Peter and John approach the “lame man” and pretend to help him stand up and walk.
5. As the “lame man” gets up, everyone shouts, “In Jesus’ name, walk!” and the “lame man” leaps and dances.
6. Swap roles and repeat until everyone has had a chance to play each part.
Reinforcement: This game teaches that with faith in Jesus, amazing things can happen, just like Peter and John’s miracle.
—
Game 2: “Silver and Gold, I Don’t Have”
Objective: Highlight the lesson of giving and helping in ways beyond material wealth.
Number of Players: 3-15
Materials Needed:
– Small bags or baskets for pretend coins
– Cardboard cutouts of silver and gold coins
– Pretend badges labeled “Faith,” “Hope,” “Love”
Setup:
1. Scatter silver and gold cardboard coins in a designated area.
2. Have children gather around and give them the pretend badges.
Instructions:
1. Explain that the Bible story is about giving more than just money.
2. Each child should “collect” silver and gold coins and place them in their basket.
3. However, remind them the most important thing they can give is on their badge.
4. Discuss what “Faith,” “Hope,” and “Love” mean in simple terms.
5. Ask the children to exchange coins for badges with their peers, explaining how each quality helps others.
Reinforcement: Helps children understand that non-material gifts like love and faith are valuable, just like Peter’s spiritual healing.
—
Game 3: “Temple Tell-a-Tale”
Objective: Help kids retell and sequence the story from Acts 3.
Number of Players: 5-15
Materials Needed:
– Picture cards depicting different parts of the story (e.g., the lame man begging, Peter and John, the healing moment, people being amazed)
– Cloth for a pretend temple entrance
Setup:
1. Set up an area with the cloth acting as the temple entrance.
2. Randomly place picture cards around the space.
Instructions:
1. Have the children sit in a circle.
2. Hand out picture cards to random participants.
3. Begin by narrating the story, and as you reach parts of the story, children with corresponding picture cards show them to the group.
4. After presenting, have the kids work together to line up the cards in story order at the “temple entrance.”
5. Encourage verbal storytelling—children retell the story using the cards as cues.
Reinforcement: This game reinforces story sequencing and recall, important elements of early literacy and comprehension, while making the Bible story memorable.
Takehome
Take-Home Assignment for ‘Acts 3’:
Title: Peter and the Lame Man
Story Summary:
This week, we learned about a special story from the Bible in Acts 3. Peter and John went to the temple to pray. They met a man who couldn’t walk and asked for money. Peter told him, “I don’t have silver or gold, but I will give you what I do have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” The man was able to stand up and walk, jumping and praising God!
Activities to Do at Home:
1. Storytime with Family:
Gather in a cozy spot with your family and retell the story. Use simple words and take turns sharing what part of the story each person remembers.
2. Walking and Jumping Game:
Pretend to be the man who was healed. First, crawl or scoot like the man might have before he was healed, and then get up to walk, skip, and jump around the room joyfully, just like he did once he was healed!
3. Coloring Activity:
Draw a picture of the man jumping with joy. You can use crayons or markers to make it colorful. Share your picture with your family and explain the story to them using your artwork.
4. Helping Hands Exercise:
Think of a way you can help someone in your family this week. Maybe you can help clean up toys or share toys with a sibling. Talk with your family about ways to be helpful and kind, just like Peter and John helped the man.
Questions to Discuss:
– How do you think the man felt when he was able to walk again?
– What does it mean to help someone without money?
– Can you think of a time when someone helped you or when you helped someone?
Prayer Time:
End the activity by holding hands and saying a small prayer of thankfulness. Thank God for the people who help us every day and ask for ways we can help others.
Visuals
Title Slide:
– Visual: A colorful title card with “Acts 3: The Healing of the Lame Man”
– Caption: “Let’s Learn About a Miracle!”
Slide 1: Introduction to Peter and John
– Visual: Simple cartoon drawings of Peter and John walking on a path
– Caption: “Peter and John were friends of Jesus.”
Slide 2: The Temple Gate Beautiful
– Visual: An illustration of a large gate with columns and steps, labeled “Beautiful Gate”
– Caption: “Peter and John were going to the temple.”
Slide 3: The Lame Man
– Visual: A kind-looking man sitting on the ground beside the gate, with hands reaching out for help
– Caption: “A man who couldn’t walk sat by the gate.”
Slide 4: Peter and John’s Response
– Visual: Peter and John standing kindly in front of the lame man, Peter has a hand outstretched
– Caption: “Peter said, ‘I don’t have money, but I will give you what I have.’”
Slide 5: The Miracle
– Visual: The man standing up with a look of surprise and joy, colorful lines around his legs to indicate movement
– Caption: “Peter helped him stand up, and he could walk!”
Slide 6: Walking and Praising
– Visual: The man walking and jumping with joy, Peter and John smiling nearby
– Caption: “He walked, jumped, and praised God!”
Slide 7: Crowd’s Reaction
– Visual: Several people looking amazed and clapping their hands at the sight
– Caption: “People were amazed at what happened.”
Slide 8: Sharing the Good News
– Visual: Peter talking to the crowd, gesturing towards the sky
– Caption: “Peter told everyone about Jesus.”
Slide 9: Lesson Recap
– Visual: A collection of all previous visuals in small icons to summarize the story
– Caption: “We learned about kindness, sharing, and miracles.”
Slide 10: Conclusion
– Visual: A heart shape with a smiley face
– Caption: “Remember to show kindness and be thankful!”
Memory Verse
Bible Verse:
Acts 3:6 (NIV) – “Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’”
Creative Ways to Memorize:
1. Song:
Create a simple melody using the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” Sing the verse to the rhythm, repeating it several times until it becomes familiar.
2. Rhyme:
Turn the verse into a rhyme:
“Peter said, ‘No silver, no gold,
But what I have is better, bold.
In Jesus’ name, rise and stroll,
Stand up, walk, and make you whole.’”
3. Motions:
– Start by holding out empty hands (for “Silver or gold I do not have”).
– Point to yourself and then outward (for “what I do have I give you”).
– Form a “J” with your hands or fingers (for “In the name of Jesus”).
– Walk in place or take a step (for “walk”).
4. Short Challenge:
Make a walking game: Start at one end of the room; each time a child says part of the verse correctly, they can take a step forward. See who can reach the other side first by recalling the verse.
Group Activity
Activity 1: Story Reenactment
Instructions:
1. Explain the story of ‘Acts 3’, focusing on the healing of the lame man and the apostles Peter and John.
2. Assign roles to students: Peter, John, the Lame Man, and Crowd Members.
Roles:
– Peter: Pretends to heal the Lame Man and speaks to the crowd.
– John: Supports Peter and acts along.
– Lame Man: Pretends to be healed and celebrates.
– Crowd Members: React to the miracle and discuss what they saw.
Discussion Prompts:
– How did the Lame Man feel before and after he was healed?
– What might Peter and John say to the crowd?
– How would you react if you saw a miracle?
Participation:
– Ensure everyone has a chance to play a role or share their thoughts.
– Rotate roles if time permits so each child can experience different perspectives.
Activity 2: Miracle Art
Instructions:
1. Provide art supplies such as crayons, paper, and stickers.
2. Ask the children to draw their favorite part of the story or imagine their miracle.
Roles:
– Artists: Each child creates their artwork.
– Storytellers: Once finished, children share their drawings with the group and explain.
Discussion Prompts:
– Why did you choose this part of the story?
– What other miracles can you imagine?
Participation:
– Allow each child to present and describe their drawing.
– Encourage questions and comments from peers afterwards.
Activity 3: Feelings and Sharing Circle
Instructions:
1. Sit the children in a circle.
2. Discuss different emotions present in the story and relate them to the children’s own experiences.
Roles:
– Circle Leader: An adult or older child facilitates the discussion.
– Listeners: The rest of the group listens and thinks about the questions.
– Sharers: Each child takes a turn sharing experiences.
Discussion Prompts:
– How did the Lame Man feel when he couldn’t walk and then when he could?
– Can you think of a time when you felt really happy or surprised?
– What do you like to share with others?
Participation:
– Every child is encouraged to share their personal experience related to the discussed emotions.
– Validate each child’s feelings and encourage empathy in the group.
Download PDF for Group Activity
Journaling
Guided Journaling Prompts for ‘Acts 3’ – Preschool Students
1. Story Reflection:
– Who Helps Who?
Think about the story you heard. Who did Peter and John help? Can you remember what happened to the man who couldn’t walk?
– Imagine the Miracle:
What do you think it felt like for the man to walk again? Try to imagine his joy. Draw a picture showing what happened after he was healed.
2. Personal Connection:
– Helping Hands:
Peter and John helped someone in need. Can you think of a time when you helped someone? Draw or write a little about it.
– Feelings of Kindness:
How does it make you feel to help someone else? Happy, excited, or something else?
3. Daily Life Application:
– Be a Helper:
Is there someone in your life you can help today, like sharing a toy or giving a hug? Write or draw an idea of how you can help.
– Looking for Miracles:
Where can you see small miracles around you? Is it a flower growing or a friend sharing? Draw or write about a small miracle you see today.
4. Prayer Time:
– Thankful Hearts:
Can you say a thank-you prayer like thanking Jesus for helping us and giving us strength?
– Praying for Others:
Think of someone you want to pray for who might need help. You can draw or write their name and say a little prayer for them.
5. Open-Ended Questions:
– What Did You Learn?
What is something special you learned from the story today?
– Feelings and Thoughts:
How do you feel when you think about the story? Is there something you want to ask God about what you learned?
These prompts can help you think about the story, discuss it with friends or family, and remember the love and kindness you can share just like Peter and John did.
Quiz
Short Quiz for ‘Acts 3’ for Preschool Students
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. What did Peter and John see at the temple gate?
– a) A giant
– b) A man who couldn’t walk
– c) A talking animal
2. What did the man at the temple gate ask for?
– a) Food
– b) Money
– c) A new toy
True/False Questions
3. Peter and John gave the man some coins.
– True
– False
4. The man who couldn’t walk was healed and started walking and jumping.
– True
– False
Short-Answer Questions
5. Who helped heal the man at the temple gate?
6. What did the man do after he was healed?
—
Answer Key for Teachers
Multiple-Choice Answers
1. b) A man who couldn’t walk
2. b) Money
True/False Answers
3. False
4. True
Short-Answer Answers
5. Peter and John (with God’s help).
6. He started walking, jumping, and praising God.
Teacher Tips
Teacher Notes and Tips for Teaching Acts 3 to Preschool Students
Objective:
Introduce preschool students to the story of Peter and John healing the lame man, focusing on themes of kindness, determination, and the power of faith.
Pacing Suggestions:
– Total Lesson Time: 20-30 minutes
– Introduction: 5 minutes
– Storytelling: 10 minutes
– Activity: 10 minutes
– Reflection and Closing: 5 minutes
Introduction (5 minutes):
– Begin with a simple greeting and set the scene by briefly discussing what a miracle is in language they can understand (“A miracle is something amazing that happens with God’s help”).
– Write the word “Helping” on the board and ask the students if they know what it means to help someone.
Storytelling (10 minutes):
– Use a children’s Bible or adapted storybook.
– Simplify the story: “Peter and John went to the temple. They saw a man who couldn’t walk. The man asked for help, and Peter said, ‘I don’t have money, but I will give you what I have. In Jesus’ name, stand up and walk.’ The man was able to walk!”
– Encourage participation by having students mimic actions (e.g., pretending to walk, reaching out a hand).
Explaining Difficult Concepts:
– Miracle: “A miracle is when something amazing happens with God’s help.”
– Temple: “The temple is like a big church where people go to pray.”
– Faith: “Faith means trusting or believing even though you can’t see it.”
Activity (10 minutes):
– Create a simple craft: Provide paper, crayons, and stickers for students to make their own “Helped by God” badges.
– Role-playing: Have an interactive role-play session, where students take turns being Peter, John, and the lame man.
Managing Student Engagement:
– Keep the group focused with visuals such as picture books or flannel board figures.
– Use repetitive phrases that children can join in with, like “Stand up and walk.”
– Encourage questions and provide positive feedback when students engage.
Reflection and Closing (5 minutes):
– Gather students in a circle and ask what they learned about being kind and helping others.
– Reinforce the idea that everyone can help in different ways.
– Close with a simple prayer or quiet reflection time thanking God for the ability to help others and asking for kindness in their hearts.
Tips:
– Be ready to adapt the story and activities based on children’s responses and understandings.
– Use simple language and concrete examples.
– Keep transitions smooth and attention-focused with songs or movement between sections.
Crafts
Craft Activity: “Walking and Leaping Man” Puppet
Materials List:
– Craft sticks (large)
– Construction paper (red, blue, skin tone)
– Scissors (safety scissors for children)
– Glue sticks
– Markers or crayons
– Brads (paper fasteners)
– Tape
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Work:
– Before starting, cut out simple shapes from construction paper: circles for heads, rectangles for bodies, and smaller rectangles for arms and legs. Pre-cutting these shapes will make the activity smoother for preschoolers.
2. Create the Man:
– Have each child pick a circle for the head and draw a face using markers or crayons.
– Let them choose a body rectangle. Encourage them to decorate it with colorful designs to represent clothes.
3. Attach Arms and Legs:
– Use brads to attach the arms and legs to the body rectangle. Guide the children to insert the brad through the paper, showing them how the limbs can move after being attached.
4. Assemble the Puppet:
– Glue the head circle at the top of the body rectangle.
– Let an adult help the children tape a craft stick to the back of the body as a handle.
5. Finish and Animate:
– Once the glue has dried, show children how to move the arms and legs, using the brads to simulate walking and leaping movements.
Reinforcing the Lesson:
This craft ties to Acts 3, where Peter heals a man who couldn’t walk. The “Walking and Leaping Man” puppet helps preschoolers visualize the miracle of healing. By moving the puppet’s limbs, children engage kinesthetically with the story, understanding how the man’s life changed from being unable to walk to praising God with enthusiasm. This craft reinforces the message of God’s power and love.
Music
Songs and Worship Activities for ‘Acts 3’ for Preschool Students
1. “Peter and John Went to Pray” (Paraphrased Song)
Verse 1:
Peter and John went to pray,
They met a beggar on the way,
He asked for money, but received,
More than he ever could believe.
Chorus:
Walking, leaping, praising God,
The man was healed and made strong,
Walking, leaping, praising God,
His heart was full of happy song.
Suggested Actions:
– March in place during “Peter and John went to pray.”
– Hold out hands as if asking during “He asked for money.”
– Jump and clap during “Walking, leaping, praising God.”
– Spin around with arms raised during “His heart was full of happy song.”
Connection to Lesson:
This song tells the story of Peter and John healing the lame man at the temple gate. The lyrics help children remember the miracle and how the healed man praised God.
2. “Silver and Gold”
Verse:
Silver and gold I don’t have,
But what I have, I’ll gladly give,
In Jesus’ name, walk again,
Your life, new hope, begin to live.
Suggested Actions:
– Shake your finger during “Silver and gold I don’t have.”
– Extend open hands during “I’ll gladly give.”
– Point upwards during “In Jesus’ name.”
– Pretend to walk and leap in place during “walk again.”
Connection to Lesson:
The song emphasizes the theme of giving what we have in Jesus’ name, teaching the importance of faith and action through Peter’s miracle.
3. “Praise Song”
Chorus:
Praise Him, praise Him,
Everybody jump and shout!
Praise Him, praise Him,
Let’s tell everyone about His love!
Suggested Actions:
– Jump up and down during “Everybody jump and shout!”
– Use hands to cup around the mouth as if shouting the news about God.
Connection to Lesson:
This song encourages expression of joy and excitement, similar to the lame man’s response after he was healed, emphasizing celebration of God’s love and power.
Worship Activity:
Healing Hands Craft:
– Provide children with paper and crayons.
– Have them trace their hands and color them.
– Talk about how Peter used his hands for healing at the temple.
– Encourage them to think about how they can use their hands to show kindness.
Connection to Lesson:
This activity helps children understand the story by relating it to something physical they can see and touch, reinforcing the concept of using what they have for good, much like the miracle of healing.
Scripture Background
Historical Background
– Setting: The story takes place in Jerusalem, a bustling city where the ancient Jewish temple was located.
– Time: These events happened after Jesus went up to heaven and the Holy Spirit came to help his friends, the apostles, spread his teachings.
– Key Figures:
– Peter and John: Two of Jesus’ close friends and followers.
– The Lame Man: A man who couldn’t walk since he was born and sat at the temple gate to ask people for help.
Cultural Background
– Temple: The temple was a very important place for the Jewish people. They went there to pray and worship God.
– Almsgiving: It was common for people to give money or food to those in need, like the man who couldn’t walk, especially as a way to show kindness and obedience to God.
Theological Insights
– Miracle: Peter and John, through God’s power, help the man stand and walk for the first time. This shows that God can do amazing things!
– Faith and Power of Jesus: Peter explains that it is by believing in Jesus that the man was healed, showing the preschoolers that Jesus’ power is strong and can help us too.
– Sharing the Good News: After the miracle, Peter tells everyone about Jesus’ love and how Jesus wants to help everyone. This teaches us to share kindness and God’s love with others.
Key Messages for Preschoolers
1. Kindness: Just like Peter and John, we can be kind and help others.
2. God’s Power: We learn that God can do wonderful things and can help us in amazing ways.
3. Thankfulness: The man was so happy that he could walk, he praised God! We should remember to thank God for all the good things He gives us.
These notes help teachers share the wonder and importance of this Bible story with preschoolers, emphasizing kindness, faith, and thankfulness.
