Lesson
Engaging Introduction
Hello, children! Today, we’re going to hear an exciting story from the Bible about some helpers named Peter and John. Have you ever tried to help someone before? Maybe you helped your mommy by picking up your toys, or you helped a friend who fell down. In our story, Peter and John were helpers too, and they did something amazing by telling others about God’s love. Sit tight, put on your listening ears, and let’s find out what happens!
Main Teaching Points
First, let’s learn about Peter and John. They were good friends who loved Jesus very much. They wanted everyone to know how Jesus could be their friend too. Peter and John believed deeply in Jesus’ love and power, and they wanted to share that with others.
One day, Peter and John went to the temple, which is like a big church, to talk to people about Jesus. While they were there, they saw a man who couldn’t walk. The man asked for money, but Peter and John did something even better: they healed him through the power of Jesus! The man stood up, walked, and jumped for joy. Isn’t that incredible? This miracle showed everyone how strong and loving Jesus is.
But not everyone was happy. Some leaders were upset because they didn’t want Peter and John talking about Jesus. The leaders even put them in jail to try to stop them. Despite being in jail, Peter and John kept their faith. They were brave and didn’t stop talking about Jesus, even when it was hard. God was with them and helped them to be strong and keep sharing His story.
Personal Application for Preschool Students
Now, let’s think about how we can be like Peter and John. You can be a helper too! When you share your toys, say kind words, or help your parents at home, you are showing Jesus’ love. Every time you show kindness or bravery, you let your little light shine for Jesus, just like Peter and John did.
Even when you face something a little scary, like learning something new or meeting new people, remember that Jesus is always with you. Just like He helped Peter and John be brave, He can help you too. Let’s try to remember this every day and ask Jesus to help us be strong and loving.
Interactive Discussion Questions
Let’s think about some questions together. First, can you remember what Peter and John did for the man who couldn’t walk? They helped him walk by believing in Jesus. Isn’t that wonderful? When you see someone who needs help, think about how you can help them just like Peter and John did.
Now, who was always with Peter and John, helping them be brave? Yes, Jesus was! You can talk to Jesus any time you’re scared, and He’ll help you be brave too. Ask the children to think of a time they felt brave or helped someone else.
Finally, how can you be like Peter and John this week? Ask them to share ideas like sharing toys or helping a friend. Encourage them to try doing one kind and brave thing every day. Let’s end by asking Jesus to help us be kind and brave every day. Can we close our eyes and thank Jesus together now?
Games
Game 1: Peter and John’s Brave Adventure
Objective: To learn about the bravery of Peter and John from Acts 4.
Players: 3-6 Preschool students
Materials Needed:
– Simple costumes (e.g., hats, scarves) for Peter and John
– Toy microphone or cardboard tube for a pretend microphone
– Story cards with simple illustrations of key events from Acts 4
Setup:
Set up a small stage area with costumes and story cards ready for use.
Instructions:
1. Choose two children to play Peter and John and give them their costumes.
2. Hand the child playing Peter the toy microphone.
3. The facilitator (teacher or adult) holds the story cards and narrates the story from Acts 4.
4. As the story is narrated, the children act out being brave like Peter and John, speaking boldly into the microphone.
5. Other children can play the audience, clapping and cheering for their bravery.
Reinforcement: This interactive role-playing activity helps children understand bravery and faith, echoing how Peter and John courageously shared their message.
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Game 2: Good News Relay
Objective: To emphasize the importance of sharing the message, as Peter and John did.
Players: 4-10 Preschool students
Materials Needed:
– A lightweight baton or rolled-up paper as a “good news scroll”
Setup:
Form two lines with equal numbers of children in each line.
Instructions:
1. Explain to the children that they’ll be passing a “good news scroll,” just like Peter and John shared their message.
2. On “Go,” the first child in each line runs to a designated point and back, handing the scroll to the next team member.
3. The relay continues until all children have had a turn.
4. Encourage cheering and excitement from all participants.
Reinforcement: This game helps convey the excitement and importance of sharing good news, mirroring Peter and John’s actions.
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Game 3: Building the Community
Objective: To understand unity and community-building as portrayed in Acts 4.
Players: 4-8 Preschool students
Materials Needed:
– Large building blocks or soft toys
– A picture of a church or community building
Setup:
Scatter the blocks or toys around the play area.
Instructions:
1. Show children the picture of a church and explain that just like Peter and John, they will be “building” a community.
2. Allow children to work together to collect the blocks and build a structure in the play area.
3. After building, gather the children around and discuss how working together helped them succeed.
Reinforcement: This game emphasizes cooperation and highlights the early community spirit described in Acts 4, teaching children about unity and working as a team.
Takehome
Take-Home Assignment: Learning from Acts 4
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Today, we explored a story from the Bible, Acts 4. We learned about the courage of Peter and John as they spoke about Jesus to everyone, even when they were told not to. This story helps us understand the importance of speaking kindly, sharing, and being brave. Here is a simple activity you can do at home with your child to reinforce these lessons.
Story Review:
– Ask your child to tell you who the main characters of the story were (Peter and John) and what they were doing (talking about Jesus and helping others).
– Discuss why they needed to be brave. Encourage your child to think about a time they had to be brave and talk about it together.
Activity: Kindness and Courage Jar
Materials Needed:
– A small jar or container
– Craft sticks or small strips of paper
– Crayons or markers
Instructions:
1. Decorate the Jar: Let your child decorate the jar using crayons, stickers, or colorful paper. This will be their “Kindness and Courage Jar.”
2. Create Message Sticks: Help your child write or draw small acts of kindness and courage on the craft sticks/paper. These can include:
– Helping a family member
– Sharing a toy
– Saying something nice or encouraging
3. Daily Practice: Each day, encourage your child to pick a stick from the jar and complete the task. After completing the task, discuss how it made them feel and why kindness and courage are important.
Questions to Discuss:
– What is something kind you can do for someone today?
– How can you be brave if you feel scared?
Reflection:
At the end of the week, talk with your child about the different acts of kindness they did. Discuss how their actions made a difference to the people around them and themselves.
Thank you for helping reinforce this lesson at home. Remember, speaking kindly and being brave are things we can practice every day!
With love and learning,
[Your Child’s Teacher]
Visuals
Slide 1: Introduction to Acts 4
Visual: Friendly Characters
– Description: Create cartoon characters resembling Peter and John.
– Caption: “Meet Peter and John, friends of Jesus!”
Presentation Idea: Introduce the characters by name and ask simple questions like, “What do you think Peter and John are doing?”
Slide 2: The Healing Miracle
Visual: Happy Scene
– Description: Illustration showing a man jumping with joy while Peter and John smile beside him.
– Caption: “Peter and John helped a man walk again!”
Presentation Idea: Describe how the once lame man can now walk, encouraging kids to jump in place like the healed man.
Slide 3: In Front of the Leaders
Visual: Faces with Different Expressions
– Description: Show Peter and John standing bravely in front of a group, some smiling, others looking curious or serious.
– Caption: “Peter and John talk to important leaders.”
Presentation Idea: Focus on bravery and how they talk about Jesus. Ask kids how they feel when talking in front of a crowd.
Slide 4: The Powerful Message
Visual: Big Heart with Glowing Light
– Description: A large, glowing heart with rays emanating from it.
– Caption: “They talked about Jesus’ love!”
Presentation Idea: Engage the children in a discussion about love and kindness, relating it to how Peter and John shared such messages.
Slide 5: Together in Prayer
Visual: Group Hug or Holding Hands
– Description: A group of people, including children, holding hands and smiling up to the sky.
– Caption: “Everyone prayed together, feeling happy!”
Presentation Idea: Lead a short and simple prayer thanking Jesus for friends, feeling safe, and happy.
Slide 6: Sharing is Caring
Visual: Sharing Scene
– Description: Children playing and sharing toys or snacks.
– Caption: “Sharing and caring like Peter, John, and their friends!”
Presentation Idea: Encourage sharing in class, relating it to the early church community’s example.
Slide 7: Craft Activity
Visual: Simple Craft Supplies
– Description: Craft papers, scissors, and glue, with a finished ‘Love and Share’ poster.
– Caption: “Let’s make a ‘Love and Share’ poster.”
Presentation Idea: Guide the children to create a poster that reflects the themes of love, kindness, and sharing, using colorful papers and drawings.
Each slide should be simple, with minimal text to maintain engagement and understanding for preschoolers, leaning heavily on visual storytelling and interaction.
Memory Verse
Key Verse: Acts 4:12 (NIV) – “Salvation is found in no one else.”
Creative Ways to Memorize:
1. Song: Create a simple tune to go along with the verse. Use familiar nursery rhyme melodies like “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” to help them remember:
“Salvation is found, in no one else,
In no one else, in no one else!”
2. Rhyme: Make a short rhyme to emphasize the verse:
“Look high, look low,
In His name the blessings flow.
Salvation comes from Jesus alone,
His love is true, His name is known.”
3. Motions: Associate each part of the verse with an action.
– “Salvation” – Hands open as if receiving a gift.
– “is found” – Look through a pretend telescope.
– “in no one else” – Cross arms in an “X” motion side to side.
4. Short Challenge: Have a game where children sit in a circle and pass a ball around. When the music stops, whoever has the ball says the next word in the verse until it’s complete.
5. Craft: Create a simple craft by writing the verse on a cardstock and decorating it with stickers. As they decorate, repeat the verse together.
Group Activity
Activity 1: Story Circle and Role Play
Instructions:
1. Gather the children in a circle.
2. Briefly retell the story of Acts 4, focusing on Peter and John healing the man and speaking boldly.
3. Assign roles: Peter, John, the healed man, the priests, and the crowd.
Roles:
– Peter & John: Stand up and pretend to speak boldly about what they saw and heard.
– Healed Man: Jump up and down happily, pretending to walk for the first time.
– Priests: Show surprise and curiosity, asking Peter and John questions.
– Crowd: Cheer and ask questions about the miracle.
Discussion Prompts:
– How did Peter and John feel when they spoke about Jesus?
– How did the healed man feel after being healed?
– What would you say if you were the man who got healed?
Participation:
Each child takes turns playing different roles. Rotate roles to give everyone a chance to experience each part of the story.
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Activity 2: Miracle Charades
Instructions:
1. Explain the miracle in Acts 4.
2. Take turns acting out parts of the story using gestures and expressions without speaking.
Roles:
– Actor: Act out scenes from the story (e.g., healing, talking to a group).
– Guesser: Try to guess which part of the story is being acted out.
– Encourager: Cheer on guesses and give hints if needed.
Discussion Prompts:
– What do we think the healed man might tell his friends?
– How does it feel to tell others about something amazing?
– Why do you think Peter and John were not afraid to talk about Jesus?
Participation:
Each child takes a turn in each role. Rotate to ensure all children get to act, guess, and encourage.
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Activity 3: Craft and Share
Instructions:
1. Provide materials like paper, crayons, and stickers to create a drawing or collage of the Acts 4 story.
2. Encourage the children to illustrate different scenes from the story.
Roles:
– Artist: Draw or create a picture related to the Acts 4 story.
– Storyteller: Tell a story about the picture to the group.
– Listener: Pay attention to the storyteller and ask questions.
Discussion Prompts:
– Who did you draw in your picture and why?
– What part of the story did you choose to show?
– How can we show courage and kindness like Peter and John?
Participation:
After completing their artwork, each child takes a turn as the storyteller, sharing their creation with the group. Others become listeners, engaging with questions or comments. Rotate roles to ensure everyone participates equally.
Download PDF for Group Activity
Journaling
Guided Journaling Prompts for Acts 4 (Preschool Level):
1. Bible Story Reflection:
– What is your favorite part of the story in Acts 4? Draw a picture of it.
– How do you think Peter and John felt when they talked about Jesus?
2. Personal Reflection:
– Have you ever talked about Jesus to someone else? How did that make you feel?
– Why is it important to be brave and share what you love about Jesus?
3. Connecting to Daily Life:
– Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like Peter and John?
– How can you show kindness like Peter and John did in your school or at home?
4. Prayer Prompt:
– Would you like to say a prayer thanking God for being with us when we are brave?
– What would you like to ask Jesus to help you with today?
5. Creative Application:
– Draw a picture of you and your friends being kind and brave like the helpers in the story.
– Pretend you are Peter or John. What would you say about Jesus to make someone happy today?
6. Open-Ended Questions:
– What do you think it means to listen to God?
– How can we help others learn about Jesus like Peter and John did?
7. Closing Thoughts:
– Think of one way you can share Jesus’ love this week. Write or draw it to remember.
Encourage them to share their pictures and thoughts with their family or in class, nurturing a loving community.
Quiz
Acts 4 Quiz for Preschool Students
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Who did Peter and John talk to about Jesus?
– A. Animals
– B. Teachers of the law
– C. Farmers
2. How did Peter and John feel when they talked about Jesus?
– A. Happy
– B. Sad
– C. Scared
True/False Questions
3. Peter and John were put in jail for talking about Jesus.
– True
– False
4. Many people believed in Jesus after Peter and John spoke.
– True
– False
Short-Answer Questions
5. What did Peter and John say healed the man who couldn’t walk?
6. Who helped Peter and John have the courage to talk about Jesus?
Answer Key
1. B. Teachers of the law
2. A. Happy
3. True
4. True
5. They said it was Jesus who healed the man.
6. The Holy Spirit
Teacher Tips
Teacher Notes for Teaching ‘Acts 4’ to Preschool Students
Objective:
Introduce preschool students to the story of Acts 4, highlighting themes of courage, sharing, and community.
Pacing Suggestions:
1. Introduction (5 minutes):
– Set the scene. Explain that we are going to learn about some of Jesus’ friends who did something brave.
2. Storytelling (10 minutes):
– Use a simple picture book version or illustrated flashcards to tell the story.
– Break down the story into simple parts: Peter and John healing, sharing the message, being questioned, and the community sharing.
3. Discussion (5 minutes):
– Ask simple questions: “What did Peter and John do?”
– Encourage responses that show understanding of bravery and kindness.
4. Activity (10-15 minutes):
– Have a craft that aligns with the story, like creating a heart to represent sharing love.
– Or a role-play activity where students practice “being brave” by saying something nice to a classmate.
5. Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes):
– Recap the main points: being brave, helping others, sharing with our friends.
– Close with a simple prayer or affirmation thanking for friends and community.
Explaining Difficult Concepts:
– Courage:
– Use relatable examples, like standing up for a friend at the playground.
– Community Sharing:
– Relate to snack time, explaining how sharing with friends makes everyone happy.
– Authority Figures:
– Describe in simple terms, like the teachers or adults who keep us safe but in the story, some adults were not so kind.
Engagement Tips:
– Interactive Storytelling:
– Use varied voices and ask the children to act out emotions like joy, surprise, or bravery.
– Visual Aids:
– Utilize colorful illustrations to keep their attention focused.
– Repetition and Songs:
– Integrate simple songs about being brave or helping others to reinforce the lesson.
– Movement:
– Incorporate gentle movements or actions aligned with the story, such as standing tall like Peter and John to signify courage.
With these steps and tips, children will have a clearer understanding of the story’s messages in a way that’s engaging and age-appropriate.
Crafts
Hands-On Craft: “Helping Hands for Acts 4”
Materials List:
– Colored construction paper
– Child-safe scissors
– Glue sticks
– Markers or crayons
– Stickers (optional)
– Small pom-poms or cotton balls
– Pre-cut shapes (circles, hearts, etc.)
– Printable hand outline (or help children trace their hands)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Materials:
– Set up a table with all the materials so each child can easily reach them.
– Optional: pre-cut small heart shapes if children are not comfortable with scissors.
2. Trace and Cut:
– Help each child trace one of their hands on a piece of colored construction paper using a marker or crayon.
– Assist them in cutting out the hand shape with child-safe scissors.
3. Decorate the Hands:
– Let the children use markers, crayons, and stickers to decorate their hand shape.
– Encourage them to add fun elements like small pom-poms or cotton balls as decorations.
4. Assemble the Craft:
– Give each child a pre-cut shape (such as a circle or a heart).
– On this shape, help or encourage them to write a simple phrase like “I can help” (or assist in doing this for them).
– Glue the decorated hand to the shape, symbolizing “helping.”
5. Display the Finished Craft:
– Once the glue has dried, create a display area where all the children can place their completed “Helping Hands.”
Reinforcing the Lesson:
– The craft helps reinforce the Acts 4 lesson about sharing and helping within the community by emphasizing the concept of being “helping hands” to others.
– As they create, discuss the story’s theme about people in the early church sharing their possessions and supporting one another.
– This hands-on activity will allow children to grasp the lesson by physically engaging in a representation of helping and sharing.
– Encourage kids to think of small ways they can be helpful at home or in class, promoting a sense of empathy and community spirit.
By linking the tangible craft with the narrative of Acts 4, preschoolers will have a memorable experience that blends creativity with biblical lessons about support and generosity.
Music
Songs for Acts 4
1. “Peter and John Went to Pray” (Parody of “Silver and Gold Have I None”)
Lyrics/Paraphrase:
Peter and John went to pray,
They met a man on the way,
He asked for alms and held out his palms,
But this is what Peter did say…
Suggested Actions:
– Peter and John went to pray: Pretend to walk.
– They met a man on the way: Point to imaginary person.
– He asked for alms: Pretend to hold out hands.
– Peter did say: Cup hands around mouth to mimic speaking.
Connection to Lesson:
This song helps children understand the story of Peter and John healing the lame man, which occurs in Acts 3 but sets the stage for Acts 4, where they speak boldly about Jesus.
2. “Be Bold, Be Strong”
Lyrics/Paraphrase:
Be bold, be strong,
For the Lord your God is with you.
I am not afraid, (No! No! No!)
I am not dismayed, (Not me!)
Suggested Actions:
– Be bold, be strong: Flex muscles like a superhero.
– For the Lord your God is with you: Point up.
– I am not afraid: Shake your head.
– No! No! No! and Not me!: Wag finger.
Connection to Lesson:
Acts 4 highlights the courage Peter and John had when speaking about Jesus, emphasizing the theme of boldness.
3. “This Little Light of Mine”
Lyrics/Paraphrase:
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel, No!
I’m gonna let it shine.
Suggested Actions:
– This little light of mine: Wiggle fingers like twinkling lights.
– I’m gonna let it shine: Move arms outward.
– Hide it under a bushel, No!: Cover hand with the other hand, then shake it off.
Connection to Lesson:
This song reinforces the lesson of sharing Jesus’ love and the truth of the Gospel boldly, just like Peter and John did.
Worship Activities
1. Role Play
– Have the children act out the story from Acts 4 with simple costumes (a robe or scarf for Peter and John).
– Pretend to heal and praise God, then “stand up” bravely before an audience of toy figures or other students.
2. Prayer Circle
– Teach the children about the power of prayer, seen in Acts 4.
– Engage them in a circle prayer, asking God for courage and strength to share His love with others.
3. Art Activity
– Create “bravery” shields using paper plates and craft supplies.
– Talk about how the Holy Spirit helps us to be brave and share Jesus with others, just like Peter and John.
Each of these songs and activities is designed to help preschoolers grasp the essence of Acts 4: the courage and faithfulness of Peter and John in proclaiming Jesus’ message, despite adversity.
Scripture Background
Background Notes for Acts 4
Historical Context:
– Time Period: Acts 4 takes place shortly after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, during the early days of the Christian church, around AD 30.
– Location: The events happen in Jerusalem, a central city for Jewish worship and the location of the temple.
– Early Church: This was a time when the apostles were beginning to preach about Jesus and share His teachings, forming the first Christian communities.
Cultural Context:
– Jewish Leaders: The chief priests, Sadducees, and temple guards hold authority in religious and civic matters. They were wary of the apostles’ growing influence.
– Power of Healing: Miracles, like the healing performed by Peter and John, were seen as signs of divine power and caused amazement among the people.
– Community Sharing: Early Christians shared what they had with one another, emphasizing community, care, and support.
Theological Insights:
– Jesus’ Resurrection: A central message is that Jesus rose from the dead, which the apostles boldly proclaimed despite opposition.
– Holy Spirit: The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit, which gave them courage to teach and perform wonders in Jesus’ name.
– Prayer and Boldness: Prayer was essential for the early believers, and God responded by giving them boldness to speak the word.
Teaching Points for Preschoolers:
– Bravery: Peter and John were brave in telling others about Jesus even when it was hard.
– Sharing: Emphasis on the importance of sharing and being kind to one another, as practiced by the early believers.
– Prayer: Encourage simple prayers, showing that God listens and helps us to be brave and kind.
