Lesson
Engaging Introduction
Hello, little friends! Today we’re going to hear an exciting story from the Bible about some very special followers of Jesus and how they learned an important lesson about honesty and sharing! Have you ever heard of the book called Acts? It’s full of adventures and stories about the early church after Jesus went back to heaven. Today, we’ll explore Acts chapter 5. Imagine a time when everyone shared what they had to help others. Isn’t that sweet? Let’s learn how God taught his people to be honest and caring towards one another!
Main Teaching Points
First, we meet two people named Ananias and Sapphira. They wanted to do something nice by selling a piece of their land and giving the money to the apostles to help the church. They saw others doing it and felt it was a good idea.
But here’s the tricky part: Ananias and Sapphira decided to keep some of the money for themselves, which was fine, but they pretended they were giving all of the money to the church. They lied about it to Peter and the other apostles.
Now, kids, let’s imagine when we play a game, and someone doesn’t follow the rules. How does that make us feel? It’s not fair, right? That’s what lying is like. It can make things unfair and upset others. God wants us to be happy and truthful.
Ananias first came to Peter, and Peter asked him if he was giving all the money. Ananias lied to Peter, and sadly, Peter explained that Ananias wasn’t just lying to him but to God. And lying to God is a very serious thing.
When Peter’s words reached Ananias’s heart, he became very sad and fell down. Later, his wife Sapphira also lied about the money. The same thing happened to her. These events taught everyone a big lesson: the importance of honesty and respecting God.
Personal Application for Preschool Students
Now, let’s think about how this can help us. Sometimes we might feel scared to tell the truth. Maybe we’re afraid someone will be upset. But remember, God is always with us and is very happy when we are honest. Just like when you share your toys or clean up after playing without being asked—the truth makes everyone feel good. God loves our honesty! Also, sharing with others like the early church did is a way to show love. Next time you play with your friends, think about how you can share and be truthful. It shows that you care about them and about making God happy too!
Interactive Discussion Questions
Let’s talk about what we learned!
1. What did Ananias and Sapphira do that was wrong?
– Guide: Encourage kids to say or understand they lied and kept some money but told everyone they gave it all.
2. Why is it important to be honest?
– Guide: Explain that honesty builds trust and makes Jesus happy.
3. How can we share with others like Jesus’s followers did?
– Guide: Suggest sharing toys or being kind, helping them connect sharing with caring for others.
Remember, Jesus loves all his little children and loves honest hearts! Thank you for sharing this story time with me!
Games
Game 1: “Peter’s Shadow Tag”
Instructions:
Children will play a tag-style game where one child is “Peter” and the others are “People needing Healing.” The goal is to get “healed” by Peter’s shadow.
Number of Players:
5-10
Materials Needed:
– A flashlight to represent Peter’s “shadow”
– A designated play area
Setup:
1. Define a play area.
2. Assign one child to be “Peter,” holding the flashlight.
3. The remaining children are “People needing Healing.”
Gameplay:
1. “Peter” uses the flashlight to create a shadow on the ground.
2. “Peter” walks around the designated area, and the other children try to step into the light beam.
3. When a child steps into the “shadow,” they shout, “Healed!” and join Peter as additional shadow creators.
4. Play until all children have been “healed.”
Reinforcement:
This game teaches children about how Peter’s shadow healed people (Acts 5:15) and encourages empathy and understanding of helping others.
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Game 2: “Hide and Seek: Ananias and Sapphira”
Instructions:
Based on the story of Ananias and Sapphira, this game involves hiding and seeking to learn about truthfulness.
Number of Players:
5-10
Materials Needed:
– Simple costumes or props (headscarves, robes) for Ananias and Sapphira
– A clear boundary for the play area
Setup:
1. Define the play area and choose one child to be the “Seeker.”
2. The other children take turns hiding, representing Ananias and Sapphira with props.
Gameplay:
1. The “Seeker” closes their eyes and counts to 10.
2. The other players hide within the play area.
3. The “Seeker” searches for the hidden children.
4. When the “Seeker” finds a child, they must say something truthful they did that day to avoid being tagged as “found.”
5. Play continues until everyone is found, emphasizing honesty.
Reinforcement:
This game helps illustrate the importance of honesty as taught in Acts 5:1-11, encouraging children to tell the truth.
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Game 3: “Miraculous Jailbreak Race”
Instructions:
Simulate the apostles’ miraculous escape from jail in a relay race format.
Number of Players:
6-12
Materials Needed:
– Soft ropes for pretend “chains”
– A marker or cone for the turnaround point
Setup:
1. Divide the children into two teams.
2. Create a starting line and a turnaround point.
Gameplay:
1. The first player in line has “chains” loosely tied around their wrists.
2. At the signal, they race to the turnaround point, remove the chains, and return to tag the next player.
3. The process repeats until all team members complete the relay.
4. The first team to finish wins.
Reinforcement:
This game symbolizes the miraculous aspect of the apostles being freed by an angel (Acts 5:19). It highlights themes of divine intervention and teamwork.
Each game is designed to make the lessons of Acts 5 accessible and engaging for preschoolers, promoting key themes of healing, honesty, and miracles through play.
Takehome
Take-Home Assignment: Learning from Acts 5
Theme: Sharing and Being Honest
Story Overview:
In Acts 5, we learn about two people named Ananias and Sapphira. They wanted to look like they were sharing everything with others, but they didn’t tell the whole truth. God cares about our hearts and wants us to be honest and generous.
Activity 1: Storytime Reflection
– Parents and Kids: Read the story of Ananias and Sapphira in a children’s Bible or using a storybook version. After reading, discuss how important it is to be honest and share with others.
Reflection Questions:
1. Why do you think Ananias and Sapphira didn’t tell the truth?
2. How do you feel when you tell the truth?
3. Can you think of a time when sharing made you happy?
Activity 2: Create a Sharing Box
Materials Needed:
– A small box or container
– Paper and coloring supplies
– Decorate a box together as a “Sharing Box.” Talk about the things you could share with others, like toys, time, or even a kind word. Write or draw these ideas on paper and place them in the box.
Activity 3: Family Honesty Pledge
– Create a Family Pledge: Talk about why being honest is important. Together, make a “Family Honesty Pledge,” promising to always speak the truth. Write down this pledge, decorate it, and place it somewhere everyone can see.
Fun Exercise: Truth and Sharing Dance
– Play a favorite song and dance around with your family. Each time the music stops, each person should share one thing they are thankful for or a way they helped someone today.
Wrap-Up:
After completing the activities, gather together to thank God for teaching us the importance of honesty and sharing. Say a short prayer together to ask for help in always telling the truth.
Remember:
Honesty and sharing make our hearts happy!
Visuals
Slide 1: Title Slide
Visual: Brightly colored title text with a friendly background.
Caption: “Learning About Acts 5”
Description: Use large, cheerful fonts and a background with stars or hearts to capture attention.
Slide 2: The Story of Ananias and Sapphira
Visual: Simple cartoon of a man and woman looking surprised.
Caption: “Ananias and Sapphira Make a Choice”
Description: Illustrate their expressions to discuss choices and honesty.
Slide 3: The Gift to the Apostles
Visual: Illustrated treasure chest with coins coming out.
Caption: “Giving to the Apostles”
Description: Show generosity with a colorful and overflowing treasure chest.
Slide 4: Ananias and Sapphira’s Plan
Visual: Drawing of a thought bubble over their heads with half of the treasure.
Caption: “Keeping Back Part of the Gift”
Description: Use this to explain the idea of hiding or holding back.
Slide 5: Peter and the Apostles
Visual: A group of friendly-looking apostles with one open hand and a gentle face.
Caption: “The Apostles’ Message”
Description: Show them listening with concern, emphasizing communication and honesty.
Slide 6: Ananias in Front of Peter
Visual: Ananias standing before Peter with an open hand.
Caption: “Standing Before Peter”
Description: Ananias looking a bit troubled, but with a non-frightening representation.
Slide 7: The Consequence
Visual: Ananias looking downhearted beside a clock showing time passed.
Caption: “Learning from Mistakes”
Description: Use a simple clock to show the passage of time and consequences.
Slide 8: Sapphira’s Turn
Visual: Similar scene with Sapphira in front of Peter.
Caption: “Sapphira’s Moment to Speak”
Description: Add expressions to Sapphira to show she’s in thought.
Slide 9: The Community Learns
Visual: Diverse group of people with thoughtful expressions, some looking surprised.
Caption: “Learning Together About Truth”
Description: Use diverse characters to emphasize community and learning from stories.
Slide 10: Lesson Summary
Visual: Simple graphic with a heart, a lightbulb, and a group of smiling children.
Caption: “What We Learned: Honesty and Caring”
Description: Symbols to remind children of honesty (lightbulb for learning, heart for love).
Slide 11: Activity Time
Visual: Crayons, a drawing of a treasure chest, and smiling faces.
Caption: “Let’s Draw and Talk!”
Description: Encourage drawing what they learned and sharing stories about being honest.
Memory Verse
Key Verse:
“We must obey God.” – Acts 5:29
Creative Ways to Memorize:
1. Rhyme Time:
– Create a simple rhyme:
“We must obey God, it’s a job. Listen and do, just like me and you.”
2. Song:
– Sing the verse to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”:
“We must obey God, yes we do,
It’s what we know to be true.”
3. Movements:
– Create movements for each word:
– “We” (point to self)
– “must” (make a heart shape with hands)
– “obey” (salute)
– “God” (point upwards)
4. Clap Challenge:
– Clap hands with a partner while saying each word.
– Speed up after a few repetitions.
5. Visual Cards:
– Use three picture cards: one with children (for “we”), one with a heart (for “must obey”), and one with a cross or church (for “God”).
– Show each card as you recite the corresponding words.
Group Activity
Activity 1: “Storytime with Peter and Ananias”
Instructions:
1. Gather the children in a circle for a storytelling session.
2. Read a simplified version of Acts 5, focusing on the story of Ananias and Peter.
3. Use props or felt board figures to display the story as you tell it.
Roles:
– Storyteller: The teacher or volunteer reads and animates the story.
– Listeners: The children sit in a circle and listen attentively.
Discussion Prompts:
– “What do you think Peter was feeling when Ananias lied?”
– “Why is it important to tell the truth?”
– “How can we be honest with our friends?”
Participation:
– After the story, each child can share a time when they told the truth and why it was important.
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Activity 2: “Truth Time Role-Play”
Instructions:
1. Divide children into small groups.
2. Present a few scenarios where characters have to decide whether to tell the truth or a lie.
3. Have each group act out one scenario.
Roles:
– Actors: Children take turns playing different characters from the scenarios.
– Audience: The rest of the group watches and gives feedback.
Discussion Prompts:
– “What could happen if someone chooses to lie?”
– “How might telling the truth help us feel inside?”
– “What did you think of the character’s choice?”
Participation:
– After each role-play, each child shares one reason why they think being honest is important.
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Activity 3: “Crafting Honesty”
Instructions:
1. Provide each child with a simple outline of a heart on paper.
2. Have children draw or color things that represent being honest and truthful inside the heart.
Roles:
– Artists: Each child creates their own artwork.
– Helpers: A volunteer helps distribute materials and provide guidance.
Discussion Prompts:
– “What pictures did you draw to show honesty?”
– “How can we practice honesty with our family or friends?”
– “What’s something you think would make God happy?”
Participation:
– Children each present their artwork and explain what they drew, relating it to being truthful.
Download PDF for Group Activity
Journaling
Guided Journaling Prompts for Preschool Students: Acts 5
Reflection
1. Story Recall:
– Can you remember what happened in the story of Acts 5? Draw a picture of your favorite part.
2. People in the Story:
– Who were the people in the story? What did they do?
Personal Application
3. Being Honest:
– Why is it important to always tell the truth? Can you think of a time when you told the truth, even if it was hard?
4. Helping Others:
– What can you do to help your friends or family today?
5. Listening to God:
– How can we listen to God? Maybe through prayer, singing, or reading Bible stories?
Open-Ended Questions
6. Sharing:
– What is something special you can share with someone else? How does it make you feel to share?
7. Being Brave:
– Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like the apostles? What happened?
8. Kindness:
– How can you show kindness to someone today? Draw or describe what you will do.
Prayer
9. Thankful Prayer:
– What are some things you want to thank God for today? Draw or list them.
10. Asking for Help:
– Is there anything you want to ask God to help you with? What is it?
Encourage the children to think about each prompt, allowing them to express their thoughts through words, drawings, or both.
Quiz
Preschool Quiz on ‘Acts 5’
Multiple Choice
1. What did Ananias and Sapphira do with their money?
a) They gave it all to Peter.
b) They kept some and said they gave it all.
c) They lost it.
2. Who helped the apostles when they were put in jail?
a) An angel
b) A king
c) A soldier
True or False
3. True or False: Ananias and Sapphira told the truth about their money.
4. True or False: The apostles stopped teaching about Jesus after they were freed.
Short Answer
5. Who performed miracles and signs among the people in Acts 5?
6. What message did the angel give the apostles when they were in jail?
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Answer Key
Multiple Choice
1. b) They kept some and said they gave it all.
2. a) An angel
True or False
3. False
4. False
Short Answer
5. The apostles performed miracles and signs among the people.
6. The angel told the apostles to go to the temple and teach about Jesus.
Teacher Tips
Teacher Notes and Tips for Teaching ‘Acts 5’ to Preschool Students
Introduction to the Lesson:
– Begin with a short prayer or song to set a respectful tone.
– Explain that the story comes from the Bible, a special book about God’s love and guidance.
Duration:
– Total time: 15-20 minutes.
– Divide into segments: Introduction (2-3 mins), Storytelling (5-7 mins), Activities (5-7 mins), and Closing (2-3 mins).
Explaining the Story:
– Use simplified language and focus on key themes: honesty and the power of God.
– Explain Ananias and Sapphira’s choice to lie and why it’s important to tell the truth.
– Highlight the positive example of the apostles who shared everything with one another.
Difficult Concepts:
– Truth and Honesty: Explain with everyday examples (e.g., if you take a cookie, tell a parent instead of hiding it).
– Sharing: Use toys or classroom items to show how sharing makes everyone happy.
– Divine Authority: Convey that sometimes we listen to God’s guidance over what others might say.
Storytelling Tips:
– Use props or puppets to represent characters and make the story more engaging.
– Employ vivid facial expressions and tone changes to convey different parts of the story (e.g., using a concerned tone when discussing lying).
Activities to Reinforce the Message:
– Role Play: Act out scenes where sharing and honesty are practiced (e.g., sharing toys fairly among friends).
– Craft Activity: Create simple heart-shaped cards with “Truthful and Kind” written on them for each child to decorate and take home.
– Coloring Pages: Provide sheets with images from the story for children to color while discussing what they remember.
Managing Student Engagement:
– Keep the pace lively; if attention wanes, switch activities.
– Encourage participation by asking questions (e.g., “What do you think happens next?”)
– Use positive reinforcement (“Great job sharing your thoughts!”)
Closing:
– Recap the story’s key points briefly.
– End with a simple prayer or song reinforcing the importance of being truthful and kind.
– Provide take-home materials related to the story for children to share with their families.
Crafts
Craft: Ananias and Sapphira Coin Purse
Materials List:
– Small sheets of felt (various colors)
– Blunt scissors
– Glue sticks or fabric glue
– Yarn or string
– Large safety needles or hole punch
– Stickers or markers for decoration
– Plastic or foam coins
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Felt Squares:
– Cut each sheet of felt into two equal squares. You will need two squares per child.
2. Create Coin Pouch:
– Place the two felt squares on top of each other.
– Use a hole punch or large safety needle to make holes along three sides of the square, leaving the top open.
3. Lacing:
– Give each child a piece of yarn or string, and show them how to thread it through the holes, “sewing” the three sides together to create a pouch. Demonstrate one or two stitches and let them try with assistance as needed.
4. Decorate:
– Allow the children to decorate their coin purses using stickers and markers. Encourage them to personalize their pouches.
5. Add Coins:
– Hand out a few plastic or foam coins to each child to place inside their finished coin purse.
Reinforcement of Lesson:
This hands-on activity reinforces the lesson from Acts 5 about honesty and helping others in the community by linking the creation of a coin purse with the story of Ananias and Sapphira. Discuss with the children how Ananias and Sapphira kept some money for themselves instead of sharing, and how it’s always best to be honest and give what we’ve promised. The craft draws a connection with the concept of sharing, and the physical creation of the purse and coins can help solidify these values in a tangible way.
Music
Songs:
1. “God Loves a Cheerful Giver”
– Paraphrase:
“God loves a cheerful giver, give it all you’ve got. / He loves to see you giving, and giving with your heart. / Share with others gladly, your gifts from above. / Spread joy and happiness, with God’s perfect love.”
– Actions:
– Pretend to give something with open hands when singing “cheerful giver.”
– Place hands over heart during “with your heart.”
– Join hands with friends when singing about sharing and happiness.
– Connection to Lesson: Emphasizes giving and sharing with a joyful heart, contrasting with Ananias and Sapphira’s dishonesty.
2. “Be Careful Little Eyes”
– Lyrics: Simplified version:
“Oh, be careful little eyes what you see… / Be careful little ears what you hear… / Be careful little hands what you do… / For the Father up above is looking down in love.”
– Actions:
– Point to eyes, ears, or hands when mentioned.
– Make binoculars with hands for “eyes.”
– Cup ear for “ears.”
– Clap hands for “hands.”
– Connection to Lesson: Highlights honesty and integrity, focusing on making honest decisions like those encouraged in Acts 5.
Worship Activities:
1. “Gift Box Sharing Game”
– Instructions:
– Create small gift boxes with paper or small containers.
– Encourage children to exchange “gifts” with each other, simulating sharing and kindness.
– Discuss how it feels to share joyfully versus keeping things selfishly.
– Connection to Lesson: Reinforces the concept of generosity and honesty, just like in the story of Acts 5.
2. “Truthful Heart Craft”
– Instructions:
– Provide heart shapes cut out of paper.
– Ask children to color and write or have you write words like “truth,” “kindness,” “love.”
– Hang the hearts as a decoration.
– Connection to Lesson: Encourages thinking about being truthful, as Acts 5 teaches the importance of honesty through the story of Ananias and Sapphira.
These songs and activities can make the themes of Acts 5 accessible to preschoolers, focusing on the importance of honesty, sharing, and being cheerful givers.
Scripture Background
Background Notes for Acts 5:
1. Historical Context:
– The Book of Acts is in the New Testament and tells about the early days of the Christian church.
– Acts 5 describes events after Jesus had ascended to heaven and the Holy Spirit had come to help Jesus’ followers share God’s love.
– The early Christians met in Jerusalem, which was a busy city and the center of Jewish life at the time.
2. Cultural Context:
– Sharing amongst everyone was vital in the early Christian community, helping all members, especially those in need.
– The early Christians worked together like a big family. They sometimes sold their property and shared the money with everyone to make sure no one was without basic needs.
– Jewish leaders in Jerusalem were very influential, and they were sometimes unsure about Jesus’ followers.
3. Theological Insights:
– The story of Ananias and Sapphira shows the importance of honesty and being truthful. God wants us to be honest with Him and each other.
– The apostles performed miracles and healed people, showing God’s power and love through the Holy Spirit.
– Despite challenges and getting in trouble with the local leaders, the apostles were brave and kept teaching about Jesus, showing courage and faithfulness.
4. Key Themes:
– Honesty and Integrity: Importance of being truthful in our actions and words.
– Community and Sharing: Working together to help and support each other like a family.
– Courage in Faith: Being brave to share God’s love even when it’s hard.
5. Application for Preschoolers:
– Encouraging children to tell the truth and be honest in simple ways, like saying when they make a mess.
– Understanding the importance of sharing toys and being kind to friends.
– Learning to be brave and loving, knowing God is always with them when they feel scared.
These notes are meant to help teachers convey the story’s lessons in a relatable way for preschoolers, fostering an environment of trust, kindness, and courage.
