Children’s Kingdom · Children of Israel

This guide contains all three age groups. Choose the activities that fit your child.

Three Black children reading with an elder in a bright royal courtyard

Children’s Kingdom

Six lessons for families · Ages 3–12

Original retellings with Scripture sources, activities, and answer keys.

Lesson 1 of 6 · Notice the good around you

Creation and Gratitude

Name something in creation and practice giving thanks to Yahuah.

Story retelling · Based on Scripture

Read the story

These are our own words, not a Bible quotation. Source links open Bible Gateway in a new tab for a grown-up to read.

Short story · Ages 3–5

Yahuah made light. Plants grew. There were birds, fish, and animals. Yahuah made people, too. What can you see that makes you thankful?

Genesis 1:3 (KJV) Genesis 1:11 (KJV) Genesis 1:20-27 (KJV)

Full story · Ages 6–12

Yahuah made light and separated light from darkness. Day and night had their places. Genesis 1:3-5 (KJV)

Plants grew on the land. Lights marked days and seasons. The waters and skies filled with living creatures, and animals lived on the land. Genesis 1:11-25 (KJV)

Yahuah made people in His image. When He looked at everything He had made, it was very good. Genesis 1:27-31 (KJV)

Word to know: Gratitude means noticing a gift and being thankful for it.

Make it your own

Family activity · Our application of the story

Look closely at a leaf, the sky, or your own hands. Name one good thing you often overlook. Thank Yahuah for it, then choose one way to care for what you have.

Ages 3–5 · Little Learners

Find and thank

  1. With a grown-up, point to three things from creation outside a window or in a picture book.
  2. Draw one of them with crayons. Tell your grown-up what you drew.
  3. Finish this sentence together: Thank You, Yahuah, for…

Talk together: Which thing would you like to draw? What color will you use?

Ages 6–8 · Young Explorers

Creation matching

  1. Fold paper into three spaces labeled sky, water, and land.
  2. Write or draw these in their spaces: bird, fish, tree, and sheep. Talk about animals that use more than one place.
  3. Choose one helpful action: turn off an unused light, avoid wasting water, or help care for a plant.

Talk together: Why might caring for something be a way to show gratitude?

Ages 9–12 · Scripture Discoverers

Read, notice, respond

  1. Read Genesis 1:11-13 (KJV), Genesis 1:20-25 (KJV), and Genesis 1:27-31 (KJV) with an adult.
  2. Write two things the passage directly says and one question you still have.
  3. Keep a three-day gratitude journal: one thing noticed and one act of care each day.

Talk together: What does the text say about people that it does not say in the same words about plants?

Parent & teacher guide

Learning goal: Name something in creation and practice giving thanks to Yahuah.

Before you start: Start with a real object such as a leaf. For ages 3–5, read only the short story and ask one question. Let children dictate answers. The older activity distinguishes direct observations from later interpretation; do not turn unanswered questions into a test of faith.

A simple rhythm: Read the selected story, explain the new word, do one activity, and ask one question. Use the quiz only if it helps; youngest children can answer aloud or skip it.

Activity answers & discussion

Ages 3–5: Accept any example from creation; help distinguish a tree from a manufactured object such as a toy car.

Ages 6–8: Bird—sky; fish—water; tree and sheep—land. Caring is our practical application, not a quoted command from this passage.

Ages 9–12: People are made in the image of Yahuah (Genesis 1:27 (KJV)). Avoid claiming this passage answers every scientific question.

Quiz answer key

  1. Light. The story begins with light. Genesis 1:3 (KJV)
  2. Made in His image. People are described as made in His image. Genesis 1:27 (KJV)
  3. Very good. The closing description is very good. Genesis 1:31 (KJV)

During the week: Each person names one thing they appreciate at the next family meal.

Story and activities: original educational retellings and applications. Source text: King James Version via Bible Gateway. Quotations preserve the translation's words; retellings use Yahuah. Artwork depicts an imagined learning setting, not a historical reconstruction.

Children’s Kingdom · Activity sheet

Creation and Gratitude

My name: _______________________   Date: ______________

Ages 3–5: Find and thank

  1. With a grown-up, point to three things from creation outside a window or in a picture book.
  2. Draw one of them with crayons. Tell your grown-up what you drew.
  3. Finish this sentence together: Thank You, Yahuah, for…
Draw your idea here.

Which thing would you like to draw? What color will you use?

Ages 6–8: Creation matching

  1. Fold paper into three spaces labeled sky, water, and land.
  2. Write or draw these in their spaces: bird, fish, tree, and sheep. Talk about animals that use more than one place.
  3. Choose one helpful action: turn off an unused light, avoid wasting water, or help care for a plant.
Draw your idea here.

Why might caring for something be a way to show gratitude?

Ages 9–12: Read, notice, respond

  1. Read Genesis 1:11-13 (KJV), Genesis 1:20-25 (KJV), and Genesis 1:27-31 (KJV) with an adult.
  2. Write two things the passage directly says and one question you still have.
  3. Keep a three-day gratitude journal: one thing noticed and one act of care each day.
Draw your idea here.

What does the text say about people that it does not say in the same words about plants?

One thing I can practice:

Grown-ups may write a child's spoken answer. There is no score for this activity.

Lesson 2 of 6 · Careful steps and patient waiting

Noah: Learning to Listen

Retell one action Noah took and practice following a helpful instruction.

Story retelling · Based on Scripture

Read the story

These are our own words, not a Bible quotation. Source links open Bible Gateway in a new tab for a grown-up to read.

Short story · Ages 3–5

Noah listened to Yahuah. He built an ark. His family and animals went inside. Later, Noah waited. When it was time, they came out.

Genesis 6:18-22 (KJV) Genesis 8:15-19 (KJV)

Full story · Ages 6–12

The earth was filled with violence. Yahuah told Noah to build an ark and gave him instructions for its rooms and size. Genesis 6:11-16 (KJV)

Noah was told to bring his family, living creatures, and food into the ark. Noah did what Yahuah commanded. Genesis 6:18-22 (KJV)

After the flood, Noah sent out birds. A dove later returned with an olive leaf. Noah waited, and when Yahuah told him to leave, his family and the animals came out. Genesis 8:6-19 (KJV)

Word to know: An ark is the large vessel Noah was told to build.

Make it your own

Family activity · Our application of the story

Listening includes paying attention and asking when you do not understand. With a trusted grown-up, try a small task one step at a time. Waiting can be hard; take a breath and ask for help.

Ages 3–5 · Little Learners

Listen and do

  1. Ask your grown-up to give one instruction: touch your head, clap once, or point to the door.
  2. Try two instructions in order. Take turns being the speaker.
  3. Draw an animal that could fit in your pretend ark. This drawing is imagination, not a picture of the actual ark.

Talk together: What helps you remember an instruction?

Ages 6–8 · Young Explorers

Put the story in order

  1. Write these events on paper: leave the ark; build the ark; gather food.
  2. Number them in the story's order, then check Genesis 6:14-22 (KJV) and Genesis 8:15-19 (KJV).
  3. Build a pretend ark with blocks on a dry table. Explain that its shape is your design.

Talk together: What did the olive leaf help Noah know?

Ages 9–12 · Scripture Discoverers

Instructions and evidence

  1. List two instructions in Genesis 6:14-22 (KJV) and match them to Noah's response.
  2. Compare Genesis 8:11 (KJV) with Genesis 8:15-18 (KJV). Explain why seeing a leaf and leaving the ark are different events.
  3. Write a three-step plan for a useful household task and try it with an adult.

Talk together: Why should we avoid saying that every animal came in only one pair?

Parent & teacher guide

Learning goal: Retell one action Noah took and practice following a helpful instruction.

Before you start: The flood includes death and judgment. This younger retelling focuses on instructions and care without graphic details. Acknowledge hard questions honestly; rain today is not a sign that a child is being punished. Listening never means keeping unsafe secrets or obeying a person who is harming a child. Use dry, supervised play.

A simple rhythm: Read the selected story, explain the new word, do one activity, and ask one question. Use the quiz only if it helps; youngest children can answer aloud or skip it.

Activity answers & discussion

Ages 3–5: Listening, repeating it, asking for help, or doing one step at a time are useful answers.

Ages 6–8: The waters had gone down (Genesis 8:11 (KJV)). Event order: build, gather food, leave.

Ages 9–12: Genesis 7:2-3 (KJV) distinguishes clean animals and birds from other animals. Read that passage with an adult before making a universal claim.

Quiz answer key

  1. An ark. Yahuah gave Noah instructions for an ark. Genesis 6:14 (KJV)
  2. An olive leaf. The leaf helped Noah know the waters had decreased. Genesis 8:11 (KJV)
  3. After Yahuah told Noah to come out. The instruction to leave comes before their departure. Genesis 8:15-18 (KJV)

During the week: Practice one familiar household task together, with time to ask questions.

Story and activities: original educational retellings and applications. Source text: King James Version via Bible Gateway. Quotations preserve the translation's words; retellings use Yahuah. Artwork depicts an imagined learning setting, not a historical reconstruction.

Children’s Kingdom · Activity sheet

Noah: Learning to Listen

My name: _______________________   Date: ______________

Ages 3–5: Listen and do

  1. Ask your grown-up to give one instruction: touch your head, clap once, or point to the door.
  2. Try two instructions in order. Take turns being the speaker.
  3. Draw an animal that could fit in your pretend ark. This drawing is imagination, not a picture of the actual ark.
Draw your idea here.

What helps you remember an instruction?

Ages 6–8: Put the story in order

  1. Write these events on paper: leave the ark; build the ark; gather food.
  2. Number them in the story's order, then check Genesis 6:14-22 (KJV) and Genesis 8:15-19 (KJV).
  3. Build a pretend ark with blocks on a dry table. Explain that its shape is your design.
Draw your idea here.

What did the olive leaf help Noah know?

Ages 9–12: Instructions and evidence

  1. List two instructions in Genesis 6:14-22 (KJV) and match them to Noah's response.
  2. Compare Genesis 8:11 (KJV) with Genesis 8:15-18 (KJV). Explain why seeing a leaf and leaving the ark are different events.
  3. Write a three-step plan for a useful household task and try it with an adult.
Draw your idea here.

Why should we avoid saying that every animal came in only one pair?

One thing I can practice:

Grown-ups may write a child's spoken answer. There is no score for this activity.

Lesson 3 of 6 · Choose kindness after hurt

Joseph and His Brothers

Describe how Joseph helped his family and practice a kind response with safe boundaries.

Story retelling · Based on Scripture

Read the story

These are our own words, not a Bible quotation. Source links open Bible Gateway in a new tab for a grown-up to read.

Short story · Ages 3–5

Joseph's brothers had hurt him. Later, his family needed food. Joseph chose to help. He spoke kindly to them and cared for their children, too.

Genesis 50:15-21 (KJV)

Full story · Ages 6–12

Joseph's father gave him a special coat. His brothers saw that their father favored him, and they could not speak kindly to Joseph. Genesis 37:3-4 (KJV)

Years later, Joseph revealed who he was to his brothers in Egypt. He told them there were still years of famine ahead and invited his family to live nearby so he could provide food. Genesis 45:3-11 (KJV)

Later, the brothers feared revenge. Joseph recognized that they had meant harm, but he spoke kindly and promised to provide for them and their children. Genesis 50:15-21 (KJV)

Word to know: A famine is a time when there is not enough food.

Make it your own

Family activity · Our application of the story

Being hurt is real. Tell a trusted adult when someone hurts you. When it is safe, practice saying what happened calmly. Kindness can include asking for help, making a repair, and refusing to get revenge.

Ages 3–5 · Little Learners

Practice kind words

  1. Use two toys to act out taking a turn with a shared toy.
  2. Practice: May I have a turn? and I am sorry I grabbed it.
  3. Draw someone who helps you. Tell them one thing you appreciate.

Talk together: Who can help if someone keeps hurting you?

Ages 6–8 · Young Explorers

A repair plan

  1. Imagine you knocked over someone's block tower.
  2. Say what happened, apologize, and offer to help rebuild it.
  3. Draw three boxes: what happened, kind words, helpful action. Fill each one.

Talk together: How did Joseph's kindness include more than words?

Ages 9–12 · Scripture Discoverers

Kindness and boundaries

  1. Read Genesis 50:15-21 (KJV). Find one sentence acknowledging harm and one showing care.
  2. Write a response to this situation: a classmate repeatedly takes your things.
  3. Include a calm boundary, help from an adult, and a choice not to retaliate.

Talk together: Does Joseph say that the harm his brothers intended was good?

Parent & teacher guide

Learning goal: Describe how Joseph helped his family and practice a kind response with safe boundaries.

Before you start: Joseph appears here as a person in the biblical story, not as a thirteenth tribe entry. Explain favoritism without blaming Joseph for being mistreated. Do not demand hugs, instant trust, or reconciliation with an unsafe person. Forgiveness and protection can be discussed together; children may pass on sharing personal experiences.

A simple rhythm: Read the selected story, explain the new word, do one activity, and ask one question. Use the quiz only if it helps; youngest children can answer aloud or skip it.

Activity answers & discussion

Ages 3–5: A trusted caregiver or teacher. A child should not be asked to solve repeated harm alone.

Ages 6–8: He promised food and care for the family and their children (Genesis 50:21 (KJV)).

Ages 9–12: No. He identifies their intention as evil while describing Yahuah's good purpose (Genesis 50:20 (KJV)). Good outcomes do not excuse harm.

Quiz answer key

  1. Food. Joseph offered to nourish his family during the famine. Genesis 45:11 (KJV)
  2. Kindly. The passage says he comforted them and spoke kindly. Genesis 50:21 (KJV)
  3. No. Joseph directly acknowledged their harmful intention. Genesis 50:20 (KJV)

During the week: As a family, practice a sincere apology followed by one concrete repair.

Story and activities: original educational retellings and applications. Source text: King James Version via Bible Gateway. Quotations preserve the translation's words; retellings use Yahuah. Artwork depicts an imagined learning setting, not a historical reconstruction.

Children’s Kingdom · Activity sheet

Joseph and His Brothers

My name: _______________________   Date: ______________

Ages 3–5: Practice kind words

  1. Use two toys to act out taking a turn with a shared toy.
  2. Practice: May I have a turn? and I am sorry I grabbed it.
  3. Draw someone who helps you. Tell them one thing you appreciate.
Draw your idea here.

Who can help if someone keeps hurting you?

Ages 6–8: A repair plan

  1. Imagine you knocked over someone's block tower.
  2. Say what happened, apologize, and offer to help rebuild it.
  3. Draw three boxes: what happened, kind words, helpful action. Fill each one.
Draw your idea here.

How did Joseph's kindness include more than words?

Ages 9–12: Kindness and boundaries

  1. Read Genesis 50:15-21 (KJV). Find one sentence acknowledging harm and one showing care.
  2. Write a response to this situation: a classmate repeatedly takes your things.
  3. Include a calm boundary, help from an adult, and a choice not to retaliate.
Draw your idea here.

Does Joseph say that the harm his brothers intended was good?

One thing I can practice:

Grown-ups may write a child's spoken answer. There is no score for this activity.

Lesson 4 of 6 · Small acts of care matter

Moses: A Baby and His Helpers

Identify the people who helped baby Moses and name a trusted helper.

Story retelling · Based on Scripture

Read the story

These are our own words, not a Bible quotation. Source links open Bible Gateway in a new tab for a grown-up to read.

Short story · Ages 3–5

A baby needed care. His mother made a basket. His sister watched. Pharaoh's daughter found him and felt kindness. His mother was called to care for him.

Exodus 2:3-9 (KJV)

Full story · Ages 6–12

Moses was born into a family from Levi. His mother hid him for three months. When she could no longer hide him, she put him in a waterproofed basket among the reeds by the river. Exodus 2:1-3 (KJV)

His sister watched from a distance. Pharaoh's daughter found the basket, saw the crying baby, and felt compassion for him. Exodus 2:4-6 (KJV)

His sister offered to find a Hebrew nurse and brought the baby's mother. Pharaoh's daughter asked the mother to care for him. Later, he became Pharaoh's daughter's son, and she named him Moses. Exodus 2:7-10 (KJV)

Word to know: Compassion means noticing someone needs care and responding kindly.

Make it your own

Family activity · Our application of the story

You do not need to do everything alone. If someone needs help, call a trusted adult. You can show care by listening, bringing an adult, or asking what would help.

Ages 3–5 · Little Learners

Who helps me?

  1. Name two grown-ups who care for you.
  2. Draw yourself beside one of those helpers.
  3. Practice saying: I need help, please.

Talk together: Who cared for the baby after his sister found a nurse?

Ages 6–8 · Young Explorers

Match each helper

  1. Write mother, sister, and Pharaoh's daughter on three pieces of paper.
  2. Match them to: prepared the basket; watched and found a nurse; found the baby and showed compassion.
  3. Retell the story with paper figures on a table.

Talk together: What could you do if a younger child were lost?

Ages 9–12 · Scripture Discoverers

Follow the evidence

  1. Read Exodus 2:1-10 (KJV) and list each person whose action helped the baby.
  2. Write what this passage says about the sister and what it does not name here.
  3. Make a household help plan with a caregiver: who to ask at home, school, and in public.

Talk together: Why should we avoid adding a long conversation between the sister and baby?

Parent & teacher guide

Learning goal: Identify the people who helped baby Moses and name a trusted helper.

Before you start: The wider story includes a ruler's threat to Hebrew babies. Explain danger gently if asked; this is not a game to recreate near water. Use paper and toys on a table. Do not put children or pets into baskets or water. This passage calls the watcher his sister; it does not give her name here.

A simple rhythm: Read the selected story, explain the new word, do one activity, and ask one question. Use the quiz only if it helps; youngest children can answer aloud or skip it.

Activity answers & discussion

Ages 3–5: His own mother (Exodus 2:8-9 (KJV)).

Ages 6–8: Get a trusted adult immediately. Do not leave a safe place to search alone. Matching: mother—basket; sister—watch/nurse; Pharaoh's daughter—find/compassion.

Ages 9–12: The passage does not record one. Invented dialogue must be labeled as imagination, not Scripture.

Quiz answer key

  1. Among reeds by the river. The mother placed it among the reeds at the river's edge. Exodus 2:3 (KJV)
  2. His sister. The baby's sister stood nearby to see what would happen. Exodus 2:4 (KJV)
  3. His mother. The sister called the baby's mother. Exodus 2:8-9 (KJV)

During the week: Review with your child whom to ask for help in one familiar place.

Story and activities: original educational retellings and applications. Source text: King James Version via Bible Gateway. Quotations preserve the translation's words; retellings use Yahuah. Artwork depicts an imagined learning setting, not a historical reconstruction.

Children’s Kingdom · Activity sheet

Moses: A Baby and His Helpers

My name: _______________________   Date: ______________

Ages 3–5: Who helps me?

  1. Name two grown-ups who care for you.
  2. Draw yourself beside one of those helpers.
  3. Practice saying: I need help, please.
Draw your idea here.

Who cared for the baby after his sister found a nurse?

Ages 6–8: Match each helper

  1. Write mother, sister, and Pharaoh's daughter on three pieces of paper.
  2. Match them to: prepared the basket; watched and found a nurse; found the baby and showed compassion.
  3. Retell the story with paper figures on a table.
Draw your idea here.

What could you do if a younger child were lost?

Ages 9–12: Follow the evidence

  1. Read Exodus 2:1-10 (KJV) and list each person whose action helped the baby.
  2. Write what this passage says about the sister and what it does not name here.
  3. Make a household help plan with a caregiver: who to ask at home, school, and in public.
Draw your idea here.

Why should we avoid adding a long conversation between the sister and baby?

One thing I can practice:

Grown-ups may write a child's spoken answer. There is no score for this activity.

Lesson 5 of 6 · Care you can put into action

Ruth's Kindness

Explain how Ruth and Boaz showed care and choose one helpful family action.

Story retelling · Based on Scripture

Read the story

These are our own words, not a Bible quotation. Source links open Bible Gateway in a new tab for a grown-up to read.

Short story · Ages 3–5

Ruth gathered grain for food. Boaz helped her work safely. Ruth brought food home to Naomi. Kindness became something they could share.

Ruth 2:8-9 (KJV) Ruth 2:17-18 (KJV)

Full story · Ages 6–12

Ruth asked Naomi if she could go gather grain in a field. She gleaned behind the harvest workers in a field belonging to Boaz. Ruth 2:2-3 (KJV)

Boaz told Ruth to stay near his workers, offered access to water, and told the young men not to harm her. He had heard about her care for Naomi. Ruth 2:8-11 (KJV)

At mealtime, Boaz invited Ruth to eat. She worked, brought grain home to Naomi, and shared food left from her meal. Ruth 2:14-18 (KJV)

Word to know: Gleaning means gathering grain left after the harvest workers.

Make it your own

Family activity · Our application of the story

Care often looks like an ordinary helpful action. Ask your family what needs doing. Help set the table, tidy a shared space, or make a kind card. People deserve kindness whether or not they can repay it.

Ages 3–5 · Little Learners

A helping hand

  1. Choose one small task with your grown-up, such as placing napkins on a table.
  2. Do it together, one item at a time.
  3. Draw a picture for someone you care about.

Talk together: Who received the food Ruth brought home?

Ages 6–8 · Young Explorers

Sort the kindness

  1. Write Ruth and Boaz at the top of two columns.
  2. Place these actions: gathered grain; offered water and protection; brought food home; invited Ruth to eat.
  3. Pick one helpful action for today and draw it.

Talk together: Why does safe treatment matter as much as sharing food?

Ages 9–12 · Scripture Discoverers

Care and dignity

  1. Read Ruth 2:8-18 (KJV). List practical help and respectful words separately.
  2. Find where Ruth is described as a stranger. Discuss why that detail matters to her question.
  3. Plan a useful act of service with an adult, without photographing or embarrassing anyone receiving help.

Talk together: Is Ruth's hard work a reason to deny help to someone unable to work?

Parent & teacher guide

Learning goal: Explain how Ruth and Boaz showed care and choose one helpful family action.

Before you start: Ruth is identified as a Moabite in Ruth 2:2 (KJV); do not rewrite her origin. Explain gleaning as gathering leftover grain, not stealing. Avoid implying that need or poverty is a personal failure. Use paper pieces instead of loose grain with very young children.

A simple rhythm: Read the selected story, explain the new word, do one activity, and ask one question. Use the quiz only if it helps; youngest children can answer aloud or skip it.

Activity answers & discussion

Ages 3–5: Naomi (Ruth 2:18 (KJV)).

Ages 6–8: People need protection and respect as well as food. Ruth—gathered/brought home; Boaz—water/protection/meal.

Ages 9–12: No such rule is given in this passage. That conclusion would go beyond the text. Ruth identifies herself as a stranger in Ruth 2:10 (KJV).

Quiz answer key

  1. Grain. Ruth gleaned in a field after the harvest workers. Ruth 2:2-3 (KJV)
  2. Boaz. Boaz gave those instructions and told her where to drink. Ruth 2:8-9 (KJV)
  3. Brought it home and shared. She brought her gleanings and leftover food to Naomi. Ruth 2:17-18 (KJV)

During the week: Choose a family task and do it together without expecting a reward.

Story and activities: original educational retellings and applications. Source text: King James Version via Bible Gateway. Quotations preserve the translation's words; retellings use Yahuah. Artwork depicts an imagined learning setting, not a historical reconstruction.

Children’s Kingdom · Activity sheet

Ruth's Kindness

My name: _______________________   Date: ______________

Ages 3–5: A helping hand

  1. Choose one small task with your grown-up, such as placing napkins on a table.
  2. Do it together, one item at a time.
  3. Draw a picture for someone you care about.
Draw your idea here.

Who received the food Ruth brought home?

Ages 6–8: Sort the kindness

  1. Write Ruth and Boaz at the top of two columns.
  2. Place these actions: gathered grain; offered water and protection; brought food home; invited Ruth to eat.
  3. Pick one helpful action for today and draw it.
Draw your idea here.

Why does safe treatment matter as much as sharing food?

Ages 9–12: Care and dignity

  1. Read Ruth 2:8-18 (KJV). List practical help and respectful words separately.
  2. Find where Ruth is described as a stranger. Discuss why that detail matters to her question.
  3. Plan a useful act of service with an adult, without photographing or embarrassing anyone receiving help.
Draw your idea here.

Is Ruth's hard work a reason to deny help to someone unable to work?

One thing I can practice:

Grown-ups may write a child's spoken answer. There is no score for this activity.

Lesson 6 of 6 · What is inside matters

David the Shepherd

Explain the lesson about outward appearance and identify one caring responsibility.

Story retelling · Based on Scripture

Read the story

These are our own words, not a Bible quotation. Source links open Bible Gateway in a new tab for a grown-up to read.

Short story · Ages 3–5

David cared for sheep. Samuel came to his family. David was called in from the sheep. Yahuah knew David's heart. Samuel put oil on David for a special purpose.

1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV) 1 Samuel 16:11-13 (KJV)

Full story · Ages 6–12

Samuel went to Jesse's family in Bethlehem. When he saw Eliab, he thought this might be the chosen one. 1 Samuel 16:4-6 (KJV)

Yahuah told Samuel not to judge by appearance or height. People look at the outside, but Yahuah looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)

Jesse's youngest son was tending sheep. Samuel asked for him to be brought in. This was David, and Samuel anointed him with oil in front of his brothers. 1 Samuel 16:11-13 (KJV)

Word to know: A shepherd cares for sheep. To anoint means to apply oil for a special purpose.

Make it your own

Family activity · Our application of the story

A person's height, clothing, or possessions do not tell the whole story. Practice noticing honesty, kindness, and care. Choose one small responsibility and give it your attention.

Ages 3–5 · Little Learners

Gentle care

  1. Choose a stuffed animal or toy.
  2. Show how to handle it gently and put it away safely.
  3. Tell your grown-up one kind thing someone did for you.

Talk together: What animals did David care for?

Ages 6–8 · Young Explorers

Outside and choices

  1. Draw two columns: outside things and choices we make.
  2. Sort: tall, honest, purple clothes, helpful, short, patient.
  3. Choose one helpful job for today and finish it with a grown-up's guidance.

Talk together: Can someone in plain clothes be a kind and honest person? Why?

Ages 9–12 · Scripture Discoverers

Check a first impression

  1. Read 1 Samuel 16:6-13 (KJV). Compare Samuel's first impression with the instruction he received.
  2. Write an example of judging someone by possessions or appearance and a fairer response.
  3. Choose one responsibility to practice for three days. Reflect on care rather than perfection.

Talk together: Does this passage say David became a perfect person or began ruling that day?

Parent & teacher guide

Learning goal: Explain the lesson about outward appearance and identify one caring responsibility.

Before you start: Keep the focus on care and character, not competition over who is most chosen. This lesson does not need the violence of the Goliath account. Explain heart as inward character in this passage. Do not infer a child's worth from skill, size, wealth, or quiz results.

A simple rhythm: Read the selected story, explain the new word, do one activity, and ask one question. Use the quiz only if it helps; youngest children can answer aloud or skip it.

Activity answers & discussion

Ages 3–5: Sheep (1 Samuel 16:11 (KJV)).

Ages 6–8: Yes. Clothing does not establish character. Outside: tall/purple clothes/short. Choices: honest/helpful/patient.

Ages 9–12: No. It describes his anointing. Do not add immediate kingship or lifelong perfection to what it says.

Quiz answer key

  1. Tending sheep. Jesse said the youngest was keeping the sheep. 1 Samuel 16:11 (KJV)
  2. The heart. The contrast is outward appearance and the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)
  3. Oil. Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him. 1 Samuel 16:13 (KJV)

During the week: Notice and name a caring action in each family member today.

Story and activities: original educational retellings and applications. Source text: King James Version via Bible Gateway. Quotations preserve the translation's words; retellings use Yahuah. Artwork depicts an imagined learning setting, not a historical reconstruction.

Children’s Kingdom · Activity sheet

David the Shepherd

My name: _______________________   Date: ______________

Ages 3–5: Gentle care

  1. Choose a stuffed animal or toy.
  2. Show how to handle it gently and put it away safely.
  3. Tell your grown-up one kind thing someone did for you.
Draw your idea here.

What animals did David care for?

Ages 6–8: Outside and choices

  1. Draw two columns: outside things and choices we make.
  2. Sort: tall, honest, purple clothes, helpful, short, patient.
  3. Choose one helpful job for today and finish it with a grown-up's guidance.
Draw your idea here.

Can someone in plain clothes be a kind and honest person? Why?

Ages 9–12: Check a first impression

  1. Read 1 Samuel 16:6-13 (KJV). Compare Samuel's first impression with the instruction he received.
  2. Write an example of judging someone by possessions or appearance and a fairer response.
  3. Choose one responsibility to practice for three days. Reflect on care rather than perfection.
Draw your idea here.

Does this passage say David became a perfect person or began ruling that day?

One thing I can practice:

Grown-ups may write a child's spoken answer. There is no score for this activity.