Older Primary Lesson Plan: Exodus 1–6

Lesson Title: “I Have Remembered My Covenant” (Exodus 1–6)
Age Group: Primary 8–10

Opening Connection (3–5 minutes)
Hold up a small sticky note with the word “REMEMBER” written on it. Ask: “Have you ever worried that someone forgot about you—like when you’re waiting to be picked up?” Let children share briefly. Then connect to Israel: the Israelites were suffering in Egypt and might have wondered if God remembered them. Read these comforting words from the Lord: “I will redeem you with a stretched out arm … I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under [your] burdens” (Exodus 6:6–7). Explain simply: God remembers His people and His promises, even when life feels hard.

Scripture Discovery (10–12 minutes)
Invite children to do a “Scripture Treasure Hunt” (partner reading). Put these references on the board and assign pairs:

1. Exodus 2:23–25 — Ask partners to look for what the children of Israel did and what God did.
2. Exodus 3:7–8 — Ask partners to find what the Lord says He has seen and what He will do.

After partners read, gather and ask:

• “What did the people do when they were hurting?” (They cried/pleaded.)
• “What did the Lord say He noticed?” (“I have … seen … I have … heard.”) (Exodus 3:7)
• “What did the Lord promise to do?” (“I am come down to deliver them.”) (Exodus 3:8)

Then read aloud together: “And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people … and have heard their cry … for I know their sorrows” (Exodus 3:7). Let that verse sit for a moment; ask children how those words make them feel about God.

Core Gospel Principles (8–10 minutes)

1. God does not forget His people. He knows our sorrows and hears our cries (Exodus 3:7).
2. Jesus Christ is our Deliverer. The Lord promised deliverance: “I am come down to deliver them” (Exodus 3:8), and “I will redeem you” (Exodus 6:6).
3. God can work through me to fulfill His purposes. In Exodus 1–2, faithful women protected and helped Moses, making deliverance possible (Exodus 1–2, as referenced in the bundle’s “Teaching Children” section).

Interactive Learning Activities (3 activities, 25–30 minutes total)

Activity 1: “God Remembers” Promise Chain (Hands-On Craft)
Materials: Strips of paper, crayons/markers, tape or glue.
Steps:

1. Give each child 2–3 paper strips.
2. On one strip, have them write: “God knows my sorrows” (from Exodus 3:7). On another: “God will help me” (connect to “I will … bringeth you out from under [your] burdens” (Exodus 6:6–7)).
3. On a third strip, they write one way they can trust the Lord this week (quietly, personal).
4. Link strips into a paper chain and connect everyone’s chains into one class chain.
   Connection to scripture: The chain shows God’s promises “linking” to us—He “remembered” and acted (Exodus 3:7–8; Exodus 6:6–7).
   Discussion questions:

• “What does it mean that God ‘knows’ our sorrows?” (Exodus 3:7)
• “What is a burden a child might have?” (school worries, friendship problems, family changes)

Activity 2: “Holy Ground” Reverence Freeze (Music & Movement)
Materials: None (optional: a paper sign that says “HOLY”).
Steps:

1. Briefly read: “Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5).
2. Explain: Moses showed reverence because he was in the Lord’s presence.
3. Play a simple “freeze” game: children walk quietly; when the teacher says “Holy ground,” everyone freezes and folds arms (or reverent posture). When teacher says “Common ground,” they can relax (still respectful).
4. After a few rounds, ask children to name places/activities where we should be reverent (church, prayer, scriptures).
   Connection to scripture: Practicing reverence like Moses (Exodus 3:5).
   Discussion questions:

• “Why did the Lord ask Moses to treat that place differently?” (It was holy)
• “What can we do to help our home feel more like a sacred place?” (prompted by the bundle)

Activity 3: “Moses Says ‘I Can’t’ / The Lord Says ‘I Will’” Role-Play (Role-Play & Acting)
Materials: Simple props: a flashlight (burning bush), a small plant (bush), optional scarf for Moses.
Steps:

1. Choose a child to be Moses, one to be the Lord (reading lines), and a few to be “helpers.”
2. Read Moses’s concern: “Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh?” (Exodus 3:11). Let “Moses” act worried.
3. Read the Lord’s answer: “Certainly I will be with thee” (Exodus 3:12). Let “Moses” stand taller.
4. Repeat quickly with another concern: “I am not eloquent” (Exodus 4:10).
5. Read the Lord’s promise: “Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say” (Exodus 4:12).
   Connection to scripture: When God asks us to do something, He helps us (Exodus 3:11–12; Exodus 4:10–12).
   Discussion questions:

• “What are some ‘hard things’ kids might feel called to do?” (be kind, tell truth, include others)
• “Which promise from the Lord helps you the most?”

Life Application Bridge (5 minutes)
Ask children to think of one “burden” a child might carry. Then ask: “What can you do when you feel that way?” Guide them back to the scriptures: we can cry to the Lord like Israel (Exodus 2:23–25), trust that He sees and hears (Exodus 3:7), and remember His promise to help and deliver in His way and time (Exodus 6:6–7). Invite them to also think of one small way they can help someone else—like the faithful women who protected and cared for Moses (Exodus 1–2, per bundle focus).

Testimony Time (3–5 minutes)
Invite children (no pressure) to finish this sentence: “One thing I learned about God today is…” Encourage brief sharing. Then bear simple testimony using scripture language: the Lord says, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people … and have heard their cry … for I know their sorrows” (Exodus 3:7). Share that you trust the Lord truly knows and will help His children.

Take-Home Challenge (1 minute)
Give each child a small paper “REMEMBER” note (or have them take home one chain link). Challenge: This week, when you feel worried, read or say: “Certainly I will be with thee” (Exodus 3:12) and do one reverent action (quiet prayer, respectful church behavior, kind help at home).

Teacher Tips (2 minutes)

• If children get wiggly during scripture reading, let them take turns reading one short verse phrase aloud (Exodus 3:7 is perfect in parts).
• For mixed reading levels, pair strong readers with developing readers during the treasure hunt, and let all children contribute by circling repeated words like “seen,” “heard,” and “deliver” (Exodus 3:7–8).