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Full Lesson Flow
Teaching Outline
Work through the lesson in order, with each section building on the last.
Happy Opening (2 minutes): “Kind Hands, Happy Hearts”
Do: Hold up a soft scarf or small blanket. Say, “This is my kindness blanket!” Gently wrap it around your shoulders and smile. Ask: “Can you show me your kind hands?” (Have them wiggle fingers, then fold arms.) Connect: “Today we’ll learn about Ruth being kind and about Samuel listening when the Lord spoke.”
Big smile mini-song (optional): Hum a few notes and have kids do “heart hands” (hands make a heart).
Simple Scripture Story (5 minutes): Ruth Is Kind + Samuel Listens
Props: 2 simple paper people (Ruth + Naomi), and a “sleeping mat” (paper or towel).
Part 1: Ruth and Naomi (Kindness)
Tell in simple words: Naomi is sad. Ruth chooses to stay and help Naomi. Ruth works to get food. Action: Have kids walk in place like traveling, then pretend to pick grain (reach down, drop in an invisible basket). Participation questions:
- “When Naomi felt sad, what did Ruth do, help or ignore?” (Kids answer: help.)
- “Show me your helping hands!”
Part 2: Samuel and Eli (Listening)
Tell: Samuel hears his name at night. He thinks it is Eli. Eli helps Samuel know it is the Lord. Action: Kids pretend to sleep. Teacher softly calls, “Samuel!” Kids sit up. Say (very simple): “Samuel learned how to listen.”
(From the bundle: this story is in 1 Samuel 3:1–10.)
Big Idea (repeat all lesson)
Big Idea: “I can be kind, and I can listen to the Lord.” Say it together with motions:
- Kind = rub tummy like “warm feelings” + gentle hands
- Listen = hand to ear
Wiggle and Learn Activities (12–15 minutes)
1) Object Lesson: “Kindness Blanket Pass” (Object Lesson)
Materials: Small scarf/blanket What to do:
- Sit in a circle. Gently pass the blanket.
- When a child holds it, they say one kind thing: “Help,” “Share,” “Hug,” “Smile,” or “Pray.” (You can prompt.) What to say: “Ruth showed love and kindness. We can too.” Connect: “Now that our hearts feel kind, let’s move like Ruth working!”
2) Game: “Pick the Grain Relay” (Physical Activity/Game)
Materials: Paper “grain” squares (or cotton balls), 2 bowls What to do:
- Put “grain” on one side of the room and a bowl on the other.
- Children take turns carrying one “grain” to the bowl.
- Cheer quietly: “Kind hands!” What to say: “Ruth worked to help Naomi. Kindness can be helping!” Connect: “After we help, we can also listen, just like Samuel did at night.”
3) Role-Play: “Samuel!” (Role-Play & Acting)
Materials: None (optional: towel as “bed”) What to do:
- One child is “Samuel” (lying down). One child is “Eli” (sitting).
- Teacher softly calls “Samuel!” Samuel stands and walks to Eli.
- Eli points and says, “Go back and listen.” (You help with words.) What to say: “Samuel learned to hear and obey the Lord’s voice.” (Bundle: 1 Samuel 3:1–10.) Connect: “Let’s practice listening with our bodies!”
4) Music & Movement: “Listening Freeze” (Music & Movement)
Materials: None What to do:
- You tap a steady beat on your knees. Kids march softly.
- When you stop, they freeze and put a hand to their ear.
- Whisper: “I will listen.” What to say: “We can be still and listen when the Lord wants to help us.” Connect: “Now we’ll look at a picture to remember our big idea.”
Picture Time (2–3 minutes): Gospel Art Book
Picture: “Boy Samuel Called by the Lord,” by Harry Anderson (listed in the bundle) Ask:
- “What is Samuel doing?”
- “Who is helping Samuel?”
- “What can we do to listen?” (Prompt: be still, pray, obey)
Re-say Big Idea together: “I can be kind, and I can listen to the Lord.”
Song and Actions (2–3 minutes): “Kindness Begins with Me”
Song: “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145) (listed in the bundle) Actions:
- Point to self on “me”
- Do gentle “helping hands” motions (pretend to share, pat a shoulder)
- Hand to heart when singing about kindness
Jesus Loves Me Moment (2 minutes)
Say softly: “Ruth helped Naomi. Samuel listened when the Lord called. Jesus Christ is kind to us, and He helps us.” (Bundle connection: “How has the Savior been kind to us?”) Invite children to finish a sentence (one at a time, quick):
- “I can be like Jesus when I ______.” (help, share, listen, pray)
Take-Home Hug (10 seconds)
This week: “Give someone at home a hug and do one helpful thing, then say a prayer and listen quietly for a moment.”
Teacher Survival Tips
- Keep turns fast: For relays and role-play, do “one quick turn” each, then rotate.
- Use quiet cues: Whisper “Kind hands” and “Listening ears” to calm the room without stopping the fun.
- If attention drops: Skip straight to the picture + song, then repeat the Big Idea with motions.