Younger Primary Lesson Plan: Ruth;1 Samuel 1–7

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).

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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.)

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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

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Wiggle and Learn Activities (12–15 minutes)

1) Object Lesson: “Kindness Blanket Pass” (Object Lesson)

Materials: Small scarf/blanket What to do:

1. Sit in a circle. Gently pass the blanket.
2. 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:

1. Put “grain” on one side of the room and a bowl on the other.
2. Children take turns carrying one “grain” to the bowl.
3. 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:

1. One child is “Samuel” (lying down). One child is “Eli” (sitting).
2. Teacher softly calls “Samuel!” Samuel stands and walks to Eli.
3. 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:

1. You tap a steady beat on your knees. Kids march softly.
2. When you stop, they freeze and put a hand to their ear.
3. 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.”

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Picture Time (2–3 minutes): Gospel Art Book

Picture: “Boy Samuel Called by the Lord,” by Harry Anderson (listed in the bundle) Ask:

1. “What is Samuel doing?”
2. “Who is helping Samuel?”
3. “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.”

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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

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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)

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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.”

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Teacher Survival Tips

1. Keep turns fast: For relays and role-play, do “one quick turn” each, then rotate.
2. Use quiet cues: Whisper “Kind hands” and “Listening ears” to calm the room without stopping the fun.
3. If attention drops: Skip straight to the picture + song, then repeat the Big Idea with motions.