Younger Primary Lesson Plan: 1 Samuel 17–18;24–26;2 Samuel 5–7

Happy Opening

Hold up a smooth stone (or any small rock). Let each child gently hold it for one second.

Say: “This is a ‘brave stone.’ David had stones, and the Lord helped him be brave!”

Ask: “What is something that feels a little scary?” (dark room, loud thunder, first day of school). Keep answers quick.

Simple Scripture Story

Use simple actions and 2 props: a paper giant face (Goliath) and the stone.

Tell the story from 1 Samuel 17 in kid words:

• “Goliath was very big and loud. People felt afraid.”
• “David was a shepherd boy. He trusted the Lord.”

Read one important line (slowly, with feeling):

“for the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47)

Invite the children to whisper: “The battle is the Lord’s.”

Then act it out: have children march in place like David walking, then gently “toss” an imaginary stone (no throwing real objects).

Ask: “Who helped David?” (The Lord.)

Big Idea

Jesus can help me be brave and choose peace.

(Repeat it often: “Jesus helps me be brave. Jesus helps me choose peace.”)

Wiggle and Learn Activities

1) Object Lesson: “Big Problem, Big Help!”

Materials: the paper giant face, the small stone. What to do:

1. Hold up the giant face: “Big problem!” (kids stretch arms big)
2. Hold up the stone: “Small me!” (kids make themselves small)
3. Put the stone near your heart: “Big help from the Lord!” (kids put hands on heart)

What to say: “David knew something true:”

“for the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47)

Connect: “Now let’s move our bodies like brave helpers!”

2) Game (Movement): “Brave Steps Freeze!”

Materials: none. What to do:

1. Children take “brave steps” marching around the room.
2. When you say “FREEZE,” they freeze like a brave statue.
3. Ask a quick choice question: “If I feel scared, can I ask the Lord for help?” (Yes!)

What to say: “David trusted the Lord. We can trust the Lord too.”

Connect: “Sometimes being brave also means being kind and peaceful.”

3) Role-Play: “David Chooses Peace”

Materials: a simple paper crown (for Saul) and a cloth (for David). What to do:

1. Teacher (or a child) wears the crown to be “King Saul.” Another child is “David.”
2. Explain simply: “Saul was chasing David. David could have hurt Saul, but he didn’t.”
3. Have “David” take one step back and put a hand on heart to show “I choose peace.”

Read David’s words:

“The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord’s anointed” (1 Samuel 24:6)

What to say: “David chose peace. Jesus can help us choose peace too.”

Connect: “How do we get help to choose peace? We can ask Heavenly Father!”

4) Hands-On Craft: “I Can Ask Heavenly Father” Crown/Badge

Materials: paper circles (badges) or simple crown strips, crayons, stickers. What to do:

1. Give each child a badge/crown strip to color.
2. Help them draw a tiny heart and simple praying hands (or a smiling face).
3. Say together: “I can ask Heavenly Father!”

Read the phrase from David’s life as king:

“David enquired of the Lord” (2 Samuel 5:19)

What to say: “That means David asked Heavenly Father for help.”

Connect: “Let’s look at a picture to remember!”

Picture Time

Show “David Slays Goliath” (Gospel Art Book).

Ask:

1. “What do you see David holding?”
2. “Do you think David was brave?”
3. “Who helped David be brave?” (The Lord.)

Repeat Big Idea: “Jesus can help me be brave and choose peace.”

Song and Actions

Sing “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162).

Simple actions:

• “I will be…” point to self
• “valiant…” make strong arms
• “I will be…” point to self
• “true…” hands over heart
• “I will be…” point to self
• “brave…” take two brave steps forward

Jesus Loves Me Moment

Gather close and quiet. Hold the stone again.

Say: “David faced something big. The Lord helped him. David also chose peace. Jesus can help us too.”

Invite children to finish one sentence (one or two children is enough):

• “Jesus helps me be brave when I ______.”
• “I can choose peace when I ______.”

Gently testify using the scripture words:

“for the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47)

Take-Home Hug

This week: When you feel scared, fold your arms and ask Heavenly Father for help. Then give someone at home a hug and choose peace.

Teacher Survival Tips

• Keep every part under 2 minutes; if attention slips, jump to the song immediately.
• Use “hands on heart” as your quiet signal, practice it once at the start.
• If kids get too wiggly, repeat the “Brave Steps Freeze” game for 30 seconds, then move on.