Older Primary Lesson Plan

Opening Connection

Hold up a small bandage, a flashlight, and a cup of water. Ask: “Which of these could help with a problem?” Let the children answer. Then say, “In 2 Kings 2–7, the Lord used simple things and simple instructions to do amazing miracles, water, bread, washing, and even opening someone’s eyes to see help from heaven.”

Briefly connect it to their world: sometimes a problem at school, at home, or with a friend can feel very big. But the Lord can help in ways that are simple and powerful.

Tell them today they will discover three truths: God can help us, prophets teach us what to do, and we are never alone.

Scripture Discovery

Read two key passages together. Invite children to listen for words they would want to remember.

First, read 2 Kings 5:13–14 and talk about Naaman obeying even when the instruction seemed small:

“Then came near his servants, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?” (2 Kings 5:13)

“Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.” (2 Kings 5:14)

Ask: “What was hard for Naaman?” “Why do you think simple obedience mattered?”

Next, read 2 Kings 6:16–17:

“And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” (2 Kings 6:16)

“And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:17)

Invite the children to close their eyes while verse 17 is read, then open them at the words “open his eyes.” Ask: “What changed, the army or what the servant could see?”

Core Gospel Principles

First, God can work miracles in our lives. The scriptures this week show the Lord healing, feeding, helping, and protecting people. Miracles help turn hearts to Him.

Second, the Lord fulfills His words through prophets. Naaman was blessed when he followed the prophet’s instruction. Elisha also gave promises that seemed impossible, and the Lord made them happen.

Third, faith helps us see that we are not alone. Elisha’s servant felt surrounded, but heavenly help was already there. Sometimes the Lord changes our situation, and sometimes He changes what we understand.

Interactive Learning Activities

1. Wash and Be Clean Relay

Activity Type: Game

Materials: Two bowls or cups, blue paper “water drops,” tape, marker

Steps:

1. Write simple actions on paper drops: “Pray,” “Be kind,” “Tell the truth,” “Listen to parents,” “Follow the prophet.”
2. Put the drops at one end of the room and two bowls labeled “Obey” at the other end.
3. Divide the class into two teams.
4. Children take turns running to get one drop, reading it, and placing it in the bowl.
5. After each turn, ask: “Is this something simple the Lord asks us to do?”

Connection to scripture: Just as Naaman was told to do something simple, we are often blessed by simple acts of obedience.

Discussion questions:

• Why did Naaman almost refuse?
• What are some simple things God asks us to do?
• Which one is hardest for you sometimes?

2. Chariots of Fire Picture Reveal

Activity Type: Object Lesson

Materials: A picture of Elisha and the servant, strips of paper or sticky notes to cover parts of it

Steps:

1. Cover most of the picture before class.
2. Show only the frightened servant or enemy army first.
3. Ask, “How would you feel if this is all you could see?”
4. Slowly remove the paper pieces until the heavenly chariots are visible.
5. Read 2 Kings 6:16–17 again.

Connection to scripture: The servant’s fear changed when the Lord helped him see what had been there all along.

Discussion questions:

• What do we do when we feel scared?
• Who are some people the Lord gives us to help us?
• How can prayer help us “see” better?

3. “Fear Not” Promise Card

Activity Type: Hands-On Craft

Materials: Index cards or paper, crayons, pencils

Steps:

1. Help each child write: “Fear not” on one side and “They that be with us are more” on the other, from (2 Kings 6:16).
2. Invite them to draw one way the Lord helps them, family, prayer, scriptures, leaders, friends.
3. Let a few children explain their card.

Connection to scripture: The card becomes a reminder that the Lord is near and gives support.

Discussion questions:

• When might you need this card this week?
• How can this help you at school or bedtime or when you feel left out?

Life Application Bridge

Help the children name real-life situations: a hard test, being nervous to stand up for the right, feeling lonely at recess, or being asked to do a chore they do not want to do.

Say: “Naaman teaches us to obey even when the Lord’s way seems small. Elisha’s servant teaches us to trust God when we feel afraid.” Invite children to finish the sentence: “This week I can trust Jesus Christ by ______.”

Testimony Time

Create a quiet moment. Hold up the promise card and ask: “Which story helped you feel closer to Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ today, Naaman obeying, or Elisha’s servant learning he was not alone?”

Invite a few children to share one feeling or one truth they want to remember. Bear simple testimony that the Lord helps His children, speaks through prophets, and stays near us.

Take-Home Challenge

Ask each child to take the promise card home and put it where they will see it. Their challenge is to do one simple thing the Lord asks, like praying, helping at home, or being kind to someone, and then tell someone in their family how that connects to Naaman or Elisha’s servant.

Teacher Tips

If some children are shy readers, let them echo-read the scripture after you one phrase at a time. For very active classes, keep transitions quick by having materials ready at each seat before class begins.