Younger Primary Lesson Plan: Genesis 12–17;Abraham 1–2

Happy Opening (2 minutes): “Hold My Hand!” Game
Materials: None

1. Have everyone stand in a circle. Say, “When we hold hands, we can help each other!”
2. Choose one child to close their eyes (or just look down). Gently lead them 3–5 steps by the hand to a safe spot.
3. Say: “In our scripture story, Jesus helps Abraham. The Come, Follow Me idea says: ‘Jesus Christ will lead me by the hand.’ (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026, Feb 16–22, “Teaching Children”)
   Transition: “Let’s hear what happened to Abraham!”

Simple Scripture Story (5 minutes): Abraham Wants to Follow God
Materials: A simple paper heart (desire), a paper hand (help), and a picture of a “sad face” and “happy face”
Tell it simply (kids repeat actions):

• “Abraham lived in a family where people did not worship God. But Abraham had a good wish in his heart. He wanted ‘to be a greater follower of righteousness’ (Abraham 1:2).” (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026, Feb 16–22, introduction)
• “Abraham’s life was in danger, and he called on God. God helped him.” (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026, Feb 16–22, “God hears me”)
  Ask: “What do you do when you feel scared?” “Who can help you?”
• “The lesson helps us remember: ‘Jesus Christ will lead me by the hand.’ (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026, Feb 16–22, “Teaching Children”)
  Have children hold up their paper hand and wiggle fingers: “Jesus can help me!”

Big Idea (repeat often):
Jesus helps me when I choose to follow Him.

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Wiggle and Learn Activities (12–15 minutes total)

1) Object Lesson: “Promise Stars” (3–4 minutes)
Materials: Paper stars (or just point to ceiling lights), a small cup of sand (optional)

1. Show stars or point up: “God made promises to Abraham and Sarah.” (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026, Feb 16–22, “Teaching Children,” covenants activity idea)
2. Let each child hold a star and say: “God keeps promises.”
   What to say: “Just like Abraham trusted God’s promises, we can trust God too.” (Genesis 15:1–6 mentioned in bundle; activity idea from “Teaching Children”)
   Connection: “Now let’s practice choosing peace like Abraham did!”

2) Role-Play & Acting: “Peacemaker Play” (4 minutes)
Materials: Two toy animals (or paper sheep), two kids as “herdsmen,” one as Abraham, one as Lot

1. Act out Genesis 13:5–12: herdsmen pretend to argue over space.
2. Abraham says kindly, “Let’s have peace,” and Lot chooses a place.
   Ask: “What can you say if someone grabs your toy?” “How can we be kind?”
   What to say: “The lesson says: ‘I can be a peacemaker.’ We can follow Abraham’s example at home or with friends.” (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026, Feb 16–22, “Teaching Children,” Genesis 13:5–12)
   Connection: “When we try to be peaceful, Jesus helps us. Let’s move our bodies and remember He leads us!”

3) Music & Movement: “Lead Me” Follow-the-Leader (3–4 minutes)
Materials: None

1. Make a short line. Teacher is leader. Do simple actions: tiptoe, march, freeze, gentle hands on heart.
2. Switch leaders quickly so many children get a turn.
   What to say: “How did it feel to follow the leader? The Come, Follow Me lesson teaches: ‘Jesus Christ will lead me by the hand.’” (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026, Feb 16–22, “Teaching Children”)
   Connection: “Now we’ll look at a picture to help our minds remember Abraham’s story.”

4) Hands-On Craft: “Helping Hand Promise” (3–4 minutes)
Materials: Paper, crayons, stickers (optional)

1. Trace each child’s hand (or have a few pre-cut hand shapes).
2. Inside the hand, help them draw one small picture: praying, sharing, hugging, or being kind.
   What to say: “This week, when you see your hand, remember: Jesus helps me when I choose to follow Him.”
   Connection: “Let’s finish with a picture from the Gospel Art Book.”

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Picture Time (3 minutes): Gospel Art Book
Picture: “Lot’s Choice” (listed in the bundle under Genesis 13:5–12)
Ask:

1. “What do you see in this picture?”
2. “Do they look peaceful or upset?”
3. “What can we do to be peacemakers like Abraham?”
   Tie to Big Idea: “Jesus helps me when I choose to follow Him—especially when I choose peace.”

Song and Actions (2–3 minutes): “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13)
(Referenced in the bundle under “God hears me.”)
Actions:

• Fold arms for “Heavenly Father”
• Hands on ears for “hear my prayer”
• Hands on heart for “I feel love”
  Say: “The lesson reminds us that God heard Hagar and helped Abraham. God hears you too.” (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026, Feb 16–22, “God hears me”)

Jesus Loves Me Moment (2 minutes)
Say softly: “Abraham wanted ‘to be a greater follower of righteousness’ (Abraham 1:2). Jesus can lead us and help us. The lesson teaches: ‘Jesus Christ will lead me by the hand.’” (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026, Feb 16–22, “Teaching Children”)
Invite children to finish one sentence (help them with choices):

• “I know Jesus loves me because He helps me when I ___ (pray / share / be kind).”
• “I can be like Abraham when I choose ___ (peace / prayer / obedience).”
  Testimony (simple and child-focused): I know Jesus helps little children, and He hears our prayers.

Take-Home Hug (this week)
“Give a ‘peacemaker hug’ at home and say, ‘I can be peaceful like Abraham.’” (Genesis 13:5–12 idea: “I can be a peacemaker,” from the bundle)

Teacher Survival Tips

1. Keep every part short: if attention drops, jump to the song or the follow-the-leader game.
2. Use repeating words often: “Jesus helps me when I choose to follow Him.”
3. Give tiny jobs: star-holder, picture-holder, line-leader—wiggly children do best when they get to help.