4-Part Lesson Plan: The Ten Commandments (Ages 4-8)
This lesson plan is designed to introduce young children to the Ten Commandments in a simple and positive way. The lessons focus on key concepts using relatable language and hands-on activities to help children understand that the commandments are loving rules from God that help us live happy lives and be kind to others.
Lesson 1: God is the Most Important
Main Point: God is the most important person in the whole world, and He should be first in our lives.
Bible Passage: Exodus 20:1-3
Activities:
- Story Time: Tell the story of God giving the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. Explain that the first rule is about putting God first, before anything else, like toys or games.
- “God is King” Crown Craft: Give each child a paper strip to make a crown. Have them decorate it with glitter, jewels, or stickers. Talk about how God is the King of everything and our lives, so we should honor Him.
- Drawing What’s Important: Provide paper and crayons. Ask children to draw something that is very important to them, and then talk about how God is even more important than that.
Lesson 2: Respecting God’s Name and Time
Main Point: We should always use God’s name with respect and take a day to rest and spend time with Him.
Bible Passage: Exodus 20:4-8 (Focus on verses 7 and 8)
Activities:
- Story Time: Explain that the next rules are about how we talk about God and how we rest. Use simple examples, like saying “thank you, God” instead of just shouting His name.
- God’s “Good Words” Jar: Have the children write or draw “good words” they can use to talk about God (like “love,” “kind,” “helper”) on slips of paper and put them in a jar.
- “Day of Rest” Relaxation: Lead the class in a simple guided relaxation exercise. Talk about how God gave us a day off to play, rest, and think about how much He loves us.
Lesson 3: Honoring Our Family and Friends
Main Point: God wants us to honor our parents and be kind to everyone, just like Jesus was.
Bible Passage: Exodus 20:12 (and briefly mention 13-16 in simple terms)
Activities:
- Story Time: Read the commandment to “honor your father and your mother.” Then, expand this to include being kind to everyone in our family and community. Talk about how being kind means not hurting others, not taking their things, and always telling the truth.
- “Helping Hands” Craft: Trace each child’s hand on a piece of paper. Have them write or draw ways they can use their hands to help others on their handprint (e.g., “help clean up,” “give a hug,” “share a toy”).
- Role-Playing Scenarios: Act out simple scenarios like sharing a toy, asking for permission before touching something, or telling the truth when a mistake is made. Let the children practice being kind in different situations.
Lesson 4: The Commandments are God’s Good Rules
Main Point: The Ten Commandments are God’s perfect rules to help us love Him and love others.
Bible Passage: Review Exodus 20:1-17
Activities:
- Story Time: Briefly review all of the commandments, reminding the children that they are all about loving God and loving our neighbor.
- “Ten Commandments” Tablet Craft: Give each child two pieces of cardboard or thick paper shaped like tablets. Have them draw pictures or symbols for each of the commandments (for example, a heart for loving God, a happy face for not lying, a hand for not stealing).
- Commandments Review Game: Play a simple game like “Simon Says” but use “God Says” instead. For example, “God says, ‘Be kind to your friends!’” or “God says, ‘Listen to your parents!’”