Lesson Plan- Good Samaritan (1st grade on up)

The Good Samaritan


Objectives: The students will be able to
-retell the parable of the Good Samaritan
- explain the message of the parable of the Good Samaritan
- name different ways to show love for others
- identify others as neighbors and describe ways to help
- explain that God commands us to love one another and to help anyone in need



Review:
Prayer, questions and vocabulary words from last week’s lesson



Vocabulary Words: (Write words on the board and discuss with class)

Jerusalem- the capital of Israel and holy city of the Jews (show students this on a map or have one of the students find it on a map).
Jericho- town in the Jordan Valley. Known as the world’s oldest town (show students this on a map or have one of the students find it on a map).
Robbers- people who steal things
Inn- like a hotel where you can sleep and eat



Plan:

Read story: "The Good Samaritan" and then ask questions



Activities:

Introduce activities: What does loving your neighbor really mean?

sermons4kids.com- A Neighbor’s a Neighbor! object lesson with group activities, coloring page, puzzles, worship bulletin

sermons4kids.com- Won’t You Be My Neighbor? object lesson with group activities, coloring, puzzles, quiz, worship bulletin

dltk-bible.com- The Good Samaritan lesson with memory verse, teacher's guide, puzzles, take home sheet, coloring pages, crafts, etc.

childrensermons.com- Samaritan Neighbor object lesson

calvarycurriculum.com- The Good Samaritan lesson with memory verses, circle the correct words, true or false, fill in the blanks, puzzles, and color sheets.

thereligionteacher.com- The Parable of the Good Samaritan Lesson Plan

bible.org- Lesson 51: Salvation and Good Works (Luke 10:25-37)

muminthebadhouse.com- 110 Summer Acts of Kindness for Kids (FREE Printable with activities)



Movie:

Movie- Veggie Tales: Accepting and Helping- Are You My Neighbor? The Story of Flibber-o-loo (The Good Samaritan) 15 min) and ask questions:

1. What does loving your neighbor really mean? Help others when ever they need help even when you don’t feel like it.
2. Why wouldn’t the mayor and the doctor stop and help Larry? They said that they were too busy.
3. What should the mayor and doctor do? Help Larry.
4. Who helped Larry? A fellow from the other town.
5. Should we help people in need? Yes.
6. How can we help others?



Crafts:

sermons4kids.com- A Neighbor's a Neighbor! group activities (crafts)

sermons4kids.com- Won’t You Be My Neighbor? group activities (crafts)

daniellesplace.com- Good Samaritan Crafts


The Good Samaritan Story Wheel:

This craft is free, however it can only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on these activities are not my own and are from various internet sources.

Directions: Print the top and bottom wheels out on cardstock. Cut out wheels. Cut out circle shape on the inside line edge of the top wheel. Have children color wheels. Attach a brass fastener through the center of both wheels. On the back of the bottom wheel attach a strip of cardstock (at least 1 inch wide and 6 inches long) leaving half extended over the side (so you can turn the wheel). You can also draw an arrow on the top side of the strip on the end to indicate which way to turn the bottom wheel.

The Good Samaritan Story Wheel- Printable template



Introduce craft: What are some things that people have done for you that were nice? What can we make to help remind us of the many kindnesses you have received from others? Let’s find out!

Gratitude Jar-God's gifts sometimes come through other people. (Crafts For Christian Values by Kathy Ross, page 26 & 27). Have the children write down on small slips of paper the kind things others have done for them and put them inside the jar. If the child cannot write, they can color pictures of kind things people have done for them and put them into the jar.

Or make a Gratitude Jar by honesters.blogspot.com- like this one: Every time the children say something positive or showed gratitude they get to put in a bean (or a Spanish peanut) into the jar.

web.archive.org- Sharing/Helping Hands
This craft involves making a small booklet which will illustrate how we can share or help others. It can be adapted for both preschool or primary (elementary) aged children by changing expectations for the inside content.

crayola.com- Kindness Calendar Quilt Craft
You plan vacations. You schedule school work. Why not set a date for doing good deeds? Fill your colorful calendar quilt with acts of kindness!

crayola.com- Circle of Kindness Craft
Spin this Circle of Kindness for kids can be inspired to do good deeds. (Although it is suggested to make this craft for Rosh Hashanah, it can be used any time to encourage kindness.)

kidsactivitiesblog.com- Family Kindness Jar

coffeecupsandcrayons.com- Create A Kindness Jar With Kids

reallifeathome.com- Teaching Kids Kindness With A Kindness Jar

surfandsunshine.com- DIY Random Acts of Kindness Jar Craft

Love Notes- Cute magnet craft to put on your refrigerator to leave loving messages to the people in your family. (Christian Crafts for Christmastime by Kathy Ross, pages 54 & 55).



Loving others demands respect, consideration, cooperation, care, etc. Love is about giving. Fill these chore charts out or have the students come up with their own chores to do and color. These can be given to parents or friends/family etc. to show they are serious about their respect for them, care, etc. They are to bring the chore charts back signed next week and receive a small gift as a reward for their good deeds.

dltk-cards.com- Custom Chore Chart

imom.com- Customizable Chore Chart

rewardscharts4kids.com- Free Printable Chore Chart Templates for Kids

mamadweeb.com- 20 Free Printable Chore Charts

tipjunkie.com- 21 Chore Cards and Chore Charts to Print


Introduce craft: Who should we be kind to? Everyone. Let’s make a craft to remind us to “Love Others”. (Love Bug Lady Bug)

familycorner.com- Paper Plate Lady Bugs
Paint the paper plates or use red and white paper plates to make this craft. On the back of the lady bug where the wings open up write “Love Others”.

dltk-kids.com- Lady Bug Invite
Or make the lady bug with poster board or card stock.



Games:

Introduce game: Being a good Samaritan means doing something for someone else without wondering what that person will do for you in return. Can you think of nice things to do for another person?

home.howsstuffworks.com- Backyard Bingo
For a 'green' spin on a great game, we recommend a round of backyard bingo. This good Samaritan activity isn't just helpful, it's a lot of fun, too. Kids can become bingo winners and expert recyclers at the same time.

home.howstuffworks.com- Ice Water Welcome
The Ice Water Welcome is a good Samaritan activity that gives back to a group of people that don't often get much gratitude: construction workers.



Introduce game- How are we to treat others?

“Win or Lose by How You Choose” by Judge Judy Sheindlin

Directions- Show the children the picture and read the situation. With each situation there are a series of answers for the children to choose from. Ask the children what they would do. Do not tell the children the right answer. Explore and evaluate the different choices together with the children.



Introduce game: How well do you know the story “The Good Samaritan”? Let’s find out.

djbni.uk- Good Samaritan Board Game
Color and black & white templates available. Students can color black & white version.

forefront.org.uk- The Good Samaritan Board Game (scroll down to this)

rotation.org- The Good Samaritan Giant Board Game

Good Samaritan Board Game- Students make their own board game based on the parable “The Good Samaritan”. (This idea is from painsley.org.uk which does not exist anymore.)

1. Make up your own board game based on the parable of the Good Samaritan.

2. First, make sure you read the story and know it well.

3. Next, draw the downhill path from Jerusalem to Jericho onto your game board on the other side of this paper.

4. Add detail to squares to make the game more interesting.

You can add things like this:

Beaten up, miss a turn.

Priest passes by. Go back two spaces.

Levite goes past. Throw a six to continue.

Samaritan stops to help. Take an extra turn.

Arrive at the inn. Go forward three spaces.


You could also add extra hazards, such as:

Rock fall, go back three spaces.

Sun very hot, miss a turn.

5. Get a die and some counters, and you can play the game with a friend.




These games are free, however they are only to be used for classroom and personal use. They may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on these activities are not my own and are from various internet sources.







Random Acts of Kindness- Place your marker any where on the game board. Roll the die and move clockwise that many spaces. Read out loud whatever is on your space and say whether it is a Random Act of Kindness or not. If it is a Random Act of Kindness, receive 1 Random Acts of Kindness token (or milk cap, poker chip, etc.). If it is not a Random Act of Kindness, lose a token. When the player receives 10 Random Acts of Kindness tokens, they work their way around the board to “Spread Kindness”. Players must roll the exact number to “Spread Kindness”. Continue playing to find out who comes in second, third, fourth, etc. place.

The Golden Rule- This game helps promote why someone would use proper manners and etiquette in our daily lives.

Introduction: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. What does this mean? It means we should treat others the same way you want them to treat you. That is easier said than done. Do you respect everyone and treat them kindly at all times? During our daily contact with others we can show compassion and generosity by treating them with respect and courtesy. This dignified and respectable behavior that we give to others is part of what Jesus was talking about. Try your best to treat others as you would like to be treated and you will find that it will help you so much in everyday life with getting a long with others.

Directions: Put the colored Game Cards in two different small baskets and set near the game board. Place your markers at START. Roll the die and move that many spaces. Follow the directions on the space you land on. If the space has a Roll Play activity on it, perform it to the best of your ability. If needed, the teacher will help you understand what to do and coach you how to do it correctly. If the space has True or False or P’s & Q’s on it, draw the corresponding card and read it out loud. Answer the question to the best of your ability (the teacher can coach the student if necessary).

The Good Samaritan- Follow the directions on the board and be the first one to FINISH and win.










Jesus is Our Savior- Jesus is our rescuer and offers us a lifeline when we’re trapped in sin. How can we solve the problems in our life? Jesus is our savior and if we follow him, he will show us the way.

Directions: Place your markers on START. Players roll the die and move (swim) that many spaces. Players must follow the directions on the space that they land on. If they land on a drowning in sin picture, they draw a card and read it out loud. On the cards are life problems that the player must state what they should do to rectify the situation. If they are correct, they receive a life saver token. If they are not correct, they do not receive a token. If the player lands on a space that is already occupied by another, BUMP that player back to the START space. Players work their way to the life saver at the end of the board. The player with the most life saver tokens wins.

Good Neighbor Game- Separate cards and tokens and put in 3 small baskets near the game board. Place your marker on START. Determine who goes first and play moves clockwise. The player to your left draws a SITUATION card and reads it out loud. On the cards are situations that you must state what you should do as a good neighbor would do. If you answer the question correctly, you roll the die and move the number indicated on the die. If you are not correct, you stay where you are and try again on your next turn. If the player lands on a CHANCE space, they draw a CHANCE card and read it out loud. The player then must do what the card says (move forward, move back or lose a token). If a player lands on GOOD DEED they receive a Good Deed token for doing a good deed for their neighbors which in turn will hopefully spread more acts of kindness throughout the neighborhood. If a player lands on a space that another player is on, be a good neighbor and take the nearest space behind them that is not occupied. The first player to FINISH with the most Good Deed tokens wins the Good Neighbor Award.






What Would Jesus Do?- Making the right decisions in life is hard to do, but if you let Jesus be your guide and think, “What Would Jesus Do?” it will make it a lot easier.

Directions: Put the Game Cards in a small basket near the game board. Place your markers at START. The player spins the spinner and follows the directions. If you spin to move ahead 3, 4, or 5, you move ahead that many spaces. During your turn be careful because if you place your marker on any space in the maze you must continue in that path even though it might be the wrong way to go. On your next turn however, you can change directions and get on the right path to FINISH. If the player spins WWJD you draw a Game Card and read it out loud. The Game Card might have a “What Would Jesus Do” (WWJD) situation and you must tell what the right thing for you to do if you were in that predicament. If you are correct, you move ahead 3. If you are not correct, you stay where you are. The Game Card might also have a colored square on it that the player must move his marker to and continue playing the game from (don’t lose your temper because that’s not what Jesus would do).

How Rude!- A fun and exciting way to review what is considered rude behavior in today’s society. The game includes 6 types of interactive game cards: multiple choice, scenario, true/false, reward for good manners, charades, and consequences for bad manners. Players or teams roll the dice and move that many spaces on the board. Whichever color is on the space you land on indicates the color card that will be used. The player to your left will read the card aloud to you and you will try to answer correctly. If you answer your question correctly, you may stay where you are. If you are not correct, everyone says, “How Rude!” and you move back to where you were. The first player or team to get to the “FINISH,” square first is the WINNER!





6 pages of cards

Moral Dilemmas- Why do problems come into our life? People face problems every day. Some are harder than others. There are many choices that the person can have to solve his/her problem, but which one is the best? What would Jesus want us to do? Here is a game that has students try to solve their problems the best way. (Scroll down to this.)



Snacks:

Introduce snack: How can we be kind to others?

Have students wash their hands and make an easy snack for another class. (Make arrangements with the other classroom prior to the lesson so you have permission from that teacher and they know that a snack is being brought to them).

(Example: popcorn, trail mix, cheese whiz on a cracker, etc.)

After they have delivered their treat, they may have some as well.



Puzzles, Mazes, Worksheets:

A Good Helper maze- Amazing Bible Mazes by Anita Reith Stohs

More 365 Activities for Kids (do any of the Good Samaritan puzzles, mazes, dot-to-dot, spot the difference, etc. from October 4 - 9).

The Merciful Samaritan (find the hidden pictures)- Hidden Pictures Explore Hidden Treasures in God’s Word (Grade 1 – 3) by Linda Standke, page 24.

biblewise.com- Help Him Out (maze)

stthomassunvalley.org- Find the In (maze), page 7

dltk-bible.com- Good Samaritan Activity Sheets (anagrams, crossword, cryptogram, mazes, word-mining sheets, word searches, etc.)

sermons4kids.com- (word search)

biblepathwaysadventures.com- The Good Samaritan (word search)

sermons4kids.com- (crossword)

sermons4kids.com- (decoder puzzle)

sermons4kids.com- (fill in the blanks)

biblepathwaysadventures.com- The Good Samaritan (quiz)

stthomassunvalley.org- Help Is On The Way Worksheet (page 8)

sdc.me.uk- Luke 10:27-37 Worksheet

apcurriculum.com- A Kind Man Worksheet
Circle the best answer for each question or statement.

apcurriculum.com- What Does It Mean? Matching Worksheet

thereligionteacher.com- The Good Samaritan Worksheet (scroll down to this)

elibrary.tjc.org- The Parable of the Good Samaritan Worksheets (scroll down for these)

Lesson Plan- Ash Wednesday & Lent (1st grade on up)

Ash Wednesday and Lent


For older students:

thereligionteacher.com- Ash Wednesday Lesson Plan which includes a full set of activities, worksheets, integration with the Ash Wednesday Video, and a short quiz to assess the students' progress.

thereligionteacher.com- Lent Project and Lesson Plan Ideas



For younger students:

Objectives: The students will be able to
- explain what happens on Ash Wednesday and where the ashes come from
- explain what abstinence and fasting is
- explain what we are supposed to do during Lent and why



Review:
Prayer, questions and vocabulary words from last week’s lesson


Vocabulary Words: (Write words on the board and discuss with class)

Lent- the time before Easter
Changed- to become different
Ash Wednesday- the first day of Lent
Penance- an act of religious devotion performed to show sorrow for having committed a sin.
Abstinence- to not do something
Fasting- going without food or eating less than you normally do
Almsgiving- doing good for others (gifts, money, or to help others)



Plan:


Ash Wednesday (write it on the board)

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, blessed ashes are put on your forehead in the shape of a cross. These ashes are made by burning palm leaves which have been saved from last year’s Palm Sunday.

Ash Wednesday is also when we begin to do penance for Lent. Penance is an act of religious devotion performed to show sorrow for having committed a sin. We do this to improve our relationship with God and others. The Church suggests three special practices of penance for Lent:

(Write the bold words on the board).

Pray- go to Mass more often, pray more often.

During Lent the Stations of the Cross (prayers about the journey Jesus made to his crucifixion on Good Friday) are said at our church every Friday. My family goes to this every Friday during Lent.

Can you think of other ideas?

Fast- going without food or eating less. It can also mean giving up a certain food or treat.

During Lent there is fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday for ages 18–59 (one full meal or two smaller ones).

Abstinence from meat is required for Catholics aged 14+ on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent. They cannot eat beef, pork, or chicken. What can they eat? They can eat fish and other seafood, vegetables, eggs, milk and other dairy products.

My husband is giving up Diet Coke during Lent. My son is eating less sweets during Lent.

Can you think of other ideas?

Almsgiving- means doing good for others. That can be giving gifts of money or help to others.

The money my husband does not spend for Diet Cokes he will collect. At the end of Lent he will give the money to the poor.

Can you think of other ideas?



Activities:

Introduce activities: What day does Lent begin? Ash Wednesday


This activity below is free; however it can only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted.

Ash Wednesday (worksheet)- Put number one through seven on the board. Read each question and write the correct word by the number after the student has answered the question. Have the students fill in the blanks on their paper with the correct answer from the word bank.



Review Ash Wednesday:

Once a year you can see many people with a black smudge on their forehead. Do you know what it is? (The Sign of the Cross made with blessed ashes.)

The day the cross is made on everyone’s forehead with blessed ashes is called what? (Ash Wednesday)

Ash Wednesday is the first day of what? (Lent and write it on the board)

Lent is the time before Easter, the day we celebrate Jesus’ rising from the dead. The Sign of the Cross made with ashes reminds us of Jesus’ great love and that he died on the cross so that we could live with him forever in heaven.

Lent lasts for 40 days (not counting Sundays). Why 40 days? (The 40 days recalls the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and being tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11).

Lent beings on Ash Wednesday and ends on what day? (Lent officially ends at sundown on Holy Thursday.)

What is the color for Lent? (violet)

During Lent we do fasting (write fasting on the board). Fasting means going without food or eating less. It can also mean giving up a certain food or treat. The rules of fasting state that only one full meal a day can be taken. Two small meals, are allowed but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals breaks the fast, but drinking liquids does not. The rule of fasting is required for Catholics from age 18 to 59.

You are six years old. Do you do fasting during Lent? (No)

What about your parents? Do they fast during Lent? (Yes)

What days do Catholics fast? (On Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday.)

During Lent, Catholics do abstinence (write abstinence on the board). Abstinence means to not eat meat. The rule of abstinence for all Catholics requires those 14 years of age and older not to eat meat on Fridays during Lent and on Ash Wednesday.

My son is 16, does he do abstinence during Lent? (Yes)

You are six years old, do you do abstinence during Lent? (No)

Do your teachers do abstinence during Lent? (Yes)

What can we eat that is not meat? (Fish and other seafood, vegetables, eggs, milk and other dairy products.)

Do we fast and do abstinence every day during Lent? No, we only fast and do abstinence on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. During Lent, every Friday we must practice abstinence (not eat meat).

During the forty days of Lent we are like a caterpillar. We try to change to live our new life more fully.

We try to do more things that show we love God. How could we show our love for God? (By praying and listening to his Word.)

We try to love others as Jesus did. We do special things for others during Lent. We try to change. We want to become people who do not hurt others by what we say or do.



Ask student questions from the Lent Take Home Sheet out loud in class.



Introduce activities: What do you know about Lent? Let’s find out.

This activity below is free; however it can only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted.

All About Lent- (coloring booklet)
Have students read the mini book out loud in class by taking turns (each read a page) and take home to read to their parents. Students can also color mini book.

fcpeace.com- My Lenten Resolution Egg
Every Sunday during Lent, think back on your week and decide how well you did with your resolution. Check the box that best describes your effort.

sundayschoolkids.com- About Lent lesson with activities

catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com- 40 Ideas for 40 Days

kindercraze.com- Sharing Lenten Love with Good Deeds (a printable good deeds chart for children)

faithandfabric.blogspot.com- ACTIVITY: Countdown to Easter Activities
To celebrate Lent this year, try something new - at the start of Lent, you create a chain out of forty strips of paper - each of the strips has a simple activity for the day that you are encouraged to do together as a family. As the strips are torn off, and the activity completed, the chain gets shorter and shorter as it counts down to Easter Sunday.

catholicinspired.com- Lenten Prayer Chain
Remove one link each day and pray for the people who are mentioned on that link. The neat thing is it doubles as a countdown to Easter!

looktohimandberadiant.com- Lent: Pray, Fast, Give Printable
I created a printable that easily makes three pockets to hold ideas for these three marks of Lent. I also brainstormed a list of possible kid-friendly ways they can pray, fast, and give. You (or your kids) could also create your own ideas and write them on small cards or strips of paper. I would suggest that then each child pulls one idea from each pocket each morning and has the goal of completing that sacrifice or prayer by the end of the day. Then, the next morning, they choose three new things. I think this short term focus can help them be successful over the course of the long 40 days, and it also can stretch them in a new way each day, leaving room for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts.



Crafts:

lbrummer68739.net- Lent to Easter: Start and Finish Strong (craft)

freekidscrafts.com- Lenten Prayer Chain

childrensministry.com- Use this Blooming Cross Craft throughout the Lent season and people will enjoy pointing out their flowers on the cross.

catholicinspired.com- Lenten Prayer Chain
Remove one link each day and pray for the people who are mentioned on that link. The neat thing is it doubles as a countdown to Easter!

pinterest.com- 340 Best Lenten Ideas

catholicicing.com- Pray, Fast, Give Alms– a Lenten Craft for Kids
Use a paper plate, plastic silverware, and real pennies for that extra special touch.

faithandfabric.blogspot.com- Family Lent Promise Card

faithandfabric.blogspot.com- Lenten Prayer Stained Glass



Introduce craft: What happens during Ash Wednesday?

faithfilledfreebies.blogspot.com- Ash Wednesday Craft
Click on the craft image on the left to download the Google Doc

catholicinspired.com- Ash Wednesday Craft
This printable activity allows the kids to draw a picture of themselves and then add an ash cross to their forehead.



Introduce craft: What happens to a caterpillar? He changes into a butterfly. What are we supposed to do during Lent? We are to change. We are going to make something to show us how the caterpillar changed into a butterfly to remind us that we are to change during Lent and become more like Jesus.





Caterpillar to Butterfly Craft







enchantedlearning.com- Egg Carton Caterpillar
This is an easy way to make caterpillars using egg cartons, crayons or markers, scissors, and pipe cleaners. You could also have the students decorate the caterpillar by gluing small objects like beads, craft foam, cut out paper shapes, etc. Googly eyes are a nice touch also. I use this craft to emphasize that they are to change during Lent. I then at Easter use a butterfly craft to show how the caterpillar changed and became a butterfly.


Introduce craft/activity: What are alms? Long ago money given to the poor was called alms. We are going to make an Alms Jar to take home to remind us the importance of almsgiving and giving to the poor.

Alms Jar

Need: Jar with lid, sticker with “Alms Jar” printed on it, various things to glue on jar, glue

Directions: Have students decorate alms jar. Have them put sticker “Alms Jar” on the jar when they are finish decorating the jar.

The whole family can enter into the spirit of saving for alms. A glass jar is placed at the center of the table on Ash Wednesday, and all the money each family member saves as a result of self-denial from smoking, eating candy, going to movies or similar activities is put into it. Whatever you are sacrificing during Lent, that money you would of spent goes into the jar. The mother, buying simpler and cheaper foods for Lenten meals, puts the difference into the jar at meal time — so all can see where the cost of the dessert went! The children spend the first weeks of Lent investigating needy causes and charitable organizations and missions. They will have the responsibility of determining who gets the alms-fund. (Print this out and glue on an index card. Attach it or put inside the Alms Jar for the students to bring home for family to read).

catholicculture.org- Lenten Sacrifice Beans
A wonderful way to help younger children remind them to do penance during Lent, lima beans in a jar record each Lenten sacrifice.

Prayer Jar by paperdali.blogspot.com- Instead of just writing down a petition for our Lenten prayer jar, paperdali decided to draw the little petitions. Each strip has a picture and the beginning of a prayer for a child (or adult, actually) to finish. To enjoy, just download the page, cut along the dotted line, put them in a jar, and then put it in an accessible spot. During Lent, a child (or adult) can take out a strip during breakfast and begin the day with a prayer.



Games:

young-catholics.com- Could You Give It Up Game

Introduce game: How well do you know Lent? Let’s find out.

christiancrafters.com- Bible Tic Tac Toe
Scroll down for directions. Use Lent questions from above to play this game.

Bible Bowl- Students will test their Bible knowledge as they bowl their way to win. Use Lent trivia questions to play this game. (The Super Bible Game Book by Linda Standke, page 121 - 127).

Hangman- (Players try to solve the Lent mystery word). The teacher picks a Lent word that is written on a piece of paper out of a bowl. The teacher then starts the hangman game by writing a blank line for each letter in the word. Teacher then picks someone to guess a letter. (Write on the chalkboard the letters that were guessed that were not in the mystery word). If a letter is guess correctly, it is written in the appropriate blank(s) and that person who guessed correctly gets another turn. They can guess another letter or guess the mystery word. If the person is incorrect, another player gets a turn. Whoever guessed the mystery word gets to pick a Lent word out of the bowl and start the hangman game.



The following games are free, however they are only to be used for classroom and personal use. They may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on these games are not my own and are from various internet sources.


Journey Through Lent Game- A fun way to review Lent. The objective of the game is to get the most points by answering questions about Lent. Make a die out of a large juice carton and put a ? mark on some (at least 3) of the sides of the die. Set a timer for a specified time. Have a player roll the die on the floor in front of the class. If the die lands on a blank space, they do not answer a question. If the die lands on “?”, they are asked a question by the teacher about Lent. If the player answers correctly, they receive a point (you can use tokens, write it on the board, etc.). If they are not correct, they do not receive a point. Players must collect as many points as they can. The game is over when the timer goes off. Whoever has the most points, wins. You can play this game individually or in teams. For an added challenge, you can also have “Lose 1 Point” and “Take 1 Point” on one or a couple of the sides of the die. When a player rolls “Lose 1 Point”, they must lose 1 point. If a player rolls “Take 1 Point”, they may take a point from any player they choose.

Journey Through Lent Board Game- Here is a neat and easy way to review Lent using a Lenten Calendar. Just print out a Lenten Calendar (suggestions are posted). You can play this game individually or in teams. The players take turns answering questions correctly to throw the die and move from space to space according to the throw count. The first player to Easter Sunday is the winner.

Lentopoly- is a game that is meant to incorporate the 3 aspects of Lent: prayer, fasting & almsgiving. By doing the charitable acts each day the child “earns” tokens (nails, pennies, beans, etc.). You can have a container full of tokens and each child has their own jar to put their ‘earned’ tokens into each day. On Easter the tokens are replaced with jelly beans or other candy/item of your choice. Parents can play too! If you decide to use money, you should decide what organization will get your money on Easter – your parish, pro-life group, rice bowl, etc.



Snacks:

Introduce snack: What is supposed to happen to us during Lent? We are to try and be more like Jesus.

dltk-kids.com- Popcorn Praises

Lenten Hot Cross Buns- Story with song and directions to make Lenten Hot Cross Buns. (Kids Explore American's Catholic Heritage, page 165).


Introduce snack: What used to be the Lenten bread in the early centuries of the Christian era? (The pretzel.)

catholicculture.org- Introduction: We are going to make pretzels too (recipe included).

catholicculture.org- Pretzel Recipe

pillsbury.com- Mini Soft Pretzels with Dip
Make these easy pretzels with or without dip. A great reference for Lent.

pillsbury.com- Soft Pesto Pretzels
Make this easy pretzel recipe without pesto and cheese using refrigerated breadsticks. Sprinkle with caraway seed and coarse salt before baking.



Puzzles, Mazes, Worksheets:

catholicicing.com- Printable Lenten Calendar for Kids
This is my Printable Lenten Calendar for Kids. It’s free for everyone to print! This year, I’m offering it in black and white, in color, and also as a blank page so you can fill in any language! I have also updated the file to include Lenten calendars that readers have submitted in different languages.

Lenten Calendar by waltzingm.com- A lenten calendar to count down the 40 days of Lent based on a 40 days in the desert theme with an oasis on each Sunday (scroll down to this).

zephyrhillblog.com- Printable Calendars for Lent

apples4theteacher.com- printables and interactive worksheets associated with Ash Wednesday

teacherspayteachers.com- Ash Wednesday Worksheet for Lent

teachervision.com- The Season of Lent (word scramble)

pflaum.com- Four times during the school year, Pflaum Gospel Weeklies provides three ready-to-print activities for each level; Seeds (Preschool), Promise (Grades K-1), Good News (Grades 2-3), Venture (Grades 4-6) and Visions (Grades 7-8). Plus each season special features for the entire family.

catecheticalresources.com- Lent activities for grades 1 – 8

sacredhearthouston.org- Our Path During Lent
Each day you say a prayer, draw a † in a stone. Color a stone each day you help someone. Each day you accept help from someone, draw a smiley face. (Grade 1)

sacredhearthouston.org- Here are ways to serve others. Choose three things you will do during Lent. (Grade 2)

sacredhearthouston.org- Follow the maze below to complete the prayer that praises Jesus. (Grade 3)

sacredhearthouston.org- Stations of the Cross
Make a picture strip. Cut on the solid lines. Paste the two pieces together. Read your Stations of the Cross. (Grade 3)

sacredhearthouston.org- Prayer of Sorrow
Unscramble the words to complete the prayer. The words are in order. (Grade 4)

sacredhearthouston.org- Go to the Liturgical Calendar – Lent at blestarewe.com. Use the information there to fill in the blanks. (Grade 5)

sacredhearthouston.org- Lent and the Liturgical Calendar
To find out about them, go to the Liturgical Calendar – Lent at blestarewe.com/litcal/index.html. A church calendar or Bible will also help. (Grade 6)

dosmallthingswithlove.com- Lenten Worksheets for Kids

tes.com- A worksheet that gets pupils thinking about the Christian tradition of giving something up during Lent.

tes.com- This resource provides a fun and reflective activity relating to Lent and new beginnings. It supports the Here I Am topic Self-Giving, but can be easily adapted to suit your requirements. The activity can be used in collaboration with our Lent Calendar and Lent Liturgy to form part of your meaningful preparations for Easter.

thecompassnews.org- Scroll down for Lent worksheets

reallifeathome.com- Planning For Lent Printables

crusaders-for-christ.com- Fill out worksheet. You can either mark off each day as it passes or place one of the Sacred Heart stickers on the cross in the appropriate spot.

teachingandlearningresources.co.uk- Lent (crossword)

domestic-church.com- Lenten (crossword)



These activities below are free, however they can only to be used for classroom and personal use. They may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit.

Ash Wednesday (worksheet)- Put number one through seven on the board. Read each question and write the correct word by the number after the student has answered the question. Have the students fill in the blanks on their paper with the correct answer from the word bank.

Ash Wednesday- word search

How Much Do You Know About Lent?- 20 true or false with answers



Skits or Puppet Shows:

youthsource.com- Six Skits for Lent

christiancrafters.com- Observing Lint? (skit or puppet show)

youtube.com- Lent Puppet Show

*You can always record the puppet show on a audio tape and play it during the puppet show to make it easier for the children to do by themselves.



Songs:

catholicicing.com- Lent Song for Kids (with actions and youtube.com video)

Lesson Plan- Temptation of Jesus (1st grade on up)

Temptation of Jesus


Objectives: The students will be able to
- retell the story The Temptation of Jesus
- explain why Jesus always answered the devil with scripture
- explain why we are tempted and how we can resist temptation



Review:
Prayer, questions and vocabulary words from last week’s lesson



Vocabulary Words: (Write words on the board and discuss with class)

tempted- trick or cause desire or craving to happen in somebody
devil- a fallen angel, especially Satan, the chief of the bad angels
Satan- another name for the devil
worship- respect given for a holy being
angel- messengers of God



Plan:

Read story: “The Temptation of Jesus” and then ask question



Activities:

sermons4kids.com- Who Says? object lesson with group activities, coloring, puzzles, quiz, worship bulletin

sermons4kids.com- Resisting Temptation object lesson with group activities, coloring, puzzles, quiz, worship bulletin

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Christ object lesson (You can also use this for an intro to the snack if you choose to have bite size candy bars).

sermons4kids.com- What Did Jesus Do? object lesson with group activities, coloring, puzzles, quiz, worship bulletin

sermons4kids.com- I’ll Be Back object lesson with group activities, coloring, puzzles, worship bulletin

calvarycurriculum.com- Jesus is Tempted lesson #175 (Matthew 4:1-11) with memory verses, circle the correct words, true or false, fill in the blanks, puzzles, and color sheets.

sundayschoolsources.com- Jesus is Tempted (part 1) lesson (Luke 4:1-4)

sundayschoollessons.com- Jesus Says No To The Devil lesson

ministry-to-children.com- Jesus is Tempted (Matthew 4:1-11) Sunday School Lesson

word-sunday.com- Saying "No!" To Temptation

tes.com- The Temptation of Jesus
A lesson which looks at the concept of temptation in relation to the temptation Jesus faced. A choice of 4 activities to aid differentiation. Very good Youtube video to go with it - the PowerPoint has a link to the site.

churchofjesuschrist.org- Jesus Christ Was Tempted by Satan (lesson with activities)

dawsonchurch.org- Temptation (lesson Matthew 4:1-11)

jesuswalk.com- Jesus' Temptation (Luke 4:1-13) lesson

bible.org- Lesson 15: The Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13)

dltk-bible.com- Jesus Rap
A rap song about Jesus being tempted in the wilderness.



Crafts:

sermons4kids.com- Who Says? group activities (crafts)

sermons4kids.com- Resisting Temptation group activities (crafts)

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Christ group activities (crafts)

sermons4kids.com- I’ll Be Back group activities (crafts)

auntiesbiblelessons.wordpress.com- Temptation of Christ (craft)


Introduce craft: We are tempted every day. How can we make to help remind ourselves to do the right thing?

dltk-bible.com- What Would Jesus Do mobile

ehow.com- How to Make Your Own WWJD Bracelet

dltk-bible.com- Paper Bead Cross

christiancrafters.com- Colors of Christ Cross
Neat tip at the bottom for younger students.



Introduce today’s activity: Today we are learning how Jesus used the Bible to help him say “no” to the devil. Show the children your craft. Read the Scripture Memory Verse written in the pickle. Say: Just as we need bread we also need other nourishing types of foods such as meat and cheese. Jesus knows that the Bible is the best food for our souls. Just as it is important to eat food each day to stay healthy, it is also important to read the Bible every day to stay healthy in our souls. Today we will make hero sandwiches to remind us that true heroes are nourished by God’s word!

blueridgedisciples.org- Hero Sandwich from Jesus Defeats Satan: Lesson 1 (page 5, & 16).
On pickle: Jesus answered, "It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4

Preparation:

1. Print out the pickles sheet on green paper. Each child will need only one pickle.
2. Make a slice of bread template out of cardboard. Trace and cut two slices of bread from brown construction paper for each child. You can also use sponges or foam to look more like bread.
3. Make an assortment of “sandwich items” as follows:

A. To make cheese, cut 4" squares from yellow construction paper.
B. To make bologna, cut a 4" circle from pink construction paper.
C. To make salami, cut a 4" circle from red construction paper.
D. To make turkey, cut a 4" circle from beige construction paper.
E. To make olive loaf, cut a 4" circle from pink construction paper. Cut four 1" circles from green construction paper.
F. To make lettuce, cut a 4" lettuce leaf shape from green construction paper.
G. To make tomato slices, cut a 3" circle from red construction paper. Using a red marker, draw an inner circle, sections and squiggly lines throughout the inner circle.

NOTE: Cut approximately three sandwich items for each child.

4. Make a sample of the craft for the children to see.

Instructions:

1. Introduce today’s activity: Today we are learning how Jesus used the Bible to help him say “no” to the devil. Show the children your craft. Read the Scripture Memory Verse written in the pickle. Just as we need bread we also need other nourishing types of foods such as meat and cheese. Jesus knows that the Bible is the best food for our souls! Just as it is important to eat food each day to stay healthy, it is also important to read the Bible every day to stay healthy in our souls. Today we will make hero sandwiches to remind us that true heroes are nourished by God’s word!
2. Distribute the paper plates, crayons, pickles and glue sticks. Have the children glue their pickles near the bottom edge of their plates. Show sample of craft.
3. Give the children one of their bread slices. Have them glue the bread to their plates above the pickles.
4. Have the children pick three of the sandwich items. Have them glue each item onto their bread.
5. Give the children their second slice of bread. Help them tape or glue the bread to the top of their sandwiches.
6. Have the write their names on their plates, and color them.



Games:

sermons4kids.com- Who Says? group activities (games)

sermons4kids.com- Resisting Temptation group activities (games)

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Christ group activities (games)

sermons4kids.com- I’ll Be Back group activities (games)

ministrytoyouth.com- Temptation Game Show (scroll down to this)

shauna-naner.blogspot.com- Avoiding Temptation Game

Temptation Obstacle Course- The Encyclopedia of Bible Games for Children’s Ministry, page 73.

christiancrafters.com- Survivor Temptation Island
Through various fun games, activities, and group Bible discussions, participants will learn that temptation is from Satan and can lead to sin. Participants will also learn how to receive God's power to resist Satan's temptations. Event lasts approximately 3.5 hours. For grades 5 and up.



Introduce game: What are you tempted to do when you are not doing well during a game? Discuss. Let’s see if you can resist temptation while playing this fun game!

Resist the Temptation Putt-Putt


Make a putt-putt golf course.

creativekidsathome.com- Indoor Miniature Golf

boyslife.org- Build a Miniature Golf Course in Your Backyard

mykidsadventrures.com- How to Build a Mini-Golf Course at Home With Your Family

entertainment.howstuffworks.com- Backyard Mini Golf Obstacle Ideas



These game are free, however they can only to be used for classroom and personal use. They may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on these activities are not my own and are from various internet sources.

Jesus Is Our Savior- Jesus is our rescuer and offers us a lifeline when we’re trapped in sin. How can we solve the problems in our life? Jesus is our savior and if we follow him, he will show us the way.

WWJD- Making the right decisions in life is hard to do, but if you let Jesus be your guide and think, “What Would Jesus Do?” it will make it a lot easier.

Moral Dilemmas- Why do problems come into our life? People face problems every day. Some are harder than others. There are many choices that the person can have to solve his/her problem, but which one is the best? What would Jesus want us to do?

Resist the Temptation (file folder game)- The object of the game is to resist the temptation just like Jesus did. 2 Game Boards to choose from!



Snacks:

Introduce snack: If you went out into the desert, what would you bring? Let’s make some Trail Mix that could help us survive.

cdkitchen.com- Trail Mix and Granola Recipes

landolakes.com- Buttery Trail Mix

bettycrocker.com- Honey Nut Snack Mix

bettycrocker.com- Munchy Trail Mix



Puzzles, Mazes, Worksheets:

More 365 Activities for Kids- do Jesus was Tempted by Satan spot the difference puzzle on August 18.

Satan Tries to Tempt Jesus- The pictures below tell the story of Jesus in the desert. But they are all mixed up. Number them in the order that they happened. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus’ Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 23).

gardenofpraise.com- The Temptation of Jesus (word search)

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Jesus (word search) Matthew 4:1-11

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Jesus (word search) Luke 4:1-13

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Christ (word search) Luke 4:1-13

sermons4kids.com- I’ll Be Back (word search) Luke 4:1-13

web.archive.org- Matthew 4:1-11 Word Search

web.archive.org- Mark 1:12-15 Word Search

web.archive.org- Luke 4:1-13 Word Search

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Jesus (alphabet soup) Luke 4:1-2a

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Jesus (alphabet soup) Matthew 4:1

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Jesus (word shape) Luke 4:1-2a

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Jesus (decoder) Luke 4:1-2

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Jesus (jumble) Matthew 4:3-11

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Jesus (alphabet soup)

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Jesus (crossword) Matthew 4:1

4catholiceducators.com- Matthew 4:1-11 (crossword)

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Jesus (crossword) Luke 4:1-13

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Christ (crossword) Luke 4:1-13

sermons4kids.com- I’ll Be Back (crossword) Luke 4:1-13

web.archive.org- Matthew 4:1-11 Crossword

web.archive.org- Mark 1:12-15 Crossword

web.archive.org- Luke 4:1-13 Crossword

sdc.me.uk- Matthew 4:1-11 Worksheet (Year A)

sdc.me.uk- Mark 1:12-15 (Year B)

sdc.me.uk- Luke 4:1-13 Worksheet (Year C)

calvarycurriculum.com- Jesus is Tempted lesson #175 (Matthew 4:1-11) with circle the correct words, true or false, fill in the blanks, puzzles, etc.

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Jesus (multiple choice) Matthew 4:1

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Jesus (multiple choice) Luke 4:1-2a

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Christ (multiple choice) Luke 4:1-2

sermons4kids.com- The Temptation of Jesus (scrambled sentences) Luke 4:4-12

freesundayschoolcurriculum.weebly.com- The Tempting of Jesus puzzles (page 8 & 9)

sundayschoolzone.com- Jesus' Temptation Bible Activities (puzzles, worksheets, etc.)

jesuswalk.com- Jesus' Temptation (Luke 4:1-13) lesson with questions at bottom that can easily be made into a worksheet

bible.org- Lesson 15: The Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13) with questions at bottom that can easily be made into a worksheet

churchofjesuschrist.org- Jesus Christ Was Tempted by Satan (scroll down to Discussion and Application Questions that can easily be made into a worksheet)

sppcsa.com- Jesus is Tempted Worksheets (scroll down to these)

smp.org- Jesus Is Tempted This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a helpful way to organize notes about Jesus' temptation in the desert - including what the temptation was, how he responded, and what students can learn from it.

teacherspayteachers.com- Jesus' Temptation in the Desert Worksheets
There is a worksheet for each version of the story (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). They are particularly designed to help you reflect on the ways they can prepare to make their 40-day journey through the season of Lent.

Lesson Plan- Unforgiving Servant (1st grade on up)

Unforgiving Servant

Objectives: The students will be able to
- retell the story The Unforgiving Servant
- explain why God forgives us when we are truly sorry
- explain why we are to forgive others over and over again
- describe how we can be kind and forgiving to others



Review:
Prayer, questions and vocabulary words from last week’s lesson



Vocabulary Words: (Write the bold words on the board and discuss with class)
debt- something that is owed
servant- somebody who serves another
parable- a story with a hidden meaning
mercy- forgiveness



Plan:

Read story: “The Unforgiving Servant” and then ask questions



Activties:

loyolapress.com- Background on the Gospel and activities for groups and families

4catholiceducatiors.com- Resources on the Sunday Readings (Matthew)

sermons4kids.com- Over and Over Again object lesson with group activities, coloring page, puzzles, quiz, worship bulletin

sermons4kidslcom- Keep On Forgiving object lesson with group activities, coloring page, puzzles, quiz, worship bulletin

meaningfulmama.com- Character Building Object Lesson About Forgiveness

word-sunday.com- Forgiveness (scroll down to Gospel)

word-sunday.com- Arms Folded, Arms Out! (family activity)

ministry-to-children.com- Kids Bible Lesson (Matthew 18:21-35) The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

ministry-to-children.com- Lesson: Judge not! God’s Mercy Always Wins (Matthew 18:21-35)

ministry-to-children.com- “God Wants Me to Forgive Everyone?” Sunday School Lesson from Matthew 18:21-35

sundayschool.works- The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35) Sunday School Lessons for Kids

gracelink.net- Seventy Times Seven lesson

missionbibleclass.org- Parable of an Unforgiving Servant lesson with activities

weconnect.com- Matthew 18:21-35 lesson with activities

cloversites.com- Forgiving Others (lesson)

jesuswalk.com- Forgiveness in the Kingdom (Matthew 18:21-35; 6:9-15)

dltk-bible.com- The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant lesson with activities

youthgroupministry.com- Youth Ministry Lesson on Matthew 18:21-35: Breaking the Chains of Unforgiveness

truewaykids.com- The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (free printable lessons for under 5s, over 5s, preteens and teens)

rclblectionary.com- Matthew 18:21-35 Primary Lesson

rclblectionary.com- Matthew 18:21-35 Intermediate Lesson

rclblectionary.com- Matthew 18:21-35 Junior High Lesson

The Catholic Toolbox- Unforgiving Servant Lesson Plan for 1st Grade On Up with Objectives, Review, Vocabulary Words, Bible Story with questions, Activities, Crafts, Games, Snacks, Puzzles/Mazes/Worksheets, etc.

The Catholic Toolbox- What Can Teens Do For Gospel For The Mass Activities?

textweek.com- Lectionary, Scripture Study and Worship Links and Resources



Crafts

sermons4kidslcom- Keep On Forgiving (group activities) crafts

sermons4kidslcom- Over And Over Again (group activities) crafts

jesus-without-language.net- Parable of the forgiven Debt (Matthew 18) | Craft 1

jesus-without-language.net- Parable of the forgiven Debt (Matthew 18) | Craft 2

ministry-to-children.com- Reflecting God (scroll down to craft)

Jesus Always Forgives poem by Patricia Meyers (idea for a lacing craft)- Have students print this out or print out on computer and give it to your students to paste inside heart.

Jesus Always Forgives

Sometimes we hurt each other's hearts by
mean things said or done.
It's hard not to be mad or angry,
forgiveness isn't fun.
But after the "I'm sorry" if we'll say “it's okay"
and mean it deep inside our heart,
we choose the Bible way.
Jesus always forgives us,
I know that that is true.
When we say we're sorry,
He makes our hearts brand new.

By: Patricia Meyers


kidssundayschool.com- Seventy Times Seven
How many times should I forgive? A delightful craft to show how often we should forgive one another.


Introduce crafts: What does God want us to do when someone does something wrong to us? Forgive them.

kidniche.com- How To Forgive When It Hurts Craft

daniellesplace.com- Make a Wipe Off Heart (scroll down to this)

daniellesplace.com- “Pure Heart” Heart Pocket Craft (scroll down to this)

ministry-to-children.com- Bible Crafts about Forgiveness and Mercy

catechist.com- The Joy of a Clean Heart : A craft about Penance and Reconciliation

i.pinimg.com- Create In Me A Clean Heart Craft



Games

sermons4kidslcom- Keep On Forgiving (group activities) games

sermons4kidslcom- Over And Over Again (group activities) games

sermons4kids.com- Forgiving And Forgiven (group activities) games

jesus-without-language.net- Parable of the forgiven Debt (Matthew 18) | Games



Introduce games: God forgives the wrong things we have done, what should we do to others who have done something wrong? Forgive them.

Five in a Row- This game will help children to discover that when Jesus forgives them, their sins are forgotten. (The Encyclopedia of Bible Games for Children’s Ministry, page 125).

Who’s Forgiven- The Really Big Book of Bible Games page 66.

howtoadult.com- Games to Teach Teens Forgiveness

biblegamescentral.com- What’s Wrong
Challenge everyone to identify and erase wrong statements from a given list. This activity can be used in lessons on forgiveness and to teach that love keeps no record of wrongs.


Introduce game: The core lesson for the Unforgiving Servant is the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

The Catholic Toolbox- The Golden Rule (file folder game)

The Catholic Toolbox- The Unforgiving Servant (file folder game)



Movies

Forgiving: God Wants Me To Forgive Them?! (Veggie Tales)

Introduce movie: How many times are you to forgive someone? Many, many times.

The Grapes of Wrath (12 min.)

Questions to ask after movie:

1. What did the grapes do to Junior? They made fun of him.
2. Who does God want us to be kind to? Everyone
3. When someone says they are sorry and they really mean it, what should you say? I forgive you.
4. How many times are you supposed to forgive someone? Not 7 times, but seventy times seven (490). In other words, many, many times.

Larry’s Lagoon (15 min.)

1. What happened to the boat? Larry smashed it.
2. How did everyone feel about Larry? They were mad at him.
3. How doe it feel when someone says they forgive you? It feels good.
4. It is wrong to not forgive someone when they say they are sorry and they really mean it? Yes.



Snacks

Introduce snack: When might you need to trust God’s faithfulness? When I do something wrong and ask for God’s forgiveness.

christiancrafters.com- Sweet Faith Crackers

pillsbury.com- Faith Cookies
Have the children make cross shaped cookies and decorate them. (Example: one large rectangle for main part of cross, and one smaller rectangle to form the cross).


Puzzles/Worksheets

Introduce puzzle: How many times must we forgive someone? We should forgive over and over again just like God and Jesus. Nutty Numbers (How many times you should forgive maze)- Maze Mania by Viki Woodworth (page 18)

dltk-bible.com- The Unmerciful Servant anagrams, crossword, cryptogram, mazes, word mining, word searches

sermons4kids.com- Keep On Forgiving (Word Search)

4catholiceducators.com- Matthew 18:21-25 (Word Search)

web.archive.org- 18:21-35 Word Search

sermons4kidslcom- Keep On Forgiving (Decoder)

sermons4kidslcom- Keep On Forgiving (Spiral Puzzle)

web.archive.org- Crossword

4catholiceducators.com- The Unmerciful Slave (Crossword)

sermons4kidslcom- Keep On Forgiving (Crossword)

web.archive.org- 18:21-35 Crossword

catholicmom.com- Scroll down to the date for Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, Word Search, etc.

catholickidsbulletin.com- Download a FREE bulletin to help your kids learn more about our Catholic Mass. Each week's bulletin contains coloring pages for a saint and activities based on the Gospel. The coloring pages may also include a maze, dot-to-dot, find the picture, and many other activities.

sermons4kidslcom- Keep On Forgiving (Word Match)

sdc.me.uk- Matthew 18:21-35

thekidsbulletin.com- Matthew 18:21-35 Kid’s Bulletin

truewaykids.com- The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (free printable puzzles and worksheets for under 5s, over 5s, preteens and teens)

jesuswalk.com- Forgiveness in the Kingdom (Matthew 18:21-35; 6:9-15) with questions that can easily be made into a worksheet

studyandobey.com- Matthew 18:21-35 Inductive Bible Study – Discussion Questions and Teaching Points (questions can easily be made into a worksheet)

hermeneutrix.com- Questions for Reflection and Discussion – Matthew 18 21-35 (questions that can easily be made into a worksheet)

calvinpc.org- Matthew 18:21-35

pdf4pro.com- The Unforgiving Servant- Matthew 18:21-35 (questions that can easily be made into a worksheet)

standardlesson.com- Download the “Making CENTS of the Story” worksheet

efree.org- The Unforgiving Servant (questions that can easily be made into a worksheet)


From Google AI Mode

Questions about the story and its details
• Peter suggested forgiving "up to seven times" (v. 21). What was the standard rabbinic teaching on forgiveness at the time, and why might Peter have thought seven was a generous number?
• What was the scale of the first servant's debt of 10,000 talents compared to the debt of 100 denarii owed to him by a fellow servant? What does this extreme difference illustrate about our sins against God versus others' offenses against us?
• Both the first servant and his fellow servant begged for "patience" and promised to "pay you back everything" (vv. 26, 29). How is the king's response to the first servant different from the first servant's response to his fellow?
• What did the other servants do when they saw the unforgiving servant's cruel behavior? What does their reaction teach about the impact of unforgiveness?

Questions about the meaning and application
• The king represents God, and the first servant represents us. Who does the second servant represent, and what does the "debt" represent in the spiritual sense?
• The parable ends with the master delivering the wicked servant "to the torturers until he should pay all that was due" (v. 34). What does this severe punishment teach us about the consequences of withholding forgiveness?
• How can our experience of God's immense mercy and forgiveness influence our ability and willingness to forgive others?
• and willingness to forgive others?
• The passage ends with the statement, "So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart" (v. 35). What does it mean to forgive "from your heart"? Is it possible to forgive without forgetting?
• How does Jesus' teaching on unlimited forgiveness challenge societal norms and our natural desire for revenge or holding grudges?

Personal reflection questions
• Is there someone in your life who you have had difficulty forgiving? How can the parable's lesson motivate you to extend mercy in that relationship?
• Where are you tempted to be "stingy" with your forgiveness, and what justifications do you give yourself? How might meditating on God's lavish forgiveness help you overcome this?
• How can we make a distinction between forgiveness and reconciliation? Can you forgive someone without having a reconciled relationship with them?
• Reflect on a time when you were shown extravagant grace. How did that experience impact you and your relationships with others?