Preschool: Follow Jesus’s Example: Session 1—Jesus Helped His Friends (September 6)

1s & 2s—Rake Shredded Paper

Bible Story: Jesus Helped His Friends John 13:1-20
Life Point: We can help our friends.
Weekly Verse: Jesus said, “You should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15

Materials: Bible, Bible marker from the pack, toy rakes, shredded paper, dishpan or bucket

• Place the Bible marker in the Bible at John 13:15. Spread the paper on the floor and put the rakes nearby. When a child approaches, hand her a rake and show her how to rake the paper into a pile. A friend can scoop the paper into the dishpan.
• Thank children for helping each other. Open the Bible as you say the Weekly Verse. Comment that Jesus helped His friends by washing their feet. Say that they can help their friends, too.

3–Pre-K—Walk on a Bible Verse Path

Bible Story: Jesus Helped His Friends John 13:1-20
Life Point: We can help our friends.
Weekly Verse: Jesus said, “You should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15

Materials: heavy weight paper, clear contact plastic or clear packing tape, scissors, marker

• Cut the paper into large stone shapes. Print the words of the Weekly Verse onto the paper, one word per paper. Using clear contact plastic or packing tape, securely attach the “stones” to the floor in a path.
• Invite a preschooler to step in the “stone” path. Say the words together as each child steps on the path. Continue until each child has a turn. 
• Say that Jesus helped His friends and told them to do the same for others.

Kindergarten—Play a Friends Matching Game

Bible Story: Jesus Helped His Friends John 13:1-20
Life Point: We can help our friends.
Weekly Verse: Jesus said, “You should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15

Materials: index cards, marker

• Print the names of children in your class onto index cards, one name per card. Make two sets.
• Lay the cards facedown on a table, making a matching game. Invite two or more kindergartners to turn over two cards, trying to match the names.
• Comment on whose names they turned over and that these are kids in our class.
• Talk about the Bible story as children play the game. Say that Jesus helped His friends by washing their feet. Ask how kids help their friends.