Reuben Tries to Be Kind to Joseph • Lesson 2 Bible Point God wants us to be kind. Bible Verse “Be kind to each other” (Ephesians 4:32a). Growing Closer to Jesus Children will n hear a story about Reuben trying to show kindness to Joseph, n practice kindness by helping a classmate, n hear how Whiskers’ brother showed kindness, and n help each other make a snack.

Teacher Enrichment Bible Basis n Reuben tries to be kind to Joseph. Reuben, the oldest brother, was the first to show concern for Joseph’s life. As the oldest brother Genesis and leader of the family, Reuben was in some ways responsible for his brother’s safety. He would 37:18-30 likely be the one to bring the deceitful report of his brother’s demise to their aging father. His plan to put Joseph in a cistern (probably a dry well) in the desert and rescue him later may have been suspected by some of the other brothers. Scripture doesn’t say that the brothers enthusiastically supported his plan; they just did what the eldest brother suggested, as younger brothers would be expected to do. When the traders came along, Genesis 37:29 indicates that Reuben was not present. Possibly it was his turn to check on distant flocks; in any case, he didn’t witness his brothers’ next act. Judah suddenly suggested that they spare Joseph’s life. We don’t know if pangs of guilt, the appeal of money, or a desire to punish Joseph even more severely by making a slave of him prompted this suggestion. Whatever the motive, the decision was made, and Joseph was gone before Reuben returned. When he found Joseph was gone, he was grief-stricken, anguishing over what to do next and, no doubt, what to tell his father. Whatever their motives, both Reuben and Judah tried to save Joseph’s life, and God used their efforts to bring about his plan for Joseph in Egypt. What the other brothers intended for evil, God ultimately used for enormous good by using Joseph to save Jacob’s family and much of the region from starvation. Prayer • Read Colossians 3:12. • Which of the characteristics listed in the verse do you wear easily, and which are harder for you to don? • Pray: Jesus, as the ultimate example of these characteristics, help me be more… Before the Lesson n Collect the necessary items for the activities you plan to use, referring to the Classroom Supplies and Learning Lab Supplies listed on the chart. n Make photocopies of the “Today I Learned…” handout (at the end of this lesson) to send home with your children. n Pray for the children in your class and for God’s direction in teaching the lesson.

Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4 27 Lesson 2 This Lesson at a Glance What Children Will Do Classroom Supplies Learning Lab Supplies

Welcome Welcome!—Receive name tags, “Shirt Name Tags” (p. 24), scissors, Time and be greeted by the teacher. marker, safety pins or tape

Let’s Get Option 1: Bible Play—Use Four athletic socks, markers, Started finger puppets to act out the 8-inch square of multicolored Bible story. fabric, scissors Direct children to one or more Option 2: In the Hole—Hide Blankets, tables of the optional under table “wells.” activities until everyone arrives.

Option 3: Creating Modeling dough, cookie cutters, Kindness—Play with modeling rolling pins dough.

Pick-Up Time—Sing a song as CD player they pick up toys and gather for Bible Story Time.

Bible Story Setting the Stage—Help a Table, blanket, CD player Time friend out from under a table, and learn that it’s important to be kind.

Bible Song and Prayer Bible, CD player Time—Sing a song, bring out the Bible, and pray together.

Hear and Tell the Bible Bible, CD player Story—Learn about Reuben’s kindness to Joseph from Genesis 37:18-30, and then sing a song.

Do the Bible Story—Create CD player, scissors, at least craft flowers to give away as an 1 craft stick per child, glue act of kindness. Then act out Joseph’s story with rhythm and wiggles.

Closing Coloring Kindness—Hear Sheet of paper with a childlike how Whiskers’ brother shared his drawing on it, CD player markers, and teach Whiskers a song.

Kindness Crackers—Help Crackers, cream cheese, paper each other make a snack, and plates, spoon, plastic knives, then close in prayer. paper, markers

*See the end of this lesson for extra-time ideas and supplies.

28 Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4 Reuben Tries to Be Kind to Joseph Welcome Time

SUPPLIES: “Shirt Name Tags” (p. 24), scissors, marker, safety pins or tape • Kneel down and make eye contact with children as they arrive. • Greet each child individually with an enthusiastic smile. Consider laminating the name tags so they’ll last the entire quarter. • Thank each child for coming to class today. • As children arrive, ask them about last week’s lesson or take-home page. Use questions such as “What did you tell your family about Joseph’s special coat?” and “Did you feel jealous this week? What did you do?” • Say: Today we’re going to learn that God wants us to be kind. • Hand out the shirt name tags children made during Lesson 1, and help them attach the name tags to their clothing. Make some extra name tags in advance using the photocopiable handout, in case some of the name tags were damaged and for children who weren’t in class last week. • Direct children to the Let’s Get Started activities you’ve set up.

Let’s Get Started

Set out one or more of the following activities for children to do as they arrive. After you greet each child, invite him or her to choose an activity. Circulate among the children to offer help as needed and direct children’s conversation toward today’s lesson. Ask questions such as “What are some ways you show kindness?” or “How does it feel when someone’s kind to you?” n Option 1: Bible Play SUPPLIES: four athletic socks, markers, 8-inch square of multicolored fabric, scissors Create simple hand puppets from athletic socks. Use markers to draw eyes, hair, and nose. The mouth will be formed with the child’s hand when he or she is holding the ­puppet. Cut a hole in an 8-inch square of multicolored fabric so it fits over the head of one sock puppet, and then slip the fabric over the puppet to be Joseph. Set out the puppets. Have the children use the sock puppets to act out the Bible story from last week. Remind them that God wants us to be kind. If you don’t have tables, provide boxes for children to crawl into. n Option 2: In the Hole SUPPLIES: blankets, tables Drape heavy blankets over tables. Encourage children to climb under the tables and pretend they’re in a deep, dark hole. Provide crayons and markers Explain that today’s Bible story for the children to decorate the is about a boy named Joseph, outside of the boxes to be like who was put in a hole. a cave or a deep hole in the ground.

Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4 29 Lesson 2 n Help the child out from under the table, and then have children return to the story Option 3: Creating Kindness area. SUPPLIES: modeling dough, cookie cutters, rolling pins Ask: • Who had a chance to play under the table when you first came to Set out modeling dough, cookie cutters, and rolling pins. Try to provide ­people- class? Wait for children to raise hands or tell you. shaped cookie cutters if possible. Encourage children to share the materials as they • What was it like under the table? (Fun; dark; scary.) create things that remind them of the story of Joseph from last week, such as the • What did the rest of you do? (I made a building with blocks; I played with people in Joseph’s family. Remind children that Joseph’s brothers weren’t kind to him dough.) but that God wants us to be kind. Say: When you were at the modeling-dough table or under the table or playing with puppets, you had the chance to show kindness to your friends. When everyone has arrived and you’re ready to move on to Bible Story Time, Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to each other.” Can you say that with me? encourage the children to finish what they’re doing and get ready to clean up. “Be kind to each other.” I was happy to see you being kind to your friends because God’s Word tells us that God wants us to be kind. Today we’re going to hear a Bible story about a boy who felt afraid when n Pick-Up Time he was put in a dark place. His name was Joseph. We learned about him last week. Let’s bring out our Bible and find out what happened to him next. SUPPLIES: CD player

track 2 Lead children in singing “Come Along With Me” (track 2) with the CD to the tune of “Come and Go With Me.” Encourage children to sing along as they help clean up the room. n Bible Song and Prayer Time SUPPLIES: Bible, CD player Say: Now it’s time to choose a Bible person to Come along with me and pick up all our things, bring me the Bible marked with today’s Bible Pick up all our things, story. As we sing our Bible song, we’ll pass around Pick up all our things. our special Bible. The person who’s holding the Come along with me and pick up all our things Bible when the music stops will be our Bible So our room will be clean. person today. Remember that everyone will get a (Repeat 2x.) chance to hold the Bible one week. Lead children in singing “I’m So Glad for the Bible” (track 4) with the CD to the tune of “Give Me Oil in My Lamp.” As you sing, pass around the special Bible.

I’m so glad for the Bible, Let me hear ’bout God’s love— Bible Story Time Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’. Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’. Children use dramatic play to try n I’m so glad for God’s book today. Let me hear ’bout God’s love for me. on roles and process what they Setting the Stage I’m so glad for the Bible. Let me hear ’bout God’s love— know and feel about relationships. SUPPLIES: table, blanket, CD player Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’— Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’. Have on hand small dishes and Keep me learnin’ all about his way. Let’s shine the light for all to see. track 10 Drape a blanket over a table. As the children are finishing picking cups, a small table, and typical toy up, choose an older child to hide under the table and stay very quiet. (Repeat first verse.) kitchen appliances. Dolls, blankets, Explain that you’ll let the child know when it’s time to come out. and a doll bed are also important When the music stops, invite the child who’s holding the Bible to bring it to you. elements in an early childhood Tell the children you’ll play a fun marching song to get their Stamp the child’s hand with the coat stamp, and thank the child for bringing you the classroom. attention. Explain that when you play the song, the children are to stop what they’re doing and march toward you. Practice this signal a few times with “Marching Music” Bible. Then stamp the other children’s hands. Return the coat stamp and ink pad to the (track 10) on the CD. Encourage children to respond quickly so you’ll have time for all Learning Lab. the fun activities you’ve planned. Say: I’m thankful for [name of child who brought the Bible], and I’m thankful Then gather everyone in a circle on the floor. for everyone in our class today. Let’s thank God together for all our friends in this class. Ask: • Who’s missing from our group? (Jamie; Aaron; no one.) • Where do you think that person is? (I don’t know; he left; under the table.) Lead children in singing “I’m So Glad We’re Together” (track 5) with the CD to the tune of “Give Me Oil in My Lamp.” Say: Let’s see if we can find our missing friend. Have the children help you look for the missing child. When you find the child, say: God wants us to be kind. Let’s show kindness by helping [name] get out.

30 Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4 Reuben Tries to Be Kind to Joseph

Help the child out from under the table, and then have children return to the story area. Ask: • Who had a chance to play under the table when you first came to class? Wait for children to raise hands or tell you. • What was it like under the table? (Fun; dark; scary.) • What did the rest of you do? (I made a building with blocks; I played with dough.) Say: When you were at the modeling-dough table or under the table or playing with puppets, you had the chance to show kindness to your friends. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to each other.” Can you say that with me? “Be kind to each other.” I was happy to see you being kind to your friends because God’s Word tells us that God wants us to be kind. Today we’re going to hear a Bible story about a boy who felt afraid when he was put in a dark place. His name was Joseph. We learned about him last week. Let’s bring out our Bible and find out what happened to him next. n Bible Song and Prayer Time SUPPLIES: Bible, CD player Say: Now it’s time to choose a Bible person to tracks 4 & 5 bring me the Bible marked with today’s Bible story. As we sing our Bible song, we’ll pass around our special Bible. The person who’s holding the Include more children each week Bible when the music stops will be our Bible by asking others to be the Bible- person today. Remember that everyone will get a Replacer (to put the Bible away) chance to hold the Bible one week. and the Cheerleader. Just be sure to keep track of who fills your roles Lead children in singing “I’m So Glad for the Bible” (track 4) with the CD to the each week so each child get a tune of “Give Me Oil in My Lamp.” As you sing, pass around the special Bible. chance to feel special. Be sure to emphasize that the story I’m so glad for the Bible, Let me hear ’bout God’s love— comes from the Bible, God’s Word. Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’. Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’. I’m so glad for God’s book today. Let me hear ’bout God’s love for me. I’m so glad for the Bible. Let me hear ’bout God’s love— Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’— Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’. Keep me learnin’ all about his way. Let’s shine the light for all to see. (Repeat first verse.) When the music stops, invite the child who’s holding the Bible to bring it to you. Stamp the child’s hand with the coat stamp, and thank the child for bringing you the Bible. Then stamp the other children’s hands. Return the coat stamp and ink pad to the Learning Lab. Say: I’m thankful for [name of child who brought the Bible], and I’m thankful for everyone in our class today. Let’s thank God together for all our friends in this class. Lead children in singing “I’m So Glad We’re Together” (track 5) with the CD to the tune of “Give Me Oil in My Lamp.”

Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4 31 Lesson 2

Ask: • What do you think Joseph did when he was in the well? (Cried; I’m so glad we’re together. prayed; yelled.) Keep us prayin’, prayin’, prayin’. Say: After a while, a group of people on camels passed by. They were on I’m so glad we’re all here today. their way to Egypt. These people wanted to buy Joseph so they could use I’m so glad we’re together. him as a slave. So Joseph’s brothers sold him. Keep us prayin’, prayin’, prayin’— Reuben wasn’t there when the other brothers sold Joseph and sent him Prayin’ for each other every day. away. Reuben was the oldest brother, and he was in charge of taking care of Joseph. He felt bad because he and the other brothers hadn’t been kind Lead children in folding their hands and bowing their heads as you continue to sing. to Joseph. Thank you, Lord, for each one. Ask: • How do you feel when you know you haven’t been kind? (Sad; sorry.) Keep me thankful, thankful, thankful. • When has someone been unkind to you? (My brother broke my truck; Sarah Thank you for everyone who’s here. took my doll away.) Thank you, Lord, for each one. • How can you be kind to other people? (Share toys; don’t hit; say thank you.) Keep me thankful, thankful, thankful— Say: God wants us to be kind. Let’s sing a song to help us remember to Thankful for our friends both far and near. be kind. Return the Learning Mat to the Learning Lab, and then lead children in singing “Joseph’s Ups and Downs” (track 7) with the CD to the tune of “The Farmer in the n Hear and Tell the Bible Story Dell.” Have the children stand when the song says “up,” squat when the song says “down,” and crouch when the song says “halfway up.” SUPPLIES: Bible, CD player This Bible story Place the Learning Mat: Joseph’s Journey on the floor. track 7 There was a boy named Joseph. is featured in Have the children gather around the mat. Open the He had 11 brothers. the new My First Bible to Genesis 37:18-30. Say: Our story comes from They put him down into the well, Hands-On Bible™. the Bible, God’s special book. Our Learning Mat And then they pulled him up. Order several shows us pictures of the Bible story. now for your And when you’re up, you’re up. ministry at Ask: • Where is the picture of Joseph, who we learned about last week? And when you’re down, you’re down. group.com. Wait for children to point to Joseph on the mat. And when you’re only halfway up, Ask: • What’s happening in that picture? (He’s wearing a special coat; he’s You’re neither up nor down. happy.) • In our Bible story from last week, how did Joseph’s brothers feel about Kindness keeps us up. his new coat? (They were jealous; they were mad.) Unkindness puts us down. Say: Now find the picture of the well. Wait for children to point to the well. Let’s pat each other on the back And smile instead of frown. Ask: • What do you know about wells? (They’re deep holes; you get water there.) Say: A well is a very deep hole in the ground where water is stored. The well in this picture doesn’t have any water in it. Instead our friend Joseph n Do the Bible Story is down in the well, and he can’t get out by himself. SUPPLIES: scissors, at least 1 craft stick per child, glue, CD player Ask: • What do you think it’s like down there? (Dark; muddy; scary.) Before class, remove the flower lei from the • How do you think Joseph ended up in the well? (He fell; someone pushed Learning Lab. Cut the lei so you can remove each him.) individual flower. Place the flowers in a pile with Say: Joseph’s brothers threw him in the well because they wanted to an equal number of craft sticks. get rid of him. At first they wanted to kill Joseph. But one of the brothers, Say: Today we learned that Reuben was named Reuben, knew that God wants us to be kind. He told his brothers kind to his brother Joseph, even when all his other brothers were being to be kind to Joseph. He begged them not to kill Joseph. They listened to mean to Joseph. God wants us to be kind. ­Reuben and didn’t kill Joseph. Instead they pulled off Joseph’s special coat Ask: • When have you been kind to someone? What did you do? (When my and threw Joseph into this well. sister was sick, I drew her a picture; I always give my mom a hug when she gets home Ask: • Who can find the well on the Learning Mat one more time? from work; I gave my dad a present for his birthday.) Pause while the children find the well. • How did you feel when you did that kind thing? (I felt proud of my picture; I was glad to make my mom happy; I felt happy when my dad opened his present.)

32 Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4 Reuben Tries to Be Kind to Joseph

Ask: • What do you think Joseph did when he was in the well? (Cried; prayed; yelled.) Say: After a while, a group of people on camels passed by. They were on their way to Egypt. These people wanted to buy Joseph so they could use him as a slave. So Joseph’s brothers sold him. If a child becomes distracted, use Reuben wasn’t there when the other brothers sold Joseph and sent him the child’s name and ask a direct question. You might ask, “Cody, away. Reuben was the oldest brother, and he was in charge of taking care how do you think Joseph felt when of Joseph. He felt bad because he and the other brothers hadn’t been kind his brothers threw him in the well?” to Joseph. Ask: • How do you feel when you know you haven’t been kind? (Sad; sorry.) • When has someone been unkind to you? (My brother broke my truck; Sarah took my doll away.) • How can you be kind to other people? (Share toys; don’t hit; say thank you.) Say: God wants us to be kind. Let’s sing a song to help us remember to be kind. Return the Learning Mat to the Learning Lab, and then lead children in singing “Joseph’s Ups and Downs” (track 7) with the CD to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell.” Have the children stand when the song says “up,” squat when the song says “down,” and crouch when the song says “halfway up.”

There was a boy named Joseph. He had 11 brothers. They put him down into the well, And then they pulled him up. And when you’re up, you’re up. And when you’re down, you’re down. And when you’re only halfway up, You’re neither up nor down. Kindness keeps us up. Unkindness puts us down. Let’s pat each other on the back And smile instead of frown. n Do the Bible Story SUPPLIES: scissors, at least 1 craft stick per child, glue, CD player Before class, remove the flower lei from the track 8 Learning Lab. Cut the lei so you can remove each individual flower. Place the flowers in a pile with an equal number of craft sticks. Say: Today we learned that Reuben was kind to his brother Joseph, even when all his other brothers were being mean to Joseph. God wants us to be kind. Ask: • When have you been kind to someone? What did you do? (When my sister was sick, I drew her a picture; I always give my mom a hug when she gets home from work; I gave my dad a present for his birthday.) • How did you feel when you did that kind thing? (I felt proud of my picture; I was glad to make my mom happy; I felt happy when my dad opened his present.)

Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4 33 Lesson 2

• How do you think the other person felt when you were kind? (My sister liked my picture; my mom always smiles when I give her a hug; my dad was really happy to get a present.) Say: There are lots and lots of ways to do kind things for other people. One kind thing that people like to do is to give flowers to someone. Today we’re going to make our very own flowers! You can give your flower to cheer someone up, or to show love to someone! Give each child a flower from the lei and one craft stick. If you have fewer kids in your class, you can give each child more than one flower and craft stick. Encourage kids to glue their flower to the end of their craft stick “stem.” Allow the flowers to dry for a few minutes. Ask: • Who are you going to give your flower to? (To my mom; to someone who is sad; to my brother.) • What other ways can you be kind this week? (I can give my cousin a hug; I can share my toys with the kids at day care; I can make cookies for my grandma.) Say: Those are all wonderful ways to be kind! God wants us to be kind! Now let’s get out those wiggles by standing up and doing “Joseph’s Jumpin’ Jive.” Say the words with me and do what I do. Lead children in chanting “Joseph’s Jumpin’ Jive” (track 8) with the CD. The words are printed below. Listen to each line on the CD, and then have the children repeat it with you. Use broad, overstated movements to lead children in the actions. You may want to run through “Joseph’s Jumpin’ Jive” a couple of Joseph was a boy with a beautiful coat. (Hold hands to lapels and show off coat.) times before class to familiarize His brothers were jealous and treated him mean. (Make mean face.) yourself with the words and Big brother Reuben said, “Don’t hurt Joseph.” actions. (Put hands on hips and shake head.) So they threw Joseph down in a deep, dark hole. (Crouch down.) What did Joseph hear in that deep, dark hole? (Hold both hands behind ears.) He heard his brothers arguing, “Grumble, grumble, gripe.” (Open and close fingers and thumb like a mouth.) He heard some camels coming, “Clomp, clompety, clomp!” (Stomp legs up and down.) He heard some money jingling, “Clink, clinkety, clink!” (Pretend to drop coins into hand.) They pulled Joseph out of that deep, dark hole. (Pretend to pull up on a rope.) They sent him off to Egypt to work as a slave. (Wave goodbye.) When parents arrive, have the When Reuben came back, poor Joseph was gone. (Put hand above eyes and look children do the “Joseph’s Jumpin’ far away.) Jive” chant as a great review of Big brother Reuben just cried and cried. (Rub eyes.) today’s Bible story. He tried to be kind, but it was too late. (Shake head and make a sad face.) But it’s not too late for us to be kind. (Tap wristwatch.) Let’s be kind and hug each other now. (Lead children in hugging each other.)

34 Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4 Reuben Tries to Be Kind to Joseph Closing n Coloring Kindness SUPPLIES: sheet of paper with a childlike drawing on it, CD player

track 7 Before class, use markers to draw a colorful, childlike picture of a person. Bring out Whiskers the Mouse. Call the children to sit in a circle. Go through the following puppet script. When you finish the script, put Whiskers away and out of sight.

Teacher: (To Whiskers) Hello, Whiskers. How are you? (To children) Children, do you remember what happened to Whiskers last week? (His brother got new markers; he got mad; he came to visit us.) Whiskers: Hi! I’m so happy today. I have something to show you. (Take out the picture you drew before class.) See my picture? I used all the colors. This is my teacher. I want to be kind to her. Teacher: Whiskers, did you get new markers? Whiskers: No, I used my brother’s. He let me. Teacher: How are you feeling about your brother’s markers this week? Whiskers: At first I was mad because I didn’t have my own markers. But then Sammy shared with me. He reminded me that Jesus was always kind and wants us to be kind. I know my brother loves me because he’s kind to me. When someone’s kind to me, it makes me happy. (To children) How do you feel when someone is kind to you? (Pause as children respond.) Teacher: God wants us to be kind. When we’re kind to others, we show them how much we love them. Let’s teach Whiskers the song about kindness we learned today. (Lead children in singing “Joseph’s Ups and Downs” (track 7) with the CD to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell.” The words to the song are found on page 33. As children pat each other on the back, let them pat Whiskers, too. After the song, continue with the script.) Whiskers: I like that song. It will help me to remember to be kind. I’m glad my brother Sammy is kind like Reuben was kind and not mean like Joseph’s other brothers. (Perking up ears) I think I hear Sammy calling me now. Maybe he wants to play with me! He’s such a kind brother. Goodbye, everyone! Permission to photocopy this script from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum® Preschool granted for local church use. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Ave., Loveland, CO 80538. group.com

Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4 35 Lesson 2

n Kindness Crackers SUPPLIES: crackers, cream cheese, paper plates, spoon, plastic knives, paper, markers Say: We’re going to practice being kind to each other while we get our snack ready. Let’s go to the table. Have children sit at the table. Place spoonfuls of cream cheese on small paper plates. Provide one plastic knife and one plate of cream cheese for every two children. Give each child a cracker. Say: We’re going to put cream cheese on our crackers. Let’s practice what we’ve been learning about kindness by helping each other fix our snack. God wants us to be kind.

Affirm children for showing kindness. For example, you might say, “I like the way S ee page 5. [name] is letting [name] use the cream cheese first” or “I see that [name] is helping [name] spread the cream cheese.” Each time you affirm a child’s kindness, stamp that child’s hand with the coat stamp. After the children finish eating their snack, say: Now let’s show kindness by helping each other clean up. When we’re done cleaning up, we’ll come back to the table and draw a picture and pray. As children offer to help clean up, stamp their hands again and say: [Name] is showing kindness by helping us clean up. Thank you, [name]. Make sure each child gets his or her hand stamped. When the children have finished cleaning up, have them return to the table.

Say: Good job cleaning up. I saw lots of people showing kindness. Jesus was always kind to others, and we can be like him. Who can you be kind to this week? Help children think of people they’ll be kind to. Give each child a sheet of paper and markers. Have each child draw a picture of someone he or she will be kind to, like the way Whiskers did. If children have trouble thinking of people, suggest family members or other children in your class. Say: Let’s bow our heads and pray. If you want to pray out loud, you can say, “Dear God, please help me be kind to…” I’ll go first, and then you can go after me. Pray: Dear God, please help me be kind to [name]. Wait for children to add their prayers, and then close by saying, “In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Growing closer to Jesus extends beyond the classroom. Photocopy the “Today I Learned…” handout (at the end of this lesson) for this week, and send it home with the children. Encourage­ parents to use the handout to plan ­meaningful family activities to reinforce this week’s topic.

36 Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4 Reuben Tries to Be Kind to Joseph For Extra Time If you have a long class time or want to add additional elements to your lesson, try one of the following activities. n Lively Learning: Animal Kindness Borrow some stuffed animals from the church nursery or bring some from home. Encourage the children to show kindness to the stuffed animals as they play a game with them. Have children form a line single file. Give the first child a stuffed animal. Have the child hug the animal and then hand it under his or her legs to the next child in line. Have the children continue passing the animal until each child has hugged it. If you have enough stuffed animals for each child to have one, try this variation: Have children stand in a circle, and give each child a stuffed animal to hug. Tell children that when you say, “Show kindness,” they should pass their animals to the people next to them. Repeat until all the children are holding their original animals. n Make to Take: Come Out of the Well Use a marker to write the Bible verse on the side of a 12-ounce paper cup for each child: “Be kind to each other” (Ephesians 4:32). Give children each a paper cup, an 8‑inch length of string, and a person- or bear-shaped cookie. Provide crayons so children can color the outside of their cups to look like a well. Help children tie the string around the cookie and put the cookie in the cup. Tell children they can be kind and rescue “Joseph” from the “well.” n Treat to Eat: Share a Snack Arrange for your class to practice kindness by bringing a snack to another class. Have them prepare extra cream cheese and crackers or simply take a pre-made snack to share.

S n Story Picture: Joseph in the Well ee page 5. Set out small square sponge pieces and gray tempera paint. Give each child a copy of the “Today I Learned…” handout (at the end of this lesson). Help children sponge paint the picture of the well. As children are painting, review the events of today’s Bible story.

Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4 37 Today your child learnedLesson that 2 GOD WANTS US TO BE KIND. d wants us Children heard a Bible story about Go be k Reuben’s attempt to be kind to to ind. Joseph (Genesis 37:18-30). They practiced showing

m e learn Hel p this: kindness to others. “Be kind to each other” (Ephesians 4:32a). mily Fu Fa n sk me: n Think of people your family could express kindness to. Work together to bake A something, create a card, and then deliver your goodies. n How do you think Joseph felt n Sing this song with your child to the tune of “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy.” when his brothers weren’t kind to him? I know that God wants us to all get along, All get along, all get along. n When has someone been unkind to you? I know that God wants us to all get along, n What can our family do to All get along today. show kindness?

Joseph in the Well (Genesis 37:18-30)

Permission to photocopy this handout from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum®, Preschool, granted for local church use. 38 Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Ave., Loveland, CO 80538. group.com