Lesson Overview

Target Age: 7 Years Old

Big Question: How does God show that He cares for us?

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the role of a shepherd and why sheep need one.
• Explain three things the Shepherd does for His sheep in Psalm 23 (provides food/water, gives rest, protects).
• Connect the idea of a "Good Shepherd" to how God cares for people personally.

Materials Needed

• A Bible (or a Children’s Storybook Bible)
• Cotton balls and glue
• Construction paper (Green, Blue, and White)
• Markers or crayons
• A walking stick, broom, or umbrella (to act as a "shepherd’s crook")
• A stuffed animal sheep (optional)

1. Introduction: The Sheep Challenge (Hook)

The Hook: Ask the student to pretend to be a sheep for 30 seconds. They must crawl around and say "Baaa!" Then, ask: "If you were a little sheep out in a big, scary forest, what are some things you might be worried about?" (Wait for answers like: getting lost, getting hungry, or seeing a wolf).

The Connection: "Sheep aren't very good at taking care of themselves. They need a best friend to look out for them. That person is called a Shepherd. Today, we are going to look at one of the most famous poems ever written—Psalm 23—to see how God is like a Shepherd who cares specifically for you."

2. Body: I Do, We Do, You Do

Step 1: I Do (The Story)

Read Psalm 23 aloud (NIrV or a similar easy-to-read version is recommended). While reading, stop to explain these "Shepherd Jobs":

• "Green Pastures and Quiet Waters": This is the Shepherd’s grocery store. He finds the best snacks and the cleanest water so the sheep don't get sick or hungry.
• "He Guides Me": Sheep get lost easily! The Shepherd knows the way home and keeps them on the right path.
• "Thy Rod and Thy Staff": These are the Shepherd's tools. He uses them to pull sheep out of thorny bushes or to scare away grumpy wolves.

Step 2: We Do (The Shepherd’s Journey)

Let’s act out the poem together! Set up "stations" around the room:

• The Green Pasture: Use a green blanket or paper. Have the "sheep" lie down and rest. Talk about how God gives us rest when we are tired.
• The Dark Valley: Walk under a table or through a dim hallway. Use the "shepherd’s crook" (broom/stick) to show how the Shepherd stays close so the sheep aren't afraid.
• The Feast: Sit at a table. Explain that God "prepares a table" for us, which means He gives us everything we need to feel happy and full.

Step 3: You Do (The "Cotton Ball Sheep" Craft)

Now, the student will create a visual reminder of God's care.

1. On a piece of paper, have the student draw a simple outline of a sheep.
2. Glue cotton balls inside the outline to make it fluffy.
3. In the background, have them draw one thing from the Psalm that makes them feel safe (like a bright sun, a still pond, or a tall shepherd).
4. The Writing Challenge: At the bottom, help them write: "The Lord is my Shepherd; I have everything I need."

3. Conclusion: Wrap-Up and Reflection

Recap: Ask the student three "Check-for-Understanding" questions:

• Where does the Shepherd lead the sheep when they are hungry? (Green pastures/grass).
• Does the Shepherd leave the sheep when it gets dark or scary? (No, He stays close with His staff).
• How do we know God cares for us based on this story? (Because He treats us like His precious sheep).

Closing Thought: "Whenever you feel worried or lonely, remember your fluffy sheep craft. Just like a shepherd never takes his eyes off his sheep, God never takes His eyes off you because He cares about you very much."

Assessment (Success Criteria)

• Formative: Did the student participate in the "Shepherd’s Journey" and correctly identify the stations?
• Summative: Does the completed craft include a reference to the Shepherd providing or protecting? Can the student explain why they chose to draw that specific background?

Differentiation & Adaptability

• For Younger Learners (Scaffolding): Focus on the sensory parts—feeling the soft cotton balls and the "dark" valley. Use more pictures and fewer words.
• For Advanced Learners (Extension): Have them memorize the first two verses of Psalm 23 or write a short "thank you" note to the Good Shepherd for one specific thing He provides (like family, food, or a home).
• Group Setting: In a classroom, children can take turns being the "Shepherd" leading the "Sheep" through an obstacle course.