Lesson Overview

Subject: Character Education / Religious Studies

Age Group: 7 Years Old (2nd Grade)

Duration: 45–60 minutes

Objective: Learners will identify the key events in the story of Hannah and Samuel, explain the concept of keeping a promise, and practice active listening skills.

Materials Needed

• A Children’s Bible or a printed version of 1 Samuel 1-3
• Blank paper and colorful markers or crayons
• A small bell or a phone that can play a soft "ping" sound
• A piece of ribbon or yarn (approx. 12 inches)
• "The Listening Ear" headband (can be made with paper and tape)

1. Introduction: The Waiting Game (10 minutes)

The Hook: Ask the learner: "Have you ever wanted something so much that your heart felt like it was bursting? Maybe a specific toy, a trip to the park, or waiting for your birthday? How does it feel to wait for something very important?"

Learning Objectives: Today, we are going to meet a woman named Hannah. We will learn how she talked to God when she was sad, how she kept a very big promise, and how her son, Samuel, learned to listen with his whole heart.

Talking Points for 7-Year-Olds:

• Hannah was a woman who was very sad because she wanted to have a baby more than anything, but she didn't have one yet.
• Instead of giving up, she did something powerful: she prayed.

2. Body: Story and Action (30 minutes)

Part A: The "I Do" – The Storytelling

Read the story of Hannah from 1 Samuel. Use different voices for Hannah (whispering/sad), Eli the Priest (booming/confused), and Samuel (young/curious).

• Hannah’s Prayer: Explain that Hannah went to the Temple. She was crying and praying so hard that her lips moved, but no sound came out. The priest, Eli, thought she was sick or acting silly!
• The Promise: Hannah told God, "If you give me a son, I will give him back to you to serve you all his life."
• Samuel is Born: God heard Hannah. She had a baby boy named Samuel. She was so happy!

Part B: The "We Do" – The Promise Ribbon

Activity: Talk about what a promise is. "A promise is a 'heart-word.' It’s when you say you will do something, and you really mean it."

Hannah kept her promise. When Samuel was old enough, she took him to live at the Temple with Eli so he could learn to help people and serve God. Give the learner the ribbon/yarn. Have them tie a "Promise Knot" in the middle of it while thinking of one kind thing they can promise to do today (like picking up toys or being kind to a sibling).

Part C: The "You Do" – The Listening Game

Transition to the story of young Samuel hearing God's voice at night. "Samuel was sleeping when he heard a voice call his name. He thought it was Eli! It happened three times until Eli realized it was God calling Samuel."

Activity:

1. Have the student put on their "Listening Ear" headband (or just cup their hands over their ears).
2. Have them sit very still and close their eyes.
3. You will make very quiet sounds around the room (a bell, a whisper, a rustling paper).
4. The student must point in the direction of the sound and identify it.
5. The Lesson: Teach them Samuel’s special phrase: "Speak, for your servant is listening." Practice saying this together in a calm, quiet voice.

3. Conclusion: Recap and Reflection (10 minutes)

Summary: Hannah showed us that we can tell God exactly how we feel, even when we are sad. She also showed us that keeping a promise is very important. Samuel showed us that we need to be quiet and still to really listen.

Check for Understanding (Q&A):

• Why was Hannah crying at the beginning of the story? (She wanted a baby/was praying).
• Who did Samuel think was calling him at night? (Eli).
• What did Samuel say when he realized it was God? ("Speak, for your servant is listening").

Success Criteria: The learner can explain that Hannah prayed for a son and kept her promise to let him serve in the temple.

Adaptations and Extensions

• For Struggling Learners: Focus on the "Listening Game" and use a picture book with large illustrations to follow the story visually.
• For Advanced Learners: Ask them to write a "Letter from Hannah" to Samuel, telling him how much she loves him and why she is happy he is serving God.
• Kinesthetic Option: Act out the scene where Samuel runs back and forth to Eli’s bed three times!

Assessment

Formative: Observe the child’s participation in the "Listening Game" and their ability to retell the main plot points during the story phase.

Summative: Have the student draw a two-part picture: One side showing Hannah praying, and the other side showing Samuel listening. Ask them to explain their drawing to you.