Jacob’s Sons: God Knows and Loves Every Family Member

Materials Needed

• Children’s Bible or Bible storybook
• 12 paper circles, craft sticks, or toy figures
• Crayons or washable markers
• Paper
• Large sheet of paper or a small basket
• Optional: blocks, stuffed animals, or simple costumes
• Optional Bible verse card: “The Lord is good to everyone.” — Psalm 145:9

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, the child will be able to:

• Say that Jacob had 12 sons.
• Recognize or repeat at least three of the sons’ names.
• Explain that every person in a family is special and known by God.
• Participate in a counting, movement, art, or pretend-play activity about the story.

Big Idea

Jacob had 12 sons. Each son had a name and a place in the family. God knew each one, and God knows and loves us too.

Bible Connection

Read: Genesis 35:22–26, using a children’s Bible or a shortened retelling.

Optional supporting verse: “The Lord is good to everyone.” — Psalm 145:9

Introduction: Hook and Objectives

Welcome Question

Show the paper circles or toy figures and ask:

• “How many people are in your family?”
• “What is your name?”
• “How do you feel when someone remembers your name?”

Say:

Today we will learn about Jacob’s family. Jacob had 12 sons. We will hear some of their names, count to 12, and learn that God knows every person by name—including you!

Body: Learn and Practice

1. I Do: Tell the Bible Story

Use simple words and a warm voice:

Jacob was part of a family in the Bible. Jacob had 12 sons. Their names were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. That is a lot of names! Each son was different, and each one was important to the family. God knew every son, and God loved them. God knows your name too, and God loves you.

As you say the names, place one paper circle or toy figure in a line. The child may help place each one.

Teacher note: The names do not need to be memorized. For a young child, focus on the idea that Jacob had 12 sons and that God knows and loves each person.

Quick Check

Ask the child:

• “How many sons did Jacob have?” Expected answer: 12.
• “Did the sons all have names?” Expected answer: Yes.
• “Does God know your name?” Expected answer: Yes.

2. We Do: Name and Count Together

Point to each figure and count slowly from 1 to 12. Invite the child to touch each figure as you count.

Say the names in small groups:

• Group 1: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah
• Group 2: Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher
• Group 3: Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin

Invite the child to repeat any names that sound fun. Celebrate all attempts.

Think-Pair-Share or Family Talk

If learning with a group, have children quietly think of their own names, tell a partner, and then share one name with the group. For homeschool learning, the child may tell a stuffed animal or family member.

Ask:

• “Which name did you like hearing?”
• “How can we show kindness to people in our family?”

3. We Do: Movement Game—“Find Your Family Place”

1. Place 12 figures or paper circles around the room.
2. Give each figure one of Jacob’s sons’ names, or simply number them 1–12.
3. Call out a number or name.
4. Have the child walk, hop, tiptoe, or march to that figure.
5. Say together: “God knows every name!”

For a quieter activity, point to a figure and ask the child to place it beside the others.

4. You Do: Choose One Creative Activity

Option A: Family Name Drawing

1. Give the child paper and crayons.
2. Ask the child to draw people in their family, pets, or caring adults.
3. Help the child write names or write the names as the child dictates.
4. Say, “God knows every name in this picture.”

Option B: Twelve-Person Family Line

1. Help the child decorate 12 paper circles.
2. Write one of Jacob’s sons’ names on each circle, or number them 1–12.
3. Arrange the circles in a line.
4. Count them together.

Option C: Pretend Bible Story

Use stuffed animals, blocks, or toy people. Let the child pretend to be Jacob, one of the sons, or a storyteller. Encourage the child to say:

Jacob had 12 sons. God knew all their names. God knows my name too!

Formative Assessment During the Lesson

• Watch whether the child counts objects in order.
• Ask the child to show 12 figures or circles.
• Invite the child to repeat one to three names.
• Listen for the child’s understanding that God knows and loves people.
• Ask the child to explain one kind thing they can do for a family member.

Success Criteria

The child is successful when they can do most of the following:

• Say or show that Jacob had 12 sons.
• Repeat at least three names, such as Joseph, Benjamin, or Judah.
• Count 12 objects with help or independently.
• Say, “God knows my name,” or communicate the same idea in their own words.
• Join in one creative, movement, or pretend-play activity.

Summative Assessment: “Tell Me What You Know”

Place the 12 figures or circles in front of the child. Invite the child to complete these prompts:

1. “Jacob had ___ sons.”
2. “Tell me one son’s name.”
3. “Who knows your name?”
4. “Show me how you can be kind to someone in your family.”

Accept spoken answers, pointing, gestures, drawings, or pretend play as responses.

Differentiation and Adaptations

For a Child Who Needs More Support

• Focus only on the number 12 and two names, such as Joseph and Benjamin.
• Use large objects that are easy to touch and move.
• Count together slowly, offering a gentle prompt when needed.
• Allow the child to answer by pointing, acting, drawing, or repeating one word.
• Break the lesson into short sessions of 5–10 minutes.

For a Child Ready for More

• Invite the child to remember four or more names.
• Ask the child to put the figures in groups of four.
• Help the child create a simple name book for Jacob’s sons.
• Discuss how families can be loving even when family members are different.

For Different Learning Settings

• Homeschool: Use family members or stuffed animals as the discussion group.
• Classroom: Give each child a numbered card and make a class line of 12.
• Online: Hold up 12 objects on camera and invite the child to count along.
• Training or group setting: Let learners choose drawing, acting, movement, or storytelling.

Conclusion: Closure and Recap

Gather the figures or look at the child’s drawing. Review:

• “Jacob had 12 sons.”
• “Each son had a name.”
• “God knew and loved Jacob’s sons.”
• “God knows and loves you too.”

Simple Closing Prayer

Dear God, thank You for Jacob’s family. Thank You for knowing every name. Thank You for loving me and my family. Help us be kind to one another. Amen.

Optional Song or Chant

Clap once for each phrase:

Jacob had twelve sons!
God knew every one!
God knows me and loves me too!
God cares for me and you!