reuben tries to be kind to joseph • lesson 2 bible...

Reuben Tries to Be Kind to Joseph • Lesson 2

Bible Verse“Be kind to each other” (Ephesians 4:32a).

Growing Closer to JesusChildren 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, andn help each other make a snack.

Teacher EnrichmentBible Basisn 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 and leader of the family, Reuben was in some ways responsible for his brother’s safety. He would 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 Lessonn 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.

Bible Point God wants us to be kind.

Genesis 37:18-30

27Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4

This Lesson at a GlanceWhat Children Will Do Classroom Supplies Learning Lab Supplies

Welcome Time

Welcome!—Receive name tags, and be greeted by the teacher.

“Shirt Name Tags” (p. 24), scissors, marker, safety pins or tape

Let’s Get Started

Direct children to one or more of the optional activities until

everyone arrives.

Option 1: Bible Play—Use finger puppets to act out the Bible story.

Four athletic socks, markers, 8-inch square of multicolored fabric, scissors

Option 2: In the Hole—Hide under table “wells.”

Blankets, tables

Option 3: Creating Kindness—Play with modeling dough.

Modeling dough, cookie cutters, rolling pins

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

CD player

Bible Story Time

Setting the Stage—Help a friend out from under a table, and learn that it’s important to be kind.

Table, blanket, CD player

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

Bible, CD player

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

Bible, CD player

Do the Bible Story—Create craft flowers to give away as an act of kindness. Then act out Joseph’s story with rhythm and wiggles.

CD player, scissors, at least1 craft stick per child, glue

Closing Coloring Kindness—Hear how Whiskers’ brother shared his markers, and teach Whiskers a song.

Sheet of paper with a childlike drawing on it, CD player

Kindness Crackers—Help each other make a snack, and then close in prayer.

Crackers, cream cheese, paper plates, spoon, plastic knives, paper, markers

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

Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 428

Lesson 2

Welcome TimeSUPPLIES: “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.• 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 StartedSet 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 PlaySUPPLIES: 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.

n Option 2: In the HoleSUPPLIES: blankets, tables

Drape heavy blankets over tables. Encourage children to climb under the tables and pretend they’re in a deep, dark hole. Explain that today’s Bible story is about a boy named Joseph, who was put in a hole.

Consider laminating the name tags so they’ll last the entire quarter.

If you don’t have tables, provide boxes for children to crawl into.

Provide crayons and markers for the children to decorate the outside of the boxes to be like a cave or a deep hole in the ground.


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 TimeSUPPLIES: Bible, CD player

Say: Now it’s time to choose a Bible person to 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 Bible when the music stops will be our Bible person today. Remember that everyone will get a 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,Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’.I’m so glad for God’s book today.I’m so glad for the Bible.Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’—Keep me learnin’ all about his way.

(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.”

Let me hear ’bout God’s love—Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’.Let me hear ’bout God’s love for me.Let me hear ’bout God’s love—Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’.Let’s shine the light for all to see.

n Option 3: Creating KindnessSUPPLIES: modeling dough, cookie cutters, rolling pins

Set out modeling dough, cookie cutters, and rolling pins. Try to provide people-shaped cookie cutters if possible. Encourage children to share the materials as they create things that remind them of the story of Joseph from last week, such as the people in Joseph’s family. Remind children that Joseph’s brothers weren’t kind to him but that God wants us to be kind.

When everyone has arrived and you’re ready to move on to Bible Story Time, encourage the children to finish what they’re doing and get ready to clean up.

n Pick-Up TimeSUPPLIES: CD player

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.

Come along with me and pick up all our things,Pick up all our things,Pick up all our things.Come along with me and pick up all our thingsSo our room will be clean.(Repeat 2x.)

Bible Story Timen Setting the StageSUPPLIES: table, blanket, CD player

Drape a blanket over a table. As the children are finishing picking up, choose an older child to hide under the table and stay very quiet. Explain that you’ll let the child know when it’s time to come out.

Tell the children you’ll play a fun marching song to get their 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” (track 10) on the CD. Encourage children to respond quickly so you’ll have time for all the fun activities you’ve planned.

Then gather everyone in a circle on the floor. 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.)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.

Children use dramatic play to try on roles and process what they know and feel about relationships. Have on hand small dishes and cups, a small table, and typical toy kitchen appliances. Dolls, blankets, and a doll bed are also important elements in an early childhood classroom.

track 2

track 10


Lesson 2

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 TimeSUPPLIES: Bible, CD player

Say: Now it’s time to choose a Bible person to 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 Bible when the music stops will be our Bible person today. Remember that everyone will get a 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,Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’.I’m so glad for God’s book today.I’m so glad for the Bible.Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’—Keep me learnin’ all about his way.

(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.”

Let me hear ’bout God’s love—Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’.Let me hear ’bout God’s love for me.Let me hear ’bout God’s love—Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’.Let’s shine the light for all to see.

tracks 4 & 5

Include more children each week by asking others to be the Bible-Replacer (to put the Bible away) and the Cheerleader. Just be sure to keep track of who fills your roles each week so each child get a chance to feel special.

Be sure to emphasize that the story comes from the Bible, God’s Word.



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.

Reuben wasn’t there when the other brothers sold Joseph and sent him 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 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 backAnd 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 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.)

I’m so glad we’re together.Keep us prayin’, prayin’, prayin’.I’m so glad we’re all here today.I’m so glad we’re together.Keep us prayin’, prayin’, prayin’—Prayin’ for each other every day.

Lead children in folding their hands and bowing their heads as you continue to sing.

Thank you, Lord, for each one.Keep me thankful, thankful, thankful.Thank you for everyone who’s here.Thank you, Lord, for each one.Keep me thankful, thankful, thankful—Thankful for our friends both far and near.

n Hear and Tell the Bible Story SUPPLIES: Bible, CD player

Place the Learning Mat: Joseph’s Journey on the floor. Have the children gather around the mat. Open the Bible to Genesis 37:18-30. Say: Our story comes from the Bible, God’s special book. Our Learning Mat shows us pictures of the Bible story.

Ask: • Where is the picture of Joseph, who we learned about last week?Wait for children to point to Joseph on the mat. Ask: • What’s happening in that picture? (He’s wearing a special coat; he’s

happy.)• In our Bible story from last week, how did Joseph’s brothers feel about

his new coat? (They were jealous; they were mad.)Say: Now find the picture of the well. Wait for children to point to the well. 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 is down in the well, and he can’t get out by himself.

Ask: • What do you think it’s like down there? (Dark; muddy; scary.)• How do you think Joseph ended up in the well? (He fell; someone pushed

him.)Say: Joseph’s brothers threw him in the well because they wanted to

get rid of him. At first they wanted to kill Joseph. But one of the brothers, named Reuben, knew that God wants us to be kind. He told his brothers to be kind to Joseph. He begged them not to kill Joseph. They listened to Reuben and didn’t kill Joseph. Instead they pulled off Joseph’s special coat and threw Joseph into this well.

Ask: • Who can find the well on the Learning Mat one more time?Pause while the children find the well.

track 7This Bible story is featured in the new My First Hands-On Bible™. Order several now for your ministry at group.com.


Lesson 2

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.

Reuben wasn’t there when the other brothers sold Joseph and sent him 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 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 backAnd 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 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.)

If a child becomes distracted, use the child’s name and ask a direct question. You might ask, “Cody, how do you think Joseph felt when his brothers threw him in the well?”

track 8



• 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.

Joseph was a boy with a beautiful coat. (Hold hands to lapels and show off coat.)His brothers were jealous and treated him mean. (Make mean face.)Big brother Reuben said, “Don’t hurt Joseph.” (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 Reuben came back, poor Joseph was gone. (Put hand above eyes and look

far away.)Big brother Reuben just cried and cried. (Rub eyes.)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.)

When parents arrive, have the children do the “Joseph’s Jumpin’ Jive” chant as a great review of today’s Bible story.

You may want to run through “Joseph’s Jumpin’ Jive” a couple of times before class to familiarize yourself with the words and actions.


Lesson 2

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

Closingn Coloring KindnessSUPPLIES: sheet of paper with a childlike drawing on it, CD player

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.

track 7



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

[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.”

See page 5.

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.


Lesson 2

n Lively Learning: Animal KindnessBorrow 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 SnackArrange 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.

n Story Picture: Joseph in the WellSet 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.

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.

See page 5.



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

“Be kind to each other” (Ephesians 4:32a).

n How do you think Joseph felt when his brothers weren’t kind to him?

n When has someone been unkind to you?

n What can our family do to show kindness?

n Think of people your family could express kindness to. Work together to bake something, create a card, and then deliver your goodies.

n Sing this song with your child to the tune of “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy.”

I know that God wants us to all get along,All get along, all get along.I know that God wants us to all get along,All get along today.

God wants us

to be kind.Help me learn this:

Ask me:

Family Fun

Today your child learned that GOD WANTS US TO BE KIND. Children heard a Bible story about

Reuben’s attempt to be kind to Joseph (Genesis 37:18-30). They practiced showing kindness to others.

Lesson 2

38 Permission to photocopy this handout 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

reuben tries to be kind to joseph • lesson 2 bible...

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