The ideas below may help you when teaching a lesson about how God used Moses to part the Red Sea, leading His people to freedom.
Story Suggestions
- Exodus 14:21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided.
- Exodus 14:22 and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.
Game Ideas
Pillar of Cloud (based on Exodus 14:19 and 20)
Directions: For this game two children will be the “pillars of cloud”. The other children in your class will be the children of Israel. Tell the class that while the people of Israel were crossing the sea on dry ground, God set a pillar of cloud in front of and behind them, to protect them and keep them safe. Explain that no matter which way the people went, the cloud followed them, and never let them out of view.
To play: The children form a line, with the two pillars in front of and behind them. They should play this game like “follow the leader”, with the children who are the pillars doing whatever the other children do.
Praise Game
Directions: Tell the children that when the people of Israel reached the other side of the sea, and were safe on dry land, Moses' sister Miriam played her tambourine and sang a song of praise to God.
To Play: You will need to use the “tambourines” from "Art Center Ideas” (see below) to play this game. After the children have made their tambourines, sit in a circle on the floor. Tap out a beat with your own instrument, and say “I praise you God, because you are wonderful.” Encourage the children to tap out the same rhythm on their tambourines. Change words and rhythms, encouraging children to repeat each one.
Snacks
A good snack for this lesson would be:
Individual “Jello” cups (use clear plastic cups and blue Jello) with gummy fish.
Another snack idea for this lesson would be:
Pretzel sticks (Rods) and pieces of cheese cut into the shape of a Shepherd’s staff. You could also add cheese flavored “goldfish” crackers to remind children of the sea.
Art Center Ideas
Tambourines
Materials:
- Two 9-inch aluminum pie plates for each child
- Dry beans
- Stapler
Directions: Help children put a small layer of dried beans on the bottom of one their pie plates. Staple the other pie plate to the top of the first, being certain to close all gaps around the edges.
Pillar of Cloud Pictures
Materials:
- Cotton balls
- Crayons or markers
- Glue
Directions: Children can use crayons or markers to draw the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. Help them glue cotton balls to the picture to illustrate the pillars of cloud that watched over God’s people that day.
Suggested Prayer
Dear God, thank you for being there for us, helping us along the way. May we remember to give you thanks and praise every day. Amen.
See more Sunday School lesson ideas and great Sunday School Crafts here!
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