Introduction for: Year 1, Lesson 30

Elijah at Carmel

The Big Idea (Textual Principle):
God is the only true God that we should worship.

1 Kings 18

Biblical Virtue (Timeless Principle)
Boldness – We stand for God when others don’t.

Memory Verse

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. -1 John 5:21

Elijah at Carmel

Bible Text: 1 Kings 18

Answer the following questions:

After asking these for yourself, you will be ready to ask these questions of the students after you tell the story.
Question Answer
What did you like in the story?  
What did you not like in the story? 
What does the story teach you about God? 
What does the story teach you about mankind? 
What might the Lord be calling you to do after hearing this story? 

Teacher Soft Skills Development

Create 5 Questions and answers to thoughtfully review the text.
Question Answer
Who  
What  
When  
Where  
Why  
How  


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Classroom Sequence for Elijah at Carmel (1 Kings 18)

#1 Welcome the Students

AHello students, please sit down and stay quiet for prayer.”

BPray and praise God for a beautiful day, and
ask God to bless the teacher and students.

#2 Rules Review

Use the rules chart to remind everyone to sit, listen, watch, put away their toys/personal items, and have fun.

#3 Music

Sing two or more joyful songs.

#4 Five-Finger Prayer Time

Thumb
Praise God for His
worthy character

Index Finger
Confess sins

Middle Finger
Thank God for
His great care

Ring Finger
Pray for those
who are weak
or in need

Pinky
Pray for my own
needs

#5 Bible Time

Use the rules chart to remind everyone to sit, listen, watch, avoid toys, and have fun.

#6 Story Time

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Start by sharing the big idea: “God is the only true God that we should worship.”

Engage:

Tell the kids:

“I’m going to say something. If it is real and powerful, cllap (or beat the table, etc). If it is fake or can’t help you, shake your head!”

Then quickly say:

  • “A rock you pray to”
  • “The one true God” [TRUE]
  • “A statue that can’t talk”
  • “God who answers prayer” [TRUE]
  • “A pretend god made by people”
  • “The Lord who sends fire” [TRUE]

Expound: Tell the Story (5-10 minutes)
1. Mention the historical situation.
2. Begin: “This is a true story from God’s
Word.”
3. Tell accurately with gestures/pictures.
(Accurate/Transferable/Contextual/Short)

Explain (Before or after the story – not during):
1. Share insights and biblical principles.
2. Compare with Jesus or NT when appropriate.
3. Identify Christian virtue(s): Boldness – We stand for God when others don’t. 
4. Apply an example to real life.

Note: Learning to read the full passage and accurately retell a short version is part of the personal development of the teacher.

#7 Expand

Do 2 or 3 of the following as time permits. The teacher does not have to do everything listed – just choose according to the time permitted.

A. Retell the Story so the students can memorize it.

If possible, tell the story again so the students can memorize it.

B. Craft

Materials

  • Old cardboard (cereal box / any box)
  • Scrap paper (any colors)
  • Elijah cutout (download here)
  • Small bits of orange/red/yellow paper (for fire)
  • Twigs or small sticks (or draw them)
  • Crayons or markers
  • Pencil
  • Glue
  • Scissors

Step-by-step Instructions

  1. Cut a rectangle from cardboard (this is your base).
  2. Turn it to the plain side.
  3. Draw a simple hill or ground.
  4. Take your Elijah cutout page.
  5. Color and cut out Elijah.
  6. Glue Elijah onto the cardboard.
  7. Glue small twigs (or draw them) to make an altar.
  8. Tear small pieces of red, orange, and yellow paper for fire.
  9. Glue the “fire” on the altar.
  10. Write: “God answers with power! – 1 Kings 18” or “Be bold for God”

C. Total Physical Response

Here’s a simple, high-energy TPR for 1 Kings 18 that kids can do at their seats. 

Step 1: Teach the Motions

  • “Call on Baal” → cup hands and shout outward
  • “No answer” → shrug shoulders, look confused
  • “Elijah prays” → fold hands
  • “Fire from God!” → wiggle fingers downward like fire
  • “The Lord is God!” → point up strongly

Step 1: Play the Game

Story Line Teacher Says Kids’ Action (TPR)
False worship “The people called on Baal!” Cup hands and shout outward
No response “But there was NO ANSWER!” Shrug shoulders, look confused
True prayer “Elijah prayed…” Fold hands
God’s power “God sent FIRE!” Wiggle fingers downward like fire
Right response “The Lord is God!” Point up strongly