Introduction for: Year 1, Lesson 15
Ten Commandments
The Big Idea (Textual Principle):
God’s rules teach us to love.
Exodus 20
Biblical Virtue (Timeless Principle)
Love – We show love to God and others by obeying.
Memory Verse
If ye love me, keep my commandments. -John 14:15
Ten Commandments
Bible Text: Exodus 20
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 |
Classroom Sequence for Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)
#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
Engage:
“I want you to close your eyes for a moment and imagine a world with no rules at all. In this world, anyone could walk into your house and take your food or your toys. Bigger kids could hurt smaller kids, and no one would stop them. People could lie to you, take things that aren’t theirs, or be mean—and nothing would happen to stop it. Would that world feel safe… or would it feel scary?”
(Pause for responses)
“God knows that life without rules isn’t safe. Today we will learn how God gave His people commands – and these are good rules to protect them and to teach them how to live together in a good way. Let’s listen to what God says.”
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): Love – We show love to God and others by obeying.
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
2 Pieces of Grey Construction Paper (cut into tablet shapes).
1 Long Strip of White Paper (for the accordion middle).
Safety Scissors & Glue.
Markers or Crayons.
Ribbon or Yarn.
10 Simple Steps
- Cut the Tablets: Take your two pieces of grey paper. Use your scissors to cut the top edges into a rounded curve so they look like stone tablets. These will be your front and back covers.
- Fold the White Strip: Take your long strip of white paper. Fold one small section over, then flip it and fold it back the other way—like making a paper fan.
- Count the Panels: Keep folding back and forth until you have 10 equal sections. Each section will hold one commandment.
- Write "1 to 5": On the first five panels of your folded white strip, have the kids write a short version of the first five commandments (e.g., "1. No other gods," "5. Honor parents").
- Write "6 to 10": On the remaining five panels, write the rest of the commandments (e.g., "8. Do not steal," "10. Do not be greedy").
- Glue the Front: Put glue on the very first panel of your white paper. Press it firmly onto the inside of your first grey tablet cover.
- Glue the Back: Put glue on the very last panel of your white paper. Press it firmly onto the inside of your second grey tablet cover.
- Punch a Hole: Carefully use your scissors or a hole puncher to make one small hole on the side of both the front and back grey covers.
- Tie the Ribbon: Thread your piece of yarn or ribbon through both holes. Tie it in a simple bow to keep the "book" shut.
- Label the Cover: On the front grey tablet, use a marker to write "The Ten Commandments".
C. Total Physical Response
| Commandment | Teacher Spoken Cue | Student Movement (TPR) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. I am the LORD your God | “God says, ‘I am your God who rescued you.’” | Point upward, then place hand on heart |
| 2. No other gods | “Worship only the LORD.” | Shake head “no,” then point upward |
| 3. Do not misuse God’s name | “Use God’s name with respect.” | Finger to lips, then hands open respectfully |
| 4. Remember the Sabbath day | “Rest on God’s special day.” | Stretch arms, then fold hands calmly |
| 5. Honor your father and mother | “Show honor to your parents.” | Hands over heart, then gentle bow |
| 6. Do not murder | “Protect life.” | Arms crossed in an ‘X,’ then open arms wide |
| 7. Do not commit adultery | “Keep marriage promises.” | Hands clasped together, held close to heart |
| 8. Do not steal | “Do not take what belongs to others.” | Pull hands back, shake head |
| 9. Do not bear false witness | “Do not lie about others.” | Point to mouth, then draw a straight line in air |
| 10. Do not covet | “Do not want what belongs to someone else.” | Hands reach outward, then pull back and open palms |