Introduction for: Year 1, Lesson 18
Moses’ Farewell
The Big Idea (Textual Principle):
Leaders change, but God stays.
Deut. 31–34
Biblical Virtue (Timeless Principle)
Hope – We trust God’s future for us.
Memory Verse
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deut. 31:6
Moses’ Farewell
Bible Text: Deut. 31–34
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 Moses’ Farewell (Deut. 31–34)
#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:
Engage
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): Hope – We trust God’s future for us.
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
"God Stays" Anchor and Changing Sailboat
This craft helps show that while leaders come and go like moving boats, God is always with us like a strong anchor.
Materials needed
Blue piece of paper
Grey or brown cardboard
White paper
Marker
Yarn or string
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Get a blue piece of paper for the background. This blue paper will represent the ocean water.
Step 2: Draw a large anchor shape on a piece of grey or brown cardboard, then carefully cut it out.
Step 3: Glue the anchor to the bottom of your blue background paper so it stays completely still.
Step 4: Cut out a small sailboat shape from a piece of white paper.
Step 5: Write the name "MOSES" on one side of the sailboat's sail using a bright marker.
Step 6: Turn the sailboat over to the other side and write the name "JOSHUA" on the sail.
Step 7: Tie a small piece of yarn or string to the top of your paper anchor.
Step 8: Tape the other end of the yarn to your small sailboat so the boat and the anchor are connected.
Step 9: Write the words "GOD STAYS" in big letters right on top of the anchor.
Step 10: Move your sailboat back and forth to show the leaders changing from Moses to Joshua, while the anchor stays in place.
C. Total Physical Response
| Story Moment | Teacher TPR Commands | Expected Student Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Moses speaks to the people one last time | “Gather close… listen carefully!” | Students lean in and focus. |
| Moses reminds them God will be with them | “Point up… God is with you!” | Students point upward confidently. |
| Be strong and courageous | “Show strong muscles… be brave!” | Students flex arms and stand tall. |
| Do not be afraid | “Shake your head… don’t be afraid!” | Students shake heads boldly. |
| God goes before them | “Step forward… God leads the way!” | Students take a step forward. |
| Moses gives leadership to Joshua | “Place a hand on a friend… pass it on!” | Students gently place a hand on a partner’s shoulder. |
| Joshua is ready to lead | “Stand tall… ready to lead!” | Students stand straight and confident. |
| Moses blesses the people | “Raise your hands… give a blessing!” | Students lift hands outward. |
| Moses sees the promised land | “Look far… see God’s promise!” | Students shade eyes and look ahead. |
| God’s people will go into the land | “March forward… keep going!” | Students march in place. |
| God keeps His promises for the future | “Point up… God keeps His promises!” | Students point upward firmly. |
| We trust God’s future for us | “Hands on heart… step forward in hope!” | Students place hands on heart, then step forward. |