Introduction for: Year 1, Lesson 19

Crossing Jordan

The Big Idea (Textual Principle):
God used Joshua to lead.

Joshua 3–4

Biblical Virtue (Timeless Principle)
Bravery & Leadership – God can use anyone to help others.

Memory Verse

And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the Lord will do wonders among you.
Joshua 3:5

Crossing Jordan

Bible Text: Joshua 3–4

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 Crossing Jordan (Joshua 3–4)

#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 used Joshua to lead.”

Engage:

Tell the kids:

“When I say ‘TRUST GOD,’ tap the table right away—no waiting!”

Then create tension before each cue:

  • “The river is big and fast…”

  • “You don’t know what will happen…”

  • “Everyone is watching…”

  • “God says, ‘Go forward!’” → TRUST GOD (tap)

  • “Your feet might get wet…”

  • “The water is still there…”

  • “But God promised…” → TRUST GOD

  • “The priests step in…”

  • “Then God stops the water!” → TRUST GOD

Finish Line

“We don’t wait until it feels safe—we trust God right away, because He always keeps His promises.”

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): Bravery & Leadership – God can use anyone to help others. 
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

"Parting of the Jordan River and the 12 Stones"


Materials Needed

Blue construction paper

1 piece of brown construction paper

Grey or black tissue paper (or black colored paper)

Scissors

Glue

Marker


Step-by-step Instructions

  • Step 1: Get one piece of blue construction paper, one piece of brown construction paper, grey or black tissue paper (or black colored paper), scissors, glue, and a marker.

  • Step 2: Fold the blue paper in half like a book, then open it flat again.

  • Step 3: Cut a straight line right down the middle fold to make two equal blue rectangles.

  • Step 4: Put the brown paper flat on the table. This will be the dry riverbed path.

  • Step 5: Glue the left edge of one blue piece to the far left edge of the brown paper.

  • Step 6: Glue the right edge of the other blue piece to the far right edge of the brown paper.

  • Step 7: Fold the inner edges of both blue papers backward so they stand up. Use your marker to draw wavy water lines on them to make 3D standing river walls.

  • Step 8: Tear your grey or black tissue paper (or black colored paper) into 12 small pieces.

  • Step 9: Squeeze and roll each piece into a small, tight ball to make 12 textured, crumpled paper stones.

  • Step 10: Put 12 dots of glue on the brown riverbed path and press your crumpled paper stones down onto them firmly.

C. Total Physical Response

Story LineTeacher SaysKids’ Action (TPR)
God’s command“The priests stepped into the river!”Take small steps in place
Big problem“The water was overflowing!”Raise arms and wave like big water
Act of faith“They stepped in anyway!”Step forward boldly
God’s miracle“The water stopped!”Freeze still
Safe crossing“The people walked across on dry ground!”March in place
Remember God“They picked up stones to remember!”Pretend to lift and hold a stone
Worship response“God did it!”