Introduction for: Year 1, Lesson 20

Deborah

The Big Idea (Textual Principle):
God made a dry path.

Judges 4–5

Biblical Virtue (Timeless Principle)
Stepping Out in Faith – We move forward when God leads.

Memory Verse

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? -Romans 8:31

Deborah

Bible Text: Judges 4–5

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 Deborah (Judges 4–5)

#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 made a dry path.”

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): Stepping Out in Faith – We move forward when God leads. 
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 Needed

      1 piece of sturdy cardboard or a paper plate (for the base)

      2 sheets of colored paper (green and brown)

      1 wooden popsicle stick (or a small stick from the garden)

      1 Deborah cut-out template (click here to download - print before the lesson)

      Crayons or markers

      A pair of scissors

      Glue or tape

      A pencil

      A small coin (to trace a circle)

      A ruler


      Craft Step-by-Step Instructions

      Here is how to make your "Deborah under the Palm Tree" reminder craft:

      • Step 1: Place your cardboard or paper plate on the table. This will be the ground for your craft.

      • Step 2: Color the cardboard base brown or light green using your crayons.

      • Step 3: Take the brown paper and cut out a long, straight rectangle to make the trunk of the palm tree.

      • Step 4: Take the green paper and cut out 4 or 5 long leaf shapes. Cut small slits along the edges to make them look like real palm leaves.

      • Step 5: Glue the brown tree trunk standing up on your cardboard base, then glue the green leaves to the top of the trunk.

      • Step 6: Prepare "Deborah" using the cut-out template provided.

      • Step 7: Color Deborah's clothes with bright markers and carefully cut her out with your scissors.

      • Step 8: Glue Deborah onto the top of the wooden popsicle stick.

      • Step 9: Push the bottom of the popsicle stick into the cardboard base right under the palm tree so Deborah is sitting under it.

      • Step 10: On the cardboard base, write this short phrase: "Move forward! God leads."

      C. Total Physical Response

      Story MomentTeacher TPR CommandsExpected Student Actions
      Deborah leads Israel wisely“Sit tall… lead with wisdom!”Students sit or stand tall confidently.
      Deborah tells Barak God has a plan“Point up… God has a plan!”Students point upward with confidence.
      Barak is afraid to go alone“Step back… look unsure…”Students take a small step back and hesitate.
      Deborah says she will go with him“Walk together… side by side!”Students walk in place beside a partner.
      God leads them into battle“March forward… be brave!”Students march in place boldly.
      The army moves forward in faith“Take big steps… go, go!”Students take exaggerated marching steps.
      God gives victory“Raise your hands… victory!”Students lift arms high in celebration.
      The enemy runs away“Turn around… run away!”Students turn and jog lightly in place.
      The land has peace again“Be still… rest.”Students freeze and relax quietly.
      Deborah and Barak praise God“Clap and sing… praise God!”Students clap rhythmically and smile.
      God helps when we trust Him“Hands on heart… trust Him!”Students place hands on heart.
      We move forward when God leads“Step forward boldly… follow God!”Students step forward confidently.