Introduction for: Year 1, Lesson 21
Ruth
The Big Idea (Textual Principle):
God brought Ruth in.
Ruth 1–4
Biblical Virtue (Timeless Principle)
Loyalty & Kindness – We stick with others and show love.
Memory Verse
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. I Corinthians 13:7
Ruth
Bible Text: Ruth 1–4
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 |
Classroom Sequence for Ruth (Ruth 1–4)
#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
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): Loyalty & Kindness – We stick with others and show love.
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 paper plate (or a piece of cardboard cut into a circle)
Colored paper (yellow, brown, or orange for the grain; any color for the base)
Safety scissors
Glue stick
Crayons or markers
1 piece of yarn or string (about 12 inches long)
A hole puncher (or a sharp pencil to poke a hole)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Color the plate. Use a green or brown crayon to color the middle of your paper plate. This is the field.
Draw the path. Draw a winding road across your plate using a brown marker. This shows Ruth and Naomi's journey.
Cut the paper. Take your yellow or brown paper. Cut out 5 small oval shapes. These will be the pieces of grain (barley).
Draw lines on the grain. Use a marker to draw small lines on your paper ovals so they look like real grain.
Glue the grain. Stick the paper grain shapes along the path on your plate using your glue stick.
Write the principle. Write "Be Kind & Loyal" in big letters at the top of your plate.
Write the verse. Write "Ruth 1-4" at the bottom of your plate.
Make a hole. Use a hole puncher to make one small hole at the very top of the plate.
Add the string. Push your yarn or string through the hole and tie a knot.
Hang it up. Hang your craft in your room to remind you to always stick with your friends and family!
C. Total Physical Response
| Story Moment | Teacher TPR Commands | Expected Student Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Naomi and her family move to a new land | “Walk, walk… move far away!” | Students walk in place like traveling. |
| Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi | “Hold hands… stay together!” | Students hold hands with a partner or pretend to. |
| Ruth shows loyalty | “Point to a friend… ‘I will stay with you!’” | Students point and repeat the phrase. |
| Ruth works hard in the field | “Bend down… pick up grain!” | Students pretend to gather grain from the ground. |
| Boaz shows kindness to Ruth | “Give with open hands… be kind!” | Students extend hands as if giving. |
| God provides a family for Ruth | “Rock a baby… smile!” | Students pretend to rock a baby and smile. |
| God rewards loyalty and kindness | “Thumbs up… God is good!” | Students give thumbs up. |