Introduction for: Year 1, Lesson 23

Samuel Hears

The Big Idea (Textual Principle):
Samuel listened.

And Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. I Samuel 3:10

Biblical Virtue (Timeless Principle)
Listening to God – We hear and obey God’s word.

Memory Verse

And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.1 Samuel 3:10

Samuel Hears

Bible Text: And Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. I Samuel 3:10

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 Samuel Hears (And Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. I Samuel 3:10)

#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: “Samuel listened.”

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): Listening to God – We hear and obey God’s word. 
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 cup (or a clean plastic cup)

  • 1 piece of 1 Samuel 3:9 cutout (download here and print before the lesson)

  • 1 piece of yarn or string (about 12 inches long)

  • 1 large paperclip or a wooden bead

  • Crayons or markers

  • Scissors

  • Glue or tape

  • A pen or pencil (to poke a small hole)


Craft Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Step 1: Take your paper cup and turn it upside down on the table.

  • Step 2: Use your crayons or markers to color the outside of the cup beautifully.

  • Step 3: Use a pen or pencil to carefully poke a small hole in the exact center of the bottom of the cup. (Ask a grown-up for help if it is hard!)

  • Step 4: Take one piece of the 1 Samuel 3:9 cutout label.

  • Step 5: Decorate the verse cutout label using crayons or markers.

  • Step 6: Use glue or tape to stick your verse label onto the front of your colored cup.

  • Step 7: Take your piece of string and tie one end tightly to your paperclip or wooden bead.

  • Step 8: Push the other (empty) end of the string through the hole in the bottom of the cup, starting from the inside and pulling it out through the top.

  • Step 9: Pull the string up until the paperclip or bead catches on the inside bottom of the cup. Tie a big knot on the outside string so it stays in place.

  • Step 10: Hold the cup by the top knot and gently swing it to make a bell sound. This "Samuel's Listening Bell" reminds us to stop, listen, and obey when God speaks!

C. Total Physical Response

Story MomentTeacher TPR CommandsExpected Student Actions
Samuel serves in the temple“Stand tall… ready to serve!”Students stand straight and attentive.
Samuel lies down to sleep“Lay your head… close your eyes.”Students tilt head to hands and close eyes.
God calls, “Samuel!”“Cup your ear… listen!”Students cup ear and lean slightly forward.
Samuel runs to Eli“Jump up… run, run!”Students quickly run in place.
Eli says, “I did not call you”“Shake your head… go back.”Students shake heads and gesture going back.
God calls again“Listen again… cup your ear!”Students repeat listening motion.
Samuel runs again“Run back… hurry!”Students run in place again.
Eli realizes God is calling Samuel“Tap your head… understand!”Students tap head like realizing something.
Eli tells Samuel what to say“Point up… ‘Speak, Lord… I’m listening!’”Students point upward and repeat phrase.
God speaks to Samuel“Stand still… listen carefully.”Students stand quietly and focus.
Samuel listens to God“Hands behind ears… listen well!”Students lean in with listening posture.
Samuel obeys God“Nod your head… obey!”Students nod firmly.
Samuel grows and God is with him“Reach up tall… grow, grow!”Students stretch upward.
We hear and obey God’s word“Cup your ear… then step forward!”Students cup ear, then take a step forward.