Lesson 25 - Esther
For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
Esther Becomes Queen
Parent Explanation:
Esther was a kind and beautiful girl who became a queen because she was also wise and good-hearted.
Questions to Ask:
How did Esther become queen? (Answer: She was chosen for her kindness and beauty)
What can we learn from Esther? (Answer: To be kind and humble)
Hand Motions:
Crown Gesture: Pretend to place a crown on your head.
Heart Gesture: Place hands over heart to show kindness.
Activities:
Dress-Up Relay: Have a simple dress-up activity to pretend to be kings and queens.
Interactive Question: What do you do to show kindness to others?
Mordecai's Discovery
Parent Explanation:
Mordecai heard some people planning something very bad against the king and told Esther so she could help stop it.
Questions to Ask:
What did Mordecai find out? (Answer: A plot against the king)
What did he do about it? (Answer: Told Esther)
Hand Motions:
Whisper Gesture: Cup hand to mouth as if whispering a secret.
Thumbs Up: Show thumbs up for doing the right thing.
Activities:
Secret Message Game: Teach children the importance of sharing important information through a fun message passing game.
Question: Why is it important to tell the truth?
Esther's Brave Plan
Parent Explanation:
Esther was very brave to speak to the king about saving her people, even though she could have gotten in big trouble.
Questions to Ask:
What brave thing did Esther do? (Answer: She talked to the king to save her people)
How can we be brave like Esther? (Answer: Stand up for what is right)
Hand Motions:
Brave Walk: Take bold steps forward to show bravery.
Speaking Hands: Pretend to speak confidently.
Activities:
Courage Craft: Create medals of bravery that children can decorate and wear.
Question: What are some ways you can help others?
The King Honors Mordecai
Parent Explanation:
The king wanted to say a big thank you to Mordecai for helping him, so he gave Mordecai a special honor in front of everyone.
Questions to Ask:
How was Mordecai honored? (Answer: Paraded on a horse)
What does this teach us about doing good things? (Answer: Good deeds are rewarded)
Hand Motions:
Horse Riding: Pretend to ride a horse, showing honor.
Clapping Hands: Clap to celebrate Mordecai's honor.
Activities:
Parade Play: Organize a small parade where each child can be honored for a good deed.
Question: How does it feel when someone thanks you for something good?
Esther Saves Her People
Parent Explanation:
Because of Esther’s bravery, her people were saved, and every year they have a big party to remember what she did.
Questions to Ask:
What happened because of Esther’s bravery? (Answer: Her people were saved)
What can we celebrate about Esther’s story? (Answer: Her courage to help others)
Hand Motions:
Cheering Hands: Throw hands in the air to cheer for Esther’s victory.
Hugging Motion: Wrap arms around self or others to show love and relief.
Activities:
Celebration Banners: Make banners or decorations to celebrate bravery and courage.
Favorite Part: What did you like best about Esther’s story?