David and Goliath

Cooking Workshop

Summary of Lesson Activity:

Make (and eat!) a giant cookie while learning story details about David and Goliath. The first week of the Rotation, the class will use a pre-made cookie dough and then they will make the dough for use in subsequent weeks.

Note: We created a PowerPoint to tell this story using pictures from the book by Brendan Powell Smith, David and Goliath: The Brick Bible for Kids. Some pictures are from the website by the same author, The Brick Testament: here and here.   

For copyright reasons, this PowerPoint can not be shared. An alternate way of telling the story is included below.

Scripture Reference & Key Bible Verse & Objectives: 

Refer to first post in this lesson set.

Leader Preparation:

• Read Bible Background and scripture.

Materials List:

• A batch of pre-made cookie dough (see end of lesson for recipe, makes four 5½ inch round cookies (cut into ¼’s for a total of 16 servings)

• One Egg (per batch of dough to be created by students)

• Butter (one stick = 1/2 cup, per batch of dough)

• Flour (one and one-quarter cups per batch of dough)
• Brown sugar (one half a cup, packed)
• White sugar (one quarter of a cup)
• Vanilla
• Baking soda
• Mini Chocolate chips - One cup (one half of a 12-ounce size — One cup 1/2 package)
• Serving utensils (spatula, knife) and a serving tray
• Two large sheet pans
• Parchment paper
• Two Ice cream scoops (~ 2” diameter or 1/8 cup capacity)
• Measuring cups and Teaspoons
• Two Mixing Bowls (one large and one smaller)
• A Hand mixer
• A Pencil
• A five inch circle stencil (to draw on parchment paper for cookie size)
• Aprons
• A zipper freezer bag (for freezing dough for the next weeks use)
• Story paraphrase  (See the attachment at end of lesson. To download, click on the underlined words "Story Paraphrase.doc")
• The Young Reader’s Bible (if the story paraphrase is used)
• For 2nd graders and up: Adventure Bibles
• Pen and note pad
• Napkins

Advanced Preparation Requirements:

• Take cookie dough out of refrigerator to become more pliable, & break it into two halves.
• Take 1/2 cup of butter (one stick) out of the fridge to soften
• Cover the sheet pans with parchment paper and draw two circles (using 5-inch stencil) on each piece of parchment in pencil.
• Decide if you’d like to premeasure any ingredients (recommended for younger students)
• Cover the baking pans with parchment paper.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. (For a convection oven use 325.)
• When 3rd graders and up visit, distribute Bibles around the tables.

Presentation

Opening- Welcome and Lesson Introduction

Do: Greet your students warmly, welcoming them to the cooking workshop. Introduce yourself and have the Shepherds introduce themselves.

Ask for a few volunteers to briefly share a moment when they felt afraid. (Perhaps you’ll need to share a moment from your experience to prime the pump.) Make a note (either mental or writing it down is ok) of any moments that sound like “giants” in their lives.

Say: In today’s Bible story, a boy named David faces a very large man named Goliath. Goliath was really big. He was described as a giant! Everyone was afraid of Goliath but David was sure he could fight Goliath and win.

Ask: Who knows how the story turns out? (allow a brief answer)

Say: It sounds like a pretty unlikely story doesn’t it – a small boy wins a battle with a large, over nine feet tall giant – and with only a slingshot!

Ask: Have you ever faced a giant like Goliath? Wait, can’t the word giant describe anything that is big – say, a giant problem?

How many of you have faced that kind of giant – a giant problem? [If necessary, remind the students of the “giants’ in their lives, mentioned earlier.]

Say: Because we are talking today about “giants” – we are going to make some giant cookies. While our cookies bake we’ll discuss more about our story and how the story can help us face giants in our own lives.

Dig- Main Content and Reflection:

Do:  Wash your hands first and then have everyone wash their hands. Offer aprons to those who’d like to wear one. Break the class into two groups. Give each group half of the batch of cookie dough.

Say: To make our giant cookies, some of you will be scooping dough and some of you will be pressing the dough into a circle.

Do: Ask each group to take turns scooping three - ½ ice cream scoops of dough (about ½ cup total) onto each parchment paper circle. Those that are not scooping can press the dough into the form of a circle.

Note: Have the students pressing the dough put some flour on their hands to prevent sticking, and to try to press the dough into an even thickness.

Say: Notice the size of the cookies compared to the very small chocolate chips. Goliath cookies and David chocolate chips!!  

Do: Ask Shepherd to bake and time the cookies (about 10-14 minutes, they are done when they are golden around the edges), and, when done, to cut each cookie into quarters and bring them to the Social Hall on the serving tray.

Say: Now we are going to make dough for next week’s class!

Do: Assign the following tasks to the two groups. Name the groups “David” and “Goliath”.

1. Have the David group add these items to the bowl and mix them. Try to make turns as even as possible. If someone doesn’t add something, have them use the hand mixer to mix.
2. • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
   • 1 stick of butter
   •  1/4 cup white sugar
   • 1 Egg
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla
3. Meanwhile, have the Goliath group add the dry ingredients to the smaller bowl and mix together:
4. • 1 1/4 cups flour
   • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
5. After the wet ingredients are in the bowl, have the David Group use the hand mixer to get them all incorporated. Make sure to have them start it on low so the ingredients don’t go everywhere! It takes about 2 minutes for the ingredients to become fully mixed.
6. Have the Goliath group add the dry ingredients into the larger wet ingredient bowl. (if there are more students than jobs, divide up the flour adding and the hand-mixing task.)
7. Have the Goliath group use the hand mixer to incorporate the dry ingredients in (takes about a minute to get it together).
8. Have the David group add the mini chocolate chips and mix in by hand (take turns). The batter should be stiff and smooth.
9. Ask the Shepherd to bag up the dough into a zipper freezer bag and pop into the freezer.

Do: Have the students wash their hands, and meet back in the classroom area for the lesson and discussion.

Hear and discuss the story:

(Note: here is where we started the PowerPoint. I had added slides to show during the discussion about the organization of the Bible.)

Say: Let’s dig into our Bible story.

Do: Run quickly through the next three slides…

Ask: How many testaments are in the Bible? (2)

Ask: Why are there two testaments?

Say: The two testaments divide the Bible into the portion that Jesus learned when he was your age – the Old Testament, and the New Testament which is stories about Jesus and the early church.

Ask: Is the story of David and Goliath in the Old Testament or the New Testament?

Say: Since Jesus would have learned this story of God always with us, when he was your age, we find it in the Old Testament.

For 2nd and up:

 

Say: Besides being divided into two testaments, the Bible is further divided into collections. Let’s take a look at some of the collections that make up the Old Testament, since our story is in the Old Testament.

 

Do: Have students turn to the Table of Contents and find the list of Old Testament books. Ask: Can anyone tell me the first collection of books of the Old Testament?

Say: The first collection in the Old Testament is called the “Pentateuch” (Pronounced: PEN-tuh-took); penta meaning five. This collection is also called the books of the “Law” or the books of “Instruction.” Our story is found in First Samuel.

Ask: What collection is First Samuel in?

Say: This collection is called “History” because they tell us about the history of God’s people who were known in those days as the Israelites. Let’s turn to First Samuel, chapter 17, verse 1.

 

Do: After they’ve found I Samuel 17:1 tell them this is where the story of David and Goliath is told in the Bible.

For all students:

Say: I have a slide show of our story about David and Goliath.

Ask: How many of you enjoy playing with Legos?

Say: Well the fun thing about this story is all of the pictures have been created out of Legos!

Do: Play the Power Point presentation and click to advance to next page. Read the words under each of the pictures. → On later weeks of the Rotation: rather than reading the words, ask the students to tell you the story.

 Our students enjoying the PowerPoint

An alternate way to tell the story:

 

Have open in front of you an Adventure Bible to 1 Samuel 17:1.
Tell or review the story, using the paraphrase along with the pictures in the story Bible – The Young Reader’s Bible.

For the first paragraph: Start on page 142 with David caring for sheep.
For the next paragraph: Go to page 146/147.
For the next paragraph: Go to page 148/149.
For the last paragraph: Go to page 150.

In later weeks of the Rotation, ask the students to tell you the story. You may not need to read the summary, just use it to fill in details.

Discussion:

Note: Whenever the cookies are done, ask the Shepherd to serve one slice of cookie to each student. They can munch while you continue the lesson.  

(Giant cookies pictured on right!)          

Say: Everyone was afraid of Goliath. He was over 9 feet tall!

Ask: Why do you suppose David was so certain that he could beat Goliath? (allow all answers)

But David didn’t wear the amour that King Saul tried to give him. What do you suppose made David so strong?

Say: David trusted God to help him face the giant Goliath.

Ask: Why do you suppose David trusted God? (accept all answers)

Ask: Would any of you like to share why you trust in God?

Say: I know I feel great having God with me, during my happy times but also during the times I am afraid. Having faith and trust in God helps me tackle those giants -- those giant problems -- that I am afraid of facing.

Ask: What about those giant problems that we talked about earlier? Do you suppose we can be like David and trust God to help us face those giants? (accept all answers)

Closing:

Ask for any prayer requests. Ask if anyone would like to lead the group in prayer. Be prepared to say a prayer yourself, working in prayer requests. Use the Lord’s Prayer as the ending.

A suggestion: “Dear God, Thank you for stories in the Bible which teach us about you. Each time we face giants in our lives, help us to remember the story of David and his trust that you would be with him to fight his giant. (End with everyone joining in on the Lord’s Prayer.) Amen.”

If you have extra time:

Say the key verse with the students: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Ask: When things are going well, it doesn’t require a lot of faith to trust God. But when life turns messy, is your faith leading you to depend on God, or do you put your trust in something else?

What can help us to remember that we can put our trust in God?

Resources for Cooking Lesson:

• Faith Quest Lesson Sets at Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church, Cary, NC. “David &Goliath.” 2003. Web.
• "David & Goliath: Creation Station.” 2003. Web.  
• Idea for a giant cookie from Jaymie Derden at State Street United Methodist Church, Bristol, VA.  

Giant Cookie Recipe

Makes four 5½ inch round cookies (cut into ¼’s for a total of 16 servings)

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 package (12-ounce size) miniature semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)

1. Preheat convection oven to 325ºF.

2. Line a sheet pan with parchment.

3. Mix sugars, butter, vanilla and egg in large bowl.

4. Mix together flour and baking soda in separate bowl.

5. Stir dry ingredients into larger wet ingredient bowl (dough will be stiff). Stir in mini chocolate chips.

6. With lightly floured fingers, press the dough into circles on parchment paper in the pan (try for an even thickness).

7. Bake about 10-14 minutes or until golden brown; cool in pan.

8. Lift with spatula off parchment to remove cookie. Place on serving platter and cut into quarters.

Images in this post:

David and Goliath (fair use) from the book by by Brendan Powell Smith, David and Goliath: The Brick Bible for Kids.

Clipart image of kids reading the Bible provided via Christart

Other images copyright 2015 by Carol Hulbert.

If you use this material, even in a modified form, please include the following reference:
Hulbert, Carol and Nicole Merritt and Chris Nelson. "David and Goliath: Cooking Lesson." Rotation.org. 2015. Web. Place URL where lesson found inside angle brackets<>.

A representative of Rotation.org reformatted this post to improve readability.

Printed from https://www.rotation.org

David and Goliath

Puppets Workshop

Summary of Lesson Activity:

Use object theater puppetry (i.e., use kitchen utensils as story character puppets) to enact the story. [Written for 4th – 6th graders.]

Scripture Reference & Key Bible Verse & Objectives: 

Refer to first post in this lesson set.

Leader Preparation:

• Read Bible Background and scripture. 

Materials List:

• A variety of Bible versions: NRSV, CEV, TEV, NIV (at least 1 Adventure Bible with tabs - Law, History, etc.)
• One copy of the document "Bible Dig Sheets" (See the attachment at end of lesson. To download, click on the underlined words "Bible Dig Sheets.doc")
• Scissors (one pair)
• A puppet stage
• Script (see link in resources at end of lesson) 
• Salt & pepper shakers & a Teaspoon (for demonstration)
• Baby spoon – David
• Sponges – sheep
• Various spoons and smaller utensils (at least 3) – David's brothers
• Spatulas, tongs, ladles (taller utensils) – Philistines
• A rubber spatula made to look old by attaching some white “beard” – Jesse
• A large BBQ flipper - Goliath
• A butter knife – King Saul
• Props: Mini Marshmallows, some pieces of foil
• Easel; appropriate marker

Advanced Preparation Requirements:

• Distribute Bibles around the chairs/seats in the room. Make sure that you include the specific Bibles mentioned above.
• Cut the Bible Dig sheet apart so that one numbered item is on each piece of paper.
• Write the key Bible verse on the easel.

Presentation:

Opening- Welcome and Lesson Introduction

Do: Greet your students warmly, welcoming them to the Puppet Workshop. Introduce yourself and have the Shepherds introduce themselves. Invite everyone to come over to the open end of the room.

Say: I would like to give you a little quiz, just so that I can see how much you know about the story of David & Goliath. This quiz requires you to answer the questions by moving. I will ask a true/false question. If you think that the answer is true, go to this side of the room. [Designate one side of the room]. If you think the answer is false, then move to this side of the room. [Designate the other side of the room]. And if you don’t know the answer, you can stand in the middle. It’s ok if you don’t know the answer. [Don’t worry about correcting kids who “answer” wrong. You are just trying to find out what they know.]

T/F quiz questions:

• Goliath was a short little man. True or false?
• David was a shepherd and took care of his father’s sheep.
• The Israelite soldiers drew straws to see who would fight Goliath.
• David wore King Saul’s armor when he fought Goliath.
• David used a whole bushel of stones to kill Goliath.

Do: Thank everyone for participating in the quiz. Have everyone sit down.

Dig: Main content and Reflection

Say: Today we will be acting out our story with puppets. First, so that we get the story details right, we’re going to tell this story together and I need your to help. So let's start by finding our story in the Bible.

Ask:  If our story is found in a Bible book called First Samuel, how would we figure out where to find First Samuel? (use Table of Contents)
Say: Let’s all find First Samuel in the Bible.

Do: Have everyone find 1 Samuel 17:1. Then pass out portions of the Bible Dig Sheet.
If there are more than 11 students, form a few groups of two. If you have less than 11 students, eliminate sheets without an asterisk (*). Note: one sheet requires a particular type of Bible.

Say: Follow the instructions on your sheet. You have three minutes and then we’ll all report what we discover as we tell the whole story.

Do: As children read and do what is on their Bible Dig Sheet, sort the portions that you didn’t hand out so you’ll know which questions will not be answered by the class. When three minutes are up begin the following story with input from the students. Note: the #’s represent the Bible Dig Sheet where the answer should come from.

Ask: Is First Samuel in the Old Testament or the New Testament? (anyone can answer - Old Testament)
What collection of BIble books is First Samuel a part of? (#1 - a history book)

Say: First Samuel is a history book. [Show the classroom Bible with tabs.]

Say: We’re going to tell this story together and I need you to help me fill in the blanks.

[Note: Anyone may answer your questions but groups with noted # can be called upon.
In later weeks of the Rotation ask the students to help fill in more of story i.e., leave more blanks, OR try telling the details incorrectly and see if they catch you. For example: David lived 3000 years ago in the town of Ann Arbor...]

Tell the story:

David lived 3000 years ago in the town of Bethlehem. The Israelites who worshipped God were under attack by a tribe called the Philistines. The Philistines had a very large warrior whose name was _____. (#1 - Goliath) who was how tall? _____ (#1 or #2 - over 9 ft). How was Goliath dressed, in his khakis and polo shirt? _____ (#2 ) Oh, imagine the sight, over 9 feet tall and dressed in heavy armor! And can you hear his voice? What was it that Goliath said? _____ (# 3). How did King Saul and all the Israelites react? _____ (#4 - they were afraid!)

There is another character in our story and his name is Jesse. Jesse had eight sons. How many of Jesse’s sons had gone to fight for King Saul and the Israelites? _____ (#5 – three sons) The youngest son _____, (#5 - David) helped his father with the sheep. Now being a shepherd sounds like a piece of cake, right? Well what difficulties might a shepherd face? _____ (#6 - lions & bears) David learned to use a tool called a sling. As long as he had stones, his sling could be deadly against attacking lions.

From reading other parts of the Bible we learn more about David. He liked to write songs and poems that we call psalms. A famous psalm is Psalm 23. What does Psalm 23 tell us about the sort of relationship David had with God? _____ (#7) The Psalms David wrote tell us that he trusted God to be with him at all times.

Now how was it that David ended up on a battlefield with Goliath? _____ (#8) That’s right, Jesse had sent David to take food to his brothers. So David comes into camp and hears Goliath insulting the Israelites. Goliath had been doing this for 40 days!
David finds it hard to believe that no one has yet taken on the battle with Goliath! Forty days this Goliath has insulted God’s people! Goliath is insulting God!

David tells King Saul that he wants to fight the giant. What does King Saul think? _____ (#9) Saul thought that David was too young. But David was sure of God’s protection. After all, God had saved him from the paws of lions and bears.

Saul gives the OK to fight Goliath. What does he try to give David? _____ (#10) But David just couldn’t wear Saul’s armor – he says it doesn’t feel right. So he heads off to face Goliath with just his shepherd’s tools – his staff, his sling and five stones.

Goliath laughs when he sees David the shepherd boy coming toward him. He says he’s going to turn David into bird food. What was it that David told Goliath? _____ (#11)

Then David used his sling to throw one stone at the giant’s head, killing him. David the shepherd boy from Bethlehem had won the battle! The End!


Say: What a great story! This is the kind of story that needs acting out. Let’s use puppets to retell this story. But let’s use a special type of puppets.

Enact the story using puppets:

Have the salt/pepper shakers and a spoon near by.

Ask: Have you ever been at a restaurant and you’re waiting for your food, and you’re little bored so you start playing with the salt and pepper shakers? [Start playing with them.]
And pretty soon the salt and pepper shakers become animated.

Have the salt say to the pepper, “How are you doing today?” Have the pepper respond.
Pick up a spoon; carry on a short conversation with the spoon and the shakers.

Say: These items become a type of puppet. When ordinary household items are used as puppets – it’s called “object theatre.” Today we are going to use object theatre to perform the story of David and Goliath. We can do the puppet show more than once, so that some can be the audience while others are acting out the story; then we’ll switch.

Break the class in half. Assign parts to half of the group. Run through the script (a student may read if desired). Reassign parts so everyone has a chance to “act out” the story. Allow time for discussion and closing. [Perhaps do discussion in between acts of the play.]

Discussion:

Ask: Everyone else was afraid to fight Goliath. Why do you suppose David was so certain that he could win against Goliath? (he wasn’t alone, he had faith in God)
Say: Having faith in God – knowing that God is with you – that made a big difference for David.
Ask: What about giants that we face – do you suppose that having that same faith can help us?
What does it take to have faith like David?
Think of a giant in your life – how would it feel (or look) to face that giant with faith?

Closing:

Say: David believed that no matter what happened to him, God would be with him always and would protect him. God loves you. No matter what happens to you, God is with you.
Ask for any prayer requests. Ask if anyone would like to lead the group in prayer. Be prepared to say a prayer yourself, working in prayer requests. A suggestion: “Dear God, Thank you for this day and for everyone who is here today. We are thankful to learn about Bible heroes like David – who looked to you for courage when facing difficult obstacles. Help us to be more like David and remember that you are always with us. Amen.”

If you have extra time:

Refer to easel, and say the key Bible verse once as group. Then, break into six groups. Have each group recite a portion of the verse:
“Be strong and courageous./ Do not be terrified;/ do not be discouraged,/ for the Lord your God/ will be with you wherever you go.”/ Joshua 1:9

Have them repeat the verse faster, louder, or softer.

Resources for the Puppet Lesson:

• G.R.E.A.T. Adventure Dream Team at State Street United Methodist Church, Bristol, VA.“David and Goliath - Giant-Sized Faith!” 2001. Print.  (for True/False questions and quiz idea)
• McKenzie, Lisa-Dawn. “David & Goliath: Script for Object Theatre.” 2008. Web.

If you use this material, even in a modified form, please include the following reference:
Hulbert, Carol. "David and Goliath: Puppet Lesson." Nov. 2008. Web. Place URL where lesson found inside angle brackets<>.

A lesson written in 2008, by Carol Hulbert from:
First United Methodist Church
Ann Arbor, MI, USA

A representative of Rotation.org reformatted this post to improve readability.

Printed from Rotation.org 

David and Goliath

Drama Workshop # 1 (Note: Two Drama workshops are provided.)  

Summary of Lesson Activity:

Videotape a drama of the Israelites facing a giant – how did they react? Who saved the day and how? What giants do we face? What is our protecting armor? (Note: 4th – 6th graders visited this workshop.)

Scripture Reference & Key Bible Verse & Objectives: 

Refer to first post in this lesson set.

Leader Preparation:

Read Bible Background and scripture.

Materials List:

• Bibles
• Video camera; Tripod; a way to hook the camera up to the TV
• Costumes – including helmet, sword, and shield
• Step ladder
• Large piece of fabric
• Roll of duct tape; scissors
• Shepherd staff
• A belt with a simple tie bag attached to it
• Scene clapper


  
  

Advanced Preparation Requirements:

• Familiarize yourself with how to operate the video camera. Have it set up, ready to use.
• For idea on how to create a step ladder giant refer to the photo on the right.
• Read Neil MacQueen’s videotaping hints.
• Cut several pieces of duct tape duct and make them into tape balls (make 5).


• On the easel write the words “trust in God.” Draw a large shield shape around the words. Cover up this page.
   

Presentation

Opening- Welcome and Lesson Introduction

Do: Greet your students warmly, welcoming them to the Drama Workshop. Introduce yourself and have the Shepherds introduce themselves.

Say: We are learning about David and Goliath. It’s a story that is great for drama – can you picture a boy named David facing a giant named Goliath? Everyone was afraid of Goliath but David was sure he could fight Goliath and win. 

First let’s review our Bible story.

Dig: Main Content and Reflection

Do: Distribute Bibles.

Ask: Who can tell me the names of the first ten books of the Old Testament?
Review the names up to the Samuels: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, First and Second Samuel.

Do: Show them that if they open their Bible in the middle, they will usually land in the book of Psalms in the OT. Point out that First Samuel comes before Psalms, since we didn’t name Psalms. Let them flip through the first half of the Bible for it, referring to the list of books (hopefully in their heads!) or use the table of contents.  Show them the Leader's Bible with tabs. (Note these tabs divide the collections in the Bible: Law, History, etc.) 

Say:  1st Samuel is a "History" book.

Do: After they’ve found I Samuel, help them find chapter 17, verse 1 and tell them this is where the story of David and Goliath is told in the Bible.

Do: Ask the students to tell you what they know about David and Goliath. [This will guide you in knowing what to emphasize during the lesson.]

If necessary…
Say: Let’s review the parts of this story that we are unclear about.

Do: Retell them the story asking them to read whatever parts need reinforcement.

Remind students to use “Radio Reading” – punctuation marks mean you pause. A period means a longer pause. Goliath’s words would be loud and threatening; the frightened Israelites might sound squeaky.

Discussion:

Say: Before we act out this story let’s talk a minute about giants. Goliath was very tall so we say he was a giant. But the word giant can describe anything that is big – say, a giant problem. 


Ask: With that definition of a giant, I am wondering what giants do you sometimes face?

[Generate a few ideas –you may wish to write them on the easel – bully’s, tests in school, family problems, problems with friends… If possible, share a giant that you personally have faced in your life.]

Say: It’s pretty amazing that Goliath was killed using a slingshot. King Saul had offered David his armor and sword but David didn’t wear it!

Ask: He must have had a secret weapon, what do you suppose it was?

Show them the hidden shield you drew on the easel.

Say: David didn’t have a shield like King Saul but he had a special kind of armor – David trusted God to protect him. David told Goliath that it was not his skill, but God’s power and might, that would settle the battle.

Ask: What about for us; what can our armor or shield be against our giants [refer to the list that was made]? (allow all answers)

Say: Our armor against our problems, our giants, is to trust that God will help us. We call that, having faith. The giants may still seem scary but our faith in God helps us face them.

Enact the story:

Choose a student to be the first Goliath. Get him or her outfitted on the stepladder with props. Choose another student to be David, and one to be Saul. Everyone else can be either Israelites or Philistines.

Have them enact the story, using their own words for dialogue:

• Goliath threatening the Israelites (in a “Goliath” voice)
• Frightened response of Israelites (speaking in squeaky voices to accentuate their powerlessness)
• David’s response
• Saul offering David his armor (David very confident)
• David versus Goliath (Goliath and the Philistines making fun of the slingshot; David proclaiming that it was God who would make the victory)
• To “finish off” Goliath – have David name a “giant” in his/her life that God can help him or her with, and then toss a duct tape “stone” at Goliath.

Allow different students to play the different roles. Videotape the “takes.” If time is short, have subsequent takes only reenact the David vs. Goliath portion to save time. Leave enough time to replay the tape for viewing after the closing. (Or allow kids to get a snack and return for the viewing.)

Closing:

Say: David had a special kind of armor – David trusted God to protect him. He had learned to trust God as a shepherd. David told Goliath that it was not his skill, but God’s power and might, that would settle the battle. David had giant faith in God!

Ask for any prayer requests. Ask if anyone would like to lead the group in prayer.
Be prepared to say a prayer yourself, working in prayer requests. Use the Lord’s Prayer as the ending. A suggestion: “Dear God, We are glad to be here today. We love acting out stories from the Bible. We love to be able to learn about Bible heroes and their faith in you. Help us to live boldly – trusting that you love us, and call us your friends. Amen.”

If you have extra time:

Ask the students to enact a modern day version of the story – something with a bully perhaps.

Resources for the Drama Lesson:

• Faith Quest Lesson Sets at Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church. “David & Goliath.” 2003. Web.
• Heyward, Will. “David and Goliath.” Smyrna Presbyterian Church. Waynesboro, VA. 2002.(Info no longer published)
• MacQueen, Neil. "Goliath Visits our Video Workshop.” 2004. Web.

Field Notes from the Workshop Leader (2004): "what I loved was not once did anyone say there aren’t any parts in this play for girls. All 4 weeks the girls were just as eager as the boys to play a role."

 

Image in this post used courtesy of Neil MacQueen.

If you use this material, even in a modified form, please include the following reference:

Hulbert, Carol. "David and Goliath: Drama Lesson - 2008." Rotation.org. 2004, 2008. Web. Place URL where lesson found inside angle brackets<>.

A lesson written by Carol Hulbert in 2004, updated in 2008,

from First United Methodist Church, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

A representative of Rotation.org reformatted this post to improve readability.

Printed from https://www.rotation.org

David and Goliath

Drama Workshop #2  (Note: Two Drama workshops are provided.)

Summary of Lesson Activity:

Read through the script and perform the skit  “The Day the Bully Went Down” from the book 30 New Testament Quick Skits for Kids. (Note: written for 2nd-5th grades. A copy of this script is not included for copyright reasons.)

Scripture Reference & Key Bible Verse & Objectives: 

Refer to first post in this lesson set.

Leader Preparation:

• Read Bible Background and scripture. 

Materials List:

• Easel; appropriate marker and easel eraser
• Piece of easel paper with a dark Sharpie marker
• Sticky Tack (to hang paper on the wall)
• Overhead projector; Extension cord
• The script on transparencies
• Bibles
• Costumes for Philistines, Israelites, David, Goliath, Jesse
• 10 copies of the script, “The Day the Bully Went Down” from 30 Old Testament Quick Skits for Kids
• Flip video camera, tripod, and cables to connect to TV
• Scene clapper
• Props:
• • For Goliath – sturdy chair or step ladder to stand on, spear, armor (helmet, shield), maybe a “wild hair” wig and/or a beard
  • For David – a slingshot, something to represent a rock (like a tightly balled up sock or a beanbag, or balled up silver or brown duct tape), and a stick
  • For Jesse – pretend food such as bread or grapes (something easy to identify as food)

Advanced Preparation Requirements:

• Create the overhead transparencies of the script. Use a large sized font! [Note: We modified the script to remove the part about David cutting off Goliath's head. A reminder: The script is not included due to it being copyright material.]
• Familiarize yourself with how to operate the video camera -- how to record, play back and hook it to the TV so it can be used to show the recorded video footage. Set up the camera on the tripod.

• Write the key Bible verse on the easel paper and hang it on the wall. (Leave the wall opposite the stage clear to show the script with the overhead projector.)

• Lay out the costumes on the stage so they can be located easily when the parts have been assigned.

• Write the words “Trust in God” on the easel. Draw a shield shape around the words. Also write the names of the various cast members (not the quantity of speaking roles -- that is there for your info) in a vertical column:

Bigger sized speaking parts

Narrator (could be split into 2 parts)

Goliath

David

Medium sized speaking parts

Israelites (need 2 or more kids)

Philistines (need 2 or more kids)

Small speaking part

Jesse (could be the shepherd if not enough kids)

Non-speaking roles

Videographer  

Presentation

Opening- Welcome and Lesson Introduction

Do: Greet your students warmly, welcoming them to the Drama Workshop.

Say: Today we have a Bible story to perform on stage. We will rehearse it, we will record it, and if we have time, we will get to watch it! Our story is a familiar one – the story of David and Goliath. We are going to use a script that mixes in a lot of humor with the true story! First let’s start with a time of prayer.

Ask: “What are some things that are on your mind that you would like to pray for today? Some things that you are thankful for or some things that you would like God to help you with?” (allow some time for the kids to bring their thoughts to the group)

Say: “Dear God, please hear the prayers that the kids in this class have brought before you today. We are grateful to be here together. We love to be able to learn about Bible heroes and their faith in you. Help us to be strong in our faith – trusting that you love us and that you are always with us to provide the strength we need when we face difficult and sometimes scary situations in life.” End with the Lord’s Prayer. Amen.”

Dig: Main Content and Reflection

Do: Distribute Bibles and copies of the scripts. If the class is larger than 10 kids, have the kids share scripts.

Ask: Where in the Bible do we find the story of David and Goliath?

Say: That’s right. Our story is found in the Old Testament, in the book called “First Samuel.” Our key Bible verse for this Rotation comes from a different book in the Old Testament; we find our key verse in Joshua, chapter one, verse 9.

Say: Please find Joshua 1:9 while I continue talking to you. Joshua is the sixth book of the Bible, so that means it’s sort of near the front of the Bible. The first five books of the Old Testament are called the “Pentateuch” (Pronounced: PEN-tuh-took). This collection are books of “Instruction.”

Ask: And Joshua, the sixth book, is a book in the collection called ____ ?

Say: Joshua is the first book in the collection called “History.” These books of the Bible tell us the history of God’s people who were known in those days as the Israelites.

Say: So you might ask - why is our key Bible verse from a different book than our Bible story? It’s to let us know that while we read our story in the book of 1st Samuel, clear over in the book of Joshua we are also getting the same message! Once you have found Joshua 1:9, read it silently to yourself.

Do: Have students turn to Joshua 1:9 and read it silently.

Ask: How does this verse relate to the story of David and Goliath?

Say: That’s right! God is telling us to not be afraid! It is repeated all over the Bible! God will be with you no matter what! That is a powerful message to remember!

Do: Have everyone close the Bibles and place them on the table.

Say: We are going to use our skit as a way to tell our Bible story. First, we will do a read-through. We will take turns, moving around the circle and reading through the script as a class. Each new line should be read by the next student. You will get a lot of opportunities to test out what different cast members sound like. After the class reads the script all the way through, I will ask everyone who they would like to be in our play. If you would rather not read, you have the option of saying, “pass” when it is your turn.

Do: Begin the script reading yourself and indicate the direction around the circle that you would like the readers to read.

When done with the read-through of the script...

Ask: Who would like to be David? Who would like to be Goliath? Etc.

Do: As the parts are being determined, fill in the names of the students next to the parts listed on the easel. If there is more than one student who wants to play a particular role, have them play “rock, paper, scissors” to determine who gets the role.

Do: Have the Shepherd help you get the

kids into their costumes and show the videographer how to record with the Flip video camera. Turn on the overhead projector and show the students how they will need to watch for their turn to speak.

Do: Run through the play. Have the videographer record it (it should run about 4 minutes long).

Discussion:

Say: Let’s talk a minute about giants. Goliath was very tall - so we say he was a giant. But the word giant can describe anything that is big – like a giant problem.

Ask: I am wondering what giant problems you might sometimes face?

Do: Erase the cast list and write their offered ideas on the easel – bullies, tests in school, family problems, problems with friends… Share a giant problem that you personally have faced in your life.

Say: It’s pretty amazing that Goliath was killed using just one stone.

Ask: Even though it wasn’t part of our drama today, do you remember what King Saul offered to David so he could protect himself. If you do, raise your hand and I will call on someone to answer. (King Saul offered his armor)

Ask: Did David choose to wear the armor? (no, he said he wasn’t used to them)

David must have had a secret weapon, what do you suppose it was?

Do: Point to the shield that you drew on the easel.

Say: David didn’t have a shield like King Saul, but he had a special kind of armor – David trusted God to protect him.

Do: Refer to the key verse.

Say: David remembered that God would always be with him. David told Goliath that it was not his skill, but God’s power and might that would settle the battle. That is called having trust in God!

Ask: What about for us; what can our armor, our shield be against our giant problems [refer to the list that was made previously]? (allow all answers)

Say: Our armor is to trust that God will help us. We call that, having faith. The giant problems may still seem scary, but our faith in God helps us face them.

Do: Show the video to the class.

If time allows:

 

Do: Discuss ways for the cast members to improve their performance - actions to add, speaking volume that needs to be louder, facial expressions, voice inflections, where they are looking, where they are moving…

 

Do: Re-do the performance! Have the videographer record it.

Closing:

Say:  David had a special kind of armor – David trusted God to protect him.  He had learned to trust God as a shepherd.  David told Goliath that it was not his skill, but God’s power and might that would settle the battle. David had giant faith in God! This week, may your faith in God, help you to face all of your giants! 

Resources for Drama #2 Lesson:

• James, Steven. “The Day the Bully Went Down.” 30 Old Testament Quickskits for Kids. Cincinnati, OH: Standard Pub., 2004. Print. (p. 58-59.)
• MacQueen, Neil. “Critique of David & Goliath Lessons.” Rotation.org. 2004. Web.

Images in this post copyright Carol Hulbert.

If you use this material, even in a modified form, please include the following reference:

Pascoe, Beth and Carol Hulbert. "David and Goliath: Drama Lesson - 2015.” Rotation.org. 2008, 2015. Web.

Place URL where lesson found inside angle brackets<>.

A lesson written by Carol Hulbert in 2008, updated by Beth Pascoe for 2015.

from First United Methodist Church, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

A representative of Rotation.org reformatted this post to improve readability.

Printed from https://www.rotation.org