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Women of the Old Testament  Pt2: Hannah Makes a Promise

Teacher's Guide - this is just one possible lesson plan.  Visit the Hannah Bible lesson plan for further ideas to supplement this.

Introduction:

This next lesson about women and the Old Testament talks about Hannah.  I decided to focus the lesson on Hannah keeping her promise to God, but it could've just as easily been on how God answers prayer.  Not only did Hannah give her first son who she wanted so desperately back to God, but by her example she was able to influence a lot of people through Samuel.

The message:  

Preschool thru Grade 1:  Hannah made a promise and she kept her promise.

Grades 2 and 3:  Hannah kept her promise and God blessed her.
  

I've split this message into two separate ones depending on the age level.  For the younger children, the message is simple:  Hannah made a promise and she kept it.  This is a good time for the children to learn that when they say they are going to do something they should do it (without complaining and moping around).  For the older children, we expand on this message and say: Hannah kept her promise and God blessed her.  God blessed her by giving her more children and God used Samuel for great things.

Make sure you repeat the message many times during the lesson.  Send the Hannah's Promise Take Home Sheet  home with the children to encourage parents to reiterate the message during the week.  It includes a poster at the bottom that the children can color and hang on their wall or refrigerator. 

Preview of the lesson:

Some people like to do craft time first and story time second and some like to switch it around.  I like the first option, myself.

Always consider offering Hannah and Samuel Coloring Pages  for children who aren't interested in participating in the group activity (or if you get done the group activities very quickly and need something to fill in the spare time).  Everyone has a need for "alone time" once in awhile.  Also, sending home the coloring pages with the Take Home sheet provides parents with much needed help in reinforcing the lessons.  You can make a nice little booklet each week with the take home sheet on top -- I promise that most parents will appreciate the effort!