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The Two Builders

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

Introduction:

This lesson is the story of the two builders otherwise known as the wise and foolish builders.  Again, this is a story Jesus told to help us understand how He wants us to live.  Instead of giving a list of do's and don'ts he tells stories to help make a point.  Here He wants us to hear/learn His words and then put them into practice.  By learning and obeying we will have a strong foundation and we'll become wise.  The rock=obedience and the house is our life.  The choice of being wise or foolish is up to each one of us.

The message:  

Preschool thru Grade 1: Listen to God's word and do what He says to be strong like the house on the rock.
  
Grades 2 and 3: Build your life on obedience to God's word and God will make you wise.

I've split this message into two separate ones depending on the age level.  For the younger children, the message is simple: Listen to God's word and do what He says to be strong like the house on the rock.  Use Biblical examples how to live out God's word.   For the older children, we expand on this message and say: Build your life on obedience to God's word and God will make you wise.

Make sure you repeat the message many times during the lesson.  Send the The Two Builders 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 Construction 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! 

Description	Time Allotted	Supplies
Welcome!   Receive name tags.  Have the children use crayons, markers, yarn, feathers and whatever other materials (such as sparkle glue) that you have available to personalize their name tag. Sing the Learning our Names song	10 to 15 minutes	Rock name tags, scissors (or adults can precut),  crayons, markers, yarn, safety pins or tape.
Craft time! Preschool thru Grade 1: Make the House 3D Paper Craft.  Before putting this together write something on the roof of the house about the story, like: "Build your house on the rock", "Listen and obey and you will be wise", etc. Grade 2 and 3:  Make the Milk Carton House Craft.  Before putting this together allow the kids to write something on the roof of the house about the story, like: "Build your house on the rock", "Listen and obey and you will be wise", etc.	15 to 30 minutes  depending on your adult/child ratio	Preschool thru Grade 1: House 3D template.  printer, paper, glue, scissors, something to color with. Grade 2 and 3:  Milk carton house template. 2L milk carton, scissors, tape,paper, OPTIONAL: paint, markers, pencil crayons, crayons, stickers.
Bible Story Time: Preschool thru Grade 1:  Read The Story of The Two Builders (or read from your own store bought children's bible).    Grades 2 and 3:  It's tough to know when it's the right time to start readings from the Bible, but if the children have been read a children's version of the story in the past, I believe this is a good age to introduce the King James (or your preferred) bible reading.	10 minutes	The Construction Coloring Pages can be distributed to the children so they are able to color at home, or during the story.
Closing: Preschool thru Grade 1: depending on the time remaining ask the children what it means to be wise.  Do they want to be wise or foolish?  What are some things they've learned from the Bible?  Name one thing they can do today that would be obeying God. Grade 2 and 3: depending on the time remaining ask the children what it means to be wise.  Do they know/ or have heard of someone that is wise?  Why do they think they're wise?  Name one thing they can do today that would be wise.   Standard ending song:  for example We love to learn together,  together, together We love to learn together And give thanks to God. substitute "learn" for sing, pray, etc (to the tune of The More We Get Together)	5 to 15 minutes	Brainstorm Board (chalkboard, whiteboard, poster board,...)           Words to: standard ending song