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STORY: David and GoliathABOUT THIS CLASS: The Bible story for this Frolic Family Faith Class is from 1 Samuel 17. You will the read the story “David and Goliath” on pages 16-17 in the Frolic First Bible.
Prep TimePutting the Story in PerspectiveThe story of David and Goliath is a story of opposites. Goliath is big. David is small. Goliath has deadly weapons. David has a homemade slingshot. Goliath wears protective armor. David tries on armor, but quickly sheds it. Goliath is a career soldier. David is a shepherd boy. Despite their differences, David knows that God can defeat the giant Goliath. His elders’ fear for him does not shake David’s faith. Goliath’s bark does not shake David’s faith. With a little pluck, his shepherd’s skill with a slingshot, and God at his side, David fights Goliath and wins.
A Parent’s View of the StoryIt’s a little hard for parents to come to terms with a story in which a small boy kills another human being. No matter that Goliath is a bully, a jerk, and seemingly without a conscience. It’s still a bit unnerving that in a different time and place—or even now, in a different part of the world—children are included in war strategies. Parents may struggle to see past this part of the story to the greater story of David’s fight against Goliath. David shows parents what courage against all odds looks like and that part of courage is belief, the belief in God’s endearing presence in our lives.
A Child’s View of the StoryStories of the powerless overtaking the powerful abound throughout childhood and beyond. This story shows young children the origin of the many stories they will hear of “the little guy defeating the big guy.” Big is scary to little ones. Big and angry is even scarier. Young children will understand how small David felt next to the big angry giant, and they will be surprised that he wasn’t afraid! Young children can begin to understand that David trusted God to protect him, like they trust their parents, teachers, and other caregivers. God is with us when we feel unsure.
“David said to Saul, ‘Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.’”—1 Samuel 17:32
Bible Verse
Invite families to echo you as you say and do these words and actions to learn about God’s presence.
God is with me when I’m tall! (Arms up to the sky.)
God is with me when I’m small! (Crouch to the floor.)
God is with me when I shine, (Make twinkling fingers.)
God is with me all the time! (Fling arms wide open.)
If families arrive early:Encourage parents and children to meet each other.
You can also have music playing in the background and a center available for families to explore together before the session begins. Select the center that best
fits your space and available materials.
If you open the door at the start time: Invite families to sign in, choose an item from the basket, and sit in a circle.
• Print the Welcome sign and post it at the entrance.
• Place the sign-in sheet and nametags near the door.
• Place the basket of soft and squishy toddler balls on the floor.
WelcomeGather together in a circle. Welcome, families! We are together today to explore the story of David and Goliath in our lives as caregivers of young children. Lead families in singing a welcoming song, tracks 1-3 on the Frolic Faith Music CD, while kids bounce their balls. Then teach the ritual from page 119.
ShareLead families to share about a recent unexpected moment when they felt especially tuned into their own bravery with the help of God. To start the circle, take the lead in celebrating an unexpected moment, or ask a caregiver who would be comfortable being the first to share. Jot down notes in the space to the right so you remember what to include in later prayers.
PrayerDear God,We give you thanks for the unexpected moments in our parenting journeys and our children’s journeys. We ask for your presence and guidance in our community gathered here today. Incorporate the unexpected events the caregivers named.Amen.
Hold up the story basket that contains a Frolic First Bible for every family. Place it in the middle of the circle. Lead the story basket rhyme below.
Group StorytellingLet’s hear a story from the Bible! This story is about David and Goliath. It is on pages 16-17. Hold up the Bible Story Poster of “David and Goliath” so everyone can see the picture. Read the story from the back of the poster in a lively, animated way.
Ask these questions and encourage toddlers to respond.• Who is big in our story today? Who is little?
• Point to the big angry face in our story. Point to the smiling face.
• When David faced Goliath, he used a slingshot. Point to the slingshot.
• Who fell down in the story? What kind of noise do you think he made?
Ask families to point to the sentence on the bottom of page 17. God was with David when he needed to be brave. God helps you be brave. Let’s all practice how we look when we feel brave. Give children and their caregivers time to make brave faces and body positions together.
Story Time
Sing Together
Sing this song, track 24 on the Frolic Faith Music CD, to invite families to take a Frolic First Bible from the basket.
Time for a story.Come get a book.Open the pages.Let’s take a look.
If you want to sing together, sing “Praise God, Praise God,” track 17 on the Frolic Faith Music CD.
Being brave can be very hard. Who or what helps you be brave in life and on your parenting journey? We live in a world full of violence and war. How do we teach kids to be brave with their words instead of using force?
One-on-One StorytellingNow it’s time for you to read the story together. Give time for caregivers to read the book to their children. Once they’ve read the story “David and Goliath” together on pages 16-17, offer these tips.
For InfantsFind, point, and label parts of nature in our story today, such as clouds, trees, sky, and rocks. If possible, point out similar things in your learning space or by looking out a window.
For Toddlers on the MoveStand up and be really big. Reach for the sky. Label what you are doing. “Goliath was big.” Then crouch down low and be small. “David was small.”
For Talkative ToddlersTogether count Goliath’s toes on page 17. Then count your own toes. Now tickle Goliath’s toes. Tickle your own toes. Which toes are big? Which toes are little?
Caregiver Conversation
Choose an instrument such as a tambourine or chime and play it to get the children’s attention. You can also say or sing the song at right.
Sing this song, track 25 on the Frolic Faith Music CD, to transition to Play Time.
Time to explore!Time to play!Find a centerAbout God today.
1 Let’s Color TogetherThis center supports coloring skills. For toddlers.
Supplies: David and Goliath Coloring Page on page 134, crayons, and blank paper
Make copies of the Coloring Page and place on a low table with crayons and blank paper.
2 Let’s Read TogetherThis center supports early literacy. For infants and toddlers.
Supplies: Frolic First Bible, Frolic books, other books, letter blocks, and cushions or pillows
Create a cozy reading nook with pillows or cushions. Display the Frolic First Bible and other books. Place letter blocks nearby. Point out that D is for David.
3 Build It Up This center supports emergent math skills. For infants and toddlers.
Supplies: Toddler stacking toys
Set out stacking toys on a play carpet or mat.
4 Pebble PrintsThis center ssupports creativity. For older infants and toddlers.
Supplies: Toddler paint smocks, stones which fit in the palm of an adult’s hand, cardboard, shallow paint trays, blue washable tempera paint, and hand wipes
Set up a paint area so that caregivers and children may make prints using the stones.
STORY: David and Goliath
Play TimeTime to play! Choose the centers that best fit your space and materials.
Make photocopies of the center descriptions on pages 126-133, fold them in half, and post them near the materials for parents to reference.
Caregivers and children can explore the centers at their own pace. Caregivers may also use this time to connect with each other while their
Prior to the end of Play Time give the children a 2-minute notice that it is almost time to stop playing. At the end of 2 minutes play the same instrument that you played at the beginning of Play Time to get the
attention of families.
Summing It UpThank you for reading and playing with us today! It was so much fun to learn about David and Goliath. We can remember that God was with David and that God’s presence helped David be brave. God helps you be brave too! What will you remember about today? Invite any children and caregivers to respond.
Closing RitualInvite caregivers to engage in the ritual from page 119 with their child. Then lead the group in a closing song, such as “This Little Light of Mine,” track 18 on the Frolic Faith Music CD.
PrayerDear God,Big or small, (Reach arms out to sides. Bring them back in, touching fingertips.)You’re with us all. (Open palms to the sky.)Thank you. (Make ASL sign for “thank you.”)Amen.
STORY: David and Goliath
Send Time
Sing Together
Sing this song, track 26 on the Frolic Faith Music CD, to call everyone back to the circle.
Let’s Read TogetherCaregivers, while you do this . . .
Enjoy reading together. Point out letters on the blocks. Spell your names and other words together.
Your child is learning this!
• When I hear you read, I learn about letters, sounds, and words.
• When I handle books, I am learning about features of books and print.
• When I see letters that I can manipulate, I am learning about letter sounds and words.
• When I hear God’s word from the Bible, I am learning to listen to God.
STORY: David and Goliath
Let’s Read TogetherThis center supports early literacy. For infants and toddlers.
Supplies
Frolic First Bible, Frolic books, other books, letter blocks, and cushions or pillows
For Leaders
Create a cozy reading nook with pillows or cushions. Display the Frolic First Bible and other books. Place letter blocks nearby. Point out that D is for David.
Dump out, then restack the toys from big at the bottom to small on top. Use words such as “gigantic,” “big,” “medium,” “small,” and “tiny” for your child to hear and connect with the toys’ pieces.
Your child is learning this!
• When I stack the pieces, I am learning to compare sizes.
• When I see both big and small pieces, I think about Goliath and David.
STORY: David and Goliath
Build It Up This center supports emergent math skills. For infants and toddlers.
Guide your child in this activity by helping them dip the stone into the paint and then making a print on the cardboard. If your child chooses to use the stone like a paint brush, go with the flow.
Your child is learning this!
• When I paint, I discover what I can do.
• When I pick up a pebble, I remember David’s slingshot and stones.
STORY: David and Goliath
Pebble PrintsThis center supports creativity. For older infants and toddlers.
Supplies
Toddler paint smocks, stones which fit in the palm of an adult’s hand, cardboard, shallow paint trays, blue washable tempera paint, and hand wipes
For Leaders
Set up a paint area so that caregivers and children may make prints using the stones.
Big Toe, Little ToeCaregivers, while you do this . . .
Wiggle your toes together with your child. Point out big toes and pinky toes. Compare the size of your feet to that of your child’s feet. Touch your child’s toes while reciting, “This little piggy went to market. This little piggy stayed home. This little piggy had ice cream. This little piggy had none. This little piggy went ‘wee, wee, wee,’ all the way home.”
Your child is learning this!
• When I compare my big toe to my little toe, I see a big difference!
• When I see my feet, I remember some big feet from today’s story.
STORY: David and Goliath
Big Toe, Little ToeThis center supports emergent vocabulary and knowledge of opposites. For infants and toddlers.
Supplies
No supplies needed.
For Leaders
Encourage everyone to take off their shoes and socks.