Sunday School Fun Zone Series: Psalm 23 Preschool Sunday School Lessons / Sheep & Shepherd Lessons

Many teachers use our curriculum to supplement their regular curriculum to have an interactive bible story, extra crafts and bible pictures to color, for preschool, story pictures, bulletin board pictures, action songs, rhymes and fun activities for their preschool and toddler Sunday School classes, Children's church, Wednesday evening children's classes, Christian preschool classrooms, and Christian homeschools.

For this fun, interactive Sunday School series there are many concepts to help young children begin a relationship with their Lord. Soft, cuddly Marshmallow the Lamb is used in each weeks' story. He is a character who the children, as well as adults, can relate well to because he always seems to be getting in trouble. He needs lots of help from his shepherd. Each week he learns just how much he needs his shepherd, and he learns more about his shepherd's character. Just a few of the many concepts they will learn in this series include: My shepherd loves me so much and gives me everything I need; My shepherd is the best friend anyone could ever have!; Jesus is my best friend!; My shepherd loves spending time with me; When I follow my shepherd, he shows me the right way to go; No matter how much I grow up, I'll always need my shepherd!; My shepherd carries me close to his heart!; I am precious to my shepherd!; My shepherd loves me always - that's forever! The printable lift-the-flap pictures, stickers and other fun craft pages are also used as story pages during the lesson to keep children's interest high. There are also lots of colorful, illustrated printable story pictures to decorate the room, and use during story time.

For each weeks' activities in this series, there is a pretend play activity, an action rhyme or song with motions, a game or second activity, and snack idea to to with this lesson, as well as crafts, Circle Talk Time and prayer. You will have access to all of the printable resources shown on this page, as well as all 52 lessons, when you join Sunday School Fun Zone!

TODDLER LESSON - WEEK 6

THE LITTLE LOST SHEEP

Prep: Mark your Bible with the verses: John 10:14; Matthew 18:12-14. Print either color story pages or black & white story pages to use with the story: Color: 1, 2, 3, 4. B & W Story Pages 1, 2, 3, 4. Cover with clear shelf paper. For Story Page 2, Make Lift-the-Flap craft (directions on craft page).

Only read words that are not in parentheses for the lesson. The words in parentheses tell you what actions you do. The numbers in parentheses tell you what Story Page to hold up while you are telling the story.

(1) (Point to the shepherd) This is the shepherd. Do you know what a shepherd is? He is the one who takes care of the sheep. He finds pastures with green grass for the sheep to eat. He makes sure they have lots of water to drink. And, he makes sure they are safe from danger. The Good Shepherd counts his sheep every evening to make sure they are all there. Let's count the sheep with the shepherd. One...two...three...four...five ...six.... seven... eight... nine....Uh-oh! One little sheep is missing! The shepherd is upset. It makes him very sad to know one of his little sheep might not be safe. Let's see...which one is missing? Is it Cotton Candy? no...is it Fluffy? no....Is it Marshmallow? yes! He's the one who is missing! Oh, no! He's the littlest one! Quickly, the shepherd grabs his staff and his rod and goes out to look for his little lost sheep.

(None) Let's help the shepherd look for the little lost sheep. "Little sheep, where are you?" Can everybody do the actions with me? He looks high up on the hill. Get up on your tippy toes. (Get on tippy-toes, and place hand above eyes, as if looking far out). Marsh-mal-ow! My precious little sheep, where are you? The shepherd looks way down low under the cliff. Bend down low with me. (Bend down and look under the table). Marsh-mal-low! Do you hear my voice? The shepherd turns around and looks behind him. Let's all turn around. (Make one turn). Ok. Thanks for helping me look for the lost little sheep. Now let's continue with the story:

(2) Next, the shepherd looked in front of the big tree. (Point to tree) No little sheep there. Then he looked behind the big rock (lift up rock). No little sheep there either. Where could that little sheep be? The shepherd loved his little sheep so much that he would not give up looking for him. So he kept looking. Next, he looked inside the log behind the log (lift up log). No little sheep there. The shepherd was so sad. He couldn't find his little lamb anywhere. He called out for his little sheep. Little Marsh-mal-low! Where are you?", the shepherd called out once again. Then the shepherd heard something. Ba-a-a-a Ba-a-a! Listen close. (Cup your ear). Ba-a-a-a Ba-a-a! That sounds like a little sheep! The good shepherd looked behind the bush. (Lift flap on bush) There was little Marshmallow! The silly little lamb was caught in a bush! "Poor baby", said the shepherd. "Don't you worry. I'll get you out of there." Quickly the kind shepherd clipped away at the bush. Everybody show me how the shepherd clips with his scissors. (Move fingers in a cutting motion). Clip, clip, clip. Then the shepherd gently snipped away at the little sheep's wool. Snip, snip, snip. (Move fingers in a cutting motion.)

(3) Finally, his little sheep was free from the prickly bush! How happy he was to have his little lost sheep back in his arms! The shepherd gently picked up the little sheep and hugged him tight! "I knew you were missing, so I came to look for you because you are so precious to me. Please don't ever wander away again, my precious little lamb, ok?" Marshmallow looked up at his shepherd shyly and said, "ok, I won't". As the shepherd set Marshmallow down, he saw that he had been crying. The kind shepherd gently wiped away his tears. (real tissue) "Aw-w-w, you must've been scared, huh Marshmallow?" asked the shepherd. "Yes, I was", said Marshmallow, "I was afraid a big bear or tiger would come and get me when my wool was caught in the bush! Thank you so much for coming to find me. I'm so happy to be back with my shepherd! I'll keep close to you from now on, and follow you everywhere you go." "Oh, that's good to hear!", said the shepherd, "I love my little sheep so much, and I love having them close to me!" "I love my shepherd, too!", said the little sheep.

(4) So the shepherd picked up little Marshmallow, laid him on his shoulder, and carried him all the way home. Little Marshmallow and his shepherd were as happy as they could be! THE END.

CIRCLE TIME: (What does this mean for me?)

That story has a happy ending, doesn't it? In Bible Times, Jesus told a story that means a lot to us today. The story is in the book of Matthew. Here's what Jesus said: (Read Matthew 18:12-14)

That's kind of like our story, when the shepherd was so happy to find little Marshmallow when he was lost? Have any of you ever been lost? That's no fun, is it? Its scary because you don't know which way is home, and you know you can't take care of yourself. Does anyone want to share about a time when they were lost? (Let a few children tell their stories).

Ok, thank you all for sharing. Did you know that people who don't know Jesus are lost too. They are lost in a different way. They are lost because they don't have Jesus to lead them. Remember our Bible verse today? Let's say it together: (Read John 10:14). Jesus loves us so much that he wants us to stay near him.

Remember how the shepherd was calling out the little lamb's name? He was calling out, Marshmallow, where are you? Well, Jesus, our shepherd, knows each one of our names too. He knows ______'s name, and _______'s name.... (Keep repeating, filling in the blank with each child's name). Each one of you is so precious to him that he knows all about you. He knows your name. He knows when you are happy or sad. He even knows how many hairs are on your head. That's how important you are to him.

Remember, in the story, how Marshmallow made the sound, baa-aa, ba-a-a-a, when he knew his shepherd was there? He made the sound so his shepherd could find him. He was calling out to his shepherd for help. And, the shepherd was so happy to find him. That's like Jesus. Jesus is always there for us too; and Jesus loves for us to call out to him. He loves for us to come close to him and pray to him.

Can anyone think of some other ways we can be near to Jesus? (Give them time to answer). Yes, when we read our Bibles, or have someone read our Bible to us, we are also getting closer to Jesus. And, we learn about Jesus in church, too, so its good to be in church as much as we can, isn't it? We can also sing praises to Jesus. Jesus loves to hear our praise! And, Jesus loves us to stay as close to him as we can be!

PRAYER: Dear God,

Thank you for loving me so much that you are my shepherd.

Thank you for taking such good care of me,

just like a shepherd takes good care of his sheep.

Help me to stay close to you always,

and not wander away or get lost.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

© copyright biblekidsfunzone.com 2005

Psalm 23 Series: Lesson 7 - My Shepherd Gives Me Everything I Need

Toddler / Preschool Psalm 23 Sunday School Lesson, Crafts and Activities

Many teachers use our curriculum to supplement their regular curriculum to have an interactive bible story, extra crafts and bible pictures to color, for preschool, story pictures, bulletin board pictures, action songs, rhymes and fun activities for their preschool and toddler Sunday School classes, Children's church, Wednesday evening children's classes, Christian preschool classrooms, and Christian homeschools.

Psalm 23 Series: Psalm 23 Lesson 8 - My Favorite Time is the Time I Spend With My Shepherd!

Toddler / Preschool Psalm 23 Sunday School Lesson, Crafts and Activities

Many teachers use our curriculum to supplement their regular curriculum to have an interactive bible story, extra crafts and bible pictures to color, for preschool, story pictures, bulletin board pictures, action songs, rhymes and fun activities for their preschool and toddler Sunday School classes, Children's church, Wednesday evening children's classes, Christian preschool classrooms, and Christian homeschools.

Psalm 23 Series: Psalm 23 Lesson 9 - My Shepherd Catches Me When I Fall!

Toddler / Preschool Psalm 23 Sunday School Lesson, Crafts and Activities

Many teachers use our curriculum to supplement their regular curriculum to have an interactive bible story, extra crafts and bible pictures to color, for preschool, story pictures, bulletin board pictures, action songs, rhymes and fun activities for their preschool and toddler Sunday School classes, Children's church, Wednesday evening children's classes, Christian preschool classrooms, and Christian homeschools.

Psalm 23 Series: Psalm 23 Lesson 10 - My Shepherd Leads Me on the Right Path!

Toddler / Preschool Psalm 23 Sunday School Lesson, Crafts and Activities

Many teachers use our curriculum to supplement their regular curriculum to have an interactive bible story, extra crafts and bible pictures to color, for preschool, story pictures, bulletin board pictures, action songs, rhymes and fun activities for their preschool and toddler Sunday School classes, Children's church, Wednesday evening children's classes, Christian preschool classrooms, and Christian homeschools.

Psalm 23 Lesson 11 - I Won't Be Scared When I'm With My Shepherd!

Toddler / Preschool Psalm 23 Sunday School Lesson, Crafts and Activities

Many teachers use our curriculum to supplement their regular curriculum to have an interactive bible story, extra crafts and bible pictures to color, for preschool, story pictures, bulletin board pictures, action songs, rhymes and fun activities for their preschool and toddler Sunday School classes, Children's church, Wednesday evening children's classes, Christian preschool classrooms, and Christian homeschools.

Free Psalm 23 Lesson 12 - I am Precious To My Shepherd!

Toddler / Preschool Psalm 23 Sunday School Lesson, Crafts and Activities

Many teachers use our curriculum to supplement their regular curriculum to have an interactive bible story, extra crafts and bible pictures to color, for preschool, story pictures, bulletin board pictures, action songs, rhymes and fun activities for their preschool and toddler Sunday School classes, Children's church, Wednesday evening children's classes, Christian preschool classrooms, and Christian homeschools.

Free Psalm 23 Lesson 13 -My Shepherd's Love and Goodness Will Always Be With Me!

Toddler / Preschool Psalm 23 Sunday School Lesson, Crafts and Activities

Many teachers use our curriculum to supplement their regular curriculum to have an interactive bible story, extra crafts and bible pictures to color, for preschool, story pictures, bulletin board pictures, action songs, rhymes and fun activities for their preschool and toddler Sunday School classes, Children's church, Wednesday evening children's classes, Christian preschool classrooms, and Christian homeschools.

Bible Memory Verse: Psalm 23:5

(1) This is Marshmallow the lamb. Marshmallow was having lunch with his friends. His friends were the sheep from the other pasture. They had a different shepherd. While they were eating, Marshmallow started telling the other sheep all about his shepherd. (2) He told them how kind his shepherd was. He also told them what a special friendship he and his shepherd had. He told them about the time his shepherd helped him when he fell. He even told them about the time his shepherd saved him from the bear! Well, the other sheep were getting mad at him. They didn't like what he was saying because they didn't have a kind shepherd. Their shepherd was, well, kind of mean. Their shepherd didn't really care about them at all. (3) But Marshmallow just kept talking about his shepherd because he was so thankful for him. He told them stories of how much fun he and his shepherd had talking and playing together every day. By now the other sheep were really jealous. They finally had enough of his talk! They covered their ears and wouldn't listen to him anymore. Then they told him to leave the table!

(4) Well, Marshmallow didn't want to stay where he was not wanted. So he got up from the table and walked away. Marshmallow felt really sad. He wondered where his shepherd was. He began to think, "Why didn't my shepherd protect me from those mean sheep? Then Marshmallow started to cry. ....Just a moment later, the shepherd came by. He noticed that Marshmallow did not look very happy. He asked Marshmallow why he was crying. It made the shepherd very sad to see his precious little lamb so upset.

Marshmallow told his shepherd the whole story, "Well, I was eating happily with my friends, and I was telling them all about how kind you are, and what a great friendship we have and how much fun we have together. Then they got mad at me and made me leave the table! (5) A tear rolled down the shepherd's cheek. He felt really bad for Marshmallow. He hated to see his little lamb upset. Marshmallow reached up and wiped his shepherd's tear away. After all, he had seen his shepherd do that for him lots of times before when he was crying. (6) His shepherd put his arms around Marshmallow and whispered in his ear. "I'm so sorry they were mean to you. I know it hurts a lot. It makes me sad to know that you are sad. But, sometimes others won't like it that we are good friends. They will be jealous. And, they will not like you since you love me. But, you know what? I have a secret! I have been making something special for you! Come and see! (7) So, Marshmallow took his shepherd's hand and followed him to the meadow. Marshmallow was excited. He couldn't wait to see what the special surprise was!

(8) Once they got to the meadow, his shepherd picked him up and sat him in the very best highchair. He tied a bib around his neck. The bib had some words on it. It said, " My Special Little Sheep". That made Marshmallow feel really special. Then Marshmallow saw his shepherd bringing a big silver plate. Something sure did smell good! What was it? Well, his shepherd took off the lid to the plate. It was tender juicy meat with yummy barbecue sauce! His shepherd also brought delicious home-made bread, colorful vegetables, scrumptious strawberry pie and a chocolate almond smoothie for dessert! Marshmallow couldn't believe it! He never had food that tasted this good before! He was enjoying his dinner so much that all he could do was sit there and giggle while he looked at his shepherd. This was better than any lunch with his friends! Marshmallow was enjoying himself so much that he forgot all about the how mean his friends had been. He laughed and giggled as he slurped up his last drop of chocolate almond smoothie. (Make a slur-r-r-p sound). By now he was so full of joy that he couldn't hold still. So his shepherd took him out of his highchair and took off his bib. Now he put on a special tee shirt on him. His tee shirt also said, "My Special Little Sheep". Now Marshmallow knew deep down that his shepherd loved him very, very much. He realized that he didn't have to feel so bad when he his friends were mean to him. His shepherd still cared even though he had a bad day. Now he understood better. His shepherd was there for him all along; He was just waiting for the right time to lift him up. And now his shepherd was pouring out so many blessings on him. How Marshmallow loved his shepherd! "I love you so much! I want to stay with you forever!", said Marshmallow. "And, you can stay with me forever!", said his shepherd. Then Marshmallow gave his shepherd a big hug and they spent the rest of the day talking and laughing and playing together. THE END.

Just like Marshmallow and his shepherd had a special friendship, we can share a special friendship with Jesus, our shepherd, too. We can stay close to our shepherd by spending time with him. How do we spend time with him? By praying or learning about him. Did you know that you are so precious to Jesus that he loves to be with you all of the time...during good times, and even when bad things happen. When something bad does happen to you, he loves to comfort you and remind you of God's promises, just like the shepherd was whispering in Marshmallow's ear. Even though it hurts when other people are mean to you, Jesus will give you joy at the right time. That means he makes you happy on the inside.

Jesus is the friend we can really depend on. He is always your friend even if all of your other friends leave you. So, even if you feel all alone and like you shepherd is not there, just call out to him. You will find that he was really there all along. And, he will lift you up at the right time. He will give you more joy than you can handle. And, he has so many other blessings to pour out on you too! --Things like love and forgiveness. And, you will find that when you share some love away to somebody else, he will give you even more! Isn't that wonderful? That means that our shepherd's love never runs out! There's always more than enough for everybody! THE END.

Dear God,

Thank you for loving me so much!

Thank you being with me,

even when I don't feel like you are.

Thank you for being with me,

cont'd:

in the good times and bad times.

Thank you for telling me

how special I am to you.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

© copyright Virginia Sigle / biblekidsfunzone.com

Psalm 23 Series: Psalm 23 Lesson 13 - My Special Place is With my Shepherd!

Toddler / Preschool Psalm 23 Sunday School Lesson, Crafts and Activities

Many teachers use our curriculum to supplement their regular curriculum to have an interactive bible story, extra crafts and bible pictures to color, for preschool, story pictures, bulletin board pictures, action songs, rhymes and fun activities for their preschool and toddler Sunday School classes, Children's church, Wednesday evening children's classes, Christian preschool classrooms, and Christian homeschools.