Explore the Story - Children

Role Play:

Take turns acting out situations of temptation and practice saying no. Make sure to keep the situations age appropriate, and where possible lighthearted. Your goal is to identify the ways that God is with us in difficult decisions. Some examples: sneaking cookies after a parent said not to, coloring with markers or pens that are not for kids

Craft:

Find a smooth rock and use acrylic paints or sharpies to draw on it. Choose an image that will remind you that God is with you when you need to make difficult decisions. Put the rock in a place where it will help you make wise choices.

Dance:

Turn on music and encourage children to dance out the way they think Jesus might have felt when he was in the desert. When you turn the music off, everyone must freeze. Anyone who wiggles after freezing must sit down. Turn the music back on and everyone still standing continues to dance. Repeat until there is only one dancer left standing.

Write:

Encourage older children to write a poem about a time they had to say no when it was difficult.

Storybook Suggestions:

Noni Says No, by Heather Hartt-Sussman

Winicker and the American Boy, by Renee Beauregard Lute

Felix Stands Tall, by Rosemary Wells