Lesson Plan: Jesus Calms the Storm (Pre-K)

Goal: Students will learn that Jesus has power over everything, even storms, and that they can trust Him because He loves and cares for them.

APK (Activating Prior Knowledge): (5 minutes)

1. Discussion Prompt:

• Ask: “Who takes care of you when you are scared? What do they do to help you feel safe?”

• Allow students to share their thoughts.

2. Visual Connection:

• Show a picture of Jesus with children.

• Ask: “Who do you think loves us the most and keeps us safe?”

• Explain: “Today, we will learn how Jesus calmed a big storm and helped His friends when they were scared.”

Materials:

• Picture of Jesus surrounded by children.

New Information (Bible Story): (15 minutes)

Teacher Narration

1. Read Mark 4:35-41 in a simplified, child-friendly version.

• Jesus and His disciples were in a boat.

• A big storm came, and the disciples were afraid.

• Jesus was sleeping, but when the disciples woke Him up, He said, “Peace! Be still!” and the storm stopped.

• The disciples were amazed and learned that Jesus is powerful and takes care of them.

2. Key Teaching Points:

• Jesus is stronger than any storm.

• When we feel scared, we can ask Jesus for help.

• Jesus loves us and will always be with us.

Interactive Role Play

• Setup: Assign roles:

• Some students as disciples.

• One student as Jesus.

• Others as the “storm” (waving blue fabric or making wind sounds).

• Activity:

• Act out being on the boat.

• Have students make storm noises.

• “Jesus” stands up and says, “Peace! Be still!”

• Everyone stops moving, and the storm calms.

Materials:

• Bible or child-friendly Bible storybook.

• Blue scarves or fabric for waves.

Biblical Integration

• Emphasize: Just like Jesus calmed the storm, He can help calm our hearts when we are afraid.

• Teach Psalm 56:3: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.”

Technological Integration

• Show a short video or animation of Jesus Calming the Storm (2–3 minutes).

Application (Activity): (25 minutes)

Craft: “Jesus Calms My Storm”

1. Instructions:

• Give students a paper plate (representing the boat).

• Have them color half the plate with stormy waves and the other half with calm water.

• Add a small boat cutout with Jesus inside.

• Write or glue the phrase “Jesus Calms My Storm” on the plate.

2. Discussion Prompt:

• Ask: “What should we do when we feel afraid?”

• Remind them that Jesus loves them and is always with them.

Materials:

• Paper plates, markers, blue tissue paper, glue, boat cutouts.

Generalization (Closing): (10 minutes)

1. Class Discussion:

• “Why were the disciples scared in the storm?”

• “What did Jesus do?”

• “How does Jesus help us when we are scared?”

2. Song:

• Sing “My God Is So Big” to remind students of Jesus’ power and love.

3. Prayer:

• Lead a simple prayer, thanking Jesus for His love and asking Him to help when they feel afraid.

Materials Summary:

• Picture of Jesus with children.

• Bible or child-friendly Bible storybook.

• Blue scarves or fabric.

• Paper plates, markers, glue, and boat cutouts.

• Digital or printed video of Jesus calming the storm.