Trigger
Craft
Game
Creative Snack
Object Lesson
Prayer

TRIGGER

Material
  • None
 
Steps
  • Start by lining up the children from tallest to shortest.
  •  Ask who they think would be chosen as king if God picked only based on size or strength. 

Lesson
Explain that God chose David, the youngest and smallest, because He looks at the heart, not outward appearance.

CRAFT

Material
  • Yellow construction paper (or cardstock)
  • Child-safe scissors
  • Tape or stapler
  • Stickers and craft jewels
  • Markers or crayons
 
Instructions
  1. Cut a strip of yellow paper about 2–3 inches wide, long enough to wrap around a child’s head (tape or staple two strips together for longer crowns if needed).
  2. Draw and cut points along one long edge of the strip to resemble a crown’s peaks.
  3. Let children decorate with stickers, markers, faux jewels, or even glitter. Encourage them to draw or write words and images (like “kind,” “brave,” “trust God”) that reflect a heart pleasing to God.
  4. Form the strip into a circle to fit each child’s head, then tape or staple the ends together to complete the crown.

    Optional: Add extra embellishments (pom-poms, foam shapes) for a special touch.

Objective
Encourage kids to decorate with words or images showing what a good heart looks like to God.

GAME

Material
  • Balloon
  • Scissors
  • Paper cups
  • Marshmellow
 
Settup
  1. Tie a knot at the end of the balloon.
  2. Cut off the tip of the balloon (the cut-out portion should be around half the size of the bottom of your paper cup)
  3. Cut away the bottom of a sturdy paper cup.
  4. Gently stretch the balloon over the bottom of the paper cup. Pull up the balloon as far as possible.
  5. Stack 7 paper cups  on a table in front of the children.
How to play
  1. Simply place a marshmallow in the cup and hold it up
  2. Pull the end of the balloon and release.
Objective
The objective of this game is to score as many points as possible for each round.

CREATIVE SNACK

Material
  • Premade sugar cookie dough
  • Licorice
  • Malted milk balls

Steps
  1. Make “David’s Slingshot” snacks: shape premade sugar cookie dough into Y-shaped cookies for slingshots
  2. Use licorice laces as the sling
  3. Malted milk balls as “stones”
  4. Let kids assemble the parts, connecting the snack to David’s faith and courage

OBJECT LESSON

Material
  • Magnifying glass
  • Image of a heart (you can write the verse 1 Samuel 16:7 "For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

Steps
  • Show a magnifying glass or heart-shaped craft.

Lesson
Explain that God examines our hearts, not just the outside. Share a sentimental item that’s important to you, illustrating how what's inside matters most, as it did when God chose David among Jesse's sons.
God, help me keep my heart and my home for your presence. Remind me to get rid of the garbage as soon as I notice it. Bring to my attention the areas of my heart and my life that need to be tidy. In Jesus' name, amen.