Bible Basics: Jacob and Esau Toddler Bible Lesson

 Welcome to Bible Basics!  I'm glad you stopped by.  If you're wondering what we're up to in this ongoing series, check out this introductory post.  For a growing list of toddler Bible lessons you can take a look at the Bible Basics page.

Last week we were in a How To series with some ideas about why and how to teach the Bible to toddlers.  As a result, we didn't have a Bible lesson posted.  But this week we're moving ahead in our Old Testament lessons.  Abby and I had fun with this and I hope you and your kiddos will enjoy it too!

JACOB AND ESAU
Genesis 25:19-34; 27-28:9

Memory Verse
"...the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger..."  -Genesis 25:23b
 
Lesson Focus
Jacob received Isaac's blessing.

Project
Jacob Paper Doll

Materials
- Construction paper - I used brown and green
- Manila folder
- Craft felt - I used brown
- Scissors
- Glue

 
Directions
1. From the manila folder, draw and cut out the outline of a person.
2. Draw and cut out a simple tunic and belt from the construction paper.  You can do this easily by placing the paper doll on the paper and tracing a garment that would fit the torso well.
3. Draw and cut out some hair from the construction paper.
4. Glue the tunic, belt, and hair onto the paper doll.
5. Draw a face on the paper doll.
6. Glue two small pieces of felt to the arms of the paper doll.
7. Use the doll to retell the story of Jacob and Esau.

How We Go Through the Lesson
1. Recite or sing memory verse.
2. Read Bible story.  We use the Beginner's Bible, but you can choose a children's story Bible or "grown-up" translation that suits you and your family.
3. Recite or sing memory verse.
4. Craft or project.  Depending on the day of the week this may be a project like the one above or it could be a coloring page or something completely different.
*Repeat the lesson almost every day.  This could mean doing it on weekdays or taking one day to work on the project, saying the memory verse together throughout the day, and reading the Bible story before bed each night.  It doesn't matter when or how, but the repetition is key for toddlers to retain the lessons presented to them.
  
Here are some other ideas for this lesson:
Surprisingly enough (considering its source) this article has some creative and insightful lesson activities for the story of Jacob and Esau.


What Bible lessons have you been teaching your toddler this week?