Toddler Bible Lesson - Joseph's Family

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 and preschool Bible lessons you can take a look at the Bible Basics page.

We are in the final part of our little series about Joseph.  This week we will learn how Joseph was reunited with his family and how Israel moved his entire household from Canaan to Egypt.  Check out the first and second lessons if you haven't already!

JOSEPH IS REUNITED WITH HIS FAMILY
Genesis46-47:12




Here is a simplified text of the entire story of Joseph.

Memory Verse
“You intended it for harm, but God intended it for good.”  -Genesis 50:20
 
Lesson Focus
God used Joseph to save his family.

Project
Israel Moves from Canaan to Egypt, Interactive Map

Materials
- Construction paper, 1 tan, 1 blue, 1 green, 1 white
- Pencil, Marker
- Glue
- Crayons
- Craft stick or paper fastener

Directions
1. Cut a semi-circle out of the top left side of the tan paper.  Glue this on top of the blue paper.
2. Cut a semi-circle or crescent out of the green paper.  Write “Canaan” on this piece.  Also cut a rectangle out of the green paper.  Write “Egypt” on this piece.  Glue both pieces onto the tan paper as shown in the picture below.
3. Cut a slit in the paper that extends from Canaan to Egypt.
4. On the white paper draw a picture of Joseph (it doesn’t have to be fantastic – stick figures will do!).  Also draw a picture of Israel and eleven of his sons.  Color the pictures then cut them out.
5. Glue the picture of Joseph onto the map.
6. Attach a paper fastener to the picture of Israel.  Alternatively you could glue a craft stick to the back.  If you are using a paper fastener, slide the back side into the slit you cut in step 3.  If you are using a craft stick, slip the picture up through the back.
7. Use the map to show how Israel moved from Canaan to Egypt.

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 more ideas and resources for today’s lesson:
Free Printable Coloring Page from Bible Printables

Another Coloring Page from Bible Printables



What creative ideas do you have to teach the story of Joseph being reunited to his family?