📖

Then and Now Detective Work

The Very Good Beginning

Day 5of 180
Week 1of 36
25Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand the difference between God's original 'very good' creation and the world today

2

Identify specific changes that occurred after sin entered the world

3

Develop hope in God's promise of a new creation

📖 Scripture Connection

Genesis 1:31

“God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. There was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.”

— Genesis 1:31 (WEB)

Highlights God's original perfect design before sin entered the world

📦 Materials Needed

  • Bible (World English Bible)
  • Chart paper
  • Markers
  • Creation timeline worksheet
  • Colored pencils
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (3 min)

BibleMouse Detective Challenge: 'What's Different?' game where parent points out changes in the room or child's appearance since yesterday

💭 Review Question: What did we learn about the garden of Eden yesterday?
2Teaching (8 min)

Exploring God's original design and how sin changed creation

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • God created everything 'very good'
  • Sin brought death, pain, and separation
  • God promises a new creation
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What do you think Eden was like before sin?
  • How is our world different from God's original design?
3Activity: Creation Detective Worksheet (10 min)
comparison activity

Create a two-column chart comparing 'Then' (Eden) and 'Now' (Current World)

📝 Instructions:
  1. Divide chart paper into two columns
  2. In 'Then' column, draw Eden's perfect conditions
  3. In 'Now' column, draw current world conditions
  4. Use BibleMouse Resource Guide for visual references
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Parent helps draw and list observations

Challenge: Add Bible verses supporting each observation

4Closing (3 min)

Review detective findings and God's hope for restoration

📝 Review Questions:
  • What did you discover about God's original creation?
  • How does God promise to make everything new?
🙏 Prayer:

Thank God for His promise to restore and renew all things

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll explore how sin affects everything around us

💎 Memory Verse

Isaiah 45:18

“For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.”

— Isaiah 45:18 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Detective Verse Scramble: Write each word of the verse on a separate index card. Mix them up and challenge your child to put the verse back in order while saying it aloud

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Help children understand sin's impact without overwhelming them

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use age-appropriate language about complex topics
  • Focus on God's hope and restoration
  • Encourage curiosity about God's design
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children may find it hard to imagine a perfect world without pain

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Signs of wonder about God's original creation and future promises

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Create a 3D model of Eden using modeling clay
  • Read a BibleMouse recommended book about creation
  • Sing a worship song about God's creative power

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

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