The Big Ideas in Stories
Understand the theme of life cycles in literature
Discuss mortality with hope and Christian perspective
Identify multiple themes in a story
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1 (WEB)Explores how life has natural seasons and God's design in growth and change
Gather students in a circle and ask about their understanding of life cycles. What do they know about how living things grow and change?
In Charlotte's Web, we see how all living things have a beginning, middle, and end. This is part of God's wonderful design of life.
Students will draw a life cycle of an animal or insect, showing stages of growth
Simpler: Trace pre-drawn life cycle stages
Challenge: Research and include scientific details about life cycle
Reflect on how every life has purpose, no matter how long or short
Dear God, thank You for creating life with such beautiful purpose. Help us appreciate every stage of growth You give us.
Coming up: Tomorrow we'll explore how stories teach us important lessons
“Your eyes saw my unformed body. In your book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, before they came to be.”
— Psalm 139:16 (WEB)🎯 Activity: Trace your hand and write verse inside handprint
Discussing life and death can be sensitive for children. Use gentle, hopeful language.
Children might feel sad about life ending
Compassionate understanding of life's cycles