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Shepherds Watching Sheep

Angels and Shepherds

Day 131of 180
Week 27of 36
15Minutes
← Day 130Day 131 of 180Day 132 β†’

Learning Objectives

1

Understand that shepherds watched their sheep at night

2

Learn that shepherds took care of their sheep

3

Develop curiosity about the Christmas story

Luke 2:8

β€œThere were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.”

β€” Luke 2:8 (WEB)

Introduces the shepherds who were present during Jesus' birth

πŸ“¦ Materials Needed

  • Blanket or small rug
  • Stuffed sheep or toy sheep
  • Star stickers
  • BibleMouse Resource Guide

Lesson Plan

1Opening (3 min)

Welcome to today's BibleMouse adventure! Yesterday, we learned about baby Jesus in the manger. Today, we'll meet the special shepherds who were watching their sheep when something amazing happened!

πŸ’­ Review Question: Can you remember where baby Jesus was sleeping?
2Teaching (5 min)

Shepherds were special people who took care of sheep. At night, they would stay outside with their sheep to keep them safe. Just like how mommies and daddies take care of their children, shepherds took care of their sheep.

πŸ“Œ Key Talking Points:
  • Shepherds stay outside at night
  • They protect their sheep
  • They watch under the stars
πŸ’¬ Discussion Questions:
  • What do you think it's like to stay outside at night?
  • How do shepherds take care of sheep?
3Activity: Starry Night Shepherd Play (6 min)
storytelling

Create a cozy 'field' with a blanket. Place stuffed sheep around. Pretend to be shepherds watching sheep under the stars.

πŸ“ Instructions:
  1. Spread blanket on floor
  2. Place sheep toys around
  3. Sit quietly like a shepherd
  4. Look up and count star stickers
πŸ”„ Variations:

Simpler: Just sit and cuddle sheep

Challenge: Make sheep sounds, pretend to protect sheep

4Closing (3 min)

These special shepherds were about to hear the most exciting news ever!

πŸ“ Review Questions:
  • Where were the shepherds?
  • What were they doing?
πŸ™ Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for taking care of us, just like shepherds take care of sheep.

Coming up: Tomorrow, we'll learn about the amazing angels that appeared to the shepherds!

Luke 2:11

β€œA Savior is born!”

β€” Luke 2:11 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Sing-along with hand motions: Point up for 'Savior', rock baby motion for 'born'

Teaching Notes

πŸ“š Background:

Shepherds were often simple, hardworking people in biblical times

πŸ’‘ Teaching Tips:
  • Use gentle, engaging voice
  • Allow child to interact with sheep toys
  • Be patient with short attention span
πŸ€” Common Struggles:

Sitting still and listening for more than a few minutes

πŸ‘€ Signs of Understanding:

Child's engagement and curiosity about the story

Extension Activities

  • Use BibleMouse Printables Library sheep coloring page
  • Sing 'Shepherd' song from BibleMouse Song Collection

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 132 β†’Back to Bible