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The World God Made

Learning Objectives

  • Children will identify parts of God’s creation (sky, land, plants, animals, people).
  • Children will express wonder and gratitude for creation.
  • Children will connect the story to their own world.

Materials List

  • Picture book of creation
  • Playdough or modeling clay
  • Nature objects (leaves, rocks, flowers)
  • Crayons and paper
  • Animal figures

Safety Reminders

  • Supervise use of small objects and art supplies.

Instructions for Parents/Caregivers

  • Read the lesson ahead and gather the listed items.
  • Set up a space where your child can see and touch the items.
  • Use enthusiasm, eye contact, and smiles.
  • Encourage your child to touch items and respond during the story.
  • Pause after each segment for exploration and questions.
  • Keep explanations brief and let your child share ideas.
  • Join your child during activities and discuss each part.
  • Ask open-ended questions to connect the lesson to your child’s world.
  • End with a moment of connection (hug, quiet reflection, gratitude).
  • Diversity & Inclusion Tip: When discussing items, stories, or songs, highlight their origin and invite your child to share what is familiar or new to them.

Adaptations for Different Ages or Abilities

  • Younger children: Use simpler language, focus on sensory experience.
  • Older children: Encourage storytelling, drawing, or sharing their own ideas.
  • Use visual supports, simplified language, or alternative communication as needed.
  • Offer a choice of materials or ways to participate to include everyone.

Vocabulary/Key Words

  • Creation: Everything God made
  • Good: Something wonderful, beautiful, or helpful
  • Rest: Taking a quiet break

Visual Aids/Printable Resources

  • Coloring sheet: “The World God Made”
  • Storyboard cards for each creation day

Welcome Message

Welcome, explorers! We’re glad you’re here. Get ready to have fun, sing, listen, and discover together. This lesson is just for you!

Subject/Theme Introduction

Today, we’ll learn about the world God made. But first, let’s listen to our opening song.

  • Option: Choose a song from a different culture or language.

Opening Song

  • “All Things Bright and Beautiful”
  • Option: “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” (or a song in another language)

Sensory or Activity Items

As we share the story, we’ll play with items to help us remember what we learn:

  1. Playdough (make animals, plants)
  2. Animal figures
  3. Nature objects
  4. Scarves (for water and sky)
  5. Crayons and paper

Background/Reference

Genesis 1–2:3, the story of creation from the Bible.

Power Phrase/Key Idea

“God made a good world!” (Genesis 1:31)

Story or Core Content

Today’s story is about how God made everything:

  1. First, God made light. (Shine flashlight or hold up yellow scarf.)
  2. God made sky and water. (Wave blue scarf or pour water between cups.)
  3. God made land and plants. (Show nature objects.)
  4. God made sun, moon, and stars. (Draw on paper.)
  5. God made birds and fish. (Use animal figures.)
  6. God made animals—and people! (Make playdough animals and people.)

Invite children to relate the story to their own experiences, family, or culture.

Suggested Activities

  1. Make a creation collage with nature items
  2. Draw or color favorite animals
  3. Act out the creation days with props
  4. Include at least one activity that introduces or celebrates a culture, language, or tradition.

Remain Engaged

As you do your activities, talk about what your child is making or exploring:

  • What is your favorite thing God made?
  • Can you find something in our home that God made?
  • How do people in other countries celebrate the world God made?

Assessment/Check for Understanding

  • Ask your child to retell the story using the objects.
  • Have your child draw their favorite part or explain it in their own words.

Take It to the Next Level / Home Extension

  1. Go on a nature walk and list things God made
  2. Listen to creation-themed songs
  3. Read a book about animals or plants from another country

Family Connection

  • Invite siblings or grandparents to share their favorite thing in creation.
  • Encourage sharing family traditions or inviting relatives to share their stories.

Movement and Music

  • Dance to “All Things Bright and Beautiful”
  • Make up hand motions for each creation day
  • Listen to music from different cultures

Reflection and Response

  • What was your favorite part?
  • What did you learn about people who may be different from you?

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Offer a different activity if your child loses interest.
  • Use items that reflect your family’s background.

Estimated Time for Each Segment

  • Welcome: 2 min
  • Story: 5 min
  • Activity: 5–10 min
  • Reflection: 2 min

Thank You/Closing

Thank you for exploring with us! Remember: God made a good world—and every family makes it brighter!

Parent Notes / Community

  • Join our parent group for ages 3–5: Facebook Group
  • Share photos or stories with our community.

Reflection for Parents

  • Did my child see themselves represented today?  Did we try something new together?