5 Ways To Teach The Prodigal Son Story With Printables

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Teaching the Prodigal Son story to children can be a great way to help them understand the concept of forgiveness, love, and redemption. The story, found in Luke 15:11-32, tells the tale of a father who welcomes back his wayward son with open arms, despite the son's mistakes. Here are five ways to teach the Prodigal Son story with printables, along with some engaging activities to help children grasp the meaning of this powerful parable.

1. Create a Story Sequencing Activity

To help children understand the order of events in the Prodigal Son story, create a story sequencing activity using printables. You can create a set of cards or a worksheet with illustrations or text describing each scene in the story. Ask children to put the cards or scenes in order, from the son's decision to leave home to his return and the father's forgiveness.

Benefits of Story Sequencing

• Helps children understand the narrative structure of the story
• Develops critical thinking skills
• Encourages children to think about the story's progression and themes

2. Use a Word Search to Teach Vocabulary

Create a word search printable with vocabulary related to the Prodigal Son story, such as "forgiveness," "love," "repentance," and "redemption." This activity can help children learn new words and understand their meanings within the context of the story.

Benefits of Word Search

• Develops vocabulary skills
• Encourages children to think about word meanings and context
• Provides a fun and engaging way to learn new words

3. Create a Character Study of the Prodigal Son

Use printables to create a character study of the Prodigal Son, exploring his motivations, actions, and consequences. Ask children to consider the son's thoughts and feelings throughout the story and how they relate to the themes of forgiveness and redemption.

Benefits of Character Study

• Helps children understand the son's motivations and actions
• Develops empathy and critical thinking skills
• Encourages children to think about the story's themes and messages

4. Use a Comic Strip to Retell the Story

Create a comic strip printable with scenes from the Prodigal Son story. Ask children to retell the story in their own words, using the comic strip as a guide. This activity can help children engage with the story in a creative and interactive way.

Benefits of Comic Strip Activity

• Encourages children to engage with the story in a creative way
• Develops storytelling and communication skills
• Provides a fun and interactive way to retell the story

5. Create a Reflection Activity to Explore Forgiveness

Use printables to create a reflection activity that explores the theme of forgiveness in the Prodigal Son story. Ask children to consider times when they have forgiven someone or been forgiven themselves, and how this relates to the story.

Benefits of Reflection Activity

• Encourages children to think about the story's themes and messages
• Develops critical thinking and reflection skills
• Provides a meaningful way to explore the concept of forgiveness

By using these five activities with printables, you can help children engage with the Prodigal Son story in a meaningful and interactive way. Remember to encourage discussion and reflection throughout each activity, and provide opportunities for children to ask questions and explore their thoughts and feelings.