Echoes Early Elementary Sample

Early elementary

Teacher’s Commentary fall 2025

god gives us families I god gives us friends I god gives us the church

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Custom-created videos accompany every Echoes lesson. Right before Step 2, a three-minute video introduces each unit theme. A guide, found with the videos, ties the unit theme to the day’s lesson.

Unit family devotions, along with the videos, can be sent to your families to continue learning at home.

You can stream these videos from the site or download them to your own device.

Get the lesson videos at EchoesCurriculum.com/Video ECHOES Early Elementary Teacher’s Commentary A self-contained teaching program for use with Early Elementary Creative Teaching Aids, Early Elementary Make-It/Take-It, and Storytime In-Class and Take-Home Paper. © 2025 David C Cook, 4050 Lee Vance Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Editor: Rebecca Stone Designer: Nancy L. Haskins Cover Photography © MoMo Productions/Getty Images Interior Illustrations Mei Fun Chan All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version TM, NIV TM Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide. www.biblica.com

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Early Elementary Teacher’s Commentary Fall 2025

Special Features Resources for Your Early Elementary Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Step by Step through the Lesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Highlights in Black History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Explaining God’s Plan of Salvation/Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover

Unit 1: God Gives Us Families Sept. 7 14 21 28

Lesson 1 Miriam Helps Her Baby Brother . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Exodus 1:6–2:10 Lesson 2 Aaron Helps Moses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Exodus 3–5; 12 Lesson 3 Jethro Helps Moses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Exodus 18 Lesson 4 Ruth Helps Naomi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Ruth 1–4

Unit 2: God Gives Us Friends Oct. 5

Lesson 5 Jesus Visits Mary, Martha, and Lazarus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 John 12:1-3 12 Lesson 6 Jesus Blesses the Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Mark 10:13-16 19 Lesson 7 Down through the Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Mark 2:1-12 26 Lesson 8 Jesus Helps an Important Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Luke 7:1-10 Nov. 2 Lesson 9 A Boy Shares His Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

John 6:5-13

Unit 3: God Gives Us the Church Nov. 9 Lesson 10 Jesus Reads a Bible Scroll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Luke 4:16-22 16 Lesson 11 A Poor Widow Gives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Mark 12:41-44 23 Lesson 12 Peter’s Friends Pray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Acts 12:5-17 30 Lesson 13 Paul Says Goodbye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Acts 20:16-38

Resources for Your Early Elementary Class

Early Elementary Teacher’s Commentary Bible background with black biblical heritage highlights, and other teacher helps combine with easy-to-teach lessons for five-and-sixyear-old early readers.

One per class.

Early Elementary Creative Teaching Aids Visual and audio resources (Bible art posters, moveable figures, and PraisePAC) enhance the lessons in the Teacher’s Commentary. One per class.

PraisePAC features four songs that correlate with each of the three units per quarter along with a booklet containing lead (song) sheets and lyric sheets.

Both full and accompaniment versions are available for each song.

Early Elemetary Make-It/Take-It A craft booklet used during Bible Application allows students to explore what they have just learned in the Bible story. One per student.

Storytime Use as a worksheet inclass and as a take-home paper to continue the Bible lesson at home.

One per student.

There are two downloadable guides to help bring the videos into the lives of your students: Video Connection Guide: These tie-ins can be used at the beginning of Step 2 Bible Learning.

Each lesson has a tie-in that connects the theme of the video to the day’s Bible story or lesson aim.

Lesson Videos Each unit features a different video showing children living out their faith in everyday life. These three-to-fourminute video segments highlight the monthly unit theme.

Family Devotions Guide and the lesson videos it connects with is available for the families in your church. E-mail the guides to families or download them and print them for each unit. Families can use the devotion on its own or also stream that unit’s lesson video to help their family learn and grow together. These devotions are a great way for families to build faith in everyday life!

Videos, video guides, and devotion guides can be found at EchoesCurriculum.com/video

Digital Bundle The Early Elemetary Teacher’s Commentary, Early Elementary Creative Teaching Aids, Early Elementary Make/ It-Take/It, and Storytime are also available in a digital format. T Need one bundle per class.

Superintendent’s Handbook has multi-grade material, on a common Biblical theme, to open and close the Sunday school hour.

Find ways to spark your heart and ignite your children’s ministry. Go to MinistrySpark.com and sign up to receive more free resources.

Step by Step through the Lesson You know what will work best for your group, your space, and your time. Feel free to adapt each lesson to the needs of your students.

Teacher Pages give you an overview of the lesson while helping you prepare for what you will teach.

Ella Baker

A Model of Servant Leadership

By Juliet Liu

Among the many who played a role in

STEP 2 Bible Learning gives children an opportunity to hear the Bible story and learn what the Bible says about the Bible truth. You can use the script word-for-word but use your own expressions.

Includes a quick review.

STEP 3 Bible Application allows children a time to explore key themes and takeaways through activities including a memory verse and crafts.

STEP 4 Life Response gives children a chance to respond to God’s Word by applying it to everyday life.

activism. She understood the necessity to

twentieth century, Ella Baker stands

engage young people in the civil rights

out as a unique representation

movement and recognize their capacity

of leadership. Ella Baker shows

to drive change. While the SCLC and

the meaning of Christlike

the NAACP had always made efforts

leadership—not seeking to

to convince young activists to join

be a charismatic person in the

their existing organizational structure,

spotlight but accepting the role

Baker feared that young students

of a quiet servant, one who raises

would not be taken seriously or allowed

others up. She demonstrates that

to contribute in their own unique ways.

Baker encouraged the college students

true leadership is rooted in giving Early Life and Education Born in 1903 in the state of Virginia, Ella Baker grew

to create their own movement. Thus Baker inspired a generation of young men and women to an active rather than passive role in the struggle for

up in a family that valued education and community

civil rights.

activism. Her grandmother was born into slavery, and

A Quiet Leader

her parents instilled in her a strong sense of justice

Behind closed doors, Baker challenged Dr. King. She

and the importance of standing up against inequality.

argued that, if people were tempted to worship and

After college, she began a career as a teacher. Soon

follow him as an extraordinary hero, this would not

her passion for activism took center stage in her

be good for the movement. An emphasis on other

professional and personal life. This activism was rooted

charismatic leaders might cause ordinary citizens

in the stories her grandmother told, about what it was

to question their own ability to make meaningful

like to grow up enslaved.

contributions. Ella Baker did not back down from

Activism and the NAACP

conflict, and she continued to grow the movement in

Baker demonstrated her commitment to civil

her own ways.

rights in the 1930s when she began working with the

Baker famously stated, “Strong people don’t

National Association for the Advancement of Colored

need strong leaders.” This philosophy emphasizes

People (NAACP). Beginning as a volunteer, her hard

the importance of empowering individuals to take

work and determination advanced her to several

ownership of their activism. It is all too easy to tell

leadership roles. Throughout the 1940s, Baker acted as

ourselves, Someone else can be the one to do it. But

the organization’s first field secretary.

Baker encouraged individuals to think critically and to

Baker believed in the power of ordinary people

take action; she fostered that sense of agency.

to effect change, and her role only made her more

Defined by humility and a focus on service rather

certain. This belief would shape her approach to

than personal acclaim, Baker’s leadership style was

leadership throughout her life, as she began to witness

effective. As she worked behind the scenes, provided

that real power lies in collective action, not in the

support and guidance to others—while deliberately

visibility of individuals.

avoiding the spotlight for herself—Baker modeled a

SCLC and the Importance of Collective Action

different path. Her mentorship extended beyond mere

In 1957, Baker founded the Southern Christian

guidance; she invested in the growth, contributions,

Leadership Conference (SCLC) alongside Dr. Martin

and success of all those around her.

Luther King Jr. and others. As she worked with Dr. King,

Legacy

Baker began to see her vision of leadership diverge

TEACHER TRAINING It only takes a couple minutes … teacher training articles and videos are online! Visit http:// EchoesCurriculum.com/training

especially evident in her approach to youth

the civil rights movement of the mid-

and empowering others.

STEP 1 Life Need includes an activity and discussion to help children connect with each other and with God’s Word.

highlights in black history

Ella Baker’s life reminds others of the leadership style

from many male counterparts in the SCLC. Several

of Jesus, who told His disciples that anyone wishing

of these men emphasized a centralized, charismatic

to be a leader must first be a servant of others (Mark

leadership model: they believed only strong

10:43–45). She embodied this principle, demonstrating

leadership would drive the civil rights movement

that true leadership is not about seeking power or

forward. But Baker advocated for the opposite—a

recognition but about lifting others up and serving the

more decentralized, democratic approach to

community. Baker’s legacy lives on and continues to

organization. She believed that leadership should not

influence activists and leaders today, especially those

just arise from public speakers in the limelight but

who value collaboration and community engagement.

from ordinary members of the community. For Baker,

In a world that values charisma and personal glory,

it was essential to nurture the skills and voices of those

Baker’s example says, Think again. She teaches that

who might otherwise remain unheard.

effective leaders emerge from the community, driven

SNCC and the Empowerment of Young Leaders

by a passion for justice and a commitment to the good

Baker’s commitment to empowering others became

Photo Credit: Public Domain

of others.

THEME FOR UNIT 1: God Gives Us Families UNIT MEMORY VERSE: 1 John 4:7 CHURCH/HOME THEME: Our God Gives Lesson Video for Step 2!

Check out the contents page for details.

Miriam Helps Her Baby Brother

lesson

1

BIBLE BASIS

BIBLE TRUTH

MEMORY VERSE

LESSON AIM

Miriam cares for baby Moses (Exodus 1:6— 2:10).

God can use brothers and sisters to help care for each other.

“Let us love one another, for love comes from God.” 1 John 4:7

Students will thank God for family members who help care for them.

1 2

LIFE NEED (5 MINUTES)

3

BIBLE APPLICATION (10 MINUTES)

4

LIFE RESPONSE (10 MINUTES)

Name ways families can help care for each other

BIBLE LEARNING (10–15 MINUTES) Teach with pictures about Miriam caring for her brother Review the Bible lesson with questions and coloring activity Materials: Bible, “Miriam and Baby Moses” (Teaching Aid 2), Storytime paper for Lesson 1

Teach the memory verse with a rhyme Color a picture of Miriam and Moses Materials: Early Elementary Make-It/Take-It for Lesson 1; optional—watercolor paints, brushes, smocks, paper towels, containers of water

Understanding Your Students As you talk about brothersister relationships this week, be prepared to hear different responses. Early-elementary children may have mixed feelings about their brothers and sisters.

Some children with baby brothers and sisters may feel jealous about the amount of time a baby requires, while others may be proud to be a big brother or sister. Children who are the youngest in the family may enjoy all the attention they get.

Hear a story of children helping care for each other Plan to care for family members Materials: Storytime paper for Lesson 1, Parent Page

This symbol means extra preparation or supplies are needed.

EARLY ELEMENTARY | LESSON 1

5

1

Understanding the Bible God continued to bless the Israelites, and their numbers increased even though they were treated as slaves by the Egyptian dynasty. The pharaoh, in fact, was concerned that the Hebrews were becoming so numerous that they might unite with other nations to fight against the Egyptians (Exod. 1:9). The Hebrews living in Goshen, on the northeast border of Egypt, could easily have joined with nearby armies.

In order to control the Israelite population, the pharaoh ordered the midwives to kill all baby boys born to Israelite women. (Daughters were not a threat, since they could be married to the Egyptians and lose their national identity.) When this plan failed, Pharaoh gave orders that all male Israelite babies were to be drowned.

Moses was born to Israelite parents, Amram and Jochebed, during this time (Exod. 6:20). Moses’ parents were from “the tribe of Levi” (Exod. 2:1). Levi was one of the 12 sons of Jacob (who was renamed Israel). It was the tribe of Levi that provided the nation of Israel with priests and Levites (see Heb. 7:5). Therefore, Aaron,

the first high priest, was from the tribe of Levi.

Moses’ mother was able to hide him for three months. Then she placed him in a small boat made from the seaworthy papyrus plant and left the boat in the reeds by the river. Her daughter, Miriam, watched to see what would happen to the baby.

We don’t know for sure which Egyptian princess rescued Moses. Some have claimed that the Egyptian princess of Exodus 2:5 was the famous Princess Hatshepsut, who was later queen of Egypt. This all depends on the dating of the time of the Exodus.

We do know that Miriam acted decisively when she asked the princess if she wanted “one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby” (Exod. 2:7). Miriam’s quick action gave Jochebed the opportunity to care for Moses until he was weaned and to train Moses in God’s ways during his early years.

“Moses” is like the names of certain famous pharoahs—Thutmose, Ahmose, etc. It sounds like the Hebrew word which means “drew . . . out” (Exod. 2:10).

Classroom Tips Use these activities to help the children recognize the love and happy feelings they have for their brothers and sisters.

Ask the children the names of their brothers and sisters.

This will let the children know that you feel that their family members are important. Throughout the morning, mention the names of the children’s family members and remind your students that God gave them brothers and sisters.

Be sensitive to children who do not have brothers and sisters.

Encourage them to think of ways that a friend, a cousin, or a teenage helps care for them. They can thank God for that special person.

Mention that all adults and all boys and girls who love Jesus are brothers and sisters in God’s family. They show love for each other at church each week. They also help and pray for each other throughout the week.

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EARLY ELEMENTARY | LESSON 1

Worship Activities Begin your worship time each week by singing a song on the PraisePAC audio files from your Creative Teaching Aids packet.

Collect offerings from children. Say a prayer of thanks.

Help the children prepare to pray.

Dear God, You give us everything that we have. Thank You for our families who brought us to church today and for all the people who help us learn about You. Help us to be good listeners at church. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Before Class

Getting Started

Give each child a personal greeting. Today we will learn how God can use brothers and sisters to help care for each other. Place the Fall Attendance Chart on a low bulletin board or lay it on a table near the door. Have children mark their attendance as they arrive. They may use small stickers, write an X, or color in a square. Have children place their offerings in an offering container such as a simple basket. Then lead them to the first activity of the day.

The following activities will prepare the children for the story of how God used Miriam to help care for her baby brother Moses.

Play Dough: Make play dough baskets and babies. Have you ever seen a baby sleeping in a big basket, called a bassinet? In Bible times families took care of their babies in baskets that they made.

Puzzles: Work puzzles that show family scenes.

Today we will hear about a big sister who took care of her little brother.

Books and Pictures: Have the children look at family photos or books about families from the library. Suggest looking for and talking about how brothers and sisters help one another.

1

“Fall Attendance Chart” Teaching Aid 1

1 Life Need

5 minutes

Objective: Students will name ways family members can help care for each other.

This brainstorming activity will prepare your students for the Bible story about how Miriam cared for her little brother, Moses. Gather your students to begin the activity and discussion.

At the top of your whiteboard, write this title, “People in Our Families.” Ask the children to name people in their families. As they name people, write them on the board. Make your printing large and easy to read. A brainstorming activity should be active. Try to keep the suggestions coming at a lively pace. Respond positively to every person named and write each one on your class list. The list your children create will reflect the collection of their unique knowledge and experience. When the brainstorming pace slows, ask for any more final suggestions.

Then point to each name as you slowly read aloud each family person suggested. Have the children repeat each one after you.

We have listed many different people in our families. Each one of the people in our families needs care from other family members sometime. Let’s talk about how the people in our families care for one another.

How do the people in your family care for you? (Mom makes dinner, Dad or Mom goes to work, sister helps with homework, brother holds the door, Dad opens the car door, Grandma babysits, Mom cares for me when I’m sick, and so on.)

How do you care for people in your family? (The children might suggest things they make to give to family members, helpful actions like setting the table and cleaning their rooms, being kind and loving to a sibling, playing with a younger sibling. Reinforce the kindness and helpfulness of their actions.)

Why should we care for the people in our families? (The children in your class might have very different thoughts on this question. Some answers might be: families get along better, we love our families, God wants us to, I like to be helpful, and so on.)

Today we are learning that God can use brothers and sisters to help care for each other. Our Bible story is about a Bible-time girl who cared for her baby brother. Let’s learn how she cared.

EARLY ELEMENTARY | LESSON 1

7

2 Bible Learning

10–15 minutes

Objective: Students will learn how Miriam cared for her baby brother Moses.

Before class, remove the figures from Teaching Aid 2.

Attach self-adhesive hook or glue dots to the back of the figures. Place them in the order you will use them.

Open the slit on Figure 7. (Save Figure 1 to use next week too.) Open your Bible to Exodus 2.

BIBLE STORY (Place Pharaoh, Figure 1, at the upper right of the story board.) This was the Pharaoh of Egypt. He was the king of Egypt, but they called him “pharaoh” rather than “king.” Pharaoh said, “These Hebrew families are too big! I should have all of the Hebrew baby boys killed so they can’t make their own army and take over my kingdom!”

Pharaoh told his “Miriam and Baby Moses” people to Teaching Aid 2 kill all the Hebrew baby boys, so they couldn’t grow up to fight against him. (Remove king, add mother, Figure 7, with baby, Figure 3, tucked in her hand.)

The Hebrew families with baby boys were sad! One baby’s mother did not want her baby boy to be killed, so she got an idea for a way to care for him. She made a basket that would float and put her baby in the basket boat. (Remove mother and baby. Place kneeling mother, Figure 2, and basket, Figure 4, at the center.)

Then the mother hid the basket in the tall grass growing in the Nile River. Miriam, the baby’s big sister, watched the basket boat from a distance. (Remove mother, add Miriam, Figure 5, to the upper left.) Miriam knew that God wanted her to care for her baby brother.

Miriam stayed near the river to watch the 8

EARLY ELEMENTARY | LESSON 1

baby in the basket. She didn’t know what would happen, but she was ready to do whatever was needed to care for her baby brother.

Soon Pharaoh’s daughter, who was a princess, came to the river to wash. (Walk the princess, Figure 6, up to the right of the basket.)

She found the basket and looked inside.

“This must be one of the Hebrew children,” the princess said. She felt sad for the child.

Miriam knew that the princess liked her brother. (Move Miriam, Figure 5, up to the princess.)

Miriam went up and asked, “Shall I get a Hebrew woman to help you with the baby?”

The princess said, “Yes, find someone for me.”

Miriam ran home and brought her mother to the princess. (Run Miriam, Figure 5, away and bring her back with her mother, Figure 7.)

The princess said to the mother, “Take good care of this baby for me. When he is no longer a baby, bring him to the palace and I will raise him like my son.” (Remove basket, Figure 4; add baby, Figure 3, in the slit in his mother’s arms.)

(Remove princess, Figure 6.) The family was happy to have their son back home. Miriam was happy she was able to care for her baby brother.

After he grew to be a young boy, his mother took him to the palace and he became the princess’s son. The princess named the boy Moses because she found him in the water.

BIBLE STORY REVIEW

How did Miriam care for Moses? (She asked the princess if she should get someone to care for the baby.

She ran to get her mother.)

Distribute Storytime for Lesson 1 and have children complete page 4.

Storytime, Lesson 1, page 4

3 Bible Application

10 minutes

Objective: Students will learn how they can help care for brothers and sisters.

MEMORY VERSE

HANDCRAFT

Help students find the memory verse on page 4 of Storytime. Now we’re going to learn a new Bible verse. Read the verse together with your students: “Let us love one another, for love comes from God” (1 John 4:7).

Talk about what it means to love. Explain that we show love when we help care for our brothers and sisters.

Listen for the Bible memory verse as I say the rhyme. Repeat the poem line by line, pausing for the children to imitate your words and actions. Introduce the second verse in the same way.

Remove Lesson 1 from each Early Elementary MakeIt/Take-It. Show the children how to remove the top margin on the project.

Provide each child with crayons. Let your students color their pictures as they wish.

Optional— you may wish to Make-It/Take-It, Lesson 1 provide watercolor paints, brushes, containers of water, smocks or old shirts to protect the children’s clothing. Let the children paint the picture instead of coloring. Paper towels may be needed for spills.

Miriam stayed by the river to watch over her baby brother Moses.

We can help care for our younger brothers and sisters. And our older brothers and sisters can help care for us. God is happy when families help each other.

When someone needs your help, (Cup hand to ear.) answer with a nod.

(Nod head.)

The Bible says, “Let us love one another, (Fold hands open to make a book.) for love comes from God.” (Point upward.)

When the children are familiar with the verse, you might want to let them sing along with the song, “Love One Another,” found on the PraisePAC audio files from your Creative Teaching Aids packet.

Collect the Storytime papers and put them away until the end of class.

EARLY ELEMENTARY | LESSON 1

9

1

4 Life Response

10 minutes

Objective: Students will plan to care for family members.

Read aloud “Maya Helps David” on pages 2-3 of Storytime for Lesson 1.

PRESENT-DAY STORY “Why do we have to watch out for each other at the park?” David asked.

“Because that’s what families do. They take care of each other,” said Dad. “I can take care of myself,” David said.

Mom gave him a big hug. “We love you and want you to be safe,” she Storytime, Lesson 1, pp. 2-3 said.

Soon Ms. Davis and Nathan picked up Maya and David and they all walked to the park together. Their friend, Kira, was meeting them there.

David and Nathan and Maya could see the park.

They began running. David tripped and fell. Maya stopped and asked, “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” David said. Maya held out her hand to help her brother get up.

“Thanks, Maya,” David said, smiling.

When they got to the playground, the children took turns playing on the slide. They made tunnels in the sand. They played tag.

David knew Maya was really good on the rings.

“Maya, can you help me on the rings?” David asked.

“Sure,” she said. “Hold on tight and I’ll stay close to help if you need it.”

David started across. “Swing your body and reach your hand to the next ring. Good job!” Maya shouted.

“I made it, Maya!” David yelled. “Thank you for helping me.”

When they got home, Dad asked, “Did you have fun?”

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EARLY ELEMENTARY | LESSON 1

“Yes,” David said. “I took care of myself. Well . . . not all the time. Maya helped me when I fell and she helped me get across the rings. I’m glad families look out for each other.”

Maya was glad she could help care for David.

CLOSING ACTIVITIES

God wants people in families to care for one another.

You may refer to the list your class made in Step 1, Life Need. Choose someone in your family you can care for this week. Let’s each say who we will care for and how we will care for them. I’ll go first. Have each child say, “I will care for _________ by _________.”

Pray with your class. Suggest that children ask God to help them care for the people they named and thank Him for their families. Dear God, Thank You for giving us our families. Help us care for them and love them. Remind us to thank them when they care for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Make sure children have their Make-It/Take-It craft, Storytime for Lesson 1, and the quarterly Storytime Parent Page. Explain to parents that this page provides them with the Bible lessons and memory verses being studied this quarter as well as family activities for the quarter. Say a personal goodbye to each child.

Remember to help care for people in your family.

Storytime, Lesson 1, page 1

Storytime, Parent Page

Explaining God’s Plan of Salvation

S

alvation is a free gift through Christ Jesus. God sent His Son because He loves us, and He desires close relationship with us now and through eternity.

God draws us to salvation, then equips us to be His followers. Students taking their “first steps” have learning needs that differ from those who have been “walking with the Lord” for a time. This is one reason why the lessons you teach to little ones differ from the lessons for older students—but the theme is the same—God’s call.

For early readers in kindergarten and first grade, the basics will be beginning to understand God’s salvation and a relationship with Him. Thus, early elementary lessons this quarter focus on how we are important to Jesus, how Jesus helps us, and the beautiful world God made for us.

As you discuss these Bible lessons with your students, remember that each student is developmentally different. Students may not be immediately spiritually mature enough to go through all the steps to become what we understand about being a Christian or having a relationship with God. Small children may not fully understand accountability to God for their sins and the forgiveness that Christ makes possible.

However, learning that God loves them and wants to forgive their sins will prepare them for the time when they are ready to receive Christ as Savior. You and your church family have the responsibility to work with the family to provide this information and an environment for this learning.

For those who do express an interest in personal salvation, try talking with them and their parents or a guardian. Prior to that meeting, you may want to meet on this subject with the pastor or one of the church officers. You may also want to read the Scriptures listed to prepare to share this information naturally with both groups as the Holy Spirit leads you.

STANDARD CLASSROOM SUPPLIES Early Elementary Teacher Commentary Early Elementary Storytime (Student book and takehome, 1 per child) Early Elementary Creative Teaching Aids Early Elementary Make-It/Take-It (1 per child) Bibles Construction paper, scrap paper Cotton balls Crayons or colored markers Story board Glue or glue sticks Media player Paper clips Paper fasteners Pipe cleaners Scissors Self-adhesive hook or glue dots Stapler Tape

Steps to Becoming a Christian

Whiteboard, markers, eraser

1. Respond to God’s invitation to salvation Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16

Yarn

2. Seek a relationship with the Lord Isaiah 55:6-7; Matthew 6:31-33 3. Confess your sins Romans 3:23 and 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 John 1:9 4. Repent of your sins 2 Chronicles 7:14; Luke 13:3 and 15:7; Acts 17:30 5. Ask God to save you Romans 10:13

Steps for a Close Relationship with God 1. Listen to the Holy Spirit John 14:26; John 16:13-14 2. Adjust your life to God’s will Jeremiah 18:1-6; Matthew 22:37-38; John 5:17, 19-20, and 8:47 3. Learn to be God’s servant Matthew 20:26-28; Philippians 2:5-8, 13 4. By faith, join God in His work Amos 3:7; Hebrews 11:24-29; James 5:17-18 5. Remain faithful to God Philippians 3:4-14

The Heart Who Wanted to Be Whole Healing Our Heart

The Heart Who Wanted to Sing The Power of Songs

The Heart Who Wanted to Find a Way Overcome Fear

Grow Strong Hearts with God’s Help StrongHeart Stories help children see the biblical gifts—Scripture, worship, rest, prayer, confession, and community—God has given them to understand Biblical truth.

Ideal for children ages 4 to 8, the StrongHeart Stories books are high quality picture books that weave engaging stories, Bible truths, and vibrant illustrations to protect the hearts of young children and strengthen their faith in God.

Available from David C Cook and everywhere books are sold

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Early Elementary Teacher’s Commentary No. 5020 1502025

early elementary

creative teaching aids

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fall 2025

god gives us families I god gives us friends I god gives us the church

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Early Elementary Creative Teaching Aids Printed in South Korea No. 5021 1502125

How to get your Echoes PraisePAC Resources: For best results, download PraisePAC resources to a desktop computer.* Go to http://Lesson-DL.com

This Quarter’s Access Code: 241150215 *While it is possible to download a .ZIP compressed file to a mobile device, you may need to install a helper App first, like UnZip or WinZip. Check the Apple App Store (iOS) or the Google Play Store (Android) for a suitable app. Search for “Zip file opener.”

early elementary

creative teaching aids

®

fall 2025

Designed for use with Early Elementary Teacher’s Guide, Early Elementary Make-It/Take-It, and Storytime

Lesson

Teaching Aid

All Lessons

PraisePAC—Audio files and Booklet

All Lessons

Fall Attendance Chart

1–2

Bible Figures—“Miriam and Baby Moses”

2-3

Bible Figures—“Aaron and Jethro Help Moses”

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Bible Poster—“Ruth and Boaz”

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Bible Story Cards—“Ruth Loves Naomi”

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Folding Bible Poster—“Jesus Visits Mary, Martha, and Lazarus”

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Bible Poster—“Jesus Blesses the Children”

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Movable Bible Poster—“Down through the Roof”

8

Bible Figures—“Jesus Helps a Centurion”

9

Folding Bible Poster—“Jesus Feeds 5,000”

10

Movable Bible Poster—“Jesus Reads a Scroll”

11

Figures—“What Our Offering Buys”

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Bible Stand-up Figures—“A Poor Widow Gives”

12

Bible Figures—“Peter in Jail”

13

Folding Bible Poster—“Paul Says Goodbye”

13

Game Cards—“Bible Story Memory Game”

ECHOES EARLY ELEMENTARY CREATIVE TEACHING AIDS is published quarterly by David C Cook, DavidCCook.org. © 2025 by David C Cook, 4050 Lee Vance Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, U.S.A. Echoes and David C Cook and its related logos are registered trademarks of David C Cook. All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-0-781-44780-5 #1502125. Printed in Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, February–April 2025. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Digital products are subject to the End User License Agreement (EULA) found at DavidCCook.org/EULA/ and any additional terms or restrictions that may accompany the product. Digital products cannot be returned, sold, or relicensed. This product license is good for 6 months. After 6 months, you must purchase another license.

Illustrators: Antonia, Ray App, Ron Farris, John Haysom, Colin King, Tony Morris Cover Photo: © MoMo Productions/Getty Images

Teaching Aid 1 • Fall Attendance Chart

Name

September

October

November

1E

Teaching Aid 1 Fall Attendance Chart Using the Attendance Chart Before the quarter begins, fill in the dates and write each child’s name on a line on the chart.

Hang this chart in a low place where children can reach it. Help them mark their attendance each week by standing with them and assisting them as they color in the right squares, draw happy faces, or add stickers to the chart.

Remember that children can miss class for many different reasons. If you notice that a child has been absent, give him or her a call of encouragement.

Let the absent child know that you and all of his other friends at Sunday school look forward to seeing him.

You may also share with the parent what lessons you have been studying from the Bible and arrange to get any Storytime leaflets and Make-It/Take-It craftbook pages to the child at home.

Talking about the Attendance Chart This quarter the lessons will be emphasizing families, friends, and people in the church family.

The students in your class are probably beginning to develop friendships with other children.

Emphasize how wonderful it is to have friends. As students mark their attendance each week, talk about how happy we are to see new and familiar faces when we come to Sunday school. Maybe each child can tell you about a special activity he and a friend did that week.

Or you can tell him of a fun activity that he will be doing in class with his Sunday school friends.

Copyrighted material; permission required to reproduce.

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Make-It Take-It craft book Fall 2025

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®

MIRIAM HELPS HER BABY BROTHER

LESSON 1

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“Let us love one another, for love comes from God.” 1 John 4:7

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FOR PARENTS Today your child heard how Miriam watched over her baby brother to help keep him safe when he was in a basket in the river.

When the Pharaoh’s daughter found him, Miriam volunteered to get someone to take care of the baby for the princess. Miriam was a good helper (see Exod. 1:6— 2:10.) Your child learned that God can use brothers and sisters to help care for each other. Your child also learned to thank God for family members (especially brothers and sisters) who help care for him or her.

Hang this picture where you and your child can see

it and use it to review the Bible story. Remind your child that God uses family members to help each other. Encourage your child to thank God for moms and dads, brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, and any other folks who are like family.

Remind him or her that God is happy when families help each other. Practice the Bible verse together: “Let us love one another, for love comes from God.” (1 John 4:7).

My Name is: ________________

Bible Craft Activities!

Kindergartners and first graders will be delighted with all the things to do in this Make-It/Take-It craft book.

Designed for in-class use, your students can do these crafts with little or no help! Perforated projects make prep time easy. Only basic classroom supplies are needed. They will have fun transforming these pages into books, story puppets, pop-up cards, and puzzles, all with the goal of helping them remember the Bible lesson each week.

ECHOES EARLY ELEMENTARY MAKE IT TAKE IT is published quarterly by David C Cook, DavidCCook. org. © 2025 by David C Cook, 4050 Lee Vance Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, U.S.A. Echoes and David C Cook and its related logos are registered trademarks of David C Cook. All rights reserved. ISBN 978-0-78144608-2 #1502325. Printed in Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, February–April 2025. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Digital products are subject to the End User License Agreement (EULA) found at DavidCCook.org/EULA/ and any additional terms or restrictions that may accompany the product. Digital products cannot be returned, sold, or relicensed. This product license is good for 6 months. After 6 months, you must purchase another license.

Illustrator: Cedric Taylor and Anne Kennedy Cover Photo: © MoMo Productions/Getty Images

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Early Elementary Make-It/Take-It No. 5023

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Storytime

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family take home Fall 2025

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Family Ideas for the Fall September 3-24 • God Gives Us Families

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he lessons in this unit teach your child to discover that God cares for them through families and gives them skills to help family members. Your child will learn the following stories: ◾ Miriam cares for baby Moses (Exodus 1:6–2:10). ◾ Aaron’s abilities help Moses in speaking (Exodus 3–5; 12). ◾ Jethro helps Moses make wise choices (Exodus 18). ◾ Ruth gathers food for Naomi (Ruth 1–4).

Show Love Help your child know that he has special abilities or skills God has given him. This activity will help your family use their abilities and skills to show love to another family member.

Memory Verse Unit

“Let us love one another, for love comes from God.” 1 John 4:7

Write down the names of each of your family members on small pieces of paper you can fold in half. Then put the names in a basket or container.

Gather your family together and explain you will be doing kind deeds for your family members for the week or the month. You decide as a family how long you’d like to do this activity. Each person will draw a name. The name drawn is the person you will do the kind deed for. Encourage your family members to use a skill or ability they have to show love to the person. Some suggestions you can give are writing a nice note, making a card, doing a chore, playing with a sibling to help mom, drawing a picture. At the end of the week or the month, decide what you’d like to do as a family for discussing the outcome of this activity. It can be during a meal or as you sit together eating popcorn. Either way make it a special moment and talk about how your family loved one another. Say the unit memory verse together.

TALK ABOUT: • What did you enjoy the most about what your family member did for you?

• Why do you love your family?

Spiritual Snippets – Bible Memory Hiding God’s Word in your child’s heart will help him the rest of his life (Psalm 119:11). The verses your child learns in class are from the NIV, but feel free to check out other translations as well. Memorizing the reference will help your child know where to look up the verse in the Bible. Show your child how to look up the verse, using the Table of Contents to find the

book, then find the chapter and the verse. When a verse is memorized, celebrate your child’s accomplishment. Showing excitement and words of praise go a long way. Don’t worry if your child doesn’t know the verse word-for-word.

Knowing what the verse teaches and recalling it in times of need is what’s important. Teach your child to pray the verses too.

et and In-Class Workshe Take-Home Paper

Miriam Helps Her Baby Brother

Lesson 1

Bible story based on Exodus 1:6–2:10

1.

Miriam was watching her baby brother, Moses. He was in a basket floating on a river. His family hid him there so the king of Egypt wouldn’t kill him.

3.

Miriam ran to the princess and asked, “Shall I go and get someone to help take care of the baby?” The princess did want someone to help.

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2.

4.

Miriam saw the king’s daughter, the princess, come to the river.

The princess found baby Moses.

She felt sorry for him.

Miriam brought her mother to the river. The princess gave baby Moses to his mother. Now the baby’s family could keep Moses safe at home.

11/25/24 1:10 PM

Maya Helps David “Why do we have to watch out for each other at the park?” David asked.

“Because that’s what families do. They take care of each other,” said Dad. “I can take care of myself,” David said.

Mom gave him a big hug. “We love you and want you to be safe,” she said.

Soon Ms. Davis and Nathan picked up Maya and David and they all walked to the park together. Their friend, Kira, was meeting them there.

David and Nathan and Maya could see the park. They began running. David tripped and fell.

Maya stopped and asked, “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” David said. Maya held out her hand to help her brother get up.

“Thanks, Maya,” David said, smiling.

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11/25/24 1:10 PM

When they got to the playground, the children took turns playing on the slide. They made tunnels in the sand. They played tag.

David knew Maya was really good on the rings.

“Maya, can you help me on the rings?” David asked.

“Sure,” she said. “Hold on tight and I’ll stay close to help if you need it.” David started across.

“Swing your body and reach your hand to the next ring.

Good job!” Maya shouted.

“I made it, Maya!” David yelled. “Thank you for helping me.”

When they got home, Dad asked, “Did you have fun?”

“Yes,” David said. “I took care of myself.

Well . . . not all the time. Maya helped me when I fell and she helped me get across the rings. I’m glad families look out for each other.”

Maya was glad she could help care for David.

Talk

About It Bible Truth: God can use brothers and sisters to help care for each other.

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David thought he could take care of himself but later he was glad that Maya helped care for him.

How does your family care for you? God uses each one of us to help care for one other. Let’s pray together and thank God for each person in our family.

11/25/24 1:11 PM

Moses Needs a Basket Connect the dots to see baby Moses’ basket.

Draw tall grass and water around the basket. Color the picture.

Faith

in Action MEMORY VERSE:

“Let us love one another, for love comes from God.” 1 John 4:7

◾ How did Miriam help care for her baby brother Moses? ◾ How can you help care for your brothers and sisters? Choose one thing you can do this week.

Copyrighted material; permission required to reproduce.

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11/25/24 1:11 PM

October 1-November 29 • God Gives Us Friends

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essons in this unit teach your child about showing special love and care for their friends and help them discover that Jesus is a special friend. Your child will learn the following stories: ◾ Jesus, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were friends (John 12:1-3). ◾ Jesus blesses the children (Mark 10:13-16). ◾ Four friends bring a man to Jesus (Mark 2:1-12). ◾ Jesus heals the centurion’s servant (Luke 7:1-10). ◾ A boy gives Jesus his lunch (John 6:5-13).

Pray for Family and Friends This activity will serve as a reminder to pray for family and friends.

You Need: • Poster board or paper • Crayons or markers Making the Prayer Wall: 1. Sit down with your family and talk about who will be on your prayer wall. Pick friends and family who live both close and far away. Make sure to include those you know who are sick or have another specific need.

2. On a poster board or large piece of paper, write each person’s name and draw a picture of that person.

3. At the top of the poster board or paper write “Jesus can help our friends.”

4. Place your prayer wall somewhere your family will see it often, such as your refrigerator door.

5. Whenever you see the prayer wall, pray for someone on it.

6. Write down answered prayers and praise God together as a family.

TALK ABOUT: • Why should you pray for your family and friends?

• How do you feel when a prayer is answered?

• Is praying for someone a way to show love?

Ideas to memorize verses ◾ Set the words to song or a rhythm. ◾ Have your child repeat after you, adding words or phrases each time. ◾ Leave out a different word or phrase each time you say the verse for your child to fill in. ◾ Say the verse in silly ways, like with your eyes closed, hands on your head, or while jumping up and down.

Memory Verse Unit

“A friend loves at all times.”

Proverbs 17:17

Family Ideas for the Fall November 5-26 • God Gives Us the Church

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he lessons in this unit teach your child how they can worship God and give thanks for their church family. Your child will learn these stories: ◾ Jesus reads Scripture in the synagogue (Luke 4:16-22). ◾ A widow gives all she has (Mark 12:41-44). ◾ The church prays for Peter in prison (Acts 12:5-17). ◾ The Ephesian elders say good bye to Paul (Acts 20:16-38).

Give It All Help your family understand the sacrifice of the widow giving all she had.

This activity will require your family to sacrifice something in order to give.

As a family, decide what you would like to give to your church or to another ministry your church supports. You may decide your family will buy new crayons for all the Sunday school classrooms (or another need the church has), provide for a missionary family in need, or make a meal for a shut-in in your church. Then, figure out how much it will cost and what you will sacrifice in order to complete the project. You might decide to skip going to or renting a movie or eat at home instead of eating out. It may take several weeks to save enough money for your project or you can sacrifice several things in order to complete your project faster. You might consider using a jar to hold the money being saved so your family can see the progress. When you have enough money to accomplish your project, continue to involve your whole family in completing the project.

TALK ABOUT: • How did it feel to give up something you really wanted?

• How did you feel when we completed our project?

• Why do we give?

Memory Verse Unit

“Christ is the head of the church.”

Ephesians 5:23

ECHOES EARLY ELEMENTARY STORYTIME is published quarterly by David C Cook, DavidCCook.org. © 2025 by David C Cook, 4050 Lee Vance Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, U.S.A. Echoes and David C Cook and its related logos are registered trademarks of David C Cook. All rights reserved. ISBN 978-0-781-44609-9 #1502425. Printed in Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, February–April 2025. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Bible Illustrator: John Haysom; Life Application Illustrator: Damian Ward Cover Photo: © MoMo Productions/Getty Images

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Early Elementary Storytime No. 5024

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