HeartShaper Middle Elementary Sample by David C Cook

Middle Elementary

Visuals in This Pack

Sheet 1 Poster for the quarter

Sheet 2 Bible time lines (lessons 2–13)

Sheet 3 Genesis 1:1 (unit 1)

Sheet 4 Deuteronomy 7:9 (unit 2)

Sheet 5 Deuteronomy 6:5 (unit 3)

Sheet 6 Exodus 15:11 (unit 4)

Sheet 7 Map and signs (lesson 5)

Sheet 8 Plagues poster (lesson 10)

Digital Files

The digital files include audio tracks and printable files. The audio tracks can be played using a media player. The printable files must be viewed and printed from a computer.

Audio Tracks

Track 1 God’s Words (lesson 2)

Track 2 Rain Sounds (lesson 4)

Track 3 “The Joseph Jam” (lesson 8)

Track 4 Baby Sounds (lesson 9)

Track 5 God’s Words (lesson 10)

Track 6 God’s Words (lesson 11)

Track 7 God’s Words (lesson 13)

Printable Files

Activity Pages

10 Commandments KJV, 10 Commandments NIV, Feuding Family Talk Show, Fully Rely on God Bands, God’s Rules, Joseph Puzzle, In God I Trust, Nonsense Rules, OT History Bookmark, OT Law Bookmark, OT Poetry Bookmark, OT Prophecy Bookmark, Praise Game, Prayer Cards, Say What?, Skits & Consequences, Tic-Tac-Toe Serve, What Does It Mean?

Bible Memory (KJV )

Bible Memory posters for each unit

Bible Skills

Bible Dictionary, Bible Dictionary covers, Bible Library Charts, Optional Bible Skill Builder activities for each lesson

Lesson Scriptures (KJV and NIV )

Color-coded Scripture text for each lesson

Special Needs Helps

“All About Me” Book, Modifying Lessons, Parent Conversation Guide, Picture Schedule, Sensory Inventory Form, Sensory Inventory Form Key, Sensory Supply Drive, Special Needs Friendly Class

Teacher Helps

Bible Skills Plan, Classroom Management, Have a Plan, Icebreakers, Leading Young Hearts to the Lord pocket guide, Prayer Request Cards, What Middle Elementary Kids Are Like, Spiritual Growth Chart

See the Read Me file for instructions on how to access the printable files. See the Contents file for a complete list of printable files.

Middle Elementary Resources is published quarterly by Standard Publishing, an imprint of David C Cook, DavidCCook.org. © 2025 by David C Cook, 4050 Lee Vance Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, U.S.A. HeartShaper® Curriculum and David C Cook and its related logo are registered trademarks of David C Cook. All rights reserved. ISBN 9780-784778-51-7 #1624125. 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. Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the King James Version.

C Cook would like to thank the following contributors: Rebekah Shirin, editor. Music Precedent, Ltd., audio tracks. David C Cook Creative Services Team, design and production. Brigid

Naglich, designer. Richard Drury/Getty Images, cover photo. Thinkstock, interior photos. Dan Foote, Mark Haas, Gustavo Mazali, Jan Wimmer, illustrators.

Middle Elementary Contents Grades 3–4

Middle Elementary Teacher Guide is published quarterly by Standard Publishing, an imprint of David C Cook, DavidCCook.org. © 2025 by David C Cook, 4050 Lee Vance Drive, Colorado Springs, CO, 80918, U.S.A. HeartShaper® Curriculum and David C Cook and its related logos are registered trademarks of David C Cook. All rights reserved. ISBN 978-0-784778-50-0 Printed in South Korea. 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. Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the King James Version. 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.

David C Cook would like to thank the following contributors: Rebekah Shirin, editor. Heather Dunn, Paul Friskney, David Long, Lu Ann J. Nickelson, Vangie Rodenback, contributors. David C Cook Creative Services Team, design and production, Ahaa! Design, typsetting. Richard Drury/Getty Images, cover photo.

How to Use HeartShaper®

Welcome to HeartShaper Children’s Curriculum!

With HeartShaper Children’s Curriculum, your students will be engaged in Bible stories through multisensory learning, Bible skill-building activities, and focused life application.

Here’s how to start

• Pray for God’s help to guide kids to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

• Read these introductory pages and the unit pages.

• Use the HeartShaper teaching tools.

How the lessons are organized

1 Focus In: Kids are introduced to the lesson theme and focus.

2 Explore His Word: Kids will interact with the Scripture passage and develop Bible skills.

3 Make It Real: Kids will discover how the Scripture applies to their lives.

4 Live It Out: Kids will plan and begin to practice the principles of what they’ve learned.

Want a more detailed overview?

Go to HeartShaper.com. Click on Age Levels and choose Middle Elementary. View the Scope and Sequence and watch the overview video for this age level.

Important things to know

Bible Memory lists the passage middle elementary kids will learn in each unit.

Focus is the main thought that kids will learn and remember in each lesson.

Quick Step™ activities are easy to prepare and teach. All that’s needed are the curriculum materials and normal classroom supplies.

Option activities are included in every step. YOU choose what works best for you and the different kinds of learners in your class.

Special Needs

Reach kids with special needs

HeartShaper gives the resources you need to understand kids’ different abilities and adapt lesson activities so you can include kids with special needs in your Sunday school classes.

Examples

Look for this symbol throughout the teacher guide to identify activities that work well for all kids, including those with special needs.

Option Love Commitment Bracelets

Since we know that ❤ Jesus wants us to love God and others, let’s plan on doing that. As you make love commitment bracelets, think about specific ways you’ll show love to God and others this week. One color of lacing will help you remember to love God, another color will help you remember to love others, and the third color will help you remember that you are the one loving God and others.

Option Thumbs-Up or Thumbs-Down

ASK: What is hope? Accept responses. The dictionary says that hope is “to expect with confidence” or “to desire with expectation of obtaining something. Hope is the “feeling of excitement about something we are waiting for.”

SAY: I’m going to read some statements that have to do with hope. When you hear something that you hope for, give a thumbs-up. When you hear something that you don’t hope for, give a thumbs-down. Ready?

Quick Step I Love This, You Love That

Ask students to sit in a circle. SAY: Think of someone or something you love. When it’s your turn, you will say what those before you said. Then say your name and add the name of a person or thing you love. You can start the game by saying, “My name is ___ and I love ___.” The next kid should say, “___ (your name) is ___ and she loves ___. My name is ___ and I love ___.” Keep playing until everyone has had a turn. When the game is over, lead a discussion about different kinds of love.

ASK: How is the love you have for your parents different from the love you have for pizza?

How is the love you have for a friend different from the love you have for a pet?

Materials plastic lacing (or string) in 3 colors, scissors, tape Media Option Go online to find different kinds of bracelets kids can make.

Materials none

If possible, pair the statements with pictures to provide context. Be sure to give enough wait time for students with learning delays to weigh in with their responses.

When you see this symbol after a title, it means the activity will work well for all kids, including those with special needs.

When you see this symbol in the narrow column, it may give you a helpful tip on how you can tweak the activity to make it better for kids with special needs.

Materials none

Teaching Tip Continue to display the poster for the quarter (Resources sheet 1).

See the Resources lesson 4 printable files for another way you can help kids with special needs explore and understand different kinds of love.

Or this symbol may indicate that there’s an adaptation in the Resources files that will make the activity work better for kids with special needs.

Additional helps for teaching kids with special needs can be found in the Resources files and at HeartShaper.com. Online resources include training videos, Shaping Special Hearts podcast episodes, and free downloads for both teachers and families.

Teaching Tools

These multisensory teaching tools are an integral part of HeartShaper!

Middle Elementary Activities

Your students will love the full-color activity leaflets designed just for them—they make Bible study fun!

• Helps kids dig deeper into Scripture

• Encourages kids to think for themselves

Kidz Chat® student magazine

This weekly student magazine helps kids take home what they’re learning and helps their faith grow.

In the magazine you’ll find:

• Short stories that kids can relate to

• Just for Fun puzzles and activities and a weekly cartoon

Middle Elementary Resources

These resources will help you engage kids with different learning styles. The multisensory teaching tools include visual, printed, and audio resources.

On the 8 sheets you’ll find:

• Bible Memory posters (1 per unit)

• Bible time lines

• Maps and other visuals

In the digital files you’ll find:

• Audio tracks

• Printable files for kids: activity pages for in-class use, lesson Scriptures (KJV and NIV)

• Printable files for teachers: reproducible pages for lessons, Bible Memory posters (KJV), special needs helps, teacher helps

For simple lesson planning, get the Middle Elementary Teacher’s Convenience Kit It contains one Middle Elementary Teacher Guide, one set of Middle Elementary Activities, the complete Middle Elementary Resources pack, and one set of Kidz Chat student magazine.

Free resources

Go to HeartShaper.com to find additional helps and resources for teachers and families!

For teachers:

• Overview by age level

• Training videos

• Family Connections quarterly letters

• Holiday helps

• Special needs resources

• Leading Young Hearts to the Lord pocket guide

For families:

• Faith & Family guide for family devotions

You’ll also want to visit MinistrySpark.com for free ministry resources, articles, and webinars with valuable insights from children’s leaders like you!

Teaching Middle Elementary Kids

With HeartShaper, middle elementary kids will grow spiritually

Middle elementary kids can know these important facts:

• God is their creator, Jesus is God’s Son, and the Holy Spirit is their helper and guide.

• God meets their needs.

• God loves them and sent His Son to die for them.

• They can tell others about Jesus.

Middle elementary kids can show these godly attitudes:

• Be aware of the need for salvation.

• Trust God to help overcome fears and temptations.

• Desire to worship God.

• Understand that God has plans for their lives.

Middle elementary kids can exhibit these desirable behaviors:

• Put God first in plans and activities.

• Tell the truth even when it’s not easy.

• Show respect for those in authority.

• Pray regularly, including prayer for others.

See the entire Spiritual Growth Chart in the Middle Elementary Resources files or at HeartShaper.com.

With HeartShaper, middle elementary kids will develop Bible skills

Middle elementary kids will build on these Bible skills:

• Begin to understand the major emphasis of the Old and New Testaments

• Learn to read and pronounce names of Old and New Testament books

• Know how to find Bible verses

• Begin to read Bible verses

Middle elementary kids will develop these new Bible skills:

• Begin to understand the chronology of Bible events, that there’s an overall story or theme to the Bible, that history is God’s story

• Better understand the structure of the Bible

• Learn the major emphasis of the Old and New Testaments

• Feel increasingly confident when using the Bible

Middle elementary kids will gain even more with optional Bible skills:

If desired and you have time, the Optional Bible Skill Builder in each lesson (provided in the Resources files) will help middle elementary kids learn these skills:

• Memorize Old and New Testament books

• Memorize Old and New Testament divisions

• Learn more about the theme of each of the Bible divisions

• Locate on a Bible map where key Bible events took place

See the entire Bible Skills Plan in the Middle Elementary Resources files or at HeartShaper.com.

Unit 1

Our Great God

Lesson Scripture Focus

Bible Memory

Genesis 1:1

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Bible Skills

Bible skills are intentionally integrated into each lesson. You’ll help kids learn how to use their Bibles so God’s Word goes deep into their hearts.

Look for this symbol throughout the teacher guide to identify activities that work well for all kids, including those with special needs. Additional helps for teaching kids with special needs can be found in the Resources files and at HeartShaper.com.

Lesson 1

God Is Amazing

Lesson 2

God Is Creator

Psalm 66; Romans 11 ❤ God is worthy of praise.

Genesis 1, 2 ❤ God made it all.

HeartShaper Materials for Unit 1

Middle Elementary Activities

Lessons 1, 2

Middle Elementary Resources

Visuals

Sheet 1—Poster for the Quarter

Sheet 2—Bible Time Lines

Sheet 3—Genesis 1:1 Bible Memory Poster

Digital Files

Audio Track

God’s Words, lesson 2

Printable Files

Bible Dictionary, Bible Library, Prayer Request Cards

Unit 1: King James Version Bible Memory

Lessons 1, 2: King James Version Scripture texts, New International Version Scripture texts, Optional Bible Skill Builders

Lesson 1: Praise Game, Say What?

Special Needs Helps (see Contents file for complete list of files)

Teacher Helps (see Contents file for complete list of files)

Kidz Chat student magazine

Issues 1, 2

Faith & Family online resource

Faith & Family is a downloadable resource to share with families. Find it at HeartShaper.com.

Additional Activities for Unit 1

Offer these activities for early arrivers, for kids who finish activities quickly, or whenever there is extra time.

Unit Service Project—Make-a-Book

Provide supplies for kids to make “Thank You, God” books for the preschool children in your church. Provide supplies such as construction paper, card stock, markers, colored pencils, old magazines, scissors, glue, hole punch, ribbon, and yarn. Remind kids that since preschool kids can’t read, they’ll want to keep the text fairly brief and either draw or cut out pictures of things that will help younger kids to thank God. Arrange ahead of time for your students to deliver their books to the preschool kids. Ask the preschool teacher if it would be OK to let each of your students read his book to a preschooler. Your students will discover how much fun serving God can be!

Bulletin Board

Let your students create a praise bulletin board. Cover a bulletin board with plain paper and provide colored pencils, markers, crayons, scissors, construction paper, pushpins, staples, or any supplies you choose. Allow students to be creative in decorating the bulletin board. Let students add words of praise to God.

Prayer Time

Make copies of the Prayer Request Cards reproducible page. (See the teacher contents page for the location of reproducible pages. Reproducible pages are also provided in the Resources files.) When students have private requests they would like you to pray about, they can write them on the “Dear Teacher” request cards and place them in a box labeled “Prayer Requests for the Teacher.” When students have requests they would like their classmates to pray about, they can write them on the "Dear Friends" request cards for you to share during your prayer time.

Optional Bible Skill Builders

Use the Optional Bible Skill Builder activities provided in the Resources files whenever you have time—before, during, or at the end of your class time.

Something More!

For more seasonal craft ideas, go to HeartShaper.com and check out Holiday Helps under For Teachers.

God Is Amazing

Scripture: Psalm 66:1-5; Romans 11:33-36

Bible Memory: Genesis 1:1

Focus: ❤ God is worthy of praise.

Heart to Heart Teacher Devotion

Even though the Bible commands us to praise God, praise can become a natural and heartfelt part of every believer’s life. As you prepare to teach your students about praising God, be aware of the times, places, and ways that you praise our amazing God.

Lesson 1 at a Glance

FOCUS IN

Use one or both of these activities to help students discover the meaning of the word praise.

EXPLORE HIS WORD

Use these activities to help students tell why God is worthy of praise.

MAKE IT REAL

Use one of these activities to help students explore what they can say to praise God every day.

LIVE IT OUT

Use one of these activities to help students praise God.

Quick Step Say What?

Option Sticky Words

Bible Exploration Psalm 66:1-5; Romans 11:33-36

Bible Memory Genesis 1:1

Optional Bible Skill Builder

Quick Step One of Those Days

Option Praise Game

Quick Step Praising God!

Option Smoosh Praise Books

HeartShaper Materials

• Say What? reproducible page

• none

• Activities for lesson 1

• Resources sheet 3

• Resources Optional Bible Skills 1 and Bible Library printable files

• Activities for lesson 1

• Resources Praise Game printable file

• Activities for lesson 1

• none

Other Materials

• scissors, pencils

• dictionary, whiteboard, dryerase markers, Bible dictionary, self-stick notes, pencils

• Bibles, pencils, recording device

• Bibles, whiteboard, dryerase marker

• Bibles, pencils

• pencils, paper clips

• pencils, paper clips, game markers

• Bibles, pencils, recording, device to show the recording

• paper, scissors, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, recording, device to show the recording

Focus In (10 minutes)

Use one or both of the following activities to help students discover the meaning of the word praise.

Welcome

• Welcome each student warmly by name.

• Early arrivers will enjoy doing one or more of the additional activities described on the unit page.

Quick Step Say What?

Before class, cut apart the copies of the Say What? questions.

Try to find out one interesting thing about each student. Then have kids pair up and interview each other using the Say What? questions. When everyone is done, let kids share their partner’s responses. SAY: Sounds like a lot of you have praised your favorite team, celebrity, coach, or teacher.

ASK: What does the word praise mean? (when you admire or appreciate someone, when you say nice things to someone) Who are some other people you praise? How does it feel when you receive praise?

SAY: Let’s keeping thinking about praise and who is worthy of praise.

Option Sticky Words

Be sure to introduce yourself. Then have a student look up the word praise in a dictionary. The student should read the definition aloud while you write it on the board.

ASK: When you praise someone, what are you doing? (showing value and appreciation to that person, admiring that person)

On a self-stick note, write some words of praise for one student, read it aloud, then stick it on that student’s back. SAY: Now you get to do the same. Write some words of praise on these notes for each person in the class. You can write something you admire about each person or something you appreciate about each person. Then you can stick the notes on each other. Tell kids that if they don’t know someone very well, they can still find something to admire or appreciate about that person, such as a nice smile or the way he is a good listener. Distribute the selfstick notes and pencils.

When everyone is done, let kids take off their sticky notes and read what others have written. Then have a student look up the word praise in a Bible dictionary. Have the student read the definition aloud while you write it on the board.

ASK: How does it feel when you receive praise?

SAY: Let’s keeping thinking about praise and who is worthy of praise.

Focus

❤ God is worthy of praise.

Materials copies of Say What? reproducible page (one-half page per kid), scissors, pencils

Note

See the teacher contents page for the location of reproducible pages. Reproducible pages are also found in the Resources files.

Teaching Tip

Display the poster for the quarter (Resources sheet 1).

Materials dictionary, whiteboard, dry-erase markers, Bible dictionary (printed or digital), self-stick notes, pencils

Teaching Tip

Be sure that this is a positive experience for everyone. Encourage kids to write words of praise on everyone’s selfstick notes, not silly or negative things.

See the Resources Special Needs Helps 1 printable file for another way to offer this activity for kids with sensory problems.

God is worthy of praise.

Explore His Word

(25 minutes)

Use these activities to help students tell why God is worthy of praise.

Bible Background for the Teacher

The psalmist and Paul wrote from very different situations and for different purposes. Paul wrote while on a missionary journey to encourage a young church; the psalmist wrote a worship song to be used by the director of music. However, both stressed recognizing the unique characteristics of God that make Him worthy of praise.

The psalmist concentrated on two basic ideas: particular attributes of God and the ways that different people respond (or should respond) to those attributes. In the first category, the writer focused on God’s powerful actions in our world. Note the rest of the psalm, in which he mentions several specific deeds. He was also careful to stress the fact that these deeds were done for the sake of people. This activity of God demonstrates His unlimited power. As a result, His enemies cringe and the whole world bows down to Him and sings praise. The psalmist urged his listeners and readers to join in the song. In fact, God’s power is so awesome that it deserves a dramatic response: a shout of joy!

Paul focused not on the activity of God but on His wisdom. He looked at the different facets of wisdom (revealed truth), knowledge (information gained through experience), judgments (decisions or determinations), and paths (plans laid out and followed). He also considered the extent of God’s wisdom, which he called deep and rich, beyond our understanding. He then asked where humans stand in comparison to God’s wisdom. His question is asked often in Scripture (see Isaiah 40:13, 14). Obviously, the answer is that the human mind can contribute nothing to God’s thinking. We are limited in a way that He is not. We can understand only as He reveals himself to us. ❤ God is worthy of praise!

Materials

Bibles, Activities for lesson 1, pencils, recording device (smartphone, tablet, camcorder, etc.)

Note The Scripture text is provided in the Resources files in both the New International Version and the King James Version, if you want kids to read from the same Bible version.

Bible Exploration Psalm 66:1-5; Romans 11:33-36

SAY: Today we’ll look at verses from two books of the Bible—one Old Testament book and one New Testament book.

ASK: If some friends of yours didn’t know where these books were found in the Bible, what could you tell them? (For a printed Bible, look at the table of contents in the front of a Bible to find the books. For a Bible on a tablet or phone, open the Bible to the contents page.)

ASK: Maybe your friends ask why there’s an Old Testament and a New Testament. What would you tell them? Accept students’ answers. (Responses could include: The Old Testament tells about God making the world. It tells about people like Noah, Moses, and Abraham. It tells about things that happened before Jesus was born. The New Testament tells about Jesus’ coming to earth and dying on the cross. It tells how Christians like Paul and Peter told everyone about Jesus. It helps me know how God wants me to live.)

Have kids turn to Psalm 66:1-5, and have volunteers read the verses aloud.

ASK: What are some things God has done that are really wonderful? What are some things God has done that make Him awesome? Accept responses.

Distribute the activity leaflets and pencils. Ask kids to look at the Awesome God activity and write in the first space a few things that make God so awesome. Then let students share what they wrote. Ask kids to turn to Romans 11:33-36, and have volunteers read the verses aloud.

ASK: What do these verses tell us about God? (No one is greater than God. God made everything and everyone.) Help kids understand this passage by explaining that no one knows the mind of God and no one can give Him advice, because God’s wisdom and knowledge have no end! These statements only describe God.

Have kids write what God is like in the second space. Then let students share what they wrote. Do this together as one group or let kids work with a partner on this. SAY: Write your answers to this question in the third space: Why would you say that ❤ God is worthy of praise? After a minute, ask volunteers to read what they wrote. You’ve come up with lots of reasons why ❤ God is worthy of praise!

Ask each student to choose his or her favorite reason to praise God and make up motions for that reason. After a couple of minutes, have volunteers share their favorite reasons to praise God and demonstrate the motions they came up with. Get out your recording device and record the students. You’ll show the recording in Live It Out.

Bible Memory Genesis 1:1

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Display the Genesis 1:1 poster on a wall or bulletin board. Write “Genesis 1:1” on the board. Ask a volunteer to come to the board and tell what each part of the Scripture reference means. (Genesis is the name of the book, the first 1 is the chapter number, the colon separates the chapter and verse number, and the second 1 is the verse number.) Have students turn in their Bibles to Genesis 1:1, and ask a volunteer to read it aloud. SAY: Genesis 1:1 is our Bible Memory.

ASK: How many of you know people who don’t believe what Genesis 1:1 says? What do they believe? Let students respond.

SAY: If you don’t already, you will have friends, teachers, or classmates who don’t believe that God made the world. They may believe theories such as evolution that contradict the Bible. That’s why it’s really important for you to read and study the Bible, to get to know God and understand how powerful and awesome He is.

ASK: Now that you’ve read Genesis 1:1, what’s another reason that ❤ God is worthy of praise? (He made everything.) Ask students to read Genesis 1:1 together.

Materials

Bibles, Resources sheet 3, whiteboard, dry-erase marker

Media Option

Go to www.godtube.com or www.youtube.com and type in “Genesis 1:1.” You may find a video clip that would help your students think about how truly amazing God the creator is.

Note

The Bible Memory in the King James Version is included in the Resources files.

Optional Bible

Skill Builder

Print the Resources

Optional Bible Skills 1 printable file.

Focus

❤ God is worthy of praise.

Make It Real

(15 minutes)

Use one of these activities to help students explore what they can say to praise God every day.

Materials

Activities for lesson 1, pencils, paper clips

Competition can be difficult for some kids with special needs. Consider doing this activity as one group.

Quick Step One of Those Days

SAY: You’ve come up with lots of reasons why ❤ God is worthy of praise. Now let’s see if we can figure out some things we can say to praise God every day. Have kids turn in their activity leaflets to One of Those Days and think about what they can say throughout the day to praise God. Let students work for a few minutes; then go over each situation as a class.

After the activity, divide the class into two teams and give each team a pile of paper clips. Or you could let the students be one team and you be the other team. That would be a lot of fun for the kids! SAY: For each sentence or phrase that your team can call out to praise God, you get to hook a paper clip to another paper clip. We’ll see which team can make the longest chain. Each team should work together, letting everyone on the team have at least one turn hooking the paper clips together. When time is up, see which team has the longest chain. Your chains represent lots of things we can say every day to praise God. I hope you’ll want to praise God every day since ❤ God is worthy of praise.

Materials copies of Resources

Praise Game printable file (1 per pair or small group), pencils, paper clips, game markers

Teaching Tip

With your students, come up with a few class rules (3 or 4 is good). Post them as “Our Class Promise,” and have kids sign the poster, promising to follow the rules.

Option Praise Game

ASK: Since ❤ God is worthy of our praise, what are some things that we can say to praise God every day? Let several students respond. Have kids think of things they might say silently to God or out loud as they go throughout a day, no matter where they are.

Let students play this game together as a group or divide the class into pairs. Distribute copies of the Praise Game. Go over the game instructions; then let students play the game. When kids are done playing the game, ask volunteers to share at least one thing they can say to praise God.

SAY: God wants us to praise Him, not just when we’re at the church building, but all the time. You can praise God with your words when you’re at home, school, playing soccer—wherever you are!

Live It Out (10 minutes)

Use one of these activities to help students praise God.

Quick Step Praising God!

Show the recording of the kids praising God. Ask all the kids to join in praising God as you play the recording again. Then have students turn in their Bibles to Psalm 66:1-5. SAY: One way for you to show that ❤ God is worthy of praise is to pray and talk with Him. Did you know that you can read a passage of Scripture as a prayer to God? Show kids how to do that by personalizing the passage, something like this: God, I shout for joy to You. I sing about You. God, You are awesome. You are so powerful. Amen.

Have kids turn in their activity leaflets to Praying Well. Encourage them to write Psalm 66:1-5 as a prayer. When kids are done, SAY: Praise God by praying to Him the prayers you just wrote. Think about how great and awesome He is, and that only ❤ God is worthy of praise. Ask kids to silently read their prayers to God.

Option Smoosh Praise Books

SAY: Now that you know lots of things you can say to praise God, you get to make your very own smoosh praise books. Distribute materials and help students make the books, using the illustrations and instructions below. The first page of the book can be used as a cover. Students should label the remaining seven pages for each day of the week, one day per page. Kids are to write or draw things they can say to praise God. Guide them to think what they do on each day of the week, including church activities, sports, school, hobbies, and so forth.

When finished, show the recording of the kids praising God. Ask all the kids to join in praising God as you play the recording again. Have two or three kids pray, giving their praises to God. Before they pray, SAY: Think about how great and awesome God is. Only ❤ God is worthy of praise.

1. Fold the paper in half lengthwise. Crease well and unfold.

2. Fold the short sides of the paper together. Crease well. Do not unfold.

3. Fold ends up as shown to look like the letter W

4. Cut on crease of middle fold. Do not cut outer flaps.

5. Unfold, and refold long sides together. Hold the outside short edges and push (smoosh) together to form an eight-page book.

Focus ❤ God is worthy of praise.

Materials

Bibles, Activities for lesson 1, pencils, recording made in Explore His Word, device to show the recording (laptop computer, tablet computer, etc.)

Materials paper, scissors, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, recording made in Explore His Word, device to show the recording (laptop computer, tablet computer, etc.)

Teaching Tip

Since this project may be too time-consuming to do in class or be hard for your students to fold, you may want to prepare the books before class.

As needed, be sure to assist kids with the folding and cutting. Remind them that they can write or draw.

Kidz Chat

Give each student a Kidz Chat to take home.

Faith & Family encourages families! Share this weekly family devotions guide that reinforces lessons. See the unit pages for more info.

Middle Elementary

Visuals in This Pack

Sheet 1 Poster for the quarter

Sheet 2 Bible time lines (lessons 2–13)

Sheet 3 Genesis 1:1 (unit 1)

Sheet 4 Deuteronomy 7:9 (unit 2)

Sheet 5 Deuteronomy 6:5 (unit 3)

Sheet 6 Exodus 15:11 (unit 4)

Sheet 7 Map and signs (lesson 5)

Sheet 8 Plagues poster (lesson 10)

Digital Files

The digital files include audio tracks and printable files. The audio tracks can be played using a media player. The printable files must be viewed and printed from a computer.

Audio Tracks

Track 1 God’s Words (lesson 2)

Track 2 Rain Sounds (lesson 4)

Track 3 “The Joseph Jam” (lesson 8)

Track 4 Baby Sounds (lesson 9)

Track 5 God’s Words (lesson 10)

Track 6 God’s Words (lesson 11)

Track 7 God’s Words (lesson 13)

Printable Files

Activity Pages

Bible Memory (KJV )

Bible Memory posters for each unit

Bible Skills

Bible Dictionary, Bible Dictionary covers, Bible Library Charts, Optional Bible Skill Builder activities for each lesson

Lesson Scriptures (KJV and NIV )

Color-coded Scripture text for each lesson

Special Needs Helps

“All About Me” Book, Modifying Lessons, Parent Conversation Guide, Picture Schedule, Sensory Inventory Form, Sensory Inventory Form Key, Sensory Supply Drive, Special Needs Friendly Class

Teacher Helps

Bible Skills Plan, Classroom Management, Have a Plan, Icebreakers, Leading Young Hearts to the Lord pocket guide, Prayer Request Cards, What Middle Elementary Kids Are Like, Spiritual Growth Chart

See the Read Me file for instructions on how to access the printable files. See the Contents file for a complete list of printable files.

C Cook would like to thank the following contributors: Rebekah Shirin, editor. Music Precedent, Ltd., audio tracks. David C Cook Creative Services Team, design and production. Brigid

Naglich, designer. Richard Drury/Getty Images, cover photo. Thinkstock, interior photos. Dan Foote, Mark Haas, Gustavo Mazali, Jan Wimmer, illustrators.

Middle Elementary Digital Files

A complete menu of Middle Elementary Resources printable files is listed here to help you plan your lessons.

BIBLE SKILLS

BibleDictionary.pdf

BibleDictionaryCovers.pdf

SPECIAL NEEDS HELPS

AllAboutMeBook.pdf

ModifyingLessons.pdf

ParentConversationGuide.pdf

PictureSchedule_EL.pdf

SensoryInventoryForm.pdf

SensoryInventoryFormKey.pdf

SpecialNeedsFriendlyClass_EL.pdf SpNeedsFamilyConnectLetter.docx

TEACHER HELPS

BibleSkillsPlan.pdf

ClassroomManagement.pdf

ExtraTimeActivities.pdf HaveAPlan.pdf Icebreakers.pdf LeadingYoungHeartsGuide.pdf MiddleElementaryKids.pdf SpiritualGrowthChart.pdf

UNIT 1

PrayerRequestCards.pdf Unit1BibleMemoryKJV.pdf

Lesson 1

• BibleLibrary1.pdf

• OptionalBibleSkills1.pdf

• PraiseGame1.pdf

• SayWhat1.pdf

• ScriptureKJV1.pdf

• ScriptureNIV1.pdf

• SpecialNeedsHelps1.pdf Lesson 2

• OptionalBibleSkills2.pdf

• ScriptureKJV2.pdf

• ScriptureNIV2.pdf

UNIT 2

PrayerRequestCards.pdf Unit2BibleMemoryKJV.pdf

Middle Elementary Digital Files

Lesson 3

• BibleLibrary3.pdf

• OptionalBibleSkills3.pdf

• ScriptureKJV3.pdf

• ScriptureNIV3.pdf

• SkitsConsequences3.pdf

• WhatDoesItMean3.pdf Lesson 4

• OptionalBibleSkills4.pdf

• ScriptureKJV4.pdf

• ScriptureNIV4.pdf

• SpecialNeedsHelps4.pdf

Lesson 5

• InGodITrust5.pdf

• OptionalBibleSkills5.pdf

• ScriptureKJV5.pdf

• ScriptureNIV5.pdf

UNIT 3

PrayerRequestCards.pdf

Unit3BibleMemoryKJV.pdf

Lesson 6

• FeudingFamily6.pdf

• OptionalBibleSkills6.pdf

• OTLawBookmark6.pdf

• ScriptureKJV6.pdf

• ScriptureNIV6.pdf

• SpecialNeedsHelps6.pdf Lesson 7

• OptionalBibleSkills7.pdf

• OTHistoryBookmark7.pdf

• ScriptureKJV7.pdf

• ScriptureNIV7.pdf Lesson 8

• JosephPuzzle8.pdf

• OptionalBibleSkills8.pdf

• OTPoetryBookmark8.pdf

• ScriptureKJV8.pdf

• ScriptureNIV8.pdf

UNIT 4

PrayerRequestCards.pdf

Unit2BibleMemoryKJV.pdf

Fall, Middle Elementary Resources, HeartShaper® Curriculum

Permission is granted to reproduce this page for ministry purposes only—not for resale. 2

Middle Elementary Digital Files

Lesson 9

• OptionalBibleSkills9.pdf

• OTProphecyBookmark9.pdf

• ScriptureKJV9.pdf

• ScriptureNIV9.pdf

• TicTacToeServe9.pdf Lesson 10

• FullyRelyOnGodBands10.pdf

• OptionalBibleSkills10.pdf

• ScriptureKJV10.pdf

• ScriptureNIV10.pdf Lesson 11

• OptionalBibleSkills11.pdf

• ScriptureKJV11.pdf

• ScriptureNIV11.pdf Lesson 12

• OptionalBibleSkills12.pdf

• PrayerCards12.pdf

• ScriptureKJV12.pdf

• ScriptureNIV12.pdf Lesson 13

• 10CommandmentsKJV13.pdf

• 10CommandmentsNIV13.pdf

• GodsRules13.pdf

• NonsenseRules13.pdf

• OptionalBibleSkills13.pdf

• ScriptureKJV13.pdf

• ScriptureNIV13.pdf

All art, activity pages, Bible skill builders, and teacher helps Copyright

Fall, Middle Elementary Resources, HeartShaper® Curriculum

Permission is granted to reproduce this page for ministry purposes only—not for resale. 3

Genesis

Exodus

Leviticus

Numbers

Deuteronomy

Psalms

Proverbs

Ecclesiastes

Song of Songs

The Old Testament Bible Library

1. There are ____________________ books in the Bible.

2. The word testament means ______________________________ .

3. There are ____________________ books in the Old Testament.

4. There are ____________________ books in the New Testament.

5. God’s words were recorded by ____________________ different men over a period of ____________________ years.

The Old Testament books of Law help us know what God is like.

Genesis (JEN-e-sis)

Exodus (EK-so-dus)

Leviticus (leh-VIT-ih-kus)

Numbers

Deuteronomy (due-ter-AHN-uh-me)

The Old Testament books of History teach us to obey God.

Joshua (JOSH-yew-uh)

Judges

Ruth

1 Samuel (SAM-you-el)

2 Samuel (SAM-you-el)

1 Kings

2 Kings

1 Chronicles

2 Chronicles

Ezra (EZ-ruh)

Nehemiah (nee-huh-MY-uh)

Esther

The Old Testament books of Poetry help us worship God.

Job

Psalms

Proverbs

Ecclesiates (ik-leez-ee-AS-teez)

Song of Songs

The Old Testament books of Prophecy point to Jesus.

Isaiah (eye-ZAY-uh)

Jeremiah (jair-uh-MY-uh)

Lamentations (lam-en-TAY-shunz)

Ezekiel (ee-ZEEK-ee-ul)

Daniel Hosea (ho-ZAY-uh)

Joel Amos (AY-mus)

Obadiah (o-buh-DYE-uh)

Jonah (JO -nuh)

Micah (MY-kuh)

Nahum (NAY-hum)

Habakkuk (huh-BACK-kuk)

Zephaniah (zef-uh-NYE-uh)

Haggai (HAG -eye)

Zechariah (zek-uh-RYE-uh)

Malachi (MAL-uh-kye)

The New Testament books of Gospels help us know Jesus.

Matthew (MATH-yew)

Mark Luke

John

The New Testament book of History helps us tell the good news.

Acts

The New Testament books of Letters help us love one another.

Romans

1 Corinthians (ko-RIN-thee-unz)

2 Corinthians (ko-RIN-thee-unz)

Galatians (guh-LAY-shunz)

Ephesians (ee-FEE-zhunz)

Philippians (fih-LIP-ee-unz)

Colossians (kuh-LOSH-unz)

1 Thessalonians (thess-uh-LO -nee-unz)

2 Thessalonians (thess-uh-LO-nee-unz)

1 Timothy

2 Timothy

Titus (TY-tus)

Philemon (fye-LEE-mun)

Hebrews (HEE-brews)

The New Testament book of Prophecy points to Jesus’ return. Revelation (rev-e-LA-shun)

Optional Bible Skill Builder 1

Materials

copies of the Resources Bible Library printable file, Bibles, pencils

SAY: Many accounts and lessons in the Bible teach us to praise God. One way to praise God is to read His words in the Bible. We’re going to spend some time right now exploring the Bible and learning about it.

Distribute copies of the Bible Library. SAY: The Bible is actually a library that has several books in it. Turn to the table of contents toward the front of your Bibles. We’re going to count how many books are in the Bible. Note: Some Bibles have two contents pages—a chronological listing of the books from Genesis through Revelation, and a separate alphabetical listing from Acts to Zephaniah. For this activity students could use either list, but it may be a good idea for them to become familiar with the chronological list since it’s the one that will be used most often.

Once students have counted all the books of the Bible listed on the table of contents page, have them write the answer, 66, in the first answer blank on page 3 of the Bible Library. Have everyone say the sentence aloud: There are 66 books in the Bible. Have students write their names on their copies of the Bible Library; then collect and store the pages for use throughout this quarter.

Fall, Middle Elementary Resources, HeartShaper® Curriculum

Permission is granted to reproduce this page for ministry purposes only—not for resale. Lesson 1

How to play:

• game marker for each player or team

• pencil and paper clip for spinner

• Play with a partner or on a team.

• Decide who will go first.

• Spin the paper clip to determine how many spaces to move your game marker

• If you land on a word or phrase, tell something you could say to praise God in that situation.

• If you land on a blank space, you lose a turn.

• The first player to land on “P raise God!” wins.

Please pray for Thanks!

Prayer Request Cards

Say What?

Interview Questions

Who is your favorite sports team?

How do you show that you like them?

Who is your favorite celebrity?

How do you show that you like that person?

Who is your favorite coach or teacher?

How do you show that you like that coach or teacher?

Say What?

Interview

Who is your favorite sports team?

How do you show that you like them?

Questions

Who is your favorite celebrity?

How do you show that you like that person?

Who is your favorite coach or teacher?

How do you show that you like that coach or teacher?

King James Version

God Is Amazing

Psalm 66:1-5

1Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:

2Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.

3Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.

4All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.

5Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.

Romans 11:33-36

33O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

34For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

35Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

36For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

God Is Amazing

Psalm 66:1-5

1 Shout for joy to God, all the earth!

2 Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious.

3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you.

4 All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.”

5 Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!

Romans 11:33-36

33Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”

35 “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?”

36 For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Lesson 1 Special Needs Helps

Focus In STICKY WORDS ACTIVITY ADAPTATION

Materials

paper, reusable adhesive, marker, self-stick notes, pencils

Before Class

Attach sheets of paper to a wall, one sheet per student.

Some students with special needs may not like the feeling of having notes stuck to their backs. In addition, they may not have a good sense of how hard to press a note onto someone else’s back, which could lead to either accidental shoving or the notes falling off.

SAY: When we praise others, we’re telling them that we appreciate and admire them. We’re going to give praise to each other right now. Ask students to look at the papers attached to the wall. Using a marker, quickly write a student’s name on each paper. Distribute self-stick notes and pencils. Tell kids to write or draw on the notes something they admire about each person in the class. Be sure to offer support to any kids who struggle with writing or retrieving words. Have them stick their praises on the appropriate papers. After all the notes are placed on the papers, read the praises the students wrote about each other. If there are any silly or hurtful comments, quickly and quietly remove them and don’t read them.

ASK: How does it feel when someone praises you? Accept responses.

SAY: Let’s keep thinking about praise and discover who is worthy of all our praise.

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Genesis 1:1, King James Version

WORD BANK AWESOME HOLY MIGHTY CREATOR LORD ONLY SHEPHERD HELPER MAJESTIC POWERFUL WONDERFUL FIND THE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE GOD.

M I G H T Y O A W E S O M E J O H H N P C E N E E L O R S D L P Y W E T E P H H E A I R E E O R T C F R R L F O M U L D Y U R O L O R D L A

Middle Elementary Activities is published quarterly by Standard Publishing, an imprint of David C Cook, DavidCCook.org. © 2025 by David C Cook, 4050 Lee Vance Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, U.S.A. HeartShaper® Curriculum and David C Cook are registered trademarks of David C Cook. All rights reserved. ISBN 978-0-784778-52-4 #1624225. Printed in Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, February—April 2025. Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

David C Cook would like to thank the following contributors: Rebekah Shirin, editor. Brigid Naglich, designer. David C Cook Creative Services Team, design and production. Richard Drury/Getty Images, cover photo. © Thinkstock, interior photos. Mark Haas, illustrator, lesson 5; Gustavo Mazali, illustrator, lessons 3, 9, 10, 12; Gabhor Utomo, illustrator, lessons 4, 6, 7, 8.

AWESOME! SERVE

God cares about me

GOD A PLAN obeyGod

GOD MADE THE WORLD AND EVERYTHING IN IT

NO ONE IS GREATER

PRAISE

GOD GUIDES

GOD IS WORTHY OF PRAISE

GENESIS 1:1

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”

“Who

“Love

DEUTERONOMY 7:9

the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

DEUTERONOMY 6:5

among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?”

EXODUS 15:11

One of Those Days

a. Morning, God. Thanks for a new day.

b. I just want to go back to sleep.

a. Yuck! I want that new cotton-candy toothpaste!

b. Thanks, God, for what You give me—even this toothpaste.

Praying Well

a. Thanks for the food, God. Even the stuff I don’t really like.

How can you make Psalm 66:1-5 into a prayer? Write it here.

c. 3 4

b. Not spinach again! School food is the pits!

Jokes <This will be in each leaflet; please do some fun design that can be used each time>

Why did the teacher wear sunglasses? Because his class was so bright!

Did you hear about the cross-eyed teacher? couldn’t control his pupils!

a. I never get the ball. It’s not fair.

b. Thanks for my friends, God. We have lots of fun together.

Try This! <This will be in each leaflet; please do some fun design that can be used each time>

<some kind of arrow> Find another psalm in your Bible that you’d like to pray. Write it in your own words—then pray it.

<same arrow as above> Memorize Genesis 1:1.

a. I praise You, God, for the day You gave me.

b. Another boring day, God.

c. 5

PrayingWell

How can you make Psalm 66:1-5 into a prayer? Write it here.

THIS! try

Find another psalm in your Bible that you’d like to pray. Write it in your own words—then pray it.

MEMORIZE Genesis 1:1.

Jokes! :)

Why did the teacher wear sunglasses?

Because his class was so bright!

Did you hear about the cross-eyed teacher? He couldn’t control his pupils!

SHOW TIME

“Come on, Josh. It’s time to rake the yard.”

Josh didn’t hear his dad. He was staring at the TV.

“Josh,” his dad said, now standing by the TV, “you promised you’d help me outside, remember?”

“Oh yeah,” Josh groaned, “I forgot.” Slowly Josh switched off his TV show. Frowning, he put on his cap and jacket, then slowly walked to the door.

“Well,” said Dad, “don’t get too excited about it. I wouldn’t want you to have fun or anything.”

“Funny, Dad,” Josh said. “But I promised I’d help, not that I’d have fun. This time of year is nothing but trouble,” he said, burying his hands deep into his pockets. “Why don’t the leaves just stay on the trees all year round? Then I wouldn’t miss my show to rake them up.”

As Josh stepped into the yard, a sudden gust of wind tossed his cap to the ground. “Oh great,” he said, bending down to get his cap. But before

by Jodee McConnaughhay

he could pick it up, another gust of wind blew it out ahead of him. “Hey, come back here!” he yelled, as the cap kept flying out ahead of him.

Then Josh’s dad joined the chase, crunching and crackling through the new fallen leaves.

“I got it! I got it!” his dad yelled as he barely caught the cap’s brim. But he’d stopped too suddenly. Josh crashed into him, sending the cap flying again. It landed on a tree branch above them, sending a sassy squirrel scurrying away. They laughed until their sides hurt.

Then Josh’s

right, Josh,” he said. “God’s works are pretty amazing. Now, let’s see if we can compete in today’s game show.”

“What’s that?” Josh asked, climbing down the tree trunk.

into his pocket.

“You won’t get away this time,” he said to it.

Josh paused a moment to catch his breath. He looked out over his neighbors’ yards. The sun shone across the fall leaves, turning their oranges and yellows into copper and gold. The whole neighborhood changed before his eyes. It suddenly looked like a chest full of a king’s treasure.

“Wow!” he exclaimed softly.

“Are you OK, Josh?” Dad asked, peering up at him, his hand cupped over his eyes.

“Sure, Dad,” Josh said, blinking his eyes. “I was just watching God’s show.”

“What?” Dad asked.

“God’s show,” Josh repeated. “God puts on a great show when you take the time to watch it.”

the branch. Josh grabbed his cap and stuffed it ?

“Ohhhh.” His dad smiled, looking across the yards. “You’re

“It’s a game show called ‘Rake it fast or you’ll be last.’ Mom is cooking supper, and we’re going to miss it if we don’t get going on these leaves.”

Josh grabbed a rake and said with a smile, “OK, but don’t count on getting there first. I’m going to win!”

And he did!