Teaching character qualities from Proverbs for kids? Here’s everything you need to teach children from Scripture to be diligent–based on the hardworking example of the ant! This lesson plan includes a fun project to introduce the topic, a guide for discussing the truths from Proverbs 6:6-8, free printable worksheets, and ideas for a Bible based craft and activity. Perfect for teaching Sunday School, homeschool, or your family devotions. Scroll down for details!
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Go to the Ant!
The topic of diligence is introduced in Proverbs with a command to look at ants:
“Go to the ant, you sluggard!
Consider her ways and be wise…”
Proverbs 6:6 NKJV
The proverb continues by pointing out how hard the ant works, even though she doesn’t have a boss standing over her.
It’s a powerful example of being diligent and hardworking!
You can bring this example to life for your kids–and, along the way, make “diligence” an unforgettable lesson for your kids!
To help you teach Proverbs for kids, this lesson includes:
- an interest-catching opener
- a quick lesson from Proverbs
- discussion questions
- free student worksheets
- a craft idea
Scroll down for details!
Ants at Work {Attention-Grabbing Opener}
The Bible mentions the ant because she is a such a great example of diligence. Tap into that fantastic visual and catch your kids’ interest at the same time.
How? Make an ant farm! There’s no better way to watch the hard-working ant in action.
You can make your own ant farm, or you can buy an ant farm online (this one is really cool because the ants eat their way through gel to make their colony). {affiliate link} But you’ll have to either purchase ants separately, or go out and try to catch some of your own. To me, that sounds like a recipe for disaster!
So I highly recommend this ant farm, because they will also arrange for ants to be sent to you in a little vial. All you have to do is dump the ants into your ant farm. {affiliate link}
After your ants get going, gather your kids around the ant farm and watch the ants work for a bit. Point out how active the ants are. Comment on how hard they’re working.
Proverbs for Kids on Diligence {Mini-Lesson}
When your kids’ interest is piqued by watching the ants at work, take the opportunity to open your Bible to Proverbs 6:6-8. Read it to your kids.
If necessary, explain the more difficult words in the passage.
- A “sluggard” is a lazy person.
- An “overseer” is a boss or a taskmaster.
Talk about why this passage was included in Scripture, what God is teaching us from the ant, and how we can apply that principle in our own lives.
Discussion Questions
Ask your kids:
- “What, according to this proverb, is amazing about the ant?”
- “Why should we observe the ant?”
- “What, according to this Scripture, should we learn from the ant?”
- “Do you think you are as hardworking as an ant? Or are you a little more like a sluggard?”
Student Worksheets for Proverbs 6:6-8
Once you’ve discussed the truths from Proverbs 6:6-8, reinforce them with a little hands-on work.
These worksheets about Proverbs for kids are structured in a way that will help your kids think through each part of this proverb carefully. They’re simple and easy to use, and very inexpensive. I think it’s worth grabbing them for this study from Proverbs! {affiliate link}
“Work like an Ant” Motivational Chart {Craft}
After you’ve finished your lesson and completed the worksheets from Proverbs for kids, do a simple craft to reinforce the truths learned–and motivate your kids to apply those truths, too!
Supplies Needed
Chore chart printable – I’ve created one for you! 😉 Just click here to download the chart, and then print as many as you need.
Markers – I recommend using washable markers with little ones! 😉 {affiliate link}
Sheet protectors – This is somewhat optional, but the reason I’ve included them is because you can write on these with a dry-erase marker. So if you pop your chore chart into one and write on the chart with dry erase marker, you’ll be able to reuse the motivational chart! Grab sheet protectors here. {affiliate link}
Magnets – I recommend using these magnets because they have sticky backs. That means you won’t have to deal with messy glue (or a hot glue gun). {affiliate link}
Mini ants – These are the ants that I would get. I think they’re the best value you’ll find, and they’re the right size. {affiliate link}
“Work like an Ant” Craft Instructions
This mini craft is super simple! 😉
- Decorate the chart as desired.
- Slip the chart into the sheet protector and lay it aside.
- Pull out enough magnets for each line of the chart, and an equal number of mini ants.
- Peel the backs off the magnets so that the sticky side is exposed.
- Attach the ants to the magnets.
Follow-up discussion
Ask your kids to think of a few ways that they tend to be sluggards. Now challenge them to copy the ant, and aim to be more diligent & hardworking in those areas!
Show the kids how they can use their new “Work like an Ant” charts as motivation:
- Use 2-4 blank magnets to hang the chart on the fridge or another magnetic surface.
- Write your kids’ goals on the chart with dry erase marker.
- Line the ant magnets along the top of the chart.
- Encourage the kids to move the ants down onto the chart each time they succeed in being more diligent in a particular area!
Hardworking Ants (Proverbs for Kids)
And there you have it! Now you’ve got:
- an attention-grabbing activity to introduce hardworking ants
- a mini-lesson from Proverbs for kids
- follow-up questions
- student worksheets
- and a craft/personal application activity.
Have fun teaching your kids diligence from the book of Proverbs!
TEACH THE BIBLE SUCCESSFULLY!
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