**Lesson Plan: Cain and Abel - Christian Religious Studies for Toddlers**
**Objective:**
Introduce toddlers to the story of Cain and Abel, teaching them the values of love, kindness, and the consequences of jealousy and anger.
**Duration:**
30-45 minutes
**Materials Needed:**
- Children's Bible or Bible storybook with illustrations
- Simple props (e.g., toy fruits and vegetables, toy animals)
- Coloring sheets with pictures of Cain and Abel
- Crayons or markers
- Songs and rhymes about kindness and sharing
- Soft blanket or mat for storytime
**Lesson Outline:**
1. **Welcome and Opening Prayer** (5 minutes)
- Begin with a simple prayer thanking God for the day and asking for His blessings during the lesson.
2. **Introduction** (5 minutes)
- Briefly introduce the story of Cain and Abel.
- Show the children pictures of Cain and Abel from the Bible storybook.
- Use simple language and ensure the children understand that Cain and Abel were brothers.
3. **Storytelling** (10 minutes)
- Gather the children on the mat or blanket and read the story of Cain and Abel from the children’s Bible or Bible storybook.
- Use props to make the story engaging (e.g., show toy fruits for Abel's offering and toy animals for Cain's offering).
- Emphasize the key points:
- Abel gave his best to God.
- Cain was jealous and angry.
- God wants us to love and be kind to each other.
4. **Discussion and Reflection** (5 minutes)
- Ask simple questions to ensure understanding:
- Who were the brothers in the story?
- What did Abel give to God?
- Why was Cain angry?
- Discuss briefly the importance of kindness and how jealousy and anger can hurt others.
5. **Activity: Coloring** (10 minutes)
- Provide coloring sheets with pictures related to the story (e.g., Cain and Abel, their offerings).
- Encourage children to color the pictures and talk with them about the story as they work.
6. **Song/Rhyme Time** (5 minutes)
- Teach and sing a simple song or rhyme about kindness and sharing. For example, "This is the Way We Show Kindness" to the tune of “Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush.”
7. **Closing Recap and Prayer** (5 minutes)
- Recap the lesson by reviewing key points.
- Teach the children a simple prayer asking God to help them be kind and loving like Abel.
**Home Connection:**
- Send home a note to parents summarizing the lesson and suggesting they talk with their children about the importance of being kind and avoiding jealousy. They can also practice sharing and kindness at home with family and friends.
**Note to Teachers:**
- Be patient and use positive reinforcement to keep the toddlers engaged and focused.
- Adjust the lesson pace according to the children’s responses and needs.