### Lesson Plan: Daniel in the Lion’s Den
**Age Group:** Toddlers (2-4 years old)
**Objective:**
- To introduce students to the story of Daniel in the lion's den.
- To help toddlers understand that God is always with us and protects us.
- To encourage faith and trust in God through simple and engaging activities.
**Materials Needed:**
- Storybook or picture book of "Daniel in the Lion’s Den" suitable for toddlers
- Coloring pages with pictures related to the story
- Crayons or washable markers
- Lion masks or simple lion craft materials (construction paper, glue, googly eyes, etc.)
- Stickers or stamps for rewards
- Soft plush lion toy
- Simple lion puppet or paper bag lion puppet craft materials
- Music player for singing children's worship songs
### Lesson Outline
**1. Welcome and Introduction (10 minutes)**
- Warm greeting and circle time.
- Say a short prayer asking for a blessed and enjoyable time together.
**2. Story Time (15 minutes)**
- Gather children in a comfortable reading area.
- Read "Daniel in the Lion’s Den" from a child-friendly storybook, using expressive voices and showing pictures.
- Pause to explain key points, such as Daniel’s faith, the king’s worry, and how God kept Daniel safe.
**3. Discussion (5 minutes)**
- Ask simple questions to engage the toddlers:
- "Who was Daniel?"
- "What happened to him?"
- "How did God help Daniel?"
- Encourage children to repeat key phrases, such as “God keeps us safe” and “Daniel trusted God.”
**4. Craft Activity (20 minutes)**
- **Option 1:** Coloring Activity
- Distribute coloring pages related to the story.
- Provide crayons or markers.
- Walk around and help children as needed, praising their work.
- **Option 2:** Lion Mask Craft
- Help children make simple lion masks using construction paper, glue, and googly eyes.
- Assist in assembling the masks and encourage them to wear and ‘roar’ together.
**5. Music and Movement (10 minutes)**
- Sing simple Christian songs related to God's protection and love, such as "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" or "Jesus Loves Me."
- Encourage children to clap, dance, and sing along.
**6. Puppet Show or Role Play (10 minutes)**
- Use a soft lion toy or a simple puppet to reenact the story briefly.
- Invite children to participate if they are comfortable, perhaps by roaring like lions or pretending to be Daniel.
- Highlight the message that God protected Daniel.
**7. Wrap-Up and Prayer (5 minutes)**
- Gather the children back in a circle.
- Briefly review the story and its message.
- Pray a simple, closing prayer, thanking God for His protection and care.
**8. Reward and Goodbye (5 minutes)**
- Give each child a sticker or a stamp for participation.
- Thank them for coming and say goodbye until next time.
**Note to Instructor:**
- Keep the pace lively and the atmosphere positive.
- Be attentive to the toddlers' energy levels and adjust activities as needed.
- Ensure all materials are safe and appropriate for the age group.
- Reinforce the lesson’s simple, central message: God protects those who trust in Him.