**Lesson Plan for Toddler Christian Religious Studies: Joseph and His Brothers**
**Theme:** Joseph and His Brothers
**Objective:**
- To introduce toddlers to the story of Joseph and his brothers from the Bible.
- To teach the values of kindness, forgiveness, and God's plan for our lives.
**Materials:**
- A children's Bible or storybook with the story of Joseph and his brothers.
- Visual aids: illustrated pictures of Joseph and his colorful coat, his brothers, and scenes from the story.
- Simple costumes or colored fabric pieces.
- Craft supplies: paper, crayons, glue, scissors (safety scissors).
- Optional: soft toy or puppet for storytelling.
**Lesson Outline:**
1. **Introduction (5 minutes)**
- Greet the children warmly.
- Sing a simple welcome song together.
2. **Story Time (10-15 minutes)**
- Gather the children in a circle and show them the illustrated pictures.
- Use a soft toy or puppet to make the storytelling engaging.
- Read or tell the story of Joseph and his brothers in simple, age-appropriate language. Focus on key points such as:
- Joseph's colorful coat.
- His dreams that made his brothers jealous.
- His brothers' actions and how they sold him.
- How Joseph ended up in Egypt.
- How God had a plan for Joseph and he eventually helped his family.
3. **Discussion (5 minutes)**
- Ask simple questions to engage the children:
- What colors did Joseph's coat have?
- How did Joseph feel?
- How did his brothers feel?
- How did God help Joseph?
- Reinforce the idea that God has a plan for everyone and that we should be kind and forgiving.
4. **Activity: Dress Up and Role Play (10 minutes)**
- Provide colorful fabric pieces for the children to wear as Joseph's coat.
- Let them take turns pretending to be Joseph and his brothers.
- Guide them through a simple reenactment of the story, focusing on positive actions and forgiveness.
5. **Craft Activity (10 minutes)**
- Provide paper, crayons, and other craft supplies.
- Encourage the children to draw and color their own version of Joseph’s colorful coat.
- Help them decorate their pictures with stickers or glitter for added fun.
6. **Closing Prayer and Song (5 minutes)**
- Gather the children for a short prayer thanking God for His plans for us and asking for help to be kind and forgiving.
- Sing a simple Christian song together, such as "Jesus Loves Me" or "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands."
**Wrap-Up:**
- Praise the children for their participation and creativity.
- Encourage them to share the story of Joseph and his brothers with their families.
**Optional Extension Activities:**
- Provide a take-home coloring sheet of Joseph and his coat.
- Suggest parents continue the story at home and discuss it with their children.
**Note to Teachers:**
Be mindful of the diverse backgrounds and abilities of the children. Keep the activities flexible and be ready to provide assistance as needed. The goal is to create a loving and engaging environment where toddlers can learn about God's love and the values of forgiveness and kindness.