### Lesson Plan: Toddler Christian Religious Studies
**Topic: Moses Parting the Red Sea**
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**Objective:**
- Introduce toddlers to the biblical story of Moses parting the Red Sea.
- Help children understand the concept of God’s miraculous power and care for His people.
- Encourage participation through interactive storytelling, craft, and music.
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**Materials Needed:**
- Children's Bible or storybook with the story of Moses parting the Red Sea
- Visual aids (pictures or felt board)
- Blue cellophane or fabric for the sea
- Construction paper, markers, scissors, glue
- Toy figures (optional)
- Song: "Go Down Moses"
- Snacks (optional)
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### Lesson Outline:
**1. Welcome and Introduction (5 minutes)**
- Greet the children warmly.
- Begin with a short prayer to start the session.
- Briefly introduce the story topic: “Today we’re going to learn about a special story where God helps Moses and the Israelites.”
**2. Storytelling (10-15 minutes)**
- Gather the children in a circle.
- Read the story of Moses parting the Red Sea from a child-friendly Bible or storybook.
- Use visual aids (pictures or felt board) to illustrate the story for better engagement.
- Encourage interaction by asking simple questions:
- "What do you see in this picture?"
- "Who is Moses?"
- "What did God do with the sea?"
**3. Interactive Activity - Acting Out the Story (10 minutes)**
- Create a simple “Red Sea” using blue cellophane or fabric.
- Assign roles: Moses, Israelites, and Egyptians. Use toy figures if available.
- Reenact the story: Have the children walk through the "Red Sea" as it "parts" when Moses (played by a child) raises his hands.
- Encourage enthusiastic participation, ensuring every child gets a turn if possible.
**4. Craft Activity - Parting Sea Art (15-20 minutes)**
- Provide construction paper, markers, scissors, and glue.
- Guide the children to:
- Draw the sea with waves on blue paper.
- Cut out small figures of Moses and the Israelites.
- Glue the figures onto the paper, showing Moses leading the people through the sea.
- Assist as needed and praise their creativity.
**5. Music and Movement (5 minutes)**
- Sing "Go Down Moses" together.
- Encourage them to march in place or make arm movements to the music.
- Music helps reinforce the story theme through rhythm and repetition.
**6. Snack Time (optional, 10 minutes)**
- Offer simple snacks. Use this time to chat about the story casually and reinforce lessons.
- Ensure inclusiveness by being mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions.
**7. Review and Closing (5 minutes)**
- Recap the main points of the story:
- Who helped Moses part the sea? (God)
- Why did they need to cross the sea? (To escape from Pharaoh and the Egyptians)
- Conclude with a small prayer thanking God for His guidance and care.
- Hand out any take-home sheets or crafts the children made.
**Reflection:**
- Observe the children’s engagement and understanding during the lesson.
- Note any adjustments needed for future sessions to better cater to their developmental stage.
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This lesson plan is designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, incorporating various sensory experiences to help toddlers grasp the story of Moses parting the Red Sea.