### Lesson Plan: The Birth of Jesus II
**Age Group:** Toddlers (ages 2-4)
**Objective:**
- To introduce toddlers to the story of the birth of Jesus.
- To help children understand why Jesus' birth is special.
- To engage toddlers in a simple and interactive activity related to the story.
**Materials Needed:**
- Picture book or story cards depicting the birth of Jesus
- A simple nativity scene (child-safe figures)
- Coloring sheets of nativity scene
- Crayons
- Simple craft supplies (paper, glue, cotton balls, etc.)
**Duration:** 30-40 minutes
### Lesson Procedure:
#### 1. Warm-Up (5 minutes)
- Greet the children warmly and gather them in a circle.
- Sing a simple and engaging song related to Jesus' birth like "Away in a Manger."
#### 2. Story Time (10 minutes)
- Show a picture book or story cards about the birth of Jesus.
- Narrate the story in simple language:
- Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem.
- Baby Jesus being born in a stable.
- Angels announcing Jesus' birth to the shepherds.
- Shepherds visiting baby Jesus.
- Ask simple questions to engage the children:
- "Who is the baby born in the stable?"
- "Who came to visit baby Jesus?"
#### 3. Discussion (5 minutes)
- Briefly talk about why Jesus' birth is special. Explain that Jesus is a gift from God to show His love for us.
- Use simple terms and relate it to the toddlers' understanding of love and gifts.
#### 4. Activity (10-15 minutes)
- **Nativity Scene Coloring:** Provide coloring sheets of the nativity scene along with crayons. Encourage the children to color the pictures while talking about the story.
- **Craft:** If time permits, help the children create a simple nativity scene craft. For example, making sheep using cotton balls and glue on a piece of paper.
#### 5. Closing (5 minutes)
- Gather the children in a circle again.
- Recap the story briefly.
- Close with a short and simple prayer thanking God for the gift of Jesus.
- End with a song, such as "Happy Birthday, Jesus."
**Notes for the Teacher:**
- Keep the language simple and repetitive to help toddlers understand.
- Use gestures and expressions to make the story engaging.
- Be patient and ready to repeat parts of the story or instructions.
- Ensure all activities are safe and appropriate for the age group.
This lesson plan introduces toddlers to the birth of Jesus through storytelling, activities, and discussion. It aims to create a joyful and meaningful experience that lays the foundation for understanding the significance of Christmas.