### Lesson Plan: The Story of Esther for Toddlers
**Grade Level:** Toddlers (Ages 2-4)
**Duration:** 20-30 minutes
**Topic:** The Story of Esther
**Objectives:**
1. To introduce toddlers to the story of Esther from the Bible.
2. To help toddlers understand the concepts of bravery and God's protection.
3. To engage toddlers in simple activities to reinforce the story.
**Materials Needed:**
- Bible (Children’s Bible with pictures)
- Picture cards or felt board characters of Esther, King Xerxes, Mordecai, and Haman
- Crown craft materials (paper crowns, crayons, stickers, glue)
- Simple storybook of Esther
- Coloring sheets related to Esther
- Soft music for background use
**Lesson Outline:**
**1. Welcome and Opening Prayer (3-5 minutes)**
- Gather the children in a circle on the floor.
- Welcome each child warmly and introduce the topic.
- Begin with a simple prayer: "Dear God, thank You for loving us. Help us to listen and learn about Esther today. Amen."
**2. Introduction to the Story of Esther (5-7 minutes)**
- Use a children’s Bible or picture book to introduce the characters: Esther, King Xerxes, Mordecai, and Haman.
- Show each picture card or felt board character as you mention them.
- Keep the language simple and engaging: "Today, we will listen to a story about a brave queen named Esther."
**3. Storytime: The Story of Esther (7-10 minutes)**
- Tell the story of Esther in a simplified and engaging manner:
- Esther was a kind and brave woman who became the queen.
- Her cousin Mordecai helped her and loved her very much.
- A mean man named Haman wanted to hurt Esther's people.
- Esther was very brave and went to the King to ask him to save her people.
- The King listened to Esther and saved her people because God was with Esther and helped her be brave.
- Use expressive voice tones and encourage interaction by asking simple questions like, "What do you think Esther will do?"
**4. Activity Time: Crown Craft (5-7 minutes)**
- Distribute paper crowns and crayons, stickers, and glue.
- Help the children decorate their crowns while saying: "Esther was a queen and wore a crown. Let's make our own crowns!"
- Encourage them by saying: "God made us special and brave just like Esther!"
**5. Reinforcement: Coloring Sheets (5-7 minutes)**
- Provide Esther-themed coloring sheets.
- Let the children color while you play soft background music.
- Walk around and engage with each child, reinforcing the story by saying things like: "Who is Esther? She is our brave queen!"
**6. Summary and Reflection (3-5 minutes)**
- Gather the children back together.
- Ask simple questions to recap the story: "Who was the brave queen? What did Esther do?"
- Summarize by saying: "Esther was brave and trusted God. We can also be brave and trust God."
**7. Closing Prayer (2-3 minutes)**
- Hold hands and close with a simple prayer: "Thank you, God, for Esther and her bravery. Help us to be brave and trust in You too. Amen."
- End with a group hug or high-fives.
**8. Goodbye (2-3 minutes)**
- Thank each child for coming and participating.
- Hand out the decorated crowns and coloring sheets as they leave.
**Follow-Up:**
- Encourage parents to ask their children about Esther and discuss the story at home.
- Provide a simple handout for parents that includes a brief summary of the story and suggestions for reinforcing the lesson at home.
This lesson plan will help engage toddlers with the story of Esther and teach them important values of bravery and faith in God through interactive storytelling and creative activities.