The ideas below may help you when teaching a lesson about Josiah, the youngest king. Feel free to use these ideas to supplement your current curriculum or to make your own lesson.
Story Suggestion
Josiah becomes the youngest king when he was crowned at the age of eight. He reigned for 31 years and was known for following the word of God and lived his life obedient to the Lord. 2 Kings 2:22 in the Old Testament tells us about King Josiah and his life.
Game Ideas
Josiah was known for writing the scroll that contained the Laws of God. These were the laws he wanted his people to follow. Play a game that will help the children think of the Laws of God. In the other game, it will test the children’s dexterity by building a temple out of blocks.
Pass the Scroll
Directions: As a group, come up with what the children think the Laws of God are. Prompt them by giving the Ten Commandments as an example. Write down a few ideas on a piece of paper and roll it up like a scroll. Sit the children in a circle and play music. Pass the scroll from child to child until the music stops. When it stops have the child holding the scroll read one law that they have created.
Build a Temple
Directions: King Josiah rebuilt the temple in his city. Use large wooden blocks (or foam blocks) to build a temple. See how high the children can build the temple before it falls.
Snacks
A good snack for this lesson would be:
Passover Snack Mix
Josiah gave a huge Passover celebration before leading his men into battle and then later dying. Let your class try a traditional Passover snack mix. If you do not have access to a kitchen, you can make it ahead of time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup matzo farfel (available at specialty food stores)
- 1/4 cup each of gold raisins and dark raisins
- 1/2 ounce each of chopped almonds and walnuts
- 1 tablespoon, plus one teaspoon of peanut oil
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Directions: Heat oven to 350. Mix matzo farfel, raisins, and nuts and set aside. In a small saucepan, combine oil and honey. Cook low over heat, stirring constantly until honey is melted. Pour over matzo mixture and toss to coat. Spread on a non-stick baking sheet and bake about 15 minutes or until golden.
Another good snack for this lesson would be:
Chocolate Matzo
Directions: Purchase matzo crackers, which are widely available through specialty food stores. Melt butter and chocolate chips in the microwave until melted. Spread evenly on the crackers. Let sit in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens.
Art Center Ideas
King Josiah’s Scroll: Laws of God Wall Hanger
Materials:
- One half sheet of manila paper per student
- Brown watercolor paint
- Paintbrush
- Ribbon
- Glue
Directions: Tear the edges of the manila paper so it gives it a worn look. Have the children paint the entire sheet of paper in brown watercolors to give it an old look. When it is dry write the following: "I will follow God’s Law." Roll the outside edges of the paper and glue the ribbon on the back for hanging.
King’s Crown
Materials:
- Strip of paper long enough to fit around the child’s head and about five inches thick
- Stapler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Decorations such as glitter or sequins
Directions: Have the children cut 3-inch slits vertically about one inch apart. Use a pencil to curl the tops of the slits down. Decorate the crown anyway the children choose. Staple the crown around their heads.
Suggested Prayer
Dear Lord, I will follow your ways and obey your laws.
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