Leader Guide
Teaching Time
- Various toys such as: handheld video game or controller, Lego style blocks, child’s book, super-hero figurine, doll, stuffed animal; any item a child could be distracted with
- Bible or Superbook Bible App
Nehemiah was sad. Who remembers why he was sad? He heard that the walls of Jerusalem were all broken down, so the city couldn’t be safe from its enemies.
Nehemiah was so sad that he wept (cried) and prayed to God for days.
Nehemiah received permission from the king to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall around the city. It was a job that was much too big for Nehemiah to do alone. He knew he must work together with others to finish the job God called him to do.
The Israelites began to work on the wall, but soon there was a problem. The Israelites became distracted. Remember, a distraction is something that takes your attention or focus away from what you should be doing.
Hold up the toys you chose and adjust the presentation accordingly.
Let’s say you were told to clean your room. You started to pick up your toys and clothes. But then, you found your blocks under the bed and decided to build one small house. Then you saw your favorite book that you thought was lost you had to look at the pictures.
You finished the book and then saw your favorite super-hero figurine in the closet and played with it for a short time. Has this ever happened to you? Children respond.
What were you supposed to be doing? Cleaning the room.
The different toys became a distraction from cleaning your room. They took your attention away from what you should be doing. You will face many kinds of distractions every day!
The Israelites’ enemies were not happy that the wall was being rebuilt. To distract the workers, the enemies laughed at them and mocked them. How do you feel when someone laughs at you or mocks you? Sad.
They even threatened to attack the Israelites if they didn’t stop! The Israelites were scared! Shout “Oh No!” with the children and hold the sides of your face with your hands.
God gave Nehemiah an idea to help the workers from becoming distracted while they worked.
Nehemiah placed guards with weapons and shields around the workers to watch for their enemies in case they decided to attack. The Israelites felt safe again. They were able to keep their attention or focus on their work—not on their enemies!
Conclusion: The Israelites kept their attention on the wall and finished it! As you work together, remember how important it is to focus on what you are supposed to do so you will not be distracted.