Week 1 August: Esther -- Brave and Faithful

 

Week 1 August: Esther – Brave and Faithful

Esther 2:5–7

I can serve my family.
You might feel inspired to use Esther 2:7 to teach your children about helping family members in need, as Mordecai did for Esther. Read the verse together or summarize it in your own words. Then you and your children could think of family members who might need your help. Make a plan to help them.

Esther 3:1–11; 4:10–17

The Lord can help me be brave.
The examples of Esther and Mordecai can help your children understand that bravery means doing what is right even when you are afraid. Consider writing the phrases:

  • Mordecai was brave when he …

  • Esther was brave when she …

As you read the story together, your children can finish the sentences. Read Esther 3:1–11; 4:10–17 or “Queen Esther” (in Old Testament Stories, 166–70), or show the pictures in this outline. Then write:

  • I will be brave by …

Invite your children to list things Heavenly Father wants them to do that require courage. A song about courage, such as “Dare to Do Right” (Children’s Songbook, 158), could help.

You could also discuss times when Jesus Christ was brave—for example, in Gethsemane and on the cross (Matthew 26:36–39; 27:33–35). Ask your children to share a time when they were brave, and share your own experiences.

Esther 4:1–3, 10–17

Fasting brings the Lord’s blessings.
Reading Esther 4:1–3, 10–17 can help teach children about fasting. Why did Esther and the Jews fast? Share why you fast and invite your children to discuss how they would explain fasting to a friend. How could fasting help them receive guidance or blessings from the Lord?

Encourage your children to think of something they might need the Lord’s help with and suggest they include it in their next fast.

Esther 4:14

I can be an instrument in God’s hands.
Help your children understand that when Esther was afraid, Mordecai encouraged her by explaining that the Lord had helped her become queen “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Discuss what it means to be an instrument for the Lord. How can we be instruments for Him today?

To illustrate, invite someone to play a musical instrument or show a picture of someone using a tool. Then talk about how God can use each of us to do important work in His hands.

Preschool Add-On

  • Letter of the Week: I for Instrument

  • Number: 3 (Serve family, Be brave, Help the Lord’s people)

  • Shape: Star (symbolizing guidance and courage)

  • Color: Purple (symbolizing royalty and courage)

Sight Words: I, can, be, my

Tracing Sentences:

  • I can serve my family.

  • I can be brave for God.

Math Connection:

  • “Bravery Steps”: Draw 5 footprints. Assign each footprint a brave act (e.g., help a friend, say a prayer, share a toy). Count the footprints as children identify ways they can be brave. Practice simple addition/subtraction:

    • 2 brave acts + 1 more = ?

    • 5 brave acts − 2 = ?

Reading Connection:

  • Read a short story about a child helping their family or showing courage. Ask, “How was this child brave like Esther?” Point to sight words they recognize.

Craft Idea:

  • Make an “Instrument for God” wheel. Divide a circle into sections: Serve family, Be brave, Fast, Help others. Children can spin a paper arrow and share examples for each section.

Early Elementary Add-On

Reading & Writing Extension:

  • Write a short journal entry: “How I Can Be Brave for God.” Encourage children to describe one way they can serve, be brave, or help the Lord’s people.

Math Connection:

  • “Blessings Counting”: Draw 10 treasure bags. Each bag represents a blessing from helping or being brave. Practice addition and subtraction:

    • 3 blessings + 2 more = ?

    • 5 blessings − 1 = ?

Art or Reflection Project:

  • Create a “Bravery Banner.” Draw or write examples of brave acts and ways to serve others. Hang it to remind children they can be instruments in God’s hands.

Family Thought:
Just like Esther and Mordecai, we can serve our families, be brave, fast when needed, and be instruments for the Lord. Even when we are afraid, the Lord can help us do the right thing and bless those around us.

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