🎧 Listen to Jordan & Quinn’s teacher guide
Explore the wonder of the seven days of creation as we walk through the opening of Genesis. We share helpful insights for the Creation Wheel craft and teaching tips for each day: plus a special look at the Jesus connection to help your students discover how the Son was present at the very beginning of our beautiful world.
God Makes Everything
(Genesis 1:1 - 2:3)
Before anything existed, there was only God. He had a magnificent plan to create a world, but He did not need tools or wood to build it. God created everything by simply speaking His powerful words into the darkness.
Day 1: Light and Dark. God said, "Let there be light!" and light appeared. He called the light "Day" and the darkness "Night."
Day 2: Sky and Water. God made a vast sky to separate the water on the earth from the water in the clouds above.
Day 3: Land and Plants. God moved the water so dry land would appear. He filled the earth with green grass, colorful flowers, and giant trees. Every plant had its own seeds so that more life could grow later.
Day 4: Sun, Moon, and Stars. God placed lights in the sky (the sun for the day and the moon and stars for the night). These lights help us track the seasons and the time.
Day 5: Birds and Fish. God filled the deep oceans with splashing fish and the wide sky with soaring birds. He told them to fill the earth with life.
Day 6: Animals and People. God made every kind of land animal, from tiny bugs to massive dinosaurs. Then God did His most special work: He created people in His own image. He told them to care for the earth and rule over it. When God looked at everything, He saw it was very good.
Day 7: Rest. God rested. He was not tired, but He wanted to show us that His work was finished and perfect. He made the seventh day a special day of rest.
A Curious Question
Have you ever looked at the sun, the stars, the animals, and even yourself and wondered: "How did all this amazing stuff get here, and does it show us that God has a brilliant plan for everything?"
Jesus Connection
Jesus was not just watching from the sidelines; He was there at the very beginning! The Bible tells us that Jesus, God's Son, was with God the Father when everything was made. In John 1, Jesus is called "The Word," and the Bible says that nothing was made without Him. Think of it like this: God the Father spoke the world into existence through Jesus. Just as God brought light into a dark world during creation, Jesus came to be the Light of the World to lead us out of the darkness of sin.
Discussion Questions
- If you could have been there to see God create one specific thing, what would you have picked to see first?
- When God looked at everything He made, He called it very good. What do you think that tells us about God's heart and the way He feels about us?
- In this story, God created the great sea monsters and every living thing that moves. Since dinosaurs were land animals, what day of the creation week does the Bible say they were made?
“So What” What Can I Do?
Because we know God is the Creator of everything, we can live with joy and purpose! Here are three ways to practice trusting Him this week:
- Start with Praise: When you see a beautiful sunset, a colorful flower, or hear birds singing, stop for a second and say: "Thank You, God, for Your amazing creation!" It is much harder to be grumpy when you are busy noticing the good things God has made.
- Be a Good Steward: God gave humans the job of taking care of the earth. You can do this by not littering, being kind to animals, and taking care of your own things at home. This shows God that you respect what He has made.
- Remember Your Value: On the most important day of creation, God made you. Whenever you feel lonely or sad, remind yourself that the King of the Universe made you in His own image and loves you more than you can imagine.
Memorize God's Word
Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Hand Motions:
- In the beginning: Point backward over your shoulders with both hands to show the past.
- God created: Point up to heaven with both index fingers, then sweep your arms out wide.
- the heavens: Reach both hands as high as you can toward the sky.
- the earth: Point both hands down toward the ground beneath your feet.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank You for being the powerful Creator who made our beautiful world. Thank You for every star in the sky, every animal in the forest, and every plant in the field. We are amazed that the same God who made the giant sun also made us and loves us personally. Help us to remember that we are special because we are made in Your image. Teach us to be good helpers who take care of Your creation this week. In the name of Jesus: Amen.
Craft: Creation Wheel
This spinning wheel is a wonderful way for children to visualize how God filled the world over seven days.
Materials Checklist:
- Prepare the Cover: Take the first paper plate and cut a "pie-slice" shaped window from the edge to the center. This will be the window that reveals each day.
- Map the Days: On the second paper plate, divide the circle into seven equal sections. Have the children glue a sticker or draw a picture for each day of creation in its own section.
- Decorate: Encourage the students to color the top plate and write "God Made Everything" on the front.
- Connect the Plates: Poke a small hole through the center of both plates. Push a brass fastener through the holes and spread the tabs on the back so the top plate can spin freely.
- Review: Have the children spin their wheels and practice telling what God made on each day to a friend.
Effective Teaching Techniques
To keep your students engaged during this long story, try using dramatic voices and large hand gestures for each day of creation. When you speak God's words, use a strong and steady voice to show His power. For younger children (ages 4 to 6), you might find it more effective to focus heavily on just a few days: such as the animals and the stars: rather than trying to memorize all seven at once.
Adding a sensory element can make the lesson much more memorable. Consider bringing in nature items like large leaves, smooth rocks, or sea shells for the children to touch while you describe Day 3 and Day 5. If your class time is running short, you can pre-assemble the creation wheels before the students arrive. This allows them to spend their time coloring and discussing the story instead of struggling with scissors or brads.
Finally, music is a powerful tool for elementary learners. Try singing a simple chorus of "God Made Everything" between the different days of the story. This gives the children a chance to wiggle and reset their focus before you move on to the next part of the account.