Lesson Objective:
Determine the important qualities a monarch needs to have
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have read about the way in which Saul disobeyed God and thought about the qualities needed to be a good monarch.
Resources:
The Story of Saul
Job Advertisement Sheet
Crown Template
Introduction
- Brainstorm – What Makes a Good Monarch? – Ask the class to think about the qualities and attributes needed to be a good King or Queen. Think about what they would need to do as a ruler, how they need to behaviour and what strengths they need to have.
Main Teaching
- Samuel Asked to Appoint a King – Tell the class that the Israelites had been ruled by judges (including Deborah, Gideon and Samuel). Samuel appointed his sons judges but they were corrupt. The people wanted a king as they believed this would help protect them from the Philistines.
“Now that you are old, and your sons do not follow your example, appoint a king over us, as other nations have, to judge us.” (1 Samuel 8:5). This was problematic for Samuel because he took it as a personal rejection. It also conflicted with the notion of God as King. - The Story of Saul – Read through the story of Saul and how he was appointed King by Samuel. Discuss the fact that Saul, as God had said, was a bad King. Discuss the implications of lying to God.
Activity
- Option 1: Job Advertisement – Hand out the Job Advertisement description sheet and ask children to design an appropriate advert for a new King of the Israelites. Children to think carefully about the qualities needed to be a king and also how they will present the advert.
- Option 2: Crowning Moments – Using the Crown Template, children to write and draw pictures about what makes a good monarch. Think about good qualities and strengths needed to lead a country.
Plenary
- Interviewing for the King – Ask a few children to interview for the position of King. The rest of the class should be the interview panel and come up with appropriate questions to ask the candidates.