Here are some ideas that you could do with your children at home, that link the children’s everyday experiences to the Bible. As you play or create, you can talk about what happened in the story of Josiah.

You could watch this video of the story:

TEACHING POINT

Josiah was faithful to God.

PROGRAMME

Let’s Pretend

Make your own castle… out of sand or perhaps you could use cardboard tubes or raid your recycling box or use duplo, or be creative, what else could you use to make a castle?

Make a scroll

On your scroll write, "Baruch atah Adonai!" which means, "Go with the LORD's blessing." You could draw things in your scroll that remind you of God’s blessings. What are you thankful for? What has God said to you that encourages you?

Crown craft

Josiah was the youngest king at only 8 years old. Make your own crown with your own jewels and remind yourself that you are royalty of the King of all kings.

Game - Elisha says Seven Times

Go on a scroll hunt, like Josiah found. You could hide some jewels too for bonus points 😊

MESSAGE AND PRAYER TIME

Josiah was faithful to God.

Up to 3 years old (Fruitshoots)

Thank you that you love us, and that you have a good plan for our lives, just like you did for Josiah. Thank you that you can talk to us. Help us to talk to others about you. Help us to remember you every day!

From 3 years to Reception age (Acorns)

Thank you that you love us, and that you have a good plan for our lives, just like you did for Josiah. Thank you that you can talk to us in all sorts of different ways. Help us to talk to others about you. Help us to remember you every day and help us to be faithful to you!

School years 1-6 (Hive)

A thought: Josiah was only 8 years old when he became king. Imagine that! What would you do as king or queen?

Josiah was a faithful king! He rebuilt the temple, he tore down idols, he asked people to make good choices, he obeyed the rules that God had given and he encouraged all of his people to do the same. He was a fantastic role model!

Even though things looked really bad to Josiah, he encouraged all of the people of Israel to obey all of God’s commandments with all their heart and soul and strength and he did the same and look what he achieved. Even though things sometimes look like they are in a really bad state to us, if you trust God and are faithful to Him and His word, you can turn that bad state around to make it a fantastic state!

Pray!