This Month In Safari :: I can follow Jesus.

June 4, 2023 | 6 weeks - 2 years

We’re Learning… I can follow Jesus.
Bible Story: Jesus and His Friends ● Matthew 4:18-22

Bible Story Activity

WHAT YOU NEED: Bible (Use a children’s Bible if you have one.) 

WHAT YOU SAY: “I love reading the Bible and spending time with Jesus. Let’s read our Bible story together right now!”

WHAT YOU DO: Read “Matthew and His Friends” — Matthew 4:18-22 from the Bible. (CLICK HERE for children’s Bible recommendations.) 

TODDLER ACTIVITIES

Complete the activities below with your toddler to help them learn they can follow Jesus.

June 4:

Song Activity:

WHAT YOU DO: 

  • Lead your toddler in singing to the tune of “If You’re Happy And You Know It.”

           I will follow Jesus, yes, I will! (clap, clap)
           I will follow Jesus, yes, I will! (clap, clap)
           If I’m happy or I’m sad,
          Jesus always makes me glad.
          I will follow Jesus, yes, I will! (clap, clap)

           I will follow Jesus, yes, I will! (stomp, stomp)
           I will follow Jesus, yes, I will! (stomp, stomp)
           If I’m happy or I’m sad,
          Jesus always makes me glad.
          I will follow Jesus, yes, I will! (stomp, stomp)

          I will follow Jesus, yes, I will! (Hooray!)
          I will follow Jesus, yes, I will! (Hooray!)
          If I’m happy or I’m sad,
          Jesus always makes me glad.
          I will follow Jesus, yes, I will! (Hooray!)

  • Continue the activity for as long as time allows. 
  • Say, “Wonderful job singing! Remember, Jesus wants us all to follow Him. Who can follow Jesus?” Encourage your toddler to say, “I can follow Jesus!”

June 11:

Memory Verse Activity: 

WHAT YOU NEED: Safari Playlist

WHAT YOU DO: 

  • Before the activity, practice saying the memory verse and doing the motions a few times.
  • Play the Safari playlist and have a dance party to help your toddler remember the memory verse.
  • After about 30 seconds, pause the music and encourage your toddler to stand very still or FREEZE.
  • Lead them in saying the memory verse with these motions:

          “Jesus said, (cup hands around mouth)
           ‘Come (motion towards self)
           follow me.’” (walk in place)
           Matthew 4:19 (open hands like a book)

  • After saying the verse, turn the music on again and repeat the activity every 30 seconds for as long as your toddler is interested.
  • After the activity, say, “Great job! Who can follow Jesus?” Encourage your toddler to say, “I can follow Jesus!”

June 18:

Response Activity: 

WHAT YOU DO: 

  • Say, “Let’s learn some ways we can follow Jesus!”
  • Read each prompt and encourage your toddler to respond.
    • “Jesus was a good friend! If you can follow Jesus and be a good friend, give yourself a hug.” (Encourage your toddler to give themselves a hug.)
    • “Jesus looked for ways to help people. If you can follow Jesus and help others, pretend to sweep the floor like you’re helping someone clean.” (Lead your toddler in pretending to sweep the floor.)
    • “Jesus gave thanks to God! If you can follow Jesus by remembering to tell God thank You, clap your hands.” (Lead your toddler in clapping their hands.)
    • “Jesus was kind to others! If you can follow Jesus and be kind to others, show me your BIGGEST smile.” (Lead your toddler in giving a big smile.)
    • “Jesus prayed and talked to God. If you can follow Jesus and pray, fold your hands like you’re going to pray.” (Lead your toddler in folding their hands.)
  • At the end of the activity say, “Great job! Who can you follow?” Encourage your toddler to say, “I can follow Jesus!” 

June 25:

Game Activity:

WHAT YOU DO: 

  • Say, “Jesus wants us all to follow Him and He is the BEST leader to follow! To help us remember this truth, let’s play ‘Follow The Leader!’ In this game, I’ll be the leader. Follow me and what I do as we walk around the room. Are you ready?”
  • Lead your toddler in “Follow The Leader.” Walk around the room and complete the actions from the list below. Encourage your toddler to follow you and do the same actions. 
    • Hop
    • Crawl
    • Wiggle
    • Wave your arms
    • Twirl
    • Walk fast
    • Walk slow
    • Take big steps
    • Take little steps
  • Say, “Great job following the leader! Remember, Jesus wants us all to follow Him. Who can follow Jesus?” Encourage your toddler to say, “I can follow Jesus!”