The Lord Told Noah To Build Him an Ark-y Ark-y

There’s a daily reoccurring theme in a lot of our family discussions–one that I sometimes wonder if the kids will ever get:

Obedience.

It’s not that they’re bad kids, just that we struggle (as I’m sure all families do) with the kids testing the boundaries and cheerfully complying with with the things they’re asked to do. Especially if it’s something they don’t want to do. Truth at your house too?

Since sharing a story is my favorite way to teach an object lesson and obedience is a principle we’re continually practicing, I got them involved this week by reenacting and then applying the Bible story of Noah and the Ark. (There are, of course, many other themes this scripture story can apply to our every day lives, but this is how it played out for us.)

First, we acted out the narration with Bible story printables. Since they’re already familiar with the story I let them take the lead with the retelling, only inserting details or asking clarifying questions if needed.

Then we talked about what we can learn from the story. After sharing their ideas, I reminded that it wasn’t flooding (or even raining!) when God told Noah to build the ark. But because he obeyed the command, his family and the animals were safe when the storm came and the earth was flooded.

In our own lives, there times we’ll be asked to do things we don’t want to do, or maybe don’t understand. But if the direction comes from someone trustworthy (like Heavenly Father, mommy, daddy, or a teacher), it’s important to do it because the people who take care of us want what’s best for us and will guide us to do things that will keep us safe, healthy, and happy.

We kept the “lesson” short, simple and fun–concluding with a snack of animal crackers lined up two-by-two. And then the kids ran off to play, lesson forgotten within ten minutes. But there’s one thing I pray will stick, and that’s the consistency we’re striving for in teaching our kids to learn from and apply the scriptures to their lives.

Interested in printing these Noah’s Ark story pieces for yourself? You can find them as a free download in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.