Story Idea: Tell it with props!

- Before the lesson, make a mini biblical well using a large bucket/tub or similar large round structure with a brown sheet covering the sides and inside, prepare a bucket with a rope and half fill with water which can sit in the well

- If you like, you might choose to dress one child as Jesus and one as a Samaritan woman using the dress ups in the cupboard

- Tell the story covering the following main points:

- Jesus was travelling through a town called Samaria

- He stopped by the water well

- He asked a Samaritan woman for a drink

- She was VERY shocked! Jews like Jesus didn't like or talk to Samaritans like her!

- (Pull the bucket of water out) Jesus said that anyone who drinks water from the well will get thirsty again, but He can give living water!

- Anyone who drinks the water that Jesus gives will never get thirsty again and will have life that lasts forever! Jesus can give us eternal life!

- Jesus told the woman that HE was the promised Messiah, HE was the one who was going to save the world!

- She was very excited and went to tell everyone about Jesus!

- Just like water is vital for our life on earth, knowing Jesus is vital for our eternal spiritual life! 

Quiz Questions:

1. How important is water for us to live?

Very important!

2.Who did Jesus ask for a drink?

The lady at the well

3. Why did the lady think it was strange that Jesus was talking to her?

She was a Samaritan and He was a Jew - they didn't normally speak or like each other

4.. Will people who drink regular water get thirsty again?

Yes

5. What did Jesus say was special about the 'living water' that only He gives?

You won't get thirsty again

6.. Is Jesus talking about actual magical water or something else even more special?

Something else

7..Jesus says we can have eternal life- which is life forever in Heaven with Him - who gives us eternal life?

Jesus

8.. How did Jesus make it possible for us to have eternal life even though we have sinned?

He died on the cross for us

9. Of all people, Jesus made a point of offering eternal life & knowing Jesus to a Samaritan woman - what do you think this tells us about who Jesus loves and wants to know Him?

He want's everyone to know Him!

10.. How important is knowing Jesus for our eternal life?

Vital!

11. Is Jesus all we need for eternal life?

Yes

12. How do we start a relationship with Jesus

Pray - tell Him we believe that He died for our sins and that we are thankful for that and want to know Him and follow Him

Game Idea: Water Drop Magnet Game

- Before the lesson, download and print the water drop template on blue paper and cut out the water droplets

- Write a number score on each droplet and attach a metal staple or paperclip to the drop

- Prepare two short poles with ropes tied to the end attaching to a magnet (or for artistic effect, a small bucket with a magnet inside)

- At one side of the play area, draw a masking tape circle (well) and put the water drops with their score face down in the well

- Draw another line one or two feel back from the 'well'

- Have the kids form two teams and line up at the other side of the play area

- The kids should race to the line and use the pole/bucket to collect a water drop before racing back to their team

- At the end, tally up the scores from each teams water drops - the highest score wins!

Craft Idea: Water Well Craft

Before the lesson:

- Download and print the well roof template on coloured paper and cut out the squares

- Gather Paper cups from the cupboard and cut them down to the height of mini paddle pop sticks

Have the kids:

-Use PVA to Glue mini paddle pop sticks around the base of the cup to make the well

- Fold their roof paper in half along the dotted line

- Glue their roof paper to the roof structure

- Fill the base with crumpled blue cellophane, tissue paper (or pre-made blue jelly if you're feeling adventurous!)

Use three regular length paddle-pops to construct the roof frame, one on either side, glued upright inside the cup, and one spanning over these at the top (best glued by an adult with a hot glue gun for stability - can be done one by one while the students are constructing the base)