Lesson Plan, Friday, April 24, 2026

Theme. Roots are hidden but essential for a plant’s strength and stability, a mirror for our reliance on God’s unseen support in our faith.

Weather. Austin TX, typical late-April conditions. Outdoor-friendly.

Builds on. Yesterday’s Seeds of Faith, The Miracle of Growth. We planted seeds and talked about what they need to grow. Today we go underground and look at what holds it all up.

Gospel Connection. Just as roots anchor a plant and draw nourishment from the soil, we are anchored in God’s love and draw strength from Him through prayer and His Word. We may not see God working, but His support is constant and vital.

Memory Verse. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5. Hand motions: hands clasped in prayer for “Trust in the Lord,” pat chest for “all your heart,” shake head “no” while pointing to head for “lean not on your own understanding.”

Circle Time (15 minutes)

• Logan (Explorer). Discuss what roots do for a plant. Explain how they hold the plant steady and pull water and nutrients from the soil. Connect this to how we rely on God for strength and guidance.
• Caleb (Sprout). Show pictures of root vegetables (carrots, radishes). Talk about how we eat roots and how they help plants grow. Simple naming and pointing.
• Materials. Pictures of roots, real root vegetables (or pictures), paper, crayons.
• Rachel’s notes. Caleb will likely want to taste the root vegetables. Have pre-cut pieces available if appropriate. Pacing: 5 minutes discussion, 5 minutes drawing, 5 minutes root vegetable exploration.

Activity 1, Root Viewer (20 minutes)

• Logan. Plant a bean seed between wet paper towels inside a clear plastic bag. Tape the bag to a window. Observe root growth over the next few days, noting how the roots anchor the seed. Discuss how this demonstrates God’s provision and design.
• Caleb. Explore wet paper towels with assistance. Help him place a bean seed on the paper towel. Focus on the sensory experience of the wetness and texture.
• Materials. Bean seeds, paper towels, clear plastic bags, tape, water.
• Carlton’s prep. Soak paper towels in advance. Pre-tape one bag to the window so Logan sees what the finished setup looks like.
• Rachel’s notes. Caleb may try to put the bean seed in his mouth. Stay within arm’s reach. Logan can be challenged to predict which direction roots will grow (down).

Activity 2, Root Painting (15 minutes)

• Logan. Paint “roots” on paper using brown paint and fingers or brushes. Discuss how roots spread out to find nourishment. Connect this to seeking God’s guidance in different areas of life.
• Caleb. Finger paint with brown paint. Encourage him to make marks on the paper, focusing on the sensory experience of the paint.
• Materials. Brown paint, paper, finger painting smocks (optional).
• Carlton’s prep. Put down a drop cloth or old towel under the painting area. Have wipes and a wet rag ready.

Passive Play and Transition Options

• Gentle instrumental music during transitions.
• Books about plants and gardens for quiet exploration.
• Sensory bin: soil, small rocks, and plastic plants for calm exploration.

Closing (5 minutes)

• Recap: roots are hidden, but they hold the whole plant up. God’s support is often hidden too, but just as real.
• Recite the memory verse with hand motions.
• Logan checks on the Root Viewer bag taped to the window tomorrow morning.

Carlton’s Prep Checklist

Evening before

• Gather all materials.
• Soak paper towels for Root Viewer activity.
• Prepare root vegetable pictures and samples.
• Print pictures of roots.

Morning of

• Set up Circle Time area.
• Prepare paint and painting supplies.
• Ensure a safe space for Caleb to explore materials.
• Review memory verse and hand motions.