We all remember being a kid– or really a teenager– and wanting to be like everyone else. But here’s the thing– God didn’t make us all the same. In fact, God created us to be different. In this (easy) object lesson about being created differently, student will learn that God made them special. They are created differently on purpose– so that we can use all of those gifts to bring glory to God.
Is anyone imagining the ending to VeggieTales right now?
We’re actually not here to talk about VeggieTales, but the sentiment is exactly what we’re going for with this object lesson!
You can watch the video if you prefer to listen!
You were Created Differently (and that’s a good thing!)
Verse: Psalm 139:13-16, 1 Corinthians 12:14-20
Materials: Picture in the free download, coffee filters (or paper), scissors
For the object of the object lesson, you’ll need to grab the free download to go along with it. If has a page with a bunch of different snowflakes, which you will need.
It also has the printable lesson directions, which makes this lesson super easy. And, three pages of activities for the students, which are also print and go.
For free.
Side note: If it happens to be snowing where/when you do this object lesson, then take this outside for the object potion!
I live in Georgia, so that is not going to happen.
Directions:
First off, grab the free download that you need for this lesson. It is a picture of 12 different snowflakes, and none of them are the same. If it is snowing, take this project outside!
Then, ask the students to find two snowflakes that are exactly alike. That means the same size, the same about of sparkle, the same shape, everything.
Once they realize that none of them are the same, say, “Exactly! Did you know that every snowflake is unique? God has each one created differently.”
If you have a white board or something to write on, you can make a list of things they do have in common. Those would include:
- Snowflakes are cold
- They have 6 points
- They are symmetrical
If you have older students, also ask them if they know what the purpose of snow is (It is evaporated water that falls when the clouds become too heavy, to bring water to the Earth even when it’s cold!)
After creating this list, remind the students that even though the snowflakes have some things in common, including their purpose, they are still unique. No two are ever the same.
Just like no two snowflakes are ever the same, no two people are ever exactly alike either.
Next, read 1 Corinthians 12:14-20. Talk about how God makes people different. Then, ask your kids the following questions. They can answer out loud, with a partner, or write their answers down.
- How are you different from the other people in the room?
- If you have siblings, you may look like them, but you are still different. How are you different?
- How do these differences make us better?
- What would happen if everyone in the world was exactly the same?
Remind students that not only has God created them all to be different, but he also created all of us on purpose. He choose what color our hair would be, what our favorite subject would be, if our natural voice is loud or soft, etc.
Read Psalm 139:13-16 to emphasize this point.
After the lesson, there are two options: You can do a craft or a game. Or both.
Option #1: Craft for being created differently
Materials: coffee filters, scissors
Make coffee filter snowflakes! Like we mentioned, snowflakes are symmetrical. Fold the coffee filters three times. Then, make cutes around the coffee filter, making sure you do not cut all the way on a fold, because then your snowflake will fall apart.
Unfold and reveal your masterpiece!
Another option: If you don’t want the kids using scissors, or you just want another option, you can always have students draw snowflakes on a piece of paper, like the one in the free printables!
Option #2: Would you rather? Game for being created differently?
Next up, a game!
This game is super simple. You just divide the class into two sections. Ask the students if they would rather do…. or….
If they would prefer the first option, the go to the right side of the room. If they would prefer the second option, they go to the left side of the room.
You can come up with your own questions, or read the ones in the free printables.
Point out at the end that none of the students will answer exactly the same for every question. Even if they agree on some things, they will disagree on others. That’s because each student is an individual.
Another option: I am all about giving teachers options. You could also have students stand up for option 1, and sit down for option 2. This is good if you have a lot of kids, or if they are a bit rowdy and you don’t want them walking around the room.
So there we go– a super easy, low prep object lesson about being created differently. Hopefully, this will help students to embrace their differences and feel more at home with themselves.
If you’re looking for more object lessons, the Banana Object Lesson for Putting God First is the most popular one on the website! You can read it by clicking here.
And don’t forget to grab your free printables here!
Happy teaching!
Becca