Nature provides many object lessons that can be taught in the homeschool. Values and principles can be taught and reinforced by looking at things around us in nature. Character traits can be developed as children relate nature's objects with the choices they make and how they choose to live. Here is one activity that can be used as an object lesson from nature:
The Faith of a Mustard Seed
Buy whole mustard seeds at a health food store. Fill a small, clear jar with them and add a lid. Sit down with your children and look at the jar of mustard seeds. Pass it around and observe the size of the seeds. Open the jar and give each child one seed. Discuss how the seed looks and feels. Let them taste the seed and chew on it if desired. Drop a seed and see if it makes a sound. Have the children describe it in detail.
Then look up Matthew 17:20. In the NIV version of the Bible it says: He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Ask the children to tell what they think this verse means. Talk about literal meanings and analogies. Discuss.
Find examples in nature that illustrate what the verse is trying to teach.
1. By faith birds...(build nests, migrate, etc.)
2. By faith squirrels...(gather nuts, walk along high wires)
3. By faith bears...(hibernate, protect their cubs)
4. By faith raccoons...(wash their food)
5. By faith dogs...(protect and be a companion)
6. By faith bees...( )
7. By faith chicks...( )
8. By faith ducks...( )
9. By faith whales...( )
10. By faith we...(are saved by grace)
Conclusion: Like the animals, we should "do" the action first. The action is faith. Then we should "expect" a response. The A,B,C's of prayer where we ask, believe, and claim is a concrete way in which our faith can be put into action.
Activity: Find pictures of a mustard seed and of a mustard plant that is blooming. Plant a mustard seed and observe how it grows. Guess how many seeds are in the jar and then count them. Write a descriptive paragraph about mustard seeds and relate it to having faith.
Although this lesson is likely a part of a class in character development or Bible, this theme could be expanded upon to create a mini-unit study that incorporates other areas of the curriculum. How many subject areas can you think of that could be included in this lesson?
The story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ represents hope for the world. His life, death, and resurrection provide a means of salvation and eternal life for all who embrace Him. When on earth, Jesus used object lessons to teach truths. Object lessons are a teaching technique that teacher-parents can find helpful as they strive to inculcate the truth about Christ's sacrifice to their children and what it means to them personally. This cooking activity is designed to teach the resurrection story by object lesson. These cookies are meant to be prepared the night before Easter. Scripture references that assist in providing spiritual preparation goes along with the physical preparation of the cookies.
Easter Story Cookies
1 cup pecan halves
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
3 egg whites
1 pinch salt
1 cup white sugar
Preheat oven to 300° F (150° C).
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.
Read John 19:28-30
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.
Read John 10:10-11
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
Read Matthew 27:57-60
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.
Read Matthew 27:65-66
Go to bed. Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20 and 22
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! Explain that on the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.
Read Matthew 28:1-9
The complete story from Scripture: Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-20; Luke 24:1-49; John 20:1-21:25
*Although this recipe and story is popular during the Easter season, it can be used to illustrate the story of Jesus life, death, and resurrection at any time of the year.
