The Starfish Who Wanted to Shine for Jesus — A Beach Story About Being Kind Sunday School Lesson For Toddlers

Lesson Title:
The Starfish Who Wanted to Shine for Jesus — A Beach Story About Being Kind

Bible Theme:
Kindness and shining for Jesus by loving others.

Bible Verse (Toddler Version):
"Be kind and love others." — Ephesians 4:32

Main Point to Repeat with Kids:
"I can shine for Jesus by being kind!"

Story: "The Starfish Who Wanted to Shine for Jesus"

Once upon a time, in the bright blue ocean, there was a little starfish named Sandy.

Sandy loved looking up at the sky at night and seeing the big stars twinkle and shine.

"I wish I could shine like those stars!" Sandy said sadly.

Sandy thought and thought. "Maybe if I sparkle more, I’ll be special." So she tried to roll in the shiny sand, but it didn’t make her sparkle.

She swam near a shiny fish, but she still didn’t feel like she was shining.

Sandy was feeling sad.

Then, a little crab nearby got stuck between some rocks. "Help! I can’t get out!" cried the crab.

Sandy gently wiggled over and said, "I’ll help you!" She carefully moved the rocks and helped the crab get free.

"Thank you, Sandy!" said the crab. "You’re so kind!"

Just then, Sandy felt something special inside her. She realized, "When I am kind, that’s when I shine for Jesus!"

Sandy smiled and said, "I don’t need to sparkle on the outside. I can shine by being kind and loving others — just like Jesus wants me to!"

From that day on, Sandy helped her ocean friends and always remembered: Kindness makes us shine for Jesus!

Activity: "Shine Like a Starfish" (Movement Game)

How to Play:

• Have kids stand in a circle and stretch their arms and legs out wide like a starfish.
• Call out different ways to "shine for Jesus" (like "help a friend," "say kind words," "share a toy").
• Each time, kids spin in a circle with arms out, pretending to "shine."
• Remind them: "We shine for Jesus when we are kind!"

Craft: "Shiny Starfish of Kindness" Craft

Supplies:

• Starfish cutouts or coloring pages.
• Crayons, markers, or colored pencils.
• Stickers, glitter (optional), or shiny paper scraps.
• Glue or glue sticks.

Instructions:

1. Color and decorate the starfish.
2. Add shiny touches (if desired).
3. Write (or help them write): "I can shine for Jesus by being kind!"
4. Talk about how kindness makes us shine like Sandy the Starfish.

Song (To the tune of 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star'):

Jesus loves when I am kind,
Saying nice things all the time.
When I help and when I share,
Showing friends I really care.
Jesus loves when I am kind,
Saying nice things all the time.

Closing Prayer (Repeat After Me Style):

Dear God,
Thank You for loving me.
Help me to be kind.
Help me shine for Jesus.
I love You, God!
Amen.

Optional Take-Home Note for Parents:

Today we learned from Sandy the Starfish that being kind helps us shine for Jesus! Ask your child to show you their starfish craft and talk about how they can be kind to others this week!