The Sunflower That Pointed To Jesus Toddler Bible Lesson

🌻 The Sunflower That Pointed to Jesus

A toddler-friendly Bible story about staying focused on Jesus. Includes a sweet story, craft with directions, outdoor game, joyful song, snack idea, and a Bible verse from Hebrews 12:2 — perfect for summer Sunday School, preschool, or homeschool!

Bible Theme:
Keeping your eyes on Jesus

Bible Verse (Toddler Version):
“Look to Jesus!” – Hebrews 12:2 (Simplified)

Main Point to Repeat with Kids:
“I can look to Jesus!”

Toddler-Friendly Story: The Sunflower That Pointed to Jesus

In the warm summer sun, a little sunflower named Sunny was just beginning to grow in the big garden.

All the flowers swayed and stretched their stems. But Sunny was curious.

“Where should I look today?” Sunny asked.

Some flowers looked at the butterflies.
Others peeked at the bees.
A few stared at the garden gnome!

But Sunny’s mother whispered,
“Sweet Sunny, follow the sun. That’s how you’ll grow straight and strong.”

So Sunny turned her face toward the warm, bright sun.

Day by day, she followed the light, even when clouds tried to hide it. She stretched, she smiled, and she bloomed beautifully.

One morning, a group of children walked by and pointed.

“Look at that sunflower! It’s growing so tall!”

Sunny blushed. She didn’t feel special.
“I just look up,” she whispered.
“That’s where the light comes from.”

And just like Sunny followed the sun, we can follow Jesus — our light every day!

Activity: “Point to Jesus” Movement Game
Stand in a circle.
Say different things: “Point to the dog!” “Point to your shoe!” “Point to the teacher!”

Then say, “Point to Jesus!”
(Everyone points upward and says the main point: “I can look to Jesus!”)

Craft: Sunny the Sunflower Puppet

Supplies Needed:

Yellow and green construction paper
Brown circles (pre-cut or drawn)
Googly eyes
Glue stick or tape
Jumbo green craft stick
Marker for writing the verse
Optional: glitter or stickers for decoration

Directions:

Cut out sunflower petals and glue them around a brown circle.
Glue the flower face onto the top of a green craft stick (for the stem).
Add googly eyes and a smile to the center.
Write or glue a label: “Look to Jesus! – Hebrews 12:2”
Kids can wave their sunflower puppet and practice turning toward the “light” (a flashlight or the teacher!)

The Sunflower That Pointed To Jesus -Toddler Summer Bible Lesson Look to Jesus Hebrews 12:2

🌻 Adapted Options for the Sunflower Craft:

1. Pre-cut, Pre-glued Kit

Have all pieces (petals, face, stem) already cut and lightly pre-glued onto paper or a plate.
The child can participate by:
- Pressing down with their hand or elbow
- Pointing to where they want things placed
- Giving a verbal cue (“Here!” or “Petals next!”)
- Smiling or nodding when it's complete

2. Sticker-Based Version

Use sunflower-themed stickers or sticky foam shapes
Place them on paper and let the child:
- Tap the spot where they want it
- Blink, nod, or indicate with a sound to guide placement
- Enjoy watching their creation take shape with help

3. Partner-Crafted Praise Flower

Pair the child with a “flower buddy” who assembles the craft for them while:
- Talking about the verse together
- Letting the child choose colors or words
- Naming the sunflower after them (e.g., “This is Ava’s flower. She looks to Jesus!”)

4. Digital or Tactile Alternative

Use a felt board flower or soft-textured sunflower to engage through touch or vision
Let the child:
- Touch pieces with help
- Smile or respond as you build it together
- Say the verse aloud as the petals go on

💬 Encouraging Words to Share:

“You don’t have to cut or glue to create something beautiful. Just your heart and your ideas are enough — you are God’s masterpiece too!”

Song Title: "I Can Look to Jesus"
(To the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”)

I can look to Jesus, yes!
Jesus, yes! Jesus, yes!
I can look to Jesus, yes!
He helps me grow each day.

When the clouds are in the sky,
In the sky, in the sky,
I still look to Jesus high—
He is my light and way!

Poem: Sunny’s Light

Sunny grew up straight and tall,
By looking up — not down at all.
She followed light, both day and night,
We can follow Jesus!

Pretend Play Game: “Sunflower Stretch”

Pretend you are sunflowers!

Crouch low like a seed
Slowly grow tall
Turn your “face” to the teacher or flashlight
Say: “I look to Jesus!” each time the light moves

🌻 Adapting the “Sunflower Stretch” Game

If a child cannot stand or move much, they can:

Stretch with their face
– Gently lift their chin or turn their head toward the teacher, light, or ceiling
– Smile upward as a way of “looking to Jesus”
Stretch with their eyes
– Follow the teacher’s movement with their eyes
– “Look to Jesus” by focusing on something that represents Him (a cross, a light, or even a picture)
Stretch with their thoughts or heart
– Whisper or think:
“Jesus, I love You.”
“Help me grow in You.”
Use a sunflower puppet
– A helper or friend can hold the sunflower craft and “turn” it for them as part of the game
– The child can still participate by smiling or choosing when to move it with their words or a blink

🌈 Message to Share with the Class:

“Some sunflowers grow tall, some grow low, but they ALL stretch toward the light. You can shine for Jesus, even if your stretch looks different.”

Snack Idea: Sunflower Petal Fruit Plates

Use banana slices or mango wedges in a circle on a plate (like petals), with a round cookie or chocolate chip granola ball in the center. Make sure you slice your banana at a angle or more to get your banana slice to look like a long petal.
Say together: “Thank You, God, for helping me grow!”

How Everyone Can Praise:

If a child can’t move easily, encourage them to participate with:

Smiling when the sunflower craft turns to them
Looking toward the light
Saying or thinking “Jesus, I love You!”
Even a quiet heart turned to Jesus shines bright!

Closing Prayer (Repeat After Me):

Dear Jesus,
You are my light.
Help me look to You,
Every day,
In sun or clouds.
Amen!

Optional Take-Home Note for Parents:

Today your child met Sunny the sunflower, who learned to grow by looking toward the sun — just like we grow by looking to Jesus! This summer lesson reminded us to stay focused on God’s love in every moment. Ask your child to show you how their sunflower puppet turns to Jesus!