To put this story in context, see this visualization of the chronology of Holy Week. In this visualization, this story occurs in the "Temple debates" section.
This is a short story that should just be read directly from the Bible. Here are some highlights:
This is a very important principle for children. Many times adults make them feel like they don't have anything to offer the Kingdom of God. But they can be encouraged that God is truly impressed with them, even when they do things that appear "little" to adults.
For example, do you have children that serve during church services? Taking up the offering, greeting people at the front door, handing out bulletins, etc? You can talk through this with your class and help them understand that what they do is just as important in God's eyes as what the preacher or the music leader does.
Do you take up an offering in your children's ministry? Or do the children give alongside the adults? They need to know that God is just as impressed (sometimes more!) with them giving a nickel out of their allowance as he is with someone who gives thousands of dollars.
get your kids talking and engaged
Have you ever given your own money to help someone else? Or have you ever given something you own to help someone else? Do you think what you gave helped that person?
Today, we are going to learn about a woman in the Bible who gave. No one was impressed with what she gave, but Jesus was!
teach a holistic story
Read story from a Children's storybook Bible for younger children.
For older children, read the story from an age-appropriate Children's storybook Bible or read directly from the Bible.
Consider using the "Coins and Money" reinforcement activity as part of your lesson time.
give them basic Bible skills
Scripture for Kids to Read Aloud: Mark 12:38-44
make sure they understand the story
First, ask the children if they have any questions about the story. What to do if you don't know the answer?
help them apply the story to their lives and open up a conversation about faith and the gospel; close with prayer
hide God's Word in their heartScripture says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.†Romans 10:13