Elementary Sunday School Lesson: Cain and Abel

Use this Bible lesson based on Genesis 4:1-16 to teach elementary-aged kids about Cain and Abel and getting along with siblings.

Beforehand, create an altar by draping a bed sheet or blanket over a table. Lay real or artificial fruits and vegetables on the altar. Also lay a stuffed sheep or a picture of a sheep on the altar. Place a flickering light on each side of the altar.

Bible Activity: Don’t Lose It

Read aloud Genesis 4:1-16.

Ask:

Why did Cain kill Abel?
What could Cain have done to control his anger?
How difficult is it to have self-control?
When was it hard for you to have self-control with a brother, sister, or friend?

Form a circle. Select one child to be “It.” Have It kneel in front of a child and begin to “ba-a-a” like a sheep. That child must pat It on the head three times saying “poor lamb” each time without smiling. If the child smiles, he or she becomes the poor lamb.

After five minutes, talk about how hard it was to have self-control to not smile. Let those who were successful at not smiling share how they controlled themselves.

Win or Lose

Form two groups. Have groups compete in a Tug-of-War using a rope. Afterward, ask: How did it feel to compete with your friends? What are some ways you compete with your brothers and sisters at home?

Ask:

What attitudes or feelings did Cain and Abel about God? toward each other?
What did Cain do wrong?
What would’ve been a better way for Cain to handle his anger?
How do you handle your anger toward family members?

Snack

You’ll need:

broken heart-shaped sugar cookies
icing
blunt knives

Say: When we quarrel with family members, it feels like our hearts are breaking. But we can mend broken hearts with the “icing” of love and kind words.

Have children mend their cookies with frosting and eat them.

Contributors: Patti Chromey, Kathy Downs, Nancy Dunn and Cindy Newell

Looking for more lessons? Check out these ideas!