Lesson Plan: Fruit of the Spirit Tree

Materials:


Paper

Brown Marker

Finger paint or other washable paint in green and red

Bible

Optional: various fruit such as apples and bananas



Prep:

1) Draw the trunk and branches of a tree on the paper with the marker.

2) Write the words “Fruit of the Spirit” beside the tree.



Lesson:

1) Show the fruit to your child and ask what it is. If you are not using actual fruit, name various fruits and ask your child what they are. It may be necessary to introduce the word “fruit” and define it.

2) Ask, “Where does fruit come from?” Answer: trees, plants

3) Ask, “What is fruit used for?” Answer: food, nourishment

4) Tell your child that the Holy Spirit produces fruit in us.

5) Explain that the Holy Spirit’s fruit feeds other people.

6) Read Gal. 5:22-23.

7) Discuss what each fruit means with your child. Explain how these things bless other people. Example: “Patience means waiting with a good attitude. Your brothers and sisters are blessed when you patiently wait for your turn when playing a game.”

8) Take the drawing of the tree. Ask, “What is missing from this tree?” Answer: leaves.

9) Tell your child she is going to put the leaves on the tree.

10) Have her put her thumb in the green paint and add leaves to the tree.

11) Say, “Now let’s add some fruit.”

12) Dipping her pinky in the red paint, have her put nine fruits on the tree. Count with her if she’s unsure of her numbers.

13) While she does this, ask, “What kind of fruit grows inside you?” Answer: Holy Spirit fruit.

14) Explain, “We have nine fruits on our tree because there are nine fruits of the Spirit.”

15) When she is finished, reread the passage from Galatians. Have her point to the red fruits on her tree as you state each one.



Extension:

If you have an older child who is skilled at handwriting, you might have her write the names of the fruit on the picture—Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.