1 Samuel 17:1-51

David and Goliath Bible lesson for kids

A complete David and Goliath lesson plan for Sunday school or homeschool — one version for each age band, from preschool to preteen. Pick the section that matches your kids and teach.

Jump to Ages 4–6Jump to Ages 6–9Jump to Ages 9–12

Preschool & Kindergarten

Ages 4–6

Objective

Children will understand that God helped young David be brave when Goliath seemed too big to face.

Opening question

What helps you feel brave when something looks big or scary?

Tell the story

Read 1 Samuel 17:1-51 together. Goliath was a giant soldier who frightened King Saul and Israel’s army. Young David remembered how God had helped him protect sheep, so he trusted God, chose five smooth stones, and faced Goliath with his sling. David threw one stone, Goliath fell, and everyone saw that God was stronger than the giant.

Hands-on activities

Five Smooth Stones Picture

Materials: our free printable coloring page, crayons, five small paper circles, glue

  1. Give each child our free printable coloring page.
  2. Color David, Goliath, and the valley.
  3. Count five paper stones aloud.
  4. Glue the five stones near David.
  5. Say together, God helps us be brave.

Giant Falls Movement Game

Materials: one pillow, open floor space

  1. Stand the pillow upright as Goliath.
  2. Crouch low like David choosing stones.
  3. Pretend to place five stones in a bag.
  4. Pretend to swing a sling without holding an object.
  5. Tap the pillow gently and let it fall.
  6. Cheer because David trusted God.

Talk about it

  1. Who was afraid of Goliath?
  2. Why did David believe God would help him?
  3. When can you ask God to help you be brave?

Closing prayer

God, help us trust you and be brave when we feel small.

Early Elementary

Ages 6–9

Objective

Children will explain that courage means trusting God and taking the right action even when they feel afraid.

Opening question

If everyone else was afraid to act, what might help you step forward?

Tell the story

Read 1 Samuel 17:1-51 together. For forty days, Goliath challenged Israel while Saul and the soldiers were greatly afraid. David arrived with food from his father Jesse, remembered God’s help against a lion and a bear, and refused armor he had not tested. With five stones and a sling, David faced Goliath in the name of Yahweh, struck him with one stone, and defeated him.

Hands-on activities

Comic Courage Captions

Materials: our free printable coloring page, crayons or colored pencils, pencil

  1. Give each child our free printable coloring page.
  2. Color the people and important story details.
  3. Write a short courage caption beside David.
  4. Draw five stones and label them with ways to trust God.
  5. Share one caption with the group.

Choose the Right Tool Challenge

Materials: five paper balls, empty paper cup, large coat, masking tape

  1. Place the cup behind a tape line.
  2. Let each child try walking briefly in the large coat.
  3. Remove the coat and discuss why David removed Saul’s armor.
  4. Toss the paper balls toward the cup one at a time.
  5. Explain that David used the familiar tool already in his hand.
  6. Keep all throws gentle and never imitate a sling.

Talk about it

  1. How had David’s earlier battles prepared him to face Goliath?
  2. Why was Saul’s armor not the right tool for David?
  3. What brave and right action might God help you take this week?

Closing prayer

God, help us remember your faithfulness and choose what is brave and right.

Upper Elementary & Preteen

Ages 9–12

Objective

Children will distinguish faithful courage from reckless action and identify one wise step they can take in a difficult situation.

Opening question

How can you tell the difference between courage and simply taking a foolish risk?

Tell the story

Read 1 Samuel 17:1-51 together. Goliath’s size, weapons, and threats kept Saul and Israel’s soldiers afraid for forty days. David came to deliver food from Jesse, recalled God’s past rescue from a lion and a bear, and declined armor he had never tested. David used his practiced sling, declared that the battle belonged to Yahweh, ran forward, and defeated Goliath with one stone.

Hands-on activities

Evidence of Courage Map

Materials: our free printable coloring page, colored pencils, pencil, three small sticky notes

  1. Give each student our free printable coloring page.
  2. Color details that show the difference between David and Goliath.
  3. Write past help on one sticky note.
  4. Write present truth on another sticky note.
  5. Write next wise step on the final sticky note.
  6. Place the notes around David and explain how they connect.

Courage or Recklessness Sort

Materials: scrap paper, pencils, two bowls

  1. Label one bowl Courage and the other Recklessness.
  2. Write school and friendship situations on separate paper slips.
  3. Include speaking against bullying, admitting a mistake, showing off, and ignoring safety.
  4. Read each situation aloud.
  5. Place it in a bowl and explain the choice.
  6. Revise each reckless action into a brave and wise response.

Talk about it

  1. Did David trust God passively, or did he also use preparation and skill?
  2. What should you do when friends mock you for making a faithful choice?
  3. How can remembering God’s past help build courage without guaranteeing an easy outcome?

Closing prayer

God, help us trust you, act wisely, and stand for what is right.

← Back to all Bible lessons