David and Goliath - Bible Stories for Kids
Teach the story of David and Goliath in a fun and engaging way using creative resources designed just for kids. With kid-friendly videos, printable lesson plans, and hands-on crafts and activities, children will discover David’s courage, his faith in God, and how they can face their own “giants” with confidence.
The Story of David and Goliath
The Israelites were at war with the Philistines, who had a giant named Goliath. Goliath challenged the Israelites to a duel, calling one of the Israelite soldiers to fight him. None of the Israelites wanted to fight Goliath.
But one day, a young boy named David went to bring food to his brothers in the army. He heard Goliath’s challenge and volunteered to fight the giant.
David trusted God. He used a slingshot to shoot a stone at Goliath. It hit Goliath in the forehead, and he fell, dead. David had won!
David and Goliath - Bible Stories for Kids
Are you planning to to teach the story of David and Goliath? Our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts are perfect for children aged 3-8.
Background Information About David and Goliath
At some point before this story, a prophet named Samuel anointed David to be king. While he waited, David was a shepherd, and he worked as a musician, playing music for King Saul. So, when David fought Goliath, he knew that one day he would be king. King Saul didn’t know this yet, though. He thought David was a shepherd boy who played the harp.
People would talk about David’s victory for years to come! In fact, David later gained a reputation for being a great warrior.
DAVID AND GOLIATH SCENE FOR PRESCHOOL
In this activity, kids will have the opportunity to create their very own cut-and-glue Bible story scene. This hands-on project invites kids to carefully cut out the characters, objects, and background pieces from the printable template, and then arrange and glue them into place to bring the story to life. As they work, children aren’t just crafting—they’re also reviewing the details of the Bible passage, thinking about where each person or item belongs, and retelling the story in their own way.
Take time to do a simple craft from David and Goliath for Preschool. In this activity, children receive pieces of David, holding his slingshot, which they can glue into a picture showing the giant Goliath standing in the valley. As they carefully place David across from Goliath, the children can visualize the courage of the young shepherd boy and the great challenge he faced. It’s a simple activity, but it provides a meaningful way for kids to interact with the story and take home a reminder of what they learned.
SLINGSHOT CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS
Older kids will enjoy the challenge of creating their very own slingshot. (Well, it’s actually more of a catapult, but it can serve as a substitute for the slingshot in the story.)
Using craft sticks and rubber bands, kids can create a slingshot to fire a pompom. Use the instructions provided in David and Goliath for Older Kids to make the device. Then, have kids test them out and measure how far they can launch their pompoms. Kids can tweak their devices and try again to hope for a longer result!
Other Activities to Teach About Daniel and Goliath
Bowling for Giants: Turn bowling into a game about David and Goliath. Use bowling pins (or anything that can be knocked over) to be the giant. Then, toss a plastic bowling ball or beanbag at the pins.
Painter’s Tape Goliath: Depending on your source, you will find different heights for Goliath. Many people believe he was around 9 feet 9 inches tall. Use painters’ tape and create a line on the wall that is 9 feet 9 inches tall. Then have kids stand by the line to compare their height.
Rock Painting: David used a stone when fighting Goliath. So take the kids outside to find stones. Then have kids paint them or decorate them with permanent markers.
Courage Journaling: David had to show a lot of courage when facing Goliath. Have kids write about something they are afraid of or a time they had to show courage. Then pray about these things and ask God to help them be courageous.
YouTube Videos About Daniel and Goliath
YouTube can be a great resource for teaching Bible stories. But preview the videos to ensure they are age-appropriate and match what you want to teach. Here are some suggestions:
The Story of David and Goliath by Minno - Bible Stories for Kids
David and Goliath by The Beginner’s Bible—This 30-minute episode delves into David’s being anointed king and his fight with Goliath.
David and Goliath by Veggie Tales. This one is also called Dave and the Giant Pickle.
WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS, KINGS, AND QUEENS?
This lesson is part of an eight-week series on the Old Testament Prophets, Kings, and Queens. The other stories include Elijah and the Prophets of Baal, Elisha and the Widow’s Oil, Naaman is Healed, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Joshua and Jericho, Esther the Brave Queen, and Jonah.
These lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for preschoolers and kindergarteners and for older children in first, second, and third grades.
David and Goliath is a classic story that children love. It shows how God can use anyone to accomplish His purposes. Whether you’re homeschooling, in Sunday School, or work at a faith-based school, there are amazing resources to help make this story come alive.
