Esther the Brave Queen - Bible Lessons for Kids
Esther is a powerful story of courage, faith, and God's providence, making it a wonderful Bible story to teach children. Keep reading for creative and engaging ideas to help kids understand the story of Queen Esther, including hands-on crafts, fun activities, printable lesson plans, and links to kid-friendly YouTube videos. These resources make it easy to bring Esther’s brave story to life.
The Story of Esther
The details of the story are found in the book of Esther. King Xerxes was in search of a new queen. He married Esther, a Jewish girl who lived with her cousin, Mordecai. Esther kept her Jewish identity a secret from the king.
King Xerxes had a trusted official, Haman, who hated the Jews. He especially hated Mordecai because Mordecai refused to bow down to him. Haman wanted to rid the nation of Jews, so he had the king make a law that would have all the Jews killed. Mordecai told Esther to talk to the king about this, even though this might cost Esther her life.
Esther prepared two feasts for the king and Haman. At the second feast, she revealed that she is Jewish. Because of her courage, Esther was able to save the Jewish people.
Esther the Brave Queen - Bible Lessons for Kids
Are you planning to teach the BIble story of Esther? Our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts are perfect for children aged 3-8.
Background Information About Esther
Esther’s parents died, so she was adopted by her cousin, Mordecai. You might hear her called Hadassah, which was her Hebrew name. She changed her name to Esther before going to the palace so she could hide that she was a Jew.
Haman was a powerful man who wanted people to bow down to him. Mordecai refused to bow down because that would be an act of worship, and Mordecai would only worship God. This made Haman furious, so he tricked the king into authorizing all Jews to be killed. Neither the king nor Haman knew that Esther was a Jew.
CROWN CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL
Making a crown is a classic preschool craft! There are several ways to do this. You could cut thick strips of construction paper, use card stock, or print the templates from Esther the Brave Queen for Preschool. Use stickers, crayons, pom poms, markers, and glitter to decorate the crowns. Be sure to help kids make the connection between the crown and the story of Queen Esther, otherwise they will just be excited to decorate a crown.
“I CAN SERVE GOD” CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS
Esther Bible craft for bigger kids.
God often places us in a situation where we can do His work right where we are. God placed Esther in the palace because he knew that she would be in the right place at the right time to save the Jews. She was there “for such a time as this.”
Brainstorm with kids about places they can serve God right where they are. For example, “At soccer, I can help my coach set up cones. At home, I can listen to Mom and Dad the first time they ask me to do something.”
Then have kids trace their hands and cut them out. Glue these hands onto the heart template from Esther the Brave Queen for Older Kids. On the heart, have kids draw or write at least one way they can serve God.
Other Activities to Teach About Esther
Get Ready Relay: Esther prepared a feast for the king and Haman. Set up a relay race where kids race to gather all the items needed for a feast. Place a basket with items like paper plates, napkins, and pretend food at the end of the room. Kids will take turns racing to the other end and gathering their items. The first team to collect everything wins.
Bravery Scenarios: Put together a list of scenarios and have kids discuss how to be brave. For example, “It is the first day of school and you feel nervous about going to class,” or “Your soccer coach has asked you to lead the warm-up activity for your teammates”, etc.
Bravery Feast: Have a snack and pretend you are at Esther’s feast. While snacking, discuss what it means to stand for what is right and be brave.
Build a Courage Jar: Esther had to be brave when going to the king. There are many Bible verses that talk about God being with us and being strong and courageous. Take some time to read these with your kids and write them on popsicle sticks. Then put the popsicle sticks into a jar. Whenever kids are faced with a situation where they need to be brave, they can take out a popsicle stick and read a verse or a phrase to feel encouraged.
YouTube Videos About Esther
YouTube videos about Esther might pair well with your lesson. Please ensure to preview any video you show to make sure the content is appropriate for your teaching context. Here are some suggestions:
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, David and Goliath, 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.
The story of Esther reminds kids about the importance of courage! These teaching ideas are a great way to help kids engage with the story.