In this lesson, children learn that God kept Noah and his family safe in the ark during the great flood, because Noah trusted and obeyed God. The lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we obey God and trust Him, He takes care of us, even when things around us feel scary and wet and wild.
Memory Verse
Genesis 7:5
Noah did everything that the LORD commanded him.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall with their arms out like a ship’s sails, then slowly bring their hands together as they say “Noah did everything God said.” The motion helps them picture Noah following God step by step.
The Story: Genesis 7 for Kids
God spoke to a man named Noah. God said, “Come into the ship with your whole family, because I have seen that you do what is right.” Noah had a wife, three sons, and three daughters-in-law. God wanted them all to go inside the big boat that Noah had built.
God also told Noah to bring animals. Seven pairs of the clean animals and two of the animals that were not clean were to go inside. Birds came too, seven pairs of each kind. God wanted to keep every kind of animal alive. Noah did exactly what God told him to do, every single step.
Noah was six hundred years old when the rain began. It rained for forty days and forty nights. Water came up from deep under the ground, and the sky opened up too. Noah’s family and all the animals were safe inside the ship. God Himself shut the door behind them.
The water rose higher and higher. It lifted the ship up off the ground, and the ship floated on top of the flood. Even the tallest mountains were covered. Everything on dry land died, but Noah and the people and animals inside the ship stayed safe and dry.
The rain stopped, but the water stayed on the earth for one hundred fifty days. Imagine how long and quiet that must have felt inside the ship! God had not forgotten Noah. God kept him safe through the whole time.
Read It Together
Genesis 7:1
The LORD said to Noah, “Come with all of your household into the ship, for I have seen your righteousness before me in this generation.
(WEB)
Point out that God spoke first and invited Noah into the ship. Ask children to notice that God saw Noah’s righteousness, which means Noah was living the way God wanted.
Genesis 7:16
Those who went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God commanded him; then the LORD shut him in.
(WEB)
Show children that God Himself closed the door. Explain that Noah did not have to worry about keeping the ship safe, because God was guarding them.
Genesis 7:23
Every living thing was destroyed that was on the surface of the ground, including man, livestock, creeping things, and birds of the sky. They were destroyed from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ship.
(WEB)
Help children see the sad truth that the flood destroyed everything outside the ship. Then emphasize that Noah and his family were saved because they were with God. Keep the tone gentle and calm.
Talk About It
- How do you think Noah felt when God told him to build a huge boat?
- What are some ways you can show God that you trust Him, like Noah did?
- Why do you think God wanted Noah to bring animals into the ship with him?
- What did God do to keep Noah and his family safe when the water came up?
- When you feel scared, what can you remember about how God took care of Noah?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Ark Animals
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have children draw two matching animals on paper, like two dogs or two birds, one male and one female. Cut them out and glue them onto a paper plate folded in half to make a little ark. Talk about how God asked Noah to bring pairs of every animal.
Rain and Ark Relay
You will need a open space, a few sheets of blue paper, and a small bucket. Children run in a line, carrying a blue paper “raindrop” to drop into the bucket one at a time. When they finish, have them all stand together in a line and say “Noah did everything God said.” Keep it lively and joyful.
Ark Promise Card
You will need index cards, crayons, and a pencil. Have each child draw a small ship on one side of the card. On the other side, they can write or draw one way they will trust God this week. Let them take the card home to remind them that God keeps His people safe.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is faithful to keep His promises and to protect those who trust Him. Noah’s obedience was not perfect in every detail of life, but he responded faithfully to God’s specific instructions in this moment. The flood also reminds us that God takes sin seriously and that salvation comes through God’s gracious provision.
Be careful not to make the flood sound like a cheerful adventure, since many people died in the story. Keep the focus on God protecting Noah and his family rather than on the destruction itself. Speak with gentleness and let children ask questions without frightening them.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for keeping Noah and his family safe in the ark. Help us to listen to You and obey You, even when we do not understand everything. When we feel scared, remind us that You are always with us and You will take care of us. Amen.
