Getting Started

• Begin your lesson plan with a quick introduction to the concepts you'll be covering regarding Jesus and respect. Have a brainstorming session for the children to get the ball rolling on figuring out a definition for respect, as well as the important role respect plays in the Christian way of life. Ask the children some preliminary questions about how they would define respect and have them volunteer personal examples of situations in which they witnessed respect or, if it wasn't demonstrated, how lack of respect affected the scenario. Record the kids' ideas on the chalkboard or a large piece of paper to refer back to throughout the lesson.
  
  

Reading Together

• Once the kids have a grasp on the basic concepts of respect, select a reading from the Bible that focuses on respect; read the text aloud and have a discussion at the end to break down the content of the story. One biblical reading could include the verse from Romans 12:10 that encourages respectful, loving treatment of others. Highlight important areas of the story that emphasize the need for respect or draw attention to areas of the story where respect could have been used.
  
  

Real-Life Examples

• To get across the importance of respect, use current examples of situations where respect could and should be demonstrated. These examples could be specifically related to church-going scenarios; for instance, talk about how good behavior, during church services, shows respect for others then talk about manners the children should try to use while in attendance. Offer other examples of places where respect should be demonstrated, whether at home, school or another location. Emphasize that demonstrating respectful tendencies is part of living Jesus' teachings on a daily basis. To help the kids practice respectful behavior, use role-playing exercises or skits.
  
  

Looking Ahead

• By the end of the lesson, the children should have a better understanding of what is meant by the term "respect" as well as its importance in following Jesus' teachings. Encourage the students to take what they've learned and apply it to a variety of situations they may come across in the future. Have the children write or discuss two or three specific areas they feel they can improve on in terms of demonstrating respect then have them make a pledge to try and stick to these goals and check in with you later on about how their respectful behavior is progressing.