Teaching with Animals

From snakes to sparrows, sheep to scorpions, animals are part of parable and lesson in the Bible. Children love to learn about animals and often remember the lessons best when an animal is involved. When we teach about creatures, we must always teach that all creatures are God’s and that even the creatures with whom we have little personal relationship are the works of God's hand. Therefore, an animal's value is not dependent on our attitudes but by God in the creature’s very existence.

Excerpted from Living and Learning Spring/Summer 2004.

Why are animals used as examples in the Bible? Because animals were transportation, currency, food, occupation, and clothing to people of biblical times, they were a part of the vernacular and well understood. In contrast, for many people today, their only experience with sheep or goats, for example, happens at a zoo or farm (or worse, television).

Kids see animals as peers on many levels. Both children and animals are dependent on the adults around them for care and protection. Lessons with animals usually help children place themselves in the story effectively. If you are looking for some ways to stretch and challenge yourself in Sunday school, think about how animals can play a part in your sessions!

In the lectionary text, kids will hear some stories featuring animals. Read on for ideas that will help you highlight the role that these animals play. If any congregation members have access to snakes, sheep, or goats, explore whether they would be willing to bring any of these animals to Sunday school to liven up the stories!

The Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:4b-9)

When teaching about the serpent (snake) and the Garden of Eden, remind learners that God created and placed all creatures in the garden, not just the cute, cuddly, and friendly. The garden, and the whole planet earth, is God's to govern. We are placed in it as caretakers.

The snake is often identified with evil, but the text does not support this assumption. Read Genesis 3:1 “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made.” Note that the verse does not say the snake was evil. The snake was not equated with the devil and, even though the snake causes disaster for the people, God does not punish it with death. Instead, God causes it to live in a broken relationship with the rest of creation. God doesn't want to destroy the creation God loves.

Heifers and sheep (1 Samuel 16: 1-13)

1 Samuel 16: 2 says to “take a heifer” as a sacrifice. A heifer is a female cow that is too young to have a calf of her own yet. She was quite valuable because she could potentially add much to a man's wealth by adding calves to his herd and providing milk for his family to make cheese, yogurt, and butter.

Later in this text, when inquiring about David, we find that “he is keeping the sheep” (1 Samuel 16: 11). David was a shepherd, so a simple understanding of sheep will be helpful for your learners. Sheep live in groups called flocks. They are gregarious, so a single sheep will spend a great deal of time trying to find more sheep to join.

Because sheep do not excel at independent thought, a flock of sheep sticks together. If one sheep does something all the sheep will do the same. Sheep are not the smartest animals in God's creation, but in the midst of a flock of peacefully grazing sheep, there can be great comfort because they seem content with each other. They are good mothers and frequently have twins.

Sheep provided skins, wool, meat, and milk for the people who depended on them. A man's wealth was largely determined by how many sheep and other domestic animals he owned. Sheep were used even to buy a bride!

5 tips for live animal teaching

In addition to featuring animals during Sunday school sessions that mention animals in the lectionary texts, think about creative ways to use animals on other Sundays too! For example, showing kids how you groom your pet can be a way to model loving, caring action towards God's creation. A congregation member who has rescued an animal from a shelter could visit your group and share how they felt called to care for this pet.

Use these tips to make the experience of mixing children and animals great for all involved.

1. Any visiting animals must be clean and well groomed. A matted coat and overgrown claws do not model the responsible care of creation that animals deserve. A clean coat and clear, bright eyes do a lot of teaching without saying a word
2. The animal should be one with whom the handler has a personal relationship. Nonverbal teaching is stronger when a mutually loving relationship is evident.
3. The animal must be well socialized so it is comfortable during the inevitable excitement of its visit. If the animal sheds copious amounts of hair, tries to get away from you, or scratches someone, it will not be invited back. Prepare your pet for this experience weeks in advance.
4. The animal must be relevant to the lesson. Animals will be welcomed back if their presence adds to the lesson and doesn't distract from it.
5. The animal should be touched only when its owners give permission for kids to do so. Children listen to handlers if they make it clear from the beginning that patting the animal is a privilege that they will earn, not a right they have. Teach your lesson first, then allow the interaction.

Have fun teaching with animals in your life together!

Excerpted from Living and Learning Spring/Summer 2004.