This lesson plan includes wonder, reading skills, puppetry, and affirmations. It is based on the book In God’s Name. The book can bepurchased from Bookshop.org, which is connected to QuakerBooks of FGC. For more lessons from books, see Book Reviews and Lesson Plans for Children

Synopsis of Story

After God created the world, everything had a name: the rocks, the plants, and the animals. But no one knew the name for God. Everyone came up with a name depending on their place in life and their unique relationship with God. Some called God “Mother,” some “Father,” some “Maker of Peace.” The trouble started when people believed that they each had the perfect name for God. They bickered and fought until one day they all came together around a lake that reflected each of their images back to them. “At that moment, the people knew that all the names for God were good, and no name was better than another. Then . . . they called God One.”                            

Suggested Lesson Plan

Welcome everyone in with an opening question or greeting. Open up the first chapter of Genesis, the creation story. Use any Bible translation in simple English. Call on older children to read one paragraph each. Assist readers as needed. Afterward, invite wonder and curiosity by using some of the following discussion prompts:

Discussion questions

• I wonder what you like the best about this story.
• Was there an image of God in the book that felt close to your personal image of God? (Mother, Father, Protector, Creator of Peace, etc.)
• I wonder why people argued about their names for God.
• In the story some people were very critical of others’ religions. Why do you think this was so? Are there times when you are critical of others’ practices or beliefs?
• When did the people in the story begin to accept one another? (wait for responses) I wonder what we might do to bring people together so we get to know each other and become more accepting of one another.

Activities

Images of God

Provide a wide range of art materials and paper. Invite each child to express an image of God that has meaning for him or her. Give people freedom to express their images any way they like-such as abstractly, with symbols or through pictures. Let the creative energy soar!

Re-enact the story

Ask individuals to each argue for an image of God. If you have enough time, you may want to make simple puppets using paper plates and tongue depressors or paper bags. Have everyone come together around a large mirror to represent the lake. Instruct everyone to call out their name for God at the same time. Then follow up with the name, One.

Mirror Activity

Give each child a small mirror with these words taped to the back: “I see God in me, I see God in Thee.” Type up some affirmations and have them cut them out and tape them onto their mirrors. Examples are: “I am strong,” “I am powerful” (a big hit with my 3 year old.), “I use my power to help others,” “I am creative,” “I can solve problems,” and “I am a strong team player.”

Closing

Close with a song or with a short period of reflective silence.

Credits

Lesson inspired by Robin Wells, Ashville Friends Meeting and updated by FGC staff in December 2025.