Ideas for a Sunday school lesson on Joshua Chapter 1?

Question

I am looking for some creative ideas for a Sunday School lesson for 4th and 5th graders on Joshua Chapter 1.

This is where Joshua is being told by God to take over leadership of Isreal after Moses' death. The lesson plan I have is rather lame and I was going to see if anyone can help with some creative ideas.

I want to focus on the important qualities of a good leader and how Joshua was told to be curageous and strong by God and that God wouldn't forsake him. I also want to help illustrate how it must have felt (a little overwhelming) to be asked to follow in the footsteps of such a great leader.

Games? Activities? Stories?
I know someone out there can impress me. :) A great "leadership" game would be awesome.

(Negative comments about God and Christianity aren't really a help.)

Answer 1

I teach fifth grade Sunday School myself, in Nashville, TN. Maybe you could play a game in which you do something and then have then repeat after you, like clap a rhythm and have them clap it back to you, getting progressively more difficult. Then, you could have a student take over for you as the leader and see how hard it is to get everyone to do what you want them to do.

I love it when the people say "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you." Given how well the Hebrews had obeyed Moses (not very) I don't think I would have wanted to hear that at all, if I were in Joshua's shoes!

I think that I might want to stress to kids this age that their youth shouldn't be a reason for them to shrink from living a Christian life, and that God can work in them just as He works in those up to whom they look. "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

From vs10-16, Joshua assumes command, exhorting everyone to prepare for the coming campaign. He also orders the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who had settled on the side of the Jordan where they were camped, to go with their brethren to take possession of the land, so they could have rest, as they themselves had received from God.
A re-enactment, maybe?