If your class is meeting online, invite your students to supplies with them to class.
As your students enter the classroom, ask them to think of as many synonyms as they can for the word fear. Distribute supplies (or invite students to have them ready at home.) A synonym is a word that means the same thing. For example, another word for fear is afraid. Try to think of as many examples as you can.
- What words did you come up with that describe “fear?” (Allow students to share from the lists they’ve created as you write their answers on the whiteboard (or screenshared document if you class is meeting online). Answers might include: scared; panic; anxiety; fearfulness; dread; fright; horror; terror, etc.)
- Have you ever experienced any of these emotions? Explain. (Have students share their experiences; make sure to share your own experience of being fearful.)
Have your preteens save their list of fear synonyms for use in Step 4.
It might be hard to consider that even adults who have lived more years than us have fear. However, most people wrestle with fear, especially when things in the world around us feel especially challenging. In a time of political uncertainty, multiple wars in other parts of the world, and increasing financial challenges, many adults are struggling with fear. One study by Chapman University found that things like government corruption and economic uncertainty are among the top fears for American adults.
It’s hard to believe that everyone has fears just like us. We might think that life experience, wisdom, or money would take those fears away, but as we can see, they don’t. We all struggle with fear. The question is: how do all of us overcome our fears?
Today we’re going to learn about a man who was fearless. His name was Elisha, and he chose to trust God even in the face of grave danger. How can we overcome fear like Elisha? What did he know that we don’t know? Let’s find out.
Story Source:
The Top 10 Fears in America 2023
