Shine Bright Parent Guide
Homeschool Bible Lesson Early Elementary • Ages 5–7
Shine Bright | Salt & Lamp
Matthew 5:13-16
Matthew 28:16-20 • 2 Thess. 1:11-12
Lesson Supplies & Prep Checklist
Table salt shaker
Small flashlight or LED lamp
2 cucumber slices or unsalted crackers
A small opaque bowl or cereal box
1
Object Lesson 1: The Salty Crunch (5 mins)
Give your child one piece of food plain, then add a tiny pinch of salt to the second piece.
Say: "Taste this first bite without salt. What does it taste like? Now try this bite with a sprinkle of salt. Wow! Salt brings out the flavor. In Bible times, salt also kept food fresh so it wouldn't spoil!"
Ask: "Can you see the salt after it melts into the food? No, but you can definitely taste it! How do you think you can be like salt in our home today?"
2
Scripture Story Script (Matthew 5:13-16)
Read Aloud
Read aloud with warmth and expression:
"One sunny afternoon, Jesus walked up onto a grassy mountain. Crowds of people gathered all around Him to listen. Jesus looked at His friends with a big smile and said something wonderful:
“You are the salt of the earth! But if salt loses its taste, it isn't good for anything. And you are the light of the world! A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden. People don't light a lamp and stick it under a big basket! They put it up high on a stand so it gives light to everyone in the whole house.”
Jesus told His followers: When we show kindness, share our toys, speak loving words, and help others, we are shining Jesus' light like a bright golden lamp in a dark room!
Shine Bright Homeschool Lesson • Parent Guide Page 1 of 2
Part 2 • Application & Mission
Letting Your Light Shine
Matthew 5:16
3
Object Lesson 2: The Lamp Under the Basket (5 mins)
Action: Dim the lights or step into a darkened room. Turn on the flashlight. Notice how bright it makes the room. Now cover the flashlight completely with the bowl or cereal box.
Say: "Look at that! When the light is hidden under a bowl, it can't help anyone see in the dark. But when we lift the bowl up, the whole room fills with light again! Jesus said we shouldn't hide our light. He wants us to shine everywhere we go!"
4
Connecting to God's Big Story
The Great Commission (Matt. 28)
Jesus told His disciples to go into all the world and make friends for Jesus! Wherever your 6-year-old goes—the playground, grocery store, or grandma's house—they are on Jesus' shining mission team!
Bringing God Glory (2 Thess. 1)
Paul prayed that God would give strength to do good deeds so the name of Jesus would be praised. When we shine, we don't say "look at me"—we say "look how good God is!"
Memory Verse Kinesthetic Motions (Matthew 5:16)
Repeat 3 times
“In the same way,”
Hold two hands open side by side
“let your light shine...”
Wiggle fingers outward like star rays
“that they see good deeds”
Hands flat out, offering a gift
“and praise your Father!”
Reach hands high up to the sky
Guided Family Prayer (Echo Prayer)
"Dear God, (pause for child to echo), Thank you for making me salty and bright. (pause) Help me do kind deeds today. (pause) Help me tell others about Jesus. (pause) May my light make You smile! (pause) In Jesus' name, Amen."
Shine Bright Homeschool Lesson • Parent Guide Page 2 of 2
Shine Bright Student Worksheet
Bible Activity Page • Grade K–1
Shine Bright!
Name:
Date:
My Memory Verse
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Practice reciting with your hand motions!
1
The Salt of the Earth (Matthew 5:13)
Color & Circle
Salt adds delicious flavor and makes food better! Circle the foods that taste extra yummy with a tiny pinch of salt:
🍿 Warm Popcorn
🍲 Cozy Soup
🥨 Crispy Pretzel
🍳 Breakfast Egg
Jesus says: You are the salt of the earth! You make our world a better, kinder place!
2
Where Does the Light Belong? (Matthew 5:15)
Spot & Choose
Look at the two pictures below. Draw a big star ★ on the picture where the lamp is doing what Jesus wants it to do!
🧺 🔦
Hidden Under a Basket
The room stays dark and chilly.
🕯️ ✨
Set High on a Stand
Shining bright for everyone to see!
Shine Bright • Matthew 5:13-16 Page 1 of 2
Living for Jesus • 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Ways I Can Shine Today
Mission & Good Deeds
3
Four Shining Good Deeds
Color the stars as you do them!
🧸
Share My Toys
Offer my favorite toy to my brother, sister, or friend.
🧹
Helping Hands
Clean up blocks and shoes without being asked twice.
💬
Loving Words
Say "I love you" and "Thank you" with a cheerful smile.
🌍
Tell About Jesus
Tell a friend or neighbor: "Jesus loves you so much!"
4
Draw Yourself Shining for Jesus
Artist Corner
Draw a picture of you doing a good deed that makes God in heaven smile:
My Weekly Shining Star Tracker
Color one big star each day you let your light shine!
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Shine Bright • Matthew 28:16-20 & 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 Page 2 of 2
