Purpose

To create a fun, wearable craft that reminds children of Samuel’s willing heart and his famous response: “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Setup

1. Cut construction paper into long strips (you will need to staple two strips together to fit around a child’s head).
2. Cut the paper plates (or cardstock) into giant, oversized ear shapes. You need two giant ears per child.

Instructions

1. Decorate: Give each child a pair of giant paper ears and let them decorate them however they like.
2. The Verse: On one ear, have them write “Speak, LORD.” On the other ear, have them write “I am listening.”
3. Assemble: The teacher should staple or tape the giant ears to the sides of the construction paper headband.
4. Wear it: Wrap the headband around the child’s head, measure it so it fits snugly, and staple it closed.
5. Practice: Have all the children put on their giant listening ears. Whisper instructions to them from across the room (e.g., “Touch your nose,” “Spin in a circle”) to test how well their giant ears work!

Discussion While Crafting

• “How many times did God call Samuel’s name before Samuel figured out who it was?” (Three times!).
• “Who did Samuel think was calling him at first?” (Eli).
• “When God speaks to us today, is it usually a loud booming voice, or a quiet whisper in our heart?” (A quiet whisper, or through reading the Bible).
• “When you wear these giant ears, remember that God wants you to be ready to listen to Him every single day.”