Daniel and the Very Hungry Lions: Standing Strong When Faith Is Tested

Sometimes doing the right thing can feel difficult, especially when others around us are making different choices. In today’s read-aloud, Daniel and the Very Hungry Lions, children will learn about Daniel’s courage, obedience, prayer life, and trust in God even when others opposed him.

This true account from the Holy Bible reminds us that God is with us when our faith is tested.

“My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.” — Daniel 6:22 (NIV)

Daniel loved God and continued to pray even when people tried to stop him. Even though Daniel knew he could get in trouble, he chose to obey God instead of following what others were doing.

Because of his faithfulness, Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den — but God protected him.

Children participating in today’s read-aloud will have opportunities to pretend to be lions, follow simple one-step directions prompted by picture cues, and actively engage with the story in a playful and meaningful way. Through movement and participation, children can better connect with the emotions, choices, and courage Daniel showed.

Social Emotional Learning ( HeartSkills) Focus: Standing Strong

Today’s lesson also encourages an important social emotional learning skill: standing strong and making good choices even when others around us are doing something different.

Children will learn:

• We do not have to follow the crowd

• God helps us make wise choices

• Courage means doing what is right even when it feels hard

• Prayer helps us stay close to God

  
  

This story helps children understand that trusting God can give us courage and peace in difficult moments.

Reading Comprehension Questions

After watching the video, pause and talk together using these guided questions:

• Why was Daniel thrown into the lions’ den?

• What did Daniel continue to do even when it was difficult?

• How did God protect Daniel?

• What does this story teach us about courage?

• How can we stand strong today?

  
  

Watching the read-aloud more than once can help children notice new details and deepen understanding of the story.

Encourage Curiosity with an “I Wonder Journal”

Children are naturally curious learners! After the story, invite them to use their I Wonder Journal to draw pictures, ask questions, or talk about what they noticed while listening.

Some “I Wonder” prompts could include:

• “I wonder how Daniel felt in the lions’ den.”

• “I wonder what the lions were doing.”

• “I wonder how God helped Daniel stay brave.”

The free I Wonder journal starter page is available to download on the Moxie’s Teaching Toolbox page.

Extension Activity

Invite children to draw a picture of a time they chose to do the right thing even when it was hard. Encourage them to share their picture and talk about how they felt.

Thank you for learning and growing with us as we continue pointing children toward faith, courage, curiosity, and the love of God through playful learning and meaningful stories.