Peter and Dorcas

This is such a fun lesson for the kids! This lesson is about Dorcas/Tabitha and is for preschool.

There was a lady that lived in Joppa and her name was Tabitha. She was also called Dorcas. The Bible says she was full of good works, and she was a very giving person. She was a Christian. Dorcas helped the women that didn’t have husbands. She made coats and clothing for them.

But, one day Dorcas became sick and then died. The Christians heard that Peter was in a town close by. They sent two men begging Peter to come quickly. Peter was one of the disciples of Jesus.  Peter went to Joppa and the men took him to the upper room where Dorcas was laying.

The women stood by Peter, and they were crying because Dorcas had gotten sick and died. The women showed Peter the clothing that Dorcas had made for them.

Peter sent everyone out of the room and knelt down and he prayed. Who did Peter pray to? (God) Peter turned to Dorcas and said, "Stand up Tabitha." She opened her eyes and when she saw Peter, Dorcas sat up. Peter held out his hand and helped her up. Peter did a miracle!

Peter called to the people that were there and showed them that Dorcas was alive. Everyone was so happy to have Dorcas again!

So many people heard about Dorcas being alive and they believed in Jesus!

Scripture is Acts 9:36-42.

This is a preschool accordion for Dorcas. The download the color and black & white. Directions are included to complete this project. This makes a great discussion starter. Just read/ask the prompt on each shirt. Click here to download.

We used this for an introduction to Dorcas. She made clothing for people and we let them design their own shirt. They can color, and/or you can let them add stickers. We had smileys, hearts, stars and button stickers. I couldn't find button stickers anywhere (!), so I found these circle stickers (88 cents) at Wal Mart in the office supplies dept. and made buttons with a Sharpie. Click here to download.

For this lesson, you can also take a small stack of clothes and/or bolts of cloth to use as a visual.

To teach the students they can do good things for others, I have cards printed for them to design, sign and give to someone. They can make more if there is enough time, or they can take it home to finish. But I stress that they are expected to hand out the cards (or ask their parents to mail it), because it's not just a fun project. I expect them to tell someone they are thinking about them and made this card for them. I printed these on cardstock, and they are blank on the inside for the kids to design. I have stickers for them to add that are appropriate. Of course, these can be used for any lesson or activity that you want to teach thinking, praying and doing for others. Click here to download. 

Click here to download the lesson.

Click here to download the visuals.
Miracles in Acts 9 visuals include Aeneas and Dorcas.
All visuals are not shown.

Click here to download the pictures to color.
(These are the same as the visuals but are black & white.)

Click here to see more ideas and printables for Dorcas for preschool.

 Click here to see the lesson & more for Dorcas for early elementary ages.