Queen of Sheba

Overview

In this lesson, students explore who Queen of Sheba was and what her visit to King Solomon shows about wisdom and seeking understanding. Students will use 1 Kings 10:23–25 to build a simple, respectful summary and then practise applying the message in a quick challenge game.

Learning intentions

• WALT identify key details about the Queen of Sheba story.
• WALT describe what 1 Kings 10:23–25 teaches about wisdom and Solomon’s influence.
• WALT use evidence from the scripture to answer questions.
• WALT work respectfully with others during discussion and the class challenge game.

Success criteria

• I can name Queen of Sheba and explain why she visited Solomon in a sentence.
• I can explain two things 1 Kings 10:23–25 says about Solomon’s wisdom.
• I can find and use a detail from the scripture to support my answer.
• I can participate in the challenge game by listening, taking turns, and using evidence.

Curriculum links

• Social Sciences (History, Religion): Students learn about religion by exploring beliefs, practices, and their historical meaning through stories and texts.
• Literacy through Religious education: Students use ideas from a text to respond orally and in short written or spoken explanations.
• Key competencies: Thinking (making meaning from scripture), Participating and contributing (discussion and game rules), Communication (speaking clearly and using scripture details).

Lesson structure (2 minutes)

1. 0–15 sec · Slide 1: Engage. Teacher shows Slide 1 with a simple title image and prompt: “What makes someone wise?” Students do a quick hand signal (thumb up for “knowing lots”, sideways for “using knowledge kindly”, down for “not sure”).
2. 15–35 sec · Slide 2–3: Story basics. Teacher reads a short, age-appropriate summary of Queen of Sheba visiting King Solomon and asks: “What do you think she is looking for?” Students turn-and-talk for one idea (1 person shares).
3. 35–75 sec · Slide 4: Read 1 Kings 10:23–25. Teacher displays the scripture on Slide 4 and reads it aloud slowly. Students follow along and underline (or point to) one phrase that sounds like “wisdom”.
4. 75–100 sec · Slide 5: Evidence check. Teacher asks two quick questions shown on the slide:

• “What does the scripture say Solomon was known for?”
• “What happened to people who wanted to learn from him?” Students answer using one evidence phrase (chosen by the teacher from student answers).

5. 100–120 sec · Slide 6: Challenge game (Quick Quiz). Teacher runs a 20-student, whole-class “Evidence Sprint” game: students listen to a question, then choose A/B/C on cards (or in the air). Teacher reveals the correct answer and asks one student to explain which scripture detail supports it.

Resources

• Prepared slideshow with Slides 1–6 (title, images, story basics, scripture text, quiz questions, wrap-up).
• Printed or displayed cards for A/B/C (or students respond by holding up 1–3 fingers).
• A copy of 1 Kings 10:23–25 displayed clearly on Slide 4 (large font for readability).
• Timer (visible to teacher) for pacing.

Assessment

• Teacher observation during discussion: students’ answers link to the story and/or scripture.
• Evidence use check: at least 3 students successfully name a scripture detail or phrase that supports their answer.
• Quick final check in the challenge game: correct choice plus one brief “because…” explanation from one student.

Differentiation

• Support: Provide sentence stems on Slide 5 such as “The scripture says that Solomon…” and “Queen of Sheba came because…”.
• Support for EAL/SEN: Allow students to respond with a single word/short phrase first, then add a reason after.
• Extension: Challenge one group with “Name one thing wisdom looks like today (at school or home) and link it to the scripture idea.”
• Participation: Ensure turn-taking by using roles (reader, responder, evidence-finder) during the scripture read.

Challenge game (teacher script to match Slide 6)

• Question 1 (A/B/C): “Solomon’s wisdom is shown in 1 Kings 10:23–25 by him being able to… (A) write letters, (B) give wise answers, (C) only rule a city.”
• Question 2 (A/B/C): “People came because they wanted… (A) to learn from wisdom, (B) to avoid questions, (C) to travel without purpose.”
• After each answer: “Which part of the scripture helped you choose?” (Ask one student to point to the evidence phrase.)

Scripture to display in Slide 4: 1 Kings 10:23–25 (King Solomon was known for wisdom; many came to hear his wisdom and blessings followed; store this text in your slideshow for clear readability.)