Lesson

The Lord Is My Shepherd Lesson for Kids (Psalm 23)

A free Lord Is My Shepherd lesson for kids (Psalm 23) in four age levels, preschool to preteen, with a game, the psalm explained, questions and take-home.

Preschool–Grade 6

The Lord Is My Shepherd Lesson for Kids (Psalm 23)

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Free to print and copy for your church, classroom, VBS and home. Please don't resell or re-post our files; link to the page instead.

Ages: Preschool (3–5), Early Elementary (K–2), Upper Elementary (3–5), Preteen (5–6)
Time: 20–60 minutes (depends on the age level)
Scripture: Psalm 23
Bible story: The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23)

What you need

A Bible (mark Psalm 23 and John 10:11)
Bibles for the kids to look up verses (3rd grade and up)
6 paper strips, a marker and tape (memory verse game, kindergarten to 2nd grade)
A yardstick, broom handle or long cardboard tube for a "staff" (opening game)
6 sheets of paper with simple drawings, one for each verse of Psalm 23 (path game, kindergarten to 2nd grade)
A whiteboard or large paper and a marker (3rd grade and up)
Paper and pencils (3rd grade and up)
Printed take-home sheets, one per child
Printed Psalm 23 word search and crayons for early finishers

This free Lord Is My Shepherd lesson for kids teaches Psalm 23 one verse at a time, from "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1) to "I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever" (23:6), with every old word explained and a link to Jesus, the good shepherd (John 10:11). It comes in four age levels, each a separate printable teacher lesson, plus one take-home sheet for families. Pick the one that fits your class. Everything is in the order you teach it.

Choose your age level

Preschool (ages 3–5), 20–30 minutes, 2 pages: a Little Sheep, Come Home game, the psalm in short lines with hand motions and repeat-after-me lines, three simple questions, the memory verse with motions, and a drawing of a sheep by still waters.
Kindergarten to 2nd grade, 45 minutes, 3 pages: the Follow the Shepherd game, Psalm 23 read verse by verse with simple explanations, five recall questions with answers, the Shepherd Strips memory verse game, and a Shepherd's Path game with six pictures.
3rd to 5th grade, 45–60 minutes, 4 pages: a Shepherd's Voice opening game, kids look up verses in their own Bibles (David the shepherd, all six verses of Psalm 23, Jesus the good shepherd), five thinking questions and three recall questions, and a Bible look-up race.
Preteens (ages 11–12), 45–60 minutes, 4 pages: students read Psalm 23 and John 10:11–14 out loud themselves, then discuss "my" shepherd, needs and wants, dark valleys and the good shepherd who gave His life. Six discussion questions, a write-it-in-my-own-words page, and two memory verses (Psalm 23:1 and John 10:11).

Lesson at a glance

Bible passage: Psalm 23
Main point: God cares for me. The LORD is my shepherd, and He takes care of me like a good shepherd takes care of his sheep.
Memory verse: Psalm 23:1 (KJV), with John 10:11 added for preteens
Ages: preschool to preteen, in four versions

Lesson outline (the same in every version)

Opening game: a short game about sheep and their shepherd.
Bible story: David the shepherd boy (1 Samuel 16:11), then Psalm 23 verse by verse: green pastures and still waters, the paths of righteousness, the valley of the shadow of death (told gently), the rod and staff, the table, the oil and the cup that runneth over, and goodness and mercy. Then Jesus, the good shepherd (John 10:11). Every line has its verse reference so you can check it.
Questions to ask: with answers, at the right level for each age.
Memory verse: a game or motions to help kids learn Psalm 23:1.
What this means for us: God cares for me, the gospel (Acts 2:38), and a challenge for the week.
Activity: the Psalm 23 word search, crossword, maze, worksheet, the Psalm 23 craft, a Bible look-up race or a write-it-in-my-own-words page, depending on the age.
Prayer.

Tips for teaching Psalm 23

Read the psalm straight from your Bible, one verse at a time, and stop to explain the old words: "I shall not want" means "I will have everything I need," and "my cup runneth over" means God gives more than enough.
"The valley of the shadow of death" (Psalm 23:4) is explained gently at every level, with a teacher note in case a child brings up a real fear or loss.
Bring something long for a shepherd's staff. Kids remember the psalm better when they can act it out.
Short on time? Read the psalm, ask three questions and learn the memory verse. That is a solid 25-minute lesson.

Frequently asked questions

How long does this Psalm 23 lesson take?

It depends on the age level. The preschool lesson takes 20 to 30 minutes, the kindergarten to 2nd grade lesson about 45 minutes, and the 3rd to 5th grade and preteen lessons 45 to 60 minutes. For a short class, read the psalm, ask three questions and learn the memory verse.

What is the main point of Psalm 23 for kids?

God cares for me. David, who once kept his father's sheep (1 Samuel 16:11), wrote, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). Like a shepherd with his sheep, God leads us, gives us rest, stays with us when we are afraid and gives us what we need.

How do I explain "the valley of the shadow of death" to young kids?

Gently. A valley is a low place between hills, and the shadow of death means a very dark, scary place or a very hard time. David said, "I will fear no evil: for thou art with me" (Psalm 23:4). The preschool lesson only says "a dark, scary place." Each level has a teacher note in case a child asks more.

How does Psalm 23 point to Jesus?

Psalm 23 says, "The LORD is my shepherd." Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). Jesus is the LORD, God manifest in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16), who gave His life for us. Each lesson level makes this link at the kids' level.