Kevin P. Inge
I've selected the story of Joseph because of the positive attributes he reveals while surviving persecution. Joseph grew up in a large family. He was one of twelve siblings. Joseph's mother died when he was in his early teens years. Joseph becomes the favorite son of his father because he is the son of his old age. His father gave him a coat of many colors to distinguish him from his other brothers (half-brothers). This increase the jealousy and animosity his brother had toward him. When Joseph tells his family about his dreams even his father gets disturbed. Joseph's dreams indicated that his father and brother would bow down to him.
One-day Joseph's father sends him off to check on his brothers in the field. The brothers saw this as an excellent opportunity to get rid of Joseph. They stripped Joseph of his coat of many colors and sold him into Egypt. After the brothers dipped the coat into animal's blood they deceived their father into thinking Joseph was dead.
His own brothers sold Joseph into slavery. He was wrongfully accused of sexual misconduct and put in prison. He had to live many years without seeing his father, who loved him so much.
Through strength of character and his belief in God, Joseph overcomes all obstacles to become the Governor of Egypt. Joseph saves his family from the famine that overtakes the land and is reunited with his father. When his brothers bow down to him as Governor of Egypt he realizes that it was God's plan for him to be there. He had no intentions of getting revenge against his brothers. What his brother meant for bad…God meant for good. Through all the good and bad times Joseph learned to be happy in his circumstances.
Students will read aloud Joseph's story in class. After reading his story students will work in small groups to write down three things that Joseph survived and three things that made him successful.
Activities:
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· Students will watch a video about Joseph called, "King of Dreams."
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· Students will complete artwork of a scene in the story.
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· Students could act out the story in a play.
