How to Be Brave: A David and Goliath Lesson for Kids (With a Courage Song!)
- Sep 15, 2025
- 10 min read
Updated: Jul 12
That is one reason the story of David and Goliath remains so memorable. A young shepherd stands before a powerful warrior while an entire army is afraid. David does not appear to have the strength, equipment, or experience people would expect. Yet he believes that God is with him, uses the skills he already has, and takes a brave step forward.
As a mother of three and the founder of Kids Songs Learning Hub, I have found that this story opens the door to meaningful conversations with children. They may never face a literal giant, but they do face situations that feel enormous.
A child’s “giant” might be:
starting school
speaking in front of the class
visiting the doctor
joining a new group
admitting a mistake
trying again after failure
asking an adult for help
coping with a friendship problem
feeling nervous about something unfamiliar
This David and Goliath lesson for kids uses storytelling, music, movement, conversation, and a hands-on courage activity to help children understand a simple truth:
Courage does not mean never feeling afraid. Courage can mean trusting God, asking for help, and taking one safe and sensible step at a time.
The David and Goliath Story in Simple Words
The story of David and Goliath is found in 1 Samuel 17.
The Israelites and the Philistines were facing one another in battle. The Philistines had a warrior named Goliath who frightened the Israelite soldiers.
David was a young shepherd. He had come to bring food to his brothers, who were serving in the army. When David heard Goliath challenging Israel, he believed the situation should not be ignored.
King Saul offered David armour, but it was unfamiliar and uncomfortable. David chose not to depend on equipment he had not learned to use. Instead, he took his staff, his sling, and five smooth stones.
David trusted God and faced Goliath using the skills he had developed while caring for his father’s sheep.
The full biblical account can be read in 1 Samuel 17.
A note for parents and teachers
The complete Bible passage includes battle and death. For younger children, tell the story in a simple, age-appropriate way without focusing on graphic details.
The central lesson for this activity is not that children should confront danger alone. It is that David trusted God, acted with courage, and used the abilities he had already developed.
Children should always be taught to seek help from a trusted adult when a situation is unsafe.
What Does It Mean to Be Brave?
Children sometimes believe bravery means not feeling scared.
But people can feel nervous and still make a wise choice.
A child may feel afraid and:
tell a teacher about bullying
ask a parent to stay close
practise something difficult
speak honestly
try again
pray for help
walk away from an unsafe situation
tell a trusted adult what happened
Bravery does not require a child to hide fear, fight another person, or manage a serious problem alone.
A useful phrase to teach is:
I can feel afraid and still take a safe, brave step with God’s help.
That wording allows children to acknowledge their feelings instead of pretending they do not exist.
Help Your Child Name Their “Giant”
In this lesson, a “giant” is a child-friendly picture for something that feels very big or difficult.
Ask your child:
“Is there anything that feels big, difficult, or worrying to you right now?”
Their answer may be:
reading aloud
sleeping in their own room
joining a club
making a new friend
going to an appointment
telling someone the truth
dealing with unkind behaviour
trying a new activity
Do not rush to correct the feeling or say, “That is nothing to worry about.”
Listen first.
You might respond:
“I understand why that feels big.”
“Thank you for telling me.
“You do not have to handle it by yourself.
“Let us think of one safe step we can take together.”
The NHS advises parents to listen carefully to children’s worries, avoid dismissing them, and help children find practical solutions and ask for help when needed.
Name Your Giant activity
Give your child a sheet of paper shaped like a stone, cloud, or mountain.
Ask them to write or draw what feels difficult.
Younger children might draw:
a dark room
a classroom
a doctor’s bag
a large crowd
an angry face
a difficult book
The goal is not to make the child face the worry immediately. The goal is to help them express it safely.
Lesson 1: Use What You Already Have
David did not pretend to be someone else.
When Saul offered him armour, David realised it was not right for him. He used the sling he already knew how to handle.
Children can learn that courage does not require them to become the loudest, strongest, or most confident person in the room.
They can use the strengths and support already available to them.
A child’s “tools” might include:
prayer
preparation
kindness
patience
creativity
honesty
asking questions
practising
speaking to an adult
taking a break
using calming breaths
Five Courage Stones activity
Cut out five large paper stones.
On each stone, let your child write or draw one helpful strength or action.
For example:
Pray
Practise
Ask for help
Tell the truth
Take one small step
For a younger child, use pictures instead of words.
The five stones do not need to represent the exact stones from the biblical battle. They are a memory tool that connects the story to practical, safe choices.
Lesson 2: Remember What You Have Learned
Before David faced Goliath, he had already spent time protecting sheep and learning how to use his sling.
His confidence did not appear from nowhere. It was connected to previous experience.
Help your child remember situations they have already handled.
Ask:
When did you try something new?
When did you ask for help?
When did you tell the truth even though it was difficult?
When did you keep practising?
Who helped you?
What did you learn?
This helps a child see that courage can grow through ordinary experiences.
Create a strengths list
Write the heading:
Things God Has Helped Me Learn
Possible answers include:
I can be kind.
I can listen.
I can practise.
I can ask questions.
I can try again.
I can tell an adult when something is wrong.
I can pray.
I can encourage a friend.
Praise character and effort rather than only results.
Instead of saying:
“You were not scared at all.”
Try:
“I could see you felt nervous, but you asked for help.”
“You kept trying even though it was difficult.”
“You made a safe and honest choice.”
Lesson 3: Trust God Without Ignoring Wise Help
David’s courage came from his trust in God.
For Christian families, this story can help children understand that they may pray when they feel frightened, uncertain, or overwhelmed.
But faith should not be presented as a reason to ignore safety, refuse support, or handle serious problems alone.
Teach children that God can help through:
parents
carers
teachers
church leaders
doctors
counsellors
trusted relatives
safeguarding professionals
A child who is being bullied, threatened, harmed, or frightened should tell a trusted adult.
They should not be told to confront a bully alone because David confronted Goliath.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends helping children practise safe responses to bullying, including walking away and telling a trusted adult who can help.
A simple prayer for courage
Dear God,Thank You for being with me. Help me tell the truth, ask for help,and take one wise and brave step. Give me peace when I feel worriedand remind me that I am not alone. Amen.
Lesson 4: Take One Small Brave Step
Children may feel overwhelmed if adults tell them to “just be brave.”
A smaller question is often more helpful:
“What is one safe step you can take?”
The step might be:
telling a parent what happened
practising one sentence
visiting a new place with an adult first
raising a hand once
saying hello
asking the teacher a question
trying for five minutes
taking three slow breaths
praying with someone
writing the worry down
Celebrate the step, even if the whole problem is not solved immediately.
Courage often grows gradually.
David and Goliath Courage Activity for Kids
This activity can be used at home, in Sunday school, during home school Bible study, or in a children’s ministry group.
You will need
paper
crayons or pencils
scissors
five large paper-stone shapes
optional glue
the printable activity pack
Always supervise younger children when scissors or small craft materials are being used.
Step 1: Draw the giant
Ask your child to draw something that feels big or difficult.
Explain that the drawing does not have to look like Goliath. It can show any challenge they want to talk about.
Step 2: Make five courage stones
Write one safe, useful action on each paper stone.
Suggested actions:
Pray
Practise
Ask for help
Tell someone
Take one small step
Step 3: Sing or say the courage chant
Use clapping, tapping, or gentle marching to make the words memorable.
Step 5: Make a simple plan
Complete this sentence:
My brave step this week is ____________________.
Make sure the plan is realistic, safe, and supported by an adult.
Step 4: Choose the best stone
“Which courage stone could help with your challenge?”
A child worried about a school presentation might choose Practise.
A child experiencing bullying should choose Tell someone or Ask for help.
A child starting something new might choose Take one small step.
An Original Courage Chant for Kids
This chant was created for Kids Songs Learning Hub and may be used with the activity.
My challenge feels big, but I’m not alone. God gives me courage wherever I go. I’ll use my gifts and ask for help too. One brave step is what I can do.
Movement actions
“My challenge feels big” Stretch arms upwards.
“But I’m not alone” Place hands over the heart.
“God gives me courage” Lift both hands gently.
“I’ll use my gifts” Hold out five fingers.
“Ask for help too” Reach one hand towards a partner or trusted adult.
“One brave step” Take one slow step forward.
Keep movements safe and appropriate for the space."
Free Printable: David and Goliath Courage Stones Activity
Help children turn the lesson into a simple activity with the free David and Goliath Courage Stones Printable Pack.
Inside the printable, include:
✓ “Name Your Giant” drawing page
✓ Five Courage Stones worksheet
✓ “I Can Be Brave” chant page
✓ Brave Step of the Week tracker
✓ David and Goliath colouring page
✓ Courage certificate for kids
Click Here To:👉 Download Your Goliath Courages Stones Activity
When a Child Needs More Than a Courage Activity
Songs, Bible stories, prayer, and activities can provide comfort and start helpful conversations.
They are not treatments for anxiety, trauma, bullying, or emotional distress.
Seek additional support when a child’s fear:
is persistent or becoming worse
affects school attendance
disrupts sleep or eating
damages friendships or family life
causes frequent physical symptoms
prevents ordinary daily activities
is connected to bullying, harm, or threats
The NHS recommends seeking professional help when a child’s anxiety is ongoing, worsening, or affecting school, family life, or friendships.
Speak with a GP, health visitor, school safeguarding lead, teacher, paediatrician, counsellor, or another qualified professional as appropriate.
Helpful Related Resources
For more child-friendly Bible music, visit the Bible Songs for Kids page.
You may also enjoy:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main lesson of David and Goliath for children?
The story can teach children that courage is not based only on size, appearance, or power. David trusted God, used the skills he had already developed, and acted when others were afraid.
For children today, the lesson should be paired with safety: trust God, use wise choices, and ask responsible adults for help.
Does being brave mean a child should not feel afraid?
No.
Fear is a normal feeling. Courage may involve acknowledging fear and taking a safe, supported action anyway.
Children should never be shamed for feeling worried.
Can I use this lesson with preschoolers?
Yes, but keep the Bible story simple and avoid graphic details about the battle.
Focus on:
David trusted God.
David used what he had.
David took a brave step.
Children can pray and ask adults for help.
Should I describe a bully as a child’s “Goliath”?
Use this comparison cautiously.
It may help children describe how intimidating a situation feels, but do not suggest they should confront or defeat a bully by themselves.
Teach them to move away, stay near safe people, preserve evidence of online bullying where appropriate, and tell a trusted adult.
What Bible passage should we read?
The story is found in 1 Samuel 17.
For young children, use a trusted children’s Bible or paraphrase the story in age-appropriate language. Parents and teachers can read the full passage first to prepare.
Can children make up their own courage song?
Yes.
Invite them to choose words such as:
God is with me.
I can ask for help.
I can tell the truth.
I can try again.
I can take one small step.
Homemade songs do not need perfect rhymes. Their value comes from helping children express and remember the lesson.
Final Thoughts
David’s courage did not come from being the biggest person on the battlefield.
He trusted God, remembered what he had learned, used the skills he possessed, and stepped forward.
For children, courage may look much quieter.
It may be telling the truth.
Trying again.
Praying with a parent.
Walking into a new classroom.
Telling a teacher about bullying.
Asking for help.
Taking one small, safe step.
That is the message children can carry from this lesson:
I do not have to face big problems alone. God is with me, and trusted people can help me take the next wise step.
About the Author
Janerine Watson is the founder of Kids Songs Learning Hub, a mother of three, and a BSc Health and Social Care graduate. She creates music-based learning resources, children’s Bible activities, songs, printables, and parent-friendly guides that help toddlers and preschoolers learn through rhythm, repetition, movement, faith, routines, and play.
Through parenting and creating early-learning content, Janerine shares practical ways families can use songs and hands-on activities to support communication, confidence, kindness, Bible learning, and everyday family connection.
Faith, Educational and Child-Wellbeing Disclaimer
This article is provided for Christian family learning, education, and general information. It is not medical, psychological, behavioural, safeguarding, counselling, or therapeutic advice.
Bible stories, songs, prayer, and courage activities can support family conversations, but they do not replace professional help when a child is experiencing persistent anxiety, trauma, bullying, abuse, emotional distress, or developmental concerns.
Children should never be encouraged to confront dangerous people, bullying, threats, or unsafe situations alone. Teach children to move towards safety and tell a trusted adult.
Always supervise crafts, movement activities, and materials that may create cutting, choking, or tripping risks.
If you have concerns about your child’s emotional wellbeing, behaviour, safety, anxiety, sleep, school attendance, development, or ability to cope with daily activities, speak with your GP, health visitor, school safeguarding lead, paediatrician, counsellor, child psychologist, or another appropriately qualified professional.
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