Tutor-Led English Lesson
English Standard Version
Be Strong And Very Courageous
Teach the Bible while helping learners read, speak, listen, and write in English.
Purpose and Scripture Materials
Purpose: Teach English as a Foreign Language using Joshua 1:1-11 in the English Standard Version as the reading text. New to TEFL? We recommend certification training through The TEFL Academy, which will teach you how to use and write TEFL lessons such as this Tutor-Led Englink Lesson.
Recommended Level: A2-B1 | Lesson Length: 30-45 minutes
Pronunciation Practice: The student can read along with the Scripture audio to practice English pronunciation with the tutor's help. The tutor may pause the audio after each verse or sentence so the student can repeat difficult words and phrases.
1) Lesson Overview
- Theme: God's promises, faithful leadership, strength, courage, obedience, meditation on God's Word, and God's abiding presence.
- English Skills: Reading, listening, vocabulary building, pronunciation, discussion, speaking practice, and writing.
- Outcome: The student can explain God's command and encouragement to Joshua and describe how faith in God's presence and obedience to His Word give believers courage to do His will.
Tutor Tip: Help students read, write, listen to, and speak English while they study the ESV Scripture text. Encourage complete sentences, ask gentle follow-up questions, and give students time to think. Adjust the activities to fit the students' ages, number, English proficiency, and available class time.
2) Suggested Lesson Flow
- Begin with two or three warm-up questions.
- Assign each student one or more verses from Joshua 1:1-11 to study and read aloud.
- Ask students what their assigned verses say and what those verses mean.
- Ask a student to summarize the Scripture passage in simple English.
- Play the Scripture audio while students read along in the ESV text.
- Review the vocabulary and practice the pronunciation of difficult words and phrases.
- Use the comprehension, discussion, and speaking questions.
- Finish with one short writing activity and the final question.
3) Warm-Up Questions
- When have you needed courage to begin a new responsibility?
- What qualities make someone a good leader?
- How can a promise give someone confidence?
- What helps you remember and follow important instructions?
4) Vocabulary
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Tutor Prompt |
|---|---|---|
| servant | A person who faithfully works for and obeys another. | Why was Moses called the servant of the LORD? |
| assistant | A person who helps another person do important work. | How may Joshua's years as Moses' assistant have prepared him? |
| inherit | To receive something promised or passed down to you. | What would the people of Israel inherit? |
| forsake | To abandon or leave someone without help. | What did God promise Joshua in verse 5? |
| courageous | Ready to do what is right or necessary despite fear or difficulty. | Why did Joshua need to be courageous? |
| meditate | To think carefully and repeatedly about something. | What was Joshua told to meditate on day and night? |
| dismayed | Discouraged, afraid, or distressed by a difficult situation. | Why did God tell Joshua not to be dismayed? |
| take possession | To enter, receive, and begin to occupy something that has been given. | What were the Israelites preparing to take possession of? |
5) Bible Text Comprehension
- Who spoke to Joshua after the death of Moses?
- How does Joshua 1:1 describe Moses and Joshua?
- What did the LORD command Joshua and the people to do?
- What land did God promise to give the people of Israel?
- What did God promise Joshua in verse 5?
- Why was Joshua commanded to be strong and courageous?
- How carefully was Joshua to follow the law given through Moses?
- What was Joshua to do with the Book of the Law day and night?
- Why was Joshua not to be frightened or dismayed?
- What did Joshua command the officers to tell the people?
6) Scripture Discussion
- How did God prepare Joshua to continue the work Moses had begun?
- Why did courage require Joshua to trust God's promises?
- What is the difference between courage and the absence of fear?
- Why did God connect courage with careful obedience to His Word?
- What does it mean to avoid turning from God's law "to the right hand or to the left"?
- How can speaking and meditating on God's Word shape a person's choices?
- In this passage, what does "good success" mean?
- How did Joshua show faith by giving the officers immediate instructions?
- How can God's promise, "I will not leave you or forsake you," encourage believers today?
7) Speaking Practice
- Retell Joshua 1:1-11 in your own words.
- Explain why Joshua needed both strength and courage.
- Describe one promise God gave Joshua.
- Explain how meditation on God's Word differs from simply reading it once.
- Speak for 30-60 seconds: What makes a faithful leader?
- Speak for 30-60 seconds: How can obedience help a person act courageously?
- Tell about a time when good instructions helped you complete a difficult task.
- Explain how Joshua's actions in verses 10-11 demonstrated faith.
Language Coaching Tip: If a student gives a one- or two-word answer, invite a fuller response: "Can you tell me more?" "Why do you think that?" "Can you explain that another way?" or "Can you give an example?" Correct gently, and model the complete sentence when needed.
8) Writing Task
- Option A: Summarize God's message to Joshua in 6-8 sentences.
- Option B: Write a paragraph explaining why Joshua could be strong and courageous.
- Option C: Write about a new responsibility that required courage and careful preparation.
- Option D: Write five sentences using these words: promise, courageous, obey, meditate, and prepare.
9) Wrap-Up
Wrap-Up: After Moses died, God called Joshua to lead Israel into the promised land. Joshua could be strong and courageous because God promised to remain with him. God also commanded Joshua to obey His law carefully and meditate on it day and night. Trusting God's presence and promises, Joshua immediately prepared the people to move forward in obedience.
Remember: "When one faithful servant's work is finished, God calls another to rise with courage to carry forward His promises."
Final Question: How can trusting God's presence and obeying His Word help you face a responsibility with courage?