The King is in the Field: Discussing the use of Parables in the Classroom

By Morah Tammy Nuñez

This week in the Busy Bees, I explored the parable “The King is in the Field!” I truly enjoy diving into parables with the children, as they provide a fantastic way to bring complex spiritual concepts to life.

Our sages often use parables to make deep spiritual ideas more accessible and relatable. These stories help us understand abstract concepts by connecting them to our daily experiences. As we grow spiritually, our grasp of these ideas deepens. By teaching these parables to children, I aim to build a strong foundation for their spiritual growth, hoping they’ll continue to expand their understanding as they mature. Parables transform abstract ideas into tangible experiences for young minds, making them more relatable and impactful.

For instance, when presenting the parable of "The King in the Field," I use a puppet show to make the experience engaging and interactive. I bring the story to life with a variety of voices for different characters, including a regal tone for the king and lively voices for the townspeople. The puppets act out scenes with expressive gestures, and I incorporate songs and chants that relate to the story's themes.

Crowns created in the Friendly Frogs Class. Kids were asked, "What would you do as the King?" Their answers were written on their crowns!

To make the show even more fun, I encourage the children to participate. They might help with the puppet movements, sing along to catchy tunes, or even create their own dialogue for the puppets. This interactive approach not only captures their attention but also helps them connect with the parable on a deeper level. Instead of simply telling the children, “It is the month of Elul, which means it is time to pray,” the puppet show conveys the message through an engaging and memorable performance. The children come to understand that “It is the month of Elul, which means Hashem is close to me—the king is in the field with me—it is important to pray!”

Seeing the children’s faces light up with understanding and excitement as they engage with the story is incredibly rewarding. Their enthusiastic participation and growing comprehension of these parables reassure me that this approach is making a meaningful impact. I look forward to continuing our journey through these rich, spiritual stories and watching as the children develop a deeper connection to Hashem! BH!