Bible Story Response: Styrofoam Prints

July 31, 2016Leave a comment

This is a really easy idea that can be use with any Bible Story whatsoever. Just beware that it involves getting the paint out!

You will need: paint, paper, flat styrofoam circles or squares cut from styrofoam plates or sheets, pencils, paint brushes

Talk to the children about their favourite part of the story, their favourite character or the most striking part of the story they have heard. Ask them to draw a simple picture of what they have shared on the back of the styrofoam circle or square, pressing lightly with a pencil.

When they have drawn their picture lightly, get them to press harder with their pencil on all of the lines so that the lines become quite deep (but not so deep that they cut through the back of the sheet!)

Paint a thin layer of paint over the etched in drawing and then press the paint side down firmly onto a piece of paper.

Lift up the styrofoam and you should be left with a print of your picture! Repeat and give the children time to share and explain what their pictures show.

Jesus walks on water construction challenge!

June 28, 2016Leave a comment

This craft is a construction challenge!

In the story of Jesus walking on water, Peter manages to walk a short distance on the water, but when he starts to pay attention to the storm around him rather than Jesus, he starts to sink. When Peter get distracted by his problems and loses focus on Jesus he can’t keep going. He needs Jesus’ help to walk across the water!

Set children the challenge of constructing a way, using recyclable rubbish, of helping a stone (which would naturally sink) to move across the water. The stone needs to stay afloat and it needs to move!

You will need: stones, marker pens, recyclable materials e.g. cardboard, plastic pots, tubes, plastic lids, scissors, glue, sellotape, balloons, straws, a tray of water.

There are no rights and wrongs with this craft- only imagination. It is probably best to give the children a time limit and to keep reminding them of what time they have left. Some will prefer to work with a partner and some will very much prefer to do their own thing. When time is up, let the children test out their constructions!

Talk about:

How do you think Peter felt when he saw Jesus walking on the water
Why do you think he wanted to try it himself?
What do you think he started to sink?
Have you had times when you needed help to keep going at something that was difficult?
What helped you?
Have you ever asked Jesus for help?

Pray

Pray for people who are experiencing , difficult, stormy times in their lives, where they feel that it is hard to keep afloat. Put the children’s crafts on the water and pray that those people will find the help that they need.

Tabitha/Dorcas Lesson

April 27, 2016Leave a comment

Here are some activities to help children to explore the story of Tabitha (or Dorcas, depending on your preference!) in Acts 9. They will work well with a range of ages as there is scope for creativity!

Game: ‘jigsaws’ made of robes drawn on coloured card. This could easily be done as a race with children putting together one particular colour jigsaw per team.

Read the story from a good children’s Bible or act the story out.

Talk about:

what was your favourite part of the story? How do you think Tabitha’s friends felt when she had died? What about when she came back to life? Why do you think Peter wanted to help? What would you think about God’s power if you had been one of Tabitha’s friends? Have you ever seen or felt God do something amazing? (adults share any testimonies here!)

Use a blank T shirt template and get children to design a T shirt that reflects the story they have heard e.g. with a picture of their favourite part of the story or with colours and shapes that reflect a ‘miracle’ or show something of God’s amazing power. Use pens, pencils and any kind of collage material
Poke holes in paper plates and then let children use plastic needles and wool to sew patterns (reflecting Tabitha’s skill at sewing). Think about skills they have to help others and thank God for them
Use this play dough mat to think about people who use their skills to help us. Click here to print out the play dough mat

Prayers: If you could pray for God to do something amazing to help other people, what would it be? Draw on a T shirt shape and peg onto a washing line

Reflective Colouring Sheet: Jacob’s Ladder

February 2, 2016Leave a comment

The story of Jacob’s ladder in Genesis 28 is an amazing story, full of avenues to explore to explore with children: God speaking to us in dreams, God’s presence with us even when we don’t see Him, blessing, holy ground, protection…

Colouring can be a very reflective activity and the imagery of this story really lends itself to pictures. Here is a colouring sheet to help children to focus particularly on the concept of God being with us even when we don’t realise it. Give your own testimonies about when this has happened in your life and then see what the children have to share- be ready to be amazed! While the children colour speak to them about their experiences and reflections. Who might they want to pray for so that that person comes to know God’s presence with them?

Click here to print off the sheet and enjoy reflecting!

Printable Nativity Figures: Colour and Play!

November 26, 2015November 26, 2015Leave a comment

Here are some printable Nativity figures for you to print out, colour in and then use to help explore the Christmas story.

Click here to print out the sheet. Colour the figures in and then cut them out. For extended use, it might be best to laminate them!

You can stick them onto lolly sticks to make stick puppets, sellotape a bent paperclip to the back to help them stand independently or even stick them to wooden blocks- much more friendly for smaller hands!

Enjoy your story telling!

Esther: Reflective Colouring Sheet

October 22, 2015Leave a comment

Using Colouring as a reflection tool is becoming more and more popular- not just for children but for adults too!

Here is a colouring sheet based on the story of Esther which will help children to reflect on the story and to learn a piece of scripture. It works well to have a quiet atmosphere with, perhaps, some music playing in the background. Encourage children just to colour and to think about the story and the words and images on the page. When the children have finished colouring ask them to share any reflections and be ready to be amazed!

Click here to open and print the colouring sheet.