Age Level: 10 to 12 Activity Time: 20 to 30 minutes Materials: Bible, bandages, fine-tipped permanent markers, and 3x5 cards Help kids experience this lesson on forgiveness as they...
Kids create these colorful butterflies to celebrate how Jesus makes all things new. Stuff: Various colors of tissue paper squares, resealable sandwich-size plastic bags, chenille...
Carmen Kamrath
Help younger children understand that because of Jesus and the cross, mistakes that left a mark on our hearts are gone when we tell Jesus we're sorry and ask him to forgive us. The...
Dean Stone
This Bible object lesson will demonstrate to kids what's true and what's false. Preparation: You'll need 12 4X6 cards arranged in order from bottom to top with the following words...
Kids make these sweet nests to display Easter candy and enjoy as a snack. Stuff: A mixing bowl, spoon, aluminum cupcake pans, chocolate chips, shredded wheat cereal, a microwave,...
Age Level: 6 to 12 Materials: Graham crackers, straight pretzels, unshelled peanuts*, chow mein noodles, marshmallows, decorator's gel, frosting, shredded coconut, chocolate chips,...
This Christmas, put Jesus center stage by throwing him a birthday bash! Follow these simple steps, and it'll come together in a flash! Step One: Decorate the room and hallway with...
Have kids try this activity to help them understand the importance of working together. Have kids form pairs and sit on the floor, back-to-back, with their arms folded across their...
What You'll Need: Email or mailing addresses for your families What You'll Do: Help families mark the four weeks of Advent by sending mailings that focus on the traditional theme...
Census Questions Read aloud Luke 2:1-5 to see how Mary and Joseph had to travel for the census. Then answer the following questions as a family. 1. How many people live in our...
What you'll need for each family; a kit with a penny, paper clip, used staple, pebble, cotton ball, crumpled paper, heart sticker, thumbtack, aluminum foil, tissue, rubber band,...
Create this recipe with your family to better understand why Jesus is the reason for the season. (In addition to the contents of this kit, you'll need wax paper and a can of...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Follow these instructions to lead your family in celebrating Jesus' birth. Get four pieces of clean trash, such as crumpled, unused tissues. Hide them around the house in somewhat...
Spread the good news of Jesus' resurrection with these 10 new "egg-citing" experiences. Easter is one of the biggest days on your church calendar -- and for good reason. As a...
GRADES 4-6 Bible Activity: Loving Acts-Provide cups and a pitcher of cold water. Have each student pour a cup of water and give it to another student while completing the sentence,...
GRADES 1-3 Bible Activity: Catch It-Play background music. Have children each hold a large feather in the air and drop it. As the feather gracefully floats down, call out parts of...
GRADES 4-6 Bible Activity : Go for God-Form teams of three or four. Have each team create a cheer based on the theme "Go for God." Then give each team a pipe cleaner, a mitten, and...
GRADES 1-3 Bible Activity: Mission Impossible-Form two teams. Put stronger children on one team. Then bring out a long rope. Have teams compete in a Tug of War. Afterward, *ask: How...
GRADES 4-6 1. I'm Puzzled! -Before class, write "love" Scripture verses such as 1 Corinthians 13:1 , John 3:16 , Galatians 5:22 , and 1 John 4:8 on construction paper hearts. Cut...
GRADES 1-3 1. Together Again -Form pairs and tie partners' legs together. Then have pairs put on a large T-shirt. One at a time, have pairs race to the middle of the room to a...
GRADES 1-3 *Bible Activity: Noise Busters-Give kids a sheet of paper and a pencil. Tell kids you have a very important project for them to do. Then turn on a radio very loudly. Drum...
GRADES 4-6 *Bible Activity: Rush Rush-Give each child a small rock. In a bag, place eight different-size things such as a stuffed animal or a shoe. Have children form a circle and...
Mike Gillespie
For use with GRADES 4-6 1. Do What I Say -Form two groups. Have each group create an imaginary dangerous mission for the other group to go on. Then have groups tell their mission to...
Sheila Halasz and Susan Petty
1. Mission Impossible -- Before class, write each of the following clues on a different 3X5 card. Do not write the information in parentheses on the cards. The clues: His brothers...
Sheila Halasz and Susan Petty
GRADES 3 AND 4 1. Mix It Up- In a large bowl, pour 1 quart of half-and-half and a dash of salt. Mix it up, then úask: Does this look like butter to you? Why or why not? Do you...
Sheila Halasz and Susan Petty
GRADES 1 AND 2 1.It's Impossible -Have children sit in a circle and one by one finish the sentence, "It's impossible to..." Tell kids that there are no wrong answers. Kids who don't...
Sheila Halasz and Susan Petty
AGES 4 AND 5 1. Possible or Impossible? -Have children tell you about a favorite cartoon or movie. When children mention something that's possible or impossible for a character to...
Create an altar by draping a bedsheet or blanket over a table. Lay real or artificial fruits and vegetables on the altar. Also lay a stuffed sheep or a picture of a sheep on the...
Create an altar by draping a bedsheet or blanket over a table. Lay real or artificial fruits and vegetables on the altar. Also lay a stuffed sheep or a picture of a sheep on the...
Use these activities to spice up your lessons. Just replace not-so-exciting activities or add these to a lesson to capture your kids' attention. GRADES 5 AND 6 Bible Activity: Cut...
Use these activities to spice up your lessons. Just replace not-so-exciting activities or add these to a lesson to capture your kids' attention. GRADES 3 AND 4 Bible Activity: Buddy...
Use these activities to spice up your lessons. Just replace not-so-exciting activities or add these to a lesson to capture your kids' attention. GRADES 1 AND 2 Bible Activity: A...
1. Inside Out-(Supplies: Bibles.) *Say : Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth as a tiny baby. He saw what was in the world. Some things he saw made him happy; other things made him...
1. Barnyard Tag -Section off an area where kids can run and play. Choose someone to be "It." Have "It" try to tag kids. The only way kids can avoid being tagged is to run from "It"...
Cindy Nelson
Use this Christmas lesson to help children celebrate Jesus' birthday. 1. News Source s-Ask kids to name ways we send and receive news (television, radio, newspapers, magazines,...
Cindy Nelson
A fun Christmas lesson that'll help children celebrate Jesus' birthday. 1. Surprise Packages -Before class, gift-wrap one small and one large box. Fill a grocery bag with newspaper...
Elaine Friedrich
Hands-on Sunday school lesson and ideas to help children deal with grief. 1. Rest in Peace -Before class, go to a cemetery and use newsprint to make pencil rubbings of grave...
Elaine Friedrich
Hands-on lesson and ideas to help children deal with grief. 1. Seasons -Put a mitten, sunscreen, umbrella, kite, sunglasses, rake, leaf, and a package of hot chocolate in a paper...
Setting: For this Bible lesson about Zacchaeus, from brown posterboard, cut out a 3-foot-tall tree trunk. Use a marker to draw vertical lines of bark. Tape the trunk to the wall....
Setting: For this Bible lesson about Zacchaeus, from brown posterboard, cut out a 3-foot-tall tree trunk. Use a marker to draw vertical lines of bark. Tape the trunk to the wall....
Setting: For this Bible lesson about Zacchaeus, from brown posterboard, cut out a 3-foot-tall tree trunk. Use a marker to draw vertical lines of bark. Tape the trunk to the wall....
Bible Activity : Pop Quiz-Form groups of no more than four. Give each group a sheet of paper and a pencil. Have groups each create a loyalty test to prove if someone is loyal or...
Bible Activity : Trust Me - Form pairs. Lead pairs in the following activities. Have partners trade places for each event. 1. Cotton Ball Chase - One partner blindfolds the other...
Bible Activity : Trust Walk-Form pairs. Blindfold one child. Have the other child lead the blindfolded child around the room. Tell the guide to stop occasionally and let the...
Bible Activity: Hear Ye-Form pairs. Give each pair parchment paper and pens. Have children read Luke 2:1-20 and create birth announcements for Jesus. Afterward, have kids show their...
Bible Activity : Waiting Game-As kids arrive, tell them you have a special surprise for them, but it's not here yet. Keep building up the surprise for at least five minutes as kids...
Bible Activity: Footsteps-Use shoes to represent family roles-Dad, Mom and kids. Write the following verses on paper strips. Put the strips in the appropriate shoe: Dad- Deuteronomy...
A Bible activity created to show kids that God wants families to get along. Bible Activity: No Family Feud-Form two teams. Have teams each list the top 10 ways a family can get...
A creative way to show kids that God created and protects families. Bible Activity : Family Butterfly-Read aloud Ephesians 3:18-21 . Give each child a 40-inch loop of string. Lead...
Have children say the phrases and do the corresponding actions with you in this fun finger play. See the baby Jesus, born within a barn (bring fingertips of both hands to form a...
Bobbie Bower
1. Body Graffiti -*Say: Today, we're going to celebrate Thanksgiving by celebrating a gift that God has given us every day-our bodies. Write the letters T-H-A-N-K-S on separate...
Bobbie Bower
1. Make-A-Body -* Say : Today, we're going to celebrate Thanksgiving by celebrating a gift that God has given us every day-our bodies. Give each child a sheet of paper. Have each...
Play a game of Hot Potato with a twist! Have kids sit in a circle. Play praise music and have kids pass an object, such as a foam ball or a stuffed animal. Pause the music at...
Julie Shaffer and Heather Ward
Help kids stand up to their friends' negative influences and resist peer pressure. 1. Single-Minded - Say : "Today we're going to discover how we have the choice to stand up for...
Julie Shaffer and Heather Ward
Help kids stand up to their friends' negative influences and resist peer pressure. 1. Pressed -Give children Silly Putty and newspaper comic strips and allow them to transfer images...
Julie Shaffer and Heather Ward
Help kids stand up to their friends' negative influences and resist peer pressure. 1. Opener -With two balls of clay, have two children each form a pot. Assign the following words...
Julie Shaffer and Heather Ward
Help kids stand up to their friends' negative influences and resist the temptations presented through peer pressure. 1. Choices -Before children arrive, set out three snacks. Cover...
Susan Grover
Divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. Use this lesson to reinforce to kids that God is with them during this troubling time and it is not their fault. 1....
Susan Grover
Divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. Use this lesson to reinforce to kids that God is with them during this troubling time and it is not their fault. 1....
1. Walking on Water --Set up a walking path made of bricks or books from one side of the room to the other. Have kids walk across the path without touching the ground. Then remove...
1. Bible Activity: Feed My Lambs -Form pairs and give each partner a cookie. Have partners feed each other a few bites of the cookie. Remind kids to be polite and to carefully feed...
A simple song and game that will help you show toddlers that God created the many animals of the world. "ANIMAL SONG" Sing this song to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." Lead...
Mark von Ehrenkrook
A fun and creative Halloween alternative for grades 4-6 1. Bible Activity: It's War! -- (Supplies: ball, strobe light, newsprint, markers, tape, and Bible.) Form two teams. Have...
Mark von Ehrenkrook
A fun and creative Halloween alternative for grades 1-3 1. The Good, Bad, and Ugly -- (Supplies: Bible, newsprint, tape, and markers.) Tape the newsprint to the wall. Say: At...
Susan Grover
To help take the "Scare" out of Halloween, use this lesson to help kids trust Jesus when they're afraid... 1. Pumpkin Matchup -- Remove the seeds and pulp from two pumpkins. Carve...
Susan Grover
To help take the "Scare" out of Halloween, use this lesson to help kids trust Jesus when they're afraid... 1. Care Call -- Bring in several items that represent caring...
Kenn Gorman
Bible lesson that shows kids the real meaning of Thanksgiving. 1. Ahoy, Mate- Create a Mayflower boat by turning a table in your room upside down. Have kids crowd onto it. Once kids...
Kenn Gorman
A Bible lesson that will show kids the real meaning of Thanksgiving. 1. Hit or Miss -(Supplies: a "soft" ball) Point out a physical feature that almost all your kids have in common,...
Robyn Kundert
Fun Bible activity and lesson ideas for kids in grades 4th through 6th on Mother's Day. 1. Getting Ready: One week prior to Mother's Day, have children make tea-cup-shaped notes...
Robyn Kundert
Fun Bible activity and lesson ideas for kids in grades 1st through 3rd on Mother's Day. l. Before Class : Draw a door and windows on several assorted colors of construction paper to...
Carmen Kamrath
Use this 15-minute Labor Day lesson to help kids discover the importance of work and rest. GRADES 4-6 1. What's My Career? -As each child enters the room, place a tag on his or her...
Carmen Kamrath
Use this 15-minute Labor Day lesson in your Sunday school class to help kids discover the importance of work and rest. GRADES 1-3 1. Sit on It -Before class, inflate a balloon for...
Joclyn Wampler
Use this 15-minute Bible activity and lesson to help children understand and honor Memorial Day. GRADES 4-6 1. A Special Guest : Invite a veteran to talk with your class about his...
Joclyn Wampler
Use this 15-minute Bible activity and lesson to help children understand and honor Memorial Day. GRADES 1-3 1. Shhh : Usher children quietly into a darkened classroom. Keep lights...
Margaret Hinchey
Creative and entertaining ways to actively engage children in praise and worship through fun Bible activities and games. 1. Messenger -- Lead kids in singing several songs, such as...
Margaret Hinchey
Creative and entertaining ways to actively engage children in praise and worship through fun Bible activities and games. 1. Musical Feelings -- Have children sit in a circle around...
Margaret Hinchey
Creative and entertaining ways to actively engage children in praise and worship through fun Bible activities and games. 1. Tug of Hugs -- Have the children sit in a circle on the...
*Theme: Christmas Message God is our loving father. *Text: Luke 2:10-11 *Preparation: You'll need two volunteers. Have one volunteer wear a mask and carry a baseball bat. Tell this...
BABY JESUS Christmas Insight: Teaching preschoolers that Jesus was a real baby. Preschoolers need to understand that Jesus was a real person born as a real baby. Nativity scenes are...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Little ones in your nursery and toddler rooms love receiving presents; you can help them learn how fun it is to give gifts as well. Before Christmas, send a note home with parents...
Use this twist on a favorite baby and toddler game to teach about Jesus' Resurrection. Form a circle with the little ones in your nursery and tell about how people put Jesus in a...
Colleen Oglesby
Classroom and family traditions help children develop lifelong habits and thought patterns. This Christmas help families develop their children's first traditions that'll add...
Christine Yount Jones
This age-appropriate lesson is designed to show the importance of the Holy Spirit as it was given to God's people on the day of Pentecost. It is designed to engage students through...
A Bible lesson that shows that planting seeds of faith will help your children's ministry grow. Preparation : For this Bible lesson you'll need a large pumpkin and a New Testament...
Take your kids on a journey from fear to faith with this lesson from the new Kids' Travel Guide to the 23rd Psalm... Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and often-quoted psalms...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Ruth is the picture of loyalty as she committed to her mother-in-law, Naomi, after Mahlon, Ruth's husband and Naomi's son, died. Ruth said in Ruth 1:16, "Don't urge me to leave you...
Children's Ministry Magazine
An engaging Bible activity where Paul and Silas and a tasty treat teach kids about God's love. Materials: plastic knives 1 small bowl paper plates (1 per child) water paper towels...
Susan Grover
To help take the "Spook" out of Halloween, use these lessons to help kids trust Jesus when they're afraid... 1. Safety First -- Show magazine pictures of things that may help...
Carmen Kamrath
Use this 15-minute Labor day lesson to help kids discover the importance of work and rest. 1. Work Zone -Decorate your classroom door with a yellow, diamond-shaped sign that says...
Children's Ministry Object Lesson : You'll need a 1-gallon jar, 10 to 12 fist-sized rocks, a 1-gallon zip-lock bag of sand, and a pan or washtub. Practice this ahead of time to...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Easter Theme: Jesus is our shepherd; Jesus the Lamb of God Scripture: John 10:7-9 Age Level: 6 to 12 Prep Time: Time to prepare muffins Activity Time: 20 minutes Materials:...
Children's Ministry Magazine
The Scene: Three children with a Bible discussing the true meaning of Easter. The Characters: Three children, the Easter Bunny, the Teacher, Jesus on a stick pony, two children with...
Lori Haynes Niles
Help babies give musical praise during the holiday season by making them a pair of Baby Bells. For each infant, you'll need a red pair and a green pair of socks, one size larger...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Ages 3 To 5 Give each child a small paper plate and a sugar ice cream cone. Have kids place their cones upside down on their plates. Then help them cover their cones with green...
Sharyn Spradlin
The next time your preteens meet for worship, have kids visit a variety of worship stations that tap into their multisensory learning styles. Depending on the number of preteens,...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Here's a Halloween alternative that's sure to delight your kids. Have an Orange You Glad to Know Jesus? party. Decorate with orange streamers and balloons. Serve hot dogs and orange...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Topic: Election Day Scripture: Titus 3:1 Simple Supplies: You'll need a Bible and two kinds of pretzels (straight and twisted) in bags. Say: Election Day is coming up, the day when...
Mark von Ehrenkrook
A fun and creative Halloween alternative for ages Pre-K 1. Let's Pretend --Have the children put on animal costumes and pretend to be animals. Lead the children on a parade around...
Children's Ministry Magazine
TREAT BAGS Help kids serve others. Send home letters to parents requesting a donation of a Halloween treat, such as individually wrapped lollipops, chewing gum, or candy bars. Sort...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Theme: Cleansed Hearts Text: Matthew 5:16 Preparation: Carve a happy face into a pumpkin. Remove the pumpkin seeds and place them in a bowl inside the pumpkin. Before children...
Children's Ministry Magazine
A Bible activity that uses the video Monster's Inc. and God's word to help children overcome fear. "Overcomers" You'll need the cued Monsters, Inc. video, a Bible, Rigid-Wrap...
Mike Gillespie
Use these wonderful Bible activities to build relationships and engage seniors with children in your children's ministry. Preschool-Kindergarten 1. Working Together In large...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Bring in a soft baby blanket that has an edging that is made from different material from the blanket itself. For example, it might have a silky edge. Allow children to touch the...
Children's Ministry Magazine
This creative lesson will teach kids the importance of freedom that can only be found in Christ. Grades K-6 Objective: Children will learn that Christ sets them free from...
Courtney Wilson
Use Dr. Seuss' whimsical books to set the stage for introducing biblical wisdom to children The whimsical world of Dr. Seuss has entertained and educated children and adults for the...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Use this amazing interactive method to get your kids into the story of Noah's Ark. It'll create unforgettable learning! Download a pdf of this lesson here Preparation: Inflate at...
Pat Verbal
National Day Of Prayer Roots President Harry S. Truman in 1952 signed a Joint Resolution of Congress establishing an annual National Day of Prayer. The law was amended in 1988 and...
Bobbie Bower
As children build good relationships with one another, they're better able to learn and pray together. Here are 4 fun ways to develop group unity. Although children may be in the...
Robyn Kundert
Fun Bible activity and lesson ideas for kids in grades preschool to kindergarten on Mother's Day. 1. Before Class: Place a line of five chairs 4 feet from a wall. The seat portion...
Children's Ministry Magazine
A straight-forward approach to teaching Creation and the story of Adam and Eve to your children's ministry kids. Read aloud Genesis 3 . Then have kids act out the story. Afterward,...
Children's Ministry Magazine
The Easter season represents a time of sacrifice -- it's also a time to celebrate the joys in life, including family. Use this experience to encourage family members during Easter....
Children's Ministry Magazine
Easter may bring a wave of new kids to your class. Use this experience to help kids discover all the things they have in common with each other. Ask all kids to name ways they think...
Children's Ministry Magazine
By Debbie Neufeld A Basket Of Meaning Bring this basket of Easter goodies to church with you for a "sweet" object lesson that kids will love! Weave the gospel message into your...
The Box Of Stones An impactful drama that'll turn kids' hearts toward Jesus Child Characters Main Character (female) Friends #1 (male), #2 (female), and #3 (male) (The above four...
Leo Symmank
Use this Easter meeting to involve young people in your group with each other, exploring biblical accounts of new life and in a creative Easter celebration. The high point of a...
Reader Submitted
Hide hollow chocolate eggs instead of plastic or real eggs. Make sure there are enough eggs for each child to have one, and limit the hunt to one egg each. Gather the children and...
Reader Submitted
On Palm Sunday, put three brightly colored strips of paper (approximately 2 1/2 x 11 inches long) in each worship bulletin. During the service just before the offering, ask people...
Theme: Christ's Exaltation As King Text: John 1:4 Preparation: For each child, you'll need a 1-inch piece of cardboard tube (from a paper towel roll), spray-painted gold; scissors;...
Reader Submitted
As children enter your worship area on Easter morning, give them each two wooden paint-stirring sticks. Direct the kids to an area where an adult will help them hot glue the sticks...
Reader Submitted
Construct a 6- to 8-foot cross from lumber. Then cover it with chicken wire. Mount the cross on your church lawn. Fill the chicken wire with palm fronds from Palm Sunday. Invite...
Reader Submitted
Construct a 6- to 8-foot cross from lumber, and mount it on a base so it stands upright. The week before Easter or early in the worship service, give each child a piece of red...
Wow kids with this incredibly egg-citing lesson! Kids will learn that together and with God, they can do anything. What You'll Need: A Bible, two cartons of one dozen eggs, two...
Mikal Keefer
Give your kids and their families an experience they won't forget this Easter with two unique Passover meals Easter marks the most profound and promising event in our faith -- the...
Mike Gillespie
PRE-K 1. Warm Fuzzies- (Supplies: A teddy bear.) Form a circle and put the teddy bear in the center. *Ask: Do you have a favorite stuffed animal? Why do you like it? Give the bear...
Jolene L. Roehlkpartain
Preschoolers love to be inspired, and January is a great time to do just that. Not only is it the start of the new year, but it's also the month we honor Martin Luther King Jr. And...
Helping children understand unity in Christ on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Theme: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Text: Galatians 3:28 Best for: Grades K-6 Preparation: Use masking tape...
A sweet Valentine's day object lesson that will show children the depth of God's love. Theme: Valentine's Day Text: 1 John 3:18 Best for: Grades K-2 Preparation: You'll need...
Materials needed: Pumpkins -- 1 pumpkin with the top already cut open; For a large group presentation, precarve 4 pumpkins with different Christian symbols. (You can do simple...
Children's Ministry Magazine
You Can't Make Me! As preschoolers become more independent, they can also be less cooperative. Kids this age take pride in making some of their decisions, such as which friend to...
Reader Submitted
Celebrate Father's Day by bringing kids and their fathers together. We brought in all kinds of work vehicles, such as bulldozers and dump trucks, to our church parking lot. Children...
Mikal Keefer and Scott Kinner
Celebrate Jesus' gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love with children. Shopping mall Santas, holiday toy ads, and school musicals depicting snowmen and wintry weather -- the weeks...
Walter Norvell
Preschool - Kindergarten All in the Family -- Show children a picture of your family. Talk about your family and lead children in talking about their families. A Special Gift --...
John Duckworth
The easy-to-read dialogue has delivery cues built right in; just read the capitalized words with emphasis to avoid "monotone syndrome," and to make sure everyone catches the...
Anticipation, excitement, and wonder-these are the hallmarks of the Christmas season, especially for children. Can we decorate Christmas cookies? Do you think it'll snow on...
Children's Ministry Magazine
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is an amazing movie with a strong Christian worldview. Use this talk sheet in class or send home for families to use...
Help your kids trust in the promises of God by using a little science to create a real rainbow! What You'll Need: Bible, 4x6 card, scissors, transparent tape, drinking glass full of...
An engaging Bible activity that will teach children the importance of friendship. Topic: Friendship Scripture: Luke 10:25-37 Game Overview: Kids will build multistoried buildings...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Engage your children's ministry kids in honoring moms on Mother's Day with these fun crafts and games. Bearing Fruit Give each child a packet of fruit or vegetable seeds and a sheet...
Children's Ministry Magazine
A fun Bible activity to highlight how God hears our prayers. Topic: Prayer Scripture: 2 Chronicles 30:27 Game Overview: Kids will record their voices, then listen as they learn God...
This game will demonstrate to kids that how they look has little to do with who they really are. Supply List paper plates, one per child; markers, crayons, pens; craft sticks, one...
Bible Story: Elijah and the Prophets of Baal Scripture: 1 Kings 18:16-40 The Scene: a desert The Simple Setup: You'll need no furniture on the stage; an open area where it's easy...
Mission Possible: Using the movie A Bug's Life to teach children about bullying. Movie Title: A Bug's Life (G) Start Time: 24 minutes, 55 seconds Where to Begin: Hopper demands to...
Movie Title: Miracle on 34th Street (1947) (not rated) Start Time: 6 minutes Where to Begin: The parade begins. Where to End: Santa has passed by, and the marching band is playing....
Teach kids that God's love has no limits through the Scripture about the Prodigal son. Simple Supplies You'll need a Bible and an instrument for each child, such as noisemakers,...
Group Books
A great way to help kids understand the omnipresence of God. Theme: God is always with us Bible Reference: Acts 17:27 Simple Supplies: You'll need a Bible and several phone books...
Group Books
A devotion that will help children understand that God is eternal...and always has been. Theme: God has always been here and always will be. Bible Reference: Genesis 1:1-2 ; Isaiah...
Children's Ministry Magazine
God told Jonah to go to Nineveh. But Jonah ran away from God on a boat. When the sea grew rough, Jonah told the other sailors to toss him into the ocean and the sea would be calm...
Kids often need help understanding that God protects us and keeps us safe. This devotion shows how God's love will protect us in all things. •Theme: God's protection •Text: Psalm...
Theme: Memorial Day Text: Romans 5:6-8 in the Living Bible Preparation: Fill a cup for each child with a different trail mix ingredient, such as raisins, dried fruit or chocolate...
Theme: Halloween Text: Psalm 91 Preparation: You'll need scrap paper and a Bible. The Message: (Distribute 20 sheets of scrap paper and have kids wad the paper as you talk.) It's...
Elaine Friedrich Hall
Hands-on lessons and ideas to help children deal with grief. 1. Barnyard Bonanza -Bring to class wind up barnyard animals, such as a cow, dog, cat, or pig. Bring enough so children...
Truth: Prayer can lead us to acts of service during the Christmas holiday. Make a manger from a wooden or cardboard box. Fill it with hay or shredded paper. On the first Sunday of...
Truth: Prayer prepares us for Christmas Wrap the Christmas figures from a crèche (nativity) scene and bring them to class in a box. Let each child pull out one or two figures...
Truth: It is good to pray in silence and stillness--Even during the excitement of Christmas. You'll need CD players and three CDs of different styles of Christmas music. You'll also...
Children's activity on forgiveness at Christmas / New Year Truth: When we pray for forgiveness, God cleanses our hearts. You'll need colored glass ball Christmas ornaments and...
Donald Hinchey
Use this traditional Mexican drama with your kids to tell the Christmas Bible story La Posada is an honored and traditional Mexican drama at Christmas time. In Mexican cities and...
Use this Thanksgiving bible activity to show that we can rely on God to provide for all of our needs. o Theme: God's provision o Text: Philippians 4:19 o Preparation: You'll need...
Sue Lennartson
Halloween's origins are rooted in the occult. The ancient Druids believed that on October 31, Saman, the lord of death, called forth hosts of dead spirits to visit their earthly...
Kenn Gorman
An easy-to-use Sunday School lesson that will teach kids the real meaning of Thanksgiving. 1. Friends! -(Supplies: paper, tape, and crayons.) When children arrive, greet each one...
Christine Yount
If you shake your Christmas stocking for new ideas to celebrate Christmas this year and nothing falls out, don't despair. Try any of these 20 Bible activities to keep kids focused...
Lori Haynes Niles
Through the stories of the Old Testament festivals, we learn that God loves for his people to celebrate! And at Christmas, celebrate we do -- with programs and parties, caroling and...
Theme: God gave us his Son, Jesus. This is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Bible Reference: Luke 1:31-32a ; Romans 6:23b Simple Supplies: You'll need a Bible; the baby Jesus from...
Children's Ministry Magazine
Collect several bells such as a jingle bell, cow bell, alarm clock bell, and doorbell. You'll need at least four different bells and a box large enough to conceal them. Say:...
Joclyn Wampler
Use this 15-minute Bible activity and lesson to help children understand and honor those who have served. PRESCHOOL-KINDERGARTEN 1. A Joyful Noise : For each child, place paper and...
A fun Bible activity that will help kids honor Dad on Father's day. Theme: Father's Day Preparation: You'll need a Bible. Make one "blue ribbon" for every eight kids, and have tape...
Getting to Know Jesus at Easter Say: On Easter we celebrate Jesus' defeat of death. He's alive and will live forever. He wants us to be his friend and have the power to live...
Lori Haynes Niles
Make your Holy Week both memorable and educational with a week-long series of activities that will provide educational opportunities each day from Palm Sunday..all the way to...
Truth: We can thank God for the sacrifice of his Son and for the hope of the Resurrection Before class, use a permanent marker to label seven plastic Easter eggs with the numbers...
Children's Ministry Magazine
A New Dozen Easter eggs are a great way to tell about Easter. The filled plastic Easter eggs can be opened at home on different days of Holy Week, used to tell the purpose of an egg...
Jelly beans come in all the right colors to tell the gospel of God's love. Use this Jelly Bean Gospel Poem with any of the ideas below: Orange is for the sins we've done, Red is for...
John Duckworth
The Easter Drama Scene: The porch of a retirement home The Simple Easter Drama Setup: Do what you can to make the actors look like rabbits; at the least, give them cardboard rabbit...
You'll need Bibles, newsprint, markers, a round plastic tub, water, and marbles. Get Set to Serve Service starts with God! When we serve others, we're actually serving God. Today...
Use this object lesson to introduce your children's ministry students to the world around them and the need for Christians to serve God's needs in the mission field. Get Set to...
Say: Today we're going to listen to a really scary story about what happened to Jesus' disciples. And you're going to help me tell it. Practice each of these cues and responses with...
A fun way to teach the powerful Bible message of strength found in Philippians 4:13 . "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" -- Philippians 4:13. Supplies: You'll...
Topic: What Heaven Is Like Scriptures You Might Read: Revelation 7:9-17 ; 22:1-6 The Scene : The back seat of a moving car The Simple Setup: Place two chairs at center stage to...
You might not spot it at first. Spiritual growth in preteens is often hidden behind the latest trends, feigned disinterest, or hot and cold spells of spiritual fervor. But chances...
The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. MATTHEW 23:11-12 Supplies : You'll need a...
In this activity, the children will make writing appear with water and crayons to show that even when we try to cover up our lies, God sees through it all. Preparation: Mix a drop...
Theme: Forgiveness Bible Text: [The Lord says,] "I, I am the One who forgives all your sins, for my sake; I will not remember your sins" ( Isaiah 43:25 ). Preparation: You'll need...
Bible Point: Jesus wants to forgive us. Verse : Mark 2:1-12 How exciting to have such dear friends that they would not only have the faith to carry you to see Jesus, but would then...
Pat Verbal
Use this drama to help kids know God is with them . Characters: Teacher, dressed in clothing typically worn to church Tutor the angel, dressed in a tattered robe with gold patches...
Cast: Elias: elderly, grumpy Jewish man Friend: young man Costuming: Both Elias and Friend wear Bible-times costumes. Props: Bible-times costumes, walking cane (appropriate length...
Celebrate Christ's birth with 22 Christmas ideas, activities, and resources. Kids love Christmas more than any other time of year -- and who can blame them? Adults can get just as...
Honor Jesus' life, teachings, and miracles with these 11 ideas especially for Easter. Kids love Easter! And we love Easter because we feel especially connected to our Savior during...
Peggy Emerson
Rev up your Christmas program with the best principles from vacation Bible school. How many times have you walked into a Christmas program rehearsal to find kids sitting, eyes...
Inspire, delight, and captivate everyone in your church with these 12 memory-makers for Christmas. One of the most treasured gifts you can give another person is a joyous memory. So...
A dozen new ideas that'll capture everyone's attention for Jesus--the real center of Easter. "Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside...
When I taught a preschool Sunday school lesson on Peter the fisherman, I went all out. This Sunday wasn't just a lesson--it was a party. I sent out an invitation to each child and...
Our readers' favorite ways to harvest fun. HEART ATTRACT All Ages To help children have a heart for your community, play this familiar game with a twist. Tape a large map of the...
CREATING CREATION This activity was a hit with our preschool through eighth-graders to teach the story of creation. It takes about 20 minutes, but the kids will probably ask to do...
Easter Week gets off to a spirited start when it includes family devotions, service projects, easy crafts, yummy snacks, fun games, a complete Seder Meal plan, and more! PALM SUNDAY...
Debbie Zachariah
BEARING FRUIT Give each child a packet of fruit or vegetable seeds and a sheet of construction paper. Ask a child to read aloud Galatians 5:22-23 about the fruit of the Spirit. Talk...
Christine Willett Greenwald
ROCKIN' TIME Your kids' love for rock collecting can stimulate active Bible learning. Plan a party or lesson entirely around a rock theme. Invite children to bring rocks up to 4...
AN EASTER BONFIRE Early Christians often lit bonfires on the night before Easter to represent the light coming into the world through Christ. You also can use this tradition to...
l. Point of View -(Supplies: Bible.) Say: Look around this room. What do you see? If you were a tiny baby lying in on the floor, what would you see? Say: Listen as I tell the...
TRACY NEREM
PALM BRANCH COOKIES Your kids will enjoy making and eating these cookies. To make the dough, you'll need 1/3 cup shortening, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 egg, 3 cups sifted flour, 1/2 teaspoon...
Debbie Trafton O'Neal
Four fun ways to celebrate the Christmas season. DECK THE HALLS Hang a string of small white lights around your classroom doorway to welcome children. Get even more creative and...
A fun and active way to introduce toddlers to God's miracle that occured at the Battle of Jericho. We've also included a babies' social timeline to help you better prepare to work...
Bobbie Bower
1. Classy Bodies -* Say : Today, we're going to celebrate Thanksgiving by celebrating a gift that God has given us every day-our bodies. Have children work together to create a...
Seasonal Lessons PRESCHOOL-KINDERGARTEN 1. Patience, Patience -Before class, decorate a bag with hearts and write the word "patience" on it. Place a heart-shaped box of candy in the...
Cindy Nelson
Use this Christmas lesson to help children celebrate Jesus' birthday. 1. Come to the Party! -Show children a package wrapped in birthday gift wrap. Ask: Has anyone had a birthday...
Bible Adventures: Creation Genesis 1:1-2:3 PRESCHOOL-KINDERGARTEN *Bible Activity: Creation-in-Motion-Turn the lights off and have children sit on the floor. Paraphrase the story...
Susan Grover
Divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. Use this lesson to reinforce to kids that God is with them during this troubling time and it is not their fault. 1....
Learning activities like finger plays are a fun and engaging way to introduce Jesus' love to toddlers and infants in your nursery. Use this finger play message, song and craft to...
1. Bible Activity : Bad Choices-Have children sit in a circle on the floor. Have children each tell about one of their friends. *Say : Let's play Friendship Tag. I'll call out...
SONG -"JESUS IN A MANGER" Form a circle with one child in the middle as "Jesus." Have children hold hands and walk in a circle around Jesus. Lead kids in singing this song to the...
David and Goliath 1 Samuel 17 PRESCHOOL-KINDERGARTEN Bible Activity: Ring Around Boy David-Have the children hold hands in a circle with one child in the center as "David." Lead...
BIBLE ADVENTURES Mary and Martha Luke 10:38-42 PRESCHOOL-KINDERGARTEN *Bible Activity: Busy Bee-Choose a leader. Have the children form a line facing the leader. Have the leader say...
Woman at the Well John 4:7-30 PRESCHOOL-KINDERGARTEN Bible Activity: Living Water-Have children place their hands under running water in a sink and then drink a cup of water....
Bible Activity : Trusting God-* Say : Today, we're going to learn that God gives us what we need. Let's pretend it's very cold. (Take time to pretend.) All around this room are...
Bible Activity : Our Gifts-Show children an empty manger. * Say : A manger is a food dish for cows. But for baby Jesus, it was a bed. Jesus came to earth to help us be kind. Have...
Stuff you'll need: One plastic 2-litre bottle with its cap for each child, X-Acto or sharp knives, spray paint, enamel paint, paint brushes and stickers. Tell kids to: Heat your...
A Bible study that teaches kids why God created families. Bible Activity : Strong Houses-On separate sheets of newsprint, draw a house with chalk and a house with crayons. Hang the...
SETTING Create an altar by draping a bedsheet or blanket over a table. Lay real or artificial fruits and vegetables on the altar. Also lay a stuffed sheep or a picture of a sheep on...
Use these activities to spice up your lessons. Just replace not-so-exciting activities or add these to a lesson to capture your kids' attention. PRESCHOOL-KINDERGARTEN Bible...
Setting : For this Bible lesson about Zacchaeus, from brown posterboard, cut out a 3-foot-tall tree trunk. Use a marker to draw vertical lines of bark. Tape the trunk to the wall....
Sheila Halasz and Susan Petty
Help kids believe that God can do the impossible. AGES 2 AND 3 1. Can You Lift It? -Before class, hide at least one rock in the room for each child. Try to get various sizes, shapes...
Julie Shaffer and Heather Ward
1. Follow Me -When children arrive, lead them in a game of Follow the Leader. Then have kids sit on the floor in a circle. Ask: "What things did we do? Were those right things to...
Lois Keffer
Today's kids are constantly bombarded with environmental messages. However, some of these messages-if from questionable sources-can promote an idolatrous worship of nature. Help...
Help kids see that the church isn't bricks and wood-it's people. 1. You Are the Church -Have the children sit in a circle. Walk around the circle holding an unbreakable mirror. Stop...
Janel Kauffman
KINDERGARTEN-GRADE 2 1. What Is a Friend ? -Give the children markers and paper. Have them each draw a picture of their best friend. Have children each show their picture to one...
