Acts of Love | Showing God's Love to Others - Sunday School Lessons for Kids

I've learned a few things lately and one of those things is that 'acts of love' as Christians doesn't come as easily as I once thought. Right up front, I want to say that when we ask Jesus to be our savior, we don't magically start loving people the way God wants us too. It's true that for a little while when accept Jesus as our Lord and savior, we want to tell everyone about God and how that Jesus died for us and we want EVERYONE to know him like we do.

Overtime though, the 'newness' wears off and the things of this world start weighing us back down. People begin to irritate us. We start getting annoyed by the way people act. So, instead of wanting to help those types of people, we steer ourselves toward those who are more willing to listen about Christ or those who show an interest in him (which isn't very often in today's world). We may even limit ourselves to those we see at church or the kids in our Sunday school classes. But, what about those we encounter daily?

Showing God's love to others should come easily. So, why doesn't it?

Showing God's Love to Others

Today's lesson is on 'acts of love' or 'showing God's love to others' and how easy or hard it truly can be. Children (and adults) may have a hard time understanding the numerous different ways that we can show God's love to others, but hopefully by the end of this lesson, they will see how truly easy it can be.

Ask for a show of hands to the following questions, but ask the kids to refrain from talking about the people they feel this way about.

"How many of you have someone in your life that you don't like?"
"How many of you have someone in your life that irritates you badly?"
"What about a teacher or principal?"
"What about a neighbor?"
"Do you have someone who used to be your friend until something happened and now they are no longer your friend?"

The bible tells us in Mark12:31 KJV ~ Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Jesus didn't say, "Try to love thy neighbor as thyself". He said, "Thou shalt!"

That lets us know that as Christians, no matter what happens, we are to love our neighbours. So, exactly who are our neighbors? Well, if you look at the parable of The Good Samaritan, we find that everyone is our neighbor.

Okay, so exactly how can we show God's love to others?

We can show God's love to others by the acts of love we do. These small (or big) acts of love show others God's love through us. Jason Gray, a Christian music artist, has a song about this exact thing. Take a moment to watch it below, then show it to your kids in your Sunday schoool class. My kiddos learn better when they can visually see something rather than just me telling them.

Whenever you get a chance to show your kids visually, I recommend you do so!

Jason Gray's Acts of Love Video




Now, as you can see in this video, even the smallest acts of love can help build the kingdom of God. I used the reference in the song about how God put a million million doors in this world for his love to walk through. I told each child that they were a door for God's love and that they needed to open that door to let His love out.

Showing God's Love Activity

I saw this activity somewhere and I'd link to it if I could find it, but I can't. It is a really good 'visual' example of how showing God's love to others helps his love to spread from one person to another. 

Get a colored sheet of paper and scissors. Any sheet of paper will do, but if you are in front of a larger class, colored paper can be seen better. Now, have the kids count how many corners are on that piece of paper. Of course, there are four corners.

Next, tell the kids you are going to cut off one corner of the piece of paper and that that corner will represent a piece of God's love. Once you have cut off the corner, have the kids count how many corners the paper has now. It has 5!! 

So, even though you took some of God's love out, it grew more!!! 

Now, cut another corner off and give that part of God's love away to someone. Count the corners again. There are now 6!!!

You can continue this to the next couple of corners to make sure the children understand what you are doing.

The more we give God's love away or 'show God's love' the more his love grows in others!! Sometimes, people may not want your kindness, but give it anyway! 

Here is a reminder craft about God's love being inside of us and how we need to let his light shine:

God lets each of us choose whether or not we will give his love to others or hold it in. God never makes us do anything. So, when the time comes and you have the choice to do an act of love, like in the video, do it! Don't hesitate because if you don't show an act of love, God's love won't grow through you. 

Be the door that God's love can walk through!! Just like the song above!!!

If you'd like another activity for your kids, here is a free crossword puzzle centered around The Good Samaritan. 

Continue

Teach Kids to Pray - Sunday School Lesson

How many times have you heard a child say, "I don't know how to pray" or "I don't know what to
say" when you ask them to pray? While this may be all right for very small children, it is extremely important for kids to learn to pray as soon as possible - actually, for us ALL to know how.

For most of us, we pray without giving it a second thought about if we are doing it right or wrong. And for the most part, as long as we are talking to God, it can't be truly wrong. But, it can be so much more right!

In this Sunday school lesson, you'll find out what your Sunday school kids know about praying and may learn a thing or two yourself - I did.

Sunday School Lesson on Prayer

 

Before beginning your lesson, ask the kids if they have anything they would like the class to pray about. While taking prayer requests, take a few notes on what the kids say. You'll probably hear things like: pray for my mom and dad, my dog is sick, a kid in my class got hurt, my daddy's working, or even I'm sick.

Write these things down as you will use them later in the lesson.

Once you've taken prayer requests, go over the following verse.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV

Pray without ceasing.

After you go over this verse a few times, ask the kids what it means to pray without ceasing. You'll

find that often kids will repeat bible verses without actually thinking about what they mean. As they process the meaning, you may get a few questions about how you can pray all the time or pray without stopping.

This is where you want your kid's train of thought to be as you start the Sunday school activity below. This activity will be your lesson as well. You'll find that by doing this activity, the kids will learn so much more about praying than by just 'telling' them how to do it.

Let's begin.

Note: The following activity was inspired by a lesson from Kids' Travel Guide to the Armor of God.

Gather these items or come up with some of your own: pencils, paper, a picture of your pastor, a photo of your church, food items, drinks, articles of clothing, and a mirror.

Divide up the items into stations around the room. Then, divide the kids up into groups for each station.

Tip: The pencil and paper can be used to draw family members, friends, pets, etc. You can decide on this by what the prayer requests were at the beginning.

The purpose of these stations is to get kids thinking about what God has given them and what each one means to them. For instance, the articles of clothing may spark thoughts of having warm clothes to wear or money to buy the clothes. But what about, the child that sits next to them in school that doesn't have many clothes or kids in other countries that don't have socks or warm coats to wear?

The mirror will represent them looking inside themselves. Kids may think about the outward appearance, but what about how they can be better Christians or live the way God wants. Maybe some kids have trouble controlling their temper or always are wanting something they don't need.

The food and drinks will let them see that God gives this to them and they need to be thankful. Also, there are many who don't have food and water. This is something we need to pray about as well.

Get the kids thinking outside the box!

Walk through the stations with your kids and talk about each one before you let them begin their own journey through each station. By walking through each one with them, you will be able to talk about each one and give them some things to help them think outside the box.

Remember to pray for your pastor. The kids can pray for his health, but also that God gives him wisdom to lead your church as God needs it led or any number of things your pastor may need prayer for.

Once you have walked through the stations, let the groups go through each one taking time to kneel down and pray.

It may feel awkward to them at first, but by the time they get through each station it will be less awkward and you may find they are spending more time at each one.

Finishing the Lesson

After the kids have finished each station, have them come back to you and sit down. You will need your notes you took of prayer requests at the beginning.

At this time, you will be asking for prayer requests again here at the end of the lesson. You will find that once the kids have had time to think about the items in each station, their prayer request will have changed a bit.

This is a good thing as they will have realized that prayer is more about asking for stuff. It is about thanking and praising God for what they have and praying not only for themselves, but for others. Of course, it is good to ask God to help yourself because we can't do it alone! Actually, we can't do it by ourselves at all!


A final request:

Please pass this along by clicking on one of the social media links below. I love the Lord and want to share my posts with as many Sunday school teachers as possible. Thanks and have a great day!


 

Continue

Foot Washing - Being Humble Sunday School Activity

Kids today don't know what it means to subject themselves one to another. In fact, many adults don't know what it means either. Maybe because they have never been taught to subject themselves to others or maybe they just don't understand what it means. Either way, you are going to have fun teaching your class what it means today!

Sunday School Activity - Foot Washing (Well, sort of.)

The bible tells us in 1 Peter 5:5 KJV:

⁵ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Have the kids in your Sunday school class to read the verse aloud, quietly to themselves, or read along with you before you begin the following Sunday school activity.

This activity is so much fun, but you'll find that older kids tend to be shy while doing it. Stress the fact that Jesus wasn't embarrassed or ashamed to wash his disciples feet and he was the Son of God!

As the verse above says, we are to help older people and each other. Maybe you've seen kids rush past the older folks as they are walking or trying to get through a door. Remind the kids that it is more important to stop and help the older folks than rushing in front of them. For instance, maybe they can hold the door for the older folks in the church, carry their bibles or help them pick up papers when they drop them. Think of ways they can help those who need help even other kids that are the same age as the ones in your class.

Sunday School Activity

Everyone will be participating in this Sunday school activity, so no one has to be embarrassed that they are doing something and no one else is.

First, you'll need some paper towels or hand towel and some hand soap. A sink will work great for this activity. If you don't have a sink, improvise with baby wipes or bottles of water.

Have the kids line up in a line near the sink. Talk to them about the passage John 13:4-9 KJV (below). You don't have to read it word for word. You may also find the Jesus washes his disciples feet Sunday school lesson can help you explain this activity a bit better.

⁴ He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
⁵ After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
⁶ Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
⁷ Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
⁸ Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
⁹ Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

What You'll Do

Have the first child wash your hands. Then, the second child will wash the first child's hands. The third child will wash the second child's hands and so on. Have paper towels or hand towels ready for the children to dry their hands on. You can wash the last child's hands so that all children will wash someone's hands and have their hands washed too.

Believe it or not, even kids ages 10 and 11 will have trouble washing other children's hands. You may have to give verbal instructions as each child takes a turn. They will wonder whose hands to put the soap on and should they hold them under the water. They will be very unsure of how to do this because it is something new to them.

I was surprised when we did this activity.

The eleven year olds had just as much trouble washing someone's hands as my six year olds.

It was a great experience for them all!

It gave them the understanding that when Jesus washed his disciples' feet, it wasn't easy. And, it probably took quite a while to finish all twelve of them.

Kids learn so much more when they have something visual to go by and learning by doing is a great way to teach the Word of God. This Sunday school activity is great for helping them grasp some of what Jesus did that day so long ago.


Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Thibault fr
 

Continue

Samson and the Lion Maze - Sunday School Activity

Here is a cross between an activity and a coloring page. As you can see, on the left the kids can color the letters and the lion and on the right, the kids can work the maze.

In our Sunday school class, we have kids who like to color and others who do not like it at all.

So, to help please everyone, we've come up with a two-for-one. Well, sort of.

The good news is that instead of having to print out two different sheets, you only have to print the one. You can choose to give everyone a whole sheet or cut the sheet in half and let the kids choose which they'd like to do. Of course, you could give half the page to the kids to color as they arrive and the other half after you tell the story. It's completely up to you.

Get the Samson and the Lion Sunday school lesson to go along with the activity/coloring page below!

 

Sunday school Activity/Coloring Page

Be sure to share this page with others and let us know what you think!

 

Find more FREE Sunday school activities and FREE coloring pages!

 

 

 

Continue

Joshua in the Bible - Sunday School Coloring Page Craft

Here is a Sunday school coloring page you can use as a quick, easy and fun craft for younger kids. All you need to do is print out the coloring sheet below and have a few other items ready for the kids to use.

The coloring page below is basic and simple on purpose. It is designed to let the kids express their creativity!

Get the FREE Joshua Sunday school lesson!

First Sunday School Craft Idea

If you have smaller kids, go ahead and cut out the rocks as a whole below. There is no need to cut the rocks out separately.

If your kids are old enough to cut themselves, let them color Joshua's memorial rocks below first. Then, let them cut them out and paste them to a colored piece of construction paper.

Have the kids cut out the words at the top and paste it on the construction paper.

Second Sunday School Craft Idea

Another option is a bit messy, but is sure is fun! If it is warm outside, you may want to do this craft outside!

You will need to have the kids cut out the rocks and glue them to the construction paper. Next, have the kids put glue on one rock at a time. Have colored sand ready for the kids to sprinkle onto the glue making different colored 'sandy' rocks!

See idea number three down the page!

Third Sunday School Craft Idea

Follow the first part of the craft above, except have tissue paper or small cut up colored paper for the kids to glue onto the rocks instead.

Find more Joshua Sunday School material!

 

Continue

Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho Sunday School Activity

Joshua fought the battle of Jericho is a very well known bible story that kids love to hear. Our Sunday school kids normally say, "Tell it again" just as soon as I've finished. While I love that they want to hear it again, we very seldom have time to tell it again.

That's why I've come up with the Sunday school activities below.

Give the kids more than just a bible story - give them the excitement of learning the word of God!!

Here's the FREE Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho Sunday school lesson.

Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho Sunday School Activity

 

You'll need a few items before getting started.

• cardboard boxes or other building materials (pillows, paper bags, etc.)
• empty toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, or wrapping paper rolls to use as horns (you can also purchase real horns at your local dollar store or order them online)
• chairs
• rocks (real or pretend)

You can either choose to do this activity during the story or after to reinforce what the kids have learned depending on how much time you have.

First, you'll need to line up chairs in two rows. Leave only enough room between the lined up chairs for the kids to walk through easily.

Next, place the rocks halfway down the row of chairs in the floor.

This is going to serve as your Jordan River and the rocks in the center of it.

You can choose to already have the walls of Jericho built using the cardboard boxes or other building material (hint: you can also use small plastic chairs) or let the kids help you make a round wall.

Now, have the kids walk through the Jordan River just like in the Sunday school lesson of Joshua picking up one rock on their way through.

After they have passed through all the chairs, have the place their blocks in a pile just as Joshua did.

Now, give the kids their horns.

Have them walk around the 'walls of Jericho' six times quietly, then on the seventh time have them blow their horns and SHOUT!

After they shout, let the kids knock down the walls!

If you have time, reset and start again.

Photo courtesy of erix! on Flickr.

 

Continue

Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho Criss-Cross Puzzle

We loving having extra stuff for our kids to do in Sunday school. We especially love extra games and printouts that not only reinforces what they've learned in class, but it's great when they can take the sheet home to tell their parents or other family members what they've learned.

This is our first criss-cross puzzle we've done. We hope you like it.

There are two different versions below. One is for younger kids who are in their early reading years and the other is for middle grade kids and teens. You can also use the bottom one for adults if you'd like.

Get your FREE Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho Sunday school lesson!!

Tell us what you think so we can make more of the criss-cross puzzles. Also, tell us what you'd like to see on our site so we can help you as you teach children about the word of God.

Easy Criss-Cross Puzzle

Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho

 

 

 

 

 

Older Kids Criss-Cross Puzzle

Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho

 

 

 

 

 

Get more FREE Sunday school Games and Sunday school activities for your class. 

 

Continue

The Lost Coin - Parable of Jesus Sunday School Activity

Parables of Jesus are earthly lessons with heavenly meanings. These lessons not only helped those Jesus was talking to at the time, they can help us on a daily basis.

To go along with the parable about the lost coin, we've come up with a couple of activities for you to do with your Sunday school class.

You can find the parable about the lost coin in Luke 15.

Sunday School Activities

In this first activity, you'll only need three things:

• coins
• white copy paper
• crayons/pencils

Each child will need one sheet of paper. Let each child place a coin under the sheet of paper. Let them use the crayon or pencil to make a stencil of the coin by rubbing the crayon over the coin until you can see the coin design on the paper. On the top of the paper, let the kids write:

The Lost Coin

Luke 15

The kids can take this home as a reminder of how we are to look for that lost person we can tell about our Lord and savior.

 

 

In the second activity, you will need either a real coin or a paper coin you've drawn or printed out. Have the kids close their eyes while you hide the coin in the room. Once you've hidden the coin, tell the kids to find the 'lost' coin.

 

Whichever child finds the coin, let them hide the coin the next time. Continue playing until every child has a chance to hide the coin.

 

 

Find more Sunday school activities!!

 

 

Continue

One Lost Sheep Coloring Page - Sunday School Coloring Pages

Jesus' parable about 'one lost sheep' explains that when one person is lost, he needs to be found. While the parable is using an earthly story to explain the importance of leaving 99 sheep to find the one lost sheep, the heavenly meaning behind the parable is much deeper.

The deeper meaning is so that we can understand that when one lost person is brought to Christ, the heavens rejoice! Imagine playing a part in all of heaven rejoicing!

Each day, we go about our busy lives and think only about the tasks at hand.

As Sunday school teachers, we may think about getting our Sunday school lesson ready for the following week or maybe even about what snacks we are going to serve.

But, guess what.

These things aren't nearly as important as spreading God's word and looking for that one 'lost sheep' that God is waiting for to join his flock.

It is our job as Christians and as Sunday school teachers to go looking for that one 'lost sheep' and teach our class to do the same.

Below is a coloring sheet with the words "ONE LOST SHEEP' written on the side. Have the kids color the page and take it home.

Tell them to hang it somewhere they will be able to see it every day.

If they hang it on their door, they will be reminded to talk to someone about Jesus each day. If they hang in over their bed, they will be reminded to pray for someone each night.

Make sure to encourage them to move the sheep around the house to keep reminding them of their job for Christ - finding the lost and leading them to salvation!

Sunday School Coloring Page

The Sunday school coloring page below can be colored and left as is or use your imagination and let them cut it out and paste it on a colorful sheet of paper. Maybe even let them add cotton balls to the sheep. If you don't mind a mess, let them use glitter!

Let the kids have fun as they will hopefully use it as a reminder for a long time to find the 'lost sheep'.

Find more Coloring Pages for Sunday School!

I found this great site that offers amazing ideas for the lesson of One Lost Sheep.
I hope you like it!

Click for more FREE "One Lost Sheep" material!

 

 



Continue

The Love of God Sunday School Activity - Great for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. With the thoughts of love in the air, why not teach your kids about the love of God and what it means to them?

God's love is like no other love in the world.

In fact, God's love is so great he sent his only begotten son to die on the cross for our sins so that we could one day go to heaven to live with him forever.

Jesus loves us so much that he willingly died on the cross for our sins.

What an amazing kind of love!

And take a second to 'Like' this inspiring Facebook page! 

Bonus Idea: Gift for your Class

I also found these amazing little hearts you can hand out to your class and instead of throwing them away like they would paper Valentine cards, they can plant them. Give each child two or three of these little hears along with a small pot and a bit of potting soil in a baggie.

When the kids get home, they can plant the hearts and watch them grow!!

54 Plantable Teeny Heart Seed Shapes

The Love of God Sunday School Activity

Below are three different Sunday school activities. The first is for older kids, the second for elementary kids, and the bottom one is for small children.

If you'd like, print off the top one for the adults in your church and let them work it out!

Tip: Since you know the answer, you can always fill in the numbers before handing out the puzzles if you feel they are too hard.

Adult and Teen Puzzle

This one is pretty tough.

If needed, the bible verse is listed at the top of the printout.

John 15:13 KJV

The puzzle is titled: Love of a Lifetime

The answer is:

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Elementary Puzzle

The puzzle answer is:



We love him, because he first loved us.

1 John 4:19 KJV

Young Children Puzzle

There is a question at the top of the puzzle.

It asks, "Who loves you?"

The kids must figure out the puzzle to see who loves them.

The answer:

Jesus loves me!

Kids can also color in the letters at the top.

Get more FREE Sunday School Activities and Sunday School Games!!

Continue

Palm Sunday Maze - Sunday School Activities

Palm Sunday
Photo Courtesy of Randi Hausken

Palm Sunday comes but once a year. While many children's favorite holiday is Christmas, Easter is my daughter's favorite and has been for years. Now, you are probably thinking she likes it because of the Easter Bunny.

That couldn't be further from the truth.

In fact, it is Easter as a whole. She loves the new life spring brings along with the promise of knowing that all the things that were either dormant or appearing to be 'dead' through the winter, will once again become alive again.

She associates this with the savior's death, burial, and his coming to life again!

After all, isn't that what Easter is about?

Our Savior dying for us and being ALIVE again!!

When teaching your class on Palm Sunday and it's mark on the Savior's trip to the cross, be sure to stress that although it was a sad time, the best is yet to come!!

Reassure your class that even though Jesus' ride into Jerusalem leads him to the cross, he doesn't stay there.

He arose from the dead and lives forever in heaven. This is a great time to talk about how they can live forever in heaven with him if only they ask him to be their savior.

While many young children won't fully understand, this will help plant a seed for their future. They will begin to ask questions and learn more about becoming a child of God.

Palm Sunday Maze

The first Palm Sunday maze is for older kids and the second one can be used for smaller children.

 

In this maze, the kids help the donkey get to Jesus who is

standing in the middle of the maze.

If kids prefer, they can start in the middle with Jesus and

make their way outward to the donkey.

 

This maze is for younger kids. They can help the donkey find Jesus in the middle or

help Jesus get to the donkey whichever they prefer.

 

Enjoy!

Happy Easter!

 

 

Find more Easter Sunday school activities!

 

 

Continue

10 Commandments Word Search - Sunday School Activities

10 Commandments Activities
Photo courtesy of Ole Houen

The 10 Commandments Sunday school lesson is one of the most searched for lessons on our site.

It's because of this that we've decided to add an extra Sunday school activity to go along with it - a free word search puzzle!

The word search puzzle below can be printed off and used in your class to supplement the Sunday school lesson or you can use it as a review of the Ten Commandments before class starts.

In our Sunday school class, some kids come ten minutes early while some kids are five minutes late. This leaves time for the kids to either run around and get hyped up or to learn about God.

You only have your class a very short time each week. Use it to teach them as much about God as possible!

Sunday School Activity

Find more Sunday school activities!!

Here is a 10 Commandments Chart for your wall or door. It's great to have in your room so the kids can see it at all times. Be sure to go over each commandment from time to time so the kids don't forget them.

 

 

(Click the image)

Continue

Moses in Egypt Word Search Puzzle - Sunday School Activities

Sunday School Activities
Photo courtesy of Rjruiziii

Many people in the bible have one story, but Moses has many. From his birth to his death, God allows us to follow the life of Moses.

His life was filled with good times and bad, but through it all God never left his side.

Thankfully, we have that same assurance.

God will never leave our side. Whether we are going through good times or bad, we can rest assured God is right there with us.

At the bottom of the page, I've added a video by Colton Dixon that affirms just what I'm saying. The lyrics are listed below the video. Just like the 'Footprints in the Sand' where God carries us at some times of our life, Colton sings about how God was never gone...

 

Free Word Search Puzzle - Moses in Egypt

 

 

 

 

Click to get FREE Moses Sunday school lessons

 

Colton Dixon - Never Gone Video

 

 

Continue

Finding Baby Moses - FREE Sunday School Game

The bible story of Moses is one that shows the courage, determination and love of one mother to save her son. While she chose to break the law and not turn him over to the Pharaoh's cruel law, she ultimately not only saved her own son, but the entire Israelite nation!

God was with Jochebed as she made the decision to hide him in a basket in the Nile River. Although she didn't know that her little baby boy would grow up to part the Red Sea and lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, she did know she loved him and took a chance to save his life.

If only we would take a chance and step out for God!

How would our life change if we only took that first step to trusting God whole heartedly!

Before explaining the game, take time to listen to the remarkable song by Brit Nicole to get you into the chance-taking mood.

You can also get the FREE bible story of Moses to teach your kids.
 

Finding Baby Moses Sunday School Game

The only thing you'll need to play this game is a paper picture of a basket and some tape.

You can either print out the picture of Moses' basket (above) or draw one yourself. It doesn't have to look pretty. Kids don't mind.

I drew a picture of a basket about 4 inches long and 3 inches tall. I colored a blue blanket on top and cut it out.

I simply told the kids what it was and they accepted the poor looking basket as what it was :)

To play the game:

Have the kids turn to one wall or put their head down on a table and close or hide their eyes. Use a piece of tape on the paper basket to hide the paper basket under chairs or tables, along walls, behind curtains, or anywhere else you can find.

Once hidden, let kids find baby Moses.

Whoever finds the basket gets to hide it next.

If hidden too hard, you can give clues or play 'hot' or 'cold' until they find it. You'll be surprised at how much they love this game - I was.

Have fun and enjoy teaching about Moses!


Picture of basket above is courtesy of Open Clip Art.
 

Continue

Follow the Star Christmas Maze - Free Sunday School Activities

While the wise men didn't follow the star to the manger like many nativity scenes and Christmas plays suggest, they did follow the star to find a young Jesus at his home with his mother (see verses below).

 

Tips for Sunday School Teachers

Add your email to the right to get FREE stuff! 

 

In the verses, you will find where the wise men came to the house and they found the young child with his mother. It does not say they came to the manger and found the babe.

It is important for your Sunday school class to know bible facts as well as the bible stories. No matter what age (even pre-school aged children) need to know the correct version of the First Christmas from the beginning to the end.

Otherwise, they will grow up confused and not sure what to believe about many things in the bible. Reinforce bible facts each and every class. I've had children argue with me that they know the wise men came to the manger because they have a story book at home that they read it in.

It's fine to have and read bible stories that isn't exactly right. Why? You can use it as a lesson. For instance, say, "Did the wise men really come to the manger?" or "Was Jesus really born in a barn?"

These questions allow you to teach the children even from a story book.

Get more Sunday school activities!

Bible Verses About the Wise Men

Matthew 7:7-11 KJV

⁷ Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

⁹ When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

¹¹ And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

FREE Christmas Maze - Sunday School Activities

We have lots of FREE Sunday school activities. You can even use mazes and word searches to teach lessons. Think outside the box and keep the kids wanting to learn more about Jesus!

Star in middle of maze image credit: Star from Vector.me (by yves guillou)

Continue

Christmas Craft Ideas - Sunday School Crafts

Every Christmas my kids come home from school with crafts that are designed for the Christmas holiday. Of course, none of these Christmas crafts show the true meaning of the holiday season. For instance, we have Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer, Santa, elves, sleighs, bags of toys, and Christmas trees.

Before going on - sign up on the right to get FREE ideas and lessons!

 

While these are fun to think about and even enjoy in small quantities, the true meaning of Christmas is the birth of Jesus.

Photo Courtesy of 4028mdk09
Wikimedia Commons
I personally like the curled arms in the video below!

Christmas Craft Ideas

Kids love to make crafts especially if they can give them to a parent, grandparent, sister or brother as a gift. This year, let your Sunday school class make a few crafts - one for the tree and another to wrap as a gift for under the tree.

Here are a few Christmas craft ideas to help get you started. I've added a few links and some videos to help with your Sunday school crafts this holiday season.

Easy Foam Pop-Up Stars

These are great to use as Christmas ornaments when they are small or make them bigger as a wall decoration!

Nativity Foam Craft

If you have large foam squares or even construction paper, kids can use the foam nativity stickers below to create their own Bethlehem scene. Each child can interpret what they think Jesus' birth may have looked like. The set below comes with 500 pieces which is great for larger Sunday school classes. We have a small class and just put the unused stickers away and use them again year-after-year.

Make Your Own Nativity Scene

This Christmas craft idea can be made by each individual child using the smaller version in the video below or you can make a larger one for the Sunday school classroom. If you choose to make a larger one, let all the children participate in the making of it.

I've added links to some of the items you may need if you will be making this Sunday school craft idea for Christmas. It's best to prepare the popsicle sticks for smaller children before the day you will be making them.

 

More Christmas Craft Ideas

 

Just in case you'd rather have a ready-to-go craft for all different aged children, we've added the crafts below. They are simple to put together and can be made in a short amount of time.

 

Cheap and Adorable Christmas Craft Idea with Pasta

Remember the days of working with pasta? I used to go to church camp and every year we made something out of pasta. So, not to break the tradition - here is an angel pasta craft idea. Have fun with this one and use your imagination. I love the solid gold one!






 

Continue

Rich Young Ruler - Sunday School Activity

If you are like me, you always want to make sure you have an extra Sunday school activity ready at hand. Kids can be finicky. Sometimes they love to sing and dance while other times they want to play a game. Of course, you never know what will keep their attention from week-to-week, so I want to make sure you have something different ready to go.

Here is a free printable word scramble to go along with the Sunday school lesson - Rich Young Ruler. It will be a bit difficult for pre-school aged children, but the older kids will love it.

Sunday School Activity - Word Scramble

Many kids love to race, you can choose to let them race to see who can unscramble each word or may finish the whole page. Whatever you decide to do, do it for the glory of our Lord and Savior!

Here are the answers so you don't have to figure them out on your own. Enjoy!

• RICH
• YOUNG
• RULER
• JESUS
• DISCIPLES
• TEACH
• MONEY
• IMPOSSIBLE
• CAMEL
• NEEDLE

The final phrase at the bottom is ETERNAL LIFE!

If some kids get finished before others,

the title can be colored in using markers or colored pencils.

 

(double-click to print)

 

Continue

Fruit of the Spirit - Sunday School Activity - Video

The fruit of the spirit need to be taught to Sunday school age children to help them grasp how God expects them to act toward others. Having a Godly attitude toward others helps others notice there is something different about you and often want what you have - Christ.

Fruit of the Spirit
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia

When teaching the fruit of the spirit Sunday school lesson, have some fresh fruit available for the kids to munch on. In a bowl, put some red and green grapes, cut up some red and green apples, and toss in some watermelon or cantaloupe. Be sure to add lemon juice to the cut apples to keep them from browning. Many children love bananas too and can be cut in slices or given as a whole banana.

Other fruit options:

• strawberries
• pears
• coconut
• pomegranates
• oranges
• pineapple
• cherries

Here is a fun song by Kathy Vincent, otherwise known as 'The Scripture Lady'. There is an ad at the beginning of the video (sorry). Also, she does change up the words a bit to give the kids the 'meaning' of the fruit instead making it a good song to sing after the lesson has been taught.

Here you go. I hope you enjoy!

Fruit of the Spirit Song with Motions

Continue

Jacob Falls in Love Word Search Puzzle - FREE Sunday School Acivities

Jacob was always into something in the bible and there were many, many things written about him. God lets us follow Jacob from birth till death and we see all of his good and bad qualities through each and every verse.

In the Jacob Falls in Love bible story, Jacob is tricked into marrying the wrong girl, then finds himself with two wives! Below is a FREE word search puzzle to go along with the story of Jacob falling in love with Rachel only to find himself married to her sister Leah.

Sunday School Activity

Feel free to share this with others who may benefit from it. Use the Pin button, Facebook, or even twitter to let others know about the FREE stuff they can get here. Thank for sharing God's word with others!

Free Word Search Puzzle

Click to Print

 



 

Continue

Make Your Own Jacob's Ladder - Sunday School Activities

If you'd like to make your own Jacob's ladder, you can use the technique in the video below. You can also use other supplies so that every kid in your Sunday school class can make one of these ladders to take home for themselves.

Jacob's Ladder Activity
Photo: Polyparaidigm
Wikimedia Commons

For those who are teaching Jacob's Ladder in Sunday school, we have a Sunday school lesson you may like to use: Jacob's Ladder Sunday School Lesson.

Make Your Own Jacob's Ladder

First, watch the video. Then, keep reading below to find out other ways to make them. Of course, you can purchase a kit straight from The Scrapbook Lounge or buy a pre-made Jacob's Ladder instead.

 

For anyone who is not too crafty or for those who don't have enough time in Sunday school to make one of these cute little toys, you may want to buy some that are already made. I found some on Amazon that comes in a package of 12.

Here is the link: wooden Jacob's Ladder (1 dozen)

For anyone who'd like something different for their class, you can use this free word search puzzle designed especially for this lesson.

If you'd like something completely different or have older kids, you may want to give them each a piece of string and teach them how to make the ladder with it. I've included a video for that below too. The lady in the video goes step by step. If you get lost, just hit back and start again. It's fun and keeps your mind working!

Enjoy!

 

Continue