Cricket Chirper - Laughing Locust
.jpg)
Cricket Chirper/Laughing Locust
This craft would be perfect for a series on creation, The Walls of Jericho (instead of trumpets), a craft for a camping/farm themed VBS, Making a joyful noise unto the Lord and many more. Although locust are louder than crickets, you could create these while teaching Moses and the plagues and call them laughing locust or some other fun name. Can you think of any obvious uses? If so, free to post in the comments below.
Super easy craft!
2 small dowel rods per child (measure you bead opening before purchasing) You can purchase these in packages of approx 20.
20 beads per child
Hot glue gun/Glue
Before class, glue one bead to the end of each dowel rod.
Allow the children to string 10 beads onto each dowel rod.
When finished, hot glue the last bead into place.
Hint: Look around thrift stores (or make your need know to the church) for one of the old beaded car seat back massagers. (Pic above for reference...they may come in different styles) You can snip the threads and end up with hundreds of wooden beads...perfect for making cricket chirpers! If you cannot find a used one, new ones can be still be purchased and the price is much more cost efficient that purchasing all the beads (unless you find a good deal.)
Hold the two ends of the dowel rod and rub the two stick together creating a chirping noise!
Beaded Snake Pull Toy
I normally have the children make this craft when I teach on Adam and Eve or a Western themed VBS. What ideas can you come up with? Comment below!
This craft takes a bit of preparation. You may want to divide the different duties up between several leaders or host a work day with several volunteers helping to prep them.
There are many options for these snakes. I always make the heads out of clay however, you can make them out of foam, heavy cardboard or anything that you choose. You can also substitute the beads with paper chains or small lengths of plastic straws. I have attached samples in the pics below.
Prior to class
Shape snake heads out of baking clay (or cut them out of heavy cardboard or fun foam.) You can find the baking clay at Hobby Lobby or any other hobby shop. You can make the heads any size that you choose. Making sure that they are at least slightly larger than one of the beads.
Press little wiggly eyes down into the clay and then remove for baking.
Press small indentations into the snake head to resemble nostrils.
Run a skewer through the head. Start at the mouth area and run through the head towards the back. This hole will need to be large enough for your needle and yarn to run through it. Note, the clay will shrink slightly.
Reshape the head if needed and then run the skewer through one more time.
Bake according to clay directions.
When cooled, run a string through the head leaving about 24” of string sticking out of the mouth area and about 36” sticking out the opposite end.
Cut a little sliver of red felt for the tongue. Cut one end into a fork shape.
Stick one end of the red felt- (straight edge) into the mouth opening and glue the felt into place. Squirt extra glue into the mouth opening to make sure the tongue and string stay in place.
On the opposite end of the yarn, use a dull pointed needle. Note: You can purchase packages of plastic sewing needles with large eyes and rounded tips. They are perfect for this craft.
Child’s Part
Give each child a baggie full of beads. Have them string their beads to create as long of a snake as they wish.
Finishing off the snake:
Run the needle through and around the last bead several times and then finish off by knotting it several times. You may choose to put a drop of hot glue on the knot to prevent it from coming loose. Clip off the yarn.
Fruit of the Spirit Wall Art
5-Day Fruit of the Spirit Craft - Looking for a VBS craft that the children will take home and actually keep? Would you like a craft that will take all week to complete? Need a craft with a powerful punch? Then this craft is for you!
Fruit of the Spirit Wall Art!
Start by gathering a large paper grocery bag for each child and writing their names on the front. All pieces of their craft are to be placed inside their bag (this may vary depending on how you choose to make your craft). Keep each group/team in a separate area and have the children return to the same spot when finished each day. This will allow the children to come in and easily grab their bags.
This craft does take some time to prepare, but no longer than preparing 5 crafts for each child. If possible, set up enough tables so that each group can have its own table(s) (cover the tables with paper for each cleanup)
Each bag should contain 9 boards (or heavy cardboard pieces if you have access to them). Each board should measure approximately. 4" X 8." The men at our church prepared all the boards for us, and we used old pallets to cut the boards from. Pallets are easy to find, and most of the time, you can find them for free. If you cannot find pallets, check for scrap pieces of lumber at a lumber yard near you or perhaps a builder, a subdivision that is being built near you, etc.
Day One - Provide Strips of Sandpaper and 2X4 blocks of wood that have been wrapped with sandpaper and secured with flat thumb tacks (you can nail the tacks into the wooden block). Make sure you have enough blocks or sandpaper strips for each child on the team/group. Have extra sandpaper cut to size and available to replace any torn sandpaper. On day one, the children are to sand their pieces of wood to remove any rough spots. Even the youngest of children love to do this.
Day Two - Provide paint brushes, paper plates, and a variety of paint colors. Allow the children to paint all 9 of their wooden pieces any color they choose. This is why giving each group its own tables is best. The paint will have to dry on days 2, 3, and 4.
Day Three and Four - Children will paint the names of the 9 different "Fruits of the Spirit" on their boards as well as add dots, stripes, whatever they choose. Make sure to have the children finish their first board, "Love" on day three. It is also a good idea to have the 9 fruit names on display so that you do not have to help children spell the words. They can simply look at the display!
Day Five - Assembly - It is a good idea to have extra hands available on this day. Children will assemble their boards and take them home. See the Assembly below!
There are several ways that you can assemble your boards.
Option 1 - Flip all boards over in the order that they should appear. Line them up in a straight line. Supply a long piece of ribbon for each child. The ribbon will be hot-glued to the back of each board. Glue the ribbon to the backside of each board (up the left side), leaving a loop at the top for hanging, and then hot glue the ribbon down the right side of each board. When finished, run hot glue horizontally over the top of the ribbon on each board. You can also use a staple/nail gun to make sure the boards stay adhered to the ribbon.
Option 2 - For a more rustic and secure wall hanging. After the children have completed their boards on day 4, take the "Love" board and attach two screws on the back of the board to create the hanger. (This is why you want the children to complete their "Love" board on day three...so that it is completely dry).
Place a thin strip of wood (or heavy cardboard) down the center (back) of the wall hanging and staple with a staple/nail gun (making sure that your staple/nail are short enough as to not go through the front of the board.) Experiment with what you have! There is no right or wrong as long as the boards stay together.
Wind a piece of wire around the two screws creating a hanger. Tie a piece of fabric 2"X12" around the wire and into a bow.
Get some of your men...with power tools involved. They love is just as much as the kids!
Tip: Having some old T-shirts to slip over younger children's clothing is a good idea!
Frog Whistles
Super Simple Craft - Frog Whistles
Cut out the frog template (fun foam or heavy hardboard), cut a slit on the X and stick the whistle through the hole.
Children will blow on the whistle (from the back side), and the whistle will expand to look like a frog's tongue.
A great craft for Moses and the Plagues, Hoppy New Year or Make a Joyful Noise.
You can also have the children glue googly eyes on your frog and accessorize to your choosing!
Hint: You can get party horns for almost nothing after New Year's or other holidays! Snag and save!
Friendship Bags
Friendship Bags - This craft is a great Father's Day gift, or it can be used with any lesson on friendship.
Friendship Bags
Make or Purchase: Tip: Raid your supply closet, many of these items may be found there
Small Bags, Life Saver, Cotton Ball, Rubber band, Candy Kiss, Paper Clip, Candle, Marble, Sweet and Sour Candy,
Happy Face Sticker, Band-Aid, Recipe, Eraser, Tooth Pick, Tea Bag
Attach a ribbon around the top of the bag and string the poem onto the ribbon. Tie in a bow.
Instruct the children to give to their dads, grandpas, or best friends!
Friendship Bag
Life Saver: To remind you of the many times others need your help and you need theirs.
Cotton Ball: Cushioned support of friends for the rough roads ahead.
Rubber Band: Reminder to stay flexible.
Candy Kiss: To remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug everyday.
Paper Clip: To help hold it all together.
Marble: To help you keep rolling (or in case you lose one of yours)
Sweet and Sour Candy: To help you accept and appreciate the differences of others.
Happy Face: Smiling not only increases your face value, it’s contagious.
Band-Aid: For healing hurt feelings, yours or someone else’s.
Recipe: When you want to do something special for someone, a symbol of sharing.
Eraser: To remind you that everyone makes mistakes; and it’s OK
Toothpick: To remind you to pick out the good qualities in others
Tea Bag: To remind you to relax and go over that list of blessings.
Kaleidoscope
Fun for all ages!
Create this colorful kaleidoscope when teaching about "The Wise Men following the star", "Creation," or any other lesson on stars or the heavens!
For this craft, you will need one canister per child. Crystal Light canisters are perfect however a pringles can will work as well.
Tip: If you cannot find a canister, you can use a cardboard tube and 2 black balloons. Cut the neck off of one balloon and stretch it over one end of the tube. Place everything inside and the repeat with the other balloon.
Measuring your reflection mirror:
You will need 1 piece of heavy card stock per child.
Begin by measuring the size of your tube.
Width
Measure the circumference of the tube and then multiply by 3.
For instance, if your tube is 3"across, you would multiply 3X3 which equals nine.
Now subtract 1/2" from your total making the magic number 8.5"
Height
Take the inside height measurement of your canister/tube.
From the bottom (inside) of the container to the top. Stop your measurement just below the lid level.
Now take off 1/2"
Let’s say your container measures 6” from top to bottom. Now take off about ½” making your
measurement 5 ½”.
This will leave your measurements as 8.5" X 5.5"
Cut a piece of cardstock/ cardboard using these measurements.
Once cut, cut a piece of aluminum foil that is larger than the cardboard and wrap the cardboard with foil. Only one side has
to be wrapped completely.
Fold the cardstock/cardboard into thirds. (Long side/height.) Foil so that the foil in on the inside of tube).
You will now have a triangle shape piece of cardboard with the foil on the inside (reflection mirror)
Wrap a piece of plastic wrap over one end of the triangle and tape securely.
Drop several clear, colorful beads into the tube.
Drop the triangle into your tube.
Please note, you may have to shorten your reflection mirror (triangle cardboard) if you are planning on using LOTS of beads
or if your beads are on the larger side. Do a test run before cutting all of your reflection mirrors and adjust to fit.
Place the lid on the canister and cut a small hole in the top (about the side of the circumference of a pencil.
You may want to use a drill to make all the holes prior to class.
If using a balloon for the ends, poke a very tiny told in the tip of the balloon with a large needle.
Cut off the neck of the balloon and stretch it over the tube. Use a piece of strapping tape to hold both balloons in place.
Now, simply decorate your tubes with shiny paper, stickers, ribbons, etc.
Daniel in the Lion's Den Craft
4 Simple ways to finish off your craft!
_edited.jpg)
This simple craft is great for pre-schoolers or younger children however, older children LOVE it as well.
There are 4 ways to finish off your craft however they each begin with a paper plate.
Now the fun begins!
Lion # 1
For very young children, Cut out the lion's face and glue it onto the center of your paper plate.
Allow the children to color the lion's mane (edges of the paper plate). Each cut piece can then be wrapped around a pencil to curl the edges towards the face.
Lion #2
Cut out the lion's face and glue it onto the center of your paper plate.
Provide the children with bits of yarn...browns, tans, etc. and allow them to glue to bits around the edges of the paper plate to create the lion's mane
Lion # 3
Cut out the lion's face and glue it onto the center of your paper plate (Foam or heavy paper plates are best for this lion. If you can find yellow or brown plates, it's even better.
Have the children punch holes around the edges of their paper plate. 10 holes is a great number.
Provide them a long piece of yarn (browns, tans, multi colored, etc) and a plastic blunt ended needle.
Children will whip stitch around the edges of their lion.
If a child gets their string tangles, simple snip the tangled yarn and tie the two ends together in a simple knot. Snip off the extra yarn.
Lion # 4
For very, very young children, you can duplicate the lion's face and mane and allow them to glue the mane onto the plate and then glue the face on top of the mane.
Sewing Cards
Sewing Cards!
Sewing Cards are super easy to create and fun to do!
Simply trace out a pattern onto thick card stock or cardboard, punch holes around the edges, tie a piece of yarn through
one hole, and add a blunt-ended plastic needle to the other end. Let the children create their own craft.
Samuel's Coat of Many Colors, a whale, a fish...a frog...the possibilities are endless!
The object is to start in one hole and go around the edges of the entire pattern; however, many children will
choose to criss-cross their pattern and hit one random hole after another...and that's ok. It's their art, so let them create!
Barley Loaves and Fishes
Simple, copy, cut, and paste activity!
Using brown cardstock or thick paper, copy one basket for each child.
Using light brown or manila cardstock or thick paper, copy 5 loaves for each child.
Using orange cardstock or thick paper, copy 2 fish for each child.
For small children, cut out all the patterns and supply them with glue.
For older children, supply them with scissors and glue.
Instruct the children to cut out and glue their 5 loaves and two fish onto their baskets.
The Good Samaritan
Doctor's Mirrors and Nurse's Hats
An oldie...but always fun! One of my favorite crafts goes along with the Good Samaritan lesson. Whenever I teach this lesson, the children create either a nurse's hat or a doctor's head mirror. One child is selected as the Good Samaritan, and the rest of the children apply band-aids, cloth bandages, take their blood pressure, and listen to their heartbeat. It's a fun, hands-on way to learn about being a Good Samaritan and loving one another!
Doctors Light Hat
Nurse's Hat
Paper Dolls
Teaching a lesson on friendship?
4 Helpful Friends,
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,
David and Jonathan,
Ruth and Naomi, 12 Disciples, Joshua and Caleb, etc.
Paper dolls are a fun...and often forgotten tool/craft to help instill the message of friendship!
For even more fun, allow the children to draw or color on their paper dolls...explain that each doll/person is unique, special,
and important to the other.
You can also use paper dolls to explain the body of Christ...how it takes each of us...joined together...to share
the Gospel and expand the Kingdom of God!
%20(11%20x%208_5%20in)%20(2).jpg)
Fishers of Men
"Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19
Create this simple "Fishers of Men" craft using items you may already have around your house!
Easy to make...and it can be hung on the wall as a wonderful reminder!
Purchase 4 tongue depressors, one net bag, a piece of ribbon and a small bow, fishing bobboer or anything you choose to decorate your bag. (One per child)
Trace 3 "fishers of men" out onto craft foam and cut out. (3 per child...any color)
Place one tongue depressor behind the bottom of the bag.
Squirt hot glue onto the tongue depressor and bag.
Press the secod tongue depressor on top of the first and press hard. Securing the netting between the two tongue depressors.
Place the 3 fishermen inside the net bag. Note it is ok if the 3 men are overlapping in the bag.
Repera this gluing process for the top of the bag.
Hot glue a ribbon to the back of the craft for hanging.
Hot glue a bow, small bobber or fishing item to the corner of the craft.
Write the scripture onto the tongue depressors.
Bag Options:
-
A small fishing net cut into rectangle shapes and sewn down both sides and across the bottom to form a bag. This is my favorite option.
-
A Produce net bag cut into ectangle shapes and sewn down both sides and across the bottom to form a bag.
-
Sheer wedding rice bags (remove the drawstring)
-
Any other bag or netting you choose.
-
Note: You can make the bags as long as you choose however, the width will be determined by the length of your tongue depressors.
Lydia the Seller of Purple
Marker Tie Dyed Shirts
A new twist on the traditional tie-dyed shirts
Gather the following items
One t-shirt per child (You can dye anything you choose...cotton fabric...even a piece of fabric)
Permanent Markers
Several squirt bottles (Condiment squirt bottles work great)
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubber bands
Red Solo Cups
Place a small section of the t-shirt over the red solo cup (single layer)
Secure it with a rubber band
Create an art drawing inside the circle with the permanent markers
Squirt (liberally) the section of the t-shirt with rubbing alcohol to make the ink run.
Let set a couple of minutes to finish running.
Move to another section and repeat until the shirt is full of colorful art.
The Big Change
(Saul/Paul)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
This simple craft can be used for a lesson on Saul/Paul or for anyone starting a new life in Christ.
Duplicate the template onto a sheet of
colorful paper.
Have the children fold the template in half (along the
solid center line) and cut out the caterpillar.
Do not cut along the folded edge.
Have the children open
their caterpillar to see the big change.
Add antenna, dots, bits of colorful paper
or whatever you choose.
Giant Ice Block
Looking for a "unique"
way to cool off this summer?
Try a GIANT Ice Block!
Easy to create...You just need a tub, some water, a few plastic
frogs and a freezer.
1. Locate a giant tub
2. Add 3-4" of water
3. Toss in a few plastic frogs
3. Freeze
4. Add 3-4" of water
5. Toss in a few plastic frogs
6. Freeze
7. Add 3-4" of water
8. Toss in a few plastic frogs
9. Freeze
Continue until the entire tub is full.
(This will take approx 1-2 weeks to fill and freeze solid)
Just add a little water each day until it is full.
On reveal day, just turn the tub upside down, allow to sit for 10-15 minutes, and dump it out.
Allow the kids to take turns sitting on the block of ice and then hand out plastic knives, squirt guns, and/or squirt bottles and allow them to "free the frogs" by chipping away at the ice.
Each frog that they successfully free...hops home with them!
(Frogs can be purchased from Oriental Trading. Add anything else that you would like to add.)
An ice block can be added to any summer activity!
Time, Talent, Tithes
T-Shirt Design
Teaching a series on tithing?
Want to make it stick?
Create these cute t-shirts with your children to help them
Remember the 3 T's...
Time, Talent, and Tithes.
All you need is a few white T-shirts, paintbrushes and a
black sharpies... for writing and
fabric paint.
Creating custom t-shirts will help reinforce the importance
of our
Time, Talent, and Tithes.
Note: Plan on spending 2 weeks on this project or spread it out over the entire series. You will only be able to work on one side per week due to drying time.
If you are looking for lessons for this type of series, consider using the following
Barnabas (Missionary), The poor woman's gift, Parable of the Talents
On a budget? Ask each child to
bring an old white t-shirt from
home. They will work just as well!
The Lost Sheep
Craft + The Lost Sheep Game
Double the fun with this precious lamb craft plus
Lost Sheep Game!
Simply trace out the template, cut it out, paste it together, and add google eyes! (PDF Below)
Baaa...How many lambs can you find? Send your kids on a scavenger hunt to find all 100 lambs.
When they find a lamb, they simply stick it on the chart and say Baaaaa!
How many will they find?
Prior to Class
Create a large chart (bulletin board paper) with exactly 100 squares (Similar to a calendar without the dates).
Cut out the numbered lambs (PDF below) and hide (tape) them around the room.
(Note, If you want a permanent "Lost lamb game" that you can pull out and play anytime, glue each lambs to an index card.
You can also laminate the cards.)
During Class
Children will search for the sheep. When they find one, they will stick it on one of the squares (any square will do) and say BAAA...then they will continue to search for the rest of the lost lambs.
Hint: Hide a few harder ones so that they have to search high and low for them.
I have been known to hold out #100 and secretly stick it somewhere after they have searched and searched for it.
Hint: Always have a couple extra lambs in your pocket in case they cannot find all 100 (this is inevitable.)
Needing an easier lamb craft for the pre-schoolers? Check out this cotton ball lamb craft!
Jesus is my ROCK
David V Goliath
Jesus is my rock! David V Goliath - Craft, Lesson, and Game!
Turn something as simple as a rock into a great teaching moment.
Give each child a large rock plus 5 small flat smooth rocks, some paint, a few odds and ends...and of course, googly eyes, and let their imaginations run wild!
Do you know what the 5 smooth rocks are for? Of course, they will be used while teaching about David and Goliath and will ultimately be used for a David vs. Goliath game.
Add to the fun by reading the David and Goliath poem below! I don't know where the poem came from...I have had it for many years. many years!
End the evening by playing David Vs Goliath rock game using stones you have prepared in advance (dry). Send the children's (5) stones home with them once they have dried. Purchase or make small drawstring bags to put each child's 5 smooth rocks into.
David and Goliath (POEM)
Scroll Down for the David and Goliath Craft, Game and Stone Pouch Instructions
David Defeats the Giant
Game and Craft
Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this Philistine will be like one of them because he has defied the armies of the living God. 1 Samuel 17:36
Looking for a fun way to teach your children about faith? About trusting God in times of trouble? About how God is BIGGER than anything? Check out this fun craft/game that children can create and play at church or at home!
Children will paint their own stones, make their own pouch in which to store them, create a playing field and play for hours...all while learning about one little boy...who put his trust in God!
Supplies: (Per Child)
6 Smooth, Flat Stones (1 much larger than the other the others- Goliath)
1 long piece of yarn to make a large circle on the floor. You may choose to use masking tape instead of the yarn. Either one if fine!
1 black permanent marker
Paint (acrylic, tempera, poster paint, or permanent markers) 6 Colors.
Paint Brushes (1 per child)
Paper Plate to pour out small blobs of paint onto.
Bowls of water to wash paint brushes
Paper towels to dry brushes after washing
Supplies: Pouch for stones (Optional)
1 Piece of scrap fabric
2 Different colors of yarn (regular weight)
1 needle with a large eye...large enough for the piece of yarn to go through the eye. (or a hole punch that will punch through the fabric)
Rocks
Children will paint each of their rocks a different color.
When the paint dries, the children will use the black marker to write "Goliath" on the larger rock.
They will place a "D" on one of the smaller rocks. Followed by an "A" on the second, "V" on the third, "I" on the forth and finally a "D" on the last rock. Spelling out the name D-A-V-I-D.
Make sure the paint is completely dry before the play begins.
While the stones are drying, consider creating a fun pouch for the stones.
Children can stop at this point and play their game or they can create a pouch for their stones to go into. (Instructions below)
David and Goliath Game
Instructions:
1. Using a long piece of yarn, tie the two ends together and create a huge circle on the floor. Or use painters tape to create a rectangle/square/circle. Make sure that the rocks will slide well on the floor that you have chosen.
2. Place the Goliath stone in the center of the playing area (The large stone)
3. Players will take turns sliding their David stone across the playing field and attempting to knock Goliath out of the circle.
Rocks are to be SLID across the floor not thrown.
1-5 Players
Stone Pouch
While the stones are drying, consider creating a fun pouch for the stones.
Supplies
1 Piece of scrap fabric
2 Different colors of yarn (regular weight)
1 needle with a large eye...large enough for the piece of yarn to go through the eye. (or a hole punch that will punch through the fabric)
Note: This craft can also be done by using a hole punch and punching holes around the edge of the fabric. Simply run the strings through the holes and complete craft by following step 4 below.
You can always purchase draw string bags or allow the children to decorate small paper bags to take their rocks home in however, the above (instructions below) method is the one I prefer. It takes a little prep work but it is well worth the effort!
Download Instructions Below
I Spy
Treasure in a Bottle Craft
Supplies:
A water bottle with a lid (1 per child) (There are some really neat salad dressing bottles that look like treasure bottles (Bitten or Walden Brand). If you can find bottles that have long necks...such as the pictures above or the Salad Dressing bottles...use them!
Funnels (to fill bottles with birdseed) Test your funnel once you have purchased your seed to make sure that the opening is large enough for your seeds to pass through easily.
A piece of hemp, string, or yarn. Approx. 12” Long with small knots at each end (1 per child)
A bag of birdseed or rice
20 trinket items (clean out your leftover craft items) Buttons, screws, pennies. toothpicks, paper clips, beads, etc. whatever you can find. (20 items per child)
A "Treasure in a Bottle" poem with a hole punched in the upper left-hand corner. Add a hole reinforcement to the back of the tag (round white hole reinforcements). The bottle will be used a lot and the reinforcements will ensure that the tag remains intact.
(1 Per Child).
A 4X4 piece of netting (optional)
Instructions:
Allow each child to:
1. Fill their bottle (halfway) with birdseed
2. Drop the 20 trinkets inside
3. Put the lid on top and shake the bottle
4. Re-open the bottle and finish filling the bottle with birdseed. Leave a 3” gap, depending on your particular type of bottle, between the birdseed and the top of the bottle
5. Screw on the lid
6. If you are using netting, have them center the netting on top of the bottle lid and pull it down around the neck of the bottle.
7. Place a piece of braided yarn around the netting and the neck of the bottle and tie one knot
8. Run one end of the yarn through the hole on the poem gather the two ends of the string together and tie into a knot.
You can use this craft for any lesson involving the ocean, water, treasure, etc.
I have used it when teaching on Paul's Shipwreck.
For the lesson about Rahab. I simply left off the netting and hemp and I replaced it with 3 strands of red yarn braided together to represent the scarlet rope. We talked about the men escaping and how they were "hunted" for...but not found.
I have also used it when teaching on the "Spying Out Canaan"
Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors
Need a craft to go along with the lesson of Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors?
Look no further.
This craft is very versatile and can be used with any ages.
Customize it to fit your needs.
Scripture Memorization...The Fun Way!
Implement this easy and fun game to help your children memorize and retain scripture.
Grandparent's Day is coming...are you ready?
Download these cute Grandma and Grandpa printables, gather a few crafting supplies...scrapbook paper, glue, crayons, and a little encouragement and you're all set!
Creation Coloring Book With Scripture
Designed with the preschooler or younger child in mind.
Perfect for a 6 week series on creation.
We used the coloring book on day 6, the creation of man. Throughout the series, I took photos of each child. The last week, I took copies of the photos (one of each child), a tape measure tape (which I hung on the wall), and my bathroom scales. If I had a visitor on the last day, I allowed them to draw a picture of themselves on the photo page.
A Lesson from the Jack-O-Lantern
A fun and creative way of sharing the Plan Of Salvation. Pumpkin Carving Object Lesson
Fall Coloring Pages
Traveling Jesus
It's Summer Time and many families will be traveling on vacation, outings, picnics, etc.
Don't let them travel along...Pass out Traveling Jesus puppet sheets to each child and let the fun begin.
Where will Jesus travel this summer??
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Color your Traveling Jesus.
2. Glue your Traveling Jesus to a thin piece of cardboard
3. When dry, cut out and glue to a popsicle stick (Puppet handle)
5. Take Traveling Jesus with you wherever you go this summer:
on vacation, the park, the zoo, the beach, etc.
6. Have someone snap a picture of your "Traveling Jesus" alone, with you, or with a family member.
7. Challenge: tell at least one person that Jesus loves them and take a picture of your traveling Jesus along with yourself and your new friend.
8. Text your pic to your children's leader with a description of where you are.
9. As a family, discuss ways you can share Jesus with others.
Remember to take Jesus with you wherever you go...on vacation, to the park, to the zoo, to the grocery store...or wherever else you travel this summer!
Share the pics at the end of each week, month, or at the end of summer. You can share them on your church's Facebook page, a bulletin board, an announcement screen, etc (however you choose to share your pics.
Class over early? Big church running late?
Pull out this Roll A Scarecrow and let the fun begin!
%20(1).jpg)
Oil Fears Water - Sin VS Salvation
Willy Wonka Day
Encourage church attendance with a Willy Wonka Event...beginning
on October 1st...National Willy Wonka Day!
Each week (throughout October), children will receive a chocolate bar with a Golden Ticket hidden inside a few of the candy bars. If they receive a golden ticket, they will win one of the large prizes. Select your prizes in advance so that the children know what they are playing for.
You can also add a few extra "smaller" prize tickets inside some of the bars to keep the anticipation going!
Since this is a Willy Wonka event, candy prizes would be perfect. Look for vintage candies that the children may have never seen or tasted before...create a gift basket or bucket filled with yummy treats...or a giant candy bar, etc. You can work the prizes to fit with your families and budget!
Ugly Fall Sweater Competition
Create a little Fall Fun by hosting an ugly fall sweater competition. Competition can be held "in person" or you can challenge your kids, your families, or your entire community. Participants simply take a pic of themselves in their "ugly fall sweater" and submit it on your Facebook page...under your Ugly Fall Sweater Competition post.
Budget Saving Tips
Holiday Sales
Holiday sales are a children's leaders dream come true. Items can be purchased for almost nothing and stored away for the following year...even many food items such as a gingerbread house, candy, etc. Just check your expiration dates.
You do have to be quick. Go early the day after, and continue to check for a few days.
The day after is usually the best picks, but they continue to reduce the price for several days after the holiday.
Use your imagination...an Easter bunny makes a great prize at any time of the year. Suckers are always a perfect snack...and a bubble wand at the end of summer is just as fun at the end of summer as it is at the beginning.
When you see items on clearance, think about where you could use them.
The following are a few ideas to get you started.
After Easter Sales
-
Easter Bunnies - Easter Bunnies can be used for prizes at any time of the year. If you remove the tag and perhaps a ribbon (if it says Easter on it) you have a regular bunny.
-
Bunnies for new babies born in the nursery (Remove ribbon for safety)
-
Treat Bags (Check Hobby Lobby)
-
Cupcake liners
-
Prizes to hand out
-
Peeps (Fall marshmallow roasting)
-
Confetti Eggs (Outdoor summer egg night activity)
-
Eggs, grass, baskets, stuffed animals (For next years egg hunt)
-
Look for candy that is not holiday-specific and that will store well. (Fall Festival)
After Christmas Sales
-
Gingerbread houses - Use to make Valentine houses - Decorate with Valentines Day candy
-
Purchase red paper plates to be used on Valentines Day
-
Cross Christmas ornaments to use on Easter (Hobby Lobby has them 75%to 90% off.)
-
Fluffy “snowballs” use them all through the year for glow in the dark dodgeball. They don’t hurt when someone is hit.
-
Christmas Cards - Missions
-
Treat Bags (Check Hobby Lobby)
-
Cupcake liners
-
Hershey Kisses and separate the colors - red for Valentine's, green for St. Patrick's and silver for Easter.
-
Stocking stuffers for next year
-
Prizes to hand out
-
Clearance prizes for VBS
Valentines Day
-
Bags of candy - Use for Easter
-
Treat Bags (Check Hobby Lobby)
-
Cupcake liners
Back to School Sales
-
Restock your supply cabinet...pencils, crayons, markers, paper.
-
Backpacks and pencil holders...Bible Buck Store.
After Summer
-
Pool noodles - can be used for endless games
-
Water Balloons
-
Bubble Wands (Great back to school gift or prize item)
After Halloween
-
Wigs and Costumes
-
Glow sticks - for glow in the dark events
-
Treat Bags
-
Cupcake liners
-
Face paint for spring carnival or VBS, etc.
Thrift Stores and Yard Sales
-
A Thrift store or yard sales is a PERFECT place to look for props. VBS, plays, musicals, etc.
Valentine's Day - Porch Drop
Looking for a Valentine's Day Porch Drop...Attach one of the tags below to a box of Little Debbie's Valentine treats, a box of Conversation Hearts, a heart-shaped sucker, a small box of heart-shaped chocolates, Hershey Hugs and Kisses, a jump rope, a moon pie, or a purchased/baked heart-shaped cookie treats. Add your own devotional, scripture, and a couple of fun treats (optional: a balloon, a couple of pieces of chocolates, a valentine's cards) and you're all set.
Teapot Craft/Gift for Mother's Day Craft
OR
Thank You Card/Gift for Volunteers
Here's a gift for Mother's Day.
I'll try my best in every way.
But if you get upset with me.
Relax and have a pot of tea.
A cup of tea to say 'THANK YOU"
For all the things you have done.
Enjoy, relax and have a day
of happiness and fun!
Before You Begin
-
Download the teapot and heart templates below.
-
Locate the paper/card stock that you want to use. Teapots can be made from construction paper, craft paper, card stock etc. The larger sheets of construction paper (12" X 18") or any paper approximately this size...works best. If you do not have "12X18" sheets then you will need to use two pieces of paper and tape them together at the top.
-
Teapots can be any color that you choose...even white (if you want to decorate them)
-
You will need the following supplies: glue, scissors, red or pink construction paper (for the hearts), markers (to sign cards) any craft items that you choose to use for decorating your cards (optional) and teabags (individual cup or teapot size). If you use the teapot size bags, you may need to adjust the size of your heart.
Let's Get Started
-
If using a large piece of paper then fold in half (long edge).
-
If you are using smaller paper then stack two pieces together... one on top of the other.
-
Cut out the template
-
Lay the template on top of the construction paper.
-
Place the top of the template on the fold line...or at the very top of your paper.
-
If using the larger (folded) paper, make sure that you do NOT cut the top edge apart See the sample pic below.
-
If you used two smaller pieces of paper, trace around your template and cut the two pieces of paper at the same time. Then tape the two teapot pieces together at the top.
TEAPOT AND HEART TEMPLATE
Caught You Serving The Lord
Encourage Serving Others
Encourage your children to serve the Lord by serving others.
Teaching a series on "Serving Others?"
Encourage your children to serve the Lord by serving others.
Any time a child is caught serving...give them the "You Got Caught Serving the Lord - Good Job Soldier" award for the week.
Catch them holding the door open for someone in a wheelchair? See a post on Facebook that speaks about a service project they were involved with, Receive a text or a photo from a parent showing their child serving others? Give them the "You God Caught Serving" award for the week. Allow the child to speak about his mission...what he did and how it helps others.
A fun way to encourage serving.
More ways to acknowledge a child's service to others.
Post it on Facebook, add it to your announcement power-point, have them come to the front to receive their reward, etc.
Allow the child to come on stage to explain what their project was and why they chose it.
Ask parents to snap a photo any time their child is helping with a service project...and send it to you.
Putting God First
Object Lesson
Fall Family Fun
Leaf Placemats
Family Flashback
Outing and Thanksgiving Craft!
Create your own... "one-of-a-kind" placemats for Thanksgiving
-
Gather your family and head outdoors in search of the colorful fall leaves
-
Cut two pieces of waxed paper (approx same size) for each placemat...you decide on the size.
-
Using scissors, cut off the long stems from the leaves.
Now it's time to create!
-
Arrange your leaves on one of the pieces of waxed paper.
-
Gently place the second piece of waxed paper on top of the first...trying to match the edges the best you can. It doesn't have to be perfect.
-
Pour out any water that is in your iron.
-
Heat your iron...cotton setting or lower.
-
Starting in the center, gently iron over the top piece of waxed paper...trying not to move any of your leaves.
-
Iron until the leaves are flat and the waxed paper is stuck together.
-
Using a pair of scissors, make scallops around the edges of your placemat.
-
Iron your placemat once more to make sure the edges are sealed.
-
You can also make sun catchers in the same manner.
New Years - Porch Drop - Mission
New Years' - Porch Drop.
Celebrate the new year by creating bags stuffed with a party horn, noisemakers, and confetti (or mini confetti popper). Attach a balloon and the above tag. Send home bags, do drop off's, or host your own countdown on Sunday morning by switching things up and counting down to 12:00 (Noon). Teach a lesson about someone from the Bible who changed their lives around...Saul/Paul, Zaccheaus, The Woman at the well, etc.
Note: If you wait until after January 1st, you can get your party items for almost nothing. Save on your budget by stocking up early..
The Great Pumpkin Patch
Fall is fast approaching!
It's time for warm sweaters, apple cider and LOTS and LOTS of PUMPKINS!
This activity can be used as a porch drop, hand out or drive-thru pickup.
You can add lots of extra fun items into the bag or take away any activity that doesn't work for you or your families.
A few fun items that you can add (if you have the budget) to the bag are:
-
A real pumpkin for the family devotion time.
-
A pumpkin carving set ($1.00 at the Dollar store)
-
A box of "Multicultural" or "Around the World" crayons.
-
A bag of pumpkin candies (the ones that come out in the fall)
-
Dice (2) for the Roll a Pumpkin Game
-
A Candle for the Pumpkin (tea light is fine)
-
If you're doing a "Drive-Thru" consider creating your own pumpkin patch and allowed them to select their own pumpkin.
Roll A Pumpkin Game
Driving Scavenger Hunt
Create a Pumpkin
The Pumpkin Prayer
Prayer Book For Parents To Use While Carving Pumpkin
(Simply print out and fold together to create a pamplet/book)
To create the book, copy the top two pages back to back and then copy the bottom two pages back to back.
Next... Stack the "Carve out the eyes" page on top of the "Cut off the Top" page and then fold in half to create your book.
Includes a Pumpkin Carving Devotion/Lesson
Hugs and Kisses Porch Drop
Gather some "HUGS" drinks and small packages of Hershey Candy Kisses and drop them on each child's porch. Let them know that you are thinking of them.
Egg Dying Made Simple
If you are planning on coloring eggs with your kiddo's try using a whisk. Just stick the egg inside the wires and dip the egg into the dye.
Use a whisk for each color or just give the whisk a quick rinse
and re-use.
FUN AND CREATIVE FONTS
Create amazing flyers and slides,
by using creative and fun font's
LET'S BEGIN
Enjoy creating your own flyers but hate wasting time looking for the right fonts? Create a font chart and save it on your computer. Just open a new page in word and create a new document titled "Fonts".
List the names of each of your favorite fonts and then highlight each name and select the corresponding font. For instance, type the name "Crazy Dots" and then highlight it. Use the drop-down font menu and select the "Crazy Dots" option. You will have a visual list of each of your fonts. Keep adding to your list. There are a lot of free fonts out there. https://fontbundles.net/free-fonts has a great selection of free fonts with instant downloads that you can download...just to get you started. Make an impact...try out lots of new fonts!
How to load a downloaded font
to your computer
Step one: Downloading and extracting your font
1. Download font…The font will download as a zip file.
2. Create a new folder and save all your font downloads to this folder. Note: Once you have finished installing the font, you can delete it from this folder.
3. Right-click on the zip file (font). Several options will pop up on the right. Hover over the Winzip option. A new window will pop up to the right. Select “Extract to here” and CLICK
4. Your newly (compressed and extracted) folder will automatically appear inside of the same folder that you are working in.
Leave this folder for a few moments.
Step two: Installing your font
1. Click the 'Start' menu on your computer
2. Select the “Computer” option
3. Select the Local Drive (C Drive) Option
4. Click the “program files”. My computer has two options. The “program files” and a “Program Files (x86) file. My fonts option is under the (x86) one.
5. Click the “Fonts” option (Mine is called EZ Fonts)
6. Click the 'Fonts folder
Make your screen smaller here…so you can open both of your pages at the same time. You will be dragging your font from your original folder over to the fonts option on your C drive.
7. Go back to your original font download folder, open each folder and drag the downloaded font to the fonts option in your C drive.
8. You may receive a window that says you need permission to load the file…just click continue.
9. Click on the new file and click install.
That's it! Happy Creating!
Playdough - 5 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup of flour
1 cup of water
½ cup of salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 tablespoon cooking oil
Food coloring if desired
Waxed Paper
Heavy Pan or electric skillet
Large Spoon
Spatula
-
Place all ingredients into a heavy pan. (I use an electric skillet to avoid the children being around a hot stove)
-
Cook quickly in a heavy pan, stirring constantly. Flip with a spatula occasionally.
-
Remove from heat when the mixture balls up and pulls away from the side of the pan
-
Place the dough onto a sheet of waxed paper to cool for a few seconds.
-
Knead the dough until soft and smooth.
-
Store in an airtight container.
-
The recipe may easily be doubled
Tip: If you want to make "smelly" playdough, add 1 package of Kool-Aid (any flavor). Smells sooo good! Just dump it in with the dry ingredients and stir.
Sarah Whitsed: Love this! I always make homemade play-dough. I can’t wait to try out this recipe. My best playdough tip is to store it in those glass containers that have the lids with the sides that snap down into place. They create such a great seal, my son is still playing with a batch of play dough that I made in July!
Sue Edgerton: I love your idea of using an electric skillet. At home, my kids always liked using it while still warm; they still talk about that as the best. It would be great to make it fresh at church to use warm.
Sue Edgerton: I love your idea of using an electric skillet. At home, my kids always liked using it while still warm; they still talk about that as the best. It would be great to make it fresh at church to use warm.
DOWNLOAD RECIPE
Playdough Recipe
No-Cook Playdough
Recipe
No-Cook Playdough
5 minutes
This is so easy to make – no cooking required!
Simply mix all the ingredients together and in 5 minutes you have perfect playdough!
You will never need to buy it from the store again!
Ingredients
1.5 cups of flour
1/2 cup of salt
2 tbs of cream of tartar
1 tbs of oil
1 cup of boiling water (An electric tea kettle is a great way to heat your water…safer than a pan of water that can spill easily when trying to pour water.
Food coloring
Directions
Pour the first 4 ingredients into a large bowl and mix well.
Combine 1 cup of boiling water with a few drops of food coloring and stir.
Pour the boiling water into the dry mixture
Please take care when using boiling water around children.
Stir well until the mixture is well combined
Roll it out on a flat surface and you are ready for some playdough FUN!
DOWNLOAD RECIPE
Download Recipe
Jelly Bean Guessing
Game
and Outreach
Competition
Easter is the perfect time for a little friendly competition? Purchase, find, or borrow a 1-gallon mason jar with a lid (a 1-gallon pickle jar will work just fine). Fill the jar with jelly beans (hint...you can place something in the center of the jar to take up space and throw off their guesses...just make sure that you can't see the item from outside or through the bottom of the jar. If you choose to add an item, make sure to slip that item inside a gallon zip-lock bag so that the jelly beans do not get dirty). Set out slips of paper and pencils and allow everyone to guess how many jelly beans are in the jar. (1 guess per visit...encourages them to attend...which is a bonus).
Outreach
You can easily turn this activity into an outreach event by posting your competition on Facebook. Open your competition to the community and allow everyone to place their guesses on your Facebook page. Allow one guess per week. If you reveal your winner before Easter, make sure to thank everyone and invite them to your Easter services, programs, and activities.
.jpg)
Good Friday Object Lesson
New Lesson and Games added to download
Add this simple object lesson to your Good Friday teaching plan.
What you will need
-
Black Sharpie
-
Large red marker
That's It!
How much easier can it get?
Turn Christ's amazing sacrifice into a memorable teaching moment by recreating the nail marks on each child's hand.
Send the children home with the knowledge that "Christ died for THEM!"
Christmas Angel
Paper Chain Countdown to Christmas
Note: The image has been cropped. Wings are actually rounded.
Paperchain will be stapled to the bottom edge of the angel.
-
8" White Doiley - cut in half. If you do not have a white doiley, use any paper you choose
-
8" Gold Doiley - cut in fourths. If you do not have a gold doiley, use any paper you choose. I have used gold wrapping paper.
-
Halo (use a 8" piece of gold pipe cleaner, leave a 1" tail. Shape the rest of the pipe cleaner into a circle and twist to hold.) Halo is flat in the sample photo in order to copy it. Halo should stick straight out in the front.
-
Paper Chain - Cut 25 1"X 8" wide paper strips (per child). I use red and green and alternate when assembling. Use fewer paper strips if you start after December 1st.
Before We Begin
-
Gather the following supplies - Blue Construction Paper, White Doiley, Gold Doiley, gold pipe cleaner, computer paper, glue, stapler (with staples), red and green construction paper, scissors. Masking tape, design scissors (if you have a pair) Note: Use a paper cutter to cut the construction paper chain strips (if you have one)
-
Down load all patterns.
-
Cut out all patterns.
-
Cut Doiley's.
-
Create a halo using the instructions above.
-
Cut out the paper chain links.
Let's Get Started
-
Tape the tail of the halo to the back of the blue construction piece. Make sure that the round halo is facing away from you. Secure tightly. Use extra tape. If the halo comes off, consider using a drop of hot glue once the project is completely finished.
-
Flip the project over. Halo should now be facing you.
-
Glue the gold wings on.
-
Glue the white gown on. (Note fold both sides (edges) of the gown under slightly and then glue the folded edges down. This will give the gown a full look. Practice first...if you do not like this look then just cut the white doiley a little smaller and glue it flat.
-
Glue the face onto the angel
-
Glue the poem onto the gown
-
Create the paper chain
-
Staple the paper chain to the bottom edge of the angel.
Option: I have attached a download for the 25 paper chain links below. Each link has a different scripture reference. Download, print, and cut one set per child. Use plain white paper...or get festive and use alternate red and green pages.
Teacher/Leader/Volunteer Appreciation
(Framed Poem Art)
Volunteer Appreciation
Looking for a creative way to thank your volunteers, teachers or leaders?
Download and frame this beautiful
poem to show them how much you appreciate all of their hard work and dedication.
Simply download, print and frame!
Lunch and Learn - Brown Bag Special
Drop off a "brown bag special" lunch to several of your kiddos each day and enjoy a zoom lunch and devotion time. Repeat until you have had lunch with each of your kiddos.
Want to reach families? Drop off lunches to families and enjoy the outdoors... socially distancing lunchtime together.
Keep lunches simple and enjoy time together.
Homemade Soap
Fun craft to help teach that Jesus forgives us of our sins
and washes them away
(Quick and easy craft time)
Running low on soap?
No problem, whip up your own with just 1 bar of soap and 1 gallon of boiling water!
A Great craft for the kiddos to help with!
You will need:
1 bar of soap (4 ounces)
1 gallon of water (3 quarts if you like a thicker soap)
1 large pot
1 container to hold your soap
Note: If you would like to add scented oil to your soap...or use a scented bar...you have that option as well.
Step One
Grate 1 bar of soap. You may use a grater, a potato peeler, or even a knife (but be careful).
The object...to get the soap shredded into small pieces so that they will easily melt in the boiling water. Use whatever works best for you...or whatever you have around the house.
Hint: This is a great time to use up all of those little travel soaps that you have around the house!
You will need 4 ounces of soap.
Step Two
Place 1 gallon of water (slightly less if you like thicker soap) into the pot and bring the water to a boil.
Step Three
Remove the pot of boiling water from the stove and stir in the soap flakes (grated soap)
Stir until flakes are melted
Put the lid on the pot and let sit for 24 hours.
Step Four
Use a hand mixer to mix the soap (it will be thick to start with)
Once blended, pour the soap into a container or squirt bottles.
That's it!
Easy Peasy...great kiddo craft!
Chocolate or White?
Cake Mix Witness - Family Activity
Looking for a Family Fun learning activity?
Send home boxes of chocolate cake mix, white frosting and sprinkles...plus the following download witnessing activity to encourage family fun while learning.
Do It Yourself Cookie Kits
.jpg)
Looking for another unique porch drop or hand out?
Check this out!
Do It Yourself Cookie Kits. Cookie Kits can be dropped off for any holiday.
Drop cookies, promote family fun time, challenge families to a Facebook competition.
Create nativity shapes for the Christmas season with scripture references for parents to read and families to discuss as they decorate their cookies.
Hosting a Let's "Taco" bout event?
Here are a few ideas for you to consider adding to your event...
Taco bar, walking tacos, pinata, divide into teams and have a dress-up relay with Pancho or sarape, sombrero, skirt, etc. Sombrero Toss...toss over a (cutout) cactus.
Get creative!
FREE LOGO PDF Downloads Below!
Christmas Paint and Praise Party
For More Information on a Paint and Praise Party, Click the link below. https://www.steppingoutministry.com/pizza-paint-and-praise-night
Looking for Inspirational messages for your Social Media Posts?
Download these FREE PDF graphics and pop them into your Facebook page, Instagram, etc.
12 FREE Coloring pages...Simply click, download, print and you are ready to go!
An awesome gift for Father's Day. Just give each child a rock and allow them to create a custom rock paper weight for their dad. Attach the "My Dad Rocks" tag and you are all set!
Father's Day Pics
I have some pretty BIG shoes to fill...if I want to be as AWESOME as you! Sweet Father's Day card to create using dad's own shoes.
Candy Canes
Ever wonder what to do with all of those leftover candy canes?
Here are three great...and delicious ideas! Note: Try using the different colored canes as well.
-
Using a coffee grinder, break the candy canes into small pieces and grind them into a powder. Perfect additive for your hot chocolate or coffee.
-
Using a meat mallet, place your candy canes into a large ziplock and give it a few good wacks. Being careful not to bust the bag. Break into small pieces...but not powder. Using a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet, place the crushed candy canes into small piles on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Place the stacks close together so that when they melt, they will run into each other. You may use different colors of candy canes if you desire. Place the different colors into small stacks and allow the stacks to melt and run into each other...giving a stained glass look. Bake the candy cane pieces at (250-300 degrees) until they have all melted and made one large sheet of candy. Be careful, the candy will be HOT. Cool and then break into small candy cupcake toppers. As the candy canes begin to cool, you can lift and curl the edges to give your toppers a curved appeal.
-
Crush the candy canes into small pieces and put them inside your cupcake batter. Try using the different colors of candy canes and create stained glass candy. Just put small piles of the different colors next to each other and let them melt together.
7 FREE Christmas Coloring Pages
Download PDF Below